Form 20-F
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 20-F

 

 

 

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

OR

 

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

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

OR

 

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

OR

 

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

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from                    to                    

Commission file number 001-31236

 

 

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Bermuda

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

367 Syngrou Avenue

175 64 P. Faliro

Athens, Greece

011-30210-9407710

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

 

Paul Durham

367 Syngrou Avenue

175 64 P. Faliro

Athens, Greece

Telephone: 011-30210-9407710

E-mail: ten@tenn.gr

Facsimile: 011-30210-9407716

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

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

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Shares, par value $1.00 per share

  New York Stock Exchange

Preferred share purchase rights

  New York Stock Exchange

Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares, par value $1.00 per share

  New York Stock Exchange

Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares, par value $1.00 per share

  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

As of December 31, 2013, there were 57,969,448 of the registrant’s Common Shares, 2,000,000 Series B Preferred Shares and 2,000,000 Series C Preferred Shares outstanding.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

U.S. GAAP  x   International Financial Reporting Standards  ¨    Other  ¨

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ¨    Item 18  ¨

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

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

     1   

PART I

     2   

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

     2   

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

     2   

Item 3. Key Information

     2   

Item 4. Information on the Company

     26   

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

     46   

Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

     47   

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

     91   

Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

     101   

Item 8. Financial Information

     104   

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

     105   

Item 10. Additional Information

     107   

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     124   

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

     126   

PART II

     127   

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

     127   

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

     127   

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

     127   

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

     128   

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

     128   

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     128   

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

     129   

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

     129   

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

     129   

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

     129   

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

     129   

PART III

     130   

Item 17. Financial Statements

     130   

Item 18. Financial Statements

     130   

Item 19. Exhibits

     130   


Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

All statements in this Annual Report on Form 20-F that are not statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The disclosure and analysis set forth in this Annual Report on Form 20-F includes assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events in a number of places, particularly in relation to our operations, cash flows, financial position, plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in our business and the markets in which we operate. These statements are intended as forward-looking statements. In some cases, predictive, future-tense or forward-looking words such as “believe”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “forecast”, “plan”, “potential”, “may”, “should” and “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, such matters as:

 

   

future operating or financial results and future revenues and expenses;

 

   

future, pending or recent business and vessel acquisitions, business strategy, areas of possible expansion and expected capital spending and our ability to fund such expenditure;

 

   

operating expenses including the availability of key employees, crew, length and number of off-hire days, dry-docking requirements and fuel and insurance costs;

 

   

general market conditions and shipping industry trends, including charter rates, vessel values and factors affecting supply and demand of crude oil and petroleum products;

 

   

our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to make required payments under our credit facilities, comply with our loan covenants and obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate activities;

 

   

the overall health and condition of the U.S. and global financial markets, including the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies;

 

   

the carrying value of our vessels and the potential for any asset impairments;

 

   

our expectations about the time that it may take to construct and deliver new vessels or the useful lives of our vessels;

 

   

our continued ability to enter into period time charters with our customers and secure profitable employment for our vessels in the spot market;

 

   

the ability of our counterparties including our charterers and shipyards to honor their contractual obligations;

 

   

our expectations relating to dividend payments and ability to make such payments;

 

   

our ability to leverage to our advantage the relationships and reputation of Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement within the shipping industry;

 

   

our anticipated general and administrative expenses;

 

   

environmental and regulatory conditions, including changes in laws and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;

 

   

risks inherent in vessel operation, including terrorism, piracy and discharge of pollutants;

 

   

potential liability from future litigation;

 

   

global and regional political conditions;

 

   

tanker, product carrier and LNG carrier supply and demand; and

 

   

other factors discussed in the “Risk Factors” described in Item 3. of this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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We caution that the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 20-F and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. These forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact and represent only our management’s belief as of the date hereof, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and inversely from expectations expressed in or indicated by the forward-looking statements. Assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary from actual results and these differences can be material. There are a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control, which affect our operations, performance, business strategy and results and could cause actual reported results and performance to differ materially from the performance and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, supply and demand for crude oil carriers and product tankers and LNG carriers, charter rates and vessel values, supply and demand for crude oil and petroleum products and liquefied natural gas, accidents, collisions and spills, environmental and other government regulation, the availability of debt financing, fluctuation of currency exchange and interest rates and the other risks and uncertainties that are outlined in this Annual Report on Form 20-F. As a result, the forward-looking events discussed in this Annual Report on Form 20-F might not occur and our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not unduly rely on any forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, whether as a result of new information, future events, a change in our views or expectations or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

PART I

Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited is a Bermuda company that is referred to in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, together with its subsidiaries, as “Tsakos Energy Navigation,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our.” This report should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto, which are included in Item 18 to this report.

 

Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers

Not Applicable.

 

Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable

Not Applicable.

 

Item 3. Key Information

Selected Consolidated Financial Data and Other Data

The following table presents selected consolidated financial and other data of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited for each of the five years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2013. The table should be read together with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” The selected consolidated financial data of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited is a summary of, is derived from and is qualified by reference to, our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”).

Our audited consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, and the consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012, together with the notes thereto, are included in “Item 18. Financial Statements” and should be read in their entirety.

 

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Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data

(Dollars in thousands, except for share and per share amounts and fleet data)

 

     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Income Statement Data

          

Voyage revenues

   $ 418,379      $ 393,989      $ 395,162      $ 408,006      $ 444,926   

Expenses

          

Commissions

     16,019        12,215        14,290        13,837        16,086   

Voyage expenses

     116,980        111,797        127,156        85,813        77,224   

Charter hire expense

     —         —         —         1,905        —    

Vessel operating expenses(1)

     130,760        133,251        129,884        126,022        144,586   

Depreciation

     95,349        94,340        101,050        92,889        94,279   

Amortization of deferred dry-docking costs

     5,064        4,910        4,878        4,553        7,243   

Management fees

     15,896        15,887        15,598        14,143        13,273   

General and administrative expenses

     4,366        4,093        4,292        3,627        4,069   

Management incentive award

     —          —         —         425        —    

Stock compensation expense

     469        730        820        1,068        1,087   

Foreign currency losses (gains)

     293        30        458        (378     730   

Net loss (gain) on sale of vessels

     —          1,879        (5,001     (19,670     (5,122

Vessel impairment charge

     28,290        13,567        39,434        3,077        19,066   

Operating income (loss)

     4,893        1,290        (37,697     80,695        72,405   

Other expenses (income):

          

Interest and finance costs, net

     40,917        51,576        53,571        62,283        45,877   

Interest and investment income

     (366     (1,348     (2,715     (2,626     (3,572

Other, net

     2,912        118        397        3        (75

Total other expenses (income), net

     43,463        50,346        51,253        59,660        42,230   

Net (loss) income

     (38,570     (49,056     (88,950     21,035        30,175   

Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest

     1,108        (207     (546     (1,267     (1,490

Net (loss) income attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited.

   $ (37,462   $ (49,263   $ (89,496   $ 19,768      $ 28,685   

Effect of preferred dividends

     (3,676     —         —         —         —    

Net income attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited common stockholders

   $ (41,138   $ (49,263   $ (89,496   $ 19,768      $ 28,685   

Per Share Data

          

Earnings (loss) per share, basic

   $ (0.73   $ (0.92   $ (1.94   $ 0.50      $ 0.78   

Earnings (loss) per share, diluted

   $ (0.73   $ (0.92   $ (1.94   $ 0.50      $ 0.77   

Weighted average number of shares, basic

     56,698,955        53,301,039        46,118,534        39,235,601        36,940,198   

Weighted average number of shares, diluted

     56,698,955        53,301,039        46,118,534        39,601,678        37,200,187   

Dividends per common share, paid

   $ 0.15      $ 0.50      $ 0.60      $ 0.60      $ 1.15   

Cash Flow Data

          

Net cash provided by operating activities

     117,923        60,862        45,587        83,327        117,161   

Net cash used in investing activities

     (144,437     (42,985     (69,187     (240,115     (75,568

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     44,454        (49,288     (77,329     137,244        (57,581

Balance Sheet Data (at year end)

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 162,237      $ 144,297      $ 175,708      $ 276,637      $ 296,181   

Cash, restricted

     9,527        16,192        5,984        6,291        6,818   

Investments

     1,000        1,000        1,000        1,000        1,000   

Advances for vessels under construction

     58,521        119,484        37,636        81,882        49,213   

Vessels, net book value

     2,173,068        2,088,358        2,194,360        2,235,065        2,009,965   

Total assets

     2,483,899        2,450,884        2,535,337        2,702,260        2,549,720   

Long-term debt, including current portion

     1,380,298        1,442,427        1,515,663        1,562,467        1,502,574   

Total stockholders’ equity

     997,663        926,840        919,158        1,019,930        914,327   

Fleet Data

          

Average number of vessels(2)

     47.5        47.9        47.8        46.1        46.6   

Number of vessels (at end of period)(2)

     48.0        46.0        48.0        48.0        47.0   

Average age of fleet (in years)(3)

     7.1        6.5        7.0        6.8        6.8   

Earnings capacity days(4)

     17,339        17,544        17,431        16,836        17,021   

Off-hire days(5)

     385        889        502        400        390   

Net earnings days(6)

     16,954        16,655        16,929        16,436        16,631   

Percentage utilization(7)

     97.8     94.9     97.1     97.6     97.7

Average TCE per vessel per day(8)

   $ 17,902      $ 17,163      $ 16,047      $ 19,825      $ 22,329   

Vessel operating expenses per ship per day(9)

   $ 7,634      $ 7,755      $ 7,606      $ 7,647      $ 8,677   

Vessel overhead burden per ship per day(10)

   $ 1,196      $ 1,180      $ 1,188      $ 1,144      $ 1,083   

 

(1) Vessel operating expenses are costs that vessel owners typically bear, including crew wages and expenses, vessel supplies and spares, insurance, tonnage tax, routine repairs and maintenance, quality and safety costs and other direct operating costs.
(2) Includes chartered in vessels for 2010.
(3) The average age of our fleet is the age of each vessel in each year from its delivery from the builder, weighted by the vessel’s deadweight tonnage (“dwt”) in proportion to the total dwt of the fleet for each respective year.
(4) Earnings capacity days are the total number of days in a given period that we own or control vessels.

 

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(5) Off-hire days are days related to repairs, dry-dockings and special surveys, vessel upgrades and initial positioning after delivery of new vessels. In 2012, excluding La Prudencia and La Madrina, which were unemployed during most of the year being held for sale, off-hire days for the rest of the fleet were 337.
(6) Net earnings days are the total number of days in any given period that we own vessels less the total number of off-hire days for that period.
(7) Percentage utilization represents the percentage of earnings capacity days that the vessels were actually employed, i.e., earnings capacity days less off-hire days. In 2012, excluding La Prudencia and La Madrina, which were unemployed during most of the year being held for sale, percentage utilization was 98%.
(8) The shipping industry uses time charter equivalent, or TCE, to calculate revenues per vessel in dollars per day for vessels on voyage charters. The industry does this because it does not commonly express charter rates for vessels on voyage charters in dollars per day. TCE allows vessel operators to compare the revenues of vessels that are on voyage charters with those on time charters. TCE is a non-GAAP measure. For vessels on voyage charters, we calculate TCE by taking revenues earned on the voyage and deducting the voyage costs and dividing by the actual number of voyage days. For vessels on bareboat charter, for which we do not incur either voyage or operation costs, we calculate TCE by taking revenues earned on the charter and adding a representative amount for vessel operating expenses. TCE differs from average daily revenue earned in that TCE is based on revenues before commissions and does not take into account off-hire days.

Derivation of time charter equivalent per day (amounts in thousands except for days and per day amounts):

 

     2013     2012     2011     2010     2009  

Voyage revenues

   $ 418,379      $ 393,989      $ 395,162      $ 408,006      $ 444,926   

Less: Voyage expenses

     (116,980     (111,797     (127,156     (85,813     (77,224

Add: Representative operating expenses for bareboat charter ($10,000 daily)

     2,110        3,660        3,650        3,650        3,650   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Time charter equivalent revenues

     303,509        285,852        271,656        325,843        371,352   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net earnings days

     16,954        16,655        16,929        16,436        16,631   

Average TCE per vessel per day

   $ 17,902      $ 17,163      $ 16,047      $ 19,825      $ 22,329   

 

(9) Vessel operating expenses per ship per day represents vessel operating expenses divided by the earnings capacity days of vessels incurring operating expenses. Earnings capacity days of vessels on bareboat or chartered-in have been excluded.
(10) Vessel overhead burden per ship per day is the total of management fees, management incentive awards, stock compensation expense and general and administrative expenses divided by the total number of earnings capacity days.

Capitalization

The following table sets forth our (i) cash and cash equivalents, (ii) restricted cash and (iii) consolidated capitalization as of December 31, 2013 on:

 

   

an actual basis; and

 

   

as adjusted basis giving effect to (i) debt repayments of $37.9 million, (ii) the payment of newbuilding installments of $46.3 million, (iii) the payment of $2.5 million of preferred share dividends, (iv) the issuance of 1,077,847 common shares for net proceeds of $7.2 million under our distribution agency agreement and (v) the issuance of 12,995,000 common shares for net proceeds of $82.7 million under an offering completed on February 5, 2014.

Other than these adjustments, there has been no material change in our capitalization from debt or equity issuances, re-capitalization or special dividends between December 31, 2013 and April 10, 2014.

 

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This table should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” included elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

     As of December 31, 2013  
In thousands of U.S. Dollars    Actual     Adjustments     Adjusted  
           (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Cash

      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 162,237        3,137      $ 165,374   

Restricted cash

     9,527        0        9,527   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total cash

     171,764        3,137        174,901   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Capitalization

      

Debt:

      

Long-term secured debt obligations (including current portion)

   $ 1,380,298        (37,933   $ 1,342,365   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

      

Preferred shares, $1.00 par value; 15,000,000 authorized and 2,000,000 Series B Preferred Shares and 2,000,000 Series C Preferred Shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 on an actual and as adjusted basis

     4,000        0        4,000   

Common shares, $1.00 par value; 85,000,000 shares authorized; 57,969,448 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 72,042,295 on an as adjusted basis

     57,969        14,073        72,042   

Additional paid-in capital

     500,737        75,774        576,511   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (6,789     0        (6,789

Retained earnings

     430,548        (2,479     428,069   

Non-controlling interest

     11,198        0        11,198   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     997,663        87,368        1,085,031   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 2,377,961        49,435      $ 2,427,396   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reasons For the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable.

Risk Factors

Risks Related To Our Industry

The charter markets for crude oil carriers and product tankers have deteriorated significantly since the summer of 2008, which could affect our future revenues, earnings and profitability.

After reaching highs during the summer of 2008, charter rates for crude oil carriers and product tankers fell dramatically thereafter. While the rates occasionally improved in certain sectors for a limited period between 2009 and 2012, generally they remained significantly below the levels that contributed to our increasing revenues and profitability through 2008. A further significant decline occurred during 2011 and 2012 to low levels, and, apart from possible temporary seasonal or regional rate spikes, charter rates remained at historically low levels throughout most of 2013.

As of April 10, 2014, 19 of the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies were employed under spot charters that are scheduled to expire in April 2014 and 28 of the vessels were employed on time charters, which, if not extended, are scheduled to expire during the period between May 2014 and June 2028. In addition, nine of our subsidiaries’ vessels have profit sharing provisions in their time charters that are based upon prevailing

 

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market rates and one vessel is employed in a pool arrangement at variable rates. If low rates in the charter market return and continue for any significant period in 2014, it will affect the charter revenue we will receive from these vessels, which could have an adverse effect on our revenues, profitability and cash flows. The decline in prevailing charter rates also affects the value of our vessels, which follows the trends of charter rates and earnings on our charters.

Disruptions in world financial markets and the resulting governmental action in the United States and in other parts of the world could have a further material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and share price.

Global financial markets and economic conditions have been severely disrupted and volatile in recent years and remain subject to significant vulnerabilities, such as the deterioration of fiscal balances and the rapid accumulation of public debt, continued deleveraging in the banking sector and a limited supply of credit. While there are some indications that the global economy is improving, concerns over debt levels of certain other European Union member states and poor liquidity of European banks and attempts to find appropriate solutions are expected to lead to slow growth in most of Europe in 2014. We cannot provide any assurance that the global recession will not return and tight credit markets will not continue or become more severe.

We face risks attendant to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates, and instability in the banking, commodities and securities markets around the world, among other geopolitical factors. Major market disruptions and the current adverse changes in market conditions and regulatory climate in the United States and worldwide may adversely affect our business or impair our ability to borrow amounts under our credit facilities or any future financial arrangements. However, these recent and developing economic, geopolitical and governmental factors, together with the concurrent decline in charter rates and vessel values, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows or share price.

The tanker industry is highly dependent upon the crude oil and petroleum products industries.

The employment of our subsidiaries’ vessels is driven by the availability of and demand for crude oil and petroleum products, the availability of modern tanker capacity and the scrapping, conversion or loss of older vessels. Historically, the world oil and petroleum markets have been volatile and cyclical as a result of the many conditions and events that affect the supply, price, production and transport of oil, including:

 

   

increases and decreases in the demand for crude oil and petroleum products;

 

   

availability of crude oil and petroleum products;

 

   

demand for crude oil and petroleum product substitutes, such as natural gas, coal, hydroelectric power and other alternate sources of energy that may, among other things, be affected by environmental regulation;

 

   

actions taken by OPEC and major oil producers and refiners;

 

   

political turmoil in or around oil producing nations;

 

   

global and regional political and economic conditions;

 

   

developments in international trade;

 

   

international trade sanctions;

 

   

environmental factors;

 

   

natural catastrophes;

 

   

terrorist acts;

 

   

weather; and

 

   

changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns.

 

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Despite turbulence in the world economy in recent years, there has been some rebound in worldwide demand for oil and oil products, which industry observers forecast will continue. In the event that this rebound falters, the production of and demand for crude oil and petroleum products will again encounter pressure which could lead to a decrease in shipments of these products and consequently this would have an adverse impact on the employment of our vessels and the charter rates that they command. In particular, the charter rates that we earn from our vessels employed on spot charters, under pool arrangements and contracts of affreightment, and on time-charters with profit-share may remain at low levels for a prolonged period of time or further decline.

Charter hire rates are cyclical and volatile.

The crude oil and petroleum products shipping industry is cyclical with attendant volatility in charter hire rates and profitability. After reaching highs in mid-2008, charter hire rates for oil product carriers have remained poor with some short periods of relative respite. In addition, hire and spot rates for large crude carriers remained low since the middle of 2010, often resulting in rates well below break-even. The charter rates for 29 of the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies are on variable basis or include a variable element and the time charters (whether fixed or partly variable) for seven of the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies may expire within six months if not extended. As a result, we will be exposed to changes in the charter rates which could affect our earnings and the value of our vessels at any given time.

Because the factors affecting the supply and demand for vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are also unpredictable.

Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations.

The tankers owned by our subsidiary companies operate in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in tanker demand, which may result in variability in our results of operations on a quarter-by-quarter basis. Tanker markets are typically stronger in the winter months as a result of increased oil consumption in the northern hemisphere, but weaker in the summer months as a result of lower oil consumption in the northern hemisphere and refinery maintenance. As a result, revenues generated by the tankers in our fleet have historically been weaker during the fiscal quarters ended June 30 and September 30. However, there may be periods in the northern hemisphere, such as in the winter of 2011/2012, when the expected seasonal strength does not materialize to the extent required to support sustainable profitable rates due to tanker overcapacity.

An increase in the supply of vessels without an increase in demand for such vessels could cause charter rates to decline, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.

Historically, the marine transportation industry has been cyclical. The profitability and asset values of companies in the industry have fluctuated based on certain factors, including changes in the supply and demand of vessels. The supply of vessels generally increases with deliveries of new vessels and decreases with the scrapping of older vessels and/or the removal of vessels from the competitive fleet either for storage purposes or for utilization in offshore projects. The newbuilding order book equaled approximately 12% of the existing world tanker fleet as of March 31, 2014 and, although the order book has substantially declined over the past eighteen months as vessels have been delivered, no assurance can be given that the order book will not begin to increase again in proportion to the existing fleet. If supply increases, and demand does not match that increase, the charter rates for our vessels could decline significantly. In addition, any decline of trade on specific long-haul trade routes will effectively increase available capacity with a detrimental impact on rates. Continued weakness or a further decline in charter rates could have a material adverse effect on our revenues and profitability.

The global tanker industry is highly competitive.

We operate our fleet in a highly competitive market. Our competitors include owners of VLCC, suezmax, aframax, panamax, handymax and handysize tankers, as well as owners in the shuttle tanker and LNG markets,

 

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who are other independent tanker companies, as well as national and independent oil companies, some of whom have greater financial strength and capital resources than we do. Competition in the tanker industry is intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition, and the acceptability of the available tankers and their operators to potential charterers.

Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels, although recently declining in frequency, could still adversely affect our business.

Since 2009, the frequency of pirate attacks on seagoing vessels has remained high, particularly in the western part of the Indian Ocean, despite a recent decline, and increasingly off the west coast of Africa. If piracy attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being characterized by insurers as “war risk” zones, as the Gulf of Aden has been, or Joint War Committee (JWC) “war and strikes” listed areas, premiums payable for such insurance coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain. Crew costs, including those due to employing onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. In addition, while we believe the charterer remains liable for charter payments when a vessel is seized by pirates, the charterer may dispute this and withhold charter hire until the vessel is released. A charterer may also claim that a vessel seized by pirates was not “on-hire” for a certain number of days and it is therefore entitled to cancel the charter party, a claim that we would dispute. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost, or unavailability of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Terrorist attacks, international hostilities and economic and trade sanctions can affect the tanker industry, which could adversely affect our business.

An attack like that of September 11, 2001 in the United States, longer-lasting wars or international hostilities, such as in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya, or continued turmoil and hostilities in the Middle East or North Africa or potential hostilities between North and South Korea, or between China and Japan, or between Ukraine and Russia, could damage the world economy and adversely affect the availability of and demand for crude oil and petroleum products and negatively affect our investment and our customers’ investment decisions over an extended period of time. In addition, sanctions against oil exporting countries such as Iran, Sudan, Syria and Russia may also impact the availability of crude oil which would increase the availability of tankers thereby negatively impacting charter rates. We conduct our vessel operations internationally and despite undertaking various security measures, our vessels may become subject to terrorist acts and other acts of hostility like piracy, either at port or at sea. Such actions could adversely impact our overall business, financial condition and operations. In addition, terrorist acts and regional hostilities around the world in recent years have led to increases in our insurance premium rates and the implementation of special “war risk” premiums for certain trading routes.

Our charterers may direct one of our vessels to call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, which could negatively affect the trading price of our common shares.

On charterers’ instructions, contrary to our charter-terms and contrary to standing instructions to our technical managers and vessels’ officers, our subsidiaries’ vessels may call on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the UN or the EU and countries identified by the U.S. government, the UN or the EU as state sponsors of terrorism. The U.S., UN- and EU- sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time. In 2010, the United States enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, or “CISADA,” which expanded the scope of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996. Among other things, CISADA expands the application of the prohibitions to non-U.S. companies, such as our company, and

 

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introduces limits on the ability of companies and persons to do business or trade with Iran when such activities relate to the investment, supply or export of refined petroleum or petroleum products. In addition, in October 2012, President Obama issued an executive order implementing the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “ITRA”) which extends the application of all U.S. laws and regulations relating to Iran to non-U.S. companies controlled by U.S. companies or persons as if they were themselves U.S. companies or persons, expands categories of sanctionable activities, adds additional forms of potential sanctions and imposes certain related reporting obligations with respect to activities of SEC registrants and their affiliates. The ITRA also includes a provision requiring the President of the United States to impose five or more sanctions from Section 6(a) of the Iran Sanctions Act, as amended, on a person the President determines is controlling beneficial owner of, or otherwise owns, operates or controls or insures a vessel that was used to transport crude oil from Iran to another country and (1) if the person is a controlling beneficial owner of the vessel, the person had actual knowledge the vessel was so used or (2) if the person otherwise owns, operates, controls, or insures the vessel, the person knew or should have known the vessel was so used. Such a person could be subject to a variety of sanctions, including exclusion from U.S. capital markets, exclusion from financial transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and exclusion of that person’s vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years. Finally, in January 2013, the U.S. enacted the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (the “IFCPA”) which expanded the scope of U.S. sanctions on any person that is part of Iran’s energy, shipping or shipbuilding sector and operators of ports in Iran, and imposes penalties on any person who facilitates or otherwise knowingly provides significant financial, material or other support to these entities.

Although we believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in the Company and negatively affect our reputation and investor perception of the value of our common stock.

Taking advantage of attractive opportunities in pursuit of our growth strategy may result in financial or commercial difficulties.

A key strategy of management is to continue to renew and grow the fleet by pursuing the acquisition of additional vessels or fleets or companies that are complementary to our existing operations. If we seek to expand through acquisitions, we face numerous challenges, including:

 

   

difficulties in raising the required capital;

 

   

depletion of existing cash resources greater than anticipated;

 

   

assumption of potentially unknown material liabilities or contingent liabilities of acquired companies; and

 

   

competition from other potential acquirers, some of which have greater financial resources.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to integrate successfully the operations, personnel, services or vessels that we might acquire in the future, and our failure to do so could adversely affect our profitability.

We are subject to regulation and liability under environmental, health and safety laws that could require significant expenditures and affect our cash flows and net income.

Our business and the operation of our subsidiaries’ vessels are subject to extensive international, national and local environmental and health and safety laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration. In addition, major oil companies chartering our vessels impose, from time to time, their own environmental and health and safety requirements. We have incurred significant expenses in order to comply with these regulations and requirements, including the costs of ship modifications and changes in operating procedures, additional maintenance and inspection requirements, contingency arrangements for potential spills, insurance coverage and full implementation of the new security-on-vessels requirements.

 

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Because environmental regulations may become stricter, future regulations may limit our ability to do business, increase our operating costs and/or force the early retirement of our vessels, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

International, national and local laws imposing liability for oil spills are also becoming increasingly stringent. Some impose joint, several, and in some cases, unlimited liability on owners, operators and charterers regardless of fault. We could be held liable as an owner, operator or charterer under these laws. In addition, under certain circumstances, we could also be held accountable under these laws for the acts or omissions of Tsakos Shipping & Trading (“Tsakos Shipping”), Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement (“TCM”) or Tsakos Energy Management Limited (“Tsakos Energy Management”), companies that provide technical and commercial management services for our subsidiaries’ vessels and us, or others in the management or operation of our subsidiaries’ vessels. Although we currently maintain, and plan to continue to maintain, for each of our subsidiaries’ vessels’ pollution liability coverage in the amount of $1 billion per incident (the maximum amount available), liability for a catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage we have available, and result in our having to liquidate assets to pay claims. In addition, we may be required to contribute to funds established by regulatory authorities for the compensation of oil pollution damage or provide financial assurances for oil spill liability to regulatory authorities.

Maritime disasters and other operational risks may adversely impact our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

The operation of ocean-going vessels has an inherent risk of maritime disaster and/or accident, environmental mishaps, cargo and property losses or damage and business interruptions caused by, among others:

 

   

mechanical failure;

 

   

human error;

 

   

labor strikes;

 

   

adverse weather conditions;

 

   

vessel off hire periods;

 

   

regulatory delays; and

 

   

political action, civil conflicts, terrorism and piracy in countries where vessel operations are conducted, vessels are registered or from which spare parts and provisions are sourced and purchased.

Any of these circumstances could adversely affect our operations, result in loss of revenues or increased costs and adversely affect our profitability and our ability to perform our charters.

Our subsidiaries’ vessels could be arrested at the request of third parties.

Under general maritime law in many jurisdictions, crew members, tort claimants, vessel mortgagees, suppliers of goods and services and other claimants may lien a vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through court process. In some jurisdictions, under the extended sister ship theory of liability, a claimant may arrest not only the vessel with respect to which the claimant’s maritime lien has arisen, but also any associated vessel under common ownership or control. While in some jurisdictions which have adopted this doctrine, liability for damages is limited in scope and would only extend to a company and its ship-owning subsidiaries, we cannot assure you that liability for damages caused by some other vessel determined to be under common ownership or control with our subsidiaries’ vessels would not be asserted against us.

 

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Risks Related To Our Business

The current low tanker values and any future declines in these values affect our ability to comply with various covenants in our credit facilities unless waived or modified by our lenders.

Our credit facilities, which are secured by mortgages on our subsidiaries’ vessels, require us to maintain specified collateral coverage ratios and satisfy financial covenants, including requirements based on the market value of our vessels, such as maximum corporate leverage levels. The appraised value of a ship fluctuates depending on a variety of factors including the age of the ship, its hull configuration, prevailing charter market conditions, supply and demand balance for ships and new and pending legislation. The oversupply of tankers and depressed tanker charter market have adversely affected tanker values since the middle of 2008, and despite the young age of our subsidiaries’ fleet and extensive long-term charter employment on many of the vessels, has resulted in a significant decline in the charter-free values of the vessels. Vessel values have recovered to a certain degree since the end of 2013 and may remain at current low levels for a prolonged period, decline further or rise. We have paid all of our scheduled loan installments and related loan interest consistently without delay or omission and none of our lenders under our credit facilities has requested such prepayment or additional cash collateral. For all of the loans which contain a corporate leverage requirement, the lenders have agreed to increase the leverage ceiling, and for ten loans with loan-to-asset value shortfalls we and the relevant lenders have agreed to lower required loan-to-asset values, in both cases until July 1, 2014, when such covenants revert to original requirements, unless the relevant lenders agree to extend the waivers. There is one further loan, with an outstanding balance of $34.3 million where loan-to-value non-compliance existed at December 31, 2013, but for which a waiver was not sought. In respect of this loan, an amount of $5.9 million has been reclassified as a current liability.

Although the recovery in values had contributed to our compliance with original corporate leverage requirements and with most of the loan-to-asset value requirements as at December 31, 2013, if we are unable to comply with the financial and other covenants under our credit facilities either before or after certain covenant requirements step up on July 1, 2014, including by repaying outstanding debt or posting additional collateral in the case of loan-to-asset value covenants, and are unable to agree to an extension of the covenant relief in the existing waivers, our lenders could accelerate our indebtedness. Because of the cross-default provisions in our loan agreements, any such default could in turn lead to additional defaults under our other loan agreements and the consequent acceleration of the related indebtedness.

Charters at attractive rates may not be available when our current time charters expire.

During 2013, we derived approximately 52% of our revenues from time charters, as compared to 50% in 2012. As our current period charters on nine of the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies expire in the remainder of 2014, it may not be possible to re-charter these vessels on a period basis at attractive rates given the currently depressed state of the charter market. If attractive period charter opportunities are not available, we would seek to charter the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies on the spot market, which has been at low levels for some time and is subject to significant fluctuations. In the event a vessel owned by one of our subsidiary companies may not find employment at economically viable rates, management may opt to lay up the vessel until such time that rates become attractive again. During the period of layup, the vessel will continue to incur expenditures such as insurance, reduced crew wages and maintenance costs.

If our exposure to the spot market increases, our revenues could suffer and our expenses could increase.

The spot market for crude oil and petroleum product tankers is highly competitive. As a result of any increased participation in the spot market, we may experience a lower overall utilization of our fleet through waiting time or ballast voyages, leading to a decline in operating revenue. Moreover, to the extent our vessels are employed in the spot market, both our revenue from vessels and our operating costs, specifically, our voyage expenses will be more significantly impacted by increases in the cost of bunkers (fuel). See “—Fuel prices may adversely affect our profits.” Unlike time charters in which the charterer bears all of the bunker costs, in spot

 

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market voyages we bear the bunker charges as part of our voyage costs. As a result, while historical increases in bunker charges are factored into the prospective freight rates for spot market voyages periodically announced by WorldScale Association (London) Limited and similar organizations, increases in bunker charges in any given period could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and results of operations for the period in which the increase occurs. In addition, to the extent we employ our vessels pursuant to contracts of affreightment or under pooling arrangements, the rates that we earn from the charterers under those contracts may be subject to reduction based on market conditions, which could lead to a decline in our operating revenue.

We depend on Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping and TCM to manage our business.

We do not have the employee infrastructure to manage our operations and have no physical assets. Our subsidiaries own the vessels in the fleet and the contracts to construct our newbuildings. We have engaged Tsakos Energy Management to perform all of our executive functions. Tsakos Energy Management employees directly provide us with financial, accounting and other back-office services, including acting as our liaison with the New York Stock Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange. Tsakos Energy Management, in turn, oversees and subcontracts part of commercial management (including treasury, chartering and vessel purchase and sale functions) to Tsakos Shipping, and day-to-day fleet technical management, such as vessel operations, repairs, supplies and crewing, to TCM. As a result, we depend upon the continued services provided by Tsakos Energy Management and Tsakos Energy Management depends on the continued services provided by Tsakos Shipping and TCM.

We derive significant benefits from our relationship with the Tsakos Energy Management and its affiliated companies, including purchasing discounts to which we otherwise would not have access. We would be materially adversely affected if Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping or TCM becomes unable or unwilling to continue providing services for our benefit at the level of quality they have provided such services in the past and at comparable costs as they have charged in the past. If we were required to employ a ship management company other than Tsakos Energy Management, we cannot offer any assurances that the terms of such management agreements would be more beneficial to the Company in the long term.

Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping and TCM are privately held companies and there is little or no publicly available information about them.

The ability of Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping and TCM to continue providing services for our and our subsidiaries’ benefit will depend in part on their own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair their financial strength and, because each of these companies is privately held, it is unlikely that information about their financial strength would become public. Any such problems affecting these organizations could have a material adverse effect on us.

Tsakos Energy Management has the right to terminate its management agreement with us and Tsakos Shipping and TCM have the right to terminate their respective contracts with Tsakos Energy Management.

Tsakos Energy Management may terminate its management agreement with us at any time upon one year’s notice. In addition, if even one director were to be elected to our board without having been recommended by our existing board, Tsakos Energy Management would have the right to terminate the management agreement on 10 days’ notice. If Tsakos Energy Management terminates the agreement for this reason, we would be obligated to pay Tsakos Energy Management the present discounted value of all payments that would have otherwise become due under the management agreement until June 30 in the tenth year following the date of the termination plus the average of the incentive awards previously paid to Tsakos Energy Management multiplied by 10. A termination as of December 31, 2013 would have resulted in a payment of approximately $145.3 million. Tsakos Energy Management’s contracts with Tsakos Shipping and with TCM may be terminated by either party upon six months’ notice and would terminate automatically upon termination of our management agreement with Tsakos Energy Management.

 

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Our ability to pursue legal remedies against Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping and TCM is very limited.

In the event Tsakos Energy Management breaches its management agreement with us, we or our subsidiaries could bring a lawsuit against it. However, because neither we nor they are ourselves party to a contract with Tsakos Shipping or TCM, it may be difficult to sue Tsakos Shipping and TCM for breach of their obligations under their contracts with Tsakos Energy Management, and Tsakos Energy Management may have no incentive to sue Tsakos Shipping and TCM. Tsakos Energy Management is a company with no substantial assets and no income other than the income it derives under the management agreement. Therefore, it is unlikely that we or our subsidiaries would be able to obtain any meaningful recovery if we or they were to sue Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping or TCM on contractual grounds.

Tsakos Shipping provides chartering services to other tankers and TCM manages other tankers and could experience conflicts of interests in performing obligations owed to us and the operators of the other tankers.

In addition to the vessels that it manages for the fleet, TCM technically manages a fleet of privately owned vessels and seeks to acquire new third-party clients. These vessels are operated by the same group of TCM employees that manage our vessels, and we are advised that its employees manage these vessels on an “ownership neutral” basis; that is, without regard to who owns them. It is possible that Tsakos Shipping, which provides chartering service for nearly all vessels technically managed by TCM, might allocate charter or spot opportunities to other TCM managed vessels when our subsidiaries’ vessels are unemployed, or could allocate more lucrative opportunities to its other vessels. It is also possible that TCM could in the future agree to manage more tankers that directly compete with the fleet.

Clients of Tsakos Shipping have acquired and may acquire further vessels that may compete with our fleet.

Tsakos Shipping and we have an arrangement whereby it affords us a right of first refusal on any opportunity to purchase a tanker which is 10 years of age or younger or contract to construct a tanker that is referred to or developed by Tsakos Shipping. Were we to decline any opportunity offered to us, or if we do not have the resources or desire to accept it, other clients of Tsakos Shipping might decide to accept the opportunity. In this context, Tsakos Shipping clients have in the past acquired modern tankers and have ordered the construction of vessels. They may acquire or order tankers in the future, which, if we decline to buy from them, could be entered into charters in competition with our vessels. These charters and future charters of tankers by Tsakos Shipping could result in conflicts of interest between their own interests and their obligations to us.

Our chief executive officer has affiliations with Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping and TCM which could create conflicts of interest.

Nikolas Tsakos is the president, chief executive officer and a director of our company and the director and sole shareholder of Tsakos Energy Management. Nikolas Tsakos is also the son of the founder of Tsakos Shipping. These responsibilities and relationships could create conflicts of interest that could result in our losing revenue or business opportunities or increase our expenses.

Our commercial arrangements with Tsakos Energy Management and Argosy may not always remain on a competitive basis.

We pay Tsakos Energy Management a management fee for its services pursuant to our management agreement. We also place our hull and machinery insurance, increased value insurance and loss of hire insurance through Argosy Insurance Company, Bermuda, a captive insurance company affiliated with Tsakos interests. We believe that the management fees that we pay Tsakos Energy Management compare favorably with management compensation and related costs reported by other publicly traded shipping companies and that our arrangements

 

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with Argosy are structured at arms-length market rates. Our board reviews publicly available data periodically in order to confirm this. However, we cannot assure you that the fees charged to us are or will continue to be as favorable to us as those we could negotiate with third parties and our board could determine to continue transacting business with Tsakos Energy Management and Argosy even if less expensive alternatives were available from third parties.

We depend on our key personnel.

Our future success depends particularly on the continued service of Nikolas Tsakos, our president and chief executive officer and the sole shareholder of Tsakos Energy Management. The loss of Mr. Tsakos’s services or the services of any of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. We do not maintain key man life insurance on any of our executive officers.

Because the market value of our vessels may fluctuate significantly, we may incur impairment charges or losses when we sell vessels which may adversely affect our earnings.

The fair market value of tankers may increase or decrease depending on any of the following:

 

   

general economic and market conditions affecting the tanker industry;

 

   

supply and demand balance for ships within the tanker industry;

 

   

competition from other shipping companies;

 

   

types and sizes of vessels;

 

   

other modes of transportation;

 

   

cost of newbuildings;

 

   

governmental or other regulations;

 

   

prevailing level of charter rates; and

 

   

technological advances.

The global economic downturn that commenced in 2008 has resulted in a decrease in vessel values. The decrease in value accelerated during 2013 until the latter part of the year as a result of excess fleet capacity and falling freight rates. In addition, although our subsidiaries currently own a modern fleet, with an average age of 7.3 years as of March 31, 2014, as vessels grow older, they generally decline in value.

We have a policy of considering the disposal of tankers periodically. If our subsidiaries’ tankers are sold at a time when tanker prices have fallen, the sale may be at less than the vessel’s carrying value on our financial statements, with the result that we will incur a loss.

In addition, accounting pronouncements require that we periodically review long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment charge for an asset held for use should be recognized when the estimate of undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the asset is less than its carrying amount. Measurement of the impairment charge is based on the fair value of the asset as provided by third parties. Such reviews may from time to time result in asset write-downs that could adversely affect results of operations.

 

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If TCM is unable to attract and retain skilled crew members, our reputation and ability to operate safely and efficiently may be harmed.

Our continued success depends in significant part on the continued services of the officers and seamen whom TCM provide to crew the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies. The market for qualified, experienced officers and seamen is extremely competitive and has grown more so in recent periods as a result of the growth in world economies and other employment opportunities. Although TCM has a contract with a number of manning agencies and sponsors various marine academies in the Philippines, Greece and Russia, we cannot assure you that TCM will be successful in its efforts to recruit and retain properly skilled personnel at commercially reasonable salaries. Any failure to do so could adversely affect our ability to operate cost-effectively and our ability to increase the size of the fleet.

Labor interruptions could disrupt our operations.

Substantially all of the seafarers and land based employees of TCM are covered by industry-wide collective bargaining agreements that set basic standards. We cannot assure you that these agreements will prevent labor interruptions. In addition, some of our subsidiaries’ vessels operate under flags of convenience and may be vulnerable to unionization efforts by the International Transport Federation and other similar seafarer organizations which could be disruptive to our operations. Any labor interruption or unionization effort which is disruptive to our operations could harm our financial performance.

The contracts to purchase our newbuildings present certain economic and other risks.

As of April 10, 2014, our subsidiaries have a contract to construct a newbuilding LNG carrier, to be delivered in 2016 and contracts to build nine aframax crude carriers. A shuttle tanker newbuilding had also been previously ordered, but the contract is being renegotiated with the shuttle tanker being cancelled and two alternative vessels being considered instead. Our subsidiaries may also order additional newbuildings. During the course of construction of a vessel, we are typically required to make progress payments. While we typically have refund guarantees from banks to cover defaults by the shipyards and our construction contracts would be saleable in the event of our payment default, we can still incur economic losses in the event that we or the shipyards are unable to perform our respective obligations. Shipyards periodically experience financial difficulties.

Delays in the delivery of these vessels, or any additional newbuilding or secondhand vessels our subsidiaries may agree to acquire, would delay our receipt of revenues generated by these vessels and, to the extent we have arranged charter employment for these vessels, could possibly result in the cancellation of those charters, and therefore adversely affect our anticipated results of operations. The delivery of newbuilding vessels could be delayed because of, among other things: work stoppages or other labor disturbances; bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipyard building the vessel; hostilities or political or economic disturbances in the countries where the vessels are being built, including any escalation of recent tensions involving North Korea; weather interference or catastrophic event, such as a major earthquake, tsunami or fire; our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications; requests from our customers, with whom our commercial managers arrange charters for such vessels, to delay construction and delivery of such vessels due to weak economic conditions and shipping demand and a dispute with the shipyard building the vessel.

Credit conditions internationally might impact our ability to raise debt financing.

We have traditionally financed our vessel acquisitions with cash (equity) and bank debt from various reputable national and international commercial banks. In relation to newbuilding contracts, the equity portion covers all or part of the pre-delivery obligations while the debt portion covers the outstanding amount due to the shipyard on delivery. Current and future terms and conditions could be different from terms obtained in the past and could result in higher cost of capital, if available at all. Any adverse development in that respect could materially alter our current and future financial planning and growth and have a potentially negative impact on our balance sheet.

 

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We may not be able to finance the construction of the vessels our subsidiaries have on order.

We have not finalized financing arrangements to fund the balance of the purchase price due for financing the LNG carrier on order with delivery expected in 2016, or for the nine aframax crude carriers recently ordered or for other orders under negotiation. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain additional financing for these newbuildings on terms that are favorable to us or at all.

If we were unable to finance further installments for the newbuildings we have on order, an alternative would be to use the available cash holdings of the Company or, if we should lack adequate cash, to attempt to sell the uncompleted vessels to a buyer who would assume the remainder of the contractual obligations. The amount we would receive from the buyer would depend on market circumstances and could result in a deficit over the advances we had paid to the date of sale plus capitalized costs. Alternatively, we may default on the contract, in which case the builder would sell the vessel and refund our advances less any amounts the builder would deduct to cover all of its own costs. We would be obliged to cover any deficiency arising in such circumstances.

Apart from the delay in receiving the refund of advances and the possible payment of any deficiencies, the direct effect on our operations of not acquiring the vessel would be to forego any revenues and related vessel operating cash flows.

The future performance of our subsidiaries’ LNG carriers depends on continued growth in LNG production and demand for LNG and LNG shipping.

The future performance of our subsidiaries’ LNG carriers will depend on continued growth in LNG production and the demand for LNG and LNG shipping. A complete LNG project includes production, liquefaction, storage, re-gasification and distribution facilities, in addition to the marine transportation of LNG. Increased infrastructure investment has led to an expansion of LNG production capacity in recent years, but material delays in the construction of new liquefaction facilities could constrain the amount of LNG available for shipping, reducing ship utilization. While global LNG demand has continued to rise, the rate of its growth has fluctuated due to several factors, including the global economic crisis and continued economic uncertainty, fluctuations in the price of natural gas and other sources of energy, the continued acceleration in natural gas production from unconventional sources in regions such as North America and the highly complex and capital intensive nature of new or expanded LNG projects, including liquefaction projects. Continued growth in LNG production and demand for LNG and LNG shipping could be negatively affected by a number of factors, including:

 

   

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

 

   

increases in the production levels of low-cost natural gas in domestic natural gas consuming markets, which could further depress prices for natural gas in those markets and make LNG uneconomical;

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

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

 

   

infrastructure constraints such as delays in the construction of liquefaction facilities, the inability of project owners or operators to obtain governmental approvals to construct or operate LNG facilities, as well as community or political action group resistance to new LNG infrastructure due to concerns about the environment, safety and terrorism;

 

   

labor or political unrest or military conflicts affecting existing or proposed areas of LNG production or re-gasification;

 

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

 

   

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

The existing LNG carrier is on charter until March 2016 and a replacement charter has not yet been arranged for it, nor for the LNG carrier newbuilding with expected delivery in 2016. Reduced demand for LNG or LNG shipping, or any reduction or limitation in LNG production capacity, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure future multi-year time charters for the LNG carriers, or for any new LNG carriers our subsidiaries may acquire, which could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, including cash available for dividends to our shareholders.

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

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

 

   

worldwide demand for natural gas;

 

   

the cost of exploration, development, production, transportation and distribution of natural gas;

 

   

expectations regarding future energy prices for both natural gas and other sources of energy;

 

   

the level of worldwide LNG production and exports;

 

   

government laws and regulations, including but not limited to environmental protection laws and regulations;

 

   

local and international political, economic and weather conditions;

 

   

political and military conflicts; and

 

   

the availability and cost of alternative energy sources, including alternate sources of natural gas in gas importing and consuming countries.

An oversupply of LNG carriers may lead to a reduction in the charter hire rates we are able to obtain when seeking charters in the future.

Driven in part by an increase in LNG production capacity, the market supply of LNG carriers has been increasing as a result of the construction of new ships. During the period from 2005 to 2010, the global fleet of LNG carriers grew by an average of 15% per year due to the construction and delivery of new LNG carriers. Although the global newbuilding order book dropped steeply in 2009 and 2010, 114 orders for newbuilding LNG carriers were placed between 2012 and the first quarter of 2014. The newbuilding order book of almost 112 ships as of December 31, 2013 amounts to 29% of global LNG carrier fleet capacity, with the majority of the newbuildings scheduled for delivery in 2015 and 2016. This and any future expansion of the global LNG carrier fleet may have a negative impact on charter hire rates, ship utilization and ship values, which impact could be amplified if the expansion of LNG production capacity does not keep pace with fleet growth.

Our effectiveness in obtaining accretive charters for our existing LNG carrier at the end of its existing charter or for newbuilding LNG carriers will be determined by the reliability and experience of third-party technical managers.

We have subcontracted all technical management aspects of our LNG operation to Hyundai Merchant Marine (“HMM”) for a fee. Neither Tsakos Energy Management nor TCM has the dedicated personnel for running LNG operations nor can we guarantee that they will employ an adequate number of employees in the

 

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future. As such, we are currently dependent on the reliability and effectiveness of third-party managers for whom we cannot guarantee that their employees, both onshore and at-sea are adequate in their assigned role. We cannot guarantee the quality of their services or the longevity of the management contract.

Our growth depends partly on continued growth in demand for offshore oil transportation, processing and storage services.

Our growth strategy includes expansion in the shuttle tanker sector. Growth in this sector depends on continued growth in world and regional demand for these offshore services, which could be negatively affected by a number of factors, such as:

 

   

decreases in the actual or projected price of oil, which could lead to a reduction in or termination of production of oil at certain fields our shuttle tankers will service or a reduction in exploration for or development of new offshore oil fields;

 

   

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

 

   

decreases in the consumption of oil due to increases in its price relative to other energy sources, other factors making consumption of oil less attractive or energy conservation measures;

 

   

availability of new, alternative energy sources; and

 

   

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

Fuel prices may adversely affect our profits.

While we do not bear the cost of fuel (bunkers) under time and bareboat charters, fuel is a significant, if not the largest, expense in our shipping operations when vessels are under spot charter. Changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments.

If our counterparties were to fail to meet their obligations under a charter agreement we could suffer losses or our business could be otherwise adversely affected.

As of April 10, 2014, 28 of our subsidiaries’ vessels were employed under time charters. The ability and willingness of each of the counterparties to perform their obligations under their charters will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the oil and energy industries and of the oil and oil products shipping industry as well as the overall financial condition of the counterparties and prevailing charter rates. There can be no assurance that some of our subsidiaries’ customers would not fail to pay charter hire or attempt to renegotiate charter rates and, if the charterers fail to meet their obligations or attempt to renegotiate charter agreements, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our ability to pay dividends in the future.

We may not have adequate insurance.

In the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, we will rely on our insurance to pay the insured value of the vessel or the damages incurred. We believe that we maintain as much insurance on the vessels in the fleet, through insurance companies, including Argosy, a related party company and P&I clubs, as is appropriate and consistent with industry practice. However, we cannot assure you that this insurance will remain available at reasonable rates, and we cannot assure you that the insurance we are able to obtain will cover all

 

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foreseen liabilities that we may incur, particularly those involving oil spills and catastrophic environmental damage. In addition, we may not be able to insure certain types of losses, including loss of hire, for which insurance coverage may become unavailable.

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

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

The insolvency or financial deterioration of any of our insurers or reinsurers would negatively affect our ability to recover claims for covered losses on our vessels.

We have placed our hull and machinery, increased value and loss of hire insurance with Argosy, a captive insurance company affiliated with Tsakos family interests. Argosy reinsures the insurance it underwrites for us with various reinsurers, however, the coverage deductibles of the reinsurance policies periodically exceed the coverage deductibles of the insurance policies Argosy underwrites for us. Argosy, therefore, would be liable with respect to the difference between those deductibles in the event of a claim by us to which the deductibles apply. Although these reinsurers have a minimum credit rating of A, we do not have the ability to independently determine our insurers’ and reinsurers’ creditworthiness or their ability to pay on any claims that we may have as a result of a loss. In the event of insolvency or other financial deterioration of our insurer or its reinsurers, we cannot assure you that we would be able to recover on any claims we suffer.

Our degree of leverage and certain restrictions in our financing agreements impose constraints on us.

We incur substantial debt to finance the acquisition of our vessels. At December 31, 2013, our debt to capital ratio was 58.0% (debt / debt plus equity), with $1.38 billion in debt outstanding. We are required to apply a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations, before interest payments, to the payment of principal and interest on this debt. In connection with obtaining waivers from our lenders of non-compliance with certain financial covenants, we have agreed to certain increases in the margin to LIBOR payable under the applicable loans. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects – Debt.” In 2013, all of our cash flow derived from operations plus an amount from existing cash resources was dedicated to debt service, excluding any debt prepayment upon the sale of vessels. This limits the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends and other purposes. Our degree of leverage could have important consequences for us, including the following:

 

   

a substantial decrease in our net operating cash flows or an increase in our expenses could make it difficult for us to meet our debt service requirements and force us to modify our operations;

 

   

we may be more highly leveraged than our competitors, which may make it more difficult for us to expand our fleet; and

 

   

any significant amount of leverage exposes us to increased interest rate risk and makes us vulnerable to a downturn in our business or the economy generally.

 

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In addition, our financing arrangements, which we secured by mortgages on our ships, impose operating and financial restrictions on us that restrict our ability to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness;

 

   

create liens;

 

   

sell the capital of our subsidiaries or other assets;

 

   

make investments;

 

   

engage in mergers and acquisitions;

 

   

make capital expenditures;

 

   

repurchase common shares; and

 

   

pay cash dividends.

We have a holding company structure which depends on dividends from our subsidiaries and interest income to pay our overhead expenses and otherwise fund expenditures consisting primarily of advances on newbuilding contracts and the payment of dividends to our shareholders. As a result, restrictions contained in our financing arrangements and those of our subsidiaries on the payment of dividends may restrict our ability to fund our various activities.

We are exposed to volatility in LIBOR and selectively enter into derivative contracts, which can result in higher than market interest rates and charges against our income.

In the past twelve years we have selectively entered into derivative contracts both for investment purposes and to hedge our overall interest expense and, more recently, our bunker expenses. Our board of directors is regularly informed of the status of our derivatives in order to assess whether such derivatives are within reasonable limits and reasonable in light of our particular investment strategy at the time we entered into the derivative contracts.

Loans advanced under our secured credit facilities are, generally, advanced at a floating rate based on LIBOR, which has been stable, but was volatile in prior years, which can affect the amount of interest payable on our debt, and which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow. Our financial condition could be materially adversely affected at any time that we have not entered into interest rate hedging arrangements to hedge our interest rate exposure and the interest rates applicable to our credit facilities and any other financing arrangements we may enter into in the future, including those we enter into to finance a portion of the amounts payable with respect to newbuildings. Moreover, even if we have entered into interest rate swaps or other derivative instruments for purposes of managing our interest rate or bunker cost exposure, our hedging strategies may not be effective and we may incur substantial loss.

We have a risk management policy and a risk committee to oversee all our derivative transactions. It is our policy to monitor our exposure to business risk, and to manage the impact of changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rate movements and bunker prices on earnings and cash flows through derivatives. Derivative contracts are executed when management believes that the action is not likely to significantly increase overall risk. Entering into swaps and derivatives transactions is inherently risky and presents various possibilities for incurring significant expenses. The derivatives strategies that we employ in the future may not be successful or effective, and we could, as a result, incur substantial additional interest costs. See “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for a description of how our current interest rate swap arrangements have been impacted by recent events.

 

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Our subsidiaries’ vessels may suffer damage and we may face unexpected dry-docking costs which could affect our cash flow and financial condition.

If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-dock repairs can be both substantial and unpredictable. We may have to pay dry-docking costs that our insurance does not cover. This would result in decreased earnings.

If we were to be subject to tax in jurisdictions in which we operate, our financial results would be adversely affected.

Our income is not presently subject to taxation in Bermuda, which has no corporate income tax. We believe that we should not be subject to tax under the laws of various countries other than the United States in which we conduct activities or in which our customers are located. However, our belief is based on our understanding of the tax laws of those countries, and our tax position is subject to review and possible challenge by taxing authorities and to possible changes in law or interpretation. We cannot determine in advance the extent to which certain jurisdictions may require us to pay tax or to make payments in lieu of tax. In addition, payments due to us from our customers may be subject to tax claims.

If we or our subsidiaries are not entitled to exemption under Section 883 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, for any taxable year, we or our subsidiaries would be subject for those years to a 4% United States federal income tax on our gross U.S.-source shipping revenue, without allowance for deductions, under Section 887 of the Internal Revenue Code. The imposition of such tax could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our stockholders.

See “Tax Considerations—United States federal income tax considerations” for additional information about the requirements of this exemption.

If we were treated as a passive foreign investment company, a U.S. investor in our common shares would be subject to disadvantageous rules under the U.S. tax laws.

If we were treated as a passive foreign investment company (a “PFIC”) in any year, U.S. holders of our common shares would be subject to unfavorable U.S. federal income tax treatment. We do not believe that we will be a PFIC in 2014 or in any future year. However, PFIC classification is a factual determination made annually and we could become a PFIC if the portion of our income derived from bareboat charters or other passive sources were to increase substantially or if the portion of our assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income were to increase substantially. Moreover, the IRS may disagree with our position that time and voyage charters do not give rise to passive income for purposes of the PFIC rules. Accordingly, we can provide no assurance that we will not be treated as a PFIC for 2014 or for any future year. Please see “Tax Considerations—United States federal income tax considerations—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations” herein for a description of the PFIC rules.

Distributions on the common shares of non-U.S. companies that are treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes and are received by individuals generally will be eligible for taxation at capital gain rates if the common shares with respect to which the dividends are paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States. This treatment will not be available to dividends we pay, however, if we qualify as a PFIC for the taxable year of the dividend or the preceding taxable year, or to the extent that (i) the shareholder does not satisfy a holding period requirement that generally requires that the shareholder hold the shares on which the dividend is paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins 60 days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (ii) the shareholder is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property or (iii) such dividend is taken into account as investment income under Section 163(d)(4)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code. We do not believe that we qualified as a PFIC for our last taxable year and, as described above, we do not expect to qualify as a PFIC for our current or future taxable years. Legislation has been proposed in the United States Congress which,

 

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if enacted in its current form, would likely cause dividends on our shares to be ineligible for the preferential tax rates described above. There can be no assurance regarding whether, or in what form, such legislation will be enacted.

Because some of our subsidiaries’ vessels’ expenses are incurred in foreign currencies, we are exposed to exchange rate risks.

The charterers of the vessels owned by our subsidiary companies pay in U.S. dollars. While most of the expenses incurred by our managers or by us on our subsidiaries’ behalf are paid in U.S. dollars, certain of these expenses are in other currencies, most notably the Euro. In 2013, Euro expenses accounted for approximately 54% of our total operating expenses. Declines in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Euro, or the other currencies in which we incur expenses, would increase the U.S. dollar cost of paying these expenses and thus would adversely affect our results of operations.

The Tsakos Holdings Foundation and the Tsakos family can exert considerable control over us, which may limit your ability to influence our actions.

As of April 10, 2014, companies controlled by the Tsakos Holdings Foundation or affiliated with the Tsakos Group own approximately 30% of our outstanding common shares. The Tsakos Holdings Foundation is a Liechtenstein foundation whose beneficiaries include persons and entities affiliated with the Tsakos family, charitable institutions and other unaffiliated persons and entities. The council which controls the Tsakos Holdings Foundation consists of five members, two of whom are members of the Tsakos family. As long as the Tsakos Holdings Foundation and the Tsakos family beneficially own a significant percentage of our common shares, each will have the power to influence the election of the members of our board of directors and the vote on substantially all other matters, including significant corporate actions.

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

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

Risks Related To Our Common and Preferred Shares

Future sales of our common shares could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.

Sales of a substantial number of our common shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common shares. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future. We may issue additional common shares in the future and our shareholders may elect to sell large numbers of shares held by them from time to time.

 

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Our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares are subordinate to our debt and your interests could be diluted by the issuance of additional preferred shares, including additional Series B or Series C Preferred Shares, and by other transactions.

Our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares are subordinate to all of our existing and future indebtedness. As of December 31, 2013, we had outstanding indebtedness of approximately $1.38 billion. Our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares rank pari passu with each other and any other class or series of capital stock subsequently established that is not expressly subordinated or senior thereto as to the payment of dividends amounts payable upon liquidation or reorganization. If less than all dividends payable with respect to the Series B and C Preferred Shares and any parity securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made pro rata with respect to shares of Series B and Series C Preferred Shares and any other parity securities entitled to a dividend payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate amounts remaining due in respect of such shares at such time. The issuance of additional preferred shares on a parity with or senior to our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares would dilute the interests of the holders of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares, and any issuance of preferred shares senior to our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares or of additional indebtedness could affect our ability to pay dividends on, redeem or pay the liquidation preference on our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares. Other than the increase in the dividend that may occur in a circumstance described under “Item 10. Additional Information—Description of Share Capital—Preferred Shares”, none of the provisions relating to our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares contain any provisions affording the holders of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares protection in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction, including a merger or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all our assets or business, which might adversely affect the holders of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares, so long as the rights of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares are not directly materially and adversely affected.

The market price of our common shares and preferred shares may be unpredictable and volatile.

The market price of our common shares and Series B and Series C Preferred Shares may fluctuate due to factors such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry, mergers and strategic alliances in the tanker industry, market conditions in the tanker industry, changes in government regulation, shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts, announcements concerning us or our competitors, our sales of our common shares or of additional preferred shares and the general state of the securities market. The tanker industry has been highly unpredictable and volatile. The market for common stock and preferred stock in this industry may be equally volatile. Therefore, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell any of our common shares and preferred shares you may have purchased, or will purchase in the future, at a price greater than or equal to the original purchase price.

If the market price of our common shares falls to and remains below $5.00 per share, under stock exchange rules, our shareholders will not be able to use such shares as collateral for borrowing in margin accounts. This inability to use common shares as collateral may depress demand and certain institutional investors are restricted from investing in or holding shares priced below $5.00, which could lead to sales of such shares creating further downward pressure on and increased volatility in the market price of our common shares.

We may not be able to pay cash dividends on our common shares or preferred shares as intended.

During 2013, we paid dividends on our common shares totaling $0.15 per common share. In March, 2014, the Company announced a common share dividend of $0.05 per common share to be paid on May 22, 2014 to holders of record as of May 19, 2014. In addition, during 2013 we paid dividends on our preferred shares totaling $1.9 million and another $2.5 million in January 2014. Subject to the limitations discussed below, we currently intend to continue to pay cash dividends on our common shares and preferred shares. However, there can be no assurance that we will pay dividends or as to the amount of any dividend. The payment and the amount will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend, among other things, on available cash balances, anticipated cash needs, our results of operations, our financial condition, and any loan agreement restrictions binding us or our subsidiaries, including a limit on dividends exceeding 50% of net income for any

 

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particular year, plus certain additional amounts permitted to the extent 50% of aggregate net income in prior years exceeded dividends paid during such years, as well as other relevant factors. Net losses that we incurred in certain of our historical periods as well as dividends that we historically paid reduce the amount of the accumulated consolidated net income from which we are permitted to pay dividends under our loan agreements while net income in other periods increases the amount. In addition, dividends on our common shares are subject to the priority of our dividend obligations relating to our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares. We may have insufficient cash to pay dividends on or satisfy our redemption obligations under the terms of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares. Depending on our operating performance for that year, this could result in no dividend at all despite the existence of net income, or a dividend that represents a lower percentage of our net income.

Because we are a holding company with no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends will depend on the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries and their ability to pay us dividends. In addition, the financing arrangements for indebtedness we incur in connection with our newbuilding program may further restrict our ability to pay dividends. In the event of any insolvency, bankruptcy or similar proceedings of a subsidiary, creditors of such subsidiary would generally be entitled to priority over us with respect to assets of the affected subsidiary. Investors in our common shares may be adversely affected if we are unable to or do not pay dividends as intended.

The terms of the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares do not restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions, including spinoffs, transfers of assets or the formation of a master limited partnership, joint venture or other entity that may involve issuance of interests to third-parties in a substantial portion of our assets.

Although the terms of the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares contain restrictions on our ability to dilute the value of the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares by issuing additional securities ranking senior or pari passu thereto, we may engage in other transactions that will result in a transfer of value to third parties. We may elect to sell one or more of our vessels or vessel-owning subsidiaries, conduct a spinoff of such vessels or subsidiaries, or contribute such vessels or vessel-owning subsidiaries to a joint venture, master limited partnership or other entity on terms with which holders of our preferred shares do not agree or that are not in the best interests of the holders of Series B and Series C Preferred Shares. Any such transfer may reduce our asset base and our rights to cash flows related to the transferred assets. If we contribute assets to a joint venture or master limited partnership, the joint venture or master limited partnership may be owned by or issue equity securities to public or private investors, thereby reducing our percentage interest in such assets and in the related cash flows.

Market interest rates may adversely affect the value of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares.

One of the factors that influences the price of our Series B and C Preferred Shares is the dividend yield on the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares (as a percentage of the price thereof) relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative to historical rates, may lead prospective purchasers of our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares to expect a higher dividend yield and higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution. Accordingly, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our Series B or Series C Preferred Shares to decrease.

Holders of Series B and Series C Preferred Shares have extremely limited voting rights.

The voting rights of holders of Series B and Series C Preferred Shares will be extremely limited. Our common shares are the only class or series of our shares carrying full voting rights. Holders of Series B and Series C Preferred Shares will have no voting rights other than the ability, subject to certain exceptions, to elect,

 

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voting together as a class with all other classes or series of parity securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, one director if dividends for six quarterly dividend periods (whether or not consecutive) payable thereon are in arrears and certain other limited protective voting rights described in “Item 10. Additional Information—Description of Share Capital—Preferred Shares.”

Our ability to pay dividends on and to redeem or purchase our Series B and Series C Preferred Shares is limited by the requirements of Bermuda law and covenants in our loan agreements.

Bermuda law provides that we may pay dividends on the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares only to the extent that assets are legally available for such purposes. Dividends and distributions may only be paid or made if we can meet the solvency tests in the Companies Act. In addition, under Bermuda law we may not pay dividends on Series B and Series C Preferred Shares if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would then be less than its liabilities.

Under Bermuda law, we may redeem or purchase the Series B and Series C Preferred Shares subject to the following limitations. Amounts paid for such redemption or purchase in excess of the $1.00 par value of the shares may only come from the proceeds of a new issue of shares made for the purpose of the redemption or purchase, out of share premium or out of funds that would otherwise be available for dividends or distributions. The $1.00 par value of the redeemed or repurchased Series B or Series C Preferred Shares may be paid out of the capital paid up on such shares or funds that would otherwise be available for dividends or distributions. A redemption or repurchase is not lawful if there are reasonable grounds for believing that we are, or thereafter would be, unable to pay our liabilities as they become due.

Provisions in our Bye-laws, our management agreement with Tsakos Energy Management and our shareholder rights plan would make it difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if such a transaction is beneficial to our shareholders.

Our Bye-laws provide for a staggered board of directors, blank check preferred stock, super majority voting requirements and other anti-takeover provisions, including restrictions on business combinations with interested persons and limitations on the voting rights of shareholders who acquire more than 15% of our common shares. In addition, Tsakos Energy Management would have the right to terminate our management agreement and seek liquidated damages if a board member were elected without having been approved by the current board. Furthermore, our shareholder rights plan authorizes issuance to existing shareholders of substantial numbers of preferred share rights and common shares in the event a third party seeks to acquire control of a substantial block of our common shares. These provisions could deter a third party from tendering for the purchase of some or all of our shares. These provisions may have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control of the ownership and management of our company, even if such transactions would have significant benefits to our shareholders.

Because we are a foreign corporation, you may not have the same rights as a shareholder in a U.S. corporation.

We are a Bermuda corporation. Our Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws and the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the “Companies Act”) govern our affairs. While many provisions of the Companies Act resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States, Bermuda

 

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law may not as clearly establish your rights and the fiduciary responsibilities of our directors as do statutes and judicial precedent in some U.S. jurisdictions. In addition, apart from one non-executive director, our directors and officers are not resident in the United States and all or substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. As a result, investors may have more difficulty in protecting their interests and enforcing judgments in the face of actions by our management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction.

In addition, you should not assume that courts in the country in which we are incorporated or where our assets are located would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us based upon the civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us based on those laws.

 

Item 4. Information on the Company

Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited is a leading provider of international seaborne crude oil and petroleum product transportation services. In 2007, it also started to transport liquefied natural gas. It was incorporated in 1993 as an exempted company under the laws of Bermuda under the name Maritime Investment Fund Limited. In 1996, Maritime Investment Fund Limited was renamed MIF Limited. Our common shares were listed in 1993 on the Oslo Stock Exchange (OSE) and the Bermuda Stock Exchange, although we de-listed from the OSE in March 2005 due to limited trading. The Company’s shares are no longer actively traded on the Bermuda exchange. In July 2001, the Company’s name was changed to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited to enhance our brand recognition in the tanker industry, particularly among charterers. In March 2002, we completed an initial public offering of our common shares in the United States and our common shares began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TNP.” Since incorporation, the Company has owned and operated 77 vessels and has sold 28 vessels (of which three had been chartered back and eventually repurchased at the end of their charters. All three have since been sold again).

Our principal offices are located at 367 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece. Our telephone number at this address is 011 30 210 9407710. Our website address is http://www.tenn.gr.

For additional information on the Company, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”

Business Overview

Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited is a leading provider of international seaborne petroleum product and crude oil transportation services and, as of April 10, 2014, operated a fleet of 45 modern petroleum product tankers and crude oil carriers that provide world-wide marine transportation services for national, major and other independent oil companies and refiners under long, medium and short-term charters. Our fleet also includes one 2007-built Liquefied Natural Gas (“LNG”) carrier and two 2013-built shuttle suezmax tankers with advanced dynamic positioning technology (DP2), bringing our total operating fleet to 48 vessels. We have also under construction a 174,000 cbm LNG carrier with expected delivery in 2016 and nine crude aframaxes with expected deliveries in 2016 and 2017. The resulting fleet (assuming no further sales or acquisitions) would comprise 58 vessels representing approximately 5.9 million dwt.

We believe that we have established a reputation as a safe, high quality, cost efficient operator of modern and well-maintained tankers. We also believe that these attributes, together with our strategy of proactively working towards meeting our customers’ chartering needs, has contributed to our ability to attract world-class energy producers charterers as customers and to our success in obtaining charter renewals generating strong fleet utilization.

Our fleet is managed by Tsakos Energy Management Limited, or Tsakos Energy Management, an affiliate company owned by our chief executive officer. Tsakos Energy Management provides us with strategic advisory, financial, accounting and administrative services, while subcontracting the commercial management of our

 

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business to Tsakos Shipping & Trading, S.A., or Tsakos Shipping. In its capacity as commercial manager, Tsakos Shipping manages vessel purchases and sales and identifies and negotiates charter opportunities for our fleet. Until June 30, 2010, Tsakos Shipping also provided technical and operational management for the majority of our vessels.

Tsakos Energy Management subcontracts the technical and operational management of our fleet to Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement S.A., or TCM. TCM was formed in February 2010 by Tsakos family interests and a German private company, the owner of the ship management company Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd., or CSM, as a joint-venture ship management company on an equal partnership basis to provide technical and operational management services to owners of vessels, primarily within the Greece-based market. TCM, which formally commenced operations on July 1, 2010, now manages the technical and operational activities of all of our vessels apart from the LNG carrier Neo Energy, the VLCC Millennium and the Suezmax tanker Eurochampion 2004, which are technically managed by a non-affiliated ship manager. TCM is based in Athens, Greece. TCM and CSM cooperate in the purchase of certain supplies and services on a combined basis. By leveraging the purchasing power of CSM, which currently provides full technical management services for over 170 vessels and crewing services for an additional 143 vessels, we believe TCM is able to procure services and supplies at lower prices than Tsakos Shipping could alone, thereby reducing overall operating expenses for us. In its capacity as technical manager, TCM manages our day-to-day vessel operations, including provision of supplies, maintenance and repair, and crewing. Members of the Tsakos family are involved in the decision-making processes of Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Shipping and TCM.

Tsakos Shipping continues to provide commercial management services for our vessels, which include chartering, charterer relations, obtaining insurance and vessel sale and purchase, supervising newbuilding construction and vessel financing.

As of April 10, 2014, our fleet consisted of the following 48 vessels:

 

Number of Vessels

  

Vessel Type

1

   VLCC

10

   Suezmax

8

   Aframax

3

   Aframax LR2

9

   Panamax LR1

6

   Handymax MR2

8

   Handysize MR1

1

   LNG carrier

2

   Shuttle DP2

Total 48

  

Twenty-one of the operating vessels are of ice-class specification. This fleet diversity, which includes a number of sister ships, provides us with the opportunity to be one of the more versatile operators in the market. The current fleet totals approximately 4.8 million dwt, all of which is double-hulled. As of March 31, 2014, the average age of the tankers in our current operating fleet was 7.3 years, compared with the industry average of 9.0 years.

In addition to the vessels operating in our fleet as of April 10, 2014, we have also entered into certain agreements for additional vessels with established shipyards, Daewoo-Mangalia Heavy Industries, Hyundai Heavy Industries and Sungdong Shipbuilding.

 

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We believe the following factors distinguish us from other public tanker companies:

 

   

Modern, high-quality, fleet. We own a fleet of modern, versatile, high-quality tankers that are designed for enhanced safety and low operating costs. Since inception, we have committed to investments of approximately $3.7 billion, including investments of approximately $3.5 billion in newbuilding constructions, in order to maintain and improve the quality of our fleet. We believe that increasingly stringent environmental regulations and heightened concerns about liability for oil pollution have contributed to a significant demand for our vessels by leading oil companies, oil traders and major government oil entities. TCM, the technical manager of our fleet, has ISO 14001 environmental certification and ISO 9001 quality certification, based in part upon audits conducted on our vessels.

 

   

Diversified fleet. Our diversified fleet, which includes VLCC, suezmax, aframax, panamax, handysize, handymax tankers, one LNG carrier, and the two DP2 shuttle tankers, allows us to better serve our customers’ international petroleum product and crude oil transportation needs. We had also committed a sizable part of our newbuilding and acquisition program, in the past, to ice-class vessels, which are vessels that can access ice-bound ports depending on certain thickness of ice. We have 21 ice-class vessels. Additionally, we entered the LNG market with the delivery of our first LNG carrier in 2007 and have contracted for the construction of at least one additional LNG carrier newbuilding. We also entered the shuttle tanker market with our first DP2 suezmax Rio 2016 which was delivered in March 2013 and our second DP2 suezmax Brasil 2014 which was delivered in April 2013, each of which have commenced 15-year time charter with Petrobras.

 

   

Stability throughout industry cycles. Historically, we have employed a high percentage of our fleet on long and medium-term employment with fixed rates or minimum rates plus profit sharing agreements. We believe this approach has resulted in high utilization rates for our vessels. At the same time, we maintain flexibility in our chartering policy to allow us to take advantage of favorable rate trends through spot market employment, pools and contract of affreightment charters with periodic adjustments. Over the last five years, our overall average fleet utilization rate was 97%.

 

   

High-Quality, sophisticated clientele. For over 40 years, Tsakos entities have maintained relationships with and achieved acceptance by national, major and other independent oil companies and refiners. Several of the world’s major oil companies and traders, including Petrobras, BP, ExxonMobil, Flopec, Hyundai Merchant Marine, BG, ST Shipping, Shell and Lukoil are among the regular customers of Tsakos Energy Navigation, in particular.

 

   

Developing LNG and offshore shuttle tanker platform. We believe we are well positioned to capitalize on rising demand for LNG sea transport and offshore shuttle tanker transport because of our extensive relationships with existing customers, strong safety track record, superior technical management capabilities and financial flexibility. We already operate one LNG carrier and two newly-built DP2 suezmax shuttle tankers.

 

   

Entering offshore sector. With the delivery of two suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers in March and April 2013, which operate on long-term charters with one of the largest developers of offshore oil fields, we have made a presence in a shipping sector previously dominated by only a small handful of shipping companies. It is our intention to seek other opportunities in servicing the offshore oil exploration and production industry, building on the well established relationships with existing oil major customers which are exploiting the rich deposits of sub-marine oil fields.

 

   

Significant leverage from our relationship with Tsakos Shipping and TCM. We believe the expertise, scale and scope of TCM are key components in maintaining low operating costs, efficiency, quality and safety. We leverage Tsakos Shipping’s reputation and longstanding relationships with leading charterers to foster charter renewals. In addition, we believe that TCM has the ability to spread costs over a larger vessel base than that previously of Tsakos Shipping, thereby capturing even greater economies of scale that may lead to additional cost savings for us.

 

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As of April 10, 2014, our fleet consisted of the following 48 vessels:

 

Vessel

  Year
Built
    Deadweight
Tons
    Year
Acquired
    Charter Type(1)   Expiration of
Charter
  Hull Type(2)
(all double hull)

VLCC

           

1. Millennium

    1998        301,171        1998      time charter   December 2014  

SUEZMAX

           

1. Silia T(3)

    2002        164,286        2002      time charter   August 2015  

2. Triathlon

    2002        164,445        2002      spot   —    

3. Eurochampion 2004

    2005        164,608        2005      spot   —     ice-class 1C

4. Euronike(3)

    2005        164,565        2005      time charter   September 2014   ice-class 1C

5. Archangel

    2006        163,216        2006      spot   —     ice-class 1A

6. Alaska

    2006        163,250        2006      time charter   September 2014   ice-class 1A

7. Arctic

    2007        163,216        2007      spot   —     ice-class 1A

8. Antarctic

    2007        163,216        2007      spot   —     ice-class 1A

9. Spyros K(4)

    2011        157,740        2011      time charter   May 2022  

10. Dimitris P(4)

    2011        157,648        2011      time charter   August 2023  

SUEZMAX DP2 SHUTTLE

           

1. Rio 2016

    2013        157,000        2013      time charter   May 2028  

2. Brasil 2014

    2013        157,000        2013      time charter   June 2028  

AFRAMAX

           

1. Proteas

    2006        117,055        2006      spot   —     ice-class 1A

2. Promitheas

    2006        117,055        2006      spot   —     ice-class 1A

3. Propontis

    2006        117,055        2006      time charter   March 2015   ice-class 1A

4. Izumo Princess

    2007        105,374        2007      spot   —     DNA

5. Sakura Princess

    2007        105,365        2007      pool   —     DNA

6. Maria Princess

    2008        105,346        2008      spot   —     DNA

7. Nippon Princess

    2008        105,392        2008      time charter   July 2014   DNA

8. Ise Princess

    2009        105,361        2009      spot   —     DNA

9. Asahi Princess

    2009        105,372        2009      spot   —     DNA

10. Sapporo Princess

    2010        105,354        2010      spot   —     DNA

11. Uraga Princess

    2010        105,344        2010      spot   —     DNA

PANAMAX

           

1. Andes(5)

    2003        68,439        2003      time charter   November 2016  

2. Maya(5)(6)

    2003        68,439        2003      time charter   September 2016  

3. Inca(5)(6)

    2003        68,439        2003      time charter   May 2016  

4. Selecao

    2008        74,296        2008      time charter   August 2014  

5. Socrates

    2008        74,327        2008      time charter   July 2014  

6. World Harmony(5)

    2009        74,200        2010      time charter   April 2016  

7. Chantal(5)

    2009        74,329        2010      time charter   June 2016  

8. Selini(3)

    2009        74,296        2010      time charter   April 2015  

9. Salamina(3)

    2009        74,251        2010      time charter   April 2015  

HANDYMAX

           

1. Artemis

    2005        53,039        2006      time charter   November 2014   ice-class 1A

2. Afrodite(7)

    2005        53,082        2006      time charter   June 2015   ice-class 1A

3. Ariadne(3)

    2005        53,021        2006      time charter   May 2014   ice-class 1A

4. Aris

    2005        53,107        2006      time charter   May 2017   ice-class 1A

5. Apollon(7)

    2005        53,149        2006      time charter   July 2015   ice-class 1A

6. Ajax

    2005        53,095        2006      time charter   May 2015   ice-class 1A

 

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Vessel

  Year
Built
    Deadweight
Tons
    Year
Acquired
    Charter Type(1)   Expiration of
Charter
  Hull Type(2)
(all double hull)

HANDYSIZE

           

1. Didimon

    2005        37,432        2005      time charter   June 2014  

2. Arion

    2006        37,061        2006      spot   —     ice-class 1A

3. Delphi

    2004        37,432        2006      time charter   February 2015  

4. Amphitrite

    2006        37,061        2006      spot   —     ice-class 1A

5. Andromeda

    2007        37,061        2007      spot   —     ice-class 1A

6. Aegeas

    2007        37,061        2007      spot   —     ice-class 1A

7. Byzantion

    2007        37,275        2007      spot   —     ice-class 1B

8. Bosporos

    2007        37,275        2007      spot   —     ice-class 1B

LNG

           

1. Neo Energy

    2007        85,602        2007      time charter   March 2016   Membrane

Total Vessels

    48        4,786,911           

 

(1) Certain of the vessels are operating in the spot market under contracts of affreightment.
(2) Ice-class classifications are based on ship resistance in brash ice channels with a minimum speed of 5 knots for the following conditions ice-1A: 1m brash ice, ice-1B: 0.8m brash ice, ice-1C: 0.6m brash ice. DNA- design new aframax with shorter length overall allowing greater flexibility in the Caribbean and the United States.
(3) The charter rate for these vessels is based on a fixed minimum rate for the Company plus different levels of profit sharing above the minimum rate, determined and settled on a calendar month basis.
(4) These vessels are chartered under fixed and variable hire rates. The variable portion of hire is recognized to the extent the amount becomes fixed and determinable at the reporting date. Determination is every six months.
(5) Charterers have the option to terminate the charter party after at least 12 months with a three months notice.
(6) 49% of the holding company of these vessels is held by a third party.
(7) The charter-rate for the second year provides for a potential increase above the minimum rate based on the fair market one-year charter-rate determined at the end of the first year.

On December 10, 2013, the Company signed contracts for the construction of five aframax tankers with Daewoo Shipbuilding and four additional aframax tankers with the same yard signed on February 26, 2014. On March 21, 2011, the Company ordered two suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers from Sungdong Shipbuilding in South Korea. We took delivery of the first suezmax DP2 tanker Rio 2016 on March 11, 2013, and the second one, Brasil 2014 on April 23, 2013. In addition, an LNG carrier has been ordered from Hyundai Heavy Industries (see below). The newbuildings have a double hull design compliant with all classification requirements and prevailing environmental laws and regulations. Tsakos Shipping has worked closely with the Sungdong shipyard and Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea in the design of the newbuildings and continues to work with the shipyard during the construction period. TCM provides supervisory personnel present during the construction. A further shuttle tanker had been ordered from Sungdong, but the contract is being renegotiated with the shuttle tanker being cancelled and two alternative vessels being considered instead. A first installment of $4.5 million had been paid in the first quarter of 2013 and this amount will be set against the installments of whatever new constructions are decided.

 

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Our newbuildings under construction as of April 10, 2014, consisted of the following:

 

Vessel Type

   Expected Delivery    Shipyard    Deadweight
Tons
     Purchase
Price(1)
(in millions
of U.S.
dollars)
 

Aframaxes

           

1. Hull 5010

   Q2 2016    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.2   

2. Hull 5011

   Q2 2016    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.2   

3. Hull 5012

   Q3 2016    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.2   

4. Hull 5013

   Q4 2016    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.2   

5. Hull 5014

   Q1 2017    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.2   

6. Hull 5015

   Q1 2017    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.7   

7. Hull 5016

   Q2 2017    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.7   

8. Hull 5017

   Q2 2017    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.7   

9. Hull 5018

   Q3 2017    Daewoo
Shipbuilding
     112,700         51.7   

Total Aframaxes

           1,014,300         462.8   

LNG Carrier

           

1. Hull HN2612(1)

   Q1 2016    Hyundai
Heavy
Industries
     93,600         222.6   

Total LNG Carrier

           93,600         222.6   

 

(1) Including extra cost agreed as of December 31, 2013.

As of April 10, 2014, negotiations are in progress to obtain bank financing for all the vessels listed above. The Company anticipates being able to secure adequate financing within 2014.

Under the newbuilding contracts, the purchase prices for the ships are subject to deductions for delayed delivery, excessive fuel consumption and failure to meet specified deadweight tonnage requirements. We make progress payments equal to between 30% and 50% of the purchase price of each vessel during the period of its construction. As of April 10, 2014, we had made progress payments of $98.4 million out of the total purchase price of approximately $685.4 million (assuming no changes to the vessels to be constructed) for these newbuildings. Of the remaining amount (assuming no change to the vessels to be constructed), a further $77.7 million is contracted to be paid during 2014.

Fleet Deployment

We strive to optimize the financial performance of our fleet by deploying at least two-thirds of our vessels on either time charters or period employment with variable rates. In the past two years, this proportion has been over 68% as we took proactive steps to meet any potential impact of the expanding world fleet on freight rates. The remainder of the fleet is in the spot market. We believe that our fleet deployment strategy provides us with the ability to benefit from increases in tanker rates while at the same time maintaining a measure of stability

 

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through cycles in the industry. The following table details the respective employment basis of our fleet during 2013, 2012 and 2011 as a percentage of operating days.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  

Employment Basis

   2013     2012     2011  

Time Charter—fixed rate

     40     30     21

Time Charter—variable rate

     24     32     39

Period Employment at variable rates

     4     11     15

Spot Voyage

     32     27     25

Total Net Earnings Days

     16,954        16,655        16,929   

Tankers operating on time charters may be chartered for several months or years whereas tankers operating in the spot market typically are chartered for a single voyage that may last up to several weeks. Vessels on period employment at variable rates related to the market are either in a pool or operating under contract of affreightment for a specific charterer. Tankers operating in the spot market may generate increased profit margins during improvements in tanker rates, while tankers operating on time charters generally provide more predictable cash flows. Accordingly, we actively monitor macroeconomic trends and governmental rules and regulations that may affect tanker rates in an attempt to optimize the deployment of our fleet. Our fleet has 19 tankers currently operating on spot voyages.

We have also secured charters for each of our aframax crude oil tanker newbuildings pursuant to our strategic partnership with Statoil for periods from five to twelve years, including options for extension.

Operations and Ship Management

Our operations

Management policies regarding our fleet that are formulated by our board of directors are executed by Tsakos Energy Management under a management contract. Tsakos Energy Management’s duties, which are performed exclusively for our benefit, include overseeing the purchase, sale and chartering of vessels, supervising day-to-day technical management of our vessels and providing strategic, financial, accounting and other services, including investor relations. Our fleet’s technical management, including crewing, maintenance and repair, and voyage operations, has been subcontracted by Tsakos Energy Management to Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement. Tsakos Energy Management also engages Tsakos Shipping to arrange chartering of our vessels, provide sales and purchase brokerage services, procure vessel insurance and arrange bank financing. Three vessels were sub-contracted to third-party ship managers during all of 2013.

 

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The following chart illustrates the management of our fleet:

 

LOGO

Technical management of the VLCC, the LNG carrier and one suezmax vessel is subcontracted to unaffiliated third parties.

Management Contract

Executive and Commercial Management

Pursuant to our management agreement with Tsakos Energy Management, our and our subsidiaries’ operations are executed and supervised by Tsakos Energy Management, based on the strategy devised by our board of directors and subject to the approval of our board of directors as described below. In accordance with the management agreement, we pay Tsakos Energy Management monthly management fees for its management of our vessels. There is a prorated adjustment if at each year end the Euro has appreciated by 10% or more against the Dollar since January 1, 2007. In addition, there is an increase each year by a percentage figure reflecting 12 month Euribor, if both parties agree. For 2013 monthly fees for operating vessels were $27,500 per owned vessel and $20,400 for chartered-in vessels or vessels chartered out on a bareboat basis or under construction. The monthly fee for the LNG carrier, Neo Energy, and the two DP2 shuttle tankers, Rio 2016 and Brasil 2014 was $35,000. The management fee starts to accrue for a vessel at the point a newbuilding contract is executed. To help ensure that these fees are competitive with industry standards, our management has periodically made presentations to our board of directors in which the fees paid to Tsakos Energy Management are compared against the publicly available financial information of integrated, self-contained tanker companies. We paid Tsakos Energy Management aggregate management fees of $15.5 million in 2013, $15.6 million in 2012 and $15.3 million in 2011. From these amounts, Tsakos Energy Management paid a technical management fee to Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement. For additional information about the management agreement, including the calculation of management fees, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” and our consolidated financial statements which are included as Item 18 to this Annual Report.

Chartering. Our board of directors formulates our chartering strategy for all our vessels and Tsakos Shipping, under the supervision of Tsakos Energy Management, implements the strategy by:

 

   

evaluating the short, medium, and long-term opportunities available for each type of vessel;

 

   

balancing short, medium, and long-term charters in an effort to achieve optimal results for our fleet; and

 

   

positioning such vessels so that, when possible, re-delivery occurs at times when Tsakos Shipping expects advantageous charter rates to be available for future employment.

 

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Tsakos Shipping utilizes the services of various charter brokers to solicit, research, and propose charters for our vessels. The charter brokers’ role involves researching and negotiating with different charterers and proposing charters to Tsakos Shipping for cargoes to be shipped in our vessels. Tsakos Shipping negotiates the exact terms and conditions of charters, such as delivery and re-delivery dates and arranges cargo and country exclusions, bunkers, loading and discharging conditions and demurrage. Tsakos Energy Management is required to obtain our approval for charters in excess of six months and is required to obtain the written consent of the administrative agents for the lenders under our secured credit facilities for charters in excess of thirteen months. There are frequently two or more brokers involved in fixing a vessel on a charter. Brokerage fees typically amount to 2.5% of the value of the freight revenue or time charter hire derived from the charters. A chartering commission of 1.25% is paid to Tsakos Shipping for every charter involving the vessels in the fleet. In addition, Tsakos Shipping may charge a brokerage commission on the sale of a vessel. In 2013, 2012 and 2011 this commission was approximately 1% of the sale price of a vessel. The total amount paid for these chartering and sale brokerage commissions was $5.2 million in 2013, $5.3 million in 2012 and $5.5 million in 2011. Tsakos Shipping may also charge a fee of $200,000 (or such other sum as may be agreed) on delivery of each newbuilding vessel in payment for the cost of design and supervision of the newbuilding by Tsakos Shipping. In 2011, $2.8 million was charged for fourteen vessels delivered between 2007 and September 2011. This amount was added to the cost of the vessels concerned and is being amortized over the remaining life of the vessels. No fee was paid in 2013 and 2012.

Tsakos Shipping supervises the post fixture business of our vessels, including:

 

   

monitoring the daily geographic position of such vessels in order to ensure that the terms and conditions of the charters are fulfilled by us and our charterers;

 

   

collection of monies payable to us; and

 

   

resolution of disputes through arbitration and legal proceedings.

In addition, Tsakos Shipping appoints superintendents to supervise the construction of newbuildings and the loading and discharging of cargoes when necessary. Tsakos Shipping also participates in the monitoring of vessels’ operations that are under TCM management and TCM’s performance under the management contract.

General Administration. Tsakos Energy Management provides us with general administrative, office and support services necessary for our operations and the fleet, including technical and clerical personnel, communication, accounting, and data processing services.

Sale and Purchase of Vessels. Tsakos Energy Management advises our board of directors when opportunities arise to purchase, including through newbuildings, or to sell any vessels. All decisions to purchase or sell vessels require the approval of our board of directors.

Any purchases or sales of vessels approved by our board of directors are arranged and completed by Tsakos Energy Management. This involves the appointment of superintendents to inspect and take delivery of vessels and to monitor compliance with the terms and conditions of the purchase or newbuilding contracts.

In the case of a purchase of a vessel, each broker involved will receive commissions from the seller generally at the industry standard rate of one percent of the purchase price, but subject to negotiation. In the case of a sale of a vessel, each broker involved will receive a commission generally at the industry standard rate of one percent of the sale price, but subject to negotiation. In accordance with the management agreement, Tsakos Energy Management is entitled to charge for sale and purchase brokerage commission, but to date has not done so.

 

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Technical Management

Pursuant to a technical management agreement, Tsakos Energy Management employs Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement, or TCM, to manage the day-to-day aspects of vessel operations, including maintenance and repair, provisioning, and crewing of the vessels in the fleet. We benefit from the economies of scale of having our vessels managed as part of the TCM managed fleet. On occasion, TCM subcontracts the technical management and manning responsibilities of our vessels to third parties. The executive and commercial management of our vessels, however, is not subcontracted to third parties. TCM, which is privately held, is one of the largest independent tanker managers with a total of 64 operating vessels under management (including 45 of our subsidiaries’ vessels) at March 31, 2014, totaling approximately 5.7 million dwt. TCM employs full-time superintendents, technical experts and marine engineers and has expertise in inspecting second-hand vessels for purchase and sale, and in fleet maintenance and repair. They have approximately 132 employees engaged in ship management and approximately 2,500 seafaring employees of whom half are employed at sea and the remainder is on leave at any given time. Their principal office is in Athens, Greece. The fleet managed by TCM consists mainly of tankers, but also includes feeder container vessels, dry bulk carriers and other vessels owned by affiliates and unaffiliated third parties.

Tsakos Energy Management pays TCM a fee per vessel per month for technical management of operating vessels and vessels under construction. This fee was determined by comparison to the rates charged by other major independent vessel managers. We generally pay all monthly operating requirements of our fleet in advance.

TCM performs the technical management of the vessels under the supervision of Tsakos Energy Management. Tsakos Energy Management approves the appointment of fleet supervisors and oversees the establishment of operating budgets and the review of actual operating expenses against budgeted amounts. Technical management of the LNG carrier Neo Energy and the VLCC Millennium is provided by non-affiliated ship managers.

Maintenance and Repair. Each of the vessels is dry-docked once every five years in connection with special surveys and, after the vessel is fifteen years old, the vessel is dry-docked every two and one-half years after a special survey (referred to as an intermediate survey), or as necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of such vessels and their compliance with applicable regulations. TCM arranges dry-dockings and repairs under instructions and supervision from Tsakos Energy Management. We believe that the continuous maintenance program we conduct results in a reduction of the time periods during which our vessels are in dry-dock.

TCM routinely employs on each vessel additional crew members whose primary responsibility is the performance of maintenance while the vessel is in operation. Tsakos Energy Management awards and, directly or through TCM, negotiates contracts with shipyards to conduct such maintenance and repair work. They seek competitive tender bids in order to minimize charges to us, subject to the location of our vessels and any time constraints imposed by a vessel’s charter commitments. In addition to dry-dockings, TCM, where necessary, utilizes superintendents to conduct periodic physical inspections of our vessels.

Crewing and Employees

We do not employ the personnel to run our business on a day-to-day basis. We outsource substantially all of our executive, commercial and technical management functions.

TCM arranges employment of captains, officers, engineers and other crew who serve on the vessels. TCM ensures that all seamen have the qualifications and licenses required to comply with international regulations and shipping conventions and that experienced and competent personnel are employed for the vessels.

 

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Customers

Several of the world’s major oil companies are among our regular customers. The table below shows the approximate percentage of revenues we earned from some of our customers in 2013.

 

Customer

   Year Ended
December 31, 2013
 

Petrobras

     21.3

Shell

     10.6

Flopec

     8.3

BG (Methane)

     7.0

STLLC

     6.8

Clearlake

     6.1

HMM

     5.8

BP Shipping

     3.5

ST Shipping

     3.4

Litasco

     3.1

IOOC

     2.0

OMV

     2.0

TOR

     1.7

SUN

     1.4

CSSA

     1.4

Irving Oil

     1.4

Regulation

Our business and the operation of our vessels are materially affected by government regulation in the form of international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration. Because these conventions, laws, and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with them or their impact on the resale price and/or the useful lives of our vessels. Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and which may have a material adverse effect on our operations. Various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates, and financial assurances with respect to our operations. Subject to the discussion below and to the fact that the kinds of permits, licenses, certificates and financial assurances required for the operation of the vessels will depend upon a number of factors, we believe that we have been and will be able to obtain all permits, licenses, certificates and financial assurances material to the conduct of our operations.

The heightened environmental and quality concerns of classification societies, insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers has led to the imposition of increased inspection and safety requirements on all vessels in the tanker market and the scrapping of older vessels throughout the industry has been accelerated.

IMO. The International Maritime Organization (“IMO”) has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for oil pollution in international waters and in a signatory’s territorial waters. In March 1992, the IMO adopted amendments to Annex I of the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (“MARPOL”) which set forth new and upgraded requirements for oil pollution prevention for tankers. These regulations provide that (1) tankers 25 years old and older must be of double-hull construction or of a mid-deck design with double side construction (with some exceptions for tankers between 25 and 30 years old), and (2) all tankers will be subject to enhanced inspections. All of the vessels in our fleet are of double hull construction.

 

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Current regulations under Annex I of MARPOL provide for inspection and verification requirements and for an aggressive phase-out of single-hull oil tankers, in most cases by 2015 or earlier, depending on the age of the vessel and whether the vessel complies with requirements for protectively located segregated ballast tanks. Segregated ballast tanks use ballast water that is completely separate from the cargo oil and oil fuel system. Segregated ballast tanks are currently required by the IMO on crude oil tankers of 20,000 tons deadweight or more constructed after 1982. The regulations, which have increased the number of tankers that are scrapped, are intended to reduce the likelihood of oil pollution in international waters.

Since January 1, 2011 a new chapter 8 of Annex I on the prevention of pollution during transfer of oil cargo between oil tankers at sea has applied to oil tankers of 150 gross tons and above. This requires any oil tanker involved in oil cargo ship-to-ship (STS) operations to (1) carry a plan, approved by its flag state administration, prescribing the conduct of STS operations and (2) comply with notification requirements. Also with effect from that date, Annex I has been amended to clarify the long standing requirements for on board management of oil residue (sludge) and with effect from August 1, 2011 the use or carriage of certain heavy oils has been banned in the Antarctic area.

In 2013 the MEPC adopted a resolution amending the MARPOL Annex I Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS). These amendments, which are expected to become effective on October 1, 2014, revise references to the inspections of bulk carriers and tankers to be consistent with the 2011 International Code on the Enhanced Programme of Inspections during Surveys of Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers, or ESP Code, which provides for enhanced inspection programs, when it becomes mandatory.

In September 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from ships. Annex VI came into force on May 19, 2005. It sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons. Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions. Annex VI has been ratified by some, but not all IMO member states. All vessels subject to Annex VI and built after May 19, 2005 must carry an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate evidencing compliance with Annex VI. Implementing the requirements of Annex VI may require modifications to vessel engines or the addition of post combustion emission controls, or both, as well as the use of lower sulfur fuels. In April 2008, the Marine Environment Protection Committee (“MEPC”) of the IMO approved proposed amendments to Annex VI regarding particulate matter, nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions standards. These amendments were adopted by the MEPC in October 2008 and entered into force in July 2010. They seek to reduce air pollution from vessels by establishing a series of progressive standards to further limit the sulfur content in fuel oil, which would be phased in by 2020, and by establishing new tiers of nitrogen oxide emission standards for new marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation. Additionally, more stringent fuel sulfur content requirements apply in coastal areas designated as Emission Control Areas (“ECAs”), such as the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, certain coastal areas of North America, and the United States Caribbean Sea. The United States ratified the amendments in October 2008.

In July 2011 the IMO adopted amendments to Annex VI to make mandatory technical and operational measures for energy efficiency for ships of 400 gross tons or more. Effective January 1, 2013, all new ships must utilize the Energy Efficiency Design Index, and all ships must develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Plans..

The EU Commission is currently investigating the possibility of extending the ECA to the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. In addition, the EU Sulphur directive has since January 1, 2010 banned inland waterway vessels and ships berthing in EU ports from using marine fuels with a sulfur content exceeding 0.1% by mass. The prohibition applies to use in all equipment including main and auxiliary engines and boilers. Some EU Member States also require vessels to record the times of any fuel-changeover operations in the ship’s logbook.

 

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The Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department announced on July 17, 2013 that it will introduce legislation, to be implemented in 2015, requiring vessels to burn low sulfur fuel oil whilst berthing in Hong Kong waters. This has followed the voluntary “Fair Winds Charter” of 2011. Currently, the Hong Kong Air Pollution Control (Marine Light Fuel) Regulations, which enters into force on April 1, 2014, provides that the sulfur content of marine light diesel supplied to vessels in Hong Kong must contain 0.05% sulfur content or less.

We have obtained International Air Pollution Prevention certificates for all of our vessels and believe that maintaining compliance with Annex VI will not have an adverse financial impact on the operation of our vessels. However, if additional ECAs are approved by the IMO or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the IMO or the countries where we operate, compliance with these requirements could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the cost of our operations.

In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships (the “Anti-fouling Convention”) which prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. The Anti-fouling Convention came into force on September 17, 2008 and applies to vessels constructed prior to January 1, 2003 that have not been in dry-dock since that date. Since January 1, 2008 under the Anti-fouling Convention, exteriors of vessels have had to be either free of the prohibited compounds, or have had coatings that act as a barrier to the leaching of the prohibited compounds applied. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages must obtain an International Anti-fouling System Certificate and must undergo a survey before the vessel is put into service or when the anti-fouling systems are altered or replaced. We have obtained Anti-fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels that are subject to the Anti-fouling Convention and do not believe that maintaining such certificates will have an adverse financial impact on the operation of our vessels.

In addition, the Company’s liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) carrier meets IMO requirements for liquefied gas carriers. In order to operate in the navigable waters of the IMO’s member states, liquefied gas carriers must have an IMO Certificate of Fitness demonstrating compliance with construction codes for liquefied gas carriers. These codes, and similar regulations in individual member states, address fire and explosion risks posed by the transport of liquefied gases. Collectively, these standards and regulations impose detailed requirements relating to the design and arrangement of cargo tanks, vents, and pipes; construction materials and compatibility; cargo pressure; and temperature control. Liquefied gas carriers are also subject to international conventions that regulate pollution in international waters and a signatory’s territorial waters. Under the IMO regulations, gas carriers that comply with the IMO construction certification requirements are deemed to satisfy the requirements of Annex II of MARPOL applicable to transportation of chemicals at sea, which would otherwise apply to certain liquefied gases. With effect from January 1, 2007, the IMO revised the Annex II regulations that restrict discharges of “noxious liquid substances” during cleaning or de-ballasting operations. The revisions include significantly lower permitted discharge levels of noxious liquid substances for vessels constructed on or after the effective date, made possible by improvements in vessel technology. These new discharge levels apply to the Company’s LNG carrier. In 2012 the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of IMO adopted a resolution amending the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, or the IBC Code. These amendments, which are expected to enter into force in June 2014, pertain to revised international certificates of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk. The provisions of the IBC Code are mandatory MARPOL and the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or SOLAS.

On 1 January 2013 new MARPOL Annex V Regulations came into force with regard to the disposal of garbage from ships at sea. These regulations prohibit the disposal of garbage at sea other than certain defined permitted discharges or when outside one of the MARPOL Annex V special areas. The regulations do not only impact the disposal of “traditional garbage” but also impact the disposal of harmful hold washing water and “cargo residues”. Products considered suitable for discharge are those not defined as harmful by the criteria set out in MARPOL Annex III and which do not contain carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic components. A

 

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protocol has been put into place to ensure that (i) garbage is disposed of in accordance with the regulations and that the vessels in the fleet maintain records showing that any cleaning agent or additive used was not harmful to the marine environment and (ii) the supplier provides a signed and dated statement to this effect, either as part of a Material Safety data Sheet “MSDS” or as a stand-alone document.

Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement S.A. or TCM, the technical manager, is ISO 14001 compliant. ISO 14001 requires companies to commit to the prevention of pollution as part of the normal management cycle. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could adversely affect our ability to manage our vessels.

In addition, the European Union and countries elsewhere have considered stricter technical and operational requirements for tankers and legislation that would affect the liability of tanker owners and operators for oil pollution. In December 2001, the European Union adopted a legislative resolution confirming an accelerated phase-out schedule for single hull tankers in line with the schedule adopted by the IMO in April 2001. Any additional laws and regulations that are adopted could limit our ability to do business or increase our costs. The results of these or potential future environmental regulations could have a material adverse affect on our operations.

Under the current regulations, the vessels of our existing fleet will be able to operate for substantially all of their respective economic lives. However, compliance with the new regulations regarding inspections of all vessels may adversely affect our operations. We cannot at the present time evaluate the likelihood or magnitude of any such adverse effect on our operations due to uncertainty of interpretation of the IMO regulations.

The operation of our vessels is also affected by the requirements set forth in the IMO’s International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (“ISM Code”) which came into effect in relation to oil tankers in July 1998 and which was further amended on 1 July 2010. The ISM Code requires shipowners, ship managers and bareboat (or demise) charterers to develop and maintain an extensive “safety management system” that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe operation and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. The failure of a shipowner, ship manager or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject that party to increased liability, may decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels, and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. All of our vessels are ISM Code certified.

OPA 90. The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90”) established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA 90 affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade to the United States or its territories or possessions or whose vessels operate in United States waters, which include the United States’ territorial sea and its two hundred nautical mile exclusive economic zone.

Under OPA 90, vessel owners, operators and bareboat charterers are “responsible parties” and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels. Tsakos Shipping and Tsakos Energy Management would not qualify as “third parties” because they perform under contracts with us. These other damages are defined broadly to include (1) natural resources damages and the costs of assessing them, (2) real and personal property damages, (3) net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees and other lost revenues, (4) lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to property or natural resources damage, (5) net cost of public services necessitated by a spill response, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and (6) loss of subsistence use of natural resources. OPA 90 incorporates limits on the liability of responsible parties for a spill. Since July 31, 2009, liability in respect of a double-hulled tanker over 3,000 gross tons has been limited to the greater of $2,000 per gross ton or $17,088,000 (subject to periodic adjustment). These limits of liability would not apply if the incident was proximately caused by violation of applicable United States federal safety, construction or operating regulations or by the responsible

 

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party (or its agents or employees or any person acting pursuant to a contractual relationship with the responsible party) or by gross negligence or willful misconduct, or if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with the oil removal activities.

Under OPA 90, with some limited exceptions, all newly built or converted tankers operating in United States waters must be built with double-hulls, and existing vessels which do not comply with the double-hull requirement must be phased out by December 31, 2014. Currently, all of our fleet is of double-hull construction.

OPA 90 requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the United States Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet their potential liabilities under OPA 90. In October 2008 the Coast Guard adopted amendments to the financial responsibility regulations to require – with effect from January 15, 2009 – evidence of financial responsibility in an amount equal to or greater than the statutory limitation of liability from time to time. Under the regulations, evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, letter of credit, self-insurance, guaranty or other satisfactory evidence. Under the self-insurance provisions, the ship owner or operator must have a net worth and working capital, measured in assets located in the United States against liabilities located anywhere in the world, that exceeds the applicable amount of financial responsibility. OPA 90 requires an owner or operator of a fleet of tankers only to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to cover the tanker in the fleet having the greatest maximum liability under OPA 90.

The Coast Guard’s regulations concerning certificates of financial responsibility provide, in accordance with OPA 90, that claimants may bring suit directly against an insurer or guarantor that furnishes certificates of financial responsibility. If an insurer or guarantor is sued directly, it is prohibited from asserting any contractual defense that it may have had against the responsible party and is limited to asserting those defenses available to the responsible party and the defense that the incident was caused by the willful misconduct of the responsible party. Some organizations, which had typically provided certificates of financial responsibility under pre-OPA 90 laws, including the major protection and indemnity organizations, have declined to furnish evidence of insurance for vessel owners and operators if they have been subject to direct actions or required to waive insurance policy defenses. We have certificates of financial responsibility in place for our vessels, where required.

We continue to maintain, for each of our vessels, pollution liability coverage in the amount of $1 billion per incident. A catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available, in which case there could be a material adverse effect on us.

OPA 90 specifically permits individual U.S. coastal states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills.

Owners or operators of tankers operating in United States waters are required to file vessel response plans with the Coast Guard for approval, and their tankers are required to operate in compliance with such approved plans. These response plans must, among other things, (1) address a “worst case” scenario and identify and ensure, through contract or other approved means, the availability of necessary private response resources to respond to a “worst case discharge,” (2) describe crew training and drills, and (3) identify a qualified individual with full authority to implement removal actions.

We and our subsidiaries intend to comply with all applicable Coast Guard and state regulations in the ports where their vessels call.

Environmental Regulation

U.S. Clean Water Act: The U.S. Clean Water Act of 1972 (“CWA”) prohibits the discharge of oil and or hazardous or other substances in navigable waters unless authorized by permit or exempted by regulation and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes

 

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substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA 90. Under EPA the new rules, which took effect February 6, 2009, we are required to obtain a CWA permit regulating and authorizing ballast water and other such normal discharges incident to the normal operation of vessels if we operate within the three mile territorial waters or inland waters of the United States. This permit, which the EPA has designated as the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels, or VGP, incorporates the current U.S. Coast Guard requirements for ballast water management, as well as supplemental ballast water requirements, and includes requirements applicable to 26 specific wastewater streams, such as deck runoff, bilge water and gray water. On June 11, 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard and the EPA published a memorandum of understanding which provides for collaboration on the enforcement of the VGP requirements and it is expected that the U.S. Coast Guard will include the VGP as part of its normal Port State Control inspections. On March 28, 2013, the EPA re-issued the VGP for a further five years, effective from December 19, 2013. The 2013 VGP operates in a similar manner to the previous VGP, with the addition of ballast water numeric discharge limits—which will be fully phased in by January 1, 2016—and more stringent effluent limits and best management practices for certain other discharges. We intend to comply with the VGP and the record keeping requirements and we do not believe that the costs associated with obtaining such permits and complying with the obligations will have a material impact on our operations.

U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”): NISA was enacted in 1996 in response to growing reports of harmful organisms being released into U.S. ports through ballast water taken on by ships in foreign ports. Under NISA, the U.S. Coast Guard adopted regulations in July 2004 establishing a national mandatory ballast water management program for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks that enter or operate in U.S. waters. These regulations require vessels to maintain a specific ballast water management plan. The requirements can be met by performing mid-ocean ballast exchange, by retaining ballast water on board the ship, or by using environmentally sound alternative ballast water management methods approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. However, mid-ocean ballast exchange is mandatory for ships heading to the Great Lakes or Hudson Bay, or vessels engaged in the foreign export of Alaskan North Slope crude oil.) Mid-ocean ballast exchange is the primary method for compliance with the Coast Guard regulations, since holding ballast water can prevent ships from performing cargo operations upon arrival in the U.S., and alternative methods are still under development. Vessels that are unable to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange due to voyage or safety concerns may discharge minimum amounts of ballast water (in areas other than the Great Lakes and the Hudson River), provided that they comply with record keeping requirements and document the reasons they could not follow the required ballast water management requirements. The U.S. Coast Guard published its final rules for the Standards for Living Organisms in Ship’s Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters which came into force on June 21, 2012 and established standards for allowable concentration of living organisms in ballast water discharged from ships in U.S. waters. The rules applied immediately to vessels built on or after December 1, 2013 and will be phased in fully by January 1, 2016 for older vessels according to ballast water capacity.

The Clean Air Act: The U.S. Clean Air Act (“CAA”) requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our subsidiaries’ vessels are subject to CAA vapor control and recovery standards for cleaning fuel tanks and conducting other operations in regulated port areas and emissions standards for so-called “Category 3” marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters. The marine diesel engine emission standards are currently limited to new engines beginning with the 2004 model year. In November 2007, the EPA announced its intention to proceed with development of more stringent standards for emissions of particulate matter, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides and other related provisions for new Category 3 marine diesel engines. On December 22, 2009, the EPA announced final emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL. As a result, the most stringent engine emissions and marine fuel sulfur requirements of Annex VI will apply to all vessels regardless of flag entering U.S. ports or operating in U.S. waters. The emission standards apply in two stages: near-term standards for newly-built engines, which have applied since the beginning of 2011, and long-term standards requiring an 80% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 2030, which will apply from the beginning of 2016. Compliance with these standards may result in us incurring costs to install control equipment on our vessels.

 

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European Union Initiatives: In December 2001, in response to the oil tanker Erika oil spill of December 1999, the European Union adopted a legislative resolution confirming an accelerated phase-out schedule for single-hull tankers in line with the schedule adopted by the IMO in April 2001. Since 2010 (1) all single-hull tankers have been banned from entering European Union ports or offshore terminals; (2) all single-hull tankers carrying heavy grades of oil have been banned from entering or leaving European Union ports or offshore terminals or anchoring in areas under the European Union’s jurisdiction; and (3) since 2005 a Condition Assessment Scheme Survey for single-hull tankers older than 15 years of age has been imposed. In September 2005, the European Union adopted legislation to incorporate international standards for ship-source pollution into European Community law and to establish penalties for discharge of polluting substances from ships (irrespective of flag). Since April 1, 2007 Member States of the European Union have had to ensure that illegal discharges of polluting substances, participation in and incitement to carry out such discharges are penalized as criminal offences and that sanctions can be applied against any person, including the master, owner and/or operator of the polluting ship, found to have caused or contributed to ship-source pollution “with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence” (this is a lower threshold for liability than that applied by MARPOL, upon which the ship-source pollution legislation is partly based). In the most serious cases, infringements will be regarded as criminal offences (where sanctions include imprisonment) and will carry fines of up to Euro 1.5 million. On November 23, 2005 the European Commission published its Third Maritime Safety Package, commonly referred to as the Erika III proposals, and two bills (dealing with the obligation of Member States to exchange information among themselves and to check that vessels comply with international rules, and with the allocation of responsibility in the case of accident) were adopted in March 2007. The Treaty of Lisbon entered into force on December 1, 2009 following ratification by all 27 European Union member states and identifies protection and improvement of the environment as an explicit objective of the European Union. The European Union adopted its Charter of Fundamental Rights at the same time, declaring high levels of environmental protection as a fundamental right of European Union citizens. Additionally, the sinking of the Prestige has led to the adoption of other environmental regulations by certain European Union Member States. It is impossible to predict what legislation or additional regulations, if any, may be promulgated by the European Union or any other country or authority.

The EU has introduced the European Ship Recycling Regulation, aimed at minimizing adverse effects on health and the environment caused by ship recycling, as well as enhancing safety, protecting the marine environment and ensuring the sound management of hazardous waste. The Regulation entered into force on December 30, 2013, and anticipates the international ratification of the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships 2009. By December 31, 2020, vessels flying the flag of EU Member States will be expected to maintain detailed records of hazardous materials on board, with some materials such as asbestos being restricted or prohibited. This obligation is extended to all non-EU flagged vessels calling at a port or anchorage in an EU Member State. The European Ship Recycling Regulation also requires EU-flagged vessels to be scrapped only in approved recycling facilities.

Other Environmental Initiatives: Many countries have ratified and follow the liability scheme adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as amended (“CLC”), and the International Convention on the Establishment of an International Fund for Compensation for Oil Pollution Damage of 1971, as amended (“Fund Convention”). The United States is not a party to these conventions. Under these conventions, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain complete defenses. The liability regime was increased (in limit and scope) in 1992 by the adoption of Protocols to the CLC and Fund Convention which became effective in 1996. The Fund Convention was terminated in 2002 and the Supplementary Fund Protocol entered into force in March 2005. The liability limit in the countries that have ratified the 1992 CLC Protocol is tied to a unit of account which varies according to a basket of currencies. Under an amendment to the Protocol that became effective on November 1, 2003, for vessels of 5,000 to 140,000 gross tons, liability is limited to approximately $7 million plus $980 for each additional gross ton over 5,000. For vessels of over 140,000 gross tons, liability is limited to approximately $139.4 million. As the Convention calculates liability in terms of IMF Special Drawing Rights, these figures are based on currency exchange rates

 

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on April 11, 2013. From May 1998, parties to the 1992 CLC Protocol ceased to be parties to the CLC due to a mechanism established in the 1992 Protocol for compulsory denunciation of the “old” regime; however, the two regimes will co-exist until the 1992 Protocol has been ratified by all original parties to the CLC. The right to limit liability is forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the owner’s actual fault and under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the owner’s intentional or reckless conduct. The 1992 Protocol channels more of the liability to the owner by exempting other groups from this exposure. Vessels trading to states that are parties to these conventions must provide evidence of insurance covering the liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or in a manner similar to that convention. We believe that our protection and indemnity insurance will cover the liability under the plan adopted by IMO.

At the international level, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments in February 2004 (the “BWM Convention”). The Convention’s implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits. The BWM Convention will not enter into force until 12 months after it has been adopted by 30 states, the combined merchant fleets of which represent not less than 35% of the gross tonnage of the world’s merchant shipping. As of February 28, 2014 the BWM Convention had not been adopted by a sufficient number of states to enter into force. Many of the implementation dates in the BWM Convention have already passed, and, as a result, on 4 December 2013 the IMO Assembly adopted a resolution postponing the application of the BWM Convention requirements to those vessels which were built before the entry into force date. Those vessels must comply with the BWM Convention standards by the time of their first MARPOL International Oil Pollution Prevention renewal survey after the entry into force date.

When mid-ocean ballast exchange or ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory throughout the United States or at the international level, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers. Although we do not believe that the costs of compliance with a mandatory mid-ocean ballast exchange would be material, it is difficult to predict the overall impact of such a requirement on our operations.

Although the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change requires adopting countries to implement national programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol. No new treaty was adopted at the United Nations’ climate change conference in Cancun in December 2010. However, agreements were signed extending the deadline to decide on whether or not to extend the validity of the Kyoto Protocol, and requiring developed countries to raise the level of their emission reductions whilst helping poor countries to do the same. It is not yet clear what the repercussions of the Cancun conference are for shipping but there remains pressure to include shipping in any new treaty. The EU is currently considering legislation to implement its 2013 “Strategy for integrating maritime transport emissions in the EU’s greenhouse gas reduction policies”. The intention is to formulate a system for monitoring, reporting and verifying (“MRV”) carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from vessels using EU ports, to apply from January 1, 2018. Individual Member States have started to introduce CO2 emissions legislation for vessels. In France, in particular, from October 1, 2013 the French Transport Code has required vessel operators to record and disclose the level of CO2 emitted during the performance of voyages to or from a destination in France. In the United States, the EPA has issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health and safety and has adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gases from certain mobile sources and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain large stationary sources. Although the mobile source emissions regulations do not apply to greenhouse gas emissions from vessels, EPA is considering proposals from the California Attorney General and environmental groups to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from ocean-going vessels. The IMO, the EU or individual countries in which we operate could pass climate control legislation or implement other regulatory initiatives to control greenhouse gas emissions from vessels that could require us to make significant financial expenditures or otherwise limit our operations. Even in the absence of climate control legislation and regulations, our business may be materially affected to the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or more intense weather events.

 

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Trading Restrictions: The Company is aware of the restrictions applicable to it on trading with Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria and it has complied with those restrictions and intends to continue to so comply in all respects. The Company has not, nor does it intend to, directly provide any goods, fees or services to the referenced countries and has had no contacts with governmental entities in these countries nor does it intend to have any in the future. Its vessels are not chartered to any Cuban, Iranian, Sudanese or Syrian companies. The voyage charter parties and all but the oldest time-charter agreements relating to the vessels in the fleet generally preclude Iran from the vessels’ trading unless agreed between owner and charterer after taking into account all relevant sanctions legislation. Between January 1, 2013 and March 31, 2014, the Company’s vessels made nearly 2,500 port calls around the world, none of which were to those countries. In 2012 there were no calls to Iran, Syria, Sudan and Cuba. None of the vessels the Company owns or operates or charters have provided, or are anticipated to provide, any U.S.-origin goods to these countries, or involve employees who are U.S. nationals in operations associated with these countries. The Company has no relationships with governmental entities in those countries, nor does it charter its vessels to companies based in those countries. The Company derives its revenue directly from the charterers.

Classification and inspection

The vessels in the fleet have been certified as being “in class” by their respective classification societies: Bureau Veritas, Det Norske Veritas, American Bureau of Shipping, Korean Register, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping or Nippon Kaiji Kyokai. Every vessel’s hull and machinery is “classed” by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that the vessel has been built and maintained in accordance with the rules of such classification society and complies with applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the international conventions of which that country is a member. Each vessel is scheduled for inspection by a surveyor of the classification society every year (the annual survey), every five years (the special survey) and every thirty months after a special survey (the intermediate survey). Vessels are required to be dry-docked for the special survey process, and for vessels over ten years of age for intermediate survey purposes, for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel and for necessary repairs related to such inspection. With the permission of the classification society, the actual timing of the surveys may vary by a few months from the originally scheduled date depending on the vessel’s position and operational obligations.

In addition to the classification inspections, many of our customers, including the major oil companies, regularly inspect our vessels as a precondition to chartering voyages on these vessels. We believe that our well-maintained, high quality tonnage should provide us with a competitive advantage in the current environment of increasing regulation and customer emphasis on quality of service.

TCM, our technical manager, has a document of compliance with the ISO 9000 standards of total quality management. ISO 9000 is a series of international standards for quality systems that includes ISO 9002, the standard most commonly used in the shipping industry. Our technical manager has also completed the implementation of the ISM Code. Our technical manager has obtained documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for our vessels, as required by the IMO. Our technical manager has also received ISO 14001 certification.

Risk of loss and insurance

The operation of any ocean-going vessel carries an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disasters and property losses, including:

 

   

collision;

 

   

adverse weather conditions;

 

   

fire and explosion;

 

   

mechanical failures;

 

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negligence;

 

   

war;

 

   

terrorism; and

 

   

piracy.

In addition, the transportation of crude oil is subject to the risk of crude oil spills, and business interruptions due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes, and boycotts. Tsakos Shipping arranges insurance coverage to protect against most risks involved in the conduct of our business and we maintain environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage. Tsakos Shipping arranges insurance covering the loss of revenue resulting from vessel off-hire time. We believe that our current insurance coverage is adequate to protect against most of the risks involved in the conduct of our business. The terrorist attacks in the United States and various locations abroad and international hostilities have led to increases in our insurance premium rates and the implementation of special “war risk” premiums for certain trading routes. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” for a description of how our insurance rates have been affected by recent events.

We have hull and machinery insurance, increased value (total loss or constructive total loss) insurance and loss of hire insurance with Argosy Insurance Company. Each of our ship owning subsidiaries is a named insured under our insurance policies with Argosy. Argosy provides the same full coverage as provided through London and Norwegian underwriters and reinsures most of its exposure under the insurance it writes for us, subject to customary deductibles, with various reinsurers in the London, French, Norwegian and U.S. reinsurance markets. These reinsurers have a minimum credit rating of A. We were charged by Argosy aggregate premiums of $9.1 million in 2013. By placing our insurance through Argosy, we believe that we achieve cost savings over the premiums we would otherwise pay to third party insurers.

Our subsidiaries are indemnified for legal liabilities incurred while operating our vessels by protection and indemnity insurance that we maintain through their membership in a P&I club. This protection and indemnity insurance covers legal liabilities and other related expenses of injury or death of crew members and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third party property and pollution arising from oil or other substances, including wreck removal. The object of P&I clubs is to provide mutual insurance against liability to third parties incurred by P&I club members in connection with the operation of their vessels “entered into” the P&I club in accordance with and subject to the rules of the P&I club and the individual member’s terms of participation. A member’s individual P&I club premium is typically based on the aggregate tonnage of the member’s vessels entered into the P&I club according to the risks of insuring the vessels as determined by the P&I club. P&I club claims are paid from the aggregate premiums paid by all members, although members remain subject to “calls” for additional funds if the aggregate insurance claims made exceed aggregate member premiums collected. P&I clubs enter into reinsurance agreements with other P&I clubs and with third party underwriters as a method of preventing large losses in any year from being assessed directly against members of the P&I club.

World events have an impact on insurance costs and can result in increases in premium; however, other significant drivers of premium levels are market over capacity, inadequate deductibles, inefficient claims control by the insurers and scope of cover being too wide. Despite recent expensive years for insurance claims due to a number of global catastrophe losses, insurance renewals, and more recently huge maritime losses such as the total loss of the Costa Concordia off the Italian coast and the eventual removal of its wreck, have been relatively benign. It is expected that the impact on Hull & Machinery Insurance renewals for 2014-2015 policy year will also remain mild due mainly to the available capital at underwriters’ disposal that plays an important role in determining the level of future insurance premiums. The insurance markets maintain their list of World Wide War Risks Exclusions, as defined by the Joint War Committee in the London insurance market, and insurers are at liberty to charge increases in premium in order to provide cover for Excluded Areas which include the Indian Ocean, Gulf of Guinea, Libya and Saudi Arabia, amongst others. These additional insurance costs represent a

 

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relatively small portion of our total insurance premiums and are, in any case, largely paid by the Charterers. Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance costs are less affected by world events than H&M and more likely to be driven by maritime losses and whether there is a fall in the value of individual Club’s Free Reserves. Recent P&I renewals have seen only a modest increase in rates, at 2.7%, far less than expected and the increase of 10% for 2013. At March 31, 2014, the International Group of P&I Clubs continued to provide its members with $1 billion of oil pollution liability coverage and more than $4 billion of cover for other liabilities. P&I, Hull and Machinery and War Risk insurance premiums are accounted for as part of operation expenses in our financial statements; accordingly, any changes in insurance premiums directly impact our operating results.

Competition

We operate in markets that are highly competitive and where no owner controlled more than 5% of the world tanker fleet as of March 31, 2014. Ownership of tankers is divided among independent tanker owners and national and independent oil companies. Many oil companies and other oil trading companies, the principal charterers of our fleet, also operate their own vessels and transport oil for themselves and third party charterers in direct competition with independent owners and operators. We compete for charters based on price, vessel location, size, age, condition and acceptability of the vessel, as well as Tsakos Shipping’s reputation as a manager. Currently we compete primarily with owners of tankers in the ULCCs, VLCCs, suezmax, suezmax shuttle tankers, aframax, panamax, handymax and handysize class sizes, and we also compete with owners of LNG carriers.

Although we do not actively trade to a significant extent in Middle East trade routes, disruptions in those routes as a result of international hostilities, including those in Afghanistan and Iraq, economic sanctions, including those with respect to Iran, and terrorist attacks such as those made against the United States in September 2001 and various international locations since then may affect our business. We may face increased competition if tanker companies that trade in Middle East trade routes seek to employ their vessels in other trade routes in which we actively trade.

Other significant operators of multiple aframax and suezmax tankers in the Atlantic basin that compete with us include Overseas Shipholding Group Inc., Teekay Shipping Corporation and General Maritime Corporation. There are also numerous smaller tanker operators in the Atlantic basin.

Employees

We have no salaried employees. See “—Management Contract—Crewing and Employees.”

Properties

We operate out of Tsakos Energy Management offices in the building also occupied by Tsakos Shipping at Megaron Makedonia, 367 Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Greece.

Legal proceedings

We are involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the litigation in which we were involved as of March 31, 2013, individually and in the aggregate, was not material to us.

 

Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

 

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Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects

General Market Overview—World Oil Demand / Supply and Trade (ICAP)

All of the statistical data and other information presented in this section entitled “General Market Overview—World Oil Demand / Supply and Trade,” including the analysis of the various sectors of the oil tanker industry, has been provided by ICAP Shipping (“ICAP”). ICAP has advised that the statistical data and other information contained herein are drawn from its database and other sources. In connection therewith, ICAP has advised that: (a) certain information in ICAP’s database is derived from estimates or subjective judgments; (b) the information in the databases of other maritime data collection agencies may differ from the information in ICAP’s database; and (c) while ICAP has taken reasonable care in the compilation of the statistical and other information and believes it to be accurate and correct, data compilation is subject to limited audit and validation procedures.

General Market Overview

(All text, data and charts provided by ICAP Shipping )

World Oil Demand/Supply and the Tanker Market

The disconnect between key global crude oil benchmarks Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) continued all throughout 2013, with the two mapping independent paths, ranging from a discount of the latter to Brent of over $23.00 per barrel (/bbl) in February to near-zero in July. The discount increased back to $20.00/bbl towards the end of the year and averaged around $11.00/bbl for the whole of 2013. Brent futures remained within a defined price range of $100/bbl-$120/bbl for most of the year, although on a yearly average basis prices declined by $2.98/bbl. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was much more volatile but on average prices rose by $3.90/bbl year-on-year.

The highs of the year for Brent were recorded early on in February as positive macroeconomic developments in China and the US—which had just avoided the fiscal cliff—helped to restore confidence. A risk premium was sustained on prices by geopolitical events, starting with the 16th January terrorist attack in Algeria’s Amenas gas facility, Israel air strikes into Syria and continued sanctions against Iran with supply disruptions in Libya, Yemen, Iraq, Sudan and Nigeria also coming into play later in the year. All these overshadowed an otherwise “well supplied market” based on the frequent assurances by OPEC whose spare capacity had already climbed back to a safer 4.5m barrels per day (bpd) in early 2013. Brent bottomed out in mid-April but only stayed below the $100/bbl mark for one week.

In the United States, the remaining 250,000 bpd of capacity of the reversed Seaway pipeline came online in January 2013 (the first 150,000 bpd had already started up in late 2012), however, storage bottlenecks at the Jones Creek end terminal forced a reduction in volumes carried from Cushing, Oklahoma to the US Gulf on the pipeline to around 200,000 bpd–300,000 bpd. Combined with lower US refinery utilization due to maintenance in the first quarter this pushed the Brent-WTI spread to its yearly highs of -$23.00/bbl in February, as crude from both the US and Canada was piling up in storage at the benchmark’s delivery point. Conditions changed quite dramatically in the second half of the year with upward momentum on oil prices sparked initially by the political upheaval in Egypt and the ousting of President Morsi by the army on 3rd July that revived past concerns of a closure or disruption of the Suez Canal and/or of the 2.4m bpd SUMED pipeline. In the meantime, the Seaway pipeline ramped up capacity to its full 400,000 bpd and US refinery runs increased steadily, drawing down on stocks and narrowing the Brent-WTI spread to its three and a half-year low.

US crude production increased by a staggering 990,000 bpd last year, which the International Energy Agency (IEA) cited as “one of the largest annual gains on record for any country”. Even though this was coupled with an increase in domestic refinery runs by 500,000 bpd to eight-year highs, there are doubts as to how much more crude production growth upcoming infrastructure (pipelines, crude-by-rail, storage, new refineries and adjustments to the crude slate of existing refineries) can sustain before the US is required to relax or altogether reverse the current crude export ban (note that Alaskan crude and exports to Canada are already exempt from the

 

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ban and have therefore been rising). Meanwhile, with rail still being the only means of transportation of domestic shale oil to some refining centers near the US coasts, its high cost (estimated between $14/bbl—$18/bbl) can at times render imported crude competitive again, a situation we saw occur during the summer months of 2013, as the price of domestic crude was approaching global benchmarks due to the ramp up of the Seaway pipeline. We may see this more often in 2014 as the addition of 1.15m bpd of pipeline capacity moving shale oil into the US Gulf should narrow the average discount of domestic crude to foreign crude further. The IEA estimates that North American liquids supply will record a 1.2m bpd increase this year with the US crude output alone forecast to grow by 780,000 bpd year-on-year.

The Brent-Dubai differential, an important indicator of volumes of West African crude loading for eastern destinations, increased again to just short of $6.00/bbl as Libyan production had dropped to near-zero levels by September 2013, having remarkably previously almost fully recovered to pre-civil war levels, exceeding at a time 1.4m bpd. Attacks by militias had been preventing a full recovery earlier in the year, but it was only after protesters demonstrating for labor issues shut down the 130,000 bpd El Feel oilfield in the southwest in late-May that the country’s production fell into a downward spiral with both oil fields and oil terminals shutting down and production dropping to as low as 150,000 bpd at some point in September. The loss of Libyan production adds a premium to Brent-based light sweet grades such as West African crude which prompts buyers in the east to turn to the cheaper Middle East Gulf crude to fulfill their requirements, knocking off tonne-miles. Early in 2014 there were some signs of a resolve of the issues in Libya with production reaching up to 750,000 bpd however this was short-lived and the situation in Libya remains precarious.

Global Oil Prices in 2013 and Key Differentials

 

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On a global level, crude supply increased by 605,000 bpd to 91.57m bpd in 2013. Non-OPEC growth averaged 1.35m bpd, more than offsetting the 860,000 bpd decline in OPEC crude production to 30.44m bpd which was due primarily to the loss of Libyan supply and continued sanctions against Iran. Non-OPEC total liquids supply is forecast to grow by 1.7m bpd in 2014 according to the IEA.

OPEC production peaked in the second quarter of 2013 at 31.1m bpd before Libyan supply losses begun to erode total volumes that bottomed out in November. Swing producer Saudi Arabia saw its production decline by 110,000 bpd on average in 2013 to 9.40m bpd despite the start up of its 900,000 bpd offshore heavy oil Manifa field in April. The kingdom is investing heavily in new production capacity to replace maturing fields over the next few years although new refining capacity is also being developed that will absorb some of the domestic crude and naturally reduce exports via its Red Sea and Middle East Gulf terminals. Iranian production dropped by a further 320,000 bpd to an average of 2.68m bpd. The relaxation of US and European sanctions pertaining to the transportation of Iranian oil in early 2014 helped to marginally increase crude exports as the remaining Iranian crude buyers (China, India, Japan and South Korea) had previously been unable to secure transportation for the full volumes that they were allowed to import under their secured US exemptions. Until the time of writing however, the crude export ban remains in place and exported volumes are still not allowed to increase further, therefore the impact has been limited. In West Africa, Nigerian supplies were down by 150,000 bpd to 1.95m bpd, crippled by the perennial issues of sabotage and oil theft whilst technical issues at Angolan fields also pushed production lower year-on-year by 60,000 bpd to 1.72m bpd.

Iraqi production growth helped offset some of these declines even though the year ended with a less-than-expected average increase of 130,000 bpd to 3.08m bpd. The shortfall was due to work undertaken on the country’s southern export infrastructure in the second half of last year and the continued dispute between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in the north. Iraq recorded staggering supply growth as soon as bottlenecks were cleared and work finished in the south hitting a 35-year high of 3.62m bpd in February 2014. Crude oil exports for the same month averaged 2.8m bpd, 89.6% of which were from Basrah, as dual-loading started up at two of the single point moorings (SPMs) with the third one expected to be completed in 2014. The export target for 2014 is set at 3.4m bpd, including 400,000 bpd from the KRG which would imply production levels of 4.00m bpd.

As far as energy reforms in 2013 go, Mexico made by far the most decisive move with the government passing a bill in December opening up the country’s upstream, midstream and downstream sectors to private and foreign investors ending a 75-year monopoly by Pemex. Mexico supplied 2.89m bpd of crude in 2013 which is forecast to stay very much the same in 2014, however, with the US now buying less sweet crude the country is looking for new buyers and export outlets for its Olmeca crude (39.3 API with 0.8pc sulphur). Olmeca makes up around one third of Mexico’s total production but previously only accounted for less than 6% of its exports as it was almost exclusively sold to the US. Europe, India and China are also target buyers for Mexican crude with one Pacific Coast terminal that had been shut in 2008, the Salina Cruz, re-opening to service exports of Isthmus and Maya crude in the future.

Canada is also progressing with its plans for new crude export outlets for its Alberta crude, in order to reduce its dependency on the US as a transit route and buyer. The US government has been delaying the approval of the Keystone XL pipeline which would connect Canadian crude with the recently inaugurated 700,000 bpd Gulf Coast pipeline to the US Gulf due to opposition by environmental and political groups. In December 2013,

 

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the 525,000 bpd Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta to the west coast of Canada received conditional approval, although there are many hurdles still before final approval. Otherwise, Canada is also progressing with its 1.1m bpd Energy East pipeline to the East Coast of Canada and expanding rail capacity as well to feed its own refineries there and to export the crude via a new deep water terminal. Canadian supply is set to grow to 4.5m bpd by 2025 according to the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers.

Russian crude exports to the east have been rising even though production as a whole has only been marginally increasing by 150,000 bpd in 2013 and is expected to increase by another 90,000 bpd (IEA) in 2014. Eastern Siberia—Pacific Ocean pipeline volumes to the Pacific terminal of Kozmino will rise by 430,000 bpd by 2020 for export and to feed two new refineries of a combined 240,000 bpd capacity and one 490,000 bpd petrochemical complex. Capacity of the ESPO spur into China increased by 800,000 tons (16,000 bpd) in 2013 and is expected to increase by a further 600,000 tons (12,000 bpd) this year bringing the total up to around 313,000 bpd. Future plans include an expansion to 600,000 bpd from 2018. China’s Sinopec entered a new 10-year deal with Rosneft last October for a further 200,000 bpd of supply starting in 2014 some of which will come via pipeline, however, some will have to come on ships perhaps even from as further afield as the Baltic or the Black Sea due to infrastructure constraints in the east. The Kazakhstan-China pipeline that started operating in July 2006 with a capacity of 14m tons per year is also expected to be expanded to 20m tons per year (400,000 bpd) in 2014. The Kazakh crude will mainly be used as feedstock for the Dushanzhi refinery and to fill the Phase 2 Strategic Petroleum Storage in the Xinjiang province. Finally, the Kashagan field in the Caspian Sea was first inaugurated in July 2013 for a first phase of 180,000 bpd within a year and then 370,000 bpd, whilst Phase 2 would increase capacity to 1m bpd. However, production has been hit by several delays since first oil.

Global oil demand grew by 1.27m bpd in 2013 to 91.33m bpd with this year expected by the IEA to record an even stronger +1.35m bpd growth. This is on the back of the International Monetary Fund’s latest estimates that put global GDP growth at 3.7% in 2014, up from 3.0% in 2013. Demand in non-OECD economies expanded by around 1.19m bpd while the OECD saw a slight increase as well of 80,000 bpd after two consecutive years of declines. Oil demand growth in the United States famously exceeded that of China last year at 396,000 bpd against 278,000 bpd respectively, although this is expected to reverse in 2014 with growth seen at +96,000 bpd and +344,000 bpd respectively.

OECD stocks dropped sharply towards the end of 2013 with the fourth quarter recording a 1.5m bpd decline, the steepest quarterly decline since the fourth quarter of 1999. According to the IEA, the deficit to five-year average levels widened to 103m barrels, the first time the 100m barrel level was crossed since mid-2004. The actual level for commercial inventories also touched a five-year low at 2,559m barrels in December. The main drop was recorded in December due to exceptionally harsh weather conditions in the US. For the whole year, inventories grew by an average of 0.2m bpd as build-ups during the first and third quarters helped to offset the losses of the second and fourth quarters. The decline continued counter seasonally into January 2014 – the US Department of Energy offered 5m barrels of crude from the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve in March to test the system for delivering emergency supplies.

 

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Global GDP Growth (IMF January 2014)

 

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Global Oil Supply and Demand

 

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The loss of US crude imports in favor of domestic crude over the last year has meant that other Atlantic crudes have increasingly been heading east, strongly impacting tonne miles and generating new trades. One example of a new trade is that of the Mexican Olmeca crude being sold to Europe as mentioned earlier. Also, Alaskan crude which used to be almost exclusively sold to the US West Coast (USWC) is also now looking for buyers in Asia-Pacific as new crude-by-rail capacity is feeding shale oil into the USWC refineries instead, replacing imports. Furthermore, the 85,000 bpd Flint Hills refinery in Alaska is shutting down in the second quarter of 2014, leaving more Alaskan crude available for export later in the year. Alaskan crude is not subject to the US crude export ban. Meanwhile, growing crude supplies from the East Coast of Canada and from Latin America and West Africa (WAF) continue to head east, significantly boosting tonne-miles for the crude sector. For the time being refiners in the US Gulf previously configured to burn heavy crude from Latin America cannot outright use shale oil as feedstock which has sustained imports from the Middle East Gulf (MEG) at high levels for blending. This compares to a drop of imports from West Africa to the US to 570,000 bpd in 2013 from 800,000 bpd in 2012 and 1.27m bpd in 2011. West African imports revived somewhat during the summer of 2013—when the pricing differential favored imported crude—to around 700,000 bpd but dropped off to 350,000 bpd in the fourth quarter and to as low as 150,000 bpd in early 2014.

So far, the US has not reversed or in any way altered the 1970s crude export ban despite the rapidly growing production of its Light Tight Oil (LTO). In order to cope, refiners have been increasing utilization rates to over 90% whilst some new processing capacity is planned to come online. These are mainly condensate splitters, otherwise known as “pop-up” refineries, built to process shale oil into exportable products. Storage capacity is also expanding around the US Gulf to accommodate the crude influx. Going forward, the debate continues on how the US will tackle future bottlenecks with some options available to choose from: the first is for more refineries to be re-configured for lighter feedstocks. However, this would be expensive and would require some offline time. This would also make the refineries heavily reliant on domestic LTO production growth which is risky as many analysts expect this to peak in the next few years. The second option would be to push existing refineries’ utilization rates even higher, however, that may not be adequate for long. Opening more new refineries is also likely—albeit slower—plus those new plants would have to compete in the already oversupplied global refining market. In view of all this, it is likely that the US will at least partially allow for exports of its crude, whether all types or only of the condensate-like shale oil, within the next couple of years.

With US buying disappearing, West African loadings to Asia rose to a record high of 2.08m bpd in December of which 1.3m bpd was destined for China. China continues to lead tonne-mile demand, supported by its expanding refining capacity and its continued drive to diversify away from the Middle East Gulf for its crude needs. China’s crude production remained stagnant at 4.18m bpd last year and is forecast to increase only marginally by 80,000 bpd in 2014.

At the same time, China has plans to add up to 720,000 bpd of refining capacity in 2014. For years China has had aggressive refining capacity expansion plans and although the country has added over 2.6m bpd of capacity since 2009, this still falls well short of original plans. The reason for the consecutive delays of some projects is the government’s unwillingness to open up product exports, leaving expansions heavily dependent on domestic demand growing. With domestic demand growth slowing down and at least some of the planned new refining capacity coming online, this has left China oversupplied with products pressuring refinery utilization rates lower. The impact of new refining capacity on crude imports has therefore been less than what the headline addition would suggest. Last year, China added 690,000 bpd of nominal refining capacity yet crude oil imports only increased by an average of 230,000 bpd to a yearly average of 5.66m bpd and domestic demand grew by 278,000 bpd. Given Chinese domestic demand growth is expected to increase by 340,000 bpd in 2014 it would be reasonable to expect crude import growth to be around the same levels or perhaps reaching up to 400,000 bpd given the government’s recent initiative to push product export quotas higher to record—yet nowhere near high enough—levels.

In April 2013, The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) in China announced long-awaited pricing reforms, which shortened the adjustment period for oil prices from 22 to 10 business days, and

 

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scrapped a trigger point of 4% variation in the country’s crude basket benchmark price, which improved refining margins and encouraged the stronger capacity additions. China is also upgrading the quality of its domestic fuels to National IV standards (similar to EURO IV) gradually throughout 2014. The quality of gasoline will change from January onwards and for diesel this will take place at the end of the year. National V standards will be imposed for both gasoline and diesel in 2018 as China fights its pollution issues—another argument that has been used against the additions of all of the planned refineries. With fuel quality rising to match other major consuming regions this could facilitate product exports if the government permits it. Finally, the much discussed Phase 2 of China’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve seems to be progressing again this year after an inactive year in 2013, although the relevant storage sites being built are not expected to start receiving crude before earliest the end of the year or as of early 2015.

India is also seeing its crude long haul crude imports increase, particularly since sanctions were imposed on Iran, one of its key suppliers. India has been looking for supplies from further afield more favorably in recent years. Even though import volume growth has slowed down to an increase of 130,000 bpd in 2013 versus an annual average increase of just over 500,000 bpd in 2012, Latin America accounted for the bulk of that growth with 120,000 bpd, whilst more crude is expected to be sourced from North America as well in the future. A further 350,000 bpd of refining capacity is expected to come on stream in India in 2014 which should prompt more crude imports. Contrary to China, India has large private refiners who are free to sell their products to the international market. Indian refinery runs peaked early on in 2013 to just shy of 4.8m bpd but ended the year at just over 4.4m bpd.

US, India and China Crude Imports by Selected Sources

 

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Crude Tanker Tonne-Miles and Growth since 2000

 

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Last year also marked an increase in arbitrage volumes of fuel oil moving from west to east, supporting crude tankers. These trades are expected to continue this year as bunker demand east of Suez increases with trade in/out of the region whilst the Chinese independent (“teapot”) refiners are still dependent on fuel oil imports for feedstock. Thirdly, Japan will still use fuel oil for its power generation needs as no nuclear capacity restarts have been announced for this year. With the Caribbean region becoming an Emissions Control Area (ECA) in 2014 and the relevant sulphur regulations tightening in 2015, demand for bunker fuel in the west may decline in favor of gasoil, opening up more arbitrage opportunities for the dirty product to head east.

Moving on to the products sector, the US Gulf has by now established itself as an aggressive competitor for Atlantic product import business. Refiners have boosted their crude runs to absorb the rising domestic crude supplies and exploit the feedstock’s discount to other global grades. Distillate exports have led export growth peaking at almost 1.4m bpd in July 2013 and remaining well above 1m bpd for the average of last year. Product exports are expected to continue to grow strongly this year as domestic demand growth slows down and refiners will need to boost utilization rates further to absorb more domestic crude coming down the coast on new pipelines. In the meantime, gasoline imports have been declining last year with more gasoline now available from domestic refiners and the transport sector moving towards cleaner fuels pushing demand down. This led to the erosion of the traditional UK Continent to US Atlantic Coast (USAC) gasoline trade and European refiners looking for replacement buyers in Latin America and West Africa, now in competition with the US refiners.

 

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LOGO

European refinery margins have also been squeezed by new capacity coming online east of Suez in the Middle East Gulf. This competition intensifies even more in 2014 with 1m bpd of capacity additions expected by the end of the year, some of which will be targeting product exports primarily into Europe. With many refineries in Europe requiring high quality/high price crude for feedstock, more than 2.5m bpd of capacity was forced to shut down since 2009 as they could not compete. Furthermore, the average refining utilization rate declined to 75.6% in 2013 from 78.4% in 2012. Even though only a couple of refineries have announced they will be shutting down this year, utilization rates are expected to continue to fall gradually to the expense of crude imports but to the benefit of product imports into Europe as the economy returns to positive growth.

In the east of Suez product market, Australia saw the Clyde refinery shut down in 2013 for conversion into a product terminal, whilst the Kurnell refinery is due to shut down this year, also for conversion. A third refinery was also recently sold to a trading company who has so far announced it will keep operations going. With the loss of this capacity and more closures possibly to come later, Australia is raising its product import requirements going forward. Most of the increase will be supplied by surrounding areas, mainly Singapore and some by South Korea. However, after the completion of the terminal conversions which will allow for larger product tankers to call, imports may be sourced from as far away as India and the Middle East Gulf.

Product imports are also expected to continue to grow into Latin America and West Africa as both regions are seeing demand increasing whilst refining capacity remains stagnant. Both the Atlantic exporters in the US Gulf and Europe and the eastern suppliers in the Middle East Gulf and India will be competing for shares in these trades. North Africa however saw throughputs hit a record high of 610,000 bpd in December 2013, as the new 335,000 bpd Skikda refinery was completed in Algeria.

Another new refinery which was completed in Tuapse in the Black Sea last year triggered a significant increase in naphtha volumes heading east. The growing arbitrage trade from west to the east was supported by the increase in the price of LPG in Asia against a decline in naphtha prices in both US and Europe due to declining demand and more naphtha remaining in surplus. Naphtha imports into South Korea increased by 24% or 240,000 bpd last year. Growth is expected to slow down this year although the arbitrage should stay mostly open.

 

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World Tanker Fleet

VLCC fleet growth declined sharply in 2013 to 2% year-on-year from the previous 6.0% recorded in 2012. Last year saw the addition of 30 vessels whilst removals accelerated to 18 vessels leaving net growth at 12 vessels. At the beginning of last year there were 47 deliveries scheduled for 2013, implying a slippage rate of 17 vessels or 36.2%, the highest slippage rate since 2009 for the sector. Of the vessels removed, 12 were sent to scrap with an average age of 18.4 years marking the lowest average on record for the sector. This has sparked debate whether the lifespan of VLCCs will steadily decline with some even placing it at 15 years in the future, particularly after new regulations (Ballast Water Treatment, ECA regulations etc.) add onto the cost side for the existing fleet and new fuel efficient vessels come in. Market conditions will be key for this—as the market is expected to remain well supplied, charterers will continue to prefer the most modern tonnage for their cargoes. Not every charterer however places restrictions on age at 15 years, many still accept older but well maintained VLCCs. Even if the lifespan did decline gradually, there is enough room for more ordering to take place to offset much of the impact of heavier than expected removals. More likely, the lifespan of the vessels will gradually decline to around 20 years and scrapping will stay much more modest over the next few years. At the start of 2014 there are 33 VLCCs listed for delivery this year. Applying the average slippage of the last five years for the sector of 27.7%, this would mean an addition of 24 VLCCs this year versus expected removals of 12 vessels, leaving net fleet growth at par with last year’s 12 vessels or 2.0%.

The Suezmax fleet also saw a drop in fleet growth to 2.9% last year from 6.1% in 2012 as only 17 vessels were delivered versus an originally scheduled 40, implying a very strong slippage rate of 57.5%. Removals were slow with only five vessels scrapped. With very little ordering so far for the sector, fleet growth will continue to decline this year to 0.9% or a net growth of only four vessels even though 20 vessels are scheduled for delivery. This net addition of 12 vessels in 2013 is significantly lower than the 24-vessel net growth of 2012. The average slippage rate for the last five years stands at 37.7% whilst many of the vessels still in the orderbook may not come at all due to heavy delays at some of the yards.

The Aframax fleet shrunk in 2013 due to continued heavy scrapping. In the beginning of last year there were 33 vessels scheduled to be delivered during the year of which only 17 were finally delivered (48.5% slippage). This low rate against the removal of 21 vessels left net fleet growth at minus four vessels indicating a fleet reduction of -0.4%. Negative fleet growth is expected to continue in 2014. The year starts with a scheduled 31 vessels to be delivered although applying the five-year average slippage rate of 28.4% this drops to an expected 22 vessels. Removals should continue to be strong with 30 vessels expected to exit the market by the end of the year keeping fleet growth in negative territory at minus eight vessels, or -0.9%. The dirty side of the fully coated fleet benefited from a large number of vessels switching to Clean Petroleum Product (CPP) trades early last year, when the clean side was enjoying significantly higher earnings. Despite the downward correction of the clean side earnings by the end of 2013 and the very strong dirty side earnings since the beginning of 2014 so far only few vessels have switched back to dirty cargoes, perhaps in expectation that future prospects still favor vessels remaining on clean trades.

Panamax fleet growth followed a similar trend declining to 1.0% in 2013 from 2.0% in 2012. Only 12 vessels were delivered last year most of which were fully coated whilst eight vessels were removed, putting net growth at four vessels. In the beginning of 2013 scheduled deliveries stood at 27 vessels bringing the slippage rate for last year at a very high 55.5%. For this year only 13 vessels are scheduled to be delivered, once again most of which will be fully coated. The average slippage rate for the last five years is at 35.9% which means an addition of eight vessels is expected by the end of the year against removals of seven vessels. Net fleet growth is thus forecast at only one vessel or 0.2%.

The MR products tanker fleet (45,000 dwt – 55,000 dwt) saw fleet growth accelerate in 2013 due to the heavy ordering that began in 2011 and a very high slippage rate in 2012. In the beginning of the year 107 vessels were due to be delivered of which only 79 finally came in (29.2% slippage). As the market still enjoyed relatively healthy returns and the average age of the fleet is very young, scrapping remained subdued with only four vessels removed. Net growth was thus 75 vessels in 2013 compared to only 40 in 2012 although still much

 

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lower than the peak of 122 vessels in 2009. This year we start with 119 vessels scheduled to be delivered which come down to 80 after accounting for slippage of 32.9%, as per the average of the last five years. We expect to see a more active year for scrapping in 2014 although the forecast is still at only 10 vessels. Net growth is therefore expected at a slightly less 70 vessels or 6.5% compared to last year’s 7.5%.

The Handy products tanker fleet (27,000 dwt – 45,000 dwt) continues to record negative fleet growth primarily due to the removal of remaining non-double hull tonnage and low ordering activity in the past. Last year, only nine vessels were delivered versus the originally scheduled 22, whilst 26 vessels were removed. This year deliveries accelerate a little to 18 against an original list of 28 after accounting for five year average slippage rate of 34.5%. Removals should also accelerate with 40 vessels expected to head to the scrap yards during 2014. Net fleet growth is therefore seen negative at -22 vessels versus last year’s -17 (-2.6% and -1.9% respectively). This year will be the fifth consecutive year of negative growth for the segment.

Newbuildings

 

    Newbuilding Tanker Prices (South Korea)  

 

     Jan-04     Jan-05     Jan-06     Jan-07     Jan-08     Jan-09     Jan-10     Jan-11     Jan-12     Jan-13     Jan-14 

VLCC

  $79.0m   $120.0m   $122.0m   $130.0m   $146.0m   n/a   $100.0m   $105.0m   $100.0m   $90.0m   $92.0m

Suezmax

  $53.0m   $  74.0m   $  73.0m   $  80.5m   $  86.0m   n/a   $  60.0m   $  65.0m   $  62.0m   $60.0m   $67.0m

Aframax (Uncoated)

  $44.5m   $  62.5m   $  61.0m   $  65.5m   $  72.0m   n/a   $  51.0m   $  57.0m   $  52.0m   $48.0m   $53.0m

MR

  $34.0m   $  41.0m   $  43.5m   $  47.0m   $  51.0m   n/a   $  32.0m   $  37.0m   $  34.5m   $32.0m   $37.0m

Price assessments were suspended in late 2008 and early 2009 due to a lack of liquidity in the tanker sale and purchase markets

Ordering activity was moderate on the VLCC sector during the low market of the first three quarters of 2013. However, sentiment changed rapidly after the market spiked in November with over 20 orders placed in that month alone. The year ended with a total of 51 confirmed orders for VLCCs, with deliveries mainly in 2016 and 2017. This compares to 52 orders placed back in 2010 when the market was last enjoying a recovery. Since the beginning of 2014 the sustained high markets have attracted another 24 orders which brings the current orderbook at 97 vessels against a current fleet of 615 vessels. Despite earlier fears of large-scale ordering from China this did not materialize, with only around a third of the current orderbook controlled by Chinese interests (private and state). The remaining orders are held by other independent owners, some budgeting on future prospects and some taking a more short term asset play view as prices have been driven upwards by renewed ordering activity and by the spot market. In fact, at the time of writing prices for a newbuilding VLCC in South Korea are quoted at the levels of $100m, which already provides a healthy return to early movers.

Suezmax ordering slowed to near-zero levels in 2013 on the back of the slow market. Only four conventional vessels were ordered during the year plus one shuttle tanker. Despite a significant recovery in freight rates towards the end of the year no ordering was placed, contrary to what we saw in the VLCC sector. Five orders have been placed already this year however. The Suezmaxes have had to expand into new trades and into trades where they compete with VLCCs and Aframaxes as their traditional West Africa to USAC market almost disappeared due to the US shale oil. This is now the least ordered sector in the over-27,000 dwt tankers since the beginning of 2013, which by consequence makes it attractive. Despite the lack of orders, yards’ ideas on newbuilding prices have increased to the highest of the post-crisis years starting the year at $67m. Despite this, as many of the vessels in the orderbook of 30 vessels are “in doubt” due to delays in yards and financing issues, some rightly or wrongly view this sector as the focus for this year.

Ordering activity in the Aframax sector focused on the fully coated side with 60 firm LR2 orders and seven uncoated vessels contracted. Prices have therefore moved up with the estimate for an uncoated vessel at South Korean yards increasing to $53m by January this year from $48m in January 2013. The coating specification of the vessels on order could change, although it is generally seen as a relatively cheap option to hold in order to be

 

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able to trade the vessel in the CPP trades as prospects for long haul trades open up in the next few years. A coated vessel can still trade in dirty trades although it would require cleaning before it switched back into a clean cargo and would need to find a charterer to accept its dirty history – for a discount. In early March 2014, 98 Aframax vessels were on order in total against a fleet of 882. Of these, 66 are specified as fully coated.

Following the 106 confirmed MR orders placed in 2012, 2013 set a new record for the sector with 166 vessels contracted. This drove prices significantly higher to $37m from a low of $32m, as quality yards saw their slots fill up. At the moment, deliveries for new orders are well into late-2016 but mostly going into 2017. The incentive for ordering MRs changed dramatically over the last few years. The trend begun in 2011 against expectations of US refinery closures, however, this has since changed due to the exploitation of US shale oil reserves. Refineries survived and in fact the US now contributes as an important product exporter with most of the trade ex-US Gulf moving on MR tankers. Owners then looked at the offered eco design which reduces fuel consumption as a means of obtaining a competitive advantage. With the MRs being the workhorse of the products market these vessels can provide a more predictable cash flow, being less volatile compared to some of their larger cousins. Demand prospects remain relatively positive whilst the sector has rewarded investors with asset appreciation in the past, so we expect interest in the sector to continue albeit at a slower pace this year.

Shipbuilding capacity, at least that of the yards that the tanker industry favors, appears to be very thin until 2016 and yards are now enjoying their newly improved negotiating power. South Korean yards dominated the market in 2013 with 221 firm orders placed in the over-27,000 dwt conventional tanker sectors with China in second place at 83 vessels out of a total of 360 orders recorded. Japanese yards remain too expensive for many international owners. Orderbooks however still look rather empty from 2018 onwards. A large percentage of the current tanker orderbook is held by non-traditional players that have found shipping yields attractive. Bank finance is still available for core clients with long standing relationships with the banks. Despite the recent correction upwards, newbuilding prices overall are still near historical lows in real terms and therefore ordering is not expected to dry up this year. Even though prices are expected to continue to rise this year, spot market forecasts do not allow for a very steep increase.

Second-hand Prices

 

    5-Year Old Tanker Prices
     Jan-04     Jan-05     Jan-06   Jan-07     Jan-08     Jan-09     Jan-10     Jan-11     Jan-12     Jan-13     Jan-14 

VLCC

  $72.0m   $110.0m   $120.0m   $117.0m   $138.0m   n/a   $77.0m   $80.0m   $55.0m   $51.0m   $60.8m

Suezmax

  $49.5m   $  75.0m   $  76.0m   $  80.0m   $  96.0m   n/a   $55.0m   $56.0m   $43.0m   $37.0m   $38.0m

Aframax (Uncoated)

  $39.0m   $  59.0m   $  65.0m   $  65.0m   $  73.0m   n/a   $39.0m   $41.0m   $32.0m   $27.0m   $29.5m

MR

  $30.0m   $  40.0m   $  47.0m   $  47.0m   $  52.0m   n/a   $24.5m   $26.0m   $25.5m   $22.0m   $28.0m

Price assessments were suspended in late 2008 and early 2009 due to a lack of liquidity in the tanker sale and purchase markets

Second-hand prices increased across all sectors year-on-year, driven by a rush to catch the bottom of the cycle that sparked more buying interest. In some cases, five-year old prices did not quite rise as fast as newbuilding prices as some prefer to pay the premium in order to get a more fuel efficient vessel. For a VLCC, secondhand prices rose by 19.2%, compared to 11.1% for newbuildings (considering the last done at $100m). The steeper growth in secondhand prices reflects the prospects for the sector over the next two-year window of very low fleet growth. Suezmax secondhand prices only increased by 2.7% even though the price of a newbuilding came up by 11.6%. Here secondhand prices remained very near the lowest of the post-crisis era due to very low investment interest. Aframax five-year old prices rose by 9.2% mirroring the growth in the newbuilding price. MR secondhand prices rose by 27.2% compared to the 15.6% growth in the newbuilding price.

 

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Vessel earnings

The crude tanker market saw a weak first three quarters in 2013 led by stock-drawing and refinery expansion delays. Falling imports into the US, whilst not necessarily negative in the long term had impacted the market due to limited growth in other major consuming regions. During the first three quarters of the year, TD3 (Tanker route MEG-Japan for crude oil) TCE averaged $7,310/day (basis design speed and round voyage) with no one expecting the magnitude of the freight rate recovery that came in the fourth quarter.

Consistent strong volumes to the east in the second half of 2013 gradually worked through the backlog of VLCCs in the Middle East Gulf until the tonnage availability was reduced enough to bolster sentiment and trigger the spike in freight rates. The volumes and sentiment persisted throughout December and activity rolled into the Suezmax sector as well. Even though eastern buying of long haul crude eased in January 2014, the resulting higher European imports from West Africa supported the Suezmaxes which returned the favor to the VLCCs. The Aframaxes in the meantime experienced the “perfect storm” of weather delays and other disruptions in January, solidifying owners’ bullish stance.

The improving supply/demand balance will support an overall improvement in the sector’s average earnings this year and raise the market floor, with the VLCCs leading the way for the Suezmaxes and the Aframaxes that are better set to exploit regional opportunities. Furthermore, we expect to see more short-term tonnage shortage windows throughout the year as the balance tightens overall which can raise the market ceiling to truly unpredictable levels. It is important to remember however that the market will continue to be oversupplied and will probably revert back to the sustainable average – which is likely to be higher than last year’s. Slow steaming and scrapping remain within owners’ control in the meantime, and need to continue in order to hold on to any positive momentum.

In the products sector, strong additions to the MR fleet and the switching of fully coated LR vessels to trade into CPP drove the market down since the highs of the beginning of 2013. Having said that, the changing CPP trade landscape and the addition of new exporters and importers has been setting the ground for longer haul trades to develop, whilst triangulation of the smaller vessels is now much more feasible improving utilization rates. This does not always transpire on benchmark round voyage earnings reports as the effect of triangulation fails to be captured.

 

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VLCC Time Charter Equivalent Spot Market Earnings

 

LOGO

VLCC

Benchmark VLCC spot earnings started the year with a counter seasonal low, burdened by oversupply and lower volumes that crushed owners’ sentiment. The average earnings for a round voyage TD3 (265,000 tons from Middle East Gulf to Japan) stood at only $3,800/day for normal speeding in Q1, the lowest first quarter since at least 2000. Despite a slight improvement in fundamentals throughout Q2 and Q3, average earnings only rose to $9,900/day and $8,100/day in Q2 and Q3 respectively for normal speeds. These equate to $11,900/day, $16,900/day and $15,000/day for Q1, Q2 and Q3 respectively calculated at slower speeds.

Since the summer, Chinese crude demand accelerated as new refining capacity was attracting more long haul crude from West Africa for test runs and state refiners were filling up new commercial storage capacity of a total of 75m barrels gradually until the end of the year. Imports rose from an average of 5.59m bpd in the first half of last year to an average of 5.86m bpd in the second half and reached an all time high of 6.63m bpd by January 2014. Much of that is thought to have gone into commercial storage and is expected to be drawn down gradually—this volatility in imports from China has been strongly correlated with freight for the VLCC sector.

Combined with the impact of accelerated removals and slower deliveries in the second half of the year, November started with a shortage of available tonnage which prompted owners to raise their rate ideas. The fourth quarter finally averaged a hefty $38,600/day (normal speed) or $41,600/day in slow steaming terms. The yearly average thus just about managed to end the year flat at around $15,000/day for normal speed or at $21,000/day for slow steaming. The market had stayed strong early in 2014 although we expect it to cool off. Nevertheless, the supply/demand balance is improving this year raising the earnings’ floor for the sector to more sustainable levels.

 

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Furthermore, similar short-term shortages could drive freight rate averages to unpredictable highs, as long as owners maintain slow operating speeds and keep up scrapping activity.

Suezmax Time Charter Equivalent Spot Market Earnings

 

LOGO

Suezmax

The Suezmax composite (basis 70% West Africa/US Atlantic Coast and 30% Black Sea/Med.) traded along very low levels during the first three quarters of the year, similarly to the VLCCs. Quarterly averages for normal speed came at $8,900/day in Q1 ($10,900/day for slow steaming), $6,500/day in Q2 ($8,500/day), $6,300/day in Q3 ($8,300/day) and $16,800/day in Q4 ($19,600/day). Even though the market was dragged up by the VLCC strength in the fourth quarter, the year ended lower than 2012 with the normal speed earnings averaging $10,000/day and slow steaming earnings averaging $11,000/day. Suezmaxes finally did see earnings spike in January 2014, due to increased buying of West African crude by Europe, as China was reducing loadings ahead of the Chinese New Year holiday.

Suezmaxes have been seeing their traditional trade from West Africa to the US gradually disappear to a mere 150,000 bpd by early 2014 because of shale oil, from an average of 1.27m bpd back in 2011. The sector has therefore become heavily dependent on European crude imports although refinery runs there have also been declining to the sub-10m bpd level. More Suezmaxes are therefore competing with the VLCCs for eastern share

going forward, particularly to India although they do maintain an advantage over fuel oil shipments west to east and for some shorter haul trades, often competing however with Aframaxes for the latter.

 

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Aframax Time Charter Equivalent Spot Market Earnings

 

LOGO

Aframax

The Aframax composite (a straight average of six worldwide voyages) started with a disappointing Q1 with earnings averaging $9,500/day. The first quarter is typically strongly affected by weather delays and earnings spike. The market stayed at the sub-$10,000/day levels in Q2 and Q3 before it entered its next winter season in Q4 and earnings rose slightly to $13,800/day under normal speed or $17,200/day under slow steaming. Heavy delays around most of the areas that Aframaxes operate in finally came in Q1 2014 whilst the Suezmaxes and VLCC sectors were also enjoying a rally. As a result, the Aframax composite topped $60,000/day in January basis normal speed. The sector’s best performing routes in 2013 have been the weather-sensitive 100,000 ton Baltic to UK Continent (TD17) and the 70,000 ton Caribs to US Gulf (TD9) which remained relatively strong throughout most of the year attracting Suezmaxes to enter the trade as well.

The annual average for 2013 was therefore $10,000/day basis normal speed, or $13,000/day basis slow steaming marking a 25% increase year-on-year, the strongest yearly growth for the crude sector despite the fact that the Aframax composite was the least volatile throughout the year, compared to the Suezmax composite and TD3 (VLCCs).

 

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MR Time Charter Equivalent Spot Market Earnings

 

LOGO

MR

The MR composite (a straight average of six worldwide voyages) started the year on a high, hitting the highest monthly average earnings in January since 2009. This was on the back of stronger exports from the US Gulf and increased activity and delays east of Suez due to refinery closures in Australia. Ever since however, the net addition of 75 vessels took its toll and average earnings corrected down. Nevertheless, the sector still managed to see year-on-year growth in earnings of 27.2% which was also a strong argument towards more orders being placed throughout the year. The quarterly earnings were at $17,800/day in Q1, $15,500/day in Q2, $12,200/day in Q3 and $11,300/day in Q4 basis design speed. For this sector the differential between design speed and slow speed in earnings is very small. For the total of the year, the composite averaged $14,000/day, up from $11,000/day.

The sector’s ability to absorb the net addition of 423 vessels over the last six years has been truly remarkable. Some support has come from the shrinking Handy fleet whilst more MRs are being built with an IMO 2 or 3 capacity and have therefore been involved also in chemical and vegoil trades. With increasing volumes and triangulation opportunities to look forward to, owners will have more opportunities to outperform the benchmarks in the future, however, this will also mean that ballast legs for the fleet as a whole will decline which would otherwise be keeping some vessels out of the market.

LNG Market

Last year, several unforeseen events have affected both demand and supply for LNG. Firstly on the demand side, Japan maintained most of its nuclear reactors shut and eventually closed down its last operating reactor in

 

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September. As a consequence, Japanese demand for LNG rose to 87.49m tons, even higher than the 2012 record figure of 87.31m tons, which was already 11% higher than in 2011. In November, South Korea also faced nuclear outages and increased its LNG imports. On the supply side, Nigeria made headlines a couple of times, as did Angola LNG – although for opposite reasons. Angola LNG shipped its first cargo in June after a year and a half of delays whereas Nigeria LNG exports were halted a couple of times over the course of the year as force majeure had been declared on Africa’s largest natural gas export terminal and a tax dispute later forced exports to be suspended again. Rates remained below the $100,000 per day ceiling for 140,000 cubic metre (cbm) vessels and hit a bottom in June below $90,000 per day. The cold weather in the Far East and relatively few production outages in the beginning of the year turned out to be positive factors for LNG demand and vessels’ employment. The market remained rather quiet for the rest of the year with some downward pressure on rates due to the production disruptions mentioned earlier.

Figure 1: Japan LNG imports

 

LOGO

Since the inception of the market, approximately 50 years ago, liquefaction capacity has expanded significantly in the early producing countries while other regions such as West Africa and the Caribbean later joined the club. To a large extent, the Asia Pacific market is still mainly driven by Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, while Malaysia and Indonesia have brought online regasification capacity despite the fact that Malaysia has historically been an LNG exporter. LNG prices in Asia Pacific have historically been higher than in the Atlantic basin because of limited alternatives available. Indeed, buyers in the Atlantic basin have usually been European countries that relied on LNG to add to their pipeline gas imports from the Former Soviet Union. On the sell side, Algeria played a major role in supplying those markets as a first mover in the sector. Furthermore, while pricing in Asia Pacific has traditionally been linked to crude imports and the famous Japanese Crude Cocktail, pricing in the Atlantic basin reflected more closely traditional regional gas pricing.

 

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Figure 2: Deliveries of LNG tankers by size

 

LOGO

Although liquefaction capacity expansion was limited in 2013, the picture looks different for 2013 and 2015 with the giant 15 million tons annually (mta) Gorgon Project, thought to hold more than 2.2bn barrels of oil equivalent, projected to deliver first gas towards the end of this year, the Queensland Curtis project scheduled to come online in the third quarter of this year and the Gladstone project planned for 2015, all three in Australia. The substantial PNG LNG project – with a capacity of 6.6 mta – in Papua New Guinea is expected to deliver first gas this year too. If everything goes as planned, 2014 will see more liquefaction capacity additions than each of the four previous years.

Interesting developments have taken place in the US as well. Since shale oil output started rising a couple of years ago, companies gradually started to show an interest in exporting LNG out of the US. As a result, a few new approvals have been granted last year, allowing for total exports of roughly 6.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas to non Free-Trade-Agreement countries. However, the US regulatory body made it clear that the potential economic impact of each application for an export authorization would be assessed, making it unlikely to see the number of approvals granted surge substantially in the future.

Figure 3: LNG Fleet Age Profile (No. of vessels)

 

LOGO

With regards to the LNG tanker fleet, 42 vessels totaling slightly more than 3 million dwt and a gas capacity of 6 million cubic feet (mcf) have been ordered in 2013. The orderbook now comprises 112 vessels of which 30 are scheduled to be delivered in 2014 and 39 in 2015 while 19 ships have been delivered in 2013 totaling a gas capacity of more than 2.5 mcf. Despite the increased ordering activity that started around 2011, vessel prices remain around the same level as they did in 2009 at approximately $200 million for a 147,000 cbm vessel. The degree of concentration in the sector remains high with a handful of owners dominating the orderbook.

 

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Company Overview

As of April 10, 2014 the fleet consisted of 45 double-hull tankers with an average age of 7.3 years, one LNG carrier and two suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers providing world-wide marine transportation services for national, major and other independent oil companies and refiners under long, medium and short-term charters. The current fleet consists of one VLCC, twelve suezmaxes including the two DP2 shuttle tankers delivered in March and April 2013, respectively, eleven aframaxes, nine panamaxes, six handymaxes, eight handysizes and one LNG carrier. All vessels are owned by our subsidiaries. The charter rates that we obtain for these services are determined in a highly competitive global tanker charter market. The tankers operate in markets that have historically exhibited both cyclical and seasonal variations in demand and corresponding fluctuations in charter rates. Tanker markets are typically stronger in the winter months as a result of increased oil consumption in the northern hemisphere. In addition, unpredictable weather conditions in the winter months in various regions around the world tend to disrupt vessel scheduling. The oil price volatility resulting from these factors has historically led to increased oil trading activities. Changes in available vessel supply are also a contributing factor in affecting the cyclicality and overall volatility present in the tanker sector which is reflected both in charter rates and asset values.

Results from Operations—2013

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to those statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This discussion includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. As a result of many factors, such as those set forth under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Annual Report our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

The world economy maintained elements of uncertainty throughout 2013, particularly in the West, albeit with glimpses of hope emanating from the US. The national debt and deficit problems of Europe coupled with the extreme austerity measures required in several countries particularly in the European South, continued to cause considerable concern, further threatening global financial stability. In such an environment, expected demand for oil was adversely affected and eventually exhibited a meager growth. As per the International Energy Agency (“IEA”), 2013 global oil demand grew by 1.4% from 2012, translating to 91.3 mbpd in 2013 vs. 90.0 mbpd in 2012.

Demand in Europe actually fell, but was offset by increasing demand in the Asia/Pacific region, primarily China and India. While demand for oil was demonstrating low growth, the ongoing supply of crude-carrying vessels continued to negatively affect the tanker market for most of 2013 despite a material reduction in the newbuilding orderbook compared to 2012.

As a result of all these factors, overall global fleet utilization remained soft, freight rates for the crude carriers lingered at low levels, until December 2013, and valuations of vessels remained weak with a positive reversal towards the ends of the year following the spike in charter rates. Product carrier rates experienced some noticeable uplift due to a more favorable vessel supply situation, the export of middle-distillates (gasoline and diesel) from the United States to Europe and an increase in the ton-mile demand due to the closure of certain refineries in Europe.

The fleet achieved voyage revenues of $418.4 million in 2013, an increase of 6.2% from $394.0 million in 2012. The average size of the fleet decreased in 2013 to 47.5 vessels from 47.9 vessels in 2012, and fleet utilization increased from 94.9% to 97.8% over the same period. In 2012 utilization excluding the VLCCs La Prudencia and La Madrina which were being held for sale and unemployed was 98.0%. The oversupply of vessels which continued in 2013 resulted in a soft market which kept rates at historically very low levels, with signs of improvement only towards the end of the year. Our average daily time charter rate per vessel after deducting voyage expenses, increased to $17,902 from $17,163 in 2012, mainly due to the introduction of the two DP2 shuttle tankers and the LNG carrier. Voyage expenses increased, as a result of the increase in the

 

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number of days the fleet operated on spot and contract of affreightment, bearing voyage expenses. The price of bunkers (fuel) fell by 8.6% between 2012 and 2013, which offset the increase in the volume of bunkers consumed. Operating expenses decreased by 1.9% to $130.8 million, proportionately with the decrease of the average daily costs per vessel by 1.6% due to decreased repairs and maintenance expenses offset by increased crew cuts. The weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro by 3.3% resulted in increased crew costs as our officers, are generally paid in Euro. However, better pricing obtained by our new technical managers for purchases of spares, stores and lubricants derived from actions taken since 2009 helped lower operating expenses.

Depreciation was $95.3 million in 2013 compared to $94.3 million in 2012 due to the addition of the two DP2 shuttle tankers, offset by the change in our estimate for scrap value per light weight ton (LWT) from $300 per ton to $390 per ton, effective October 1, 2012 which affected positively depreciation expense by $3.8 million in 2013. Management fees totaled $15.9 million for both 2013 and 2012. General and administrative expenses were $4.4 million during 2013 compared to $4.1 million during 2012.

There were no vessel sales in 2013 while in 2012 , two vessels were sold at a net loss of $1.9 million. In 2013 there was an impairment charge of $28.3 million relating to the suezmaxes Silia T and Triathlon, the handysize Delphi and the VLCC Millennium., while in 2012 there was an impairment charge of $13.6 million relating to the VLCC Millennium. There was an operating gain of $4.9 million in 2013, compared to an operating gain of $1.3 million in 2012, including impairment charges in both years. Interest and finance costs, net decreased by 20.7% in 2013 to $40.9 million, due mainly to the expiration of seven swaps in the later part of 2012 and another two in 2013, Net loss attributable to us was $37.5 million compared to $49.3 million loss in 2012. The effect of preferred dividends that accrue for 2013 was $3.7 million. Diluted losses per share were $0.73 in 2013, including the effect of preferred dividends, based on 56.7 million diluted weighted average shares outstanding compared to $0.92 in 2012 based on 53.3 million diluted weighted average shares outstanding.

Some of the more significant developments for the Company during 2013 were:

 

   

the strategic cooperation with a major Norwegian charterer for the construction and chartering of initially five newbuilding aframaxes with options for the construction and chartering of four more aframaxes exercised in March 2014.;

 

   

the dry-docking of Selecao, Triathlon, Maya, Inca, Andes, Selini and Maria Princess for their mandatory special or intermediate survey;

 

   

commencement of 15-year employment for two DP2 shuttle tankers;

 

   

the issuance of 2,000,000 8.000% Series B cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares for $50 million, gross;

 

   

the issuance of 2,000,000 8.875% Series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares for $50 million, gross;

 

   

the payment to holders of Series B preferred shares of dividends totaling $1.9 million in aggregate;

 

   

the issuance of 1,430,211 common shares raising $7.4 million through an at-the-market offering ; and

 

   

dividends to holders of common stock totaling $0.15 per share with total cash paid out amounting to $8.5 million.

The Company operated the following types of vessels during, and at the end of 2013:

 

Vessel Type

  LNG carrier     VLCC     Suezmax     Suezmax DP2
shuttle
    Aframax     Panamax     Handymax
MR2
    Handysize
MR1
    Total
Fleet
 

Average number of vessels

    1.0        1.0        10.0        1.5        11.0        9.0        6.0        8.0        47.5   

Number of vessels at end of year

    1.0        1.0        10.0        2.0        11.0        9.0        6.0        8.0        48.0   

Dwt at end of year (in thousands)

    86.0        301.0        1,626.0        311.0        1,194.0        651.0        318.0        298.0        4,786.0   

Percentage of total fleet

    1.8     6.3     34.0     6.5     24.9     13.6     6.7     6.2     100.0

Average age, in years, at end of year

    6.9        15.3        7.5        0.8        5.7        6.9        8.5        7.5        7.1   

 

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We believe that the key factors which determined our financial performance in 2013, within the given freight rate environment in which we operated, were:

 

   

the diversified aspect of the fleet, including our acquisition in recent years of purpose-built vessels to access ice-bound ports and carry LNG (liquefied natural gas), which allowed us to take advantage of all tanker sectors;

 

   

the benefits of the new vessels acquired in recent years in terms of operating efficiencies and desirability on the part of charterers;

 

   

our balanced chartering strategy (discussed further below) which ensured a stable cash flow while allowing us to take advantage of any upside in the freight market;

 

   

the long-established relationships with our chartering clients and the development of new relationships with renowned oil-majors;

 

   

the continued control over costs by our technical managers despite pressures caused by rising operating and fuel costs;

 

   

our ability to mitigate financial costs by negotiating competitive terms with reputable banks;

 

   

our ability to efficiently monitor the construction phase of our newbuilding program while maintaining a tight control of costs and expenses;

 

   

our ability to manage leverage levels through cash generation and repayment/prepayment of debt;

 

   

our ability to comply with the terms of our financing arrangements, including addressing loan-to-value requirements;

 

   

our ability to reward our shareholders through a dividend policy;

 

   

our ability to raise new financing through bank debt at competitive terms despite the current tight credit environment;

 

   

our ability to raise new financing through equity issuances at competitive terms despite the current tight credit environment; and

 

   

the sale of vessels when attractive opportunities arise.

We believe that the above factors will also be those that will be behind our future financial performance and will play an especially significant role in the current world economic climate as we proceed through 2014 and into 2015. To these may be added:

 

   

the sustainability of the recovery of the product charter market during the year and possibly for the crude charter market by the beginning of next;

 

   

the securing of a high level of utilization for our vessels;

 

   

the appetite by oil majors to fix vessels on medium to long term charters at economic rates; and

 

   

our ability to buildup our cash reserves through operations, vessel sales and possibly equity issuance.

Considerable economic and political uncertainty remains in the world as we enter the second quarter of 2014. There are positive signs emanating from the U.S. in terms of the economy and assuming the country’s ability to absorb without social disruptions government spending cuts particularly in an environment of growing consumer confidence. Recent measures in Europe to stabilize the financial condition of certain countries, particularly in the South, have also provided some confidence that feared dangers like sovereign debt defaults and the collapse of the Euro, seem today to be under control, or at least policies and instruments are in place to minimize any potential impact should such dangers resurface. Many of the developing countries still have surging economies albeit with the occasional readjustments or corrections Two significant dampers to expectations for the near future are elevated oil prices and potential instability in US-Russia relations due to the

 

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Crimea debacle. The combination of rising demand for oil and supply limitations (including fear of future limitations) could lead to higher prices which could lead to GDP growth inhibitions and therefore be detrimental to tanker demand. A conflict in the Arabian/Persian Gulf, while possibly resulting in a variation from current tanker trading routes which may or may not be beneficial for the tanker sector, would likely lead to higher oil prices.

We believe it likely, therefore, that 2014 will be a year that could see occasional spikes in rates particularly for crude tankers as we experienced in January 2014. There is reserved optimism for the tanker sector that in 2014 on average, we should see some healthy sustainability in rates which have bounced off the trough seen over the last few years, particularly for crude tankers. On the product trade there is optimism as the current supply/demand fundamentals seem relatively balanced. In addition, new or upgraded refineries in the Middle East and Asia, including China, are forecast to support the expansion of new and longer trade routes for product carriers. LNG carriers are also expected to continue to enjoy a healthy year, albeit with lower rates than a year ago, given the current demand for natural gas and number of available liquefied natural gas carriers. A further related area which may enjoy respectable returns is in the off-shore support area, which would include storage and shuttle services to off-shore production units. The new fields off Brazil and West Africa are becoming increasingly attractive for development, especially in the light of supply constraints from existing sources and rising oil prices.

Chartering Strategy

We typically charter our subsidiaries’ vessels to third parties in any of five basic types of charter. First are “voyage charters” or “spot voyages,” under which a shipowner is paid freight on the basis of moving cargo from a loading port to a discharging port at a given rate per ton or other unit of cargo. Port charges, bunkers and other voyage expenses (in addition to normal vessel operating expenses) are the responsibility of the shipowner.

Second are “time charters,” under which a shipowner is paid hire on a per day basis for a given period of time. Normal vessel operating expenses, such as stores, spares, repair and maintenance, crew wages and insurance premiums, are incurred by the shipowner, while voyage expenses, including bunkers and port charges, are the responsibility of the charterer. The time charterer decides the destination and types of cargoes to be transported, subject to the terms of the charter. Time charters can be for periods of time ranging from one or two months to more than three years. The agreed hire may be for a fixed daily rate throughout the period or may be at a guaranteed minimum fixed daily rate plus a share of a determined daily rate above the minimum, based on a given variable charter index or on a decision by an independent brokers’ panel for a defined period. Many of our charters have been renewed on this time charter with profit share basis over the past three years. Time charters can also be “evergreen,” which means that they automatically renew for successive terms unless the shipowner or the charterer gives notice to the other party to terminate the charter.

Third are “bareboat charters” under which the shipowner is paid a fixed amount of hire for a given period of time. The charterer is responsible for substantially all the costs of operating the vessel including voyage expenses, vessel operating expenses, dry-docking costs and technical and commercial management. Longer-term time charters and bareboat charters are sometimes known as “period charters.”

Fourth are “contracts of affreightment” which are contracts for multiple employments that provide for periodic market related adjustments, sometimes within prescribed ranges, to the charter rates.

Fifth are “pools”. At various stages during 2013, three of our subsidiaries’ vessels also operated within a pool of similar vessels whereby all income (less voyage expenses) is earned on a market basis and shared between pool participants on the basis of a formula which takes into account the vessel’s age, size and technical features.

Our chartering strategy continues to be one of fixing the greater portion of our fleet on medium to long-term employment in order to secure a stable income flow, but one which also ensures a satisfactory return. This

 

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strategy has enabled us to smooth the effects of the cyclical nature of the tanker industry, achieving almost optimal utilization of the fleet. In order to capitalize on possible upturns in rates, we have chartered out several of our vessels on a basis related to market rates for either spot or time charter.

Our Board of Directors, through its Chartering Committee, formulates our chartering strategy and our commercial manager Tsakos Energy Management implements this strategy through the Chartering Department of Tsakos Shipping. They evaluate the opportunities for each type of vessel, taking into account the strategic preference for medium and long-term charters and ensure optimal positioning to take account of redelivery opportunities at advantageous rates.

The cooperation with Tsakos Shipping, which provides the fleet with chartering services, enables us to take advantage of the long-established relationships Tsakos Shipping has built with many of the world’s major oil companies and refiners over 40 years of existence and high quality commercial and technical service.

Since July 1, 2010, through our cooperation with TCM, our technical managers, we are able to take advantage of the inherent economies of scale associated with two large fleet operators working together and its commitment to contain running costs without jeopardizing the vessels’ operations. TCM provides top grade officers and crew for our vessels and first class superintendent engineers and port captains to ensure that the vessels are in prime condition.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. The application of such policies may require management to make estimates and assumptions. We believe that the following are the more critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements that involve a higher degree of judgment and could have a significant impact on our future consolidated results of operations and financial position:

Revenue recognition. Our vessels are employed under a variety of charter contracts, including time, bareboat and voyage charters, contracts of affreightment and pool arrangements. Time and bareboat charter revenues are recorded over the term of the charter as the service is provided. Revenues from voyage charters on the spot market or under contract of affreightment are recognized ratably from when a vessel becomes available for loading (discharge of the previous charterer’s cargo) to when the next charterer’s cargo is discharged, provided an agreed non-cancelable charter between the Company and the charterer is in existence, the charter rate is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Vessel voyage and operating expenses and charter hire expense are expensed when incurred. The operating revenues and voyage expenses of vessels operating under a tanker pool are pooled and are allocated to the pool participants on a time charter equivalent basis, according to an agreed formula. Revenues from variable hire arrangements are recognized to the extent the variable amounts earned beyond an agreed fixed minimum hire at the reporting date and all other revenue recognition criteria are met.

Depreciation. We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, after considering their estimated residual values, based on the assumed value of the scrap steel available for recycling after demolition, calculated at $300 per lightweight ton since January 1, 2008. Since steel prices have increased significantly during the last few years and are expected to be in high levels for the coming years, from October 1, 2012, scrap values are calculated at $390 per lightweight ton. Our estimate was based on the average demolition prices prevailing in the market during the last ten years for which historical data were available. The effect of this change in accounting estimate was to decrease net loss for the year ended December 31, 2013 by $3.8 million or $0.07 per weighted average number of shares, both basic and diluted. While there remains overcapacity within the tanker sector and scrap prices remain at these levels we would expect scrapping to remain a viable alternative to trading older vessels. We also expect commodity prices to remain at buoyant levels as the economic recovery continues to gather pace. Given the historical volatility of scrap prices, management will monitor prices going

 

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forward and where a distinctive trend is observed over a given length of time, management may consider revising the scrap price accordingly. In assessing the useful lives of vessels, we have adopted the industry-wide accepted practice of assuming a vessel has a useful life of 25 years (40 years for the LNG carrier), given that all classification society rules have been adhered to concerning survey certification and statutory regulations are followed.

Impairment. The carrying value of the Company’s vessels includes the original cost of the vessels plus capitalized expenses since acquisition relating to improvements and upgrading of the vessel, less accumulated depreciation. Carrying value also includes the unamortized portion of deferred special survey and dry-docking costs. The carrying value of vessels usually differs from the fair market value applicable to any vessel, as market values fluctuate continuously depending on the market supply and demand conditions for vessels, as determined primarily by prevailing freight rates and newbuilding costs.

The Company reviews and tests all vessels for impairment at each quarter-end and at any time that specific vessels may be affected by events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the vessel may not be recoverable, such as during severe disruptions in global economic and market conditions, and unexpected changes in employment. A vessel to be held and used is tested for recoverability by comparing the estimate of future undiscounted net operating cash flows expected to be generated by the use of the vessel over its remaining useful life and its eventual disposition to its carrying amount. The average age of our vessels, excluding the impaired vessels discussed below, is approximately five years. The average remaining operational life is, therefore, twenty years. Given the extensive remaining life, we do not believe that a significant risk of impairment currently exists, again excluding the impaired vessels. However, as indicated above, circumstances may change at any time which would oblige us to reconsider the extent of risk of impairment.

Future undiscounted net operating cash flows are determined by applying various assumptions regarding future revenues net of commissions, operating expenses, scheduled dry-dockings and expected off-hire and scrap values. Our projections for charter revenues are based on existing charter agreements for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily average hire rate per vessel category for the unfixed days based on the most recent ten year historical averages publicly provided by major brokers, which, given the wide spread of annual rates between the peaks and troughs over the decade, we believe provides as fair as any other assumption that could be used in determining a rate for a long-term forecast. In addition, we apply a 2% annual escalation in rates to take account of published long-term growth and inflation expectations in the developed world. Exclusion of such an escalation would not impact the overall impairment conclusion for each vessel for the years 2013, 2012 and 2011. Future operating costs are based on the 2013 average per individual vessel to which we also apply a 2% annual escalation. Residual or scrap value is based on the same scrap price used for depreciation purposes as described above. All such estimations are inevitably subjective. Actual freight rates, industry costs and scrap prices may be volatile. As a consequence, estimations may differ considerably from actual results.

Where a vessel is deemed to be a risk, we also take into account the age, condition, specifications, marketability and likely trading pattern of each such vessel, and apply various possible scenarios for employment of the vessel during its employment of the vessel during its remaining life. We prepare cash flows for each scenario and apply a percentage possibility to each scenario to calculate a weighted average expected cash flow for the vessel for assessing whether an impairment charge is required. The estimations also take into account new regulations regarding the permissible trading of tankers depending on their structure and age.

While management, therefore, is of the opinion that the assumptions it has used in assessing whether there are grounds for impairment are justifiable and reasonable, the possibility remains that conditions in future periods may vary significantly from current assumptions, which may result in a material impairment loss. If the current economic recovery stalls or if oil prices continue to trend upwards, oil demand over an extended period of time could be negatively impacted. This will exacerbate the consequences of overcapacity in the tanker sector. In such circumstances, the possibility will increase that both the market value of the older vessels of our fleet and the future cash flow they are likely to earn over their remaining lives will be less than their carrying value and an impairment loss will occur.

 

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Should the carrying value of the vessel exceed its estimated undiscounted cash flows, impairment is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the asset. The fair values are determined based principally from or by corroborated observable market data. Inputs considered by management in determining the fair value include independent broker’s valuations. As vessel values are also volatile, the actual market value of a vessel may differ significantly from estimated values within a short period of time.

During the latter part of 2013, the overcapacity in the crude tanker sector kept vessel values at historically low levels. For four of our oldest vessels, the VLCC Millennium, the suezmaxes Silia T and Triathlon, and the handysize Delphi, the expectations of employment at viable rates, or their sale at a profit was very low. We performed cash flow tests taking into account various possible scenarios such as keeping the vessels until the end of their useful economic life or selling them at various stages. None of these scenarios resulted in cash flow which would exceed the carrying value of the vessels. As a consequence, their carrying value has been written down to their fair market value, resulting in a total impairment loss of $28.3 million.

At December 31, 2012 the weak market and the expiry of the long term profitable bare boat time charter of the VLCC Millennium, led to an impairment loss of $13.6 million. At December 31, 2011 the tanker market was also exceptionally weak and an impairment loss of $39.4 million was incurred on the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, which both were classified as held for sale. At December 31, 2013, the market value of the fleet, as determined based on management estimates and assumptions and by making use of available market data and taking into consideration third party valuations was $1.8 billion, compared to a total carrying value of $2.2 billion. While the future cash flow expected to be generated by all the vessels of the fleet, apart from Silia T, Triathlon, Delphi and Millennium, was comfortably in excess of their carrying value, there were 35 further vessels in our fleet whose aggregate carrying value and market value as determined at December 31, 2013 were of $1.5 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. These vessels were:

 

   

Suezmax: Spyros K, Dimitris P

 

   

Aframax: Proteas, Promitheas, Propontis, Izumo Princess, Sakura Princess, Maria Princess, Nippon Princess, Ise Princess, Asahi Princess, Sapporo Princess, Uraga Princess

 

   

Panamax: Selecao, Socrates, Andes, Maya, Inca, World Harmony, Chantal, Selini, Salamina

 

   

Handymax: Artemis, Afrodite, Ariadne, Aris, Apollon, Ajax

 

   

Handysize: Didimon, Amphitrite, Arion, Andromeda, Aegeas, Byzantion, Bosporos

Allowance for doubtful accounts. Revenue is based on contracted charter parties and although our business is with customers whom we believe to be of the highest standard, there is always the possibility of dispute over terms and payment of freight and demurrage. In particular, disagreements may arise as to the responsibility for lost time and demurrage revenue due to the Company as a result. As such, we periodically assess the recoverability of amounts outstanding and we estimate a provision if there is a possibility of non-recoverability, primarily based on the aging of such balances and any amounts in dispute. Although we believe any provision that we might record to be based on fair judgment at the time of its creation, it is possible that an amount under dispute is not ultimately recovered and the estimated provision for doubtful recoverability is inadequate.

Amortization of deferred charges. In accordance with Classification Society requirements, a special survey is performed on our vessels every five years. A special survey requires a dry-docking. In between special surveys, a further intermediate survey takes place, for which a dry-docking is obligatory for vessels over ten years. During a dry-docking, work is undertaken to bring the vessel up to the condition required for the vessel to be given its classification certificate. The costs include the yard charges for labor, materials and services, possible new equipment and parts where required, plus part of the participating crew costs incurred during the survey period. We defer these charges and amortize them over the period up to the vessel’s next scheduled dry-docking.

 

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Fair value of financial instruments. Management reviews the fair values of financial assets and liabilities included in the balance sheet on a quarterly basis as part of the process of preparing financial statements. The carrying amounts of financial assets and accounts payable are considered to approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term bank loans with variable interest rates approximate the recorded values, generally due to their variable interest rates. The present value of the future cash flows of the portion of any long-term bank loan with a fixed interest rate is estimated and compared to its carrying amount. The fair value of the investments equates to the amounts that would be received by the Company in the event of sale of those investments, and any shortfall from carrying value is treated as an impairment of the value of that investment. The fair value of the interest rate swap and bunker swap agreements held by the Company are determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in FASB guidance and are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, interest rates, yield curves and other items that allow value to be determined. The fair values of impaired vessels are determined by management through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy based on available market data and taking into consideration third party valuations.

Basis of Presentation and General Information

Voyage revenues. Revenues are generated from freight billings and time charters. Time and bareboat charter revenues are recorded over the term of the charter as the service is provided. Revenues from voyage charters on the spot market or under contract of affreightment are recognized ratably from when a vessel becomes available for loading (discharge of the previous charterer’s cargo) to when the next charterer’s cargo is discharged, provided an agreed non-cancelable charter between the Company and the charterer is in existence, the charter rate is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. The operating revenues of vessels operating under a tanker pool are pooled and are allocated to the pool participants on a time charter equivalent basis according to an agreed upon formula. Revenues from variable hire arrangements are recognized to the extent the variable amounts earned beyond an agreed fixed minimum hire at the reporting date and all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Unearned revenue represents cash received prior to the year end and is related to revenue applicable to periods after December 31 of each year.

Time Charter Equivalent (“TCE”) allows vessel operators to compare the revenues of vessels that are on voyage charters with those on time charters. For vessels on voyage charters, we calculate TCE by taking revenues earned on the voyage and deducting the voyage costs and dividing by the actual number of net earning days, which does not take into account off-hire days. For vessels on bareboat charters, for which we do not incur either voyage or operating costs, we calculate TCE by taking revenues earned on the charter and adding a representative amount for the vessels’ operating expenses. TCE differs from average daily revenue earned in that TCE is based on revenues before commissions less voyage expenses and does not take into account off-hire days.

Commissions. We pay commissions on all chartering arrangements to Tsakos Shipping, as our broker, and to any other broker we employ. Each of these commissions generally amounts to 1.25% of the daily charter hire or lump sum amount payable under the charter. In addition, on some trade routes, certain charterers may include in the charter agreement an address commission which is a payment due to the charterer, usually ranging from 1.25% to 3.75% of the daily charter hire or freight payable under the relevant charter. These commissions, as well as changes in prevailing charter rates, will cause our commission expenses to fluctuate from period to period.

Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses include all our costs, other than vessel operating expenses, that are related to a voyage, including port charges, canal dues and bunker fuel costs.

Charter hire expense. We hire certain vessels from third-party owners or operators for a contracted period and rate in order to charter the vessels to our customers. These vessels may be hired when an appropriate market opportunity arises or as part of a sale and lease back transaction or on a short-term basis to cover the time-charter obligations of one of our vessels in dry-dock. During 2010, we sold the Decathlon while it was on time-charter

 

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and in order to fulfill our obligations under that time-charter we chartered the vessel back on market terms from the buyers for 103 days under its new name Nordic Passat. Another vessel was chartered-in during 2010 to cover for the product carrier Didimon while it was in dry-dock. As of December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company had no vessel under hire from a third-party.

Vessel operating expenses. These expenses consist primarily of manning, hull and machinery insurance, P&I and other vessel insurance, repairs and maintenance, stores and lubricant costs.

Management fees. These are the fixed fees we pay to Tsakos Energy Management under our management agreement with them. For 2014 no increase has been agreed by March 31, 2014 and management fees remain the same as in 2013. Accordingly, monthly fees for operating vessels will be $27,500 per owned vessel and $20,400 for chartered-in vessels or chartered out on a bareboat basis or under construction. The monthly fee for the LNG carrier and the suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers will be $35,000.

Depreciation. We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, after considering their estimated scrap values. Since steel prices have increased significantly during the last few years and are expected to be in high levels for the coming years, effective October 1, 2012, our estimate for scrap values was increased from $300 to $390 per lightweight ton. This change in estimation resulted in positive impact of $3.8 million to our 2013 financial results. In assessing the useful lives of vessels, we have estimated them to be 25 years (40 years for the LNG carrier), which is in line with the industry wide accepted practice, assuming that all classification society rules have been adhered to concerning survey certification and statutory regulations are followed. Useful life is ultimately dependent on customer demand and if customers were to reject our vessels, either because of new regulations or internal specifications, then the useful life of the vessel will require revision.

Amortization of deferred charges. We amortize the costs of dry-docking and special surveys of each of our ships over the period up to the ship’s next scheduled dry-docking (generally every 5 years for vessels aged up to 10 years and every 2.5 years thereafter). These charges are part of the normal costs we incur in connection with the operation of our fleet.

Impairment loss. An impairment loss for an asset held for use should be recognized when indicators of impairment exist and when the estimate of undiscounted cash flows, expected to be generated by the use of the asset is less than its carrying amount (the vessel’s net book value plus any unamortized deferred dry-docking charges). Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset as determined by reference to available market data and considering valuations provided by third parties. An impairment loss for an asset held for sale is recognized when its fair value less cost to sell is lower than its carrying value at the date it meets the held for sale criteria. In this respect, management reviews regularly the carrying amount of the vessels in connection with the estimated recoverable amount for each of the Company’s vessels. As a result of such reviews it was determined in 2013, 2012 and 2011 that an impairment loss had been incurred with respect to the carrying values of four of the older vessels of the fleet in 2013, the oldest vessel of the fleet in 2012, and two older vessels in 2011.

General and administrative expenses. These expenses consist primarily of professional fees, office supplies, investor relations, advertising costs, directors’ liability insurance, and reimbursement of our directors’ and officers’ travel-related expenses.

Insurance claim proceeds. In the event of an incident involving one of our vessels, where the repair costs or loss of hire is insurable, we immediately initiate an insurance claim and account for such claim when it is determined that recovery of such costs or loss of hire is probable and collectability is reasonably assured within the terms of the relevant policy. Depending on the complexity of the claim, we would generally expect to receive the proceeds from claims within a twelve month period. During 2013, we received approximately $5.2 million in

 

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net proceeds from hull and machinery and loss of hire claims arising from incidents with or damage incurred on our vessels. Such settlements were generally received as credit-notes from our insurers, Argosy Insurance Company Limited, and used as a set off against insurance premiums due to that company. Therefore, within the consolidated statements of cash flows, these proceeds are included in decreases in receivables and in decreases in accounts payable. There is no material impact on reported earnings arising from these settlements.

Financial Analysis

(Percentage calculations are based on the actual amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated financial statements)

Year ended December 31, 2013 versus year ended December 31, 2012

Voyage revenues

Voyage revenues earned in 2013 and 2012 per charter category were as follows:

 

     2013     2012  
     $ million      % of total     $ million      % of total  

Time charter-bareboat

     5.4         1     9.3         2

Time charter-fixed rate

     143.8         34     95.9         24

Time charter-variable rate (profit share)

     70.5         17     93.6         24

Pool arrangement

     5.3         1     20.4         5

Voyage charter-contract of affreightment

     7.0         2     0.0         0

Voyage charter-spot market

     186.4         45     174.8         45
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total voyage revenue

     418.4         100     394.0         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue from vessels was $418.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to $394.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, a 6.2% increase. There was an average of 47.5 vessels in 2013 compared to an average of 47.9 vessels in 2012. In December 2012, the two VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, which were held for sale at December 31, 2011, were sold. Based on the total days that the vessels were actually employed as a percentage of the days that we owned or controlled the vessels, the fleet had 97.8% employment compared to 94.9% in the previous year, the lost time being mainly due to the seven drydockings performed during the year, while in 2012 there were ten drydockings plus the fact that the two VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, held for sale were off hire for most days of 2012.

Market conditions continued to be poor in 2013, primarily as a result of excess available capacity within the tanker sector. Towards the end of the year there was some improvement in the crude market but the real benefits were seen in the first quarter of 2014. We had more vessels employed on time charters with fixed rates, with fewer vessels on employment with time charter with variable rates or in pools than in 2012. The average time charter equivalent rate per vessel achieved for the year 2013 was higher by 4.3% at $17,902 per day compared to $17,163 per day for the previous year. The increase is mainly due to the introduction of the two suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers during 2013, which entered their long time employment and due to a higher average rate for the LNG carrier, Neo Energy. In addition, the smaller handysize and handymax product tankers saw improved rates in 2013 compared to 2012. Panamax tankers, which had the same employment mix for both years achieved lower TCE rates in 2013 as five of the nine panamaxes underwent dry-docking during 2013 losing operating days and incurring higher repair and maintenance expenses. Suezmax tankers achieved a 7% lower average daily TCE, as two out of the ten suezmaxes were employed on spot charters, while during 2012 all suezmaxes were under time charters with fixed and variable rates. The aframaxes achieved a slightly lower TCE compared to the prior year, while our remaining VLCC, Millennium, completed its bareboat charter and entered a profitable time charter.

 

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Commissions

Commissions during 2013 amounted to $16.0 million compared to $12.2 million in 2012, a 31.1% increase. Commissions were 3.8% of revenue from vessels in 2013 compared to 3.1% in 2012. The increase in commission charges relates to increased commissions in time charters signed in 2013, as well as to a reversal of accumulated accrued commissions in 2012.

Voyage expenses

 

     Total voyage expenses
per category
    Average daily voyage
expenses per vessel
 
     Year ended
December 31,
     % increase/
(decrease)
    Year ended
December 31,
     % increase/
(decrease)
 
     2013      2012            2013      2012         
     U.S.$ million      U.S.$ million            U.S.$      U.S.$         

Bunkering expenses

     77.1         78.3         (1.6 )%      13,578         17,298         (21.5 )% 

Port and other expenses

     39.9         33.5         19.3     7,035         7,387         (4.8 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total voyage expenses

     117.0         111.8         4.6     20,613         24,685         (16.5 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Days on spot and Contract of Affreightment (COA) employment

  

    5,675         4,529         25.3

Voyage expenses include port charges, agents’ fees, canal dues and bunker (fuel) costs relating to spot charters or contract of affreightment. Voyage expenses were $117.0 million during 2013 compared to $111.8 million during the prior year, a 4.6% increase. The total operating days on spot charter and contract of affreightment totaled 5,675 days in 2013 compared to 4,529 days in 2012. Voyage expenses are highly dependent on the voyage patterns followed and size of vessels employed on spot charter or contract of affreightment. In 2013, the increase in voyage expenses was primarily due to a 25.3% increase in the days the vessels operated on spot and COA employment bearing voyage expenses, resulting in an increase of 21.5% in the volume of bunkers consumed, offset by a 8.6% decrease in bunker prices paid between the two years. The increase in the number of days the vessels operated on spot and COA employment bearing voyage expenses also resulted in an increase in port expenses. However, port and other expenses vary between different ports, so overall voyage expenses were also affected by which ports the vessels visited.

Vessel operating expenses

 

     Operating expenses
per category
    Average daily operating
expenses per vessel
 
     2013      2012            2013      2012         
     U.S.$ million      U.S.$ million      % increase/
(decrease)
    U.S.$      U.S.$      % increase/
(decrease)
 

Crew expenses

     78.9         74.8         5.5 %      4,610         4,356         5.8 % 

Insurances

     14.4         15.5         (7.0 )%      839         898         (6.6 )% 

Repairs and maintenance, and spares

     14.6         19.8         (26.3 )%      853         1,154         (26.1 )% 

Stores

     7.9         6.9         14.0 %      460         403         14.3 % 

Lubricants

     5.7         6.1         (6.1 )%      332         353         (5.9 )% 

Other (quality and safety, taxes, registration fees, communications)

     9.3         10.2         (9.0 )%      540         591         (8.7 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses

     130.8         133.3         (1.9 )%      7,634         7,755         (1.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Earnings capacity days excluding vessel on bare-boat charter

  

    17,128         17,178      

Vessel operating expenses include crew costs, insurances, repairs and maintenance, spares, stores, lubricants, quality and safety costs and other expenses such as tonnage tax, registration fees and communication costs. Total operating costs were $130.8 million during 2013, compared to $133.3 million during 2012, a decrease of 1.9%, primarily due to decreased repairs and maintenance and spares expenses by $5.2 million and

 

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decreased insurance costs by $1.1 million, partially offset by increases in crew costs by $4.1 million. Crew costs increased as a result of higher bonuses paid to seafarers and to higher training costs and travelling expenses relating to the commencement of the operations of our two DP2 shuttle tankers in Brazil. In addition, the weakening of the US Dollar against the Euro by 3.3% in 2013 affected the increase in our crew costs as most of our officers are paid in Euro. The dry-docking activity in every year affects repairs and maintenance expenses as certain works performed during dry-dockings that do not qualify for capitalization, are expensed. In 2013, seven dry-dockings were performed compared to ten, including the first dry-docking of the LNG carrier, Neo Energy, in 2012 which itself negatively affected the 2012 operating expenses by almost $1.3 million. Insurances decreased by $1.1 million mainly due to the decrease in insured values of the vessels. Other operating expenses were lower by 9.0% in 2013 compared to 2012 mainly due to decreased use of armed guards, as a result of trading routes followed, offset by increased vessels tonnage taxes due to new Greek legislation. All other categories of operating expenses remained approximately at the same levels in 2013 due to the efforts of our technical managers and the effective cost control and monitoring performed. As a percentage of voyage revenues, vessel operating expenses were 31.3% in 2013 and 33.8% in 2012.

Operating expenses per ship per day for the fleet decreased to $7,634 for 2013 from $7,755 in 2012. This was mostly due to the decrease in operating costs as earnings capacity days remained almost at the same levels between the two years. Approximately 54% of operating expenses (29% of total costs) incurred are in Euro, mainly relating to vessel officers (an increase of approximately $2.3 million in our crew costs is due to the weakening of the US dollar by 3.3% during 2013). The weakening of the US dollar against the Euro during 2013 negatively affected operating expenses, three of the scheduled dry-dockings being performed in Euro zone countries. However, despite the negative effect of the exchange rate, total operating expenses were lower in 2013 for the reasons described above. The creation of TCM in 2010, between Tsakos Shipping and Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd., continued to result in increased purchasing power based on the combined fleets managed by Tsakos Shipping and Columbia. This provided considerable savings in the purchase of stores, spares and lubricants both in 2013 and 2012.

Depreciation

Depreciation was $95.3 million during 2013 compared to $94.3 million during 2012, an increase of $1.0 million, or 1.1%. The addition of the two suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers Rio 2016 and Brasil 2014 in March and April 2013 respectively, increased the depreciation expense by $5.2 million, offset by the increase of the scrap rate per light weight ton from $0.30 to $0.39 since the fourth quarter of 2012, which reduced the depreciation expense by $3.8 million for the vessels that existed for both years.

Amortization

We amortize the cost of dry-dockings related to classification society surveys over the period to the next dry-docking, and this amortization is included as part of the normal costs we incur in connection with the operation of our vessels. During 2013, amortization of deferred dry-docking costs was $5.1 million compared to $4.9 million during 2012, an increase of 3.1%. In 2013, seven vessels performed dry-docking compared to ten vessels in 2012.

Management fees

The Company pays to Tsakos Energy Management fixed fees per vessel under a management agreement between the companies. The fee includes compensation for services that cover both the management of the individual vessels and of the enterprise as a whole. According to the amended management agreement (from January 2007), there is a prorated adjustment if at the beginning of the year the Euro has appreciated by 10% or more against the U.S. Dollar since January 1, 2007, and an increase each year by a percentage figure reflecting 12 month Euribor, if both parties agree.

 

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As a consequence, from January 1, 2012, vessel monthly fees for operating vessels increased to $27,500 from the $27,000 fee payable in 2011, and for vessels chartered out, vessels on a bare-boat basis and for vessels under construction the monthly fee increased to $20,400 from $20,000 payable in 2011. On April 1, 2012, the monthly fee for the LNG carrier increased from $32,000 payable since the beginning of 2011 to $35,000, of which $10,000 is paid to the management company and $25,000 to a third party manager. Monthly management fees for the suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers have been agreed at $35,000 per vessel. Since the expiry of the bareboat charter of the VLCC Millennium on July 30, 2013, management fees for this vessel are $27,500 per month, of which $13,700 are payable to a third party manager. Management fees for the suezmax Eurochampion 2004 are $27,500 per month, of which, effective September 22, 2013, $12,000 are payable to a third party manager. No fee increase has yet been agreed for 2014.

Management fees totaled $15.9 million during both years ended December 31, 2013, and 2012 as there were no increases in the management fees and the average number of fleet vessels between the two periods remained almost unchanged. Total fees include fees paid directly to the third-party ship manager in the case of the LNG carrier, the suezmax Eurochampion 2004 and the VLCC Millennium. Fees paid relating to vessels under construction are capitalized as part of the vessels’ costs.

General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of professional fees, investor relations, office supplies, advertising costs, directors’ liability insurance, directors’ fees and reimbursement of our directors’ and officers’ travel-related expenses. General and administrative expenses were $4.4 million during 2013 compared to $4.1 million during 2012, an increase of 6.7%. This increase is mainly due to expenditure on potential growth projects in 2013.

Total general and administrative expenses plus management fees paid to Tsakos Energy Management, the incentive award and stock compensation expense, together represent the overhead of the Company. On a per vessel basis, daily overhead costs were $1,196 in 2013 compared to $1,180 in 2012, the increase being mainly due to the increases in general and administrative expenses described above, offset by a decrease in the stock compensation expense.

Management incentive award

There was no management incentive award in 2013 and 2012. However, special awards totaling $0.5 million were paid to the Management Company in relation to capital raising offerings during 2013. These awards have been included as a deduction of additional paid in capital in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

Stock compensation expense

In 2013 stock compensation expense of $0.5 million represents the cost of the 96,000 Restricted Share Units (RSUs) granted to non executive Directors of the Company on October 11, 2013, which vested immediately. In 2012, stock compensation expense amounted to $0.7 million which represented the amortization expense of 84,500 RSUs granted in prior periods and vested in the second quarter of 2012 and the cost of 150,000 RSUs granted and vested on December 31, 2012. Almost half of the RSUs which vested in 2012 had been issued to staff of the commercial and technical managers who are considered as non-employees. In the case of RSUs issued to non-employees, amortization is based on the share price on vesting date with quarterly adjustments depending on the share price until vesting, whereas in the case of employees and Directors, amortization is based on the share price at grant date. The valuation of RSUs which are granted and vested immediately is based on the share price at that date.

 

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Gain (loss) on sale of vessels

There were no vessel sales during 2013. During 2012, we sold the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, which were held for sale at December 31, 2011, for net proceeds of $19.9 million and $20.3 million respectively, resulting in a net loss of $0.8 million and $1.1 million respectively.

Vessel impairment charge

In 2013 there was an impairment charge of $28.3 million in total, relating to the 1998 built VLCC Millennium, the 2002 built suezmaxes Silia T and Triathlon and the 2004 built handysize product carrier Delphi. In 2012 there was an impairment charge of $13.6 million relating to the VLCC Millennium. The negative market forces existing since 2009 impacted the ability to charter older vessels at accretive rates. In the case of the impaired vessels, the total weighted average cash flow expected to be generated over the future remaining lives of the vessels under various possible scenarios, including sale of vessels in line with our modern fleet strategy, was less than the current carrying values of the vessels in our books and consequently the amount of carrying value in excess of the fair market value of these vessels was written-off as an impairment charge in 2013 and 2012, respectively. The market was poor during 2013, but with signs of improvement towards the end of the year. However, because of oversupply of crude carriers, expectations for alternative employment at rates that would ensure cash flows in excess of its carrying values were reduced and the most probable scenario of selling those vessels resulted in inadequate cash flow. As a consequence, at December 31, 2013, the carrying value of the suezmaxes Silia T and Triathlon has been reduced to their fair market value of $26.8 million each, the VLCC Millennium has been reduced to $25.0 million, and the handysize Delphi has been reduced to $16.8 million. However, those vessels were not classified as held for sale as they did not meet the criteria for held for sale classification at December 31, 2013.

At December 31, 2013, as vessel values were at historically low levels, apart from the four vessels that were impaired, 35 of our vessels had carrying values in excess of market values. Apart from the four vessels mentioned above, which are the oldest in our fleet, the remainder of our fleet is for the most part young and in all these cases the vessels are expected to generate considerably more cash during their remaining expected lives than the carrying values as at December 31, 2013.

Operating loss/income

For 2013, income from vessel operations was $4.9 million including an impairment charge of $28.3 million compared to $1.3 million, including a loss on the sale of two vessels amounting to $1.9 million and an impairment charge of $13.6 million for 2012.

Interest and finance costs, net

 

     2013     2012  
     $ million     $ million  

Loan interest expense

     35.8        28.2   

Accrued interest on hedging swaps reclassified from AOCI

     (0.5     1.0   

Interest rate swap cash settlements—hedging

     6.4        20.5   

Less: Interest capitalized

     (1.9     (1.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

     39.8        47.9   

Interest rate swap cash settlements—non-hedging

     5.0        8.0   

Bunkers swap cash settlements

     (0.2     (2.4

Change in fair value of non-hedging bunker swaps

     (0.1     1.7   

Amortization of deferred loss on de-designated interest rate swap

     0.9        1.5   

Expense of portion of accumulated negative valuation of de-designated interest rate swap

     —          0.7   

Change in fair value of non-hedging interest rate swaps

     (6.0     (7.0

Amortization of loan expenses

     1.1        1.0   

Bank loan charges

     0.4        0.2   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net total

     40.9        51.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Interest and finance costs, net, were $40.9 million for 2013 compared to $51.6 million for 2012, a 20.7% decrease. Loan interest, excluding payment of swap interest, increased to $35.8 million from $28.2 million, a 27.0% increase partly due to temporary increases in margins arising from covenant waivers, expected to reverse for the most part in mid-2014, and to higher margins on new loans than on repaid debt. Total weighted average bank loans outstanding were approximately $1,422 million for 2013 compared to $1,487 million for 2012. However, cash settlements on both hedging and non-hedging interest rate swaps, based on the difference between fixed payments and variable 6-month LIBOR, decreased to $11.4 million from $28.5 million as two swaps expired in 2013 and seven swaps expired in the second part of 2012. The average loan financing cost in 2013, including the impact of all interest rate swap cash settlements, was 3.24% compared to 3.75%, for 2012. Capitalized interest, which is based on expenditure incurred to date on vessels under construction, was $1.9 million in 2013, compared to $1.8 million in 2012, relating to similar amount of pre-delivery average yard installments for vessels under construction for both periods.

There was a positive movement in the fair value (mark-to-market) of the non-hedging interest rate swaps in 2013 of $6.0 million compared to a positive movement of $7.0 million in 2012.

Amortization of the deferred loss on de-designation of an interest rate swap that became ineffective in 2010 amounted to $0.9 million in 2013 and $1.5 million in 2012. The decrease is due to the sale of one vessel and the repayment of the corresponding portion of the loan previously hedged by the swap in the fourth quarter of 2012 and as a result, a part of the accumulated negative valuation relating to this swap amounting to $0.7 million was transferred from other comprehensive loss to statement of operations and the remaining amortization was reduced accordingly.

Since 2009, the Company has entered into swap arrangements relating to bunker (fuel) costs, which do not qualify as hedging instruments. In 2013, the Company received $0.2 million on such swaps in realized gains compared to $2.4 million in 2012. However, unrealized mark-to-market valuation gains were $0.1 million in 2013, compared to $1.7 million losses in 2012.

Amortization of loan expenses was $1.1 million in 2013 compared to $1.0 million in 2012. Other bank charges amounted to $0.4 million in 2013 and $0.2 million in 2012.

Interest and investment income

For 2013, interest and investment income amounted to $0.4 million compared to $1.3 million in 2012. In both years, apart from $0.1 million realized loss on sale of marketable securities, the remaining income related to bank deposit interest. The decrease is due to lower average cash balances in 2013 compared with 2012, the rates on cash deposits being at the same levels for both periods.

Non-controlling interest

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest (49%) shareholding of the subsidiary which owns the companies owning the vessels Maya and Inca amounted to $1.1 million in 2013 compared to $0.2 million income in 2012. The decrease is attributable to higher finance costs as a result of the waivers obtained for its loan, as well as increased repairs and maintenance expenses during the scheduled special surveys of the vessels which were performed in 2013.

Net loss attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited

As a result of the foregoing, net loss attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited for 2013 was $37.5 million, or $0.73 per share basic and diluted, taking into account the cumulative dividend of $3.7 million on our preferred shares, versus a net loss of $49.3 million, or $0.92 per share basic and diluted, for 2012.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2012 versus year ended December 31, 2011

Voyage revenues

Voyage revenues earned in 2012 and 2011 per charter category were as follows:

 

     2012     2011  
     $ million      % of total     $ million      % of total  

Time charter-bareboat

     9.3         2     9.3         2

Time charter-fixed rate

     95.9         24     67.0         17

Time charter-variable rate (profit share)

     93.6         24     123.4         32

Pool arrangement

     20.4         5     23.6         6

Voyage charter-contract of affreightment

     0.0         0     13.0         3

Voyage charter-spot market

     174.8         45     158.9         40
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total voyage revenue

     394.0         100     395.2         100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenue from vessels was $394.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to $395.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2011, a 0.3% decrease. There was an average of 47.9 vessels in 2012 compared to an average of 47.8 vessels in 2011. In December 2012, the two VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, which were held for sale at December 31, 2011, were sold. Based on the total days that the vessels were actually employed as a percentage of the days that we owned or controlled the vessels, the fleet had 94.9% employment compared to 97.1% in the previous year, the lost time being mainly off-hire of the two VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, which were held for sale, and due to dry-docking activity. Ten vessels undertook dry-docking in 2012 and seven vessels undertook dry-docking in 2011 (discussed further below). The utilization rate achieved, excluding the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, was 98.0% in 2012.

Market conditions continued to be poor in 2012, primarily as a result of excess available capacity within the tanker sector. In addition, bunker prices were higher by 5.5% in 2012 compared to 2011, negatively impacting spot charter profitability. However, we had more vessels employed on time charters with fixed rates, a change from period employment or time charter with variable rates. The average time charter equivalent rate per vessel achieved for the year 2012 was higher by 7.0% at $17,163 per day compared to $16,047 per day for the previous year. The increase is mainly due to the LNG carrier, Neo Energy which entered into a new charter agreement in 2012 at more than double the previous rate it was earning. In addition, Aframax crude carriers and the smaller Handysize and Handymax product tankers saw improved rates in 2012 compared to 2011. Panamax tankers, which had the same employment mix for both years achieved similar TCE rates in both years. Suezmax tankers achieved a 10% lower TCE being employed more on time charters with fixed rates in 2012 as opposed to time charters with variable rates in 2011. The VLCCs La Prudencia and La Madrina were unemployed for the most part of 2012, being available for inspections from potential buyers until their sale in December 2012, while in 2011 they were trading in the spot market earning a low TCE rate partly due to high bunker prices. Our third VLCC, Millennium, was under bareboat charter for both years.

Commissions

Commissions during 2012 amounted to $12.2 million compared to $14.3 million in 2011, a 14.7% decrease. Commissions were 3.1% of revenue from vessels in 2012 compared to 3.6% in 2011. The decrease in commission charges relates to accumulated commissions accrued on freights earned by several of our vessels in prior years, which was reversed following a legal decision to the effect that no further amounts were due to the charterer in question, and also due to changes in employment on several vessels, where commission rates were lower.

 

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Voyage expenses

 

     Total voyage expenses
per category
    Average daily voyage
expenses per vessel
 
     Year ended
December 31,
     % increase/
(decrease)
    Year ended
December 31,
     % increase/
(decrease)
 
     2012      2011            2012      2011         
     U.S.$ million      U.S.$ million            U.S.$      U.S.$         

Bunkering expenses

     78.3         91.5         (14.4 )%      17,298         20,079         (13.9 )% 

Port and other expenses

     33.5         35.7         (6.2 )%      7,387         7,830         (5.7 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total voyage expenses

     111.8         127.2         (12.1 )%      24,685         27,909         (11.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Days on spot and Contract of Affreightment (COA) employment

  

    4,529         4,556         (0.6 )% 

Voyage expenses include all our costs, other than vessel operating expenses and commissions that are related to a voyage, including port charges, agents’ fees, canal dues and bunker (fuel) costs. Voyage expenses were $111.8 million during 2012 compared to $127.2 million during the prior year, a 12.1% decrease. The total operating days on spot charter and contract of affreightment totaled 4,529 days in 2012 compared to 4,556 days in 2011. Voyage expenses are highly dependent on the voyage patterns followed and size of vessels employed on spot charter or contract of affreightment. In 2012, the decrease in voyage expenses was due to a 24.5% decrease in the volume of bunkers consumed, as in 2011 the two VLCCs La Prudencia and La Madrina were trading in the spot market, performing long repositioning voyages and consuming high bunker quantities. The decrease in volume is partially off-set by an increase in bunker prices by 5.5% between the two years.

Charter hire expense

There was no charter hire expense in 2012 and 2011.

Vessel operating expenses

 

     Operating expenses
per category
    Average daily operating
expenses per vessel
 
     2012      2011            2012      2011         
     U.S.$
million
     U.S.$
million
     %  increase/
(decrease)
    U.S.$      U.S.$      %  increase/
(decrease)
 

Crew expenses

     74.8         76.4         (2.1 )%      4,356         4,478         (2.7 )% 

Insurances

     15.5         15.2         1.7 %      898         891         0.8 % 

Repairs and maintenance, and spares

     19.8         15.2         30.7 %      1,154         888         29.9 % 

Stores

     6.9         6.7         3.7 %      403         391         3.0 % 

Lubricants

     6.1         6.1         (0.7 )%      353         358         (1.3 )% 

Other (quality and safety, taxes, registration fees, communications)

     10.2         10.3         (0.9 )%      591         600         (1.6 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total operating expenses

     133.3         129.9         2.6 %      7,755         7,606         1.9 % 
  

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

 

    

Earnings capacity days excluding vessel on bare-boat charter

  

    17,178         17,066      

Vessel operating expenses include crew costs, insurances, repairs and maintenance, spares, stores, lubricants, quality and safety costs and other expenses such as tonnage tax, registration fees and communication costs. Total operating costs were $133.3 million during 2012, compared to $129.9 million during 2011, an increase of 2.6%, primarily due to increased repairs and maintenance expenses as a result of works performed during dry-dockings that did not qualify for capitalization. In 2012 ten dry-dockings were performed, including the first dry-docking of our LNG carrier, Neo Energy, which itself negatively affected operating expenses by almost $1.3 million, compared to only seven dry-dockings in 2011. All other categories of operating expenses remained at the same levels in 2012 due to the efforts of our technical managers and the effective cost control and monitoring performed. As a percentage of voyage revenues, vessel operating expenses were 33.8% in 2012, and 32.9% in 2011.

 

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Operating expenses per ship per day for the fleet increased to $7,755 for 2012 from $7,606 in 2011. This was mostly due to the slight increase in operating expenses as earnings capacity days remained almost at the same levels between the two years. Approximately 53% of operating expenses (30% of total costs) incurred are in Euro, mainly relating to vessel officers (a decrease of approximately $4.4 million due to the strengthening of the US dollar by 7.7% during 2012). The strengthening of the US dollar against the Euro during 2012 positively affected operating expenses, offsetting the increased repairs and maintenance requirements of 2012, as many of the repairs were performed in Euro zone countries. The creation of TCM in 2010, which took over the technical management of the fleet, and the cooperation which existed between Tsakos Shipping and Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd. prior to July 1, 2010, the formal start date of TCM, resulted in increased purchasing power based on the combined fleets managed by Tsakos Shipping and Columbia. This provided considerable savings in the purchase of stores, spares and lubricants both in 2012 and 2011.

Depreciation

Depreciation was $94.3 million during 2012 compared to $101.1 million during 2011, a decrease of $6.7 million, or 6.6%. This was due to the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia which were accounted for as held for sale at the end of 2011, and therefore bore no depreciation expense in 2012, and by the change of the scrap value in the calculation of depreciation expense from October 1, 2012, which resulted in a decrease of $0.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2012, offset by the addition of the suezmax tankers Spyros K and Dimitris P, in the second and third quarter of 2011, respectively.

Amortization

We amortize the cost of dry-dockings related to classification society surveys over the period to the next dry-docking, and this amortization is included as part of the normal costs we incur in connection with the operation of our vessels. In 2012, ten vessels performed dry-docking and in 2011 seven vessels. There was an additional amortization charge of $1.0 million for the ten vessels which performed dry-docking in 2012. However, there was no further amortization in 2012 of the unamortized cost of La Madrina and La Prudencia as from the end of 2011 these vessels were accounted for as held for sale. In 2011, amortization cost for those two vessels was $1.2 million. As a result, the amortization of deferred dry-docking charges was $4.9 million in both 2011 and 2012.

Management fees

The Company pays to Tsakos Energy Management fixed fees per vessel under a management agreement between the companies. The fee pays for services that cover both the management of the individual vessels and of the enterprise as a whole. According to the amended management agreement (from January 2007), there is a prorated adjustment if at beginning of the year the Euro has appreciated by 10% or more against the U.S. Dollar since January 1, 2007, and an increase each year by a percentage figure reflecting 12 month Euribor, if both parties agree.

As a consequence, from January 1, 2012, vessel monthly fees for operating vessels increased to $27,500 from the $27,000 fee payable in 2011, and for vessels chartered out, vessels on a bare-boat basis and for vessels under construction the monthly fee increased to $20,400 from $20,000 payable monthly in 2011. On April 1, 2012, the monthly fee for the LNG carrier increased from $32,000 payable since the beginning of 2011 to $35,000 of which $10,000 is paid to the management company and $25,000 to a third party manager. No fee increase has yet been agreed for 2013.

Management fees totaled $15.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to $15.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, a 1.9% increase over the year ended December 31, 2011 due to increased management fees. Total fees include fees paid directly to the third-party ship manager in the case of the LNG carrier. Fees paid relating to vessels under construction are capitalized as part of the vessels’ costs.

 

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General and administrative expenses

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of professional fees, investor relations, office supplies, advertising costs, directors’ liability insurance, directors’ fees and reimbursement of our directors’ and officers’ travel-related expenses. General and administrative expenses were $4.1 million during 2012 compared to $4.3 million during 2011, a decrease of 4.6 %. In 2012, general and administrative expenses were lower mainly due to decreased investor relationship expenses, general office expenses and advertising costs, offset by increased professional fees, and director’s liability insurance.

Total general and administrative expenses plus management fees paid to Tsakos Energy Management, the incentive award and stock compensation expense, together represent the overhead of the Company. On a per vessel basis, daily overhead costs were $1,180 in 2012 compared to $1,188 in 2011, the decrease being mainly due to the decreases in general and administrative expenses described above, offset by the increase in management fees. There was no incentive award in 2012 or 2011, and stock compensation expense described below, remained at the same levels.

Management incentive award

There was no management incentive award in 2012 and 2011.

Stock compensation expense

The compensation expense in 2012 of $0.7 million represents the 2012 portion of the total amortization of the value of restricted share units (“RSUs”). In 2011, an amount of $0.8 million was amortized. At the beginning of 2012, there were 84,500 RSUs granted, which vested in June 2012. A further 150,000 RSUs were awarded on December 31, 2012 and vested immediately. Almost half of the RSUs granted and vested had been issued to staff of the commercial and technical managers who are considered as non-employees. In the case of RSUs issued to non-employees, amortization is based on the share price on vesting date with quarterly adjustments depending on the share price until vesting, whereas in the case of employees, amortization is based on the share price at grant date. The 150,000 RSUs which granted and vested on December 31, 2012 where valued using the share price at that date.

Gain (loss) on sale of vessels

During 2012, we sold the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, which were held for sale at December 31, 2011, for net proceeds of $19.9 million and $20.3 million respectively resulting in a net loss of $0.8 million and $1.1 million respectively. During 2011, we sold the aframax tanker Opal Queen, which was held for sale at December 31, 2010, for net proceeds of $32.8 million resulting in a gain of $5.8 million and the aframax tanker Vergina II for net proceeds of $9.7 million resulting in a loss of $0.8 million.

Vessel impairment charge

In 2012 there was an impairment charge of $13.6 million relating to the 1998 built VLCC Millennium. An impairment charge relating to the 1993 built VLCC La Prudencia and the 1994 built VLCC La Madrina totaled $39.4 million in 2011. The negative market forces existing since 2009 impacted the ability to charter older vessels at accretive rates. In the case of these three vessels, the total weighted average cash flow expected to be generated over the future remaining lives of the vessels under various possible scenarios, was less than the current carrying values of the vessels in our books and consequently the amount of carrying value in excess of the fair market value of these vessels was written-off as an impairment charge in 2012 and 2011 respectively. The poor market for crude carriers continued through much of 2012 and, especially in the fourth quarter when the expected usual seasonal uplift in rates did not occur because of the large increase in the supply of larger crude tankers which surpassed the demand for sea-transported crude oil. Millennium has been employed on a long-term profitable bare boat time charter which was due to expire in September 2013 and which had been expected to be

 

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extended. In March 2013, we were unexpectedly informed that the charterers would not extend the charter. Expectations for alternative employment at rates which will ensure cash flows in excess of its carrying value are very low and other alternatives such as selling the vessel would result in minimal or even negative cash flow depending on timing of any sale. As a consequence, the carrying value of Millennium has been reduced to its fair market value of $28.6 million at December 31, 2012, but it was not classified as held for sale as it did not met the criteria for held for sale classification. At December 31, 2011, La Prudencia and La Madrina were classified as held for sale and their carrying values were reduced to their fair value less cost to sell.

At December 31, 2012, as vessel values continued to decline in the year, 39 of our vessels had carrying values in excess of market values. Apart from the one VLCC mentioned above, the remainder of our fleet is for the most part young and in all these cases the vessels are expected to generate considerably more cash during their remaining expected lives than the carrying values as at December 31, 2012.

Operating loss/income

For 2012, income from vessel operations was $1.3 million, including loss on the sale of two vessels amounting to $1.9 million and impairment charge of $13.6 million, compared to a loss from vessel operations of $37.7 million for 2011, including an impairment charge of $39.4 million and net gains on the sale of vessels amounting to $5.0 million.

Interest and finance costs, net

 

     2012     2011  
     $ million     $ million  

Loan interest expense

     28.2        25.9   

Accrued interest on hedging swaps reclassified from AOCI

     1.0        —     

Interest rate swap cash settlements—hedging

     20.5        25.8   

Less: Interest capitalized

     (1.8     (2.5
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

     47.9        49.2   

Interest rate swap cash settlements—non-hedging

     8.0        9.0   

Bunkers swap cash settlements

     (2.4     (6.4

Change in fair value of non-hedging bunker swaps

     1.7        2.1   

Amortization of deferred loss on de-designated interest rate swap

     1.5        1.5   

Expense of portion of accumulated negative valuation of de-designated interest rate swap

     0.7        0.5   

Change in fair value of non-hedging interest rate swaps

     (7.0     (3.6

Amortization of loan expenses

     1.0        1.0   

Bank loan charges

     0.2        0.3   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net total

     51.6        53.6   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest and finance costs, net were $51.6 million for 2012 compared to $53.6 million for 2011, a 3.7% decrease. Loan interest, excluding payment of swap interest, increased to $28.2 million from $25.9 million, a 9.2% increase. Total weighted average bank loans outstanding were approximately $1,487 million for 2012 compared to $1,539 million for 2011. However, cash settlements on both hedging and non-hedging interest rate swaps, based on the difference between fixed payments and variable 6-month LIBOR, decreased to $28.5 million from $34.8 million as seven swaps expired in the second part of 2012. The average loan financing cost in 2012, including the impact of all interest rate swap cash settlements, was 3.75% compared to 3.89%, for 2011. Capitalized interest in 2012 was $1.8 million, compared to $2.5 million in 2011. In 2012, there were two vessels under construction for the whole year and one LNG carrier under construction for half of the year, while in 2011 there were four vessels under construction and average accumulated installments were higher by $2.2 million in 2011.

 

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There was a positive movement in the fair value (mark-to-market) of the non-hedging interest rate swaps in 2012 of $7.0 million compared to a positive movement of $3.6 million in 2011. During 2010, the panamax tankers the Hesnes and the Victory III were sold. As a consequence, the interest rate swap relating to the loan which included the part financing of these vessels became ineligible for special hedge accounting and was de-designated. As a result, a part of the accumulated negative valuation relating to this swap amounting to $0.8 million was transferred from other comprehensive income/(loss) to the statement of operations in 2010. In addition, the remaining part of the accumulated negative valuation relating to this interest rate swap is being amortized to earnings over the term of the original hedge. In both 2012 and 2011, $1.5 million was amortized. A further lump-sum of $0.7 million was transferred from the unamortized negative valuation directly to the statement of operations on sale of La Madrina in 2012, while $0.5 million were expensed in 2011 on sale of the aframax tanker Vergina II.

Since 2009, the Company has entered into swap arrangements relating to bunker (fuel) costs, which do not qualify as hedging instruments. In 2012, the Company received $2.4 million on these swaps in realized gains compared to $6.4 million in 2011. However, unrealized mark-to-market valuation losses were $1.7 million in 2012 and $2.1 million in 2011.

Amortization of loan expenses was $1.0 million in both 2012 and 2011. Other loan charges, including commitment fees, amounted to $0.2 million in 2012 and $0.3 million in 2011.

Interest and investment income

For 2012, interest and investment income amounted to $1.3 million compared to $2.7 million in 2011. In both years, the income related to bank deposit interest. The decrease is due to lower average cash balances in 2012 compared with 2011, the rates on cash deposits being at the same levels for both periods.

Non-controlling interest

The amount earned by the non-controlling interest (49%) shareholding of the subsidiary which owns the companies owning the vessels Maya and Inca was $0.2 million in 2012 compared to $0.5 million in 2011. Although revenue earned and operating expenses was at the same levels in 2012 and 2011, the difference was due to increased interest and finance costs in 2012 as a result of a waiver obtained at the end of 2011 from its lending bank relating to the then non-compliance with the leverage ratio required by its loan agreement.

Net loss/income

As a result of the foregoing, the net loss for 2012 was $49.3 million or $0.92 per diluted share versus a net loss of $89.5 million or $1.94 per diluted share for 2011.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our liquidity requirements relate to servicing our debt, funding the equity portion of investments in vessels, funding working capital and controlling fluctuations in cash flow. In addition, our newbuilding commitments, other expected capital expenditure on dry-dockings and vessel acquisitions, which in total equaled $151.7 million in 2013, $91.9 million in 2012 and $113.8 million in 2011, will again require us to expend cash in 2014 and in future years. Net cash flow generated by operations is our main source of liquidity. Apart from the possibility of issuing further equity, additional sources of cash include proceeds from asset sales and borrowings, although all borrowing arrangements to date have specifically related to the acquisition of vessels.

We believe, given our current cash holdings and the number of vessels we have on time charter, that if market conditions remain relatively stable throughout 2014, our financial resources, including the cash expected to be generated within the year, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and working capital needs through

 

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January 1, 2015, taking into account our existing capital commitments and debt service requirements. If market conditions worsen significantly, then our cash resources may decline to a level that may put at risk our ability to service timely our debt and capital expenditure commitments. In order to avoid such an eventuality, management would expect to be able to raise extra capital through the alternative sources described above.

Working capital (non-restricted net current assets) amounted to a negative $5.3 million at December 31, 2013 compared to a negative $51.1 million at December 31, 2012. Current assets increased to $232.5 million at December 31, 2013 from $224.0 million at December 31, 2012 mainly due to increased cash in non-restricted cash holdings by $17.9 million due to the two preferred stock issues in May and September 2013 and the ATM program under which the Company raised $47.0 million, $47.3 million and $7.0 million, respectively. Restricted cash balances dropped by $6.7 million due to the release of restricted amounts following the sale of the VLCC La Madrina at the end of 2012 and an early payment of a loan installment. Current liabilities decreased to $228.3 million at December 31, 2013 from $258.9 million at December 31, 2012, mainly due to the decrease of the current portion of long term debt by $60.3 million. At December 31, 2013 the amount that we would be required to pay to satisfy the value-to-loan shortfall contained in our loan agreements, reclassified to short term liabilities, has been reduced to $5.9 million from $24.3 million at December 31, 2012. The current portion of financial instruments has decreased by $7.2 million in 2013 as seven swaps expired during the latter part of 2012 and another two expired in 2013.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $117.9 million during 2013 compared to $60.9 million in the previous year, a 93.8% increase. The increase is mainly due to the increase in revenue (net of voyage expenses) generated by operations as described in the section on voyage revenue above, and due to more effective management of payables and receivables. Expenditure for dry-dockings is deducted from cash generated by operating activities. Total expenditure during 2013 on dry-dockings amounted to $5.7 million compared to $7.6 million in 2012. In 2013, dry-docking work was performed on the panamaxes Maya, Inca, Andes, Selecao and Selini, on the aframax Maria Princess and on the suezmax Triathlon, seven vessels in total. In 2012, dry-docking work was performed on the suezmaxes Silia T, Arctic and Antarctic, the aframaxes Sakura Princess and Izumo Princess, the panamax Socrates, the handysizes Aegeas, Bosporos and Byzantion and the LNG Neo Energy, ten vessels in total. Expenditure was lower in 2013 due to the lower number of vessels that undertook dry-docking and also due to the high cost of the LNG carrier Neo Energy dry-docking in 2012.

Net cash used in investing activities was $144.4 million for the year 2013, compared to $43.0 million for 2012. In 2013 we paid $37.2 million as yard advances for vessels under construction and $105.8 million as the final installments for the acquisition of the newbuilding suezmax DP2 shuttle tankers Rio 2016 and Brasil 2014. We also paid $3.1 million for additions and improvements on our existing fleet. In 2012, $81.8 million was paid as yard installments for vessels under construction and $2.5 million for improvements on existing vessels. At December 31, 2013, we had under construction one LNG carrier and five aframaxes with total remaining payments totaling $426.5 million, all of which we expect to be covered by new debt or additional sources of debt, as described above. In addition, a contract we had for construction of a shuttle tanker has been cancelled and we are currently in discussion with the shipyard regarding the possible substitution of two alternative vessels at delivery dates to be determined. The LNG carrier is expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2016 and the aframaxes are expected to be delivered at various dates between the second quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. Since December 31, 2013, we have contracted for four additional aframax crude oil tanker newbuildings for an aggregate purchase price of $206.8 million, with scheduled deliveries between the first and third quarters of 2017.

In 2013 there were no vessel sales. In 2012, net sale proceeds from the sale of the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia amounted to $40.2 million in total.

 

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Net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 amounted to $44.5 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $49.3 million in 2012. Proceeds from new bank loans in 2013 amounted to $110.0 million compared to $83.6 million in the previous year. Scheduled repayments of debt amounted to $145.3 million in 2013, compared to $125.1 million of repayments in 2012. Another $26.8 million was paid in 2013 as the balloon payment on a loan facility, used for the financing of the aframax tanker Sakura Princess and other vessels sold in prior periods. This balloon was refinanced by an $18.0 million new loan included in the total proceeds from new bank loans. In 2012, $23.6 million of debt was prepaid as a result of vessel sales and $8.1 million was repaid in relation to a loan to the joint-venture subsidiary. On May 2, 2013, the Company completed an offering of 2,000,000 of its 8% Series B cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares, par value $1.00 per share and liquidation preference $25.00 per share. The net proceeds from the sale of these shares, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses were $47.0 million. On August 8, 2013 the Company entered into a distribution agency agreement with a leading investment bank as manager, providing for the offer and sale from time to time of up to 4,000,000 common shares of the Company, par value $1.00 per share, at market prices. As of December 31, 2013 the Company sold 1,430,211 common shares under this agreement for net proceeds of $7.0 million. On September 30, 2013, the Company completed an offering of 2,000,000 of its 8.875% Series C cumulative redeemable perpetual preferred shares, par value $1.00 per share and liquidation preference $25.00 per share. The net proceeds from the sale of these shares, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses were $47.3 million. On April 18, 2012, the Company completed an offering of 10,000,000 common shares at a price of $6.50 per share. The net proceeds from the sale of these common shares in the offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses relating to the offering, was $62.3 million. Since December 31, 2013, the Company has issued an additional 1,077,847 common shares under the distribution agency agreement for net proceeds of $7.2 million and completed a public offering of 12,995,000 common shares for net proceeds of $82.7 million on February 5, 2014.

In 2013, dividends of $0.05 per common share were paid in June, September and December. Total dividend payments to common stockholders in 2013, amounted to $8.5 million. In 2012, total dividends amounted to $0.50 per common share and payments totaled $26.6 million. The dividend policy of the Company is to pay a dividend on a quarterly basis. However, the payment and the amount are subject to the discretion of our board of directors and depend, among other things, on available cash balances, anticipated cash needs, our results of operations, our financial condition, and any loan agreement restrictions binding us or our subsidiaries, as well as other relevant factors.

In 2013, a dividend of $0.44 and $0.50 per preferred share was paid to holders of our Series B preferred shares on July 30, 2013 and on October 30, 2013 respectively, totaling to $1.9 million. Dividends on the Series B and C Preferred Shares will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of January, April, July and October of each year, when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors.

From time to time and depending upon market conditions, we may consider various capital raising alternatives to finance the strategic growth and diversification of our fleet. Any such capital raising transactions may be at the Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited or subsidiary level, and may include the formation of a master limited partnership partly owned by other persons, to which interests in certain vessels in our fleet and rights to receive related cash flows would be transferred, as well as other capital raising alternatives available to us at that particular time.

Investment in Fleet and Related Expenses

We operate in a capital-intensive industry requiring extensive investment in revenue-producing assets. As discussed previously in the section “Our Fleet,” we continue to have an active fleet development program resulting in a fleet of modern and young vessels with an average age of 7.3 years at March 31, 2014. We raise the funds for such investments in new-buildings mainly from borrowings and partly out of internally generated funds and equity issuance transactions. New-building contracts generally provide for multiple staged payments of 5% to 10%, with the balance of the vessel purchase price paid upon delivery. In the case of the DP2 shuttle tankers,

 

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delivered in March and April 2013, pre-delivery financing had been arranged for part of the installment payments to the shipbuilding yard and on delivery the remainder of the financing was received to cover the final installments. Otherwise, for the equity portion of an investment in a newbuilding or a second-hand vessel, we generally pay from our own cash approximately 30% of the contract price. Repayment of the debt incurred to purchase the vessel is made from vessel operating cash flow, typically over seven to twelve years, compared to the vessel’s asset life of approximately 25 years (LNG carrier 40 years).

Debt

As is customary in our industry, we anticipate financing the majority of our commitments on the newbuildings with bank debt. Generally we raise 70% of the vessel purchase price with bank debt for a period of between seven and twelve years (while the expected life of a tanker is 25 years and an LNG carrier is 40 years). For vessels for which we have secured long-term charters with first-class charterers, we would expect to raise up to 80% of the vessel purchase price with bank debt. Negotiations for debt financing for the LNG carrier with expected delivery in 2016, are currently in progress.

Summary of Loan Movements Throughout 2013 (in $ millions):

 

Loan

 

Vessel

  Balance at
January  1,
2013
    New
Loans
    Repaid     Balance at
December 31,
2013
 

Credit facility

  Sakura Princess     34.9        0        34.9        0   

Credit facility

  Silia T, Andes, Didimon, Amphitrite, Izumo Princess, Aegeas     134.2        0        13.1        121.1   

Credit facility

  Millennium, Triathlon, Eurochampion 2004, Euronike     125.1        0        11.8        113.3   

Credit facility

  Archangel, Alaska, Arctic, Antarctic     112.4        0        10.6        101.8   

Credit facility

  Delphi, La Prudencia, Byzantion, Bosporos     92.6        0        27.0        65.6   

Credit facility

  Artemis, Afrodite, Ariadne, Ajax, Apollon, Aris, Proteas Promitheas, Propontis     251.0        0        20.0        231.0   

10-year term loan

  Arion, Andromeda     32.0        0        3.1        28.9   

Credit facility

  Maya, Inca     35.6        0        4.4        31.2   

Credit facility

  Neo Energy     92.5        0        5.0        87.5   

10-year term loan

  Maria Princess, Nippon Princess     66.3        0        5.5        60.8   

Credit facility

  Selecao, Socrates     61.3        0        4.6        56.7   

10-year term loan

  Ise Princess     29.0        0        2.2        26.8   

10-year term loan

  Asahi Princess     30.3        0        2.9        27.4   

12-year term loan

  Sapporo Princess     33.8        0        2.5        31.3   

10-year term loan

  Uraga Princess     32.5        0        2.6        29.9   

7-year term loan

  World Harmony, Chantal     60.7        0        4.6        56.1   

10-year term loan

  Selini     37.5        0        3.2        34.3   

8-year term loan

  Salamina     36.9        0        2.6        34.3   

10-year term loan

  Spyros K     43.2        0        3.2        40.0   

9-year term loan

  Dimitris P     45.4        0        3.2        42.2   

8-year term loan

  Rio 2016     27.6        46.0        2.3        71.3   

8-year term loan

  Brasil 2014     27.6        46.0        2.5        71.1   

7-year term loan

  Sakura Princess     0        18.0        0.3        17.7   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

      1,442.4        110.0        172.1        1,380.3   
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a result of such financing activities, long-term debt decreased in 2013 by a net amount of $62.1 million compared to a net decrease of $73.2 million in 2012. The debt to capital (equity plus debt) ratio was 58.0% at December 31, 2013, or net of cash, 54.8%, and 60.9% at December 31, 2012 or, net of cash, 58.0%.

 

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We have paid all our scheduled loan installments and related loan and swap interest consistently without delay or omission. As a percentage of total liabilities against total assets at fair value, our consolidated leverage (a non-GAAP measure) as computed in accordance with our loan agreements at December 31, 2013 was 68.3%, below the original loan covenant maximum of 70% which is applicable to all the above loans (except one) on a fleet and total liabilities basis. At December 31, 2012, due to the fall in vessels’ values, our consolidated leverage was in excess of the loan covenant maximum of 70%. All the loan agreements also include a requirement for the value of the vessel or vessels secured against the related loan to be at least 120% (in two cases 125% and in two other cases 110%) of the outstanding associated debt at all times. As at each of December 31, 2013 and 2012, in certain cases, due to the fall in tanker values, the value-to-loan ratios were less than these levels and, therefore, we were in non-compliance with this covenant in those cases.

In the event of non-compliance with the value-to-loan ratio without obtaining waivers of these loan-to-value covenants and upon request from our lenders, we have to either provide the lenders acceptable additional security with a net realizable value at least equal to the shortfall, or prepay an amount, beyond scheduled short-term repayments, that will cure the non-compliances. None of our lenders have requested prepayment or additional collateral, except when related to a vessel sale, nor have any declared an event of default under the loan terms, which we believe to be a result of our good relationships, the immaterial extent of non-compliance in most cases and the remedial action we have taken. However, if not remedied when requested, these non-compliances would constitute events of default and could result in the lenders requiring immediate repayment of the loans.

We have obtained waivers in respect of the leverage covenant, from all lenders whose loans are affected by the leverage non-compliance, for a period of eighteen months to July 1, 2014, during which period the leverage maximum is 80% and the interest rate margin is increased. In addition, we have obtained waivers in respect of loan-to-value ratios on ten of the loans with loan-to-value shortfalls for a period of eighteen months to July 1, 2014, during which period the required loan-to-value ratio is at a range of 100%-125% and the interest rate margin is increased. There is one further loan, with an outstanding balance of $34.3 million where loan-to-value non-compliance existed at December 31, 2013, but for which a waiver was not sought. In respect of this loan, an amount of $5.9 million has been reclassified as a current liability.

One of the loans listed above (re Maya, Inca) relates to the financing of the subsidiary company in which we have a 51% interest. This loan has a leverage covenant similar to that defined above which relates only to the assets and liabilities of that particular company. As at December 31, 2012, the leverage on this particular loan was in excess of the required level. In addition, the loan-to-value ratio was less than the required percentage. We have agreed upon the terms of a waiver of this leverage covenant covering the 18-month period from December 31, 2012 to July 1, 2014, and thereafter the leverage ceiling to rise to 80% and for the loan-to-value covenant to be waived for the three months from December 31, 2012 and for the following 15 months not to exceed a reduced amount, in return for an increase in the interest rate margin. As at December 31, 2013, the subsidiary company was in compliance with these revised covenants.

In all the aforementioned cases we do not expect to pay down the loans in 2014 beyond the amounts that we have already classified as current liabilities. Upon an event of default, all the loan agreements, which are secured by mortgages on our vessels include the right of lenders to accelerate repayments. All our loan agreements and our interest rate swap agreements also contain a cross-default provision that may be triggered by a default under one of our other loans. A cross-default provision means that a default on one loan would result in a default on other agreements. Because of the presence of cross-default provisions in our credit facilities as of December 31, 2013, the refusal of any one lender to grant or extend a waiver, if necessary to maintain compliance, could result in most of our indebtedness under loan and interest rate swap agreements being accelerated even if our other lenders have waived covenant defaults under the respective credit facilities.

Interest payable is usually at a variable rate, based on six-month LIBOR plus a margin. Interest rate swap instruments currently cover approximately 20% of the outstanding debt as of April 2014. Two of the six interest rate swaps existing at December 31, 2012, matured in the second half of 2013 and another one matured in March 2014.

 

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The expected coverage at the end of 2014 is estimated at 21% of expected outstanding debt. We review our hedging position relating to interest on a continuous basis and have regular discussions with banks with regards to terms for potential new instruments to hedge our interest.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

Long-Term Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2013 (in $ millions) were:

 

Contractual Obligations

  Total     Less than 1
year
(2014)
    1-3 years
(2015-2016)
    3-5 years
(2017-2018)
    More than
5 years
(after
January 1,
2019)
 

Long-term debt obligations (excluding interest)(1)

    1,380.3        120.5        445.3        480.2        334.3   

Interest on long-term debt obligations (including interest rate swap payments)(2)

    137.6        31.1        56.9        38.5        11.1   

Purchase Obligations (newbuildings)(3)

    426.5        82.7        313.1        30.7       —    

Management Fees payable to Tsakos Energy Management (based on existing fleet plus contracted future deliveries as at December 31, 2013)

    163.2        17.0        33.9        34.6        77.7   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

    2,107.6        251.3        849.2        584.0        423.1   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) The amounts shown above for long-term debt obligations and interest obligations exclude the hull cover ratio shortfall of $5.9 million discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 7).
(2) The amounts shown above for interest obligations include contractual fixed interest obligations and interest obligations for floating rate debt as at December 31, 2013 based on the amortization schedule for such debt and the average interest rate as described in “Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Derivative contracts and their implied average fixed rates are also included in the calculations.
(3) The amounts shown above for purchase obligations (newbuildings) includes amounts payable based on contracts which are currently being renegotiated as to type, size and specification of the contracted newbuildings and timing of delivery. Such amounts exclude total purchase obligations of $206.8 million for the four aframax crude oil tanker newbuildings for which we entered into contracts for construction on February 26, 2014.

 

Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees

The following table sets forth, as of March 31, 2013, information for each of our directors and senior managers.

 

Name

 

Age

  

Positions

   Year First
Elected
 

D. John Stavropoulos

 

81

   Chairman of the Board      1994   

Nikolas P. Tsakos

 

50

   President and Chief Executive Officer, Director      1993   

Michael G. Jolliffe

 

64

   Vice Chairman of the Board      1993   

George V. Saroglou

 

49

   Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Director      2001   

Paul Durham

 

63

   Chief Financial Officer      —    

Vladimir Jadro

 

68

   Chief Marine Officer      —    

Peter C. Nicholson

 

80

   Director      1993   

Francis T. Nusspickel

 

73

   Director      2004   

Richard L. Paniguian

 

64

   Director      2008   

Aristides A.N. Patrinos

 

66

   Director      2006   

Takis Arapoglou

 

63

   Director      2010   

Efthimios E. Mitropoulos

 

74

   Director      2012   

 

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Certain biographical information regarding each of these individuals is set forth below.

D. JOHN STAVROPOULOS

CHAIRMAN

Mr. Stavropoulos served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of The First National Bank of Chicago and its parent, First Chicago Corporation, before retiring in 1990 after 33 years with the bank. He chaired the bank’s Credit Strategy Committee, Country Risk Management Council and Economic Council. His memberships in professional societies have included Robert Morris Associates (national director), the Association of Reserve City Bankers and the Financial Analysts Federation. Mr. Stavropoulos was appointed by President George H. W. Bush to serve for life on the Presidential Credit Standards Advisory Committee. Mr. Stavropoulos was an instructor of Economics and Finance at Northwestern University from 1962 to 1968, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. Mr. Stavropoulos, who has been the chairman of the Board and a director since 1994, will be retiring from the Board of Directors following the Company’s 2014 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”), but will remain as an advisor to the Board.

NIKOLAS P. TSAKOS, Dr.

FOUNDER, PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Mr. Tsakos has been President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since inception. Mr. Tsakos is the sole shareholder of Tsakos Energy Management Limited. He has been involved in ship management since 1981 and has 36 months of seafaring experience. Mr. Tsakos served as an officer in the Hellenic Navy in 1988. He is the former President of the Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA). Mr. Tsakos is the Vice Chairman of the Independent Tanker Owners Association (INTERTANKO) and an Executive Committee member, a board member of the UK P&I Club, a board member of the Union of Greek Shipowners (UGS), a council member of the board of the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC) and a council member of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV) and of the Greek Committee of Det Norske Veritas (DNV). He graduated from Columbia University in New York in 1985 with a degree in Economics and Political Science and obtained a Masters Degree in Shipping, Trade and Finance from London’s City University Business School in 1987. In 2011, Mr. Tsakos was awarded an honorary doctorate from the City University Business School, for his pioneering work in the equity financial markets relating to shipping companies. Mr. Tsakos is the cousin of Mr. Saroglou.

MICHAEL G. JOLLIFFE

CO-FOUNDER AND VICE CHAIRMAN

Mr. Jolliffe has been joint Managing Director and then Vice Chairman of our Board since 1993. He is a director of a number of companies in shipping, agency representation, shipbroking capital services, mining and telemarketing. Mr. Jolliffe is Chief Executive Officer of Titans Maritime Ltd, a shipping company set up in joint venture between Tsakos/Jolliffe families and Anchorage Capital, a N.Y. fund manager. He is also Chairman of the Wighams Group of companies owning companies involved in shipbroking, agency representation and capital markets businesses. Mr. Jolliffe is also a director of InternetQ a telemarketing, multi player games and social content company quoted on the London AIM stock exchange as well as the Chairman of Papua Mining Plc, a gold and copper mining company quoted on the London AIM. Michael Jolliffe is also Chairman of StealthGas, Inc., a shipping company which is quoted on the NASDAQ stock exchange in New York and which owns 39 LPG ships, four product tankers and contracts for 16 LPG newbuildings.

 

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GEORGE V. SAROGLOU

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Mr. Saroglou has been Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 1996. Mr. Saroglou is a shareholder of Pansystems S.A., a Greek information technology systems integrator, where he also worked from 1987 until 1994. From 1995 to 1996 he was employed in the Trading Department of the Tsakos Group. He graduated from McGill University in Canada in 1987 with a Bachelors Degree in Science (Mathematics). Mr. Saroglou is the cousin of Mr. Tsakos.

PAUL DURHAM

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mr. Durham joined Tsakos in 1999 and has served as our Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer since 2000. Mr. Durham is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England & Wales. From 1989 through 1998, Mr. Durham was employed in Athens with the Latsis Group, a shipping, refinery and banking enterprise, becoming Financial Director of Shipping in 1995. From 1983 to 1989, Mr. Durham was employed by RJR Nabisco Corporation, serving as audit manager for Europe, Asia and Africa until 1986 and then as financial controller of one of their United Kingdom food divisions. Mr. Durham worked with public accounting firms Ernst & Young (London and Paris) from 1972 to 1979 and Deloitte & Touche (Chicago and Athens) from 1979 to 1983. Mr. Durham is a graduate in Economics from the University of Exeter, England.

VLADIMIR JADRO

CHIEF MARINE OFFICER

Mr. Jadro joined Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited in February 2006. He was appointed Chief Marine Officer of the Company in June 2006. Mr. Jadro was employed by Exxon/ExxonMobil Corp. from 1980 until 2004 in various technical and operational positions including operations, repairs, new building constructions, off shore conversions and projects of the marine department of ExxonMobil Corp. He was in charge of various tankers and gas carriers from 28,000 dwt to 409,000 dwt, and responsible for the company vetting system. He was also involved in the development of oil companies’ international “SIRE” vessel inspection system. From 1978 until 1980 he was employed by the Bethlehem Steel shipyard. From 1967 until 1977, Mr. Jadro was employed on various tankers starting as third engineer and advancing to Chief Engineer. Mr. Jadro is a member of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and Port Engineers of New York.

PETER C. NICHOLSON, CBE

DIRECTOR

Mr. Nicholson is trained as a naval architect and spent the majority of his professional career with Camper & Nicholson Limited, the world-famous yacht builder. He became Managing Director of the firm and later, Chairman. When Camper & Nicholson merged with Crest Securities to form Crest Nicholson Plc in 1972, Mr. Nicholson became an executive director, a role he held until 1988 when he became a non-executive in order to pursue a wider range of business interests. Since that time, he has been a non-executive director of Lloyds TSB Group Plc (from 1990 to 2000) and Chairman of Carisbrooke Shipping Plc (from 1990 to 1999). He was a director of various companies in the Marsh Group of insurance brokers. He has served on the boards of a variety of small companies, has been active in the administration of the United Kingdom marine industry and is a trustee of the British Marine Federation. He is a Younger Brother of Trinity House. He was Chairman of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution from 2000 to 2004. In 2010, Mr. Nicholson became a partner and chairman of a limited liability partnership, R.M.G. Wealth Management.

 

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FRANCIS T. NUSSPICKEL

DIRECTOR

Mr. Nusspickel is a retired partner of Arthur Andersen LLP with 35 years of public accounting experience. He is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in several U.S. states. During his years with Arthur Andersen, he served as a member of their Transportation Industry Group and was worldwide Industry Head for the Ocean Shipping segment. His responsibilities included projects for mergers and acquisitions, fraud investigations, arbitrations and debt and equity offerings. He was President of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants from 1996 to 1997, a member of the AICPA Council from 1992 to 1998, and from 2004 to 2007 was Chairman of the Professional Ethics Committee of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Nusspickel is also a Director of Symmetry Medical Inc., a New York Stock Exchange listed medical device manufacturer.

RICHARD L. PANIGUIAN, CBE

DIRECTOR

Mr. Paniguian was appointed Head of UK Defence and Security Organization, or DSO, in August 2008, which supports UK defence and security businesses seeking to export and develop joint ventures and partnerships overseas, as well as overseas defence and security businesses seeking to invest in the UK. Previously, Mr. Paniguian pursued a career with BP plc., where he worked for 37 years. He held a wide range of posts with BP, including, in the 1980s, as Commercial Director in the Middle East, Head of International Oil Trading in New York and Head of Capital Markets in London. In the 1990s he completed assignments as a Director of BP Europe, Chief Executive of BP Shipping and subsequently Head of Gas Development in the Middle East and Africa. In 2001 he was appointed Group Vice President for Russia, the Caspian, Middle East and Africa, where he was responsible for developing and delivering BP’s growth strategy in these regions. He played a leading role in support of the TNK-BP joint venture; in delivering the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan pipeline project; in driving for new gas exploration in Libya, Egypt and Oman and, in completing BP’s first oil project in Angola. In 2007 he was appointed CBE for services to business. Between 2002 and 2007 he was Chairman of the Egyptian British Business Council, and between 2000 and 2002 President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. Mr. Paniguian has a degree in Arabic and Middle East politics and an MBA.

ARISTIDES A.N. PATRINOS, Ph.D

DIRECTOR

Dr. Patrinos is currently the Deputy Director for Research of the Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP) and a Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Biomolecular Engineering at New York University. Since 2006 he is also affiliated with Synthetic Genomics Inc. (SGI) serving as President (2006-2011), Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs (2011-2012) and currently as a Consultant. SGI is a US-based privately held company dedicated to developing and commercializing clean and renewable fuels and chemicals; sustainable food products; and novel medical applications such as synthetic vaccines. From 1976 to 2006 Dr. Patrinos served in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and several of the DOE National Laboratories and engaged in several facets of energy production and use and led key research programs in biology and the environment. He played a leading role in the Human Genome Project and has been a central architect in the “genomics” revolution. He is a member of many scientific societies and is a recipient of numerous awards and distinctions including three U.S. Presidential Rank Awards, and two Secretary of Energy Gold Medals. He holds a Diploma in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (Metsovion) and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Astronautical Sciences from Northwestern University.

 

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TAKIS ARAPOGLOU

DIRECTOR

Mr. Arapoglou is a Corporate Advisor with an international executive career in Corporate and Investment Banking, International Capital Markets and restructuring of Financial Institutions. Between 2010 and 2013 he was Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Banking at EFG Hermes Holding SAE, operating in the Middle East and Africa. Earlier, he was Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Greece Group and Chairman of the Hellenic Banks Association (2004-2009) and Managing Director & Head of the Global Banks and Securities Industry for Citigroup (1999-2004). He has served in several International Bank Advisory boards in Europe and Africa as well as on the Boards of Educational foundations, including the Institute of Corporate Culture Affairs in Frankfurt, as Chairman. He is currently holding the following non-executive board positions: Vice Chairman of Eurobank Ergasias SA, Vice Chairman of Titan Cement SA, board member of EFG Hermes Holding SAE and of Credit Libanais SAL. He is Chairman of the International Board of Advisors of Tufts University in Boston. He has degrees in Mathematics, Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering and Management from Greek and British Universities. Mr. Arapoglou will become Chairman of the Board following the retirement of Mr. Stavropoulos at the Annual Meeting.

EFTHIMIOS E. MITROPOULOS

DIRECTOR

Mr. Mitropoulos is Secretary-General Emeritus of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations specialized agency responsible for the regulation of international shipping from the safety, security and environmental protection points of view. After 23 years of service at IMO (ten of which as Director of the Maritime Safety Division), he was elected Secretary-General in 2003 and re-elected in 2007 for a total of the maximum time permitted of eight years. As a graduate of both Merchant and Naval Academies of Greece, he spent time at sea as a navigation officer and twenty years as a commissioned Hellenic Coast Guard officer, retiring as a rear admiral, having represented Greece at IMO and various other international fora dealing with shipping matters over a twelve year period and having spent two years as Harbour Master of Corfu. Between 2004 and 2012, he was Chancellor of the World Maritime University, Malmô, Sweden and Chairman of the Governing Board of the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta. He is the author of several books on shipping, including books on tankers, modern types of merchant ships, safety of navigation and shipping economics and policy. He is Chairman of the Board of the “Maria Tsakos Foundation – International Centre for Maritime Research and Tradition” and Chancellor of the AMET Maritime University in Chennai, India.

Corporate Governance

Board of Directors

Our business is managed under the direction of the Board, in accordance with the Companies Act and our Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws. Members of the Board are kept informed of our business through: discussions with the Chairman of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer and other members of our management team; the review of materials provided to directors; and, participation in meetings of the Board and its committees. In accordance with our Bye-laws, the Board has specified that the number of directors will be set at no less than five or more than fifteen. At December 31, 2013 we had ten members on our Board. Mr. Stavropoulos intends to retire immediately following the Annual Meeting. At its March 14, 2014 meeting, the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee nominated Mr. Arapoglou as the next Chairman of the Board, effective upon the retirement of Mr. Stavropoulos. The nomination was endorsed by the Board at its meeting later that day. Under our Bye-laws, one third (or the number nearest one third) of the Board (with the exception of any executive director) retires by rotation each year. The Bye-laws require that the one third of the directors to retire by rotation be those who have been in office longest since their last appointment or re-appointment. The Bye-laws specify that where the directors to retire have been in office for an equal length of time, those to retire are to be determined by lot (unless they agree otherwise among themselves).

 

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During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, the full Board held three meetings in person. With the exception of the meetings of October 11, 2013 in the case of Mr. Jolliffe, and of the meetings on April 11, 2013 in the case of Mr. Paniguian, each director attended all of the meetings of the Board. In addition, but subject to those exceptions, each director attended all of the meetings of committees of which the director was a member.

Independence of Directors

The foundation for the Company’s corporate governance is the Board’s policy that a substantial majority of the members of the Board should be independent. With the exception of the two Executive Directors (Messrs. Tsakos and Saroglou) and one Non-executive Director (Mr. Jolliffe), the Board believes that each of the other incumbent directors (Messrs. Stavropoulos, Nicholson, Nusspickel, Paniguian, Patrinos, Arapoglou and Mitropoulos) is independent under the standards established by the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) because none has a material relationship with the Company directly or indirectly or any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of their independent judgment as directors of the Company.

The Board made its determination of independence in accordance with its Corporate Governance Guidelines, which specifies standards and a process for evaluating director independence. The Guidelines provide that:

 

   

A director cannot be independent if he or she fails to meet the objective requirements as to “independence” under the NYSE listing standards.

 

   

If a director meets the objective NYSE standards, he or she will be deemed independent, absent unusual circumstances, if in the current year and the past three years the director has had no related-party transaction or relationship with the Company or an “interlocking” relationship with another entity triggering disclosure under the SEC disclosure rules.

 

   

If a director who meets the objective NYSE independence requirements either has had a disclosable transaction or relationship or the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee requests that the Board consider any other circumstances in determining the director’s independence, the Board will make a determination of the director’s independence.

To promote open discussion among the independent directors, those directors met three times in 2013 in regularly scheduled executive sessions without participation of the Company’s management and will continue to do so in 2014. Mr. Nicholson currently serves as the Presiding Director for purposes of these meetings.

Documents Establishing Our Corporate Governance

The Board and the Company’s management have engaged in an ongoing review of our corporate governance practices in order to oversee our compliance with the applicable corporate governance rules of the NYSE and the SEC.

The Company has adopted a number of key documents that are the foundation of its corporate governance, including:

 

   

a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Directors, Officers and Employees;

 

   

a Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee Charter; and

 

   

an Audit Committee Charter.

These documents and other important information on our governance, including the Board’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, are posted in the “Investor Relations” section of the Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited website, and may be viewed at http://www.tenn.gr. We will also provide any of these documents in hard copy upon the written request of a shareholder. Shareholders may direct their requests to the attention of Investor Relations, c/o George Saroglou or Paul Durham, Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited, 367 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece.

 

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The Board has a long-standing commitment to sound and effective corporate governance practices. The Board’s Corporate Governance Guidelines address a number of important governance issues such as:

 

   

Selection and monitoring of the performance of the Company’s senior management;

 

   

Succession planning for the Company’s senior management;

 

   

Qualifications for membership on the Board;

 

   

Functioning of the Board, including the requirement for meetings of the independent directors; and

 

   

Standards and procedures for determining the independence of directors.

The Board believes that the Corporate Governance Guidelines and other governance documents meet current requirements and reflect a very high standard of corporate governance.

Committees of the Board

The Board has established an Audit Committee, a Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee, a Capital Markets Committee, a Risk Committee, an Operational and Environmental R&D Committee and a Chartering Committee. The Board is currently considering revisions to its committee structure and intends to dissolve, combine or amend the scope of authority of certain of the committees after the Annual Meeting. The list of board committees after the Annual Meeting will include: an Audit Committee, a Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee, an Environmental Committee and an Operational and Financial Risks Committee.

Audit Committee

The current members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Nicholson, Nusspickel, Stavropoulos and Arapoglou, each of whom is an independent Director. Mr. Nusspickel is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is governed by a written charter, which is approved and adopted annually by the Board. The Board has determined that the continuing members of the Audit Committee meet the applicable independence requirements, and that all continuing members of the Audit Committee meet the requirement of being financially literate. The Audit Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, three of which were in person and one via telephone conference. The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board and is responsible for, among other matters:

 

   

engaging the Company’s external and internal auditors;

 

   

approving in advance all audit and non-audit services provided by the auditors;

 

   

approving all fees paid to the auditors;

 

   

reviewing the qualification and independence of the Company’s external auditors;

 

   

reviewing the Company’s relationship with external auditors, including the consideration of audit fees which should be paid as well as any other fees which are payable to auditors in respect of non-audit activities, discussions with the external auditors concerning such issues as compliance with accounting standards and any proposals which the external auditors have made vis-à-vis the Company’s accounting standards;

 

   

overseeing the Company’s financial reporting and internal control functions;

 

   

overseeing the Company’s whistleblower’s process and protection; and

 

   

overseeing general compliance with related regulatory requirements.

The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Nusspickel, Stavropoulos and Arapoglou, whose biographical details are included herein, each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under current SEC regulations and each is independent in accordance with SEC rules and the listing standards of the NYSE.

 

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Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee

The current members of the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee are Messrs. Arapoglou, Nicholson, Nusspickel, Paniguian, Patrinos, Mitropoulos and Stavropoulos, each of whom is an independent Director. Mr. Nicholson is Chairman of the Committee. The Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board and is responsible for:

 

   

assisting the Board and the Company’s management in establishing and maintaining a high standard of ethical principles;

 

   

ensuring appropriate independence of directors under NYSE and SEC rules;

 

   

identifying and nominating candidates for election to the Board and appointing the Chief Executive Officer and the Company’s senior management team;

 

   

designing the compensation structure for the Company and for the members of the Board and its various committees; and

 

   

designing and overseeing the short-term and long-term incentive compensation program of the Company.

During 2013, there were three meetings of the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee.

Capital Markets Committee

The current members of the Capital Markets Committee are Messrs. Arapoglou, Jolliffe, Tsakos and Stavropoulos. Mr. Jolliffe is Chairman of the Capital Markets Committee. The Capital Markets Committee assists the Board and the Company’s management regarding matters relating to the raising of capital in the equity and debt markets, relationships with investment banks, communications with existing and prospective investors and compliance with related regulatory requirements. The Board expects to expand the role currently performed by this committee by replacing it with a newly-formed Business Development and Capital Markets Committee that, in addition to the functions of the current committee, will assist the Board and the Company’s management with respect to strategic transactions and other business opportunities.

Risk Committee

The current members of the Risk Committee are Messrs. Arapoglou, Nicholson, Saroglou, Stavropoulos, Tsakos, and our Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Durham. Mr. Stavropoulos is Chairman of the Risk Committee. The primary role of the Risk Committee is to assist the Board and the Company’s management regarding matters relating to insurance protection coverage of physical assets, third party liabilities, contract employees, charter revenues and officer and director liability. The Risk Committee also assists in the development and maintenance of commercial banking and other direct lender relationships, including loans and, when appropriate, interest rate hedging instruments. The Board expects that the committee will be dissolved and the functions of this committee will be performed by a newly-formed Operational and Financial Risks Committee.

Operational and Environmental R&D Committee

The current members of the Operational and Environmental Committee are Messrs. Jolliffe, Mitropoulos, Nusspickel and Patrinos. Mr. Mitropoulos is Chairman of the Committee. The committee also includes the Deputy Chairman of Tsakos Shipping, Mr. Vassilis Papageorgiou. Mr. Papageorgiou is not a director or officer of our Company. The primary role of the Operational and Environmental Committee is to draw the attention of the Board and the Company’s management to issues of concern regarding the safety of crew and vessel and the impact of the maritime industry on the environment, to provide an update on related legislation and technological innovations, and more specifically highlight areas in which the Company itself may play a more active role in being in the forefront of adopting operational procedures and technologies that will ensure maximum safety for

 

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crew and vessel and contribute to a better environment. The Board expects that this committee will be dissolved. The environmental duties of this committee will be performed by a newly-formed Environmental Committee, while the operational oversight will be performed by the Operational and Financial Risks Committee described above.

Chartering Committee

The members of the Chartering Committee are Messrs. Stavropoulos, Saroglou and Tsakos. Mr. Tsakos is Chairman of the Chartering Committee. The Chartering Committee assists the Board and the Company’s management regarding the strategies of fleet employment, fleet composition and the general structuring of charter agreements. The Board expects to dissolve this committee.

Board Compensation

We pay no cash compensation to our senior management or to our directors who are senior managers. We have no salaried employees. For the year ended December 31, 2013, the aggregate cash compensation of all of the members of the Board was $635,000 per the following annual fee allocation which was approved by the shareholders of the Company on June 14, 2013:

 

   

Service on the Board - $50,000

 

   

Service on the Audit Committee - $20,000

 

   

Service on the Capital Markets Committee - $10,000

 

   

Service on the Operational and Environmental R&D Committee - $10,000

 

   

Service as Chairman of the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee - $10,000

 

   

Service as Chairman of the Operational and Environmental R&D Committee - $10,000

 

   

Service as Chairman of the Audit Committee - $20,000

 

   

Service as Chairman of the Capital Markets Committee - $20,000

 

   

Service as Chairman of the Board - $40,000

No fees are paid for service on the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee, Risk Committee and Chartering Committee.

We do not provide benefits for directors upon termination of their service with us.

Management Company

Our senior managers, other than Mr. Tsakos, receive salaried compensation from Tsakos Energy Management, which receives a monthly management fee from us pursuant to the management agreement to provide overall executive and commercial management of its affairs. See “Management and Other Fees” in Item 7 for more information on the management agreement and the management fees we paid for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

Management Compensation

Messrs. Tsakos, Saroglou, Durham and Jadro serve as President and Chief Executive Officer, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Marine Officer, respectively. Such individuals are employees of Tsakos Energy Management and, except for the equity compensation discussed below, are not directly compensated by the Company.

 

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The Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee adopted in prior years a short-term performance incentive program for Tsakos Energy Management based on the return on equity (R.O.E.) measured by the book value per share at the beginning of each fiscal year and basic earnings per share for that year. U.S. GAAP accounting defines the value of the components. However, no award has been given since 2008 and no incentive award scale has been set by the Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee since 2009 and, as the 2009 R.O.E. was less than 10%, no incentive award was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. In 2013, further awards totaling $0.5 million have been awarded to Tsakos Energy Management relating to equity offerings during the year.

Employees

Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited has no salaried employees. All crew members are employed by the owning-company of the vessel on which they serve, except where the vessel may be on a bareboat charter-out, or the vessels, or crewing of the vessels, are under third-party management arranged by our technical managers. All owning-companies are subsidiaries of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited. Approximately 1,371 officers and crew members served on board the vessels we own and were managed by our technical managers as of December 31, 2013.

Share Ownership

The common shares beneficially owned by our directors and senior managers and/or companies affiliated with these individuals are disclosed in “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions” below.

Stock Compensation Plan

On May 31, 2012, at the 2012 Annual Meeting of shareholders, our shareholders approved a new share-based incentive plan, (the “2012 Plan”). This plan permits us to grant share options or other share based awards to our directors and officers, to the officers of the vessels in the fleet, and to the directors, officers and employees of our manager, Tsakos Energy Management, and our commercial manager, Tsakos Shipping.

The purpose of the 2012 Plan is to provide a means to attract, retain, motivate and reward our present and prospective directors, officers and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries, and the officers of vessels in the fleet and the employees of the management companies providing administrative, commercial, technical and maritime services to, or for the benefit of, the Company, its subsidiaries and their vessels by increasing their ownership in our Company. Awards under the 2012 Plan may include options to purchase our common shares, restricted share awards, other share-based awards (including share appreciation rights granted separately or in tandem with other awards) or a combination thereof.

The 2012 Plan is administered by our Corporate Governance, Nominating and Compensation Committee. Such committee has the authority, among other things, to: (i) select the present or prospective directors, officers, consultants and other personnel entitled to receive awards under the 2012 Plan; (ii) determine the form of awards, or combinations of awards; (iii) determine the number of shares covered by an award; and (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any awards granted under the 2012 Plan, including any restrictions or limitations on transfer, any vesting schedules or the acceleration of vesting schedules and any forfeiture provision or waiver of the same. The 2012 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 1,000,000 common shares in the form of RSUs or options. During 2013, 96,000 RSUs were issued from this plan, which vested within 2013. During 2012, 150,000 RSUs were issued.

As of December 31, 2013, there were no outstanding (non-vested) RSUs. Total compensation expense recognized for the year ended December 31, 2013 was $0.5 million, for the year ended December 31, 2012, $0.7 million, and for the year ended December 31, 2011, $0.8 million. On November 14, 2007, the Company paid a 100% common share dividend which effected a two-for-one split of the Company’s common shares. RSUs that were unvested on that date were adjusted for the share dividend.

 

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Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions

It is our policy that transactions with related parties are entered into on terms no less favorable to us than would exist if these transactions were entered into with unrelated third parties on an arm’s length basis. Tsakos Energy Management has undertaken to ensure that all transactions with related parties are reported to the board of directors. Under the management agreement, any such transaction or series of transactions involving payments in excess of $100,000 and which is not in the ordinary course of business requires the prior consent of the board of directors. Transactions not involving payments in excess of $100,000 may be reported quarterly to the board of directors.

To help minimize any conflict between our interests and the interests of other companies affiliated with the Tsakos family and the owners of other vessels managed by such companies if an opportunity to purchase a tanker which is 10 years of age or younger is referred to or developed by Tsakos Shipping, Tsakos Shipping will notify us of this opportunity and allow us a 10 business day period within which to decide whether or not to accept the opportunity before offering it to any of its affiliates or other clients.

Management Affiliations

Nikolas P. Tsakos, our president, chief executive officer and one of our directors, is an officer, director and the sole shareholder of Tsakos Energy Management. He is also the son of the founder of Tsakos Shipping.

George V. Saroglou, our chief operating officer and one of our directors, is a cousin of Nikolas P. Tsakos.

Management and Other Fees

We prepay or reimburse our technical manager at cost for all vessel operating expenses payable by them in their capacity as technical manager of the fleet. At July 1, 2010, TCM took over the technical management of most of the vessels in the fleet from Tsakos Shipping. At December 31, 2013, outstanding advances to TCM amounted to $1.1 million and there was an amount due to Tsakos Shipping of $0.6 million. At December 31, 2012, outstanding advances to TCM amounted to $1.6 million and there was an amount due to Tsakos Shipping of $1.1 million.

From the management fee we pay Tsakos Energy Management, Tsakos Energy Management in turn pays a management fee to TCM for its services as technical manager of the fleet. Under the terms of our management agreement with Tsakos Energy Management, we paid Tsakos Energy Management total management fees of $15.5 million and supervisory fees of $0.5 million relating to the construction of our vessels in 2013. An additional amount of $1.6 million was paid in fees directly by the Company to TCM for extra services provided or arranged by TCM in relation to information technology services, application of corporate governance procedures required by the Company and seafarers training. No incentive award was payable to Tsakos Energy Management for 2013 or 2012. However, special awards totaling $0.5 million were paid to Tsakos Energy Management in relation to capital raising in 2013.

Management Agreement

Our management agreement with Tsakos Energy Management was amended and restated on March 8, 2007 and has a term of ten years from the effective date of January 1, 2007. Tsakos Energy Management may terminate the management agreement at any time upon not less than one year’s notice. In addition, each party may terminate the management agreement in the following circumstances:

 

   

certain events of bankruptcy or liquidation involving either party;

 

   

a material breach by either party; or

 

   

a failure by either party, for a continuous period of six months, materially to perform under circumstances resulting from war, governmental actions, riot, civil commotion, weather, accident, labor disputes or other causes not in the control of the non-performing party.

 

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Moreover, following a change in control of us, which would occur if at least one director were elected to our board without having been recommended by our existing board, Tsakos Energy Management may terminate the agreement on 10 business days’ notice. If Tsakos Energy Management terminates the agreement for this reason, then we would immediately be obligated to pay Tsakos Energy Management the present discounted value of all of the payments that would have otherwise been due under the management agreement up until June 30 of the tenth year following the date of termination plus the average of the incentive awards previously paid to Tsakos Energy Management multiplied by ten. Under these terms, therefore, a termination as of December 31, 2013 would have resulted in a payment of approximately $145.3 million. Under the terms of the Management Agreement between the Company and Tsakos Energy Management Limited, the Company may terminate the agreement only under specific circumstances, such as breach of contract by the manager and change of control in the shareholding of the manager without the prior approval of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Under the management agreement, we pay monthly fees for Tsakos Energy Management’s management of the vessels in the fleet. These fees are based on the number of ships in the fleet. The per-ship charges begin to accrue for a vessel at the point that a newbuilding contract is acquired, which is 18 to 24 months before the vessel begins to earn revenue. For 2014, monthly fees for operating vessels will be $27,500 per owned vessel and $20,400 for chartered-in vessels. Monthly management fees for the DP2 shuttle tankers will be $35,000 per vessel. Monthly management fees for the VLCC Millennium will be $27,500 per month of which $13,667 will be payable to a third party manager. Monthly management fees for the suezmax Eurochampion 2004 will be $27,500 of which $12,000 will be payable to a third party manager. The monthly fee for the LNG carrier will be $35,000 of which $10,000 is payable to the Management Company and $25,000 to a third party manager. We paid Tsakos Energy Management aggregate management fees of $15.5 million in 2013, $15.6 million in 2012 and $15.3 million in 2011.

Chartering Commissions and Vessel New-delivery Fees

We pay a chartering commission to Tsakos Shipping equal to 1.25% on all freights, hires and demurrages involving our vessels. Tsakos Shipping may also charge a brokerage commission on the sale of a vessel. In 2013, there were no vessel sales, while in 2012, this commission was 1%. We have been charged by Tsakos Shipping chartering and brokerage commissions aggregating $5.2 million in 2013.

Tsakos Shipping may also charge a fee of $0.2 million (or such other sum as may be agreed) on delivery of each newbuilding vessel in payment for the cost of design and supervision of the newbuilding by Tsakos Shipping. This amount is added to the cost of the vessels concerned and is amortized over the remaining life of the vessels. No such an amount was paid in 2013 and 2012.

Captive Insurance Policies

We pay Argosy Insurance Company, an affiliate of Tsakos family interests, premiums to provide hull and machinery, increased value and loss of hire insurance for our vessels. In 2013, we were charged an aggregate of $9.1 million by Argosy for insurance premiums.

Travel Services

We use AirMania Travel S.A., an affiliate of Tsakos family interests, for travel services primarily to transport our crews to and from our vessels. In 2013, we were charged an aggregate of $4.8 million by AirMania for travel services.

 

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Major Shareholders

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our outstanding common shares as of March 31, 2014 held by:

 

   

each person or entity that we know beneficially owns 5% or more of our common shares;

 

   

each of our officers and directors; and

 

   

all our directors and officers as a group.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In general, a person who has or shares voting power or investment power with respect to securities is treated as a beneficial owner of those securities. Beneficial ownership does not necessarily imply that the named person has the economic or other benefits of ownership. Under SEC rules, shares subject to options, warrants or rights currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days are considered as beneficially owned by the person holding those options, warrants or rights. The applicable percentage of ownership of each shareholder is based on 72,042,295 common shares outstanding on March 31, 2014. Except as noted below, the address of all shareholders, officers, directors and director nominees identified in the table and accompanying footnotes below is in care of the Company’s principal executive offices.

 

Name of Beneficial Owner

   Number of  Shares
Beneficially Owned
     Percentage of
Outstanding
Common Shares
 

Tsakos Holdings Foundation(1)

     14,279,118         19.8

Redmont Trading Corp.(1)

     3,341,317         4.6

First Tsakos Investments Inc.(1)

     10,937,801         15.2

Kelley Enterprises Inc.(1)

     6,829,003         9.5

Marsland Holdings Limited(1)

     4,108,798         5.7

Sea Consolidation S.A. of Panama(2)

     4,301,232         6.0

Intermed Champion S.A. of Panama(2)

     2,258,910         3.1

Methoni Shipping Company Limited(2)

     500,000         0.7

 

Officers and Directors

   Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
    Number of  RSUs
Granted
 

D. John Stavropoulos(3)

     354,354     —    

Nikolas P. Tsakos(4)

     204,000     —    

Michael G. Jolliffe

     35,300     —    

George V. Saroglou

     60,000     —    

Paul Durham

     74,000     —    

Peter C. Nicholson

     43,900     —    

Francis T. Nusspickel

     30,850     —    

Richard L. Paniguian

     20,000     —    

Aristides A.N. Patrinos, Ph.D.

     52,744     —    

Vladimir Jadro

     17,000     —    

Takis Arapoglou

     10,000     —    

Efthimios E. Mitropoulos

     8,000     —    

All officers and directors as a group (12 persons)(4)

     910,258 **      —    

 

* Represents less than 1% of the common shares outstanding.
** Represents 1.3% of the common shares outstanding.
(1)

First Tsakos Investments Inc. (“First Tsakos”) is the sole holder of the outstanding capital stock of Kelley Enterprises Inc. (“Kelley”) and Marsland Holdings Limited (“Marsland”) and may be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power of the common shares reported by Kelley and Marsland. Tsakos Holdings Foundation (“Tsakos Holdings”) is the sole holder of outstanding capital stock of First Tsakos and

 

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Redmont Trading Corp. (“Redmont”) and may be deemed to have shared voting and dispositive power of the common shares reported by Kelley, Marsland and Redmont. According to a Schedule 13D/A filed on May 3, 2012 by Tsakos Holdings, First Tsakos, Kelley, Marsland and Redmont, Tsakos Holdings is a Liechtenstein foundation whose beneficiaries include persons and entities affiliated with the Tsakos family, charitable institutions and other unaffiliated persons and entities. The council which controls Tsakos Holdings consists of six members, two of whom are members of the Tsakos family. Under the rules of the SEC, beneficial ownership includes the power to directly or indirectly vote or dispose of securities or to share such power. It does not necessarily imply economic ownership of the securities. Members of the Tsakos family are among the six council members of Tsakos Holdings and accordingly may be deemed to share voting and/or dispositive power with respect to the shares owned by Tsakos Holdings and may be deemed the beneficial owners of such shares. The business address of First Tsakos is 34 Efesou Street, Nea Smyrni, Athens, Greece. The business address of Kelley is Saffrey Square, Suite 205, Park Lane, P.O. Box N-8188, Nassau, Bahamas. The business address of Marsland is FGC Corporate Services Limited, 125 Main Street, PO Box 144, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The business address of Tsakos Holdings Foundation is Heiligkreuz 6, Vaduz, Liechtenstein. The business address of Redmont is 9 Nikodimon Street, Kastella, Piraeus, Greece.

(2) According to the Schedule 13D/A filed on February 27, 2014 by Sea Consolidation S.A. of Panama(“Sea Consolidation”), Intermed Champion S.A. of Panama(“Intermed”), Methoni Shipping Company Limited (“Methoni”), Panayotis Tsakos and Nikolas Tsakos as of February 27, 2014, Sea Consolidation, Intermed, Methoni and Nikolas Tsakos beneficially owned 4,301,232, 2,258,910, 500,000, and 204,000 common shares, respectively. According to filings by Sea Consolidation and Intermed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, Panayotis Tsakos is the controlling shareholder of each of Sea Consolidation, Intermed and Methoni and may be deemed to indirectly beneficially own the common shares held by Sea Consolidation and Intermed as a result of his control relationship with each entity. Panayotis Tsakos is the father of Nikolas Tsakos, our president and chief executive officer. The business address of each of Sea Consolidation, Intermed, Methoni, Mr. Panayotis Tsakos and Mr. Nikolas Tsakos is 367 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece.

 

(3) Mr. Stavropoulos, individually or jointly with his spouse, owns 294,000 common shares and 8,000 Series B preferred shares. In addition, 50,000 common shares are held by his children. Siblings or in-laws own 10,354 common shares and 2,700 Series B preferred shares. Mr. Stavropoulos has no economic interest in shares owned by his children, siblings or in-laws. Mr. Stavropoulos intends to retire immediately following the Annual Meeting but will continue his association with the Company as an advisor to the Board.

 

(4) Does not include shares owned by Tsakos Holdings, Kelley, Marsland, Redmont Trading Corp., Sea Consolidation, Intermed or Methoni.

As of March 31, 2014, we had 20 shareholders of record. These shareholders of record include CEDEFAST which, as nominee for the Depository Trust Company, is the record holder of 72,040,595 common shares representing approximately 100% of our outstanding common shares. CEDEFAST is the nominee of banks and brokers which hold shares on behalf of their customers, the beneficial owners of the shares, who may or may not be resident in the United States. However, apart from the shareholders indicated in the footnotes (1), (2), (4) above and certain of the directors and officers, we believe that the majority of the remaining shareholders are resident in the United States. The Company is not aware of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control of the Company.

 

Item 8. Financial Information

See “Item 18. Financial Statements” below.

Significant Changes. No significant change has occurred since the date of the annual financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

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Legal Proceedings. We are involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of business. In our opinion, the litigation in which we are involved as of March 31, 2014, individually or in the aggregate, is not material to us.

Dividend Policy. While we cannot assure you that we will do so, and subject to the limitations discussed below, we intend to pay quarterly cash dividends on our common shares. The Board of Directors will give consideration each April to the declaration of a supplementary dividend.

On May 10, 2013, we issued 2,000,000 8% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares. Those shares are entitled to a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of January, April, July and October each year when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors.

On September 30, 2013, we issued 2,000,000 8.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares. Those shares are entitled to a quarterly dividend of $0.55469 per share payable quarterly in arrears on the 30th day of January, April, July and October each year when, as and if declared by our Board of Directors.

There can be no assurance that we will pay dividends or as to the amount of any dividend. The payment and the amount will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors and will depend, among other things, on available cash balances, anticipated cash needs, our results of operations, our financial condition, and any loan agreement restrictions binding us or our subsidiaries, as well as other relevant factors. For example, if we earned a capital gain on the sale of a vessel or newbuilding contract, we could determine to reinvest that gain instead of using it to pay dividends. Depending on our operating performance for that year, this could result in no dividend at all despite the existence of net income, or a dividend that represents a lower percentage of our net income. Of course, any payment of cash dividends could slow our ability to renew and expand our fleet, and could cause delays in the completion of our current newbuilding program.

Because we are holding a company with no material assets other than the stock of our subsidiaries, our ability to pay dividends will depend on the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us.

Under the terms of our existing credit facilities, we are permitted to declare or pay a cash dividend in any year as long as the amount of the dividend does not exceed 50% of our net income for that year. Net income will be determined based on the audited financial statements we deliver to the banks under our credit facilities which are required to be in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. This amount can be carried forward and applied to a dividend payment in a subsequent year provided the aggregate amount of all dividends we declare and/or pay after January 1, 1998 does not exceed 50% of our accumulated net income from January 1, 1998 up to the most recent date on which audited financial statements have been delivered under the credit facility. We anticipate incurring significant additional indebtedness in connection with our newbuilding program, which will affect our net income and cash available to pay dividends. In addition, cash dividends can be paid only to the extent permitted by Bermuda law and our financial covenants. See “Description of Share Capital—Bermuda Law—Dividends.” See “Item 3. Key Information—Risks Related to our Common Shares—We may not be able to pay cash dividends as intended.”

 

Item 9. The Offer and Listing

Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Bermuda Stock Exchange. Following a decision of our Board of Directors, our common shares were de-listed from Oslo Børs on March 18, 2005. Our common shares are not actively traded on the Bermuda Stock Exchange.

 

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Trading on the New York Stock Exchange

Since our initial public offering in the United States in March of 2002, our common shares have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TNP.” The following table shows the high and low closing prices for our common shares during the indicated periods, all prices have been adjusted to take account of the two-for-one share split which became effective on November 14, 2007.

 

     High      Low  

2009 (Annual)

   $ 22.99       $ 12.43   

2010 (Annual)

   $ 18.06       $ 9.18   

2011 (Annual)

   $ 10.99       $ 4.78   

2012 (Annual)

   $ 8.79       $ 3.19   

2013 (Annual)

   $ 6.11       $ 3.40   

2011

     

First Quarter

   $ 10.98       $ 9.24   

Second Quarter

   $ 10.99       $ 9.87   

Third Quarter

   $ 10.13       $ 5.58   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 6.20       $ 4.78   

2012

     

First Quarter

   $ 8.79       $ 5.16   

Second Quarter

   $ 8.67       $ 4.77   

Third Quarter

   $ 6.06       $ 4.74   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 5.06       $ 3.19   

2013

     

First Quarter

   $ 4.35       $ 3.64   

Second Quarter

   $ 4.99       $ 3.40   

Third Quarter

   $ 5.58       $ 4.22   

Fourth Quarter

   $ 6.11       $ 4.56   

October

   $ 5.28       $ 4.66   

November

   $ 5.51       $ 4.56   

December

   $ 6.11       $ 4.97   

2014

     

First Quarter

   $ 8.14       $ 5.94   

January

   $ 8.14       $ 5.94   

February

   $ 6.90       $ 6.45   

March

   $ 7.94       $ 6.55   

April(1)

   $ 7.95       $ 7.22   

 

(1) Through April 10, 2014.

 

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Comparison of Cumulative Total Shareholder Return

Set forth below is a graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder return of our common shares for the five years ended December 31, 2013 and the quarter ended March 31, 2014, with the cumulative total return of the S&P 500 Index, the Dow Jones U.S. Marine Transportation Index and the Bloomberg Tanker Index. Total shareholder return represents stock price changes and assumes the reinvestment of dividends. The graph assumes the investment of $100 on December 31, 2008. Past performance is not necessarily an indicator of future results.

 

LOGO

ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON DEC. 31, 2008

ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED

Source: Zachs Investment Research, Inc.

 

Item 10. Additional Information

DESCRIPTION OF SHARE CAPITAL

Our authorized share capital consists of 85,000,000 common shares, par value $1.00 per share, and 15,000,000 blank check preferred shares, $1.00 par value per share. Five hundred thousand (500,000) shares of the blank check preferred shares have been designated Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares in connection with our adoption of a shareholder rights plan as described below under “—Shareholder Rights Plan,” 2,300,000 shares have been designated 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares as described below under “—Series B Preferred Shares” and 2,300,000 shares have been designated 8.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares as described below under “—Series C Preferred Shares.” As of March 31, 2014, there were 72,042,295 common shares, 2,000,000 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares, 2,000,000 8.00% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Shares and no Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares issued and outstanding.

 

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Common Shares

The holders of common shares are entitled to receive dividends out of assets legally available for that purpose at times and in amounts as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Each shareholder is entitled to one vote for each common share held on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Cumulative voting for the election of directors is not provided for in our Memorandum of Association or Bye-laws, which means that the holders of a majority of the common shares voted can elect all of the directors then standing for election. Our Bye-laws provide for a staggered board of directors, with one-third of our non-executive directors being selected each year. The common shares are not entitled to preemptive rights and are not subject to conversion or redemption. Upon the occurrence of a liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the holders of common shares would be entitled to share ratably in the distribution of all of our assets remaining available for distribution after satisfaction of all our liabilities.

Preferred Shares

Under our Bye-laws, our board of directors has the authority to issue preferred shares in one or more series, and to establish the terms and preferences of the shares of each series, up to the number of preferred shares authorized under our constitutive documents as described above. Holders of each series of preferred shares will be entitled to receive cash dividends, when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Such distributions will be made before any distribution is made on any securities ranking junior in relation to preferred shares in liquidation, including common shares.

Series B Preferred Shares

We have 2,000,000 of our 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014, which were issued on May 10, 2013. The initial liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Shares is $25.00 per share, subject to adjustment. The shares are redeemable by us at any time on or after July 30, 2018. The shares carry an annual dividend rate of 8.00% per $25.00 of liquidation preference per share, subject to increase if (i) we fail to comply with certain covenants, (ii) we experience certain defaults under any of our credit facilities, (iii) four quarterly dividends payable on the Series B Preferred Shares are in arrears or (iv) the Series B Preferred Shares are not redeemed in whole by July 30, 2019. The Series B Preferred Shares represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, do not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As such, the Series B Preferred Shares rank junior to all of our indebtedness and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us. Upon any liquidation or dissolution of us, holders of the Series B Preferred Shares will generally be entitled to receive the cash value of the liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Shares, plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends, after satisfaction of all liabilities to our creditors and holders of the Series B Preferred Shares, but before any distribution is made to or set aside for the holders of junior stock, including our common shares. The Series B Preferred Shares are pari passu with the Series C Preferred Shares. The Series B Preferred Shares are not convertible into common shares or other of our securities, do not have exchange rights and are not entitled to any preemptive or similar rights.

Series C Preferred Shares

We have 2,000,000 of our 8.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014, which were issued on September 30, 2013. The initial liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred Shares is $25.00 per share, subject to adjustment. The shares are redeemable by us at any time on or after October 30, 2018. The shares carry an annual dividend rate of 8.875% per $25.00 of liquidation preference per share, subject to increase if (i) we fail to comply with certain covenants, (ii) we experience certain defaults under any of our credit facilities, (iii) four quarterly dividends payable on the Series C Preferred Shares are in arrears or (iv) the Series C Preferred Shares are not redeemed in whole by October 30, 2020. The Series C Preferred Shares represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, do not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As such, the Series C Preferred Shares rank junior to

 

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all of our indebtedness and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us. Upon any liquidation or dissolution of us, holders of the Series C Preferred Shares will generally be entitled to receive the cash value of the liquidation preference of the Series C Preferred Shares, plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid dividends, after satisfaction of all liabilities to our creditors and holders of the Series C Preferred Shares, but before any distribution is made to or set aside for the holders of junior stock, including our common shares. The Series C Preferred Shares are pari passu with the Series B Preferred Shares. The Series C Preferred Shares are not convertible into common shares or other of our securities, do not have exchange rights and are not entitled to any preemptive or similar rights.

Bermuda Law

We are an exempted company organized under the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the “Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda”). Bermuda law and our Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws govern the rights of our shareholders. Our objects and purposes are set forth in paragraph 6 and the Schedule to our Memorandum of Association. Our objects and purposes include to act and to perform all the functions of a holding company in all its branches and to coordinate the policy and administration of any subsidiary company or companies wherever incorporated or carrying on business or of any group of companies of which we or any subsidiary of ours is a member or which are in any manner controlled directly or indirectly by us. The Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda differs in some material respects from laws generally applicable to United States corporations and their shareholders. The following is a summary of the material provisions of Bermuda law and our organizational documents. You should read the more detailed provisions of our Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws for provisions that may be important to you. You can obtain copies of these documents by following the directions outlined in “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Dividends. Under Bermuda law, a company may not pay dividends that are declared from time to time by its board of directors or make a distribution out of contributed surplus if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due or that the realizable value of its assets would then be less than its liabilities.

Voting rights. Under Bermuda law, except as otherwise provided in the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda or our Bye-laws, questions brought before a general meeting of shareholders are decided by a majority vote shareholders present at the meeting. Our Bye-laws provide that, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, any question proposed for the consideration of the shareholders will be decided in a general meeting by a simple majority of the votes cast, on a show of hands, with each shareholder present (and each person holding proxies for any shareholder) entitled to one vote for each common share held by the shareholder, except for special situations where a shareholder has lost the right to vote because he has failed to comply with the terms of a notice requiring him to provide information to the company pursuant to the Bye-laws, or his voting rights have been partly suspended under the Bye-laws as a consequence of becoming an interested person. In addition, a super-majority vote of not less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the votes cast at the meeting is required to effect any action related to the variation of class rights and a vote of not less than eighty percent (80%) of the votes cast at the meeting is required to effect any of the following actions: removal of directors, approval of business combinations with certain “interested” persons and for any alteration to the provisions of the Bye-laws relating to the staggered board, removal of directors and business combinations.

Rights in liquidation. Under Bermuda law, in the event of liquidation or winding up of a company, after satisfaction in full of all claims of creditors and subject to the preferential rights accorded to any series of preferred shares, including the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series C Preferred Shares, the proceeds of the liquidation or winding up are distributed ratably among the holders of the company’s common shares.

Meetings of shareholders. Bermuda law provides that a special general meeting may be called by the board of directors and must be called upon the request of shareholders holding not less than 10% of the paid-up capital of the company carrying the right to vote. Bermuda law also requires that shareholders be given at least five

 

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(5) days’ advance notice of a general meeting but the accidental omission to give notice to, or the non-receipt of such notice by, any person does not invalidate the proceedings at a meeting. Under our Bye-laws, we must give each shareholder at least ten (10) days’ notice and no more than fifty (50) days’ notice of the annual general meeting and of any special general meeting.

Under Bermuda law, the number of shareholders constituting a quorum at any general meeting of shareholders is determined by the Bye-laws of a company. Our Bye-laws provide that the presence in person or by proxy of two shareholders constitutes a quorum; but if we have only one shareholder, one shareholder present in person or by proxy shall constitute the necessary quorum.

Access to books and records and dissemination of information. Members of the general public have the right to inspect the public documents of a company available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in Bermuda. These documents include a company’s Certificate of Incorporation, its Memorandum of Association (including its objects and powers) and any alteration to its Memorandum of Association. The shareholders have the additional right to inspect the Bye-laws of the company, minutes of general meetings and the company’s audited financial statements, which must be presented at the annual general meeting. The register of shareholders of a company is also open to inspection by shareholders without charge and by members of the general public without charge. A company is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may, subject to the provisions of Bermuda law, establish a branch register outside Bermuda. We maintain a share register in Hamilton, Bermuda. A company is required to keep at its registered office a register of its directors and officers that is open for inspection for not less than two (2) hours each day by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not, however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies of any other corporate records.

Election or removal of directors. Under Bermuda law and our Bye-laws, directors are elected or appointed at the annual general meeting and serve until re-elected or re-appointed or until their successors are elected or appointed, unless they are earlier removed or resign. Our Bye-laws provide for a staggered board of directors, with one-third of the directors selected each year.

Under Bermuda law and our Bye-laws, a director may be removed at a special general meeting of shareholders specifically called for that purpose, provided the director is served with at least 14 days’ notice. The director has a right to be heard at that meeting. Any vacancy created by the removal of a director at a special general meeting may be filled at that meeting by the election of another director in his or her place or, in the absence of any such election, by the board of directors.

Amendment of Memorandum of Association. Bermuda law provides that the Memorandum of Association of a company may be amended by a resolution passed at a general meeting of shareholders of which due notice has been given. Generally, our Bye-laws may be amended by the directors with the approval of a majority being not less than 75% of the votes of the shareholders in a general meeting. However, a super-majority vote is required for certain resolutions relating to the variation of class rights, the removal of directors, the approval of business combinations with certain ‘interested persons’ and for any alteration to the provisions of the Bye-laws relating to the staggered board, removal of directors and business combinations.

Under Bermuda law, the holders of an aggregate of no less than 20% in par value of a company’s issued share capital or any class of issued share capital have the right to apply to the Bermuda Court for an annulment of any amendment of the Memorandum of Association adopted by shareholders at any general meeting, other than an amendment which alters or reduces a company’s share capital as provided in the Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda. Where such an application is made, the amendment becomes effective only to the extent that it is confirmed by the Bermuda Court. An application for the annulment of an amendment of the Memorandum of Association must be made within 21 days after the date on which the resolution altering the company’s memorandum is passed and may be made on behalf of the persons entitled to make the application by one or more of their number as they may appoint in writing for the purpose. Persons voting in favor of the amendment may make no such application.

 

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Appraisal rights and shareholder suits. Under Bermuda law, in the event of an amalgamation or merger involving a Bermuda company, a shareholder who is not satisfied that fair value has been paid for his shares may apply to the Bermuda Court to appraise the fair value of his or her shares. The amalgamation or merger of a company with another company requires the amalgamation or merger agreement to be approved by the board of directors and, except where the amalgamation or merger is between a holding company and one or more of its wholly owned subsidiaries or between two or more wholly owned subsidiaries, by meetings of the holders of shares of each company and of each class of such shares.

Class actions and derivative actions are generally not available to shareholders under Bermuda law. The Bermuda Court, however, would ordinarily be expected to permit a shareholder to commence an action in the name of a company to remedy a wrong done to the company where the act complained of is alleged to be beyond the corporate power of the company or is illegal or would result in the violation of the company’s Memorandum of Association or Bye-laws. Further consideration would be given by the Bermuda Court to acts that are alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority shareholders or, for instance, where an act requires the approval of a greater percentage of the company’s shareholders than that which actually approved it.

When the affairs of a company are being conducted in a manner oppressive or prejudicial to the interests of some part of the shareholders, one or more shareholders may apply to the Bermuda Court for an order regulating the company’s conduct of affairs in the future or compelling the purchase of the shares by any shareholder, by other shareholders or by the company.

Anti-takeover effects of provisions of our charter documents

Several provisions of our Bye-laws may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise, that a shareholder may consider in our best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Staggered board of directors.

Our Bye-laws provide for a staggered board of directors with one-third of our directors being selected each year. This staggered board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of our company. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of the board of directors from removing a majority of the board of directors for two years.

Transactions involving certain business combinations.

Our Bye-laws prohibit the consummation of any business combination involving us and any interested person, unless the transaction is approved by a vote of a majority of 80% of those present and voting at a general meeting of our shareholders, unless:

 

   

the ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of cash and the fair market value of other consideration to be received per share in the business combination by holders of shares other than the interested person involved in the business combination, to (ii) the market price per share, immediately prior to the announcement of the proposed business combination, is at least as great as the ratio of (iii) the highest per share price, which the interested person has theretofore paid in acquiring any share prior to the business combination, to (iv) the market price per share immediately prior to the initial acquisition by the interested person of any shares;

 

   

the aggregate amount of the cash and the fair market value of other consideration to be received per share in the business combination by holders of shares other than the interested person involved in the business

 

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combination (i) is not less than the highest per share price paid by the interested person in acquiring any shares, and (ii) is not less than the consolidated earnings per share of our company for our four full consecutive fiscal quarters immediately preceding the record date for solicitation of votes on the business combination multiplied by the then price/earnings multiple (if any) of the interested person as customarily computed and reported in the financial community;

 

   

the consideration (if any) to be received in the business combination by holders of shares other than the interested person involved shall, except to the extent that a shareholder agrees otherwise as to all or part of the shares which the shareholder owns, be in the same form and of the same kind as the consideration paid by the interested person in acquiring shares already owned by it;

 

   

after the interested person became an interested person and prior to the consummation of the business combination: (i) such interested person shall have taken steps to ensure that the board includes at all times representation by continuing directors proportionate in number to the ratio that the number of shares carrying voting rights in our company from time to time owned by shareholders who are not interested persons bears to all shares carrying voting rights in our company outstanding at the time in question (with a continuing director to occupy any resulting fractional position among the directors); (ii) the interested person shall not have acquired from us or any of our subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, any shares (except (x) upon conversion of convertible securities acquired by it prior to becoming an interested person, or (y) as a result of a pro rata share dividend, share split or division or subdivision of shares, or (z) in a transaction consummated on or after June 7, 2001 and which satisfied all requirements of our Bye-laws); (iii) the interested person shall not have acquired any additional shares, or rights over shares, carrying voting rights or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares, or rights over shares, carrying voting rights except as a part of the transaction which resulted in the interested person becoming an interested person; and (iv) the interested person shall not have (x) received the benefit, directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder), of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial assistance or tax credits provided by us or any subsidiary of ours, or (y) made any major change in our business or equity capital structure or entered into any contract, arrangement or understanding with us except any change, contract, arrangement or understanding as may have been approved by the favorable vote of not less than a majority of the continuing directors; and

 

   

a proxy statement complying with the requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, shall have been mailed to all holders of shares carrying voting rights for the purpose of soliciting approval by the shareholders of the business combination. The proxy statement shall contain at the front thereof, in a prominent place, any recommendations as to the advisability (or inadvisability) of the business combination which the continuing directors, or any of them, may have furnished in writing and, if deemed advisable by a majority of the continuing directors, an opinion of a reputable investment banking firm as to the adequacy (or inadequacy) of the terms of the business combination from the point of view of the holders of shares carrying voting rights other than any interested person (the investment banking firm to be selected by a majority of the continuing directors, to be furnished with all information it reasonably requests, and to be paid a reasonable fee for its services upon receipt by us of the opinion).

For purposes of this provision, a “business combination” includes mergers, consolidations, exchanges, asset sales, leases and other transactions resulting in a financial benefit to the interested shareholder and an “interested person” is any person or entity that beneficially owns 15% or more of our voting shares and any person or entity affiliated with or controlling or controlled by that person or entity. “Continuing directors” means directors who have been elected before June 7, 2001 or designated as continuing directors by the majority of the then continuing directors.

Consequences of becoming an interested person.

Our Bye-laws provide that, at any time a person acquires or becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our voting shares, which we refer to as the “threshold”, then the person will not be entitled to exercise voting rights for the number of common shares in excess of the threshold he holds or beneficially owns. This disability

 

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applies to any general meeting of our company as to which the record date or scheduled meeting date falls within a period of five years from the date such person acquired beneficial ownership of a number of common shares in excess of the threshold.

The above restrictions do not apply to us, our subsidiaries or to:

 

   

any person who on June 7, 2001 was the holder or beneficial owner of a number of shares carrying voting rights that exceeded the threshold and who continues at all times after June 7, 2001 to hold shares in excess of the threshold; and

 

   

any person whose acquisition of a number of shares exceeding the threshold has been approved by (1) a majority of 80% of those present and voting at a general meeting or (2) by a resolution adopted by the continuing directors, followed by a resolution adopted by a shareholder vote in excess of 50% of the voting shares not owned by such interested person.

Shareholder Rights Plan

Our board of directors has adopted a shareholder rights plan under which our common shareholders received one right for each common share they held. Each right will entitle the holder to purchase from the Company a unit consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of our Series A Junior Participating Preferred Shares, or a combination of securities and assets of equivalent value, at an exercise price of $127.00, subject to adjustment. Holders of preferred shares, including the Series B Preferred Shares and the Series C Preferred Shares, are not covered by the shareholder rights plan and will not be entitled to receive any rights to purchase common shares under it.

The following summary description of the rights agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the rights agreement between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part and is incorporated herein by reference.

If any person or group acquires shares representing 15% or more of our issued and outstanding common shares, the “flip-in” provision of the rights agreement will be triggered and the rights will entitle a holder of rights, other than such person, any member of such group or related person, as such rights will be null and void, to acquire a number of additional common shares having a market value of twice the exercise price of each right. In lieu of requiring payment of the purchase price upon exercise of the rights following any such event, we may permit the holders of rights simply to surrender the rights, in which event they will be entitled to receive common shares (and other property, as the case may be) with a value of 50% of what could be purchased by payment of the full purchase price.

Until a right is exercised, the holder of the right, as such, will have no rights as a shareholder of our Company, including, without limitation, no right to vote or to receive dividends. While the distribution of the rights will not be taxable to shareholders or to us, common shareholders may, depending upon the circumstances, recognize taxable income in the event that the rights become exercisable for preferred shares (or other consideration) or for common shares of the acquiring or surviving company or in the event of the redemption of the rights as set forth above.

The existence of the rights agreement and the rights could deter a third party from tendering for the purchase of some or all of our shares and could have the effect of entrenching management. In addition, they could have the effect of delaying or preventing changes of control of the ownership and management of our company, even if such transactions would have significant benefits to our shareholders.

Transfer agent and registrar. Computershare Trust Company N.A. serves as transfer agent and registrar for our common shares and our Series B Preferred Shares and Series C Preferred Shares.

 

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New York Stock Exchange listing. Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “TNP.” Our Series B Preferred Shares and Series C Preferred Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the trade symbols “TNP-PB” and “TNP-PC”, respectively.

Other listings. Our common shares were listed on the Oslo Børs under the symbol TEN until a voluntary de-listing on March 18, 2005 and on the Bermuda Stock Exchange under the symbol TEN. Our common shares are no longer actively traded on either of these exchanges.

Material Contracts

See description of Management Agreement under Item 4. “Information on the Company—Management Contract—Executive and Commercial Management.” Such description is not intended to be complete and reference is made to the contract itself, which is an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 20-F.

Exchange Controls

Under Bermuda and Greek law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls, or restrictions that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to nonresident holders of our common shares.

 

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TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Taxation of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited

We believe that none of our income will be subject to tax in Bermuda, which currently has no corporate income tax, or by other countries in which we conduct activities or in which our customers are located, excluding the United States. However, this belief is based upon the anticipated nature and conduct of our business which may change, and upon our understanding of our position under the tax laws of the various countries in which we have assets or conduct activities, which position is subject to review and possible challenge by taxing authorities and to possible changes in law, which may have retroactive effect. The extent to which certain taxing jurisdictions may require us to pay tax or to make payments in lieu of tax cannot be determined in advance. In addition, payments due to us from our customers may be subject to withholding tax or other tax claims in amounts that exceed the taxation that we might have anticipated based upon our current and anticipated business practices and the current tax regime.

Bermuda tax considerations

Under current Bermuda law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. Furthermore, we have obtained from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda, under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 of Bermuda, as amended (the “Exempted Undertakings Act”), assurance that, in the event that Bermuda enacts any legislation imposing tax computed on profits or income or computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of such tax will not be applicable to us or to any of our operations, or to the shares, capital or common stock of Tsakos Energy Navigation, until March 31, 2035. This assurance does not, however, prevent the imposition of property taxes on any company owning real property or leasehold interests in Bermuda or on any person ordinarily resident in Bermuda. We pay an annual government fee on our authorized share capital and share premium, which for 2014 is $10,455.

Under current Bermuda law, shareholders not ordinarily resident in Bermuda will not be subject to any income, withholding or other taxes or stamp or other duties upon the issue, transfer or sale of common shares or on any payments made on common shares.

United States federal income tax considerations

The following summary of United States federal income tax matters is based on the Internal Revenue Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the United States department of the treasury, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This discussion does not address any United States local or state taxes.

The following is a summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations that apply to (1) our operations and the operations of our vessel-operating subsidiaries and (2) the acquisition, ownership and disposition of common shares by a shareholder that is a United States holder. This summary is based upon our beliefs and expectations concerning our past, current and anticipated activities, income and assets and those of our subsidiaries, the direct, indirect and constructive ownership of our shares and the trading and quotation of our shares. Should any such beliefs or expectations prove to be incorrect, the conclusions described herein could be adversely affected. For purposes of this discussion, a United States holder is a beneficial owner of common shares who or which is:

 

   

An individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

   

A corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States or any of its political subdivisions; or

 

   

An estate or trust the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source.

 

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This summary deals only with common shares that are held as capital assets by a United States holder, and does not address tax considerations applicable to United States holders that may be subject to special tax rules, such as:

 

   

Dealers or traders in securities or currencies;

 

   

Financial institutions;

 

   

Insurance companies;

 

   

Tax-exempt entities;

 

   

United States holders that hold common shares as a part of a straddle or conversion transaction or other arrangement involving more than one position;

 

   

United States holders that own, or are deemed for United States tax purposes to own, ten percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of our voting stock;

 

   

A person subject to United States federal alternative minimum tax;

 

   

A partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes;

 

   

United States holders that have a principal place of business or “tax home” outside the United States; or

 

   

United States holders whose “functional currency” is not the United States dollar.

The discussion below is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and regulations, administrative pronouncements and judicial decisions as of the date of this Annual Report; any such authority may be repealed, revoked or modified, perhaps with retroactive effect, so as to result in United States federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below.

Because United States tax consequences may differ from one holder to the next, the discussion set out below does not purport to describe all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to you and your particular situation. Accordingly, you are advised to consult your own tax advisor as to the United States federal, state, local and other tax consequences of investing in the common shares.

Taxation of our operations

In General

Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign corporation is subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint operating agreement, code sharing arrangements or other joint venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that generates such income, or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as “shipping income,” to the extent that the shipping income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as “U.S.-source shipping income.”

Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States. We do not expect that we or any of our subsidiaries will engage in transportation that produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.

Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-United States ports will be considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States will not be subject to any United States federal income tax.

 

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In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.

Exemption of Operating Income from United States Federal Income Taxation

Under Section 883, we and our subsidiaries will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on our U.S.-source shipping income if:

 

   

We and the relevant subsidiary are each organized in a foreign country (the “country of organization”) that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States; and either

 

   

More than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by “qualified stockholders,” individuals who are (i) “residents” of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States and (ii) satisfy certain documentation requirements, which we refer to as the “50% Ownership Test,” or

 

   

Our common shares are “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in our country of organization, in another country that grants an “equivalent exemption” United States corporations, or in the United States, which we refer to as the “Publicly-Traded Test.”

We believe that each of Bermuda, Cyprus, Liberia and Panama, the jurisdictions where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, grants an “equivalent exemption” to United States corporations. Therefore, we believe that we and each of our subsidiaries will be exempt from United States federal income taxation with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test.

Due to the widely-held nature of our stock, we will have difficulty satisfying the 50% Ownership Test. Our ability to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test is discussed below.

The regulations provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on one or more established securities markets in a country if the number of shares of each class of stock that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Our common shares, which are our sole class of our issued and outstanding shares, were “primarily traded” on an established securities market in the United States (the New York Stock Exchange) in 2013 and we expect that will continue to be the case in subsequent years.

Under the regulations, our stock will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market if one or more classes of our stock representing more than 50% of our outstanding shares, by total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and total value, is listed on the market, which we refer to as the listing requirement. Since our common shares, which are our sole class of issued and outstanding shares, were listed on the New York Stock Exchange throughout 2013, we satisfied the listing requirement for 2013. We expect that we will continue to do so for subsequent years.

It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the listing requirement (i) such class of the stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or 1/6 of the days in a short taxable year; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such class of stock traded on such market is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year. We believe our common shares satisfied the trading frequency and trading volume tests for 2013 and will also do so in subsequent years. Even if this were not the case, the regulations provide that the trading frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied by a class of stock if, as we believe was the case with our common shares in 2013 and we expect to be the case with our common shares in subsequent years, such class of stock is traded on an established market in the United States and such class of stock is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulations provide, in pertinent part, that our common shares will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of our outstanding common shares are owned, actually or constructively under specified stock attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of our common shares, which we refer to as the “5 Percent Override Rule.”

For purposes of being able to determine the persons who own 5% or more of our stock, or “5% Stockholders,” the regulations permit us to rely on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC to identify persons who have a 5% or more beneficial interest in our common shares. The regulations further provide that an investment company which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Stockholder for such purposes.

In the event the 5 Percent Override Rule is triggered, the regulations provide that the 5 Percent Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if we can establish, in accordance with specified ownership certification procedures, that a sufficient portion of the common shares within the closely-held block are owned, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, by qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 to preclude the common shares in the closely-held block that are not so owned from constituting 50% or more of the our common shares for more than half the number of days during the taxable year.

We do not believe that we were subject to the 5 Percent Override Rule for 2013. Therefore, we believe that we satisfied the Publicly-Traded Test for 2013. However, there is no assurance that we will continue to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test. If we were to be subject to the 5 Percent Override Rule for any tax year, then our ability and that of our subsidiaries to qualify for the benefits of Section 883 would depend upon our ability to establish, in accordance with specified ownership certification procedures, that a sufficient portion of the common shares within the closely-held block are owned, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, by qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883, to preclude the common shares in the closely-held block that are not so owned from constituting 50% or more of the our common shares for more than half the number of days during the tax year. Since there can be no assurance that we would be able to establish these requirements, there can be no assurance that we or our subsidiaries will qualify for the benefits of Section 883 for any subsequent tax year.

Taxation in Absence of Exemption

To the extent the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Internal Revenue Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions. Since under the sourcing rules described above, we do not expect that more than 50% of our shipping income would be treated as being derived from United States sources, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.

To the extent the benefits of the Section 883 exemption are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping income or that of any of our subsidiaries is considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, any such “effectively connected” U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to the United States federal corporate income tax currently imposed at rates of up to 35%. In addition, we or our subsidiaries may be subject to the 30% “branch profits” taxes on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of its United States trade or business.

 

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U.S.-source shipping income would be considered “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business only if:

 

   

We or one of our subsidiaries has, or is considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of shipping income; and

 

   

(i) in the case of shipping income other than that derived from bareboat charters, substantially all of our or such subsidiary’s U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States and (ii) in the case of shipping income from bareboat charters, substantially all of our or such subsidiary’s income from bareboat charters is attributable to a fixed place of business in the U.S.

We do not intend that we or any of our subsidiaries will have any vessel operating to the United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping operations and other activities, we believe that none of the U.S.-source shipping income of us or our subsidiaries will be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business.

United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels

Regardless of whether we or our subsidiaries qualify for exemption under Section 883, we and our subsidiaries will not be subject to United States federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under United States federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us or our subsidiaries will be considered to occur outside of the United States.

United States Holders

Distributions

Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” distributions that we make with respect to the common shares, other than distributions in liquidation and distributions in redemption of stock that are treated as exchanges, will be taxed to United States holders as dividend income to the extent that the distributions do not exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits (as determined for United States federal income tax purposes). Distributions, if any, in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits will constitute a nontaxable return of capital to a United States holder and will be applied against and reduce the United States holder’s tax basis in its common shares. To the extent that distributions in excess of our current and accumulated earnings and profits exceed the tax basis of the United States holder in its common shares, the excess generally will be treated as capital gain.

Qualifying dividends received by individuals are eligible for taxation at capital gains rates (currently 20% for individuals not eligible for a lower rate). We are a non-United States corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends paid by a non-United States corporation are eligible to be treated as qualifying dividends only if (i) the non-United States corporation is incorporated in a possession of the United States, (ii) the non-United States corporation is eligible for the benefits of a comprehensive income tax treaty with the United States or (iii) the stock with respect to which the dividends are paid is “readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States.” We will not satisfy either of the conditions described in clauses (i) and (ii) of the preceding sentence. We expect that distributions on our common shares that are treated as dividends will qualify as dividends on stock that is “readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States” so long as our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, dividends paid by a non-United States corporation will not be treated as qualifying dividends if the non-United States corporation is a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) for the taxable year of the dividend or the

 

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prior taxable year. Our potential treatment as a PFIC is discussed below under the heading “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations.” A dividend will also not be treated as a qualifying dividend to the extent that (i) the shareholder does not satisfy a holding period requirement that generally requires that the shareholder hold the shares on which the dividend is paid for more than 60 days during the 121-day period that begins on the date which is sixty days before the date on which the shares become ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (ii) the shareholder is under an obligation to make related payments with respect to substantially similar or related property or (iii) such dividend is taken into account as investment income under Section 163(d)(4)(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. Legislation has been proposed in the United States Congress which, if enacted in its current form, would likely cause dividends on our shares to be ineligible for the preferential tax rates described above. There can be no assurance regarding whether, or in what form, such legislation will be enacted.

Special rules may apply to any “extraordinary dividend,” generally a dividend in an amount which is equal to or in excess of ten percent of a shareholder’s adjusted basis (or fair market value in certain circumstances) in a common share paid by us. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value in certain circumstances). If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on our common shares and such dividend is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss derived by a U.S. individual holder from the sale or exchange of such common shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.

Because we are not a United States corporation, a United States holder that is a corporation (or a United States entity taxable as a corporation) will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions paid by us.

Dividend income derived with respect to the common shares generally will constitute portfolio income for purposes of the limitation on the use of passive activity losses, and, therefore, generally may not be offset by passive activity losses, and, unless treated as qualifying dividends as described above, investment income for purposes of the limitation on the deduction of investment interest expense. Dividends that we pay will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to United States corporations under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code.

For foreign tax credit purposes, if at least 50 percent of our stock by voting power or by value is owned, directly, indirectly or by attribution, by United States persons, then, subject to the limitation described below, a portion of the dividends that we pay in each taxable year will be treated as U.S.-source income, depending in general upon the ratio for that taxable year of our U.S.-source earnings and profits to our total earnings and profits. The remaining portion of our dividends (or all of our dividends, if we do not meet the 50 percent test described above) will be treated as foreign-source income and generally will be treated as passive category income or, in the case of certain types of United States holders, general category income for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for United States federal income tax purposes. However, if, in any taxable year, we have earnings and profits and less than ten percent of those earnings and profits are from United States sources, then, in general, dividends that we pay from our earnings and profits for that taxable year will be treated entirely as foreign-source income. Where a United States holder that is an individual receives a dividend on our shares that is a qualifying dividend (as described in the second preceding paragraph), special rules will apply that will limit the portion of such dividend that will be included in such individual’s foreign source taxable income and overall taxable income for purposes of calculating such individual’s foreign tax credit limitation.

Sale or exchange

Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” upon a sale or exchange of common shares to a person other than us or certain entities related to us, a United States holder will recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized on the sale or exchange and the United States holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares. Any gain or loss recognized will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if the United States holder has held the common shares for more than one year.

 

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Gain or loss realized by a United States holder on the sale or exchange of common shares generally will be treated as U.S.-source gain or loss for United States foreign tax credit purposes. A United States holder’s ability to deduct capital losses against ordinary income is subject to certain limitations.

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

PFIC classification. Special and adverse United States tax rules apply to a United States holder that holds an interest in a PFIC. In general, a PFIC is any foreign corporation, if (1) 75 percent or more of the gross income of the corporation for the taxable year is passive income (the “PFIC income test”) or (2) the average percentage of assets held by the corporation during the taxable year that produce passive income or that are held for the production of passive income is at least 50 percent (the “PFIC asset test”). In applying the PFIC income test and the PFIC asset test, a corporation that owns, directly or indirectly, at least 25 percent by value of the stock of a second corporation must take into account its proportionate share of the second corporation’s income and assets. Income we earn, or are deemed to earn, in connection with the performance of services will not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income will generally constitute passive income (unless we are treated under certain special rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business).

If a corporation is classified as a PFIC for any year during which a United States person is a shareholder, then the corporation generally will continue to be treated as a PFIC with respect to that shareholder in all succeeding years, regardless of whether the corporation continues to meet the PFIC income test or the PFIC asset test, subject to elections to recognize gain that may be available to the shareholder.

There are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from time chartering activities constitutes rental income or income derived from the performance of services. In Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.2d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that income derived from certain time chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a foreign sales corporation provision of the Code. In a recent published guidance, however, the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) states that it disagrees with the holding in Tidewater, and specifies that time charters should be treated as service contracts. On this basis, we do not believe that we were treated as a PFIC for our most recent taxable year or that we will be treated as a PFIC for any subsequent taxable year. This conclusion is based in part upon our beliefs regarding our past assets and income and our current projections and expectations as to our future business activity, including, in particular, our expectation that the proportion of our income derived from bareboat charters will not materially increase. However, we have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on this matter. As a result, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. No assurance can be given that this result will not occur. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we can avoid PFIC status in the future.

Consequences of PFIC Status. As discussed below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a United States holder generally would be subject to one of three different U.S. income tax regimes, depending on whether or not the United States holder makes certain elections. Additionally, the United States holder would be required to file an annual information report with the IRS.

Taxation of United States Holders that Make No Election. If we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a United States holder holds our common shares, then, subject to the discussion of the qualified electing fund (“QEF”) and mark-to-market rules below, the United States holder will be subject to a special and adverse tax regime in respect of (1) gains realized on the sale or other disposition of our common shares and (2) distributions on our common shares to the extent that those distributions are treated as excess distributions. An excess distribution generally includes dividends or other distributions received from a PFIC in any taxable year of a United States holder to the extent that the amount of those distributions exceeds 125 percent of the average distributions made by the PFIC during a specified base period (or, if shorter, the United States holder’s

 

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holding period for the shares). A United States holder that is subject to the PFIC rules (1) will be required to allocate excess distributions received in respect of our common shares and gain realized on the sale of common shares to each day during the United States holder’s holding period for the common shares, (2) will be required to include in income as ordinary income the portion of the excess distribution or gain that is allocated to the current taxable year and to certain pre-PFIC years, and (3) will be taxable at the highest rate of taxation applicable to ordinary income for the prior years, other than pre-PFIC years, to which the excess distribution or gain is allocable, without regard to the United States holder’s other items of income and loss for such prior taxable years (“deferred tax”). The deferred tax for each prior year will be increased by an interest charge for the period from the due date for tax returns for the prior year to the due date for tax returns for the year of the excess distribution or gain, computed at the rates that apply to underpayments of tax. Pledges of PFIC shares will be treated as dispositions for purposes of the foregoing rules. In addition, a United States holder who acquires common shares from a decedent generally will not receive a stepped-up basis in the common shares. Instead, the United States holder will have a tax basis in the common shares equal to the lower of the fair market value of the common shares and the decedent’s basis.

If we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a United States holder holds our common shares and one of our subsidiaries also qualifies as a PFIC for such year, then such United States holder may also be subject to the PFIC rules with respect to its indirect interest in such subsidiary. No mark-to-market election will be available with respect to the indirect interest in the shares of such subsidiary and we currently do not intend to comply with reporting requirements necessary to permit the making of QEF elections in such circumstances.

Taxation of United States Holders that Make a QEF Election. In some circumstances, a United States holder may avoid the unfavorable consequences of the PFIC rules by making a QEF election with respect to us. A QEF election effectively would require an electing United States holder to include in income currently its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain. However, a United States holder cannot make a QEF election with respect to us unless we comply with certain reporting requirements and we currently do not intend to provide the required information.

Taxation of United States Holders that Make a Mark-to-Market Election. A United States holder that holds “marketable” stock in a PFIC may, in lieu of making a QEF election, avoid some of the unfavorable consequences of the PFIC rules by electing to mark the PFIC stock to market as of the close of each taxable year. The common shares will be treated as marketable stock for a calendar year if the common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, in other than de minimis quantities, on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter of the year. A United States holder that makes the mark-to-market election generally will be required to include in income each year as ordinary income an amount equal to the increase in value of the common shares for that year, regardless of whether the United States holder actually sells the common shares. The United States holder generally will be allowed a deduction for the decrease in value of the common shares for the taxable year, to the extent of the amount of gain previously included in income under the mark-to-market rules, reduced by prior deductions under the mark-to-market rules. Any gain from the actual sale of the PFIC stock will be treated as ordinary income, and any loss will be treated as ordinary loss to the extent of net mark-to-market gains previously included in income and not reversed by prior deductions.

Other PFIC Elections. If a United States holder held our stock during a period when we were treated as a PFIC, but the United States holder did not have a QEF election in effect with respect to us, then in the event that we failed to qualify as a PFIC for a subsequent taxable year, the United States holder could elect to cease to be subject to the rules described above with respect to those shares by making a “deemed sale” or, in certain circumstances, a “deemed dividend” election with respect to our stock. If the United States holder makes a deemed sale election, the United States holder will be treated, for purposes of applying the rules described above under the heading “consequences of PFIC status”, as having disposed of our stock for its fair market value on the last day of the last taxable year for which we qualified as a PFIC (the “termination date”). The United States holder would increase his, her or its basis in such common stock by the amount of the gain on the deemed sale

 

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described in the preceding sentence. Following a deemed sale election, the United States holder would not be treated, for purposes of the PFIC rules, as having owned the common stock during a period prior to the termination date when we qualified as a PFIC.

If we were treated as a “controlled foreign corporation” for United States federal income tax purposes for the taxable year that included the termination date, then a United States holder could make a “deemed dividend” election with respect to our common stock. If a deemed dividend election is made, the United States holder is required to include in income as a dividend his, her or its pro rata share (based on all of our stock held by the United States holder, directly or under applicable attribution rules, on the termination date) of our post-1986 earnings and profits as of the close of the taxable year that includes the termination date (taking only earnings and profits accumulated in taxable years in which we were a PFIC into account). The deemed dividend described in the preceding sentence is treated as an excess distribution for purposes of the rules described above under the heading “consequences of PFIC status.” The United States holder would increase his, her or its basis in our stock by the amount of the deemed dividend. Following a deemed dividend election, the United States holder would not be treated, for purposes of the PFIC rules, as having owned the stock during a period prior to the termination date when we qualified as a PFIC. For purposes of determining whether the deemed dividend election is available, we generally will be treated as a controlled foreign corporation for a taxable year when, at any time during that year, United States persons, each of whom owns, directly or under applicable attribution rules, shares having 10% or more of the total voting power of our stock, in the aggregate own, directly or under applicable attribution rules, shares representing more than 50% of the voting power or value of our stock.

A deemed sale or deemed dividend election must be made on the United States holder’s original or amended return for the shareholder’s taxable year that includes the termination date and, if made on an amended return, such amended return must be filed not later than the date that is three years after the due date of the original return for such taxable year. Special rules apply where a person is treated, for purposes of the PFIC rules, as indirectly owning our common stock.

You are urged to consult your own tax advisor regarding our possible classification as a PFIC, as well as the potential tax consequences arising from the ownership and disposition, directly or indirectly, of interests in a PFIC.

Unearned Income Medicare Contribution Tax

Certain United States holders that are individuals, estates or trusts are required to pay an additional 3.8% tax on, among other things, dividends on and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of stock. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors regarding the effect, if any, of this tax on the ownership and disposition of our stock.

Additional Disclosure Requirement

U.S. individuals that hold certain specified foreign financial assets with value in excess of reporting thresholds of $50,000 or more (which include shares in a foreign corporation) are subject to U.S. return disclosure obligations (and related penalties for failure to disclose). Such U.S. individuals are required to file IRS Form 8938, listing these assets, with their U.S. Federal income tax returns. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors concerning the filing of IRS Form 8938.

Information reporting and backup withholding

Payments of dividends and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and backup withholding unless (i) you are a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, you provide a correct taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding.

 

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The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your United States federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is furnished to the Internal Revenue Service.

Available Information

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information as a foreign private issuer with the SEC. You may inspect and copy our public filings without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information about the public reference room. You may obtain copies of all or any part of such materials from the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. You may also inspect reports and other information regarding registrants, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC without charge at a web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. In addition, material filed by Tsakos Energy Navigation can be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.

 

Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Our risk management policy. Our policy is to continuously monitor our exposure to business risks, including the impact of changes in interest rates, currency rates, and bunker prices on earnings and cash flows. We intend to assess these risks and, when appropriate, enter into derivative contracts with creditworthy counter parties to minimize our exposure to these risks. As part of our efforts to manage our risk, we have in the past entered into derivative contracts for both hedging and, periodically, trading purposes.

In August 2001, we created a Risk Committee, which is comprised of our chief financial officer and a standing committee of the board of directors. The primary role of the Risk Committee is to:

 

   

continuously review and assess all activities that may generate exposure to risk and ensure we are taking appropriate measures;

 

   

ensure that our policies and procedures for evaluating and managing risks are effective and do not significantly increase overall risk; and

 

   

assess the effectiveness of derivative contracts and recommend, if necessary, the early termination of any contract.

Our risk management policy provides for the following procedures:

 

   

All recommendations to enter into a derivative contract must originate either from qualified officers or directors of the company or from equivalent specialized officers of our commercial manager;

 

   

All recommendations to enter into a derivative contract must be reviewed by a combined team of officers and advice is taken, as applicable, from third-party sources (e.g., our bankers, other banks, bunker brokers, insurers, etc.);

 

   

Any recommendation must be formalized into a specific proposal which defines the risks to be managed, the action to be implemented, and the benefits and potential risks of the proposed derivative contract, which proposal shall be presented to the risk committee; and

 

   

All derivative contracts must be approved by the Risk Committee and be within the overall limits set by the board of directors.

Interest rate risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, which could impact its results of operations, financial condition and cash flow. The Company manages its ratio of fixed to floating rate debt with

 

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the objective of achieving a mix that reflects management’s interest rate outlook. As of March 31, 2014 we had $219.7 million in effective hedging swaps and a further $57.8 million in interest rate swaps that do not meet hedging criteria. The annualized impact resulting from a 0.25% point increase in interest rates based on the notional amount at December 31, 2013 would be an increase of approximately $0.5 million in earnings and cash flow. An increase of 0.25% in interest rates will increase our loan interest rate payments by $3.0 million based on the outstanding amounts as of December 31, 2013 and the loans scheduled for amortization as of that date.

The table below provides information about our financial instruments at December 31, 2013, which are sensitive to changes in interest rates, including our debt and interest rate swaps. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. Weighted-average variable rates are based on the implied forward rates in the yield curves at the reporting date. For interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts and weighted- average interest rates by expected contractual maturity dates. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contracts.

 

    Balance as  of
Dec. 31, 2013
    Expected Maturities(1)  
      2014     2015     2016     2017     2018     Thereafter  
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except percentages)  

Long-Term Debt(5):

             

Fixed Rate Debt

    53.2        10.6        10.6        10.6        10.6        8.1        2.7   

Weighted Average Interest Rate

    5.69     5.44     5.19     5.19     5.19     5.19     5.19

Variable Rate Debt(2)

    1,327.1        109.9        164.3        259.8        172.2        289.3        331.6   

Weighted Average Interest Rate

    2.27     1.99     2.05     3.13     4.30     5.70     6.58
    1,380.3        120.5        174.9        270.4        182.8        297.4        334.3   

Interest Rate Swaps (or Derivatives):

             

Interest rate swaps—variable to fixed(3)

             

Notional Amount at December 31, 2013

    221.1        5.9        9.5        39.3        15.3        56.2        94.9   

Average Pay Rate

    3.26     3.26     2.74     2.64     2.64     2.54     2.48

Average Receive Rate

    0.49     0.36     0.92     1.97     3.03     3.73     4.32

Cap and Floor Options(4)

             

Notional Amount

    122.7        70        5        47.7        —         —      

Average Pay Rate(2)

    3.84     1.57     3.59     2.23     —         —      

Average Receive Rate

    0.64     0.34     0.51     0.43     —         —      
    343.8        75.9        14.5        87.0        15.3        56.2        94.9   

 

 

(1) These are the expected maturities based on the balances as of December 31, 2013.
(2) Interest Payments on US Dollar–denominated debt and interest rate swaps are based on LIBOR.
(3) As of December 31, 2013 we had $221.1 million in effecting hedging swap and a further $122.7 million in interest rate swaps that do not meet hedging criteria.
(4) As of December 31, 2013 we had $122.7 million in interest rate swaps that do not meet hedging criteria.
(5) The amounts shown above for long-term debt obligations and interest obligations exclude the value-to-loan ratio shortfall of $5.9 million discussed in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Note 7).

 

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Bunker price risk

During 2013, we entered into the following fixed price bunker (vessel fuel) swap agreements for 3.5% Fuel FOB Rotterdam (barges):

 

Trade Date

  

Swap Effective

Date

  

Swap Termination
Date

   Notional Quantity
Per Month
     Total Notional
Quantity
     Fixed Price
per MT
(Buy/(Sell)
 

April 15, 2013

   May 1, 2013    April 30, 2015      500 MT         12,000 MT       $ 565.00   

October 25, 2013

   October 28, 2013    March 31, 2014      250 MT         1,500 MT       $ 575.00   

August 2, 2013

   August 2, 2013    September 30, 2014      500 MT         7,000 MT       $ (584.00

In 2013, the Company received an aggregate cash payment of $0.2 million for the monthly settlement of the open bunker swap agreements during 2013.

Foreign exchange rate fluctuation

The currency the international tanker industry is primarily using is the U.S. dollar. Virtually all of our revenues are in U.S. dollars and the majority of our operating costs are incurred in U.S. dollars. We incur certain operating expenses in foreign currencies, the most significant of which are in Euros. During fiscal 2013, approximately 29% of the total of our vessel and voyage costs and overhead expenditures were denominated in Euro. Based on 2013 Euro expenditure, therefore, we estimate that for every 1% change in the Euro/U.S. dollar rate there would be a 0.5% impact on vessel operating expenses and on general and administrative expenses and minimal impact on other cost categories apart from dry-docking which would depend on the location of the selected yard. However, we have the ability to shift our purchase of goods and services from one country to another and, thus, from one currency to another in order to mitigate the effects of exchange rate fluctuations. We have a policy of continuously monitoring and managing our foreign exchange exposure. On occasion, we do directly purchase amounts of Euro with U.S. dollars, but to date, we have not engaged in any foreign currency hedging transactions, as we do not believe we have had material risk exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.

Inflation

Although inflation has had a moderate impact on operating expenses, dry docking expenses and corporate overhead, our management does not consider inflation to be a significant risk to direct costs in the current and foreseeable economic environment. However, if inflation becomes a significant factor in the world economy, inflationary pressures could result in increased operating and financing costs.

 

Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities

Not Applicable.

 

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PART II

Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies

Not Applicable.

 

Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds

None.

 

Item 15. Controls and Procedures

A. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s 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 of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on that evaluation, the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report were designed and were functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

The Company believes that a system of controls, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the controls are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

B. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited and its subsidiaries, according to Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act, is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. However, in any system of internal control there are inherent limitations and consequently internal control over financial reporting may not absolutely prevent or detect misstatements.

The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that:

 

  (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

  (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

  (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

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Management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on the criteria established within Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework).

Based on our assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, is effective.

C. Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A., or Ernst & Young (Hellas), which has audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2013, has also audited the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as stated in their audit report which is incorporated into Item 18 of this Form 20-F from page F-2 hereof.

D. Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert

The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that Francis T. Nusspickel, D. John Stavropoulos and Takis Arapoglou, whose biographical details are included in Item 6 of this Annual Report, each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under current SEC regulations and each is independent in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the listing standards of the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Item 16B. Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its directors, officers and employees. A copy of our code of ethics is posted in the “Investor Relations” section of the Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited website, and may be viewed at http://www.tenn.gr. We will also provide a hard copy of our code of ethics free of charge upon written request of a shareholder. Shareholders may direct their requests to the attention of Investor Relations, c/o George Saroglou or Paul Durham, Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited, 367 Syngrou Avenue, 175 64 P. Faliro, Athens, Greece.

 

Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Ernst & Young (Hellas) has audited our annual financial statements acting as our independent auditor for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

The total amount billed and accrued for the Ernst & Young Audit services performed in 2013 and 2012 (in Euros) was €793,750 and €679,500 respectively.

Audit Fees

The audit fees include the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered for the audit of our 2013 and 2012 annual financial statements and for related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or services that are normally provided by the auditor in connection with regulatory filings or engagements for those financial years (including comfort letters, review of the 20-F, consents and other services related to SEC requirements).

 

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Audit-Related Fees

Ernst & Young did not provide any other services that would be classified in this category during 2013 or 2012.

All Other Fees

Ernst & Young did not provide any other services that would be classified in this category during 2013 or 2012.

Pre-approval Policies and Procedures

The Audit Committee Charter sets forth the Company’s policy regarding retention of the independent auditors, requiring the Audit Committee to review and approve in advance the retention of the independent auditors for the performance of all audit and lawfully permitted non-audit services and the fees related thereto. The Chairman of the Audit Committee or in the absence of the Chairman, any member of the Audit Committee designated by the Chairman, has authority to approve in advance any lawfully permitted non-audit services and fees. The Audit Committee is authorized to establish other policies and procedures for the pre-approval of such services and fees. Where non-audit services and fees are approved under delegated authority, the action must be reported to the full Audit Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting.

 

Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees

Not Applicable.

 

Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

On August 11, 2011, the Company announced the authorization of a new share buy-back program allocating up to $20.0 million for purchases in the open market and in other transactions. There were no repurchases of common shares under this program during 2011, 2012 or 2013.

 

Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant

Not Applicable.

 

Item 16G. Corporate Governance

Pursuant to certain exceptions for foreign private issuers, we are not required to comply with certain of the corporate governance practices followed by U.S. companies under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. However, during 2013 there were no significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the New York Stock Exchange standards applicable to listed U.S. companies.

 

Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not Applicable.

 

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PART III

 

Item 17. Financial Statements

Not Applicable.

 

Item 18. Financial Statements

The following financial statements together with the reports of our independent registered public accounting firm, beginning on page F-1 are filed as part of this annual report.

 

Item 19. Exhibits

The following Exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report. Certain exhibits have been previously filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Commission File Number 001-31236).

 

Number

  

Description

   1.1    Memorandum of Association of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited*
   1.2    Bye-laws of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on June 12, 2008, and hereby incorporated by reference)
   4.1    Rights Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2005, between Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited and The Bank of New York, as Rights Agent (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 6-K filed with the SEC on September 30, 2005, and hereby incorporated by reference)
   4.2    Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited 2012 Incentive Plan (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on April 29, 2013 and hereby incorporated by reference)
   4.3    Amended and Restated Management Agreement between Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited and Tsakos Energy Management Limited effective January 1, 2007**
   4.4    Certificate of Designation of the 8.00% Series B Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-A filed with the SEC on May 9, 2013)
   4.5    Certificate of Designation of the 8.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Shares (filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Form 8-A filed with the SEC on September 27, 2013)
   8    List of subsidiaries of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited (filed herewith)
  11    Code of Ethics†
 12.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith)
 12.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (filed herewith)
 13.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
 13.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
 15.1    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith)
 15.2    Consent of ICAP Shipping (filed herewith)
101.INS   

XBRL Instance Document (filed herewith)

101.SCH   

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema (filed herewith)

101.CAL    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase (filed herewith)
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase (filed herewith)
101.LAB    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase (filed herewith)
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase (filed herewith)

 

* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-82326) filed with the SEC and hereby incorporated by reference to such Registration Statement.
** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s 20-F filed with the SEC on May 15, 2007, hereby incorporated by reference to such Annual Report.
Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 29, 2004 and hereby incorporated by reference to such Annual Report.

 

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SIGNATURES

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED

/s/ Nikolas P. Tsakos

Name:

  Nikolas P. Tsakos

Title:

  President and Chief Executive Officer

Date:

  April 11, 2014

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   F-1

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

   F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

   F-4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and  2011

   F-5

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December  31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

   F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

   F-7

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   F-8


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries at December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated April 11, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/    ERNST & YOUNG (HELLAS) CERTIFIED AUDITORS – ACCOUNTANTS S.A.

Athens, Greece

April 11, 2014

 

F-1


Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED

We have audited TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) (the COSO criteria). TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries’ management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income/(loss), stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013 of TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED and subsidiaries and our report dated April 11, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/    ERNST & YOUNG (HELLAS) CERTIFIED AUDITORS – ACCOUNTANTS S.A.

Athens, Greece

April 11, 2014

 

F-2


Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars—except for share and per share data)

 

     2013     2012  

ASSETS

    

CURRENT ASSETS:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 162,237      $ 144,297   

Restricted cash

     9,527        16,192   

Marketable Securities (Note 4)

     —          1,664   

Accounts receivable, net

     21,873        28,948   

Insurance claims

     2,569        4,583   

Due from related companies (Note 2)

     1,084        1,561   

Advances and other

     13,097        8,800   

Inventories

     19,660        14,356   

Prepaid insurance and other

     2,354        3,568   

Current portion of financial instruments-Fair value (Note 15)

     140        60   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     232,541       224,029  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
    

INVESTMENTS (Note 3)

     1,000        1,000   

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS—FAIR VALUE, net of current portion (Note 15)

     1,438        45   

FIXED ASSETS (Note 5)

    

Advances for vessels under construction

     58,521        119,484   

Vessels

     2,710,418        2,628,094   

Accumulated depreciation

     (537,350 )     (539,736 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Vessels’ Net Book Value

     2,173,068        2,088,358   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total fixed assets

     2,231,589        2,207,842   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

DEFERRED CHARGES, net (Note 6)

     17,331        17,968   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,483,899     $ 2,450,884  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

    

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 7)

   $ 126,361      $ 186,651   

Payables

     52,319        34,390   

Due to related companies (Note 2)

     6,930        2,594   

Accrued liabilities

     16,628        12,442   

Accrued bank interest

     6,058        4,785   

Unearned revenue

     14,014        4,907   

Current portion of financial instruments—Fair value (Note 15)

     5,962       13,138  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     228,272       258,907  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion (Note 7)

     1,253,937        1,255,776   

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS—FAIR VALUE, net of current portion (Note 15)

     4,027        9,361   

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

    

Preferred shares, $1.00 par value; 15,000,000 authorized and 2,000,000 Series B Preferred Shares and 2,000,000 Series C Preferred Shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013; no shares authorized, issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012.

     4,000        —    

Common stock, $ 1.00 par value; 85,000,000 and 100,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 respectively; 57,969,448 and 56,443,237 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively.

     57,969        56,443   

Additional paid-in capital

     500,737        404,391   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (6,789     (14,728

Retained earnings

     430,548       478,428  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited stockholders’ equity

     986,465        924,534   

Noncontrolling Interest (Note 12)

     11,198       2,306  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     997,663        926,840   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 2,483,899      $ 2,450,884   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

F-3


Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars – except for share and per share data)

 

     2013     2012     2011  

VOYAGE REVENUES:

   $ 418,379      $ 393,989      $ 395,162   

EXPENSES:

      

Commissions

     16,019        12,215        14,290   

Voyage expenses

     116,980        111,797        127,156   

Vessel operating expenses

     130,760        133,251        129,884   

Depreciation

     95,349        94,340        101,050   

Amortization of deferred dry-docking costs

     5,064        4,910        4,878   

Management fees (Note 2(a))

     15,896        15,887        15,598   

General and administrative expenses

     4,366        4,093        4,292   

Stock compensation expense (Note 9)

     469        730        820   

Foreign currency losses

     293        30        458   

Net loss/(gain) on sale of vessels

     —         1,879        (5,001

Vessel impairment charge (Note 5)

     28,290       13,567       39,434  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total expenses

     413,486       392,699       432,859  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income/(loss)

     4,893       1,290       (37,697 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES):

      

Interest and finance costs, net (Note 8)

     (40,917     (51,576     (53,571

Interest income

     366        1,348        2,715   

Other, net

     (2,912 )     (118 )     (397 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other expenses, net

     (43,463 )     (50,346 )     (51,253 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

     (38,570     (49,056     (88,950

Less: Net loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     1,108       (207 )     (546 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited

   $ (37,462 )   $ (49,263 )   $ (89,496 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of preferred dividends

     (3,676     —          —     

Net loss attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited common shareholders

   $ (41,138   $ (49,263   $ (89,496

Loss per share, basic and diluted attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited common shareholders

   $ (0.73 )   $ (0.92 )   $ (1.94 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average number of shares, basic and diluted

     56,698,955        53,301,039        46,118,534   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

F-4


Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

STATEMENTS OF CONSOLIDATED COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Net loss

   $ (38,570   $ (49,056   $ (88,950

Other comprehensive income/(loss)

      

Unrealized gains/(losses) from hedging financial instruments

      

Unrealized gain on interest rate swaps, net

     7,230        17,996        15,245   

Amortization of deferred loss on de-designated financial instruments

     877        2,173        2,020   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total unrealized gains from hedging financial instruments

     8,107        20,169        17,265   

Unrealized (loss)/gain on marketable securities

     (79     228        34   

Realized (gain)/loss on marketable securities reclassified to Statements of Operations

     (89 )     (95 )     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive income

     7,939       20,302       17,299  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss

     (30,631 )     (28,754 )     (71,651 )

Less: comprehensive loss/(income) attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     1,108       (207 )     (546 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive loss attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited

   $ (29,523   $ (28,961   $ (72,197
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

F-5


Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars—except for share and per share data)

 

     Preferred
Shares
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Retained
Earnings
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Tsakos
Energy
Navigation
Limited
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total  

BALANCE, December 31, 2010

   $ —        $ 46,081      $ 350,946      $ 671,480      $ (52,329   $ 1,016,178      $ 3,752      $ 1,019,930   

Net income/(loss)

         $ (89,496       (89,496     546        (88,950

—Expenses of 2010 common stock-offering

         (72         (72       (72

—Issuance of 127,250 shares of restricted share units

       128        (128         —            —     

—Cash dividends paid ($0.60 per share)

           (27,670       (27,670       (27,670

—Distribution from Subsidiary to non controlling interest

               —         (2,199     (2,199

—Other comprehensive income (loss)

             17,299        17,299          17,299   

—Amortization of restricted share units

         820           820         820  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE December 31, 2011

   $ —        $ 46,209      $ 351,566      $ 554,314      $ (35,030   $ 917,059      $ 2,099      $ 919,158   

Net income/(loss)

           (49,263       (49,263     207        (49,056

—Issuance of 10,000,000 shares

       10,000        52,329            62,329          62,329   

—Issuance of 234,500 shares of restricted share units

       234        (234         —           —    

—Cash dividends paid ($0.50 per share)

           (26,623       (26,623       (26,623

—Other comprehensive income (loss)

             20,302        20,302          20,302   

—Amortization of restricted share units

         730           730         730  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE December 31, 2012

   $ —        $ 56,443      $ 404,391      $ 478,428      $ (14,728   $ 924,534      $ 2,306      $ 926,840   

Net income/(loss)

           (37,462       (37,462     (1,108     (38,570

—Issuance of 8% Series B Preferred Shares

     2,000        —          45,043            47,043          47,043   

—Issuance of 8.875% Series C Preferred Shares

     2,000          45,315            47,315          47,315   

—Issuance of common stock under distribution agency agreement

       1,430        5,615           7,045          7,045   

—Issuance of 96,000 shares of restricted share units

       96        (96         —           —    

—Capital contribution of noncontrolling interest owners

               —         10,000       10,000   

—Cash dividends paid ($0.15 per share)

           (8,529       (8,529       (8,529

—Dividends paid on Series B Preferred Shares

           (1,889       (1,889       (1,889

—Other comprehensive income (loss)

             7,939        7,939          7,939   

—Amortization of restricted share units

         469            469          469   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

BALANCE December 31, 2013

   $ 4,000      $ 57,969     $ 500,737      $ 430,548     $ (6,789 )   $ 986,465     $ 11,198     $ 997,663  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

      

Net loss

   $ (38,570   $ (49,056   $ (88,950

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation

     95,349        94,340        101,050   

Amortization of deferred dry-docking costs

     5,064        4,910        4,878   

Amortization of loan fees

     1,101        946        995   

Stock compensation expense

     469        730        820   

Change in fair value of derivative instruments

     (6,021     (2,832     515   

Gain on sale of marketable securities

     (89     (95     —    

Loss/(gain) on sale of vessels

     —         1,879        (5,001

Vessel impairment charge

     28,290        13,567        39,434   

Payments for dry-docking

     (5,680     (7,566     (4,639

(Increase)/Decrease in:

      

Receivables

     5,269        (8,874     2,183   

Inventories

     (5,304     5,479        (5,824

Prepaid insurance and other

     1,214        1,804        (2,423

Increase/(Decrease) in:

      

Payables

     22,265        12,214        77   

Accrued liabilities

     5,459        (4,022     4,192   

Unearned revenue

     9,107       (2,562 )     (1,720 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

     117,923       60,862       45,587  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

      

Advances for vessels under construction and acquisitions

     (37,182     (81,848     (37,937

Vessel acquisitions and/or improvements

     (108,840     (2,454     (71,205

Purchase of marketable securities

     —         —         (2,500

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

     1,585        1,098        —    

Proceeds from the sale of vessels

     —         40,219       42,455  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash used in Investing Activities

     (144,437     (42,985     (69,187
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

      

Proceeds from long-term debt

     110,000        83,558        96,650   

Financing costs

     (1,067     (1,550     (963

Payments of long-term debt

     (172,129     (156,794     (143,454

(Increase)/Decrease in restricted cash

     6,665        (10,208     307   

Proceeds from stock issuance program, net

     7,045        62,329        —    

Proceeds from preferred stock issuance, net

     94,358        —         —    

Cash dividend

     (10,418     (26,623     (27,670

Capital contribution from noncontrolling interest owners to subsidiary

     10,000        —         —    

Distribution from subsidiary to noncontrolling interest owners

     —         —         (2,199 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Cash provided by/(used in) Financing Activities

     44,454       (49,288 )     (77,329 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     17,940        (31,411     (100,929

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     144,297       175,708       276,637  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 162,237     $ 144,297     $ 175,708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest paid

      

Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized

   $ 44,057      $ 57,323      $ 48,588   

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

1. Significant Accounting Policies

 

(a) Basis of presentation and description of business: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts of Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited (the “Holding Company”), and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). As at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Holding Company consolidated two variable interest entities (“VIE”) for which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, i.e. it has a controlling financial interest in those entities. A VIE is an entity that in general does not have equity investors with voting rights or that has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when a company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and absorbs a majority of an entity’s expected losses, receives a majority of an entity’s expected residual returns, or both.

All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation.

The Company follows the provisions of Accounting Standard Codification (ASC) 220, “Comprehensive Income”, which requires separate presentation of certain transactions, which are recorded directly as components of stockholders’ equity. The Company presents Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) in a separate statement according to ASU 2011-05.

The Company owns and operates a fleet of crude and product oil carriers and one LNG carrier providing worldwide marine transportation services under long, medium or short-term charters.

 

(b) Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts of assets and liabilities and expenses, reported in the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(c) Foreign Currency Translation: The functional currency of the Company is the U.S. Dollar because the Company’s vessels operate in international shipping markets in which the U.S. Dollar is utilized to transact most business. The accounting books of the Company are also maintained in U.S. Dollars. Transactions involving other currencies during the year are converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. At the balance sheet dates, monetary assets and liabilities, which are denominated in other currencies, are translated into U.S. Dollars at the year-end exchange rates. Resulting gains or losses are separately reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company classifies highly liquid investments such as time deposits and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less as cash and cash equivalents. Cash deposits with certain banks that may only be used for special purposes (including loan repayments) are classified as Restricted cash.

 

(e) Trade Accounts Receivable, Net: Trade accounts receivable, net at each balance sheet date includes estimated recoveries from charterers for hire, freight and demurrage billings and revenue earned but not yet billed, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts (nil as of December 31, 2013 and 2012). The Company’s management at each balance sheet date reviews all outstanding invoices and provides allowances for receivables deemed uncollectible primarily based on the ageing of such balances and any amounts in dispute.

 

(f) Inventories: Inventories consist of bunkers, lubricants, victualling and stores and are stated at the lower of cost or market value. The cost is determined primarily by the first-in, first-out method.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

(g) Fixed Assets: Fixed assets consist of vessels. Vessels are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The cost of vessels includes the contract price and pre-delivery costs incurred during the construction and delivery of new buildings, including capitalized interest, and expenses incurred upon acquisition of second-hand vessels. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are capitalized when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels; otherwise they are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures for routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is provided on the straight-line method based on the estimated remaining economic useful lives of the vessels, less an estimated residual value based on a scrap price. Effective October 1, 2012 and following management’s reassessment of the residual value of the vessels, the estimated scrap value per light weight ton (LWT) was increased to $0.39 from $0.30. Management’s estimate was based on the average demolition prices prevailing in the market during the last ten years for which historical data were available. The effect of this change in accounting estimate, which did not require retrospective application as per ASC 250 “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections”, was to decrease net loss for the year ended December 31, 2012 by $929 or $0.02 per weighted average number of shares, both basic and diluted. The decrease in depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 was approximately $3,787 or $0.07 per weighted average number of shares, both basic and diluted, based on the Company’s fleet existing at December 31, 2012. Economic useful lives are estimated at 25 years for crude and product oil carriers and 40 years for the LNG carrier from the date of original delivery from the shipyard.

 

(h) Impairment of Vessels: The Company reviews vessels for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a vessel may not be recoverable, such as during severe disruptions in global economic and market conditions. When such indicators are present, a vessel to be held and used is tested for recoverability by comparing the estimate of future undiscounted net operating cash flows expected to be generated by the use of the vessel over its remaining useful life and its eventual disposition to its carrying amount. Net operating cash flows are determined by applying various assumptions regarding the use or possible disposition of each vessel, future revenues net of commissions, operating expenses, scheduled dry-dockings, expected off-hire and scrap values, and taking into account historical revenue data and published forecasts on future world economic growth and inflation. Should the carrying value of the vessel exceed its estimated future undiscounted net operating cash flows, impairment is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount over the fair market value of the asset. The Company determines the fair value of its vessels based on management estimates and assumptions and by making use of available market data and taking into consideration third party valuations. The review of the carrying amounts in connection with the estimated recoverable amount for certain of the Company’s vessels as of December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and 2011 indicated an impairment charge (Note 5).

 

(i) Reporting Assets held for sale: It is the Company’s policy to dispose of vessels when suitable opportunities occur and not necessarily to keep them until the end of their useful life. Long-lived assets are classified as held for sale when all applicable criteria enumerated under ASC 360 “Property, Plant, and Equipment” are met and are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. These assets are not depreciated once they meet the criteria to be held for sale. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, there were no vessels held for sale.

 

(j)

Accounting for Special Survey and Dry-docking Costs: The Company follows the deferral method of accounting for dry-docking and special survey costs whereby actual costs incurred are reported in Deferred Charges and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period through the date the next dry-docking is scheduled to become due (approximately every five years during the first ten years of vessels’ life and every

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

two and a half years within the following useful life of the vessels). Costs relating to routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The unamortized portion of special survey and dry-docking costs for a vessel that is sold is included as part of the carrying amount of the vessel in determining the gain on sale of the vessel.

 

(k) Loan Costs: Costs incurred for obtaining new loans or refinancing existing loans are capitalized and included in deferred charges and amortized over the term of the respective loan, using the effective interest rate method. Any unamortized balance of costs relating to loans repaid or refinanced as debt extinguishments is expensed in the period the repayment or extinguishment is made.

 

(l) Accounting for Revenue and Expenses: Voyage revenues are generated from freight billings and time charter hire. Time charter revenue, including bare-boat hire, is recorded over the term of the charter as the service is provided. Revenues from voyage charters on the spot market or under contract of affreightment are recognized ratably from when a vessel becomes available for loading (discharge of the previous charterer’s cargo) to when the next charterer’s cargo is discharged, provided an agreed non-cancelable charter between the Company and the charterer is in existence, the charter rate is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenue under voyage charters will not be recognized until a charter has been agreed even if the vessel has discharged its previous cargo and is proceeding to an anticipated port of loading. Revenues from variable hire arrangements are recognized to the extent the variable amounts earned beyond an agreed fixed minimum hire are determinable at the reporting date and all other revenue recognition criteria are met. Revenue from hire arrangements with an escalation clause is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term unless another systematic and rational basis is more representative of the time pattern in which the vessel is employed. Vessel voyage and operating expenses and charter hire expense are expensed when incurred.

Unearned revenue represents cash received prior to the year end for which related service has not been provided, primarily relating to charter hire paid in advance to be earned over the applicable charter period. The operating revenues and voyage expenses of vessels operating under a tanker pool are pooled and are allocated to the pool participants on a time charter equivalent basis, according to an agreed formula. Voyage revenues for 2013, 2012 and 2011 included revenues derived from significant charterers as follows (in percentages of total voyage revenues):

 

Charterer

  2013     2012     2011  
A     21     17     14
B     —          —          10
C     —          14     —     
D     11     —          —     

 

(m)

Segment Reporting: The Company does not evaluate the operating results by type of vessel or by type of charter or by type of cargo. Although operating results may be identified by type of vessel, management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operating results primarily by revenue per day and operating results of the fleet. The Company operates a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier which meets the quantitative thresholds used to determine reportable segments. The chief operating decision maker does not review the operating results of this vessel separately, or makes any decisions about resources to be allocated to this vessel or assesses its performance separately, therefore, the LNG carrier does not constitute a separate reportable segment. The Company’s vessels operate on many trade routes throughout the world and, therefore, the provision of geographic information is considered impracticable by management. For the

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

above reasons, the Company has determined that it operates in one reportable segment, the worldwide maritime transportation of liquid energy related products.

 

(n) Derivative Financial Instruments: The Company regularly enters into interest rate swap contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations of interest rates associated with its specific borrowings. Also, the Company enters into bunker swap contracts to manage its exposure to fluctuations of bunker prices associated with the consumption of bunkers by its vessels. Interest rate and bunker price differentials paid or received under these swap agreements are recognized as part of Interest and finance costs, net. All derivatives are recognized in the consolidated financial statements at their fair value. On the inception date of the derivative contract, the Company evaluates the derivative as an accounting hedge of the variability of cash flow to be paid of a forecasted transaction (“cash flow” hedge). Changes in the fair value of a derivative that is qualified, designated and highly effective as a cash flow hedge are recorded in other comprehensive income/(loss) until earnings are affected by the forecasted transaction. Changes in the fair value of undesignated derivative instruments and the ineffective portion of designated derivative instruments are reported in earnings in the period in which those fair value changes occur. Realized gains or losses on early termination of undesignated derivative instruments are also classified in earnings in the period of termination of the respective derivative instrument.

The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges of the variable cash flows of a forecasted transaction to a specific forecasted transaction. The Company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flow of hedged items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or that it has ceased to be a highly effective hedge, the Company discontinues hedge accounting prospectively. In accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging”, the Company may prospectively discontinue the hedge accounting for an existing hedge if the applicable criteria are no longer met, the derivative instrument expires, is sold, terminated or exercised or if the Company removes the designation of the respective cash flow hedge. In those circumstances, the net gain or loss remains in accumulated other comprehensive income / (loss) and is reclassified into earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings, unless the forecasted transaction is no longer probable in which case the net gain or loss is reclassified into earnings immediately.

 

(o) Fair Value Measurements: The Company follows the provisions of ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” which defines, and provides guidance as to the measurement of fair value. ASC 820 applies when assets or liabilities in the financial statements are to be measured at fair value. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (Note 15). Upon issuance of guidance on the fair value option in 2007, the Company elected not to report the then existing financial assets or liabilities at fair value that were not already reported as such.

 

(p) Accounting for Leases: Leases of assets under which substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership are effectively retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Lease payments under an operating lease are recognized as an expense on a straight-line method over the lease term. The Company held no operating leases at December 31, 2013.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

(q) Stock Based Compensation: The Company has a share based incentive plan that covers directors and officers of the Company and employees of the related companies. Awards granted are valued at fair value and compensation cost is recognized on a straight line basis, net of estimated forfeitures, over the requisite service period of each award. The fair value of restricted stock issued to crew members, directors and officers of the Company at the grant date is equal to the closing stock price on that date and is amortized over the applicable vesting period using the straight-line method. The fair value of restricted stock issued to non-employees is equal to the closing stock price at the grant date adjusted by the closing stock price at each reporting date and is amortized over the applicable performance period (Note 9).

 

(r) Marketable Securities: The Company from March 2011 until their disposal in July 2013 had investments in marketable securities that had readily determinable fair values and were classified as available for sale. Such investments were measured subsequently at fair value in the statement of financial position. Unrealized holding gains and losses for available for sale securities were excluded from earnings and were reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) until realized (Note 4).

 

(s) Recent Accounting Pronouncements: There are no recent accounting pronouncements issued in 2013, whose adoption would have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in the current year, or expected to have a material impact on future years.

 

2. Transactions with Related Parties

The following amounts were charged by related parties for services rendered:

 

     2013      2012      2011  

Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A. (commissions)

     5,219         5,304         5,461   

Tsakos Energy Management Limited (management fees)

     15,487         15,587         15,298   

Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement S.A.

     1,621         1,280         1,237   

Argosy Insurance Company Limited

     9,129         9,701         9,933   

AirMania Travel S.A.

     4,810        3,661        2,129  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expenses with related parties

     36,266        35,533        34,058  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balances due from and to related parties are as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2013      2012  

Due from related parties

     

Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement Ltd

     1,084         1,561   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total due from related parties

     1,084         1,561   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Due to related parties

     

Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A.

     555         1,110   

Tsakos Energy Management Limited

     92         53   

Argosy Insurance Company Limited

     6,008         1,209   

AirMania Travel S.A.

     275        222  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total due to related parties

     6,930        2,594  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

There is also, at December 31, 2013 an amount of $319 ($559 in 2012) due to Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A. and $356 ($329 in 2012) due to Argosy Insurance Limited, included in Accrued liabilities which relates to services rendered by related parties not yet invoiced.

 

(a) Tsakos Energy Management Limited (the “Management Company”): The Holding Company has a Management Agreement (“Management Agreement”) with the Management Company, a Liberian corporation, to provide overall executive and commercial management of its affairs for a monthly fee. Per the Management Agreement of March 8, 2007, effective from January 1, 2008, there is a prorated adjustment if at the beginning of each year the Euro has appreciated by 10% or more against the U.S. Dollar since January 1, 2007. In addition, there is an increase each year by a percentage figure reflecting 12 month Euribor, if both parties agree. From January 1, 2011, the monthly management fees for operating vessels were $27.0 per owned vessel except for the LNG carrier which bore a monthly fee of $32.0, of which $7.0 was paid to the Management Company and $25.0 to a third party manager. The monthly management fees for chartered-in vessels or for owned vessels chartered out on a bare-boat basis were $20.0. From January 1, 2012 until December 31, 2013 monthly fees for operating vessels were $27.5, for vessels chartered out or on a bare-boat basis were $20.4 and from April 1, 2012 for the LNG carrier $35.0 of which $10.0 was paid to the Management Company and $25.0 to a third party manager. Monthly management fees for the DP2 shuttle tankers have been agreed at $35.0 per vessel. Since the expiry of the bareboat charter of the VLCC Millennium on July 30, 2013, management fees for this vessel are $27.5 per month of which $13.7 are payable to a third party manager. Management fees for the suezmax Eurochampion 2004 are $27.5 per month of which, effective September 22, 2013, $12.0 are payable to a third party manager.

In addition to the management fee, the Management Agreement provides for an incentive award to the Management Company, which is at the absolute discretion of the Holding Company’s Board of Directors. The incentive award program is based on the Company’s annual return on equity (“ROE”). In 2013, 2012 and 2011, there was no such award. However, special awards totaling $500 were paid to the Management Company in relation to capital raising offerings during 2013. These awards have been included as a deduction of additional paid in capital in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Holding Company and the Management Company have certain officers and directors in common. The President, who is also the Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Holding Company, is also the sole stockholder of the Management Company. The Management Company may unilaterally terminate its Management Agreement with the Holding Company at any time upon one year’s notice. In addition, if even one director was elected to the Holding Company’s Board of Directors without having been recommended by the existing board, the Management Company would have the right to terminate the Management Agreement on ten days notice, and the Holding Company would be obligated to pay the Management Company the present discounted value of all payments that would have otherwise been due under the main agreement up until June 30 of the tenth year following the date of the termination plus the average of the incentive awards previously paid to TEM multiplied by 10. As at December 31, 2013 such payment would be approximately $145,291 calculated in accordance with the terms of the Management Agreement. This amount takes account of the LNG carrier and the five aframaxes under construction, but excludes the new-building which is being negotiated with the shipyard (Note 14). Under the terms of the Management Agreement between the Holding Company and the Management Company, the Holding Company may terminate the Management Agreement only under specific circumstances, without the prior approval of the Holding Company’s Board of Directors.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

Estimated future management fees payable over the next ten years under the Management Agreement, exclusive of any incentive awards and based on existing vessels and known vessels as at December 31, 2013, scheduled for future delivery, are:

 

Year

   Amount  

2014

     16,971   

2015

     16,971   

2016

     16,973   

2017

     17,251   

2018

     17,272   

2019 to 2023

     77,724   
  

 

 

 
     163,162   
  

 

 

 

Management fees for vessels are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Also, under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Management Company provides supervisory services for the construction of new vessels for a monthly fee, per vessel, of $20.4 in 2013, ($20.4 and $20.0 for 2012 and 2011, respectively). These fees in total amounted to $492, $612 and $588 for 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and are either accounted for as part of construction costs for delivered vessels or are included in Advances for vessels under construction.

 

(b) Tsakos Columbia Shipmanagement S.A. (“TCM”): The Management Company appointed TCM to provide technical management to the Company’s vessels from July 1, 2010. TCM is owned jointly and in equal part by Tsakos family private interests and by a private German group. TCM, at the consent of the Holding Company, may subcontract all or part of the technical management of any vessel to an alternative unrelated technical manager.

Effective July 1, 2010, the Management Company, at its own expense, pays technical management fees to TCM, and the Company bears and pays directly to TCM most of its operating expenses, including repairs and maintenance, provisioning and crewing of the Company’s vessels, as well as certain charges which are capitalized or deferred, including reimbursement of the costs of TCM personnel sent overseas to supervise repairs and perform inspections on Company vessels. The Company also pays to TCM certain fees to cover expenses relating to internal control procedures and information technology services which are borne by TCM on behalf of the Company.

 

(c) Tsakos Shipping and Trading S.A. (“Tsakos Shipping”): Tsakos Shipping provides chartering services for the Company’s vessels by communicating with third party brokers to solicit research and propose charters. For this service, the Company pays to Tsakos Shipping a chartering commission of 1.25% on all freights, hires and demurrages. Such commissions are included in Commissions in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. Tsakos Shipping also provides sale and purchase of vessels brokerage service. For this service, Tsakos Shipping may charge brokerage commission. In 2012 and 2011, this commission was approximately 1% of the sale price of a vessel. In 2013, there were no sales or purchases of vessels.

Tsakos Shipping may also charge a fee of $200 (or such other sum as may be agreed) on delivery of each new-building vessel in payment for the cost of design and supervision of the new-building by Tsakos Shipping. This amount is added to the cost of the vessels concerned and is being amortized over the remaining life of the vessels. In 2013 and 2012, no such fee was charged.

 

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Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

Certain members of the Tsakos family are involved in the decision-making processes of Tsakos Shipping and of the Management Company, and are also shareholders, and directors of the Holding Company.

 

(d) Argosy Insurance Company Limited (“Argosy”): The Company places its hull and machinery insurance, increased value insurance and war risk and certain other insurance through Argosy, a captive insurance company affiliated with Tsakos Shipping.

 

(e) AirMania Travel S.A. (“AirMania”): Apart from third-party agents, the Company also uses an affiliated company, AirMania, for travel services.

 

3. Long-term Investments

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held 125,000 common shares at a total cost of $1,000 in a private U.S. company which undertakes research into synthetic genomic processes which may have a beneficial environmental impact within the energy and maritime industries. Management has determined that there has been no impairment to the cost of this investment since its acquisition in 2007. A Director of the Company is a former officer and currently a shareholder and a consultant of this company. No income was received from this investment during 2013, 2012 and 2011.

 

4. Marketable securities

In March 2011, the Company placed $2,500 in highly liquid, low risk marketable securities which are considered to be available-for-sale for reporting purposes. In December 2012, the Company sold $1,098 of these marketable securities realizing a gain of $95 which was reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) to the Statement of Operations. In July 2013, the Company sold the remaining marketable securities realizing a gain of $89, reclassified from Accumulated other Comprehensive income/(loss) to the statement of Operations. At December 31, 2013 there are no marketable securities. The fair value of the marketable securities as of December 31, 2012 was $1,664, and the change in fair value amounting to $133(positive) was included in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).

 

5. Vessels

Acquisitions

During 2013, the Company took delivery of two newbuilding DP2 suezmax shuttle tankers Rio 2016 and Brasil 2014, at a total cost of $203,908 of which $105,763 was incurred in 2013. In 2012, there were no vessel acquisitions. In 2011, the Company took delivery of two newly constructed suezmaxes Spyros K and Dimitris P at a total cost of $148,526 of which $66,643 was incurred within 2011.

Sales

There were no vessel sales in 2013. In 2012, the Company sold the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia, classified as held for sale at December 31, 2011, for net proceeds of $40,219 in total, realizing a loss of $1,879. In 2011, the Company sold the aframax tanker Opal Queen for net proceeds of $32,753 realizing a gain of $5,802 and the aframax tanker Vergina II for net proceeds of $9,702 realizing a loss of $801(net gain of $5,001 in aggregate). The capital gains or losses from the sale of vessels are separately reflected in the accompanying 2011 Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

Impairment

As of December 31, 2013, the Company reviewed the carrying amount in connection with the estimated recoverable amount for each of its vessels. This review indicated that such carrying amount was not fully recoverable for four of the Company’s vessels; Silia T, Triathlon, Delphi and Millennium. Consequently the carrying value of these four vessels, totaling $123,540 has been written down to $95,250, based on level 2 inputs of the fair value hierarchy, as determined by management taking into consideration valuations from independent marine valuers (Note 15(c)). The resulting impairment charge was $28,290 and is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2012, the carrying value of the VLCC Millennium was written down resulting in a total impairment charge of $13,567. During 2011, the carrying values of the VLCCs La Madrina and La Prudencia were written down resulting in a total impairment charge of $39,434.

 

6. Deferred Charges

Deferred charges, consist of dry-docking and special survey costs, net of accumulated amortization, amounted to $12,724 and $13,327 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and loan fees, net of accumulated amortization, amounted to $4,607 and $4,641 and at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Amortization of deferred dry-docking costs is separately reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations, while amortization of loan fees is included in Interest and finance costs, net (Note 8).

 

7. Long–Term Debt

 

Facility

   2013     2012  

(a) Credit facilities

     808,218        939,514   

(b) Term bank loans

     572,080       502,913  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     1,380,298        1,442,427   

Less – current portion

     (126,361 )     (186,651
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term portion

     1,253,937        1,255,776   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a) Credit facilities

As at December 31, 2013, the Company had six open reducing revolving credit facilities, all of which are reduced in semi-annual installments, and two open facilities which have both a reducing revolving credit component and a term bank loan component. At December 31, 2013 and 2012 there was no available unused amount. The aggregate available unused amount under these facilities at December 31, 2011 was $28,358 and was drawn down on January 17, 2012. Interest is payable at rates based on LIBOR plus a spread. At December 31, 2013, the interest rates on these facilities ranged from 1.48% to 5.69% (0.81% to 5.19% at December 31, 2012).

 

(b) Term bank loans

Term loan balances outstanding at December 31, 2013 amounted to $572,080.

On March 6, 2013 and on April 22, 2013 the Company made two drawdowns of $46,000 each under two existing term bank loans to finance the newly delivered DP2 suezmax shuttle tankers Rio 2016 and Brasil 2014.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

On September 9, 2013, the Company arranged a new term bank loan for the refinancing of the credit facility obtained in 2005 to finance the acquisition of the aframax tanker Sakura Princess. On September 11, 2013, the Company fully repaid the then outstanding balance of this facility. On September 11, 2013, the Company drew down $18,000 under the new term loan, which is payable in 28 quarterly installments, the first eight of $300 each and the next twenty of $405 each plus a balloon of $7,500 payable with the last installment.

All term bank loans, except the newly signed on September 9, 2013, which is paid in quarterly installments, are payable in U.S. Dollars in semi-annual installments, with balloon payments due at maturity between October 2016 and April 2022. Interest rates on the outstanding loans as at December 31, 2013 are based on LIBOR plus margin. At December 31, 2013, the interest rates on these term bank loans ranged from 1.85% to 3.24%.

The weighted-average interest rates on the above executed loans for the applicable periods were:

 

Year ended December 31, 2013

     2.49

Year ended December 31, 2012

     1.87

Year ended December 31, 2011

     1.66

Loan movements for credit facilities and term loans throughout 2013:

 

Loan

   Origination
Date
     Original
Amount
     Balance at
January 1,
2013
     New
Loans
     Repaid      Balance at
December 31,
2013
 

Credit facility1

     2005         250,000         34,855         —           34,855         —     

Credit facility

     2005         220,000         134,225         —           13,135         121,090   

Credit facility

     2006         275,000         125,092         —           11,823         113,270   

Credit facility2

     2004         179,384         112,356         —           10,555         101,800   

Credit facility3

     2005         220,000         92,550         —           26,952         65,598   

Credit facility

     2006         371,010         251,010         —           20,000         231,010   

10-year term loan

     2004         71,250         32,032         —           3,125         28,907   

Credit facility

     2006         70,000         35,625         —           4,375         31,250   

Credit facility

     2007         120,000         92,500         —           5,000         87,500   

10-year term loan

     2007         88,350         66,270         —           5,520         60,750   

Credit facility

     2007         82,000         61,300         —           4,600         56,700   

10-year term loan

     2009         38,600         29,046         —           2,235         26,812   

8-year term loan

     2009         40,000         30,400         —           2,900         27,500   

12 year term loan

     2009         40,000         33,750         —           2,500         31,250   

10-year term loan

     2010         39,000         32,500         —           2,600         29,900   

7-year term loan

     2010         70,000         60,720         —           4,640         56,080   

10-year term loan

     2010         43,924         37,489         —           3,218         34,271   

9-year term loan

     2010         42,100         36,900         —           2,600         34,300   

10-year term loan

     2011         48,000         43,200         —           3,200         40,000   

9-year term loan

     2011         48,650         45,407         —           3,243         42,163   

8-year term loan

     2012         73,600         27,600         46,000         2,300         71,300   

8-year term loan

     2011         73,600         27,600         46,000         2,453         71,147   

7-year term loan

     2013        18,000        —           18,000        300        17,700  
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

           1,442,427         110,000         172,129         1,380,298   
        

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

  1 

The Company sold one of its vessels (La Madrina) secured under this credit facility within 2012 and accordingly, prepaid an amount of $23,600. In 2013, the Company fully repaid the outstanding amount of the loan and refinanced the remaining vessel (Sakura Princess) previously financed by the repaid loan with a new loan, included in the above table.

 

  2 

This credit facility includes a fixed interest rate portion amounting to $53,243 as at December 31, 2013.

 

  3 

The Company sold one of its vessels (La Prudencia) secured under this credit facility within 2012 and accordingly, on January 31, 2013, prepaid an amount of $20,352.

The above revolving credit facilities and term bank loans are secured by first priority mortgages on all vessels, by assignments of earnings and insurances of the respectively mortgaged vessels, and by corporate guarantees of the relevant ship-owning subsidiaries.

The loan agreements include, among other covenants, covenants requiring the Company to obtain the lenders’ prior consent in order to incur or issue any financial indebtedness, additional borrowings, pay dividends in an amount more than 50% of cumulative net income (as defined in the related agreements), sell vessels and assets, and change the beneficial ownership or management of the vessels. Also, the covenants require the Company to maintain a minimum liquidity, not legally restricted, of $78,144 ($99,375 in 2012 and $92,188 in 2011 respectively), a minimum hull value in connection with the vessels’ outstanding loans, insurance coverage of the vessels against all customary risks and maintenance of operating bank accounts with minimum balances.

As at December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company was in non-compliance with minimum value-to-loan ratios contained in certain of its debt agreements. In case of non-compliance with minimum value-to-loan ratios these agreements include terms according to which the Company may be required to prepay indebtedness in the form of cash or provide additional security. Effective since December 31, 2012 and for a period up to, and including, June 30, 2014, certain of the Company’s lenders formally waived their rights resulting from the aforementioned non-compliance of the value-to-loan covenant, while the remainder did not seek immediate remedial action.

An amount of $5,867, relating to one term loan with outstanding principal of $34,300 at December 31, 2013 was reclassified within current liabilities at December 31, 2013, representing the amount that the Company would be required to pay to satisfy the value-to-loan ratio shortfall contained in the loan agreement in the event the lender was to request such additional security in the form of cash payment.

As at December 31, 2012, the Company was in non-compliance with the leverage ratio required by its loans. In this respect, the Company entered into amendatory agreements with its lenders which waive the non-compliance of the leverage ratio covenant referred to above by increasing the relevant ratio for the period from December 31, 2012 through July 1, 2014 from 70% to 80%, establishing in this respect compliance as at December 31, 2013 and 2012. Following these amendatory agreements and because management concluded that it is not probable that the amended ratio will fail to be met at any next measurement dates within the following 12 months, the debt was not classified as current in the 2013 and 2012 consolidated balance sheet in accordance with ASC 470-10. At December 31, 2013, the Company was fully compliant with the leverage ratio required by its loans irrespective of the waivers.

As of December 31, 2012, a subsidiary, in which the Company has a 51% interest, was not in compliance with the leverage ratio required by its loan. In this respect, in an amendatory agreement dated April 8, 2013 with the lenders, an existing waiver of the leverage ratio non-compliance was extended to June 30, 2014 (inclusive). At December 31, 2013, the subsidiary was fully compliant with the loan agreement.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

The Company’s liquidity requirements relate primarily to servicing its debt, funding the equity portion of investments in vessels and funding expected capital expenditure on dry-dockings and working capital. As of December 31, 2013, the Company’s working capital (non-restricted net current assets), amounted to a deficit of $5,258. Net cash flow generated from operations is the Company’s main source of liquidity whereas other management alternatives to ensure service of the Company’s commitments include, but are not limited to, the issuance of additional equity, re-negotiation of new-building commitments and utilization of suitable opportunities for asset sales, etc. Management believes, such alternatives along with current available cash holdings and cash expected to be generated from the operation of vessels, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s liquidity and working capital needs for a reasonable period of time.

The annual principal payments required to be made after December 31, 2013, excluding hull cover ratio shortfall of $5,867 discussed above, are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount  

2014

     120,495   

2015

     174,842   

2016

     270,406   

2017

     182,805   

2018

     297,431   

2019 and thereafter

     334,319   
  

 

 

 
     1,380,298   
  

 

 

 

 

8. Interest and Finance Costs, net

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Interest expense

     41,741        49,701        51,720   

Less: Interest capitalized

     (1,945 )     (1,758 )     (2,532 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest expense, net

     39,796        47,943        49,188   

Interest swap cash settlements non-hedging

     5,012        8,043        8,977   

Bunkers swap cash settlements

     (151     (2,433     (6,382

Amortization of loan fees

     1,101        946        995   

Bank charges

     379        243        277   

Amortization of deferred loss on termination of financial instruments

     877        2,173        2,020   

Change in fair value of non-hedging financial instruments

     (6,097 )     (5,339 )     (1,504 )
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net total

     40,917        51,576        53,571   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

At December 31, 2013, the Company was committed to seven floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with major financial institutions covering notional amounts aggregating to $343,827 maturing from March 2014 through March 2021, on which it pays fixed rates averaging 3.89% and receives floating rates based on the six-month London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”) (Note 15).

At December 31, 2013, the Company held five of the seven interest rate swap agreements, designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges, in order to hedge its exposure to interest rate fluctuations associated with its debt covering notional amounts aggregating to $221,077.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

The fair value of such financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 in aggregate amounted to $3,409 (negative) and $11,295 (negative), respectively. The estimated net amount of cash flow hedge losses at December 31, 2013 that is estimated to be reclassified into earnings within the next twelve months is $2,082.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held two interest rate swaps that did not meet hedge accounting criteria. As such, the changes in their fair values during 2013 and 2012 have been included in change in fair value of non-hedging financial instruments in the table above, and amounted to $6,025 (positive) and $6,989 (positive), respectively. In March 2010, one of these swaps was de-designated as a hedging swap and the remaining loss included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, and for which the associated future cash flows are deemed probable of occurring ($154 at December 31, 2013), is being amortized to income over the term of the original hedge provided that the variable-rate interest obligations continue. The amount of such loss amortized during 2013 and 2012 was $877 and $1,475, respectively and the remaining balance of $154 at December 31, 2013 will be fully amortized in the first quarter of 2014. In addition, in December 2012 and June 2011, two vessels financed by the loan previously hedged by the de-designated swap, were sold and the loss within Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) of $698 in 2012 and $506 in 2011 that was considered to be directly associated with future cash flows, which were not probable of occurring, was immediately reclassified to income.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had five and two bunker swap agreements, respectively, in order to hedge its exposure to bunker price fluctuations associated with the consumption of bunkers by its vessels. During 2011, the Company entered into one bunker swap agreement and disposed of it prior to maturity resulting in a realized gain of $115 which is included in Bunker swap cash settlements in the table above. The fair value of these financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $177 (positive) and $105 (positive), respectively and the changes in their fair values during 2013 and 2012 amounting to $72 (positive) and $1,650 (negative), respectively have been included in Change in fair value of non-hedging financial instruments in the table above, as such agreements do not meet the hedging criteria.

 

9. Stockholders’ Equity

The Company has a shareholder rights plan that authorizes to existing shareholders substantial preferred share rights and additional common shares if any third party acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common shares or announces its intent to commence a tender offer for at least 15% of the common shares, in each case, in a transaction that the Board of Directors has not approved.

On May 10, 2013 the Company re-designated 15,000,000 of common stock as preferred shares of $1.00 par value.

On May 10, 2013, the Company issued 2,000,000 8.00% Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Series B Preferred Shares (the “Series B preferred shares”) for net proceeds of $47,043. The Series B preferred shares were issued for cash and pay cumulative quarterly dividends at a rate of 8% per annum from their date of issuance, i.e. $2.0 per preferred share or $4,000 in aggregate. At any time on or after July 30, 2018, the Series B preferred shares may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus unpaid dividends. If the Company fails to comply with certain covenants relating to the level of borrowings and net worth as these terms are defined in the applicable agreement, defaults on any of its credit facilities, fails to pay four quarterly dividends payable in arrears or if the Series B preferred shares are not redeemed at the option of the Company, in whole by July 30, 2019, the

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

dividend rate payable on the Series B preferred shares increases quarterly to a rate that is 1.25 times the dividend rate payable on the series B preferred shares , subject to an aggregate maximum rate per annum of 25% prior to July 30, 2018 and 30% thereafter. The Series B preferred shares are not convertible into common shares and are not redeemable at the option of the holder. The initial dividend of $889 on the Series B preferred shares was paid on July 30, 2013, the second dividend of $1,000 was paid on October 30, 2013 and the third dividend of $1,000 was paid on January 30, 2014 (Note 16(b)).

On August 8, 2013 the Company entered into a distribution agency agreement with a leading investment bank as manager, providing for the offer and sale from time to time of up to 4,000,000 common shares of the Company, par value $1.0 per share, at market prices. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had sold 1,430,211 common shares under this agreement for proceeds, net of commissions and other issuance expenses, of $7,045. From January 1, 2014 up to January 17, 2014, the Company sold 1,077,847 common shares for proceeds, net of commissions, of $7,170.

On September 30, 2013, the Company issued 2,000,000 8.875% Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Series C Preferred Shares (the “Series C preferred shares”) for net proceeds of $47,315. The Series C preferred shares were issued for cash and pay cumulative quarterly dividends at a rate of 8.875% per annum from their date of issuance, i.e. $2.21875 per preferred share or $4,438 in aggregate. At any time on or after October 30, 2018, the Series C preferred shares may be redeemed, at the option of the Company, in whole or in part at a redemption price of $25.00 per share plus unpaid dividends. If the Company fails to comply with certain covenants relating to the level of borrowings and net worth as these terms are defined in the applicable agreement, defaults on any of its credit facilities, fails to pay four quarterly dividends payable in arrears or if the Series C preferred shares are not redeemed at the option of the Company in whole by October 30, 2020, the dividend rate payable on the Series C preferred shares increases quarterly to a rate that is 1.25 times the dividend rate payable on the Series C preferred shares, subject to an aggregate maximum rate per annum of 25% prior to October 30, 2018 and 30% thereafter. The Series C preferred shares are not convertible into common shares and are not redeemable at the option of the holder. The first dividend of $ 1,479 on the Series C preferred shares was paid on January 30, 2014 (note 16(b)).

On April 18, 2012, the Company completed an offering of 10,000,000 common shares at a price of $6.50 per share, for net proceeds of $62,329.

Under the Company’s share-based incentive plan, 96,000 restricted share units (RSUs) were granted in 2013 at a weighted average fair value of $4.89 per share, all of which vested in 2013. There were no RSUs outstanding at the beginning or end of 2013. The Company issued 150,000 RSUs in 2012 at a weighted average grant date fair value of $3.75 per share. In 2011, the Company issued 12,000 RSUs at a weighted average grant date fair value of $9.36 per share. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $469, $974 and $987 respectively.

As at December 31, 2013, under the existing share-based incentive plan approved by the shareholders, a further 888,950 RSUs or other share-based awards may be issued in the future.

Total compensation expense recognized in 2013 amounted to $469, ($730 in 2012 and $820 in 2011). As at December 31, 2013 and 2012 all granted RSUs were vested and the compensation expense recognized.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

10. Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)

In 2013, Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) decreased with unrealized gains from hedging financial instruments of $8,107 ($20,169 in 2012 and $17,265 in 2011) of which $7,230 ($17,996 in 2012 and $15,245 in 2011) related to unrealized gains on interest rate swaps, and $877 ($2,173 in 2012 and $2,020 in 2011) related to amortization of deferred loss on de-designated financial instruments. During 2013, unrealized losses on marketable securities was $79 (gain of $228, and $34 in 2012 and 2011, respectively), of which a gain of $89 ($95 in 2012 and nil in 2011) was realized and reclassified into earnings following the sale of the respective securities.

 

11. Earnings per Common Share

The computation of basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The computation of diluted earnings per share assumes the foregoing and the exercise of all RSUs (Note 9) using the treasury stock method.

Numerator

 

     2013     2012     2011  

Net loss attributable to Tsakos Energy Navigation Limited

     (37,462   $ (49,263   $ (89,496

Preferred share dividends

     (3,676     —         —    

Net loss attributable to common stock holders

   $ (41,138     (49,263     (89,496
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator

      

Weighted average common shares outstanding

     56,698,955        53,301,039        46,118,534   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted loss per common share

   $ (0.73   $ (0.92   $ (1,94

For 2013 and 2012 there were no non-vested RSUs. In 2011 the RSUs are considered anti-dilutive due to the loss from continuing operations which have resulted in their exclusion from the computation of diluted earnings per common share.

 

12. Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiary

In August 2006, the Company signed an agreement with Polaris Oil Shipping Inc. (Polaris), an affiliate of one of the Company’s major charterers, following which Polaris acquired 49% of Mare Success S.A., a previously wholly-owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. Mare Success S.A. is the holding-company of two Panamanian registered companies which own respectively the vessels Maya and Inca. The agreement became effective on November 30, 2006. Mare Success S.A. is fully consolidated in the accompanying financial statements. In the fourth quarter of 2013, Mare Success increased its paid-in capital by $20,408 of which $10,408 being the 51%, was contributed by the Company and $10,000 being the 49%, by Polaris. After the recapitalization, the shareholding of Mare Success S.A. remained at 51% for the Company and 49% for Polaris. There have been no transactions between Polaris and the Company since the incorporation of Mare Success S.A., whereas approximately 8.3% of the Company’s 2013 revenue was generated by the charterer affiliated to Polaris.

 

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TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

13. Income Taxes

Under the laws of the countries of the Company’s subsidiaries’ incorporation and/or vessels’ registration (Greece, Liberia, Marshall Islands, Panama, Bahamas), the companies are subject to registration and tonnage taxes, which have been included in the Vessel operating expenses. In addition, effective January 1, 2013 each foreign flagged vessel managed in Greece by Greek or foreign ship management companies is subject to Greek tonnage tax, under the laws of Greece. These tonnage taxes for 2013 amounted to $508, and have also been included under Vessel operating expenses in the accompanying Statement of Operations.

The Company is not expected to be subject to United States Federal income tax on their gross income from the international operations of ships. In general, foreign persons operating ships to and from the United States are subject to United States Federal income tax of 4% of their United States source gross transportation income, which equals 50% of their gross income from transportation to or from the United States. The Company believes that it is exempt from United States Federal income tax on its United States source gross transportation income, as each vessel-operating subsidiary is organized in a foreign country that grants an equivalent exemption to corporations organized in the United States, and derives income from the international operation of ships and satisfies the stock ownership test as defined by the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations as a result of the Company’s stock being primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market in the United States. Under the regulations, a Company’s stock is considered to be regularly traded on an established securities market if (i) one or more classes of its stock representing 50% or more of its outstanding shares, by voting power and value, is listed on the market and is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of stock traded during the taxable year is at least 10% of the average number of shares of the stock outstanding during the taxable year. Other requirements such as the substantiation and reporting requirements under the regulations also must be satisfied to qualify for the exemption from United States Federal income tax.

 

14. Commitments and Contingencies

On December 10, 2013, the Company signed five new-building contracts with a major Korean owned yard in Romania for the construction of five aframax tankers at a cost of $51,220 per vessel and with expected deliveries between the second quarter of 2016 and the first quarter of 2017. As at December 31, 2013, the Company had under construction the newly signed five aframax crude oil carriers and one LNG carrier. The total contracted amount remaining to be paid for the six vessels under construction, plus the extra costs agreed as at December 31, 2013 was $426,543. Scheduled remaining payments as of December 31, 2013 were $ 82,660 payable in 2014, $ 51,692 in 2015, $ 261,459 in 2016 and $ 30,732 in 2017. In addition, under a contract to build a shuttle tanker with a Korean shipbuilding yard, agreed in 2012, an amount paid of $4,500 was paid in January 2013 as part of the first installment. However, the contract was suspended as the Company reconsidered the type of vessel to be constructed. A new proposal from the yard is being considered which includes the paid amount of $4,500, as being part of the initial payment. In case an agreement for an alternative project is not reached, the amount of $4,500 may be considered by the yard as a compensation against the Company’s default under the initial agreement and may claim additional compensation if the amount is found insufficient to cover shipyard’s losses.

In the ordinary course of the shipping business, various claims and losses may arise from disputes with charterers, agents and other suppliers relating to the operations of the Company’s vessels. Management believes that all such matters are either adequately covered by insurance or are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results from operations or financial condition.

 

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Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

Charters-out

The future minimum revenues, before reduction for brokerage commissions, expected to be recognized on non-cancelable time charters are as follows:

 

Year

   Amount  

2014

     187,932   

2015

     127,484   

2016

     77,582   

2017 to 2028

     494,319   
  

 

 

 

Minimum charter revenue

     887,317   
  

 

 

 

These amounts do not assume any off-hire.

 

15. Financial Instruments

 

(a) Interest rate risk: The Company is subject to interest rate risk associated with changing interest rates with respect to its variable interest rate term loans and credit facilities as described in Notes 7 and 8.

 

(b) Concentration of credit risk: Financial Instruments that are subject to credit risk consist principally of cash, trade accounts receivable, marketable securities, investments and derivatives. The Company places its temporary cash investments, consisting mostly of deposits, primarily with high credit qualified financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions that are considered in the Company’s investment strategy. The Company limits its credit risk with accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and generally does not require collateral for its accounts receivable and does not have any agreements to mitigate credit risk.

The Company limits the exposure of non-performance by counterparties to derivative instruments by diversifying among counterparties with high credit ratings, and performing periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the counterparties.

 

(c) Fair value: The carrying amounts reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, marketable securities, trade receivables and accounts payable approximate their respective fair values due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term bank loans with variable interest rates approximate the recorded values, generally due to their variable interest rates. The present value of the future cash flows of the portion of one long-term bank loan with a fixed interest rate is estimated to be approximately $51,698 as compared to its carrying amount of $53,243 (Note 7). The fair value of the investment discussed in Note 3 equates to the amount that would be received by the Company in the event of sale of that investment.

The fair values of the one long-term bank loan with a fixed interest rate, the interest rate swap agreements, bunker swap agreements discussed in Note 8 above and marketable securities discussed in Note 4 above are determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in FASB guidance for Fair Value Measurements and are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, interest rates, yield curves and other items that allow value to be determined. The fair value of the investment is determined through Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in FASB guidance for Fair Value Measurements and is determined by the Company’s own data.

 

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Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

The fair value of the impaired vessels Silia T, Triathlon, Delphi and Millennium discussed in Note 5 as at December 31, 2013 was determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as defined in FASB guidance for Fair Value Measurements and was determined by management taking into consideration valuations from independent marine valuers based on observable data such as sale of comparable assets.

The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, other than derivatives at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

     2013      2012  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  

Financial assets/(liabilities)

           

Cash and cash equivalents

     162,237         162,237         144,297         144,297   

Restricted cash

     9,527         9,527         16,192         16,192   

Marketable securities

     —           —           1,664         1,664   

Investments

     1,000         1,000         1,000         1,000   

Debt

     1,380,298         1,378,753         1,442,427         1,441,108   

Tabular Disclosure of Derivatives Location

Derivatives are recorded in the balance sheet on a net basis by counterparty when a legal right of setoff exists. The following tables present information with respect to the fair values of derivatives reflected in the balance sheet on a gross basis by transaction. The tables also present information with respect to gains and losses on derivative positions reflected in the Statement of Operations or in the balance sheet, as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).

 

         Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
         December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Derivative

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

  

     

Interest rate swaps

   Current portion of financial instruments—Fair value     —         —         2,365        6,824   
   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS—FAIR VALUE, net of current portion     1,401       —         2,445       4,471  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Subtotal     1,401        —         4,810        11,295   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

         Asset Derivatives     Liability Derivatives  
         December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
    December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Derivative

  

Balance Sheet Location

  Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value     Fair Value  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

  

     

Interest rate swaps

   Current portion of financial instruments—Fair value     —         —          3,597        6,314   
   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS—FAIR VALUE, net of current portion     —         —          1,582        4,890   

Bunker swaps

   Current portion of financial instruments—Fair value     140       60        —          —     
   FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS—FAIR VALUE, net of current portion     37        45        —          —     
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Subtotal     177        105        5,179        11,204  
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   Total derivatives     1,578        105        9,989        22,499   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivatives designated as Hedging Instruments-Net effect on the Statement of Comprehensive Income/(loss) and Statement of Operations

 

    

Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss on Derivative (Effective  Portion)

                  

Derivative

      Amount  
      2013     2012     2011  

Interest rate swaps

        (3,338 )     (2,964 )     (9,624 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        (3,338 )     (2,964 )     (9,624 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    

Gain (Loss) Reclassified from
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss into Income (Effective  Portion)

Location

                  

Derivative

      Amount  
      2013     2012     2011  

Interest rate swaps

   Depreciation expense      (144     (122     (117

Interest rate swaps

   Interest and finance costs, net      (11,301 )     (23,010 )     (26,772 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        (11,445 )     (23,132 )     (26,889 )
     

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accumulated loss from Derivatives designated as Hedging instruments recognized in Accumulated Other comprehensive Income/(Loss) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $6,789 and $14,895 respectively.

Derivatives not designated as Hedging Instruments – Net effect on the Statement of Operations

 

    

Net Realized and Unrealized Gain
(Loss) Recognized on Statement of
Operations Location

                   

Derivative

      Amount  
      2013      2012     2011  

Interest rate swaps

   Interest and finance costs, net      1,012         (1,054     (5,352

Bunker swaps

   Interest and finance costs, net      223        783       4,260  
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

        1,235         (271     (1,092
     

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

TSAKOS ENERGY NAVIGATION LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except for share and per share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

The following tables summarize the fair values for assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 using Level 2 inputs (significant other observable inputs):

 

Recurring measurements:

   December 31,
2013
    December 31,
2012
 

Interest rate swaps

     (8,588     (22,499

Marketable Securities

     —         1,664   

Bunker swaps

     177       105  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (8,411     (20,730
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following tables present the fair values of items measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, using Level 2 inputs (Note 5).

 

Nonrecurring basis

   December 31, 2013
Significant Other
Observable

Inputs
Assets/
(Liabilities)

(Level 2)
     December 31, 2012
Unobservable
Inputs

Assets/
(Liabilities)

(Level 2)
 

Vessels

   $  95,250       $  28,586   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 95,250       $ 28,586   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

16. Subsequent Events

 

  (a) On January 8, 2014, an amount of $25,610 was paid as the first installment for the construction of the five aframax tankers under construction.

 

  (b) On January 30, 2014, the Company paid $0.50 per share for its 8.00% Series B Preferred Shares and $0.73958 per share for its 8.875% Series C Preferred Shares.

 

  (c) On February 5, 2014, the Company completed an offering of 12,995,000 common shares, including 1,695,000 common shares issued upon the exercise in full by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares, at a price of $6.65 per share, for net proceeds of $82,678.

 

  (d) On February 26, 2014, the Company signed four new building contracts with a Korean owned yard in Romania for the construction of four aframax crude carriers. On March 4, 2014 the charterer exercised the option to charter those vessels for periods ranging from five to twelve years. On March 18, 2014, an amount of $20,688 was paid as the first installment for the construction of those vessels.

 

  (e) On March 17, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share of common stock outstanding to be paid on May 22, 2014 to shareholders of record as of May 19, 2014.

 

F-27