UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

[ ]
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
     
 
OR
 
     
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
     
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
     
 
OR
 
     
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
     
For the transition period from _________________ to _________________
 
     
 
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 _________________
 
     
   
Commission file number 001-37889

TOP SHIPS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
(Translation of Registrant's name into English)
 
 
Republic of the Marshall Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
 
1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
Alexandros Tsirikos, (Tel) +30 210 812 8180, atsirikos@topships.org, (Fax) +30 210 614 1273,
1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece
 (Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)
 



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

 
Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange
on which registered
     
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
Nasdaq Capital Market
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
 
Nasdaq Capital Market

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

NONE
(Title of class)
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

NONE
(Title of class)
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

As of December 31, 2018, 23,017,467 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Sec.232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

Yes
X
No
   



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

       Large accelerated filer 
Accelerated filer 
 
       Non-accelerated filer 
 
Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
† The term "new or revised financial accounting standard" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012

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

X
    U.S. GAAP
 
    International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board
 
    Other
If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow:

 
________  Item 17
 
________  Item 18
         
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes
 
No
X
 

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

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

Yes
 
No
X
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS


   
Page
PART I
 
3
ITEM 1
IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
3
ITEM 2.
OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
3
ITEM 3.
KEY INFORMATION
3
ITEM 4.
INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
34
ITEM 4A.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
57
ITEM 5.
OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
57
ITEM 6.
DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
83
ITEM 7.
MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
87
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
89
ITEM 9.
THE OFFER AND LISTING.
90
ITEM 10.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
90
ITEM 11.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
109
ITEM 12.
DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
110
PART II
 
110
ITEM 13.
DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
110
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
110
ITEM 15.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
111
ITEM 16A.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
112
ITEM 16B.
CODE OF ETHICS
113
ITEM 16C.
PRINCIPAL AUDITOR FEES AND SERVICES
113
ITEM 16D.
EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
113
ITEM 16E.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
113
ITEM 16F.
CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
113
ITEM 16G.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
113
ITEM 16H.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
114
PART III
 
114
ITEM 17.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
114
ITEM 18.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
114
ITEM 19.
EXHIBITS
114



i

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Matters discussed in this report may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or the PSLRA, provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.
TOP Ships Inc. desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the PSLRA and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. This annual report and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. When used in this annual report, the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements in this annual report are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.

·
In addition to these assumptions and matters discussed elsewhere herein and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the following:

·
our ability to maintain or develop new and existing customer relationships with major refined product importers and exporters, major crude oil companies and major commodity traders, including our ability to enter into long-term charters for our vessels;

·
our future operating and financial results;

·
oil and chemical tanker industry trends, including charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand;

·
our ability to take delivery of, integrate into our fleet, and employ any newbuildings we may order in the future and the ability of shipyards to deliver vessels on a timely basis;

·
the aging of our vessels and resultant increases in operation and dry-docking costs;

·
the ability of our vessels to pass classification inspections and vetting inspections by oil majors and big chemical corporations;

·
significant changes in vessel performance, including increased vessel breakdowns;

·
the creditworthiness of our charterers and the ability of our contract counterparties to fulfill their obligations to us;

·
our ability to repay outstanding indebtedness, to obtain additional financing and to obtain replacement charters for our vessels, in each case, at commercially acceptable rates or at all;

·
changes to governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities and the expected costs thereof;
1




·
potential liability from litigation and our vessel operations, including discharge of pollutants;

·
changes in general economic and business conditions;

·
general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events or acts by terrorists;

·
changes in production of or demand for oil and petroleum products and chemicals, either globally or in particular regions;

·
the strength of world economies and currencies, including fluctuations in charterhire rates and vessel values; and

·
and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by us with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.
Any forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this annual report, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all or any 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.
2


PART I
ITEM 1 IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Unless the context otherwise requires, as used in this annual report, the terms "Company," "we," "us," and "our" refer to TOP Ships Inc. and all of its subsidiaries, and "TOP Ships Inc." refers only to TOP Ships Inc. and not to its subsidiaries. We use the term deadweight ton, or dwt, in describing the size of vessels. Dwt, expressed in metric tons each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, refers to the maximum weight of cargo and supplies that a vessel can carry. Throughout this annual report, the conversion from Euros, or €, to U.S. dollars, or $, is based on the U.S. dollar/Euro exchange rate of 1.143 as of December 31, 2018, unless otherwise specified.
A. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth our selected historical consolidated financial information and other operating data as of and for the periods indicated. Our selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included in "Item 18. Financial Statements" herein. The selected historical consolidated financial information as of December 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this annual report. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or U.S. GAAP.
The information provided below should be read in conjunction with "Item 4. Information on the Company" and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and the consolidated financial statements, related notes and other financial information included herein.
Following the one-for-ten reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on February 22, 2016, a one-for-twenty reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on May 11, 2017, a one-for-fifteen reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on June 23, 2017, a one-for-thirty reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on August 3, 2017, a one-for-two reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on October 6, 2017 and a one-for-ten reverse stock split of our issued and outstanding common shares effective on March 26, 2018, all share and per share amounts disclosed throughout this annual report, in the table below and in our consolidated financial statements have been retroactively updated to reflect this change in capital structure, unless otherwise indicated. Please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—History and Development of the Company".
3




U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per share data
                             
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS)/INCOME
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Time charter revenues
   
3,602
     
13,075
     
28,433
     
39,363
     
39,442
 
Time charter revenues from related parties
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,606
 
Total time charter revenue
    3,602
      13,075
      28,433
      39,363
      41,048
 
 
                                       
Voyage expenses
   
113
     
370
     
736
     
999
     
1,020
 
Bareboat charter hire expense
   
-
     
5,274
     
6,299
     
6,282
     
6,282
 
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire
   
-
     
1,431
     
1,577
     
1,657
     
1,657
 
Vessel operating expenses
   
1,143
     
4,789
     
9,913
     
13,444
     
14,826
 
Management fees-related parties
   
703
     
1,621
     
1,824
     
4,730
     
7,765
 
General and administrative expenses
   
2,335
     
2,983
     
2,906
     
5,805
     
6,997
 
Other operating (income)/loss
   
(861
)
   
274
     
(3,137
)
   
(914
)
   
-
 
Vessel depreciation
   
757
     
668
     
3,467
     
5,744
     
6,390
 
Impairment on vessels
   
-
     
3,081
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
 
                                       
Operating (loss)/income
   
(588
)
   
(7,416
)
   
4,848
     
1,616
     
(3,889
)
 
                                       
Interest and finance costs
   
(450
)
   
(719
)
   
(3,093
)
   
(15,793
)
   
(9,662
)
(Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments
   
3,866
     
(392
)
   
(698
)
   
(301
)
   
1,821
 
Interest income
   
74
     
-
     
-
     
13
     
130
 
Other (expense)/income, net
   
(6
)
   
20
     
(5
)
   
1,120
     
180
 
 
                                       
Net (loss)/income and comprehensive (loss)/income
   
2,896
     
(8,507
)
   
1,052
     
(13,345
)
   
(11,420
)
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
(1, 403
)
   
-
     
-
 
Equity (losses)/gains on investments
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(27
)
   
291
 
Net (loss)/income attributable to common shareholders
   
2,896
     
(8,507
)
   
(351
)
   
(13,372
)
   
(11,129
)
Attributable to:
                                       
Common stock holders
   
2,896
     
(8,507
)
   
(351
)
   
(13,404
)
   
(11,134
)
Non-controlling interests
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
32
     
5
 
 
                                       
Earnings/(Loss) per share, basic
 
$
413,714
   
$
(773,364
)
 
$
(15,955
)
 
$
(12.57
)
 
$
(0.61
)
Earnings/(Loss) per share, diluted
 
$
362,000
   
$
(773,364
)
 
$
(15,955
)
 
$
(12.57
)
 
$
(0.61
)
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic
   
7
     
11
     
22
     
1,063,381
     
18,181,456
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted
   
8
     
11
     
22
     
1,063,381
     
18,181,456
 


U.S. dollars in thousands, unless otherwise stated
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA
                             
Current assets
   
1,227
     
5,269
     
4,541
     
29,055
     
5,288
 
Total assets
   
75,575
     
74,006
     
143,317
     
220,448
     
258,488
 
Current liabilities, including current portion of long-term debt
   
9,334
     
17,577
     
20,033
     
25,581
     
36,819
 
Non-current liabilities
   
23,712
     
22,276
     
76,022
     
87,593
     
117,388
 
Total debt
   
19,419
     
24,226
     
84,539
     
103,949
     
140,655
 
Stockholders' equity
     42,529        34,153        45,521        107,274        104,281  
Preferred stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1
     
1
 
Common stock
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
89
     
230
 

4




OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
   
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
FLEET DATA
                             
Total number of vessels at end of period (including leased vessels)
   
1.0
     
3.0
     
6.0
     
7.0
     
8.0
 
Average number of vessels(1)
   
0.5
     
2.2
     
5.0
     
6.8
     
7.3
 
Total calendar days for fleet(2)
   
195
     
810
     
1,812
     
2,496
     
2,670
 
Total available days for fleet(3)
   
195
     
805
     
1,812
     
2,495
     
2,668
 
Total operating days for fleet(4)
   
195
     
796
     
1,799
     
2,491
     
2,663
 
Total time charter days for fleet
   
195
     
796
     
1,799
     
2,491
     
2,663
 
Fleet utilization(5)
   
100.00
%
   
98.91
%
   
99.28
%
   
99.81
%
   
99.81
%


 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
AVERAGE DAILY RESULTS
                   
Time charter equivalent(6)
 
$
17,892
   
$
15,961
   
$
15,396
   
$
15,403
   
$
15,031
 
Vessel operating expenses(7)
 
$
5,862
   
$
5,914
   
$
5,470
   
$
5,386
   
$
5,552
 
General and administrative expenses(8)
 
$
11,974
   
$
3,684
   
$
1,604
   
$
2,323
   
$
2,620
 


U.S. dollars in thousands
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
Adjusted EBITDA(9)
 
$
163
   
$
3,058
   
$
16,186
   
$
16,405
   
$
10,910
 

(1)
Average number of vessels is the number of vessels that constituted our fleet (including chartered in vessels) for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each vessel was a part of our fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.
(2)
Calendar days are the total days the vessels were in our possession for the relevant period. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over the relevant period and affect both the amount of revenues and expenses that we record during that period.
(3)
Available days are the number of calendar days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of newbuildings, vessel upgrades or special or intermediate surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. Companies in the shipping industry generally use available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.
(4)
Operating days are the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to unforeseen technical circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels actually generate revenue.
(5)
Fleet utilization is calculated by dividing the number of operating days during a period by the number of available days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the number of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of newbuildings, vessel upgrades, special or intermediate surveys and vessel positioning.
(6)
Time charter equivalent rate, or TCE rate, is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel on a per voyage basis. Our method of calculating TCE rate is determined by dividing TCE revenues by operating days for the relevant time period. TCE revenues are revenues minus voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by the charterer under a time charter contract, as well as commissions. TCE revenues and TCE rate, which are non-U.S. GAAP measures, provide additional supplemental information in conjunction with shipping revenues, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure. We use TCE rates and TCE revenues to compare period-to-period changes in our performance and it assists investors and our management in evaluating our financial performance. The following table below reflects the reconciliation of TCE revenues to revenues as reflected in the consolidated statements of operations and our calculation of TCE rates for the periods presented.
5




U.S. dollars in thousands, except average daily time charter equivalent and total operating days
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
On a consolidated basis
                             
Revenues*
 
$
3,602
   
$
13,075
   
$
28,433
   
$
39,363
   
$
41,048
 
Less:
                                       
Voyage expenses
   
(113
))
   
(370
)
   
(736
)
   
(999
)
   
(1,020
)
 Time charter equivalent revenues
 
$
3,489
   
$
12,705
   
$
27,697
   
$
38,364
   
$
40,028
 
Total operating days
   
195
     
796
     
1,799
     
2,491
     
2,663
 
                                         
Average Daily Time Charter Equivalent (TCE)
 
$
17,892
   
$
15,961
   
$
15,396
   
$
15,403
   
$
15,031
 
*Represents the aggregate of Time charter revenues from third parties and Time charter revenues from Related Parties

(7)
Daily vessel operating expenses, which include crew costs, provisions, deck and engine stores, lubricating oil, insurance, maintenance and repairs are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by fleet calendar days for the relevant time period.
(8)
Daily general and administrative expenses are calculated by dividing general and administrative expenses by fleet calendar days for the relevant time period.
(9)
Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization (Adjusted EBITDA), is not a measure prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, vessel bareboat charter hire expenses (including amortization of prepaid hire), vessel impairments, gains on sale of vessels, gains on disposal of subsidiaries and gains/losses on derivative financial instruments. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-U.S. GAAP financial measure that is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of financial statements, such as investors, to assess our financial and operating performance. We believe that this non-GAAP financial measure assists our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our performance from period to period. This is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods of interest, gain/loss on financial instruments,  depreciation and amortization, vessel bareboat charter hire expenses (including amortization of prepaid hire), vessel impairments and which items are affected by various and possibly changing financing methods, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect results of operations between periods. This non-U.S. GAAP measure should not be considered in isolation from, as a substitute for, or superior to financial measures prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as reported by other companies in the shipping industry or other industries. Adjusted EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to operating income or cash flow from operations, as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP.


U.S. dollars in thousands
 
2014
   
2015
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Net income/(loss) and comprehensive  income/(loss)
   
2,896
     
(8,507
)
   
1,052
     
(13,372
)
   
(11,129
)
                                         
Add: Bareboat charter hire expenses
   
-
     
5,274
     
6,299
     
6,282
     
6,282
 
Add: Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire
   
-
     
1,431
     
1,577
     
1,657
     
1,657
 
Add: Vessel depreciation
   
757
     
668
     
3,467
     
5,744
     
6,389
 
Add: Impairment on vessel
   
-
     
3,081
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Add: Interest and finance costs
   
450
     
719
     
3,093
     
15,793
     
9,662
 
Add: Loss/(gain) on derivative financial instruments
   
(3,866
)
   
392
     
698
     
301
     
(1,821
)
Less: Interest income
   
(74
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(130
)
                                         
Adjusted EBITDA
   
163
     
3,058
     
16,186
     
16,405
     
10,910
 



6



B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not Applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not Applicable.
D. Risk Factors
The following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. Any of these risk factors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results and the trading price of our common shares.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
The international tanker industry has historically been both cyclical and volatile and this may lead to reductions and volatility in our charter rates, our vessel values, our revenues, earnings and cash flow results.
The international tanker industry in which we operate is cyclical, with attendant volatility in charter hire rates, vessel values and industry profitability. For tanker vessels, the degree of charter rate volatility has varied widely. Please see "—The international oil tanker industry has experienced volatile charter rates and vessel values and there can be no assurance that these charter rates and vessel values will not decrease in the near future." Currently, all of our vessels are employed on time charters. However, changes in spot rates and time charter rates can affect the revenues we will receive from operations in the event our charterers default or seek to renegotiate the charter hire, and can affect the value of our vessels, even if they are employed under long-term time charters. Our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of their time or bareboat charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters will depend upon, among other things, economic conditions in the tanker markets and several other factors outside of our control. If we enter into a charter when charter rates are low, our revenues and earnings will be adversely affected. A decline in charter hire rates will also likely cause the value of our vessels to decline.
Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for vessels and changes in the supply and demand for oil, chemicals and other liquids our vessels carry. Factors affecting the supply and demand for our vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable. The nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in the tanker industry conditions are also unpredictable.
Factors that influence demand for tanker vessel capacity include:

·
supply and demand for petroleum products and chemicals carried;

·
changes in oil production and refining capacity resulting in shifts in trade flows for oil products;

·
the distance petroleum products and chemicals are to be moved by sea;

·
global and regional economic and political conditions, including developments in international trade, national oil reserves policies, fluctuations in industrial and agricultural production, armed conflicts and work stoppages;

·
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;

·
environmental and other legal and regulatory developments;
7




·
currency exchange rates;

·
weather, natural disasters and other acts of God;

·
competition from alternative sources of energy, other shipping companies and other modes of transportation; and

·
international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations, piracy and wars.
The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:

·
the number of newbuilding deliveries;

·
current and expected newbuilding orders for vessels;

·
the scrapping rate of older vessels;

·
vessel freight rates, which are affected by factors that may affect the rate of newbuilding, swapping and laying up of vessels;

·
the price of steel and vessel equipment;

·
technological advances in the design and capacity of vessels;

·
potential conversion of vessels for alternative use;

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

·
port or canal congestion;

·
the number of vessels that are out of service at a given time; and

·
changes in global petroleum and chemical production.
The factors affecting the supply and demand for tankers have been volatile and are outside of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable. Market conditions were volatile in 2018 and continued volatility may reduce demand for transportation of oil, petroleum products and chemicals over longer distances and increase the supply of tankers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, ability to pay dividends and existing contractual obligations.
The international oil tanker industry has experienced volatile charter rates and vessel values and there can be no assurance that these charter rates and vessel values will not decrease in the near future.
The Baltic Dirty Tanker Index, or the BDTI, a U.S. dollar daily average of charter rates issued by the Baltic Exchange that takes into account input from brokers around the world regarding crude oil fixtures for various routes and oil tanker vessel sizes, has been volatile. For example, in 2018, the BDTI reached a high of 1,266 and a low of 628. The Baltic Clean Tanker Index, or BCTI, a comparable index to the BDTI, has similarly been volatile. In 2018, the BCTI reached a high of 919 and a low of 476. Although the BDTI and BCTI were 700 and 650, respectively, as of March 21, 2019, there can be no assurance that the crude oil and petroleum products charter market will increase, and the market could again decline. This volatility in charter rates depends, among other factors, on (i) the demand for crude oil and petroleum products, (ii) the inventories of crude oil and petroleum products in the United States and in other industrialized nations, (iii) oil refining volumes, (iv) oil prices, and (v) any restrictions on crude oil production imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and non-OPEC oil producing countries.
8



If the charter rates in the oil tanker market decline from their current levels, our future earnings may be adversely affected, we may have to record impairment adjustments to the carrying values of our fleet and we may not be able to comply with the financial covenants in our loan agreements.
Volatile economic conditions throughout the world could have an adverse impact on our operations and financial results.
Among other factors, we face risks attendant to changes in economic environments, changes in interest rates, and instability in the banking and securities markets around the world.
The world economy continues to face a number of challenges. Concerns persist regarding the debt burden of certain European countries and their ability to meet future financial obligations and the overall stability of the euro. A renewed period of adverse development in the outlook for the financial stability of European countries, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could reduce the overall demand for oil and chemicals, and thus for shipping and our services, and thereby could affect our financial position, results of operations and cash available for distribution. In addition, turmoil and hostilities in the Middle East and other geographic areas and countries may negatively impact the world economy.
A general deterioration in the global economy may also cause a decrease in worldwide demand for certain goods and, thus, shipping. In the past, economic and governmental factors, together with concurrent declines in charter rates and vessel values, have had a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, causing the price of our common shares to decline.
Further, the economic slowdown in China has and may continue to exacerbate the effect on us of any slowdown in the rest of the world. Specifically, China currently has one of the world's fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product, or GDP, which had a significant impact on shipping demand. The growth rate of China's GDP for the year ended December 31, 2018 was estimated to be around 6.5%. China and other countries in the Asia Pacific region may continue to experience slow or even negative economic growth in the future. Our financial condition and results of operations, as well as our future prospects, would likely be impeded by a continuing or worsening economic downturn in any of these countries.
European countries have likewise experienced relatively slow growth. Over the past several years, the credit markets in Europe have experienced significant contraction, deleveraging and reduced liquidity, and European authorities continue to implement a broad variety of governmental action and/or new regulation of the financial markets. Worldwide economic conditions have in the past impacted, and could in the future impact, lenders' willingness to provide credit to us and our customers. In addition, a portion of the credit under our credit facilities is provided by European banking institutions. If economic conditions in Europe preclude or limit financing from these banking institutions, we may not be able to obtain financing from other institutions on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, even if conditions outside Europe remain favorable for lending.
The current state of the global financial markets and current economic conditions may adversely impact our ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and may otherwise negatively impact our business.
Global financial markets and economic conditions have been volatile. This volatility has negatively affected the general willingness of banks and other financial institutions to extend credit, particularly to the shipping industry, due to the historically volatile values of vessels. The shipping industry, which is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance and expand operations, has been negatively affected by this decline.
9



As a result of concerns about the stability of financial markets generally and the solvency of counterparties specifically, the cost of obtaining money from the credit markets has increased as many lenders have increased interest rates, enacted tighter lending standards, refused to refinance existing debt on terms similar to current debt and reduced, and in some cases ceased, to provide funding to borrowers. Due to these factors, we cannot be certain that financing will be available if needed and to the extent required, on acceptable terms. If financing is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our obligations as they come due or we may be unable to enhance our existing business, complete additional vessel acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities as they arise.
Uncertainty regarding the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) may adversely impact our indebtedness under our credit and loan facilities, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 
In July 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it would phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end of 2021. It is unclear whether new methods of calculating LIBOR will be established such that it continues to exist after 2021. Proposed alternative reference interest rates so far are based on overnight tenors only, while the most frequently used LIBOR rates are for one, three and six month tenors. Most of our credit and loan facilities are linked to LIBOR. When LIBOR ceases to exist, we may need to amend our credit and loan facilities based on a new standard that is established, if any. The basis of calculation of such standard is not yet agreed upon amongst market participants and as a result the cost of our borrowings may increase. In addition, any resulting differences in interest rate standards among our assets and our financing arrangements may result in interest rate mismatches between our assets and the borrowings used to fund such assets. There is no guarantee that a transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference interest rate will not result in financial market disruptions or significant increases in benchmark rates, or borrowing costs to borrowers, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels will operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the operation of our vessels. These regulations include, but are not limited to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as MARPOL, including the designation of Emission Control Areas, or ECAs, thereunder, the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, generally referred to as CLC, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or Bunker Convention, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, or SOLAS, the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the U.S. Clean Water Act, the U.S. Clean Air Act, the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, or the MTSA, and European Union regulations. Compliance with such laws, regulations and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations.
10



Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. Under OPA, for example, owners, operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the discharge of oil within the 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the United States. Events such as the 2010 explosion of the Deepwater Horizon and the subsequent release of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, or other events, may result in further regulation of the shipping industry, and modifications to statutory liability schemes, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. An oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties and criminal liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages under other federal, state and local laws, as well as third-party damages. We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents. Although insurance covers certain environmental risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to cover all such risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends, if any, in the future.
We are subject to international safety regulations and requirements imposed by classification societies and the failure to comply with these regulations may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the United Nations' International Maritime Organization's International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code. The ISM Code requires ship owners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive "Safety Management System" that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe operation and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. We expect that any vessels that we acquire in the future will be ISM Code-certified when delivered to us. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports, including United States and European Union ports.
In addition, the hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea. If a vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable, which will negatively impact our revenues and results from operations.
Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may adversely impact our operations and markets.
Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the IMO have adopted regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. In addition, although the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping currently are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change or the Paris Agreement, a new treaty may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to climate change could increase our costs related to operating and maintaining our vessels and require us to install new emission controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions, or administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected.
Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental impact of climate change, may also adversely affect demand for our services. For example, increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas in the future or create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could have a significant adverse financial and operational impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.
11



Regulations relating to ballast water discharge coming into effect during September 2019 may adversely affect our revenues and profitability.
The IMO has imposed updated guidelines for ballast water management systems specifying the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged from a vessel's ballast water.  Depending on the date of the International Oil Pollution Prevention (“IOPP”) renewal survey, existing vessels constructed before September 8, 2017 must comply with the updated D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019.  For most vessels, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms.  Ships constructed on or after September 8, 2017 are to comply with the D-2 standards.  Currently all our vessels comply with the updated guideline.
Furthermore, United States regulations are currently changing.  Although the 2013 Vessel General Permit ("VGP") program and U.S. National Invasive Species Act ("NISA") are currently in effect to regulate ballast discharge, exchange and installation, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA"), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, requires that the U.S. Coast Guard develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations regarding ballast water within two years.  The new regulations could require the installation of new equipment, which may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Our vessels may suffer damage due to the inherent operational risks of the tanker industry and we may experience unexpected dry-docking costs, which may adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. Our vessels and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather and other acts of God, business interruptions caused by mechanical failures, grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. These hazards may result in death or injury to persons, loss of revenues or property, the payment of ransoms, environmental damage, higher insurance rates, damage to our customer relationships or delay or re-routing, which may also subject us to litigation. In addition, the operation of tankers has unique operational risks associated with the transportation of oil or chemicals. An oil or chemical spill may cause significant environmental damage, and the costs associated with a catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available to us. Compared to other types of vessels, tankers are exposed to a higher risk of damage and loss by fire, whether ignited by a terrorist attack, collision, or other cause, due to the high flammability and high volume of the oil and chemicals transported in such tankers.
If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-dock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay dry-docking costs that our insurance does not cover in full. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and repositioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, would decrease our earnings. In addition, space at dry-docking facilities is sometimes limited and not all dry-docking facilities are conveniently located. We may be unable to find space at a suitable dry-docking facility or our vessels may be forced to travel to a dry-docking facility that is not conveniently located to our vessels' positions. The loss of earnings while these vessels are forced to wait for space or to steam to more distant dry-docking facilities would decrease our earnings.
In the case of bareboat chartered-out vessels, dry-docking risks, expenses and loss of hire or freight revenue affect the bareboat charterer and not the shipowner, for the duration of the bareboat charter. In the case of our bareboat chartered-in vessels, dry-docking risks, expenses and loss of hire or freight revenue affect us. Currently we do not employ any of our vessels on bareboat charters.
The market value of our vessels, and those we may acquire in the future, may fluctuate significantly, which could cause us to incur losses if we decide to sell them following a decline in their market values or we may be required to write down their carrying value, which will adversely affect our earnings.
The fair market value of our vessels may increase and decrease depending on the following factors:

·
general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry;

·
prevailing level of charter rates;

·
competition from other shipping companies;

·
types, sizes and ages of vessels;
12




·
the availability of other modes of transportation;

·
supply and demand for vessels;

·
shipyard capacity;

·
cost of newbuildings;

·
price of steel;

·
governmental or other regulations; and

·
technological advances.
If we sell any vessel at a time when vessel prices have fallen, the sale price may be less than the vessel's carrying amount in our financial statements, in which case we will realize a loss. Vessel prices can fluctuate significantly, and in the case where the market value falls below the carrying amount, we will evaluate the vessel for a potential impairment adjustment.  If the estimate of undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the vessel is less than its carrying amount, we may be required to write down the carrying amount of the vessel to its fair value in our financial statements and incur a loss and a reduction in earnings. See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—A. Operating Results—Critical Accounting Policies—Impairment of Vessels."
An over-supply of tanker capacity may lead to reductions in charter hire rates and profitability.
The market supply of tankers is affected by a number of factors such as demand for energy resources, crude oil, petroleum products and chemicals, as well as strong overall economic growth of the world economy. If the capacity of new tankers delivered exceeds the capacity of such tankers being scrapped and lost, vessel capacity will increase, which could lead to reductions in charter rates. As of March 26, 2019, newbuilding orders have been placed for an aggregate of approximately 10.5% of the existing global tanker fleet with the bulk of deliveries expected during 2019.
An over-supply of oil tankers has already resulted in an increase in oil tanker charter hire rate volatility. If this volatility persists, we may not be able to find profitable charters for our vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Our vessels may call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. or other governments, which could adversely affect our business, reputation and the market for our common stock.
While none of our vessels called on ports located in countries subject to U.S. sanctions during 2018, and we intend to comply with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, our vessels may call on ports in these countries from time to time on charterers' instructions in the future, and there can be no assurance that we will maintain such compliance, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. The U.S. 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.
Current or future counterparties of ours may be affiliated with persons or entities that are or may be in the future the subject of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, the European Union, and/or other international bodies as a result of the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014. If we determine that such sanctions require us to terminate existing or future contracts to which we or our subsidiaries are party or if we are found to be in violation of such applicable sanctions, our results of operations may be adversely affected or we may suffer reputational harm. Currently, we do not believe that any of our existing counterparties are affiliated with persons or entities that are subject to such sanctions.
13



Although we believe that we have been 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, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business, and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. In addition, certain institutional investors may have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities of companies that have contracts with countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from, our common stock may adversely affect the price at which our common stock trades. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if we engage in certain other activities, such as entering into charters with individuals or entities in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargo laws that are not controlled by the governments of those countries, or engaging in operations associated with those countries pursuant to contracts with third parties that are unrelated to those countries or entities controlled by their governments. Investor perception of the value of our common stock may be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.
Political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities can affect the tanker industry, which may adversely affect our business.

We conduct most of our operations outside of the United States, and our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash may be adversely affected by changing economic, political and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels are employed or registered. Moreover, we operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, including the current political instability in the Middle East and the South China Sea region and other geographic countries and areas, geopolitical events such as the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union, or "Brexit," terrorist or other attacks, and war (or threatened war) or international hostilities, such as those between the United States and North Korea.

Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues and costs. Additionally, Brexit, or similar events in other jurisdictions, could impact global markets, including foreign exchange and securities markets; any resulting changes in currency exchange rates, tariffs, treaties and other regulatory matters could in turn adversely impact our business and operations.
Further, governments may turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing shipping demand. In particular, leaders in the United States have indicated the United States may seek to implement more protective trade measures. President Trump was elected on a platform promoting trade protectionism. The results of the presidential election have thus created significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the United States, China and other exporting countries, including with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations and tariffs. For example, on January 23, 2017, President Trump signed an executive order withdrawing the United States from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a global trade agreement intended to include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru and a number of Asian countries. In March 2018, President Trump announced tariffs on imported steel and aluminum into the United States that could have a negative impact on international trade generally. Most recently, in January 2019, the United States announced expanded sanctions against Venezuela, which may have an effect on its oil output and in turn affect global oil supply. Protectionist developments, or the perception they may occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions, and may significantly reduce global trade. Moreover, increasing trade protectionism may cause an increase in (a) the cost of goods exported from regions globally, (b) the length of time required to transport goods and (c) the risks associated with exporting goods. Such increases may significantly affect the quantity of goods to be shipped, shipping time schedules, voyage costs and other associated costs, which could have an adverse impact on our charterers' business, operating results and financial condition and could thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us and to renew and increase the number of their time charters with us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and our ability to pay any cash distributions to our stockholders.
Continuing conflicts and recent developments in North Korea, Russia and the Middle East, including Iran, Syria, Egypt and North Africa, including Libya, and the presence of the United States and other armed forces in these regions may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further world economic instability and uncertainty in global financial markets. As a result of the above, insurers have increased premiums and reduced restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally. Future terrorist attacks could result in increased volatility of the financial markets and negatively impact the U.S. and global economy. These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.
In the past, political instability has also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected vessels trading in regions such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa, and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.

14


Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea. Sea piracy incidents continue to occur. Acts of piracy could result in harm or danger to the crews that man our vessels.  If insurers or the Joint War Committee characterize the regions in which our vessels are deployed as "war risk" zones or "war and strikes" listed areas," respectively, premiums payable for insurance coverage could increase significantly and such coverage may be more difficult to obtain if available at all. In addition, crew costs, including costs that may be incurred to the extent we employ onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, least of all for bearing the cost of the applicable deductible(s) or unforeseen charges/costs, 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, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends and may result in loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters.
Changes in the economic and political environment in China and policies adopted by the Chinese government to regulate its economy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, in respects such as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position. Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was a planned economy. Since 1978, increasing emphasis has been placed on the utilization of market forces in the development of the Chinese economy. Annual and five-year plans, or State Plans, are adopted by the Chinese government in connection with the development of the economy. Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the economy through State Plans and other measures. There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as allocation of resources, production, pricing and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a "market economy" and enterprise reform. Limited price reforms were undertaken, with the result that prices for certain commodities are principally determined by market forces. Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments. If the Chinese government does not continue to pursue a policy of economic reform, the level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected and could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.
Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls could increase costs and disrupt our business.
International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination. Inspection procedures can result in the seizure of, delay in the loading, off-loading or delivery of, the contents of our vessels or the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us. It is possible that changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Furthermore, changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of cargo uneconomical or impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We rely on our information systems to conduct our business, and failure to protect these systems against security breaches could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become unavailable for any significant period of time, our business could be harmed.
The efficient operation of our business is dependent on computer hardware and software systems. Information systems are vulnerable to security breaches by computer hackers and cyber terrorists. We rely on industry-accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information kept on our information systems. However, these measures and technology may not adequately prevent cybersecurity breaches, the access, capture or alteration of information by criminals, the exposure or exploitation of potential security vulnerabilities, the installation of malware or ransomware, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced data or data loss. In addition, the unavailability of the information systems or the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and could result in decreased performance and increased operating costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer. Any significant interruption or failure of our information systems or any significant breach of security could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as our cash flows, including cash available for dividends to our stockholders.
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RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
We may not be able to continue as a going concern.

Our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 have been prepared on the basis that we will continue as a going concern. As at December 31, 2018, we had a working capital deficit of $31.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $0.06 million. As at December 31, 2018 we had remaining contractual commitments for the acquisition of our fleet totaling $147.6 million. Of this amount, $66.3 million is payable in the first quarter of 2019 and $81.3 million in the second quarter of 2019. Of the amount payable in 2019, an amount of $66.3 million has been settled as of the date of this annual report.
As of December 31, 2018 we have undrawn facilities amounting to $152.2 million. Please see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources." We are considering options to raise capital to avoid there being substantial doubt about our ability to fund future operations and meet our obligations as they become due for at least a year, and continue as a going concern. If we are unable to refinance or raise capital, we may cease to continue as a going concern and we would be required to restate our assets and liabilities on a liquidation basis, which could differ significantly from the going concern basis.
We are currently subject to litigation and we may be subject to similar or other litigation in the future.
We and certain of our current executive officers are defendants in purported class-action lawsuits pending in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Districts of New York, brought on behalf of our shareholders. The lawsuits allege violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act. In connection with these lawsuits, certain co-defendants requested that the Company indemnify and hold them harmless against all losses, including reasonable costs of defense, arising from the litigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and Kalani.
While we believe these claims to be without merit and intend to continue to defend these lawsuits vigorously, we cannot predict their outcome. Furthermore, we may, from time to time, be a party to other litigation in the normal course of business. Monitoring and defending against legal actions, whether or not meritorious, is time-consuming for our management and detracts from our ability to fully focus our internal resources on our business activities. In addition, our legal fees and costs incurred in connection with such activities and any legal fees of co-defendants for which we are deemed responsible may be significant and we could, in the future, be subject to judgments or enter into settlements of claims for significant monetary damages. A decision adverse to our interests could result in the payment of substantial damages and could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow, results of operations and financial position.
With respect to any litigation, our insurance may not reimburse us or may not be sufficient to reimburse us for the expenses or losses we may suffer in contesting and concluding such lawsuit. Furthermore, our insurance does not cover legal fees associated with co-defendants. Substantial litigation costs, including the substantial self-insured retention that we are required to satisfy before any insurance applied to the claim, or an adverse result in any litigation may adversely impact our business, operating results or financial condition.
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Our operating, joint venture and chartered-in fleet consists of twelve MR product tankers. Any limitation in the availability or operation of these vessels could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
As of the date of this annual report, our operating fleet consists of two chartered-in 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers vessels, the M/T Stenaweco Energy and the M/T Stenaweco Evolution, two 39,000 dwt product/chemical tankers vessels, the M/T Eco Fleet and the M/T Eco Revolution, and six 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers, the M/T Stenaweco Excellence, M/T Nord Valiant, M/T Stenaweco Elegance, M/T Eco Palm Desert, M/T Eco California and M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. Furthermore we have a 50% interest in two 50,000 dwt product/chemical tanker vessels, the M/T Eco Holmby Hills and  the M/T Palm Springs. If these vessels are unable to generate revenue as a result of off hire time, early termination of the applicable time charter or otherwise, our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends on our common shares could be materially adversely affected.
We expect to be dependent on a limited number of customers for a large part of our revenues, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
Currently all of our revenues are currently derived from five charterers, Stena Weco A/S, BP Shipping Limited, Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd, Central Tanker Chartering Inc and Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S (“DS Norden A/S”). Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us 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 maritime industry, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for specific types of vessels, and various expenses. The combination of a reduction of cash flow resulting from declines in world trade, a reduction in borrowing bases under reserve-based credit facilities and the lack of availability of debt or equity financing may result in a significant reduction in the ability of charterers to make charter payments to us. In addition, in depressed market conditions, charterers and customers may no longer need a vessel that is then under charter or contract or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers and customers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter agreements or avoid their obligations under those contracts. Should one of our counterparties fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The bareboat charters in connection with our sale and leaseback agreements contain restrictive covenants that may limit our liquidity and corporate activities, and could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The bareboat charters in connection with the sale and leaseback agreements for the M/T Stenaweco Energy, M/T Stenaweco Evolution, M/T Nord Valiant, M/T Eco California and M/T Eco Marina Del Ray contain, and any future sale and leaseback agreements we may enter into are expected to contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements that may affect our operational and financial flexibility. Such restrictions could affect, and in many respects limit or prohibit, among other things, our ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, sell assets, or engage in mergers or acquisitions. These restrictions could also limit our ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet extraordinary capital needs or otherwise restrict corporate activities. There can be no assurance that such restrictions will not adversely affect our ability to finance our future operations or capital needs.
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Our bareboat charters in connection with the sale and leaseback agreements require us to maintain specified financial ratios, satisfy financial covenants and contain cross-default clauses, including the following:

·
maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75%; and

·
maintain minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per owned vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel.
As of December 31, 2018, we are in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio and the minimum free liquidity covenants in our sale and leaseback agreements.
As a result of the restrictions in our bareboat charters in connection with our sale and leaseback agreements, or similar restrictions in our future sale and leaseback agreements, we may need to seek permission from the owners of our leased vessels in order to engage in certain corporate actions. Their interests may be different from ours and we may not be able to obtain their permission when needed. This may prevent us from taking actions that we believe are in our best interest, which may adversely impact our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
A failure by us to meet our payment and other obligations, including our financial covenant requirements, could lead to defaults under our bareboat charters in connection with our sale and leaseback agreement or any future sale and leaseback agreements. If we are not in compliance with our covenants and we are not able to obtain covenant waivers or modifications, the current or future owners of our leased vessels, as appropriate, could retake possession of our vessels or require us to pay down our indebtedness to a level where we are in compliance with our covenants or sell vessels in our fleet. We could lose our vessels if we default on our bareboat charters in connection with the sale and leaseback agreements, which would negatively affect our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.
Newbuilding projects are subject to risks that could cause delays.
As of the date of this annual report, we own 100% interests in two corporations that are party to shipbuilding contracts for two newbuilding vessels scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2019. Newbuilding construction projects are subject to risks of delay inherent in any large construction project caused by numerous factors, including shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor, unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment or shipyard construction, failure of equipment to meet quality and/or performance standards, financial or operating difficulties experienced by equipment vendors or the shipyard, unanticipated actual or purported change orders, inability to obtain required permits or approvals, design or engineering changes and work stoppages and other labor disputes, adverse weather conditions, bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipyard, a backlog of orders at the shipyard, or any other events of force majeure. A shipyard's failure to complete the project on time may result in the delay of revenue from the vessel. Any such failure or delay could have a material adverse effect on our operating results as we will continue to incur other costs to operate our business.
Furthermore, we may need to incur additional borrowings or raise capital through the sale of additional equity or debt securities to complete our newbuilding program or acquire any additional vessels in the future. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. If we are not able to borrow additional funds, raise other capital or utilize available cash on hand, we may not be able to complete our newbuilding program or acquire other newbuilding or secondhand vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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Our strategic relationships subject us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We own 50% of City of Athens Inc., a Marshal Islands corporation that owns the M/T Eco Holmby Hills and another 50% of ECO Nine Inc., a Marshall Islands corporation that owns the M/T Eco Palm Springs, two 50,000 dwt product tankers. Fly Free Company and Maxima International Co. own the other 50% of City of Athens Inc. and ECO Nine Inc., respectively. Fly Free Company and Maxima International Co. are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Gunvor S.A., or Gunvor, a non-affiliated company with which we have entered into a joint venture agreement on July 7, 2017.
These strategic relationships are subject to various risks that could adversely affect the value of our investments and our results of operations and financial condition. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

·
our interests could diverge from our partners' interests or we may not agree with our strategic partners on ongoing activities or on the amount, timing or nature of further investments in the relationship;

·
we do not  control the operations of City of Athens Inc. and ECO Nine Inc. as we have joint control;

·
due to financial constraints, our strategic partners may be unable to meet their commitments to us;

·
due to differing long-term business goals, our partners may decide not to join us in funding capital investment by our business ventures, which may result in higher levels of cash expenditures by us;

·
we may experience difficulties or delays in collecting amounts due to us from our strategic partners;

·
the terms of our arrangements may turn out to be unfavorable; and

·
changes in tax, legal or regulatory requirements may necessitate changes in the agreements with our strategic partners.
Further, in spite of performing customary due diligence prior to entering into the aforementioned strategic relationships, we cannot guarantee full disclosure of prior acts or omissions of the sellers or those with whom we enter into strategic arrangements. If our strategic relationships are unsuccessful or there are unanticipated changes in, or termination of, our strategic relationships, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.
Our credit facilities contain restrictive covenants that limit our business and financing activities.
The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our ABN Senior Credit Facility, or the ABN Facility, Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale Bank of Germany Facility, or the NORD/LB Facility, Amsterdam Trade Bank Facility, or the AT Bank Facility, Alpha Bank of Greece Facility, or the Alpha Bank Facility, and any new or amended credit facility we enter into in the future could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities.
For example, our ABN Facility, NORD/LB Facility, AT Bank Facility and Alpha Bank Facility require the consent of our lenders to, among other things:

·
incur or guarantee indebtedness outside of our ordinary course of business;

·
provide guarantees other than for financing of new vessels;

·
pay any dividends or distribute any of our capital or redeem any class of our shares;
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·
charge, pledge or encumber our vessels;

·
change the flag, class, management or ownership of our vessels;

·
change the commercial and technical management of our vessels; and

·
sell or change the beneficial ownership or control of our vessels.
Furthermore some of our facilities also contain restrictions in the use of proceeds of future issuances of capital and incurrence of unsecured debt. Finally, our credit facilities require us to satisfy certain financial and other covenants. Please see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources." In general, these financial covenants require us to maintain, among other things, a minimum ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, minimum free consolidated liquidity per collateralized vessel and to maintain a ratio of EBITDA (as defined in each credit facility) to net interest expense. In addition, our credit facilities require that we maintain a minimum security coverage ratio, usually defined as the ratio of the market value of the collateralized vessels or vessel and net realizable value of additional acceptable security to our outstanding loans. A breach of any of these, or other, covenants in our credit facilities would prevent us from borrowing additional money under our credit facilities and could constitute an event of default under our credit facilities, which, unless cured within the grace period set forth under the credit facility, if applicable, or waived or modified by our lenders, may provide our lenders with the right to, among other things, require us to post additional collateral, enhance our equity and liquidity, increase our interest payments, pay down our indebtedness to a level where we are in compliance with our loan covenants, sell vessels in our fleet and accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose their liens on our vessels and the other assets securing the credit facilities, which would impair our ability to continue to conduct our business.
Our ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in our current or future credit facilities may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions, interest rate developments, changes in the funding costs of our banks and changes in vessel earnings and asset valuations. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we are in breach of any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in our current or future credit facilities, or if we trigger a cross-default contained in our current or future credit facilities, a significant portion of our obligations may become immediately due and payable. We may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments. In addition, obligations under our current and future credit facilities are and are expected to be secured by our vessels, and if we are unable to repay debt under our current or future credit facilities, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets.
Furthermore, if the estimated asset values of the vessels in our fleet decrease, such decreases may limit the amounts we can draw down under our future credit facilities to purchase additional vessels and our ability to expand our fleet. In addition, we may be obligated to prepay part of our outstanding debt in order to remain in compliance with the relevant covenants in our current or future credit facilities. If funds under our current or future credit facilities become unavailable as a result of a breach of our covenants or otherwise, we may not be able to perform our business strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to pay dividends.
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Servicing current and future debt will limit funds available for other purposes and impair our ability to react to changes in our business.
We must dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our indebtedness. These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes. As of December 31, 2018, we had a total indebtedness of $152.3 million, excluding deferred finance fees and debt discounts. Our current or future debt could have other significant consequences on our operations. For example, it could:

·
increase our vulnerability to general economic downturns and adverse competitive and industry conditions;

·
require us to dedicate a substantial portion, if not all, of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

·
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

·
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to competitors that have less debt or better access to capital;

·
limit our ability to raise additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all; and

·
adversely impact our ability to comply with the financial and other restrictive covenants of our current or future financing arrangements, which could result in an event of default under such agreements.
Furthermore, our current or future interest expense could increase if interest rates increase. If we do not have sufficient earnings, we may be required to refinance all or part of our current or future debt, sell assets, borrow more money or sell more securities, and we cannot guarantee that the resulting proceeds therefrom, if any, will be sufficient to meet our ongoing capital and operating needs.
The adoption of a new accounting standard can pose a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, ("ASC 842") which requires lessees to recognize leases on-balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. The new standard establishes a right-of-use model ("ROU") that requires a lessee to recognize a ROU asset and lease liability on the balance sheet for all leases with a term longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern and classification of expense recognition in the income statement. The new standard is effective for us on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted.  We will adopt the standard for our first interim reporting period commencing of January 1, 2019 and all of our operating lease commitments relating to bareboat chartered-in vessels recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption, increasing our total assets and total liabilities that we report relative to such amounts prior to adoption. The Company is in the final process of implementing a new lease accounting policy and updating its controls and procedures for maintaining and accounting for its leases under the new guidance in order to be able to quantify the effect. The Company expects the adoption of the new standard to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements. Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies." We do not expect a significant change in our leasing activity between now and adoption.
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If we fail to manage our planned growth properly, we may not be able to successfully expand our market share.
We intend to continue to grow our fleet in the future. Our future growth will primarily depend on our ability to:

·
generate excess cash flow for investment without jeopardizing our ability to cover current and foreseeable working capital needs (including debt service);

·
raise equity and obtain required financing for our existing and new operations;

·
locate and acquire suitable vessels;

·
identify and consummate acquisitions or joint ventures;

·
integrate any acquired business successfully with our existing operations;

·
hire, train and retain qualified personnel and crew to manage and operate our growing business and fleet;

·
enhance our customer base; and

·
manage expansion.
Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, difficulty in obtaining additional qualified personnel, managing relationships with customers and suppliers and integrating newly acquired operations into existing infrastructures. We may not be successful in executing our growth plans and we may incur significant additional expenses and losses in connection therewith.
Our ability to obtain additional debt financing may be dependent on our ability to charter our vessels, the performance of our charters and the creditworthiness of our charterers.
Our inability to re-charter our vessels and the actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by them, may materially affect our ability to obtain the additional capital resources that we will require to purchase additional vessels or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such capital. Our inability to obtain financing, or receiving financing at a higher than anticipated cost, may materially affect our results of operation and our ability to implement our business strategy.
The industry for the operation of tanker vessels and the transportation of oil, petroleum products and chemicals is highly competitive and we may not be able to compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater resources.
We will employ our tankers and any additional vessels we may acquire in a highly competitive market that is capital intensive and highly fragmented. The operation of tanker vessels and the transportation of cargoes shipped in these vessels, as well as the shipping industry in general, is extremely competitive. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, including major oil companies as well as independent tanker shipping companies, some of whom have substantially greater resources than we do. Competition for the transportation of oil, petroleum products and chemicals can be intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its operators to the charterers. Due in part to the highly fragmented market, competitors with greater resources could enter and operate larger fleets through consolidations or acquisitions that may be able to offer better prices and fleets than us.
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A limited number of financial institutions hold our cash.
A limited number of financial institutions, including institutions located in Greece, hold all of our cash. Our cash balances have been deposited from time to time with banks in Monaco, Germany, Holland, United Kingdom, Greece and Switzerland amongst others. Our cash balances are not covered by insurance in the event of default by these financial institutions. The occurrence of such a default could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, and we may lose part or all of our cash that we deposit with such banks.
Uncertainty related to the Greek sovereign debt crisis may adversely affect our operating results.
Uncertainty related to the Greek sovereign debt crisis may adversely affect our operating results. Greece experienced a macroeconomic downturn in recent years, including as a result of the sovereign debt crisis and the related austerity measures implemented by the Greek government. As a result, our operations in Greece may be subjected to new regulations or regulatory action that may require us to incur new or additional compliance or other administrative costs and may require that we or Central Shipping Monaco SAM, which we refer to as our Fleet Manager or CSM, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, pay to the Greek government new taxes or other fees. We and our Fleet Manager also face the risk that strikes, work stoppages, civil unrest and violence within Greece may disrupt our and our Fleet Manager's shore side operations located in Greece. The Greek government's taxation authorities have increased their scrutinization of individuals and companies to secure tax law compliance. If economic and financial market conditions remain uncertain or deteriorate further, the Greek government may impose further changes to tax and other laws to which we and our Fleet Manager may be subject or change the ways they are enforced, which may adversely affect our business, operating results, and financial condition.
Our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, who may be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, 100% of our Series D Preferred Shares has control over us.
As of March 12, 2019, Lax Trust, which is an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, may be deemed to beneficially own, directly or indirectly, all of the 100,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred Stock. Each Series D Preferred Share carries 1,000 votes. By its ownership of 100% of our Series D Preferred Shares, Lax Trust has control over our actions.

As of March 12, 2019, the Lax Trust may be deemed to own all of the outstanding shares of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc., Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., and Tankers Family Inc., which in aggregate and on an as-if converted basis own approximately 65.0% of our outstanding common shares, including 5,187,500 common shares issuable upon the exercise of 1,250,000 of the 2014 Warrants held by Race Navigation and 41,240,000 Common Shares issuable upon the conversion of $24.7 million of outstanding debt held by Family Trading Inc. under the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility. See also under "Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—A. Major Shareholders." Due to the number of shares that the Lax Trust may be deemed to own, it has the power to exert considerable influence over our actions and to effectively control the outcome of matters on which our shareholders are entitled to vote, including the election of our directors and other significant corporate actions. The interests of the Lax Trust or the family of Mr. Pistiolis may be different from your interests.
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We may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other employees in the international tanker shipping industry, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of our management and our results of operations.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our management team. All of our executive officers are employees of Central Mare Inc., or Central Mare, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, and we have entered into agreements with Central Mare for the compensation of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis; Alexandros Tsirikos, our Chief Financial Officer and Director; Vangelis G. Ikonomou our Chief Operating Officer and Konstantinos Patis, our Chief Technical Officer. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition. Difficulty in hiring and retaining personnel could adversely affect our results of operations. We do not maintain "key man" life insurance on any of our officers.
If labor interruptions are not resolved in a timely manner, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
Central Shipping Monaco SAM, which we refer to as our Fleet Manager, is responsible for recruiting, mainly through a crewing agent, the senior officers and all other crew members for our vessels and all other vessels we may acquire. If not resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, industrial action or other labor unrest could prevent or hinder our operations from being carried out as we expect and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
If we expand our business, we will need to improve our operations and financial systems and staff; if we cannot improve these systems or recruit suitable employees, our performance may be adversely affected.
Our current operating and financial systems may not be adequate if we implement a plan to expand the size of our fleet, and our attempts to improve those systems may be ineffective. If we are unable to operate our financial and operations systems effectively or to recruit suitable employees as we expand our fleet, our performance may be adversely affected.
A drop in spot charter rates may provide an incentive for some charterers to default on their charters, which could affect our cash flow and financial condition.
When we enter into a time charter or bareboat charter, rates under that charter are fixed throughout the term of the charter. If the spot charter rates in the tanker shipping industry become significantly lower than the time charter equivalent rates that some of our charterers are obligated to pay us under our then existing charters, the charterers may have incentive to default under that charter or attempt to renegotiate the charter. If our charterers fail to pay their obligations, we would have to attempt to re-charter our vessels at lower charter rates, and as a result we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our cash flow and financial condition, which would affect our ability to meet our current or future loans or current leaseback obligations. If our current or future lenders choose to accelerate our indebtedness and foreclose their liens, or if the owners of our leased vessels choose to repossess vessels in our fleet as a result of a default under the sale and leaseback agreements, our ability to continue to conduct our business would be impaired.
An increase in operating costs could decrease earnings and available cash.
Vessel operating costs include the costs of crew, fuel (for spot chartered vessels), provisions, deck and engine stores, insurance and maintenance and repairs, which depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Some of these costs, primarily relating to insurance and enhanced security measures, have been increasing. If any vessels we have or will acquire suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-docking repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial. Increases in any of these expenses could decrease our earnings and available cash.
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The aging of our fleet may result in increased operating costs in the future, which could adversely affect our earnings.
In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As our fleet ages, operating and other costs will increase. In the case of bareboat charters, operating costs are borne by the bareboat charterer. Cargo insurance rates also increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations or the addition of new equipment to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage. As our fleet ages, market conditions might not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
Unless we set aside reserves or are able to borrow funds for vessel replacement, our revenue will decline at the end of a vessel's useful life, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Unless we maintain reserves or are able to borrow or raise funds for vessel replacement, we will be unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their remaining useful lives, which we estimate to be 25 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues earned by the chartering of our vessels to customers. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, results of operations and financial condition will be materially and adversely affected.
Purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessels off-hire, which could adversely affect our earnings.
We may expand our fleet through the acquisition of secondhand vessels. While we rigorously inspect previously owned or secondhand vessels prior to purchase, this does not normally provide us with the same knowledge about their condition and cost of any required (or anticipated) repairs that we would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. Accordingly, we may not discover defects or other problems with such vessels prior to purchase. Any such hidden defects or problems, when detected, may be expensive to repair, and if not detected, may result in accidents or other incidents for which we may become liable to third parties. Also, when purchasing previously owned vessels, we do not receive the benefit of warranties from the builders if the vessels we buy are older than one year. In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age and type of the vessel. In the case of chartered-in vessels, we run the same risks.
Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which the vessels may engage. As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us if we lose any vessels that we acquire.
We carry insurance for all vessels we acquire against those types of risks commonly insured against by vessel owners and operators. These insurances include hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance (which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage), freight demurrage and defense and war risk insurance. Reasonable insurance rates can best be obtained when the size and the age/trading profile of the fleet is attractive. As a result, rates become less competitive as a fleet downsizes.
In the future, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for the vessels we acquire. The insurers may not pay particular claims. Our insurance policies also contain deductibles for which we will be responsible as well as limitations and exclusions that may increase our costs or lower our revenue.
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We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, as we obtain some of our insurance through protection and indemnity associations.
We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, in amounts based on our claim records and the claim records of our Fleet Manager as well as the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive insurance coverage for tort liability, including pollution-related liability. In addition, our protection and indemnity associations may not have enough resources to cover claims made against them. Our payment of these calls could result in significant expense to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.
Our vessels may call in ports where smugglers may attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessel and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims that could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Maritime claimants could arrest vessels we acquire, which could interrupt our cash flow.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may enforce its lien by "arresting" or "attaching" a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more vessels we acquire could result in a significant loss of earnings for the related off-hired period. In addition, in jurisdictions where the "sister ship" theory of liability applies, a claimant may arrest the vessel which is subject to the claimant's maritime lien and any "associated" vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. In countries with "sister ship" liability laws, claims might be asserted against us or any of our vessels for liabilities of other vessels that we own.
Governments could requisition vessels we acquire during a period of war or emergency, resulting in loss of earnings.
A government could requisition vessels for title or hire. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the owner. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency. Government requisition of any vessels we acquire could negatively impact our revenues should we not receive adequate compensation.
U.S. federal tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company," or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of "passive income" or (2) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation's assets produce or are held for the production of those types of "passive income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. Income derived from the performance of services does not constitute "passive income" for this purpose. U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC.
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In general, income derived from the bareboat charter of a vessel should be treated as "passive income" for purposes of determining whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, and such vessel should be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of "passive income."  On the other hand, income derived from the time charter of a vessel should not be treated as "passive income" for such purpose, but rather should be treated as services income; likewise, a time chartered vessel should generally not be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of "passive income."
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2014 through 2018 taxable years and do not expect to be treated as a PFIC in subsequent taxable years. In this regard, we intend to treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from our time chartering activities does not constitute ''passive income,'' and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income do not constitute passive assets.
There is, however, no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our proposed method of operation. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, or a court of law will accept our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in the nature and extent of our operations.
Our U.S. shareholders may face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and certain information reporting obligations as a result of us being treated as a PFIC.  Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders, as discussed below under "Taxation– U.S. Federal Income Consequences—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders"), such shareholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then prevailing income tax rates on ordinary income plus interest upon excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of their common shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder's holding period of the common shares.  See "Taxation —U.S. Federal Income Consequences—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders" for a more comprehensive discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders as a result of our status as a PFIC.
We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our earnings.
Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as ourselves and our subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source shipping income and such income is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code. Although we have qualified for this statutory exemption in previous taxable years and have taken this position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes in such taxable year, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of the exemption and thereby become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source shipping income. For example, we would fail to qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code for a particular tax year if shareholders, each of whom owned, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, a 5% or greater interest in the vote and value of our common stock, owned in the aggregate 50% or more of the vote and value of such stock, and "qualified shareholders" as defined by the Treasury regulation under Section 883 of the Code did not own, directly or under applicable constructive ownership rules, sufficient shares in our closely-held block of common stock to preclude the shares in that closely-held block that are not so owned from representing 50% or more of the value of our common stock for more than half of the number of days during the taxable year. Establishing such ownership by qualified shareholders will depend upon the status of certain of our direct or indirect shareholders as residents of qualifying jurisdictions and whether those shareholders own their shares through bearer share arrangements. In addition, such shareholders will also be required to comply with ownership certification procedures attesting that they are residents of qualifying jurisdictions, and each intermediary or other person in the chain of ownership between us and such shareholders must undertake similar compliance procedures. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, we may not qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code for any future taxable year. We intend to take the position for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes that we are not subject to U.S. federal income taxation for the 2018 taxable year because more than 50% of our stock was not owned by non-qualified shareholders that each held 5% or more of our stock.
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We are a "foreign private issuer," which could make our common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
We are a "foreign private issuer," as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act. As a "foreign private issuer" the rules governing the information that we disclose differ from those governing U.S. corporations pursuant to the Exchange Act. We are not required to file quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or provide current reports on Form 8-K disclosing significant events within four days of their occurrence. In addition, our officers and directors are exempt from the reporting and "short-swing" profit recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and related rules with respect to their purchase and sales of our securities. Our exemption from the rules of Section 16 of the Exchange Act regarding sales of common stock by insiders means that you will have less data in this regard than shareholders of U.S. companies that are subject to the Exchange Act. Moreover, we are exempt from the proxy rules, and proxy statements that we distribute will not be subject to review by the Commission. Accordingly there may be less publicly available information concerning us than there is for other U.S. public companies. These factors could make our common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise harm our stock price.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON SHARES
Our share price may continue to be highly volatile, which could lead to a loss of all or part of a shareholder's investment.
The market price of our common shares has fluctuated widely since our common shares began trading in July of 2004 on the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC, or Nasdaq. Over the last few years, the stock market has experienced price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has sometimes been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. During 2018, the price of our common shares experienced a high of $3.00 in February and a low of $0.71 in May.
The market price of our common shares is affected by a variety of factors, including:

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fluctuations in interest rates;

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fluctuations in the availability or the price of oil and chemicals;

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fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

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announcements by us or our competitors;

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changes in our relationships with customers or suppliers;

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

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changes in United States or foreign tax laws;

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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results from period to period;

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

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market conditions in the shipping industry and the general state of the securities markets;

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mergers and strategic alliances in the shipping industry;

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changes in government regulation;
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·
a general or industry-specific decline in the demand for, and price of, shares of our common stock resulting from capital market conditions independent of our operating performance;

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the loss of any of our key management personnel;

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our failure to successfully implement our business plan; and

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issuance of shares.
There is no guarantee of a continuing public market for you to resell our common shares.
Our common shares currently trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market. We cannot assure you that an active and liquid public market for our common stock will continue and you may not be able to sell your common shares in the future at the price that you paid for them or at all. The price of our common stock may be volatile and may fluctuate due to factors such as:

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

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mergers and strategic alliances in the shipping industry;

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market conditions in the shipping industry and the general state of the securities markets;

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changes in government regulation;

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

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announcements concerning us or our competitors.
Further, lack of trading volume in our stock may affect investors' ability to sell their shares. Our common shares have been experiencing low daily trading volumes in the market. As a result, investors may be unable to sell all or any of their shares in the desired time period, or may only be able to sell such shares at a significant discount to the previous closing price.
The market price of our common shares has recently declined significantly. If the average closing price of our common shares declines to less than $1.00 over 30 consecutive trading days, our common shares could be delisted from Nasdaq or trading could be suspended.
On July 27, 2016, we transferred our Nasdaq listing from the Nasdaq Global Select Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market. Our common shares continue to trade on Nasdaq under the symbol "TOPS". The Nasdaq Capital Market is a continuous trading market that operates in substantially the same manner as the Nasdaq Global Select Market. We then fulfilled the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Capital Market and the approval of the transfer cured our deficiency under Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(b)(1)(C).
On June 27, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance was 180 days, or until December 26, 2017. We regained compliance on August 17, 2017.
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On October 10, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq indicating that because the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer meet the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until April 9, 2018. After requesting a grace period from Nasdaq, we regained compliance on April 11, 2018.
On March 11, 2019, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until September 9, 2019. From the date of receipt of the written notification from Nasdaq until the date of this annual report our stock is trading below $1.00.
A renewed or continued decline in the closing price of our common shares on Nasdaq could result in a breach of these requirements. Although we would have an opportunity to take action to cure such a breach, if we do not succeed, Nasdaq could commence suspension or delisting procedures in respect of our common shares. The commencement of suspension or delisting procedures by an exchange remains, at all times, at the discretion of such exchange and would be publicly announced by the exchange. If a suspension or delisting were to occur, there would be significantly less liquidity in the suspended or delisted securities. In addition, our ability to raise additional necessary capital through equity or debt financing would be greatly impaired. Furthermore, with respect to any suspended or delisted common shares, we would expect decreases in institutional and other investor demand, analyst coverage, market making activity and information available concerning trading prices and volume, and fewer broker-dealers would be willing to execute trades with respect to such common shares. A suspension or delisting would likely decrease the attractiveness of our common shares to investors, may constitute a breach under certain of our credit agreements and constitute an event of default under certain classes of our preferred stock and cause the trading volume of our common shares to decline, which could result in a further decline in the market price of our common shares.
Finally, if the volatility in the market continues or worsens, it could have a further adverse effect on the market price of our common shares, regardless of our operating performance.
We issued 14,093,853 common shares during 2018 through various transactions. Shareholders may experience significant dilution as a result of our offerings.
We have already sold large quantities of our common stock pursuant to previous public and private offerings of our equity and equity-linked securities.  We currently have an effective registration statement on Form F-3 (333-215577) for the sale of up $200,000,000, of which approximately $97.7 million has been sold. We also have outstanding 1,976,389 2014 Warrants, which are convertible into our common shares, both as defined below.
Purchasers of the shares of our common stock we sell, as well as our existing shareholders, will experience significant dilution if we sell shares at prices significantly below the price at which they invested. In addition, we may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank in the future in connection with, among other things, any exercise of our outstanding warrants issued in June 2014, or our 2014 Warrants, future vessel acquisitions, repayment of outstanding indebtedness (i.e. the Amended and Restated Family Trading Facility), or our equity incentive plan, without shareholder approval, in a number of circumstances. Our existing shareholders may experience significant dilution if we issue shares in the future at prices below the price at which previous shareholders invested.
Our issuance of additional shares of common stock or other equity securities of equal or senior rank would have the following effects:

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our existing shareholders' proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

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the amount of cash available for dividends payable on the shares of our common stock may decrease;
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common share may be diminished; and

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the market price of the shares of our common stock may decline.
Future issuances or sales, or the potential for future issuances or sales, of our common shares may cause the trading price of our securities to decline and could impair our ability to raise capital through subsequent equity offerings.
We have issued a significant number of our common shares and we may do so in the future. Shares to be issued in relation to a future follow-on offering could cause the market price of our common shares to decline, and could have an adverse effect on our earnings per share if and when we become profitable. In addition, future sales of our common shares or other securities in the public markets, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the market price of our common shares to decline, and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional securities.
The market price of our common stock could decline due to sales, or the announcements of proposed sales, of a large number of common stock in the market, including sales of common stock by our large shareholders, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales or the perception that these sales could occur could also depress the market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional equity securities or make it more difficult or impossible for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate. We cannot predict the effect that future sales of common stock or other equity-related securities would have on the market price of our common stock.
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, as amended, authorize our Board of Directors to, among other things, issue additional shares of common or preferred stock or securities convertible or exchangeable into equity securities, without shareholder approval. We may issue such additional equity or convertible securities to raise additional capital. The issuance of any additional shares of common or preferred stock or convertible securities could be substantially dilutive to our shareholders. Moreover, to the extent that we issue restricted stock units, stock appreciation rights, options or warrants to purchase our common stock in the future and those stock appreciation rights, options or warrants are exercised or as the restricted stock units vest, our shareholders may experience further dilution. Holders of shares of our common stock have no preemptive rights that entitle such holders to purchase their pro rata share of any offering of shares of any class or series and, therefore, such sales or offerings could result in increased dilution to our shareholders.
Future issuance of common shares may trigger anti-dilution provisions in our outstanding warrants and affect the interests of our common shareholders.
The 2014 Warrants contain anti-dilution provisions that could be triggered by the issuance of common shares in a future offering, depending on their offering price. For instance, the issuance by us of common shares for less than $0.70 per common share, which is the current fixed exercise price for the warrant shares of the 2014 Warrants, could result in an adjustment downward of the exercise price of the warrant shares of the 2014 Warrants and an increase in the number of shares each warrant is eligible to purchase above 3.56 per 2014 Warrant. These adjustments could affect the interests of our common shareholders and the trading price for our common shares. Furthermore and following the issuance our Series C Convertible Preferred Shares and the subsequent trigger of an anti-dilution provision of our 2014 Warrants, each warrant holder currently has the option to replace the fixed exercise price with a variable exercise price, namely 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of our common shares over the 21 consecutive trading days expiring on the trading day immediately prior to the date of delivery of an exercise notice (but in no event can this variable exercise price be less than $0.25) and purchase such proportionate number of shares based on the variable price in effect on the date of exercise. If using the variable exercise price of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, as of March 22, 2019, each 2014 Warrant has an exercise price of $0.61 and entitles its holder to purchase 4.09 common shares, as may be further adjusted. Moreover, future issuance of other equity or debt convertible into or issuable or exchangeable for common shares at a price per share less than the then current exercise price of the warrant shares of the 2014 Warrants would result in similar adjustments.
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Additionally, we value our 2014 Warrants liability at the closing of each fiscal quarter. If the market price of our common stock at the end of the relevant quarter is higher than the previous quarter or if the exercise price of our warrant shares decreases, there is a strong possibility that we will realize a non-cash loss attributable to the change in market value. Should the market price of our common stock rise, there is a strong possibility that our 2014 Warrants liability will increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law and as a result, shareholders may have fewer rights and protections under Marshall Islands law than under a typical jurisdiction in the United States.
Our corporate affairs are governed by Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, as further amended, and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA. The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain United States jurisdictions. Shareholder rights may differ as well. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction.
It may not be possible for investors to serve process on or enforce U.S. judgments against us.
We and all of our subsidiaries are incorporated in jurisdictions outside the U.S. and substantially all of our assets and those of our subsidiaries are located outside the U.S. In addition, most of our directors and officers are non-residents of the U.S., and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the U.S. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for U.S. investors to serve process within the U.S. upon us, our subsidiaries or our directors and officers or to enforce a judgment against us for civil liabilities in U.S. courts. In addition, you should not assume that courts in the countries in which we or our subsidiaries are incorporated or where our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries are located (1) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against us or our subsidiaries based upon the civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (2) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against us or our subsidiaries based on those laws.
Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger, amalgamation or acquisition, which could reduce the market price of our common shares.
Several provisions of our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, as further amended, could make it difficult for our shareholders to change the composition of our Board of Directors in any one year, preventing them from changing the composition of management. In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that shareholders may consider favorable.
These provisions include:

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authorizing our Board of Directors to issue "blank check" preferred stock without shareholder approval;

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providing for a classified Board of Directors with staggered, three-year terms;

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prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;

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authorizing the removal of directors only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for the directors;
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·
prohibiting shareholder action by written consent unless the written consent is signed by all shareholders entitled to vote on the action;

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limiting the persons who may call special meetings of shareholders; and

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establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings.
In addition, we have entered into a stockholders rights agreement, or the Stockholders Rights Agreement, that makes it more difficult for a third-party to acquire us without the support of our Board of Directors. See "Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Stockholders Rights Agreement." These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may reduce the market price of our common stock and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FLEET MANAGER AND ITS AFFILIATES
We are dependent on our Fleet Manager to perform the day-to-day management of our fleet.
Our executive management team, provided by Central Mare, consists of Evangelos J. Pistiolis; Alexandros Tsirikos, our Chief Financial Officer and Director; Vangelis G. Ikonomou our Chief Operating Officer and Konstantinos Patis, our Chief Technical Officer. We subcontract the day-to-day vessel management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair to our Fleet Manager. Furthermore, upon delivery of any vessels we may acquire, we expect to subcontract their day-to-day management to our Fleet Manager. Our Fleet Manager is a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Pistiolis. We are dependent on our Fleet Manager for the technical and commercial operation of our fleet and the loss of our Fleet Manager's services or its failure to perform obligations to us could materially and adversely affect the results of our operations. If our Fleet Manager suffers material damage to its reputation or relationships it may harm our ability to:

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continue to operate our vessels and service our customers;

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renew existing charters upon their expiration;

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obtain new charters;

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obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms;

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obtain insurance on commercially acceptable terms;

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maintain satisfactory relationships with our customers and suppliers; and

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successfully execute our growth strategy.
Our Fleet Manager is a privately held company and there may be limited or no publicly available information about it.
Our Fleet Manager is a privately held company. The ability of our Fleet Manager to provide services for our benefit will depend in part on its own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair our Fleet Manager's financial strength, and there may be limited publicly available information about its financial condition. As a result, an investor in our common shares might have little advance warning of problems affecting our Fleet Manager, even though these problems could have a material adverse effect on us.
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Our Fleet Manager may have conflicts of interest between us and its other clients.
We subcontract the day-to-day vessel management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair to our Fleet Manager. Our Fleet Manager may provide similar services for vessels owned by other shipping companies, and it also may provide similar services to companies with which our Fleet Manager is affiliated. These responsibilities and relationships could create conflicts of interest between our Fleet Manager's performance of its obligations to us, on the one hand, and our Fleet Manager's performance of its obligations to its other clients, on the other hand. These conflicts may arise in connection with the crewing, supply provisioning and operations of the vessels in our fleet versus vessels owned by other clients of our Fleet Manager. In particular, our Fleet Manager may give preferential treatment to vessels owned by other clients whose arrangements provide for greater economic benefit to our Fleet Manager. These conflicts of interest may have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company
Our predecessor, Ocean Holdings Inc., was formed as a corporation in January 2000 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and renamed Top Tankers Inc. in May 2004. In December 2007, Top Tankers Inc. was renamed TOP Ships Inc. Our common stock is currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "TOPS." The current address of our principal executive office is 1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece. The telephone number of our registered office is +30 210 812 8000. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's Internet site is http://www.sec.gov.  The address of the Company's Internet site is https://www.topships.org.
On September 14, 2016, we declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding common share and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in a stockholders rights agreement dated as of September 22, 2016, by and between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (now taken over by our new transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, or "AST"), as rights agent.
On November 22, 2016, we completed a private placement of up to 3,160 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares for an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.0 million, or the Series B Transaction.  Yorkville purchased 1,579 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares at the initial closing of the Series B Transaction and 527 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares on November 28, 2016 for a total consideration of $2.0 million and has waived the right to purchase any additional Series B Convertible Preferred Shares. In connection with the Series B Transaction, we also entered into a registration rights agreement with Yorkville to provide it with certain registration rights. As of August 15, 2017, we have issued 18,026 common shares in connection with the conversions of all of our Series B Convertible Preferred Shares.
On February 1, 2017, the Commission declared effective our registration statement on Form F-1, which covers the registration of (i) $200,000,000 common shares (including preferred stock purchase rights), preferred shares, debt securities, warrants, purchase contracts, rights and units and (ii) 1,000,000 common shares offered for resale by Yorkville underlying the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares issued in the Private Placement.
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On February 2, 2017, we launched a registered equity line for the sale of up to $3,099,367 of our common shares from time to time to Kalani Investments Limited, or Kalani, over the next 24 months pursuant to the Purchase Agreement between us and Kalani dated February 2, 2017.  On March 17, 2017, we expanded the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to $6,940,867 of our common shares from time to time to Kalani pursuant to an amendment to the Purchase Agreement dated February 2, 2017, or the First Amendment.  On March 27, 2017, we further expanded the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to $12,540,867 of our common shares to Kalani, or the Second Amendment.  On April 4, 2017, we further expanded the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to $20,340,867 of our common shares, or the Third Amendment.  On April 27, 2017, we further expanded the registered equity line to allow for the sale of up to $40,340,867 of our common shares to Kalani, or the Fourth Amendment. On October 12, 2017 we announced that we have issued and sold the total dollar amount of common shares under the registered equity line.
On February 17, 2017, we closed a private placement with a non-U.S. institutional investor non-affiliated with us but affiliated with Kalani Investments Limited ("Kalani") for the sale of 7,500 newly issued Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, which were convertible into our common shares, for $7.5 million pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, or the Series C Transaction.  As of November 8, 2017, we have issued 904,646 common shares in connection with the conversions of all our Series C Convertible Preferred Shares.
On February 20, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Style Maritime Ltd., acquired a 40% ownership interest in Eco Seven Inc., a Marshall Islands corporation, or Eco Seven, from Malibu Shipmanagement Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust for an aggregate purchase price of $6.5 million, pursuant to a share purchase agreement, or the Eco Seven Transaction. Eco Seven owns M/T Stenaweco Elegance, a 50,118 dwt product/chemical tanker that was delivered from Hyundai on February 28, 2017. Eco Seven was also a party to a time charter agreement that commenced upon the vessel's delivery at a rate of $16,500 per day for the first three years, and at the charterer's option, $17,500 for the first optional year and $18,500 for the second optional year. The Eco Seven Transaction was approved by a special committee of our board of directors, or the Transaction Committee, of which the majority of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained a fairness opinion from an independent financial advisor.
Throughout 2017, we issued multiple promissory notes to Kalani and Xanthe Holdings Ltd, or Xanthe, a non-affiliated, non-US company, affiliated with Kalani.  On February 6, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued a $3.5 million 6% Original Issue Discount Promissory Note to Kalani for cash consideration of $3.3 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than May 15, 2017. On March 22, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued a $5.0 million 4% Original Issue Discount Promissory Note to Kalani for cash consideration of $4.8 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than October 7, 2017. On March 28, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued an unsecured promissory note to Kalani in the principal amount of $10 million for cash consideration of $10 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than August 25, 2017.  On April 5, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued an unsecured promissory note to Kalani in the principal amount of $7.7 million for cash consideration of $7.7 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than September 4, 2017.  On May 15, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued an unsecured promissory note to Xanthe in the principal amount of $5.0 million for cash consideration of $5.0 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than August 23, 2017.  On June 26, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued an unsecured promissory note to Kalani in the principal amount of $3.0 million for cash consideration of $3.0 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than October 24, 2017. On July 12, 2017, we entered into a note purchase agreement and issued an unsecured promissory note to Xanthe in the principal amount of $3.1 million for cash consideration of $3.0 million, with a mandatory redemption no later than November 7, 2017. On September 15, 2017, we issued an unsecured promissory note in the amount of $2.0 million with an original issue discount of 1% to Xanthe.  As of December 31, 2018 all of the promissory notes issued to Kalani and Xanthe have been settled.
On March 27, 2017, pursuant to the management agreement between us and CSM, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our board of directors granted to CSM a $1.25 million cash performance fee for its dedication and provision to us of high quality ship management and newbuilding supervision services during 2016.
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On March 27, 2017, our board of directors granted to our executive officers an aggregate cash bonus of $1.5 million in consideration of the successful completion of our newbuilding program in 2016.
On March 30, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Style Maritime Ltd., acquired another 9% ownership interest in Eco Seven from Malibu Shipmanagement Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $1.5 million, or the Eco Seven Extended Transaction. Pursuant to the Eco Seven Extended Transaction, our ownership interest in Eco Seven increased to 49%.  On May 30, 2017, we announced that we entered into an agreement with Eco Seven to purchase for $6.5 million, an additional 41% interest, increasing our interest to 90% ownership in Eco Seven.
On March 30, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Lyndon International Co., acquired a 49% ownership interest in City of Athens from Fly Free Company, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $4.2 million, or the City of Athens Transaction. City of Athens is currently a party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical scheduled for delivery from Hyundai in January 2018.
On March 30, 2017, we, through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Gramos Shipping Company Co., acquired a 49% ownership interest in Eco Nine from Maxima International Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $3.5 million, or the Eco Nine Transaction.  Eco Nine is currently a party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Springs, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical scheduled for delivery from Hyundai in April 2018.
The Eco Seven Extended Transaction, the City of Athens Transaction the Astarte Transaction and the Eco Nine Transaction were approved by a special committee of our board of directors, or the Transaction Committee, of which the majority of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained a fairness opinion from an independent financial advisor.
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On June 27, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance was 180 days, or until December 26, 2017. We regained compliance on August 17, 2017.
On October 10, 2017, we received written notification from Nasdaq indicating that because the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer meet the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until April 9, 2018.
On November 3, 2017 we held our Special Meeting of Shareholders where our shareholders approved and adopted one or more amendments to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect one or more reverse stock splits of our issued common shares at a ratio of not less than one-for-two and not more than one-for-10,000 and in the aggregate at a ratio of not more than one-for-10,000, inclusive, with the exact ratio to be set at a whole number within this range to be determined by our board of directors and authorized our board of directors to implement any such reverse stock split by filing any such amendment with the Registrar of Corporations of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
On November 7, 2017, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, or the First Purchase Agreement, with Crede CG III, Ltd., or Crede CG, pursuant to which we agreed to sell up to $25 million of shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 to Crede CG over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations. On December 14, 2017 the First Purchase Agreement was completed.
On November 13, 2017, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Crede Capital Group LLC, or Crede, pursuant to which we issued an unsecured promissory note in the original principal amount of $12.5 million with a single revolving option for additional $5.0 million that we exercised on November 20, 2017. As of the date hereof, the promissory note has been settled.
On November 24, 2017, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of PCH77 Shipping Company Limited, a Marshall Islands company that owns a new building contract for M/T Eco California, a high specification 50,000 dwt Medium Range ("MR") product/chemical tanker under construction at Hyundai in Korea from an entity affiliated with Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis. We paid $3.6 million for the outstanding shares and the vessel is scheduled for delivery during January 2019. The abovementioned transaction was approved by a special committee of our board of directors, or the Transaction Committee, of which all of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained a fairness opinion from an independent financial advisor. Upon its delivery, the vessel will be employed under a time charter with an oil major for a firm duration of two years with a charterer's option to extend for one additional year. The rate of the charter consists of a fixed amount per day plus a 50% profit share for earned rates over the fixed amount.
On December 11, 2017, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement, or the Second Purchase Agreement, with Crede CG pursuant to which we agreed to sell up to $25 million of shares of our common stock, par value $0.01 to Crede CG over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations. As of the date of this report up to $6.1 million worth of shares is remaining that we may sell pursuant to the Second Purchase Agreement. On March 22, 2017 we announced that we would not make any sales under the Second Purchase Agreement for a period of 12 months.
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On December 14, 2017, we entered into a Note Purchase Agreement with Crede, pursuant to which we issued an unsecured promissory note in the original principal amount of $12,500,000 with revolving options for two additional $5.0 million notes to Crede.
On January 2, 2018, the Compensation Committee recommended to our board of directors and the board of directors approved an award of $2.25 million, in cash as incentive compensation to Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, or his nominee, to be distributed at his own discretion amongst executives.
On January 2, 2018, the Compensation Committee recommended to our board of directors and the board of directors approved an award of $1.25 million in cash as incentive compensation to CSM.
On January 5, 2018, we entered into an Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement with Crede, pursuant to which we issued an unsecured promissory note in the original principal amount of $5.369 million with a single revolving option for an additional $4.631 million. On February 9, 2018 the Note Purchase Agreement was further amended to increase the last revolving option to $6.4 million and on the same date we exercised the said option in full.
On January 31, 2018, we acquired:

·
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of PCH Dreaming Inc., a Marshall Islands company that has entered into a new building contract for a high specification 50,000 dwt Medium Range ("MR") product/chemical tanker under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during March 2019.  We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $3.95 million.

·
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of South California Inc., a Marshall Islands company that has entered into a new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during April 2019. We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $8.95 million.

·
100% of the issued outstanding shares of Malibu Warrior Inc., a Marshall Islands company that has entered into a new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during May 2019.  We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $8.95 million.

·
10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc., a Marshall Islands company that owns M/T Stena Elegance, a high specification 50,000 dwt MR product/chemical tanker delivered in February 2017 at Hyundai Vinashin.  We acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with our Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $1.6 million.  As a result of the transaction we own 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc.
Each of the acquisitions was approved by a special committee of our board of directors, (the "Transaction Committee"), of which all of the directors were independent. In the course of its deliberations, the Transaction Committee hired and obtained an opinion on the fairness of the consideration of this transaction from two independent financial advisors.
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On February 20, 2018 we appointed AST as our new transfer agent and registrar and warrant agent for the 2014 Warrants. All of our directly held common shares and 2014 Warrants have been transferred from Computershare to AST's platform, with no action required by any shareholder regarding the change in our transfer agent. (AST can be reached as follows: American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 55 Challenger Road Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660, Office: 201-806-4181).
On March 12, 2018 our 50% owned subsidiaries, City of Athens and Eco Nine entered into a loan agreement with ABN Amro Bank for a senior debt facility of up to $35.9 million to fund, the delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs ($17.9 million for each vessel). The loan will be payable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.3 million per vessel, commencing three months from draw down, and a balloon payment of $11.9 million per vessel payable together with the last installment. The credit facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.90%.
On March 15, 2018, our 50% owned subsidiary City of Athens took delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard. On March 20, 2018 the vessel commenced its time charter agreement with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.
On March 22, 2018, we announced that for 12 months we: (i) do not intend to conduct any offerings that include variable priced securities; (ii) do not intend to issue any further shares under the Second Purchase Agreement; (iii) Race Navigation Inc., a company controlled by Lax Trust, an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos Pistiolis, will not convert any of its 1,250,000 warrants pursuant to a standstill agreement with us.
On March 26, 2018, we effected a 1-for-10 reverse stock split and announced that we do not intend to conduct another reverse stock split of our common shares for the 12 calendar months from March 26, 2018.
On April 11, 2018, we regained compliance with the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2).
In April of 2018, we extended the firm period of the time charter of M/T Eco Fleet with BP Shipping Limited for six months.
On May 25, 2018, we entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement, or the Equity Distribution Agreement, with Maxim Group LLC, or Maxim, as sales agent, under which we were permitted to offer and sell, from time to time through Maxim, up to $14.25 million of our common shares, par value $0.01 per share. On July 23, 2018, we terminated the Equity Distribution Agreement.
On May 23, 2018, we took delivery of our 50% owned 49,703 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker M/T Eco Palm Springs, constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard and on May 26, 2018 the vessel commenced its three year time charter employment with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.
In June of 2018, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement, or IRS, in order to hedge our exposure to changes in the interest rate of our Alpha Bank facility. Furthermore in June of 2018, our unconsolidated 50% subsidiaries City of Athens Inc. and Eco Nine Inc. entered into two separate IRSs in order to hedge their exposure to changes in the interest rates of their ABN Amro Bank facilities. As a result of these new IRSs both we and our unconsolidated 50% subsidiaries had, as of the date of the IRS, fully hedged our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates in relation to all post-delivery debt facilities then outstanding.

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On June 29, 2018, we entered into a sale and leaseback agreement and a 5 year time charter with Cargill International SA (“Cargill”), a leading vessel operator and freight-trading business in the bulk shipping sector, for our vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray.
On September 7, 2018 we took delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker constructed at the Hyundai Mipo Vinashin shipyard and on September 12, 2018 the vessel commenced its three year time charter employment with Central Tanker Chartering Inc.

On October 24, 2018, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with one institutional investor, pursuant to which we sold 2,000,000 shares of our common stock in a registered direct offering. We also issued warrants to purchase up to 3,500,000 shares at an exercise price of $1.50 per share. Maxim Group LLC acted as the exclusive placement agent for the offering.
In October 2018, we agreed to enter into time charter employment with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd for our product/chemical tanker M/T Eco Fleet. The vessel will be employed for a firm period of 36 months plus two additional 12 month periods, at the charterer's option. The revenue backlog expected to be generated by this fixture, assuming all options are exercised, is about $25 million.
In November 2018, we agreed a new time charter employment contract for 2 years with BP Shipping Ltd for our product/chemical tanker M/T Eco Revolution. The new time charter will commence in January 2019 immediately after the expiry of the present time charter employment contract. The revenue backlog expected to be generated by this fixture is about $10 million.
On December 21, 2018 we entered into a sale and leaseback agreement (“SLB”) with BoComm Leasing, a non-affiliated party, for M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California (Hull No 8218). Consummation of the SLB took place on January 17, 2019 for M/T Nord Valiant and on January 30, 2019 for M/T Eco California. Following the sale, we bareboat chartered back M/T Nord Valiant for five years and for the M/T Eco California for seven years at a bareboat hire of $5,875 per day and $6,550 per day respectively. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale were $21.7 million for M/T Nord Valiant and $24.1 million for M/T Eco California. We used $18.5 million of the sale and leaseback proceeds to prepay in full the outstanding loan on the vessel (Tranche C of the ABN Facility).
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On December 3, 2018 we entered into an SLB with China Merchants Bank Financial Leasing (“CMBFL”), a non-affiliated party, for M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874) and M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875). Consummation of the SLB is expected to take place on the vessels delivery date currently planned for April and May 2019 respectively. Following the sale, we will bareboat charter back the vessels for a period of seven years at a bareboat hire of $16,361 per day per vessel. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale will be $91.4 million for both vessels.
Recent Developments

On January 11, 2019, we entered into a warrant exchange agreement with the sole holder of the 2018 Warrants for the reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.50 to $1.02. On the same date 300,000 2018 Warrants were exercised. On February 5, 2019, we entered into an amendment of the 2018 Warrants for the reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.02 to $0.70. On the same date 714,285 2018 Warrants were exercised. Between February 21 and February 25, 2019 the remaining 932,715 2018 Warrants were exercised.
On January 30, 2019, we took delivery of M/T Eco California. On February 4, 2019 the vessel commenced its' time charter agreement with Shell.
On March 11, 2019, we received written notification from Nasdaq, indicating that because the closing bid price of our common stock for the last 30 consecutive business days was below $1.00 per share, we no longer met the minimum bid price requirement for the Nasdaq Capital Market, set forth in Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). Pursuant to the Nasdaq Listing Rules, the applicable grace period to regain compliance is 180 days, or until September 9, 2019.
On March 13, 2019, we took delivery of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. On March 18, 2019 the vessel commenced its time charter agreement with Cargill and concurrently agreements were consummated for the vessel’s sale and leaseback to Cargill.
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B. Business Overview
We are an international owner and operator of modern, fuel efficient eco medium range, or MR, tanker vessels focusing on the transportation of crude oil, petroleum products (clean and dirty) and bulk liquid chemicals. As of the date of this report, our fleet consists of two bareboat chartered-in 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers vessels, the M/T Stenaweco Energy and the M/T Stenaweco Evolution, two 39,000 dwt product/chemical tankers vessels, the M/T Eco Fleet and the M/T Eco Revolution, six 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers, the M/T Stenaweco Excellence, the M/T Nord Valiant, the M/T Stenaweco Elegance, the M/T Eco Palm Desert, the M/T Eco California and the M/T. Eco Marina Del Ray. We also own 50% interests in two 50,000 dwt product/chemical tankers, M/T Eco Holmby Hills and the M/T Palm Springs.
Additionally we own two newbuilding vessels as per the below table:
Name
Deadweight
Delivery date
Shipyard
M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874)
159,000
April 2019
Hyundai Samho S. Korea
M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875)
159,000
May 2019
Hyundai Samho S. Korea

For more information, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Recent Developments."
We intend to continue to review the market in order to identify potential acquisition targets on accretive terms.
We believe we have established a reputation in the international ocean transport industry for operating and maintaining vessels with high standards of performance, reliability and safety. We have assembled a management team comprised of executives who have extensive experience operating large and diversified fleets of tankers and who have strong ties to a number of national, regional and international oil companies, charterers and traders.
Our Fleet
The following tables present our fleet list as of the date of this annual report:
Chartered-in fleet:
Name
 
Deadweight
 
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm period
Charterer's Optional Periods
Gross Rate fixed period/ options
M/T Stenaweco Energy
   
50,000
 
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Stena Weco A/S
February 2021
1+1 years
$15,616 / $17,350 / $18,100
M/T Stenaweco Evolution
   
50,000
 
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Stena Weco A/S
October 2021
1+1 years
$15,516 / $17,200 / $18,000

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Operating fleet:

Name
Deadweight
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm period
Charterer's Optional Periods
Gross Rate fixed period/ options
M/T Eco Fleet
 39,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd
April 2022
1+1 years
$12,600 1st year, $13,100 2nd year and $13,600 3rd year / $14,350 / $15,600
M/T Eco Revolution
 39,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
BP Shipping Limited
January 2021
1+1 years
$13,500 / $16,000 / $16,750
M/T Stenaweco Excellence
 50,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Stena Weco A/S
November 2020
1+1 years
$15,000 until June 2019 and $16,200 after / $17,200 / $18,000
M/T Nord Valiant
 50,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
DS Norden A/S
August 2021
1+1 years
$16,800 / $17,600 / $18,400
M/T Stenaweco Elegance
50,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Stena Weco A/S
March 2021
1+1 years
$16,500 / $17,500 / $18,500
M/T Eco Palm Desert
50,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Central Tankers Chartering Inc
September 2021
1+1 years
$14,750 / $15,250 / $15,750
M/T Eco California
50,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Shell Tankers Singapore Private Limited
January 2021
1 year
$13,750 plus 50% profit share/ $13,950 plus 50% profit share
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray
50,000
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Cargill
March 2020
1+1 years
$16,000 / $17,000 / $18,000

Joint Venture fleet (50% owned):

Name
 
Deadweight
 
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm period
Charterer's Optional Periods
Gross Rate fixed period/ options
M/T Eco Holmby Hills
   
50,000
 
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd
March 2021
1+1 years
$14,100 1st year, $14,600 2nd year and $15,025 3rd year / $15,400 / $16,400
M/T Eco Palm Springs
   
50,000
 
Medium Range (“MR”) Tanker
Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd
May 2021
1+1 years
$14,250 1st year, $14,750 2nd year and $15,175 3rd year / $15,550 / $16,550
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Fleet under construction:

Name
 
Deadweight
 
Vessel Type
Charterer
End of firm period
Charterer's Optional Periods
 
Gross Rate fixed period/ options
Delivery date
Shipyard
M/T Eco Bel Air
 
159,000
 
Suezmax Tanker
BP Shipping Limited
April 2022
1+1 years
 
$24,500 / $27,500 / $29,000
April 2019
Hyundai Samho S. Korea
M/T Eco Beverly Hills
 
159,000
 
Suezmax Tanker
BP Shipping Limited
May 2022
1+1 years
 
$24,500 / $27,500 / $29,000
May 2019
Hyundai Samho S. Korea

Management of our Fleet
Our Fleet Manager provides all operational, technical and commercial management services for our fleet. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
Officers, Crewing and Employees
As of the date of this annual report we employ directly only one shore-based employee. Our executive officers and a number of administrative employees are provided according to an agreement with Central Mare. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements." In addition, our Fleet Manager is responsible for recruiting, mainly through a crewing agent, the senior officers and all other crew members for our vessels. We believe the streamlining of crewing arrangements will ensure that all our vessels will be crewed with experienced seamen that have the qualifications and licenses required by international regulations and shipping conventions.
The International Shipping Industry
The seaborne transportation industry is a vital link in international trade, with ocean going vessels representing the most efficient and often the only method of transporting large volumes of basic commodities and finished products. Demand for tankers is dictated by world oil demand and trade, which is influenced by many factors, including international economic activity; geographic changes in oil production, processing, and consumption; oil price levels; inventory policies of the major oil and oil trading companies; and strategic inventory policies of countries such as the United States, China and India.
Shipping demand, measured in tonne-miles, is a product of (a) the amount of cargo transported in ocean going vessels, multiplied by (b) the distance over which this cargo is transported. The distance is the more variable element of the tonne-mile demand equation and is determined by seaborne trading patterns, which are principally influenced by the locations of production and consumption. Seaborne trading patterns are also periodically influenced by geo-political events that divert vessels from normal trading patterns, as well as by inter-regional trading activity created by commodity supply and demand imbalances. Tonnage of oil shipped is primarily a function of global oil consumption, which is driven by economic activity as well as the long-term impact of oil prices on the location and related volume of oil production. Tonnage of oil shipped is also influenced by transportation alternatives (such as pipelines) and the output of refineries.
Demand for tankers and tonnage of oil shipped is primarily a function of global oil consumption, which is driven by economic activity, as well as the long-term impact of oil prices on the location and related volume of oil production. Global oil demand returned to limited growth in 2010 and has since been expanding at a modest pace, as a steady rise in Asia has outweighed decreasing demand in Europe and in the United States. According to the International Energy Agency, global oil demand for 2018 has risen to 99.2 million barrels/day compared to 97.9 million barrels/day during 2017.
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We strategically monitor developments in the tanker industry on a regular basis and, subject to market demand, will seek to enter into shorter or longer time or bareboat charters according to prevailing market conditions.
We will compete for charters on the basis of price, vessel location, size, age and condition of the vessel, as well as on our reputation as an operator. We will arrange our time charters and bareboat charters through the use of brokers, who negotiate the terms of the charters based on market conditions. We will compete primarily with owners of tankers in the handymax and Suezmax class sizes. Ownership of tankers is highly fragmented and is divided among major oil companies and independent vessel owners.
Seasonality
We operate our tankers in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, therefore, charter rates. This seasonality may affect operating results. However, to the extent that our vessels are chartered at fixed rates on a long-term basis, seasonal factors will not have a significant direct effect on our business.
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, physical damage, collision, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy incidents, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. OPA, which imposes virtually unlimited liability upon shipowners, operators and bareboat charterers of any vessel trading in the exclusive economic zone of the United States for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made liability insurance more expensive for shipowners and operators trading in the United States market. While we maintain hull and machinery insurance, war risks insurance, protection and indemnity cover and freight, demurrage and defense cover for our operating fleet in amounts that we believe to be prudent to cover normal risks in our operations, we may not be able to achieve or maintain this level of coverage throughout a vessel's useful life. We carry insurance coverage as customary in the shipping industry. However, not all risks can be insured, specific claims may be rejected, and we might not be always able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
Insurance
We procure hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. Our vessels are covered up to at least their fair market value, with deductibles of $100,000 per vessel per incident. For any vessels that are under bareboat charters, the charterer is responsible for arranging and paying for all insurances that may be required.
Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or P&I Associations, covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance, extended by protection and indemnity mutual associations, or "clubs."  Cover is subject to the current statutory limits of liability and the applicable deductibles per category of claim.
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Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. The 13 P&I Associations that comprise the International Group insure approximately 90% of the world's commercial tonnage and have entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association's liabilities. The International Group's website states that the Pool provides a mechanism for sharing all claims in excess of US$ 10 million up to, currently, approximately US$ 8.2 billion.  As a member of a P&I Association, which is a member of the International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations and members of the shipping pool of P&I Associations comprising the International Group.
Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry
Government regulation and laws significantly affect the ownership and operation of our fleet. We are subject to international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our vessels may operate or are registered relating to safety and health and environmental protection including the storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous materials, and the remediation of contamination and liability for damage to natural resources. Compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements entails significant expense, including vessel modifications and implementation of certain operating procedures.
A variety of government and private entities subject our vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the United States Coast Guard ("USCG"), harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates and other authorizations for the operation of our vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our vessels.
Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with United States and international regulations. We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.
International Maritime Organization
The IMO, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels, has adopted MARPOL," the SOLAS Convention, and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (the "LL Convention"). MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions, handling and disposal of noxious liquids and the handling of harmful substances in packaged forms.  MARPOL is applicable to drybulk, tanker and LNG carriers, among other vessels, and is broken into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to harmful substances carried in bulk in liquid or in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions. Annex VI was separately adopted by the IMO in September of 1997.
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In 2012, the IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the "MEPC," adopted a resolution amending the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, or the "IBC Code." The provisions of the IBC Code are mandatory under MARPOL and the SOLAS Convention. These amendments, which entered into force in June 2014, pertain to revised international certificates of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk and identifying new products that fall under the IBC Code. All of our vessels comply with IBC Code regulations.

In 2013, the IMO's Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the "MEPC," adopted a resolution amending MARPOL Annex I Condition Assessment Scheme, or "CAS." These amendments became effective on October 1, 2014, and require compliance 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. All of our vessels comply with Environmental, Safety and Health Code requirements.
Air Emissions
In September of 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from vessels. Effective May 2005, Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from all commercial vessel exhausts and prohibits "deliberate emissions" of ozone depleting substances (such as halons and chlorofluorocarbons), emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks, and the shipboard incineration of specific substances. 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, as explained below.  Emissions of "volatile organic compounds" from certain vessels, and the shipboard incineration (from incinerators installed after January 1, 2000) of certain substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs) are also prohibited. We believe that all our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The MEPC, adopted amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and ozone depleting substances, which entered into force on July 1, 2010.  The amended Annex VI seeks to further reduce air pollution by, among other things, implementing a progressive reduction of the amount of sulfur contained in any fuel oil used on board ships. On October 27, 2016, at its 70th session, the MEPC agreed to implement a global 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide emissions limit (reduced from 3.50%) starting from January 1, 2020.  This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant fuel oil, alternative fuels, or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems.  Once the cap becomes effective, ships will be required to obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention ("IAPP") Certificates from their flag states that specify sulfur content.  Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulphur on ships were adopted and will take effect March 1, 2020.  These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions controls, and may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Sulfur content standards are even stricter within certain "Emission Control Areas" ("ECAs"). As of January 1, 2015, ships operating within an ECA were not permitted to use fuel with sulfur content in excess of 0.1%. Amended Annex VI establishes procedures for designating new ECAs. Currently, the IMO has designated four ECAs, including specified portions of the Baltic Sea area, North Sea area, North American area and United States Caribbean area.  Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs.  Other areas in China are subject to local regulations that impose stricter emission controls.  If other 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 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.
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Amended Annex VI also establishes new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation. At the MEPC meeting held from March to April 2014, amendments to Annex VI were adopted which address the date on which Tier III Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) standards in ECAs will go into effect.  Under the amendments, Tier III NOx standards apply to ships that operate in the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs designed for the control of NOx produced by vessels with a marine diesel engine installed and constructed on or after January 1, 2016.  Tier III requirements could apply to areas that will be designated for Tier III NOx in the future. At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, the MEPC approved the North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxide for ships built after January 1, 2021. The EPA promulgated equivalent (and in some senses stricter) emissions standards in late 2009.  As a result of these designations or similar future designations, we may be required to incur additional operating or other costs in the long term, taking into consideration that all our current fleet vessels are constructed prior January 1, 2016.
As determined at the MEPC 70, the new Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI became effective as of March 1, 2018 and requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to collect and report annual data on fuel oil consumption to an IMO database, with the first year of data collection commencing on January 1, 2019.  The IMO intends to use such data as the first step in its roadmap (through 2023) for developing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as discussed further below.
As of January 1, 2013, MARPOL made mandatory certain measures relating to energy efficiency for ships. All ships are now required to develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans ("SEEMPS"), and new ships must be designed in compliance with minimum energy efficiency levels per capacity mile as defined by the Energy Efficiency Design Index ("EEDI").  Under these measures, by 2025, all new ships built will be 30% more energy efficient than those built in 2014. All of our vessels comply with standards.
All of our vessels currently in service have been designed to operate effectively with heavy fuel oil ("HFO") and Ultra Low Sulphur Heavy Fuel Oil ("ULHFO"). The last two vessels delivered to our company (September 2018 & January 2019) have been built as “scrubber ready” and applicable notation has been assigned by the Classification Society. All the present ongoing new building projects will be fitted with open loop hybrid ready Sox scrubber systems.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Safety Management System Requirements
The SOLAS Convention was amended to address the safe manning of vessels and emergency training drills.  The Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims (the "LLMC") sets limitations of liability for a loss of life or personal injury claim or a property claim against ship owners. We believe that our vessels are in substantial compliance with SOLAS and LLMC standards.
Under Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention, or the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the "ISM Code"), our operations are also subject to environmental standards and requirements. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical management team have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a vessel owner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such 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, certain ports.
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The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel's management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance for our offices and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO. The document of compliance and safety management certificate are renewed as required.
Regulation II-1/3-10 of the SOLAS Convention governs ship construction and stipulates that ships over 150 meters in length must have adequate strength, integrity and stability to minimize risk of loss or pollution. Goal-based standards amendments in SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 entered into force in 2012, with July 1, 2016 set for application to new oil tankers and bulk carriers. The SOLAS Convention regulation II-1/3-10 on goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, which entered into force on January 1, 2012, requires that all oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 meters in length and above, for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2016, satisfy applicable structural requirements conforming to the functional requirements of the International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (GBS Standards). All of our current fleet vessels’ comply with respective SOLAS structural requirements.
The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers ("STCW").  As of February 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the STCW standards and be in possession of a valid STCW certificate.  Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.
The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and MEPC, respectively, each adopted relevant parts of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Water (the "Polar Code"). The Polar Code, which entered into force on January 1, 2017, covers design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue as well as environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the waters surrounding the two poles. It also includes mandatory measures regarding safety and pollution prevention as well as recommendatory provisions.  The Polar Code applies to new ships constructed after January 1, 2017, and after January 1, 2018, ships constructed before January 1, 2017 are required to meet the relevant requirements by the earlier of their first intermediate or renewal survey.
Furthermore, recent action by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and United States agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. For example, cyber-risk management systems must be incorporated by ship-owners and managers by 2021. This might cause companies to create additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures.  The impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time.
Pollution Control and Liability Requirements
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for pollution in international waters and the territorial waters of the signatories to such conventions. For example, the IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (the "BWM Convention") in 2004. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 9, 2017.  The BWM Convention requires ships to manage their ballast water to remove, render harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of new or invasive aquatic organisms and pathogens within ballast water and sediments.  The BWM Convention's implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits, and require all ships to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast Water management certificate. All of our vessels comply with BWM Convention.
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On December 4, 2013, the IMO Assembly passed a resolution revising the application dates of BWM Convention so that the dates are triggered by the entry into force date and not the dates originally in the BWM Convention.  This, in effect, makes all vessels delivered before the entry into force date "existing vessels" and allows for the installation of ballast water management systems on such vessels at the first IOPP renewal survey following entry into force of the convention. The MEPC adopted updated guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) at MEPC 70. At MEPC 71, the schedule regarding the BWM Convention's implementation dates was also discussed and amendments were introduced to extend the date existing vessels are subject to certain ballast water standards.  Ships over 400 gross tons generally must comply with a "D-1 standard," requiring the exchange of ballast water only in open seas and away from coastal waters.  The "D-2 standard" specifies the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged, and compliance dates vary depending on the IOPP renewal dates. Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey, existing vessels must comply with the D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most ships, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms.  Ballast Water Management systems, which include systems that make use of chemical, biocides, organisms or biological mechanisms, or which alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the Ballast Water, must be approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines (Regulation D-3).  All of our vessels are equipped with BWMS and comply with D-1/D-2 standards.
Once mid-ocean ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory under the BWM Convention, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers and may have a material effect on our operations. However, many countries already regulate the discharge of ballast water carried by vessels from country to country to prevent the introduction of invasive and harmful species via such discharges. The U.S., for example, requires vessels entering its waters from another country to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange, or undertake some alternate measure, and to comply with certain reporting requirements. All of our vessels comply with the BWM Convention.
The IMO adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended by different Protocols in 1976, 1984, and 1992, and amended in 2000 ("the CLC"). Under the CLC and depending on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel's registered owner may be strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain exceptions.  The 1992 Protocol changed certain limits on liability expressed using the International Monetary Fund currency unit, the Special Drawing Rights. The limits on liability have since been amended so that the compensation limits on liability were raised.  The right to limit liability is forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the shipowner's actual fault and under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the shipowner's intentional or reckless act or omission where the shipowner knew pollution damage would probably result.  The CLC requires ships over 2,000 tons covered by it to maintain insurance covering the liability of the owner in a sum equivalent to an owner's liability for a single incident. We have protection and indemnity insurance for environmental incidents. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunkers Convention "Blue Cards" to enable signatory states to issue certificates. All of our vessels are in possession of a CLC State issued certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force.
The IMO also adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (the "Bunker Convention") to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered owner, bareboat charterer, manager or operator) for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention requires registered owners of ships over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the LLMC).  With respect to non-ratifying states, liability for spills or releases of oil carried as fuel in ship's bunkers typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.
Ships are required to maintain a certificate attesting that they maintain adequate insurance to cover an incident. In jurisdictions, such as the United States where the CLC or the Bunker Convention has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis.  All of our vessels are in possession of CLC for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage issued Certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force.
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Anti‑Fouling Requirements

In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti‑fouling Systems on Ships, or the "Anti‑fouling Convention." The Anti‑fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages will also be required to undergo an initial survey before the vessel is put into service or before an International Anti‑fouling System Certificate is issued for the first time; and subsequent surveys 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.
Compliance Enforcement
Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the ship owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The USCG and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. As of the date of this report, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certificates will be maintained in the future.  The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations.
United States Regulations
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA") established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA affects all "owners and operators" whose vessels trade or operate within the U.S., its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which includes the U.S.'s territorial sea and its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S.  The U.S. has also enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA"), which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances other than oil, except in limited circumstances, whether on land or at sea. OPA and CERCLA both define "owner and operator" in the case of a vessel as any person owning, operating or chartering by demise, the vessel.  Both OPA and CERCLA impact our operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners and operators 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, including bunkers (fuel).  OPA defines these other damages broadly to include:
(i) injury to, destruction or loss of, or loss of use of, natural resources and related assessment costs;
(ii) injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property;
(iv) loss of subsistence use of natural resources that are injured, destroyed or lost;
(iii) net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or net profit revenues resulting from injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property, or natural resources;
 (v) lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property or natural resources; and
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(vi) net cost of increased or additional public services necessitated by removal activities following a discharge of oil, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources.
OPA contains statutory caps on liability and damages; such caps do not apply to direct cleanup costs.  Effective December 21, 2015, the USCG adjusted the limits of OPA liability for a tank vessel, other than a single-hull tank vessel, over 3,000 gross tons liability to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18,796,800 (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation).  These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was proximately caused by the violation of an applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulation by a responsible party (or its agent, employee or a person acting pursuant to a contractual relationship), or a responsible party's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The limitation on liability similarly does not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to (i) report the incident where the responsible party knows or has reason to know of the incident; (ii) reasonably cooperate and assist as requested in connection with oil removal activities; or (iii) without sufficient cause, comply with an order issued under the Federal Water Pollution Act (Section 311 (c), (e)) or the Intervention on the High Seas Act.
CERCLA contains a similar liability regime whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for cleanup, removal and remedial costs, as well as damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources, including the reasonable costs associated with assessing the same, and health assessments or health effects studies. There is no liability if the discharge of a hazardous substance results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $500,000 for any other vessel. These limits do not apply (rendering the responsible person liable for the total cost of response and damages) if the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance resulted from willful misconduct or negligence, or the primary cause of the release was a violation of applicable safety, construction or operating standards or regulations.  The limitation on liability also does not apply if the responsible person fails or refused to provide all reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in connection with response activities where the vessel is subject to OPA.
OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover damages under existing law, including maritime tort law.  OPA and CERCLA both require owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the maximum amount of liability to which the particular responsible person may be subject. Vessel owners and operators may satisfy their financial responsibility obligations by providing a proof of insurance, a surety bond, qualification as a self-insurer or a guarantee. All of our vessels comply and plan to comply with the USCG's financial responsibility regulations by providing applicable certificates of financial responsibility.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in additional regulatory initiatives or statutes, including higher liability caps under OPA, new regulations regarding offshore oil and gas drilling, and a pilot inspection program for offshore facilities.  However, several of these initiatives and regulations have been or may be revised.  For example, the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement's ("BSEE") revised Production Safety Systems Rule ("PSSR"), effective December 27, 2018, modified and relaxed certain environmental and safety protections under the 2016 PSSR.  Additionally, the BSEE released proposed changes to the Well Control Rule, which could roll back certain reforms regarding the safety of drilling operations, and the U.S. President proposed leasing new sections of U.S. waters to oil and gas companies for offshore drilling, expanding the U.S. waters that are available for such activity over the next five years.  The effects of these proposals are currently unknown.  Compliance with any new requirements of OPA and future legislation or regulations applicable to the operation of our vessels could impact the cost of our operations and adversely affect our business.
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OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, provided they accept, at a minimum, the levels of liability established under OPA and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills.  Many U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted environmental pollution laws that impose strict liability on a person for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance.  These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law.  Moreover, some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters, although in some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations defining vessel owners' responsibilities under these laws. We currently comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where our vessels call.
We currently maintain pollution liability coverage insurance in the amount of $1 billion per incident for each of our vessels. If the damages from a catastrophic spill were to exceed our insurance coverage, it could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operation.
Other United States Environmental Initiatives
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990) ("CAA") requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas. The CAA also requires states to draft State Implementation Plans, or SIPs, designed to attain national health-based air quality standards in each state. Although state-specific, SIPs may include regulations concerning emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor control equipment. Our vessels operating in such regulated port areas with restricted cargoes are equipped with vapor recovery systems that satisfy these existing requirements.
The U.S. Clean Water Act ("CWA") prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges.  The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA.  In 2015, the EPA expanded the definition of "waters of the United States" ("WOTUS"), thereby expanding federal authority under the CWA.  Following litigation on the revised WOTUS rule, in December 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a revised, limited definition of "waters of the United States."  The effect of this proposal on U.S. environmental regulations is still unknown.
The EPA and the USCG have also enacted rules relating to ballast water discharge, compliance with which requires the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial costs, and/or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. Waters.  The EPA will regulate these ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels within United States waters pursuant to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA"), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018 and will replace the 2013 Vessel General Permit ("VGP") program (which authorizes discharges incidental to operations of commercial vessels and contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels to reduce the risk of invasive species in U.S. waters, stringent requirements for exhaust gas scrubbers, and requirements for the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants) and current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act ("NISA"), such as mid-ocean ballast exchange programs and installation of approved USCG technology for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports or entering U.S. waters. VIDA establishes a new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges under Clean Water Act (CWA), requires the EPA to develop performance standards for those discharges within two years of enactment, and requires the U.S. Coast Guard to develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations within two years of EPA's promulgation of standards.  Under VIDA, all provisions of the 2013 VPG and USCG regulations regarding ballast water treatment remain in force and effect until the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations are finalized.  Non-military, non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with the requirements of the VGP, including submission of a Notice of Intent ("NOI") or retention of a PARI form and submission of annual reports. We have submitted NOIs for all our vessels where required.
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European Union Regulations
In October 2009, the European Union amended a directive to impose criminal sanctions for illicit ship-source discharges of polluting substances, including minor discharges, if committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence and the discharges individually or in the aggregate result in deterioration of the quality of water. Aiding and abetting the discharge of a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties. The directive applies to all types of vessels, irrespective of their flag, but certain exceptions apply to warships or where human safety or that of the ship is in danger. Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims.  Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 (amending EU Directive 2009/16/EC) governs the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and, subject to some exclusions, requires companies with ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions annually starting on January 1, 2018, which may cause us to incur additional expenses.
The European Union has adopted several regulations and directives requiring, among other things, more frequent inspections of high-risk ships, as determined by type, age, and flag as well as the number of times the ship has been detained. The European Union also adopted and extended a ban on substandard ships and enacted a minimum ban period and a definitive ban for repeated offenses. The regulation also provided the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, by imposing more requirements on classification societies and providing for fines or penalty payments for organizations that failed to comply. Furthermore, the EU has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/33/EC (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced requirements parallel to those in Annex VI relating to the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, the EU imposed a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports.
Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which entered into force in 2005 and pursuant to which adopting countries have been required to implement national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with targets extended through 2020.  International negotiations are continuing with respect to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, and restrictions on shipping emissions may be included in any new treaty. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the U.S. and China, signed the Copenhagen Accord, which includes a non-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016 and does not directly limit greenhouse gas emissions from ships.  On June 1, 2017, the U.S. President announced that the United States intends to withdraw from the Paris Agreement.  The timing and effect of such action has yet to be determined, but the Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process.
At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, a draft outline of the structure of the initial strategy for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships was approved. In accordance with this roadmap, in April 2018, nations at the MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships.  The initial strategy identifies "levels of ambition" to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including (1) decreasing the carbon intensity from ships through implementation of further phases of the EEDI for new ships; (2) reducing carbon dioxide emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008 emission levels; and (3) reducing the total annual greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely.  The initial strategy notes that technological innovation, alternative fuels and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition.  These regulations could cause us to incur additional substantial expenses.
54



The EU made a unilateral commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from its member states from 20% of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU also committed to reduce its emissions by 20% under the Kyoto Protocol's second period from 2013 to 2020.  Starting in January 2018, large ships calling at EU ports are required to collect and publish data on carbon dioxide emissions and other information.
In the United States, the EPA issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health and safety, adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources, and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources. However, in March 2017, the U.S. President signed an executive order to review and possibly eliminate the EPA's plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions.  The EPA or individual U.S. states could enact environmental regulations that would affect our operations.
Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level to succeed the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement, that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures which we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Even in the absence of climate control legislation, our business may be indirectly affected to the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or certain weather events.
International Labour Organization
The International Labor Organization (the "ILO") is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 ("MLC 2006"). A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships above 500 gross tons in international trade.  All our vessels are in substantial compliance with and are certified to meet MLC 2006.
Vessel Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security such as the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 ("MTSA"). To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the USCG issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities, some of which are regulated by the EPA.
Similarly, Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention imposes detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities and mandates compliance with the International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code ("the ISPS Code"). The ISPS Code is designed to enhance the security of ports and ships against terrorism. To trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate ("ISSC") from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel's flag state. Ships operating without a valid certificate may be detained, expelled from, or refused entry at port until they obtain an ISSC.  The various requirements, some of which are found in the SOLAS Convention, include, for example, on-board installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship's identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; on-board installation of ship security alert systems, which do not sound on the vessel but only alert the authorities and the vessel’s manager on shore; the development of vessel security plans; ship identification number to be permanently marked on a vessel's hull; a continuous synopsis record kept onboard showing a vessel's history including the name of the ship, the state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, the date on which the ship was registered with that state, the ship's identification number, the port at which the ship is registered and the name of the registered owner(s) and their registered address; and compliance with flag state security certification requirements.
55



The USCG regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel's compliance with the SOLAS Convention security requirements and the ISPS Code. Future security measures could have a significant financial impact on us. All of our vessels comply with the various security measures addressed by MTSA, the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code.
The cost of vessel security measures has also been affected by the escalation in the frequency of acts of piracy against ships, notably off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea area.  Substantial loss of revenue and other costs may be incurred as a result of detention of a vessel or additional security measures, and the risk of uninsured losses could significantly affect our business. Costs are incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP4 industry standard.
Inspection by Classification Societies
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage and lending that a vessel be certified "in class" by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, the IACS.  The IACS has adopted harmonized Common Structural Rules, or the Rules, which apply to oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed on or after July 1, 2015.  The Rules attempt to create a level of consistency between IACS Societies.  All of our vessels are certified as being "in class" by all the applicable Classification Societies (e.g., DNV-GL, American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd's Register of Shipping).
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel's machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel.  If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable which could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Customers
Our customers include national, regional and international companies. We have historically derived a significant part of our revenue from a small number of charterers. In 2018, 100% of our revenue was derived from four charterers, 55% from Stena Weco A/S, 26% from BP Shipping Limited, 15% from DS Norden A/S and 4% from Central Tanker Chartering Inc. In 2017, 100% of our revenue was derived from three charterers, 56% from Stena Weco A/S, 28% from BP Shipping Limited and 16% from DS Norden A/S. We strategically monitor developments in the tanker industry on a regular basis and, subject to market demand, seek to adjust the charter hire periods for our vessels according to prevailing market conditions.
C. Organizational Structure
We are a Marshall Islands corporation with principal executive offices located at 1 Vasilisis Sofias and Megalou Alexandrou Str, 15124 Maroussi, Greece. We own and charter-in our vessels through wholly-owned subsidiaries that are incorporated in the Marshall Islands or other jurisdictions generally acceptable to lenders in the shipping industry. Our significant wholly-owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2018 are listed in Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report on Form 20-F.
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D. Property, Plants and Equipment
For a list of the vessels of our fleet, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Our Fleet" above and for a description of our major encumbrances on our fleet please see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities".
We do not own any real estate property.
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following presentation of management's discussion and analysis is intended to discuss our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations, and should be read in conjunction with our historical consolidated financial statements and their notes included in this annual report.
This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, such as those set forth in "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report.
A.
Operating Results
Factors Affecting our Results of Operations
We believe that the important measures for analyzing trends in the results of our operations consist of the following:

·
Calendar days. We define calendar days as the total number of days the vessels were in our possession for the relevant period. Calendar days are an indicator of the size of our fleet during the relevant period and affect both the amount of revenues and expenses that we record during that period.

·
Available days. We define available days as the number of calendar days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to scheduled repairs, or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of newbuildings, vessel upgrades or special or intermediate surveys and the aggregate amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels. Companies in the shipping industry generally use available days to measure the number of days in a period during which vessels should be capable of generating revenues.

·
Operating days. We define operating days as the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire due to unforeseen technical circumstances. The shipping industry uses operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels actually generate revenues.

·
Fleet utilization. We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of operating days during a period by the number of available days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels and minimizing the number of days that its vessels are off-hire for reasons other than scheduled repairs or scheduled guarantee inspections in the case of newbuildings, vessel upgrades, special or intermediate surveys and vessel positioning.
57




·
Bareboat Charter Rates. Under a bareboat charter party, all operating costs, voyage costs and cargo-related costs are covered by the charterer, who takes both the operational and the shipping market risk.

·
TCE Revenues / TCE Rates. We define TCE revenues as revenues minus voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal and fuel costs that are unique to a particular voyage, which would otherwise be paid by a charterer under a time charter, as well as commissions. We believe that presenting revenues net of voyage expenses neutralizes the variability created by unique costs associated with particular voyages or the deployment of vessels on the spot market and facilitates comparisons between periods on a consistent basis. We calculate daily TCE rates by dividing TCE revenues by operating days for the relevant time period. TCE revenues include demurrage revenue, which represents fees charged to charterers associated with our spot market voyages when the charterer exceeds the agreed upon time required to load or discharge a cargo.
In the shipping industry, economic decisions are based on vessels' deployment upon anticipated TCE rates, and industry analysts typically measure shipping freight rates in terms of TCE rates. This is because under time-charter and bareboat contracts the customer usually pays the voyage expenses, while under voyage charters the ship-owner usually pays the voyage expenses, which typically are added to the hire rate at an approximate cost. Consistent with industry practice, we use TCE rates because it provides a means of comparison between different types of vessel employment and, therefore, assists our decision-making process.
In evaluating our financial condition, we focus on the below measures to assess our historical operating performance and we use future estimates of the same measures to assess our future financial performance. In assessing the future performance of our fleet, the greatest uncertainty relates to future charter rates at the expiration of a vessel's present period employment, whether under a time charter or a bareboat charter. Decisions about future purchases and sales of vessels are based on the availability of excess internal funds, the availability of financing and the financial and operational evaluation of such actions and depend on the overall state of the shipping market and the availability of relevant purchase candidates.
Time Charter Revenues
Our Time charter revenues are driven primarily by the number of vessels in our fleet, the number of operating days during which our vessels generate revenues and the amount of daily charterhire that our vessels earn under charters, which, in turn, are affected by a number of factors, including our decisions relating to vessel acquisitions and disposals, the amount of time that we spend positioning our vessels, the amount of time that our vessels spend in dry-dock undergoing repairs, maintenance and upgrade work, the duration of the charter, the age, condition and specifications of our vessels, levels of supply and demand in the global transportation market for oil and oil products and other factors affecting spot market charter rates such as vessel supply and demand imbalances.
Vessels operating on period charters, time charters or bareboat charters provide more predictable cash flows, but can yield lower profit margins than vessels operating in the short-term, or spot, charter market during periods characterized by favorable market conditions. Vessels operating in the spot charter market, either directly or through a pool arrangement, could generate revenues that are less predictable, but could enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of improvements in charter rates, although we could be exposed to the risk of declining charter rates, which could have a materially adverse impact on our financial performance. If we employ vessels on period charters, future spot market rates may be higher or lower than the rates at which we have employed our vessels on period time charters.
58



Under a time charter, the charterer typically pays us a fixed daily charter hire rate and bears all voyage expenses, including the cost of bunkers (fuel oil) and port and canal charges. We remain responsible for paying the chartered vessel's operating expenses, including the cost of crewing, insuring, repairing and maintaining the vessel, the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses, and we also pay commissions to CSM, one or more unaffiliated ship brokers and to in-house brokers associated with the charterer for the arrangement of the relevant charter.
Under a bareboat charter, the vessel is chartered for a stipulated period of time, which gives the charterer possession and control of the vessel, including the right to appoint the master and the crew. Under bareboat charters, all voyage and operating costs are paid by the charterer.
As of the date of this annual report, we have bareboat chartered-in two product/chemical tankers, own another ten product/chemical tankers vessels, out of which four are under construction, and we have a 50% interest in two subsidiaries that own another two product/chemical tankers. We may in the future operate vessels in the spot market until the vessels have been chartered under appropriate medium to long-term charters.
Voyage Expenses
Voyage expenses primarily consist of port charges, including canal dues, bunkers (fuel costs) and commissions. All these expenses, except commissions, are paid by the charterer under a time charter or bareboat charter contract. The amount of voyage expenses are primarily driven by the routes that the vessels travel, the amount of ports called on, the canals crossed and the price of bunker fuels paid.
Charter Hire Expenses
Charter hire expenses represent lease payments for vessels we bareboat charter-in.
On January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015, we entered into sale and leaseback agreements for the M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution, respectively, with a duration of seven years. These sale and leaseback agreements are accounted for as operating leases.
Vessel Operating Expenses
Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the costs of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and value added tax, or VAT, and other miscellaneous expenses for vessels that we own or lease under our operating leases. We analyze vessel operating expenses on a U.S. dollar per day basis. Additionally, vessel operating expenses can fluctuate due to factors beyond our control, such as unplanned repairs and maintenance attributable to damages or regulatory compliance and factors which may affect the shipping industry in general, such as developments relating to insurance premiums, or developments relating to the availability of crew.
Dry-docking Costs
Dry-docking costs relate to regularly scheduled intermediate survey or special survey dry-docking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Dry-docking costs can vary according to the age of the vessel, the location where the dry-dock takes place, shipyard availability, local availability of manpower and material, and the billing currency of the yard. Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies." In the case of tankers, dry-docking costs may also be affected by new rules and regulations. For further information please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Environmental Regulations."
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Management Fees—Related Parties
As from March 31, 2014, we have outsourced to CSM all operational, technical and commercial functions relating to the chartering and operation of our vessels. We outsourced the above functions pursuant to a letter agreement between CSM and TOP Ships Inc. and management agreements between CSM and our then vessel-owning subsidiaries on March 10, 2014, and each new vessel that entered our fleet after that date entered into a management agreement with CSM. See "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements" and "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
General and Administrative Expenses
Our general and administrative expenses include executive compensation paid to Central Mare for the compensation of our executive officers and a number of administrative staff, office rent, legal and auditing costs, regulatory compliance costs, other miscellaneous office expenses, non-cash stock compensation, and corporate overhead. Central Mare provides the services of the individuals who serve in the position of Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer as well as a number of administrative employees. For further information please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements" and "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 5—Transactions with Related Parties."
A portion of our general and administrative expenses are denominated in Euros and are therefore affected by the conversion rate of the U.S. dollar versus the Euro.
Interest and Finance Costs
We incur interest expense on outstanding indebtedness under our loans and credit facilities, which we include in interest and finance costs. We also incur finance costs in establishing those debt facilities which are deferred and amortized over the period of the respective facility. The amortization of the finance costs is presented in interest and finance costs.
Inflation
Inflation has not had a material effect on our expenses. In the event that significant global inflationary pressures appear, these pressures would increase our operating, voyage, administrative and financing costs.
Lack of Historical Operating Data for Vessels before Their Acquisition
Although vessels are generally acquired free of charter, we have acquired (and may in the future acquire) some vessels with time charters. Where a vessel has been under a voyage charter, the vessel is usually delivered to the buyer free of charter. It is rare in the shipping industry for the last charterer of the vessel in the hands of the seller to continue as the first charterer of the vessel in the hands of the buyer. In most cases, when a vessel is under time charter and the buyer wishes to assume that charter, the vessel cannot be acquired without the charterer's consent and the buyer entering into a separate direct agreement, or a novation agreement, with the charterer to assume the charter. The purchase of a vessel itself does not transfer the charter because it is a separate agreement between the vessel owner and the charterer.
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Where we identify any intangible assets or liabilities associated with the acquisition of a vessel, we allocate the purchase price to identified tangible and intangible assets or liabilities based on their relative fair values. Fair value is determined by reference to market data and the discounted amount of expected future cash flows. Where we have assumed an existing charter obligation or entered into a time charter with the existing charterer in connection with the purchase of a vessel at charter rates that are less than market charter rates, we record a liability, based on the difference between the assumed charter rate and the market charter rate for an equivalent vessel. Conversely, where we assume an existing charter obligation or enter into a time charter with the existing charterer in connection with the purchase of a vessel at charter rates that are above market charter rates, we record an asset, based on the difference between the market charter rate for an equivalent vessel and the contracted charter rate. This determination is made at the time the vessel is delivered to us, and such assets and liabilities are amortized as a reduction or increase to revenue over the remaining period of the charter.
None of the vessels acquired from 2016 up to 2018 gave rise to a recognition of any intangible asset or liability associated with those acquisitions.
When we purchase a vessel and assume or renegotiate a related time charter, we must take the following steps before the vessel will be ready to commence operations:

·
obtain the charterer's consent to us as the new owner;

·
obtain the charterer's consent to a new technical manager;

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

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

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

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

·
register the vessel under a flag state and perform the related inspections in order to obtain new trading certificates from the flag state.
The following discussion is intended to help you understand how acquisitions of vessels affect our business and results of operations. Our business is comprised of the following main elements:

·
employment and operation of tankers; and

·
management of the financial, general and administrative elements involved in the conduct of our business and ownership of tankers.
The employment and operation of our vessels require the following main components:

·
vessel maintenance and repair;

·
crew selection and training;

·
vessel spares and stores supply;

·
contingency response planning;
61




·
onboard safety procedures auditing;

·
accounting;

·
vessel insurance arrangement;

·
vessel chartering;

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

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

·
vessel hire management;

·
vessel surveying; and

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

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

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

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

·
management of the relationships with our service providers and customers.
The principal factors that affect our profitability, cash flows and shareholders' return on investment include:

·
charter rates and periods of charter hire for our tankers;

·
utilization of our tankers (earnings efficiency);

·
levels of our tanker's operating expenses and dry-docking costs;

·
depreciation and amortization expenses;

·
financing costs; and

·
fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
62



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
The following table depicts changes in the results of operations for 2018 compared to 2017 and 2017 compared to 2016.
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
Change
 
         
YE17 v YE16
   
YE18 v YE17
 
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
    $
   
%
    $
   
%
 
   
($ in thousands)
                             
Time charter revenues
   
28,433
     
39,363
     
39,442
     
10,930
     
38.4
%
   
79
     
0.2
%
Time charter revenue from related parties
   
-
     
-
     
1,606
     
-
     
-
%
   
1,606
     
100
%
Total time charter revenues
    28,433
      39,363
      41,048
      10,930
      38.4
%     1,685
      4.3
%
Voyage expenses
   
736
     
999
     
1,020
     
263
     
35.7
%
   
21
     
2.1
%
Bareboat charter hire expenses
   
6,299
     
6,282
     
6,282
     
(17
)
   
-0.3
%
   
-
     
0.0
%
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire
   
1,577
     
1,657
     
1,657
     
80
     
5.1
%
   
-
     
0.0
%
Vessel operating expenses
   
9,913
     
13,444
     
14,826
     
3,531
     
35.6
%
   
1,382
     
10.3
%
Vessel depreciation
   
3,467
     
5,744
     
6,390
     
2,277
     
65.7
%
   
646
     
11.2
%
Management fees-related parties
   
1,824
     
4,730
     
7,765
     
2,906
     
159.3
%
   
3,035
     
64.2
%
Other operating (income) / loss
   
(3,137
)
   
(914
)
   
-
     
2,223
     
-70.9
%
   
914
     
-100
%
General and administrative expenses
   
2,906
     
5,805
     
6,997
     
2,899
     
99.8
%
   
1,192
     
20.5
%
Expenses
   
23,585
     
37,747
     
44,937
     
14,162
     
60.0
%
   
7,190
     
19.0
%
Operating income / (loss)
   
4,848
     
1,616
     
(3,889
)
   
(3,232
)
   
-66.7
%
   
(5,505
)
   
-340.7
%
Interest and finance costs
   
(3,093
)
   
(15,793
)
   
(9,662
)
   
(12,700
)
   
410.6
%
   
6,131
     
-38.8
%
(Loss)/Gain on derivative financial instruments
   
(698
)
   
(301
)
   
1,821
     
397
     
-56.9
%
   
2,122
     
-705
%
Interest income
   
-
     
13
     
130
     
13
     
-
     
117
     
900
%
Other, net
   
(5
)
   
1,120
     
180
     
1,125
     
-22,500.0
%
   
(940
)
   
-83.9
%
Total other (expenses) / income, net
   
(3,796
)
   
(14,961
)
   
(7,531
)
   
(11,165
)
   
294.1
%
   
7,430
     
-49.7
%
Net income/(loss)
   
1,052
     
(13,345
)
   
(11,420
)
   
(14,397
)
   
-1368.5
%
   
1,925
     
-14.4
%

63


The table below presents the key measures for each of the years 2016, 2017 and 2018. Please see "Item 3. Key Information—A. Selected Financial Data" for a reconciliation of Average Daily TCE to revenues.
Year on Year Comparison of Operating Results
Revenues

1.
Time Charter Revenues
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, time charter revenues increased by $10.9 million, or 38%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was due to the acquisition of M/T Stenaweco Elegance in February 2017 that led to its employment for ten months resulting in an increase in time charter revenue of $5.0 million, the employment of M/T Nord Valiant for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to four and a half months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in time charter revenue of $3.8 million (the vessel started its employment on August 15, 2016), the employment of M/T Stenaweco Excellence for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to seven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in time charter revenue of $2.3 million (the vessel started its employment on May 23, 2016) and the employment of M/T Eco Revolution for 12 months in 2017 as opposed to eleven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in time charter revenue of $0.4 million (the vessel started its employment on January 26, 2016).
These increases were offset by the lower daily charter rates that we negotiated for M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution in order to increase their charter duration by twelve and eighteen months respectively that resulted in a decrease of time charter revenue by $0.2 million and $0.4 million respectively.

2.
Time charter revenues from related parties
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, time charter revenues from related parties increased by $1.6 million, or 100%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was due to the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert in September 2018 that led to its employment with Central Tankers Chartering Inc, a company affiliated with the family of Mr. Pistiolis, for about three and a half months resulting in time charter revenues of $1.6 million.
Expenses

3.
Vessel operating expenses
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, vessel operating expenses increased by $1.4 million, or 10%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was mainly due to the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert in September 2018 that led to its operation for about three and a half months that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $0.9 million, the operation of M/T Stenaweco Elegance for twelve months in 2018 as opposed to ten months in 2017 that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $0.1 million.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, vessel operating expenses increased by $3.5 million, or 36%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was mainly due to the acquisition of M/T Stenaweco Elegance in February 2017 that led to its operation for ten months that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $1.8 million, the operation of M/T Nord Valiant for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to four and a half months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $0.9 million (the vessel started operating on August 10, 2016) and the operation of M/T Stenaweco Excellence for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to seven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $0.6 million (the vessel started operating on May 20, 2016). Finally operating expenses of M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Eco Fleet increased by $0.1 million each.
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4.
Vessel depreciation
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, vessel depreciation increased by $0.6 million, or 11%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 due to the changes in our fleet that resulted in calendar (ownership) days increasing from 2,496 in 2017 to 2,670 in 2018.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, vessel depreciation increased by $2.3 million, or 66%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 due to the changes in our fleet that resulted in calendar (ownership) days increasing from 1,812 in 2016 to 2,496 in 2017.

5.
Management fees—related parties
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, management fees to related parties increased by $3.0 million, or 64%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017.
This increase was due to a $2.8 million increase in sale and purchase commissions pursuant to our letter agreement with CSM, relating to the purchase of our vessels in 2018. Furthermore this increase was due to the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert in September 2018 that led to its operation for about three and a half months that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of $0.1 million and due to the operation of M/T Stenaweco Elegance for twelve months in 2018 as opposed to ten months in 2017 that resulted in an increase in operating expenses of another $0.1 million.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, management fees to related parties increased by $2.9 million, or 159%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.
This increase was due to a $1.2 million increase in overhead management fees relating mainly to a   performance incentive fee to Central Mare in 2017 and due to sale and purchase commissions of $1.1 million pursuant to our letter agreement with CSM, relating to the purchase of our vessels in 2017. Furthermore this increase was due to the acquisition of M/T Stenaweco Elegance in February 2017 that led to its operation for ten months resulting in an increase in management fees of $0.3 million, the operation of M/T Nord Valiant for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to four and a half months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in management fees of $0.2 million (the vessel started operating on August 10, 2016) and the operation of M/T Stenaweco Excellence for twelve months in 2017 as opposed to seven months in 2016 that resulted in an increase in management fees of $0.1 million (the vessel started operating on May 20, 2016).

6.
Other operating income
During the year ended December 31, 2017 we wrote-off $0.9 million of accrued liabilities relating to old charter parties of vessels sold in 2009, mainly relating to unearned revenue, as the time frame for our counterparties to claim these amounts has been time barred.
During the year ended December 31, 2016 we wrote-off $3.1 million of accrued liabilities relating to old charter parties of vessels sold from 2006 to 2008, mainly relating to $2.0 million of unearned revenue and $1.1 million of related brokerage commissions, as the time frame for our counterparties to claim these amounts has been time barred.
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7.
General and administrative expenses
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, our general and administrative expenses increased by $1.2 million, or 21%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017, mainly attributed to an increase in bonuses of $0.8 million granted to our CEO to be distributed at his own discretion amongst executives, an increase of $0.3 million in in legal and consulting fees and expenses and an increase of $0.3 million in fixed assets depreciation mainly resulting from the acceleration of the leasehold improvements depreciation due to the relocation of our offices to another floor in the building. These increases were offset by a decrease of $0.1 million in other general and administrative expenses and another decrease of $0.1 million in travelling expenses.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, our general and administrative expenses increased by $2.9 million, or 100%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, mainly attributed to a bonus of $1.5 million granted to our CEO to be distributed at his own discretion amongst executives, an increase of $0.9 million in manager and employee related expenses, an increase of $0.3 million in other general and administrative expenses and an increase of $0.2 million in legal and consulting fees and expenses.

8.
Interest and Finance Costs
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, interest and finance costs decreased by $6.1 million, or 39%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase is mainly attributed to:

a)
A decrease of $5.8 million in amortization of debt discount, mainly due to the absence in 2018 of the $7.5 million debt discount amortization relating to the convertibility features of the Series C convertible preferred shares that we incurred in 2017. This was offset by an increase of $1.7 million in the debt discount amortization relating to the convertibility features of the Family Trading facility (please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.").

b)
A decrease of $0.4 million in amortization of finance fees that is mainly due to the decrease by $0.9 million of the amortization of finance fees of the Family Trading facility, offset by increases of $0.5 million relating to the amortization of finance fees of the first and Second AT Bank and Alpha Bank predelivery facilities (please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.").

c)
A decrease of $0.2 million in commitment fees of the Family Trading facility, since in 2018 we drew down most of the remaining balance of the facility, hence the undrawn part on which the commitment fee was calculated upon in 2018 was less than the undrawn part of 2017.

d)
These decreases were offset by an increase of $0.3 million in loan interest expense, mainly relating to the increase in the Three-Month Libor rate in 2018 that resulted in an aggregate increase of about $0.4 million in our ABN Amro Bank, NORD/LB Bank and Alpha Bank senior loan facilities, an increase of $0.3 million in the Alpha Bank Facility due to the fact that we incurred interest expense in 2017 only for 10 months as opposed to 2018, were we incurred for twelve months and an increase of $0.5 million in the AT Bank senior facility present in 2018, but absent in 2017. These increases were offset by a decrease in capitalized interest of $0.9 million.
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2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, interest and finance costs increased by $12.7 million, or 411%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase is mainly attributed to:

a)
An increase of $8.3 million in amortization of debt discount, $7.5 million relating to the convertibility features of the Series C convertible preferred shares and $0.8 million relating to the convertibility features of the Family Trading facility, both absent in the same period of 2016 (please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.").

b)
An increase of $2.7 million in loan interest expense, since in 2017 we had senior loan facilities with ABN Amro Bank, NORD/LB Bank, Alpha Bank and At Bank for the financing of the vessels M/T Eco Revolution, M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Nord Valiant, M/T Stenaweco Excellence, M/T Stenaweco Elegance and M/T Eco Palm desert as well as the Family Trading Facility, while in the same period of 2016 we only incurred interest expense for M/T Eco Fleet for twelve months, M/T Eco Revolution for eleven months, M/T Nord Valiant for four months(ABN Facility), and M/T Stenaweco Excellence (NORD/LB facility) for approximately seven months.

c)
An increase of $1.5 million in amortization of finance fees mainly due to the fact that in 2017 we accelerated the amortization of arrangement fees of four of our short term notes due to their prepayment ($0.6 million), we incurred additional amortization expenses relating to the Amended Family Trading Facility ($0.3 million) and the Series C convertible preferred shares we treated as debt ($0.3 million) and incurred increased amortization expenses due to the fact that we had more senior debt facilities in place compared to the same period in 2016 ($0.3 million).

d)
An increase of $0.2 million in other financial costs.

9.
(Loss)/Gain on derivative financial instruments
2018 vs. 2017
During the year ended December 31, 2018, gain on derivative financial instruments increased by $2.1 million, or 100%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase was due to a $1.7 million increase in the gains from the valuation of our outstanding warrants issued in connection with our follow-on offering that closed on June 11, 2014 and a $0.4 million decrease in the realized losses on our interest rate swaps, due to the increase in 2018 of the Three-Month Libor rates over the swap rates that we pay in most of our facilities.
2017 vs. 2016
During the year ended December 31, 2017, loss on derivative financial instruments decreased by $0.4 million, or 57%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was due to a $0.5 million increase in the unrealized gains from the valuation of our interest rate swaps and a another $0.4 million increase in the gains from the valuation of our outstanding warrants issued in connection with our follow-on offering that closed on June 11, 2014. These were offset by an increase of $0.5 million in realized losses on our interest rate swaps (please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 17 - Financial Instruments").
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Our Fleet—Illustrative Comparison of Possible Excess of Carrying Value Over Estimated Charter-Free Market Value of Certain Vessels
In "—Critical Accounting Policies—Impairment of Vessels," we discuss our policy for impairing the carrying values of our vessels. During the past few years, the market values of vessels have experienced particular volatility, with substantial declines in many vessel classes. As a result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may have declined below those vessels' carrying value. However, we would not impair those vessels' carrying value under our accounting impairment policy due to our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over their operating lives would exceed such vessels' carrying amounts.
As of December 31, 2018, we believe that the basic charter-free market values of our owned vessels are higher than the vessels carrying value.
Our estimates of basic charter-free market value assume that our vessels are all in good and seaworthy condition without need for repair and if inspected would be certified in class without notations of any kind. Our estimates are based on information available from various industry sources, including:

·
reports by industry analysts and data providers that focus on our industry and related dynamics affecting vessel values;

·
news and industry reports of similar vessel sales;

·
news and industry reports of sales of vessels that are not similar to our vessels where we have made certain adjustments in an attempt to derive information that can be used as part of our estimates;

·
approximate market values for our vessels or similar vessels that we have received from shipbrokers, whether solicited or unsolicited, or that shipbrokers have generally disseminated;

·
offers that we may have received from potential purchasers of our vessels; and

·
vessel sale prices and values of which we are aware through both formal and informal communications with shipowners, shipbrokers, industry analysts and various other shipping industry participants and observers.
As we obtain information from various industry and other sources, our estimates of basic charter-free market values are inherently uncertain. In addition, vessel values are highly volatile; as such, actual results could differ from those estimates.
All of our vessels are currently employed under long-term, above-market time charters. For more information, see "Business Overview—Our Fleet."  We believe that in a sale of these vessels with their charters attached, we would receive a premium over the vessels' charter-free market value.
We refer you to the risk factor entitled "The international oil tanker industry has experienced volatile charter rates and vessel values and there can be no assurance that these charter rates and vessel values will not decrease in the near future" and the discussion herein under the heading "Risks Related to Our Industry."
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Critical Accounting Policies:
The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of those financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of our financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Critical accounting policies are those that reflect significant judgments or uncertainties, and potentially result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions. We have described below what we believe are our most critical accounting policies that involve a higher degree of judgment and the methods of their application. For a description of all of our significant accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements included herein.
Vessel depreciation. We record the value of our vessels at their cost (which includes the contract price, pre-delivery costs incurred during the construction of newbuildings, capitalized interest and any material expenses incurred upon acquisition such as initial repairs, improvements and delivery expenses to prepare the vessel for its initial voyage) less accumulated depreciation. We depreciate our vessels on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, estimated to be 25 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Depreciation is based on cost of the vessel less its residual value which is estimated to be $300 per light-weight ton. A decrease in the useful life of the vessel or in the residual value would have the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge.
A decrease in the useful life of the vessel may occur as a result of poor vessel maintenance performed, harsh ocean-going and weather conditions that the vessel is subject to, or poor quality of the shipbuilding yard. When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, the vessel's useful life is adjusted at the date such regulations become effective. Weak freight markets may result in owners scrapping more vessels and scrapping them earlier due to unattractive returns. An increase in the useful life of the vessel may result from superior vessel maintenance performed, favorable ocean-going and weather conditions the vessel is subjected to, superior quality of the shipbuilding yard, or high freight rates which result in owners scrapping the vessels later due to attractive cash flows.
Impairment of vessels: We evaluate the existence of impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of our long-lived assets are not recoverable. Such indicators of potential impairment include, vessel sales and purchases, business plans and overall market conditions. If there are indications for impairment present, we determine undiscounted projected net operating cash flows for each vessel and compare it to the vessel's carrying value. If the carrying value of the related vessel exceeds its undiscounted future net cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value.
The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings. During the past years, the market values of vessels have experienced particular volatility, with substantial declines in many vessel classes. As a result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may have declined below those vessels' carrying value, even though we would not impair those vessels' carrying value under our accounting impairment policy, due to our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over their operating lives would exceed such vessels' carrying amounts.
Although we believe that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are highly subjective. There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their current levels or whether they will improve or decrease by any significant degree. Charter rates may be at depressed levels for some time, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability, and future assessments of vessel impairment.
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In order to perform the undiscounted cash flow test, we make assumptions about future charter rates, commissions, vessel operating expenses, dry-dock costs, fleet utilization, scrap rates used to calculate estimated proceeds at the end of vessels' useful lives and the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. The projected net operating cash flows are determined by considering the charter revenues from existing time charters for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily time charter equivalent for the unfixed days (based on the ten year historical averages of the one-year, three-year and five-year time charter rates) over the remaining useful life of each vessel, which we estimate to be 25 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Expected outflows for scheduled vessels' maintenance and vessel operating expenses are based on historical data, and adjusted annually assuming an average annual inflation derived from the most recent twenty-year average consumer price index. Effective fleet utilization, average commissions, dry-dock costs and scrap values are also based on historical data.
In 2017 and 2018 tanker values were increasing and the charter-free market value of each vessel of our fleet was higher than its carrying amount. As such we had no indicators of potential impairment and did not perform the undiscounted cash flow test.
New accounting pronouncements: See "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 2—Significant Accounting Policies –Recent Accounting Pronouncements."
B.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Since our formation, our principal source of funds has been equity provided by our shareholders through equity offerings, at the market sales, operating cash flow, long-term borrowing, short-term borrowings, related party short-term borrowings and sale of vessels. Our principal use of funds has been capital expenditures to establish and grow our fleet, maintain the quality of our vessels, comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations and fund working capital requirements.
Our business is capital intensive and its future success will depend on our ability to maintain a high-quality fleet through the acquisition of newer vessels and the selective sale of older vessels. Our practice has been to acquire vessels using a combination of funds received from equity investors and bank debt secured by mortgages on our vessels.  Future acquisitions are subject to management's expectation of future market conditions, our ability to acquire vessels on favorable terms and our liquidity and capital resources.
As of December 31, 2018, we had a total indebtedness of $140.7 million, which after excluding unamortized financing fees and debt discounts amounts to $152.3 million.
As of December 31, 2018, our cash and cash equivalent and restricted cash balances amounted to $7.7 million, mainly held in U.S. Dollar accounts, $7.6 million of which are classified as restricted cash.
Working Capital Requirements and Sources of Capital
As of December 31, 2018, we had a working capital deficit (current assets less current liabilities) of $31.5 million. We expect to finance our working capital deficit with operational cash flow, debt or equity issuances, or a combination thereof and other sources such as funds from the Company's controlling shareholder and CEO, Mr. Pistiolis, if required. If the Company is unable to arrange debt or equity financing, it is probable that the Company may also consider selling a vessel.
As of December 31, 2018, we had available committed undrawn balances of $152.2 million that we believe are adequate together with operational cashflow to meet our capital commitment needs.
Our operating cash flow for the year ended December 31, 2019 is expected to increase compared to the same period in 2018, as we expect to generate more revenue from employing eight of our vessels for a full financial year as well as employing M/T Eco California, M/T Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills for approximately eleven months, nine months, nine months and eight months respectively, as opposed to the year ended December 31, 2018, when only seven vessels were employed for a full year, since M/T Eco Palm Desert was employed for approximately four months and we had four vessels under construction. The above is estimated for 2019 on the basis of the vessels' commitments to non-cancellable time charter contracts.
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Cash Flow Information
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were $30.6 million and $7.7 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2018 respectively.
Net Cash from Operating Activities.
Net cash used in operating activities remained the same at $0.7 million. Net cash used in operating activities decreased by $6.0 million, or 90%, for 2017 to $0.7 million, compared to $6.7 million for 2016.
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $9.9 million. This consisted mainly of $6.4 million of depreciation expenses; $2.5 million of amortization of debt discounts; $1.7 million of amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire; $1.3 million of amortization and write offs of deferred financing costs and $0.3 million of depreciation of other fixed assets, offset by $1.8 million unrealized gains from the valuation of derivative financial instruments; $0.3 million in gains in unconsolidated joint ventures and a $0.2 million write-off of short term notes. The cash inflow from operations was supplemented by a $2.5 million increase in current liabilities, offset by a $0.6 million decrease in current assets.
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $15.3 million. This consisted mainly of $8.3 million of amortization of debt discounts; of $5.7 million of depreciation expenses; $1.7 million of amortization and write offs of deferred financing costs; $1.7 million of amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire and $0.1 million of depreciation of other fixed assets, offset by a $1.1 million write-off of short term notes, a non-cash gain of $0.9 million and a $0.2 million unrealized gains from the valuation of derivative financial instruments. The cash inflow from operations was offset by a $1.0 million decrease in current liabilities, offset by a $0.2 million increase in current assets.
Non-cash adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016 totaled $3.1 million. This consisted mainly of $3.6 million of depreciation expenses; $1.6 million of amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire; $0.7 million unrealized loss from the valuation of derivative financial instruments; $0.2 million of amortization and write offs of deferred financing costs and $0.2 million relating to share-based compensation, offset by a non-cash gain of $3.2 million. The cash inflow from operations resulted mainly from a $3.0 million increase in current liabilities, offset by a $0.5 million increase in current assets.
Net Cash from Investing Activities.
Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2018 was $68.4 million, consisting mainly of $63.5 million cash paid for vessels under construction, $3.7 million cash paid for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and $1.2 million cash paid for vessel acquisitions.
Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2017 was $59.1 million, consisting mainly of $34.7 million cash paid for vessel acquisitions, $17.6 million cash paid for investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and $6.8 million cash paid for vessels under construction.
Net cash used in investing activities in the year ended December 31, 2016 was $77.1 million, consisting mainly of $73.4 million cash paid for vessels under construction and a $3.7 million increase in restricted cash.
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Net Cash from Financing Activities.
Net cash provided from financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2018 was $44.8 million, consisting of $32.8 million of proceeds from short term debt, $28.5 million proceeds from long term debt, $26.2 million of proceeds from related party debt (Family Trading Facility), $5.8 million of proceeds from issuance of common stock and $2.3 million of proceeds from warrants exercised. These inflows were partially offset by $22.3 million in excess of purchase price over book value of vessels, $10.2 million of scheduled debt repayments, $9.0 million of short term debt prepayments, $5.7 million prepayments of short term notes, $1.7 million payments of financing costs, $1.4 million prepayments of related party debt (Family Trading Facility) and $0.5 million of equity offering related costs.
Net cash provided from financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2017 was $83.4 million, consisting of $68.8 million of proceeds from short term notes, $24.8 million from long term debt, $9.7 million of proceeds our common stock purchase agreement, $7.5 million of proceeds from the sale of our Series C convertible preferred shares, $3.1 million of proceeds from related party debt (Family Trading Facility) and $1.6 million of proceeds from warrants exercised. These inflows were partially offset by $12.9 million in excess of purchase price over book value of vessels, $9.5 million of scheduled debt repayments, $7.2 million prepayments of related party debt (Family Trading Facility), $1.3 million of equity offering related costs and $1.2 million payments of financing costs.
Net cash provided by financing activities in the year ended December 31, 2016 was $ 67.8 million, consisting of $65.4 million of proceeds from long term debt ($42.2 million from the ABN Facility and $23.2 million from the NORD/LB Facility), $5.8 million of proceeds from warrants exercised, $2.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock and $0.2 million of net proceeds from related party debt (Family Trading Facility). These inflows were partially offset by $5.1 million of scheduled debt repayments, $0.4 payments of financing costs and $0.1 payments of Series B convertible preferred stock issuance costs.
Debt Facilities
Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt." for more detailed information.

a)
ABN Facility
On July 9, 2015, we entered into the ABN Facility with ABN Amro Bank N.V. of Holland (“ABN Amro”), for up to $42.0 million to partly finance the vessels M/T Eco Fleet and M/T Eco Revolution. The facility was subsequently amended on September 28, 2015 to increase the borrowing limit to $44.4 million ($22.2 million per vessel). The ABN Facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.5 million each and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.4 million each, commencing on October 13, 2015 for the M/T Eco Fleet and on April 15, 2016 for the M/T Eco Revolution plus a balloon installment of $11.4 million payable together with the last installment in July 2021 and in January 2022, respectively, for each vessel. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.9%.
On August 1, 2016, we amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit to $64.4 million and added another $20 million tranche to the loan, "Tranche C", which is secured by vessel M/T Nord Valiant. Tranche C is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.6 million each and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.4 million each, commencing on November 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9.1 million payable together with the last installment in August 2022. Apart from the inclusion of M/T Nord Valiant as a collateralized vessel and the reduction of the margin to 3.75% (applicable only to Tranche C), no other material changes were made to the ABN Facility.
We drew down $21.0 million under the ABN Facility on July 13, 2015 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T Eco Fleet and another $1.2 million on September 30, 2015. Furthermore, we drew down $22.2 million under the ABN Facility on January 15, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T Eco Revolution. Finally, on August 5, 2016 we drew down $20.0 million under the Tranche C of the ABN facility to partly finance the last shipyard installments of M/T Nord Valiant (see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Long term debt.").
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On April 21, 2017, the we were informed by ABN Amro that we were in breach of a loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 30% of our outstanding common shares. ABN Amro requested that either the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest of at least 30% of the outstanding common shares or maintain a voting rights interest of above 50%. In order to regain compliance with the loan covenant, we issued the Series D preferred shares.  On July 28, 2017 ABN Amro by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 30% of our issued and outstanding common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of our share capital, without ABN Amro’s prior written approval.
On November 16, 2018 we amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit by $5.0 million. This additional principal capital was subsequently drawn-down and is allocated to the mortgaged vessels as follows: $0.75 million to M/T Eco Fleet, $0.75 million to M/T Eco Revolution and $3.5 million to M/T Nord Valiant. Apart from the introduction of a new repayment schedule reflecting the increased facility principal, all other material terms remained the same. As per the new repayment schedule the quarterly installments are increased by $0.03 million, $0.03 million and $0.1 million for M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant respectively and their respective balloon installments are increased by $0.48 million, $0.43 million and $2.0 million.
The ABN Facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 130%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel. Additionally, the ABN Facility contains restrictions on our ability and our shipowning subsidiaries ability to incur further indebtedness or guarantees. It also restricts us and our shipowning companies from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.
The ABN Facility is secured as follows:

·
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant;

·
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessels;

·
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;

·
Corporate guarantee of TOP Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiaries; and

·
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessels.
The outstanding balance of the ABN Facility was $52.3 million as of December 31, 2018 (excluding deferred finance fees).
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b)
NORD/LB Facility
On May 11, 2016, we entered into the NORD/LB Facility with Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale of Germany (“NORD/LB”) for $23.2 million for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Excellence. The credit facility is repayable in 28 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.5 million, commencing in August 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9.5 million payable together with the last installment in May 2023. We drew down $23.2 million under the NORD/LB Facility on May 13, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of the M/T Stenaweco Excellence. The NORD/LB Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.43% (see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Long term debt.").
On May 16, 2017 NORD/LB by way of a supplemental agreement provided a waiver until December 31, 2017 for the breach of the loan covenant that requires that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis to maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 20% of our issued and outstanding common shares. In addition NORD/LB agreed to reduce the abovementioned minimum percentage to 10%. In January 8, 2018 NORD/LB agreed to replace said covenant with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of our share capital, without NORD/LB’s prior written approval.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125% for the first three years and 143% thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on us and our shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees. It also restricts us and our shipowning company from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:

·
First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Excellence;

·
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;

·
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;

·
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The outstanding balance of the NORD/LB Facility was $18.1 million as of December 31, 2018 (excluding deferred finance fees).
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c)
Alpha Bank Facility
On July 20, 2016, Eco Seven that was later acquired by us entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank S.A. of Greece (“Alpha Bank”) for $23.4 million ("the Alpha Bank facility") for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Elegance. The credit facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.4 million and 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.3 million, commencing in May 2017, plus a balloon installment of $12.5 million payable together with the last installment in February 2025. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%.
We drew down $23.4 million under the Alpha Bank facility on February 24, 2017 to finance the last shipyard installment of the M/T Stenaweco Elegance.
On August 1, 2017, Alpha Bank by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 40% of our issued and outstanding common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of our share capital, without Alpha Bank’s prior written approval.
The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75%, (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel, (iv) EBITDA is required to be greater than 120% of fixed charges and (v) market value adjusted net worth is required to be greater than or equal to $20.0 million. It also restricts the shipowning company from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.
The facility is secured as follows:

·
First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Elegance;

·
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;

·
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;

·
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
The outstanding balance of the Alpha Bank Facility was $20.6 million as of December 31, 2018 (excluding deferred finance fees).

d)
AT Bank Senior Facility
On September 5, 2017, we entered into a credit facility with Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V. of Holland (“AT Bank”) for $23.5 million to fund the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the "AT Bank Senior Facility"), delivered on September 7, 2018. This facility is repayable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $0.3 million, commencing three months from draw down, and a balloon payment of $17.0 million payable together with the last installment. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.00% and a commitment fee of 2% per annum was payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. On June 1, 2018 we signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease of the commitment fee from 2% to 1.3%, effective from March 6, 2018.
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The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 115% for the first year, 120% for the second year, 125% for the third year and 140% thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and paying dividends.
The facility is secured as follows:

·
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Palm Desert;

·
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;

·
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;

·
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.
As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the AT Bank Senior Facility is $23.2 million.

e)
AT Bank Predelivery Facility
On September 5, 2017, we entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $9.0 million for the pre-delivery financing of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the “AT Bank Predelivery Facility”). This facility was drawn down in five tranches and financed in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco Palm Desert due for payment between August 2017 and May 2018. The facility was repaid from the proceeds of the AT Bank Senior Facility on September 4, 2018.
The facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 8.50% and a commitment fee of 4.25% per annum was payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. On June 1, 2018 we signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease of the loan margin to 6.3% from 8.5% and in the decrease of the commitment fee from 4.25% to 0%, effective from March 6, 2018.
The facility contained various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per collateralized vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contained restrictions on the subsidiary that owned the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
The facility was secured as follows:

·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Palm Desert;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
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f)
AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility
On June 1, 2018, we entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $10.1 million for the pre-delivery financing of M/T Eco California (the "AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility"). This facility could be drawn down in five tranches to finance in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018.  The facility was repaid on January 28, 2019, from the proceeds of the AT Bank Bridge Facility.
The facility contains various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of our fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
The facility is secured as follows:


·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco California;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 6.3% (reduced to 6% from September 2018 onwards). The facility bears no commitment fee. We have drawn down the full amount of the facility to finance in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018 and as of December 31, 2018 the outstanding balance of the facility is $10.1 million.

g)
Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility
On July 11, 2018, we entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank for $10.1 million for the pre-delivery financing of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. This facility can be drawn down in five tranches to finance in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray due between July 2018 and February 2019. The facility is repayable on delivery of the vessel in March 2019.
The facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends if the latter would result in an event of default.
The facility is secured as follows:

·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;
The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.25% and a commitment fee of 1% per annum is payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. We drew down $1.7 million and another $1.7 million under the facility in July and October 2018 respectively, to finance two shipyard installments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. As of December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility is $3.4 million.
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h)
Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility
On December 23, 2015, we entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading Inc. (“Family Trading” and "the Family Trading facility"), a related party owned by the Lax Trust, for up to $15.0 million to be used to fund our newbuilding program and working capital relating to our operating vessels. This facility was repayable in cash no later than December 31, 2016, but we had the option to extend the facility's repayment up to December 31, 2017. On December 28, 2016 the maturity of the Family Trading facility was extended to January 31, 2017 and on January 27, 2017 the maturity of the Family Trading loan was extended to February 28, 2017 with all terms remaining the same.
On February 21, 2017, we amended and restated the Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended Family Trading Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, remove any limitation in the use of funds drawn down under the facility, reduce the mandatory cash payment due under the facility when we raise capital through the issuance of certain securities, remove the revolving feature of the facility, extend the facility for up to three years and give Family Trading the option to get repaid for any amounts outstanding under the facility in cash or in our common shares. Additionally, the interest rate of the facility increased to 10% (from 9%) and the commitment fee decreased to 2.5% (from 5%). Subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the terms of the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility, the number of common shares to be issued as repayment of the amounts outstanding under the facility will be calculated by dividing the amount redeemed by 80% of the lowest daily Volume-Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of our common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market during the twenty consecutive trading days ending on the trading day prior to the payment date (the "Applicable Price"), provided, however, that at no time shall the Applicable Price be lower than $0.60 per common share (the "Floor Price").
Further, in the case where we raise capital (whether publicly or privately) and the Applicable Price is higher than the lowest of (henceforth the "Issuance Price"):
a. the price per share issued upon an equity offering;
b. the exercise price of warrants or options for common shares;
c. the conversion price of any convertible security into common shares; or
d. the implied exchange price of the common shares pursuant to an asset to equity or liability to equity swap,
then the Applicable Price will be reduced to the Issuance Price. Finally, in case the Applicable Price is higher than the exercise price of our warrants, the Applicable Price will be reduced to the exercise price of such outstanding warrants.
On September 27, 2018, we amended the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2019, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $20.0 million, increase the interest rate to 12%, reduce the commitment fee to 2% and increase the arrangement fee to 5%. On October 30, 2018, we entered into an addendum to the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility in order to, among other things, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $25.0 million. On December 31, 2018 we entered into another addendum to the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2025, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $30.0 million, increase the interest rate to 15% and apply the current arrangement fee rate to the whole principal of the loan.
As of December 31, 2017 and 2018, the outstanding amount under the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility is $0 and $24.7 million, respectively. During 2018 we have drawn $26.2 million and repaid $1.5 million under the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility. As of December 31, 2018 the facility has an undrawn balance of $4.1 million. (Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.")
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i)
Unsecured Promissory Notes
In 2017, we issued unsecured promissory notes to Kalani, Xanthe and Crede.  For more information, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company" and Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt.".
As of the December 31. 2018, we are in compliance with all debt covenants with respect to our loans and credit facilities.
Operating Leases
M/T's Stenaweco Energy and Stenaweco Evolution
On January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015, we sold and leased back M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution, respectively. The sale and leaseback agreements (“SLBs”) were entered into with a non-related party and generated gross proceeds of $57 million. The vessels have been chartered back on a bareboat basis for seven years at a rate of $8,586 per day and $8,625 per day, respectively. In addition, we have the option to buy back each vessel from the end of year three up to the end of year seven at a purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when each option is exercised.
The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. Finally, as a consequence of the SLBs, we must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75% and maintain minimum free liquidity of $0.75 million per owned vessel and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in vessel. As of December 31, 2018, we are in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio and the minimum free liquidity covenants.
We have treated each sale and leaseback of the abovementioned vessels as an operating lease (please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 6—Leases.").
Future minimum lease payments:
Our future minimum operating lease payments required to be made, relating to the bareboat chartered-in vessels at December 31, 2018, are as follows:
Year ending December 31,
 
$ millions
 
2019
   
6.3
 
2020
   
6.3
 
2021
   
6.3
 
2022
   
1.0
 
Total
   
19.9
 

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Financing Commitments under Sale and Leaseback Arrangements
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray
On June 29, 2018 we entered into an SLB and a 5 year time charter with Cargill International SA of USA (“Cargill”) for M/T Eco Marina Del Ray (Hull No 8242). Consummation of the SLB took place on the vessel’s delivery date on March 13, 2019. Following the sale, we bareboat chartered back the vessel at a bareboat hire of $8,600 per day and put it on a five year time charter with Cargill. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options to buy back the vessel during the whole five year sale and leaseback period at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised and at the end of the five year period we have to buy it back for $22.7 million. The gross proceeds from the sale amount were $32.4 million.
The abovementioned SLB contains, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. The SLB with Cargill will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with us and the vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition we have an obligation to repurchase the vessel.
M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California
On December 21, 2018 we entered into an SLB with Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co. Ltd of China (“BoComm Leasing”) for M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California (Hull No 8218). Consummation of the SLB took place on January 17, 2019 for M/T Nord Valiant and on January 31, 2019 M/T Eco California. Following the sale, we have bareboat chartered back M/T Nord Valiant for five years and M/T Eco California for seven years at a bareboat hire of $5,875 per day and $6,550 per day respectively. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale are $21.7 million for M/T Nord Valiant and $24.1 million for M/T Eco California.

The abovementioned SLBs contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. The SLB with BoComm Leasing will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with us and M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition we have continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.
M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills
On December 3, 2018 we entered into an SLB with China Merchants Bank Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. of China (“CMBFL”) for M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874) and M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875). Consummation of the SLB is expected to take place on the vessel’s delivery date currently planned for April and May 2019 respectively. Following the sale, we will bareboat charter back the vessels for a period of seven years at a bareboat hire of $16,361 per day per vessel. As part of this transaction, we have continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale will be $91.4 million for both vessels.
The abovementioned SLBs contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. Finally, as a consequence of the SLBs, we must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75% and maintain minimum free liquidity of $1.0 million per Suezmax vessel, $0.75 million per owned MR tanker and $0.5 million per bareboated chartered-in MR tanker. The SLB with CMBLF will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with us and M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition we have continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.
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C.
Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
Not applicable.
D.
Trend Information
For industry trends, refer to industry disclosure under "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview."
E.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
None.
F.
Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual obligations and their maturity dates as of December 31, 2018 in millions of U.S. dollars:
 
       
Payments due by period
 
 
               
1-3
     
3-5
   
More than
 
Contractual Obligations:
 
Total
   
Less than 1 year
   
years
   
years
   
5 years
 
 
                                 
     (i) Long term debt A
 
$
138.9
   
$
10.7
   
$
30.7
   
$
58.7
   
$
38.8
 
     (ii) Interest B
 
$
49.1
   
$
10.3
   
$
18.4
   
$
12.2
   
$
8.2
 
     (i) Short term debt C
 
$
13.5
   
$
13.5
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
 
     (ii) Interest D
 
$
1.0
   
$
1.0
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
 
Operating leases E
 
$
19.9
   
$
6.3
   
$
12.6
   
$
1.0
   
$
0.0
 
Vessel Management Fees to CSM F
 
$
0.9
   
$
0.9
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
 
Vessel acquisitions G
 
$
147.6
   
$
147.6
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
   
$
0.0
 
Total
 
$
370.6
   
$
190.0
   
$
61.7
   
$
71.9
   
$
47.0
 

A.
Relates to the principal repayments of our Long term debt (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities").
B.
Relates to estimated interest payments of our Long term debt, based on our average outstanding debt. In the cases there are no Interest Rate Swap agreements in place, we have assumed a LIBOR of 3.5% going forward (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities" and "Item 11. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk—Interest Rate Risk").
C.
Relates to the repayment of  our Short term debt.  (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities").
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D.
Relates to estimated interest payments of our Short term debt. (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities").
E.
Relates to the bareboat hire payable for M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution.
F.
Relates to our obligation for monthly management fees under our letter agreement with CSM for all the vessels in our fleet. These fees also cover the provision of services rendered in relation to the maintenance of proper books and records, services in relation to financial reporting requirements under SEC and NASDAQ rules as well as newbuilding supervision services. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
G.
Relates to the remaining installments for the acquisition of our four newbuilding vessels in 2019. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Newbuilding Acquisitions".

The above table does not include the financing commitments under sale lease back arrangements  relating to the bareboat hire payments for vessels under construction as of December 31, 2018, as these obligations are conditional to the consummation of the sale and leaseback arrangements, on the delivery of vessels which are expected within 2019 (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources— Financing Commitments under Sale and Leaseback Arrangements ").
Other Contractual Obligations:
We have entered into separate agreements with Central Mare, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, pursuant to which Central Mare furnishes our four executive officers. These agreements were entered into following the termination of prior employment agreements. Please see "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements."
Other major capital expenditures will include funding the maintenance program of regularly scheduled intermediate survey or special survey dry-docking necessary to preserve the quality of our vessels and chartered in vessels, as well as to comply with international shipping standards and environmental laws and regulations. Although we have some flexibility regarding the timing of this maintenance, the costs are relatively predictable. Vessels are younger than 15 years are required to undergo in-water intermediate surveys 2.5 years after a special survey dry-docking and that such vessels are to be dry-docked every five years. Vessels 15 years or older are required to undergo drydock intermediate survey every 2.5 years and not use in-water surveys for this purpose.
G.
Safe Harbor
Forward-looking information discussed in Item 5 includes assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events. These statements are intended as "forward-looking statements." We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may and often do vary from actual results and the differences can be material. Please see "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" in this annual report.
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ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Senior Management
Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of our directors, executive officers and key employees. Members of our Board of Directors are elected annually on a staggered basis and each director elected holds office for a three-year term.
Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our Board of Directors and hold office until a successor is elected.
Name
 
Age
 
Position
Evangelos J. Pistiolis
   
46
 
Director, President, Chief Executive Officer
Alexandros Tsirikos
   
45
 
Director, Chief Financial Officer
Konstantinos Patis
   
45
 
Chief Technical Officer
Vangelis G. Ikonomou
   
54
 
Chief Operating Officer
Konstantinos Karelas
   
46
 
Independent Non-Executive Director
Stavros Emmanuel
   
76
 
Independent Non-Executive Director
Paolo Javarone
   
45
 
Independent Non-Executive Director
Biographical information with respect to each of our directors and executives is set forth below.
Evangelos J. Pistiolis founded our Company in 2000, is our President and Chief Executive Officer, and has served on our Board of Directors since July 2004. Mr. Pistiolis graduated from Southampton Institute of Higher Education in 1999, where he studied shipping operations and from Technical University of Munich in 1994 with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. His career in shipping started in 1992 when he was involved with the day-to-day operations of a small fleet of drybulk vessels. From 1994 through 1995, he worked at Howe Robinson & Co. Ltd., a London shipbroker specializing in container vessels. While studying at the Southampton Institute of Higher Education, Mr. Pistiolis oversaw the daily operations of Compass United Maritime Container Vessels, a ship management company located in Greece.
Alexandros Tsirikos has served as our Chief Financial Officer since April 1, 2009. Mr. Tsirikos is a U.K. qualified Chartered Accountant (ACA) and has been employed with TOP Ships Inc. since July 2007 as our Corporate Development Officer. Prior to joining TOP Ships Inc., Mr. Tsirikos was a manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, where he worked as a member of the PwC Advisory team and the PwC Assurance team, thereby drawing experience both from consulting as well as auditing. As a member of PwC's Advisory team, he led and participated in numerous projects in the public and the private sectors, including strategic planning and business modeling, investment analysis and appraisal, feasibility studies, costing and project management. As a member of the PwC's Assurance team, Mr. Tsirikos was part of the International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, technical team of PwC Greece and lead numerous IFRS conversion projects for listed companies. He holds a Master's of Science in Shipping Trade and Finance from City University of London and a bachelor's degree with honors in Business Administration from Boston University in the United States. He speaks English, French and Greek.
Konstantinos Patis has served as our Chief Technical Officer since January 2018. Mr. Patis holds a Master's of Science and a Bachelor's degree, both in Marine Engineering from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK, as well as a Bachelor's degree in Naval Architecture from the Technological Educational Institute of Athens, in Greece. He started his carrier in 1997 acting as a Superintendent Engineer, thereafter as Fleet Manager and from 2014 as Technical Manager in various ship management companies in Greece, like Cyprus Sea Lines, Technomar Shipping, Aeolian Investments, Arion Shipping operating diverse fleets of Tankers, Bulk Carriers and Containers and was involved in the technical supervision, repairs, dry docks and construction of new projects.
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Vangelis G. Ikonomou is our Chief Operating Officer. Prior to joining us, Mr. Ikonomou was the Commercial Director of Primal Tankers Inc. From 2000 to 2002, Mr. Ikonomou worked with George Moundreas & Company S.A. where he was responsible for the purchase and sale of second-hand vessels and initiated and developed a shipping industry research department. Mr. Ikonomou worked, from 1993 to 2000, for Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd., a ship management company in Greece, in the commercial as well as the safety and quality departments. Mr. Ikonomou holds a Master's degree in Shipping Trade and Finance from the City University Business School in London, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Athens in Greece and a Navigation Officer Degree from the Higher State Merchant Marine Academy in Greece.

Konstantinos Karelas has served on our Board of Directors and has been member of the Audit Committee since April 2014. Since 2008, Mr. Karelas has served as the President and CEO of Europe Cold Storages SA, one of the leading companies in the field of refrigeration logistics.

Stavros Emmanuel has served on our Board of Directors since December 31, 2017 and has been member of the Audit Committee since December 2018. Captain Stavros Emmanuel has 47 years of experience in the shipping industry and expertise in operation and chartering matters. He obtained a Naval Officers degree from ASDEN Nautical Academy of Aspropyrgos, Greece and earned a Master Mariners degree in 1971. He has worked in various management capacities at Compass United Maritime and Primal Tankers Inc. From 2004 to 2009 he was our the Chief Operating Officer. After leaving us, Captain Stavros Emmanuel has been an independent advisor to various shipping companies.
Paolo Javarone has served on our Board of Directors since September 1, 2014. Mr. Javarone is a member of the Italian Shipbrokers Association. From 2015, Mr. Javarone has been working for Shipping 360 Ltd, a boutique shipbroking company with offices in London and Monaco and before that he has been working since 2000 for Sernavimar S.R.L., one of the most reputable shipbroking houses in Italy, which cooperates with many of the oil major companies and trading associations of the industry. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Javarone worked for Genoa Sea Brokers in the tanker wing of the company specializing in clean petroleum products and edible markets. Previously, Mr. Javarone worked for S.a.n.a. Eur, a company based in Rome Italy, where he was tasked with supplying energy and offshore supply. Before S.a.n.a., Mr. Javarone worked for Sidermar di Navigazione S.P.A. in the dry cargo field. Mr. Javarone holds a Shipbroker degree from National Agents Association Shipbroking School in Italy and a degree in Shipping Economics and Law from Nautical Maritime School in Italy.
B. Compensation
On September 1, 2010, we entered into separate agreements with Central Mare, pursuant to which Central Mare furnishes our four executive officers as described below. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, we paid to the members of our senior management and to our director's aggregate compensation of $4.7 million. We do not have a retirement plan for our officers or directors.
Under the terms of the agreement for the provision of our Chief Executive Officer, we are obligated to pay annual base. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2014 and is automatically extended for successive one-year terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable term.
If our Chief Executive Officer's employment is terminated without cause, he is entitled to certain personal and household security costs. If he is removed from our Board of Directors or not re-elected, then his employment terminates automatically without prejudice to Central Mare's rights to pursue damages for such termination. In the event of a change of control, the Chief Executive Officer is entitled to receive a cash payment of ten million Euros. The agreement also contains death and disability provisions. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation undertakings.
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Under the terms of the agreement for the provision of our Chief Operating Officer, we are obligated to pay annual base salary and additional incentive compensation as determined by our Board of Directors. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2011 and is automatically extended for successive one-year terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable term. In the event of a change of control, he is entitled to receive a cash payment of three years' annual base salary. The agreement also contains death and disability provisions. In addition, our Chief Operating Officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation undertakings.
Under the terms of the agreement for the provision of our Chief Financial Officer, we are obligated to pay annual base salary. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2012, and is automatically extended for successive one-year terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable term.
If our Chief Financial Officer is removed from our Board of Directors or not re-elected, then his employment terminates automatically without prejudice to Central Mare's rights to pursue damages for such termination. In the event of a change of control, our Chief Financial Officer is entitled to receive a cash payment equal to three years' annual base salary. The agreement also contains death and disability provisions. In addition, our Chief Financial Officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation undertakings.
Under the terms of our agreement for the provision of our Chief Technical Officer, we are obligated to pay annual base salary. The initial term of the agreement expired on August 31, 2011, however the agreement is being automatically extended for successive one-year terms unless Central Mare or we provide notice of non-renewal at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the then applicable term. In the event of a change of control, the Chief Technical Officer is entitled to receive a cash payment equal to three years' annual base salary. In addition, our Chief Technical Officer is subject to non-competition and non-solicitation undertakings.
Equity Incentive Plan
On April 15, 2015, our Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Plan, under which our directors, officers, key employees as well as consultants and service providers may be granted non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock and other-equity based-related awards. A total of 1 common share was reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan, which is administered by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors.
On April 15, 2015, we granted 1 restricted share to Central Mare under the 2015 Plan. The share will vest equally over a period of eight years from the date of grant. The fair value of each share on the grant date was $1,962,000.
On June 30, 2015, one/eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was $1,854,000.
On June 30, 2016, one/eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was $304,200.
On June 30, 2017, one /eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was $252.
On June 30, 2018, one /eighth share of the 2015 Plan vested. The fair value of the share on the vesting date was $0.95.
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C. Board Practices
Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes. Members of our Board of Directors are elected annually on a staggered basis, and each director elected holds office for a three-year term. We currently have two executive directors and three independent non-executive directors. The term of our Class I directors, Stavros Emmanuel and Evangelos J. Pistiolis expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2020. The term of our Class II directors, Paolo Javarone and Konstantinos Karelas, expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2021. The term of our Class III director, Alexandros Tsirikos, expires at the annual general meeting of shareholders in 2019.
Committees of our Board of Directors
We currently have an audit committee composed of three independent members, who are responsible for reviewing our accounting controls and recommending to our Board of Directors, the engagement of our outside auditors. Konstantinos Karelas, Paolo Javarone and Stavros Emmanuel (Chairman), whose biographical details are included in Item 6 of this Annual Report, are the members of the audit committee, and our Board of Directors has determined that they are independent under the Nasdaq corporate governance rules.
Our compensation committee and nominating and governance committees are currently composed of the following three members: Konstantinos Karelas, Paolo Javarone and Stavros Emmanuel. The compensation committee carries out our Board of Directors' responsibilities relating to compensation of our executive and non-executive officers and provides such other guidance with respect to compensation matters as the committee deems appropriate. The nominating and governance committee assists our Board of Directors in: (i) identifying, evaluating and making recommendations to our Board of Directors concerning individuals for selections as director nominees for the next annual meeting of stockholders or to otherwise fill vacancies on our Board of Directors; (ii) developing and recommending to our Board of Directors a set of corporate governance guidelines and principles applicable to us; and (iii) reviewing our overall corporate governance and recommending improvements to our Board of Directors from time to time.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from certain Nasdaq requirements that are applicable to U.S. domestic companies. For a listing and further discussion of how our corporate governance practices differ from those required of U.S. companies listed on Nasdaq, please see Item 16G of this Annual Report.
D. Employees
We have only one direct employee while our four executive officers and a number of administrative employees are furnished to us pursuant to agreements with Central Mare, as described above. Our Fleet Manager ensures that all seamen have the qualifications and licenses required to comply with international regulations and shipping conventions, and that our vessels employ experienced and competent personnel. As of December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, we employed 131, 154 and 173 sea going employees, indirectly through our sub-managers.
E. 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—B. Related Party Transactions."
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ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. Major Shareholders
The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common shares, as of March 26, 2019, held by: (i) each person or entity that we know beneficially owns 5% or more of our common stock and (ii) all our executive officers, directors and key employees as a group. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the SEC's rules. In computing percentage ownership of each person, common shares subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable or convertible within 60 days are deemed to be beneficially owned by that person. These shares, however, are not deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. All of the shareholders, including the shareholders listed in this table, are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

  Number of Shares Owned
 
Percent of Class
 
Lax Trust (1)
     
46,427,516
     
65.0
%

_________
(1)
The above information is derived, in part, from the Schedule 13D/A filed with the SEC on March 12, 2019. The Lax Trust is an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, our President, Chief Executive Officer and Director. The business address of the Lax Trust is Level 3, 18 Stanley Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand. The above percentage ownership is based on 71,391,967 common shares outstanding, which is calculated for this Schedule 13D/A purposes by taking the sum of (i) 24,964,467 common shares outstanding, (ii) 5,187,500 common shares issuable upon the exercise of all of the 1,250,000 2014 Warrants currently held by Race Navigation and (iii) 41,240,000 common shares issuable upon the conversion of $24.7 million of outstanding debt held by Family Trading Inc. under the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility, all figures being as of March 12, 2019. The Lax Trust may also be deemed to hold all of the 100,000 outstanding shares of our Series D Preferred Stock.  Each Series D Preferred Share carries 1,000 votes.  By its ownership of 100% of our Series D Preferred Shares, Lax Trust has control over our actions.
As of March 26, 2019, we had 5 shareholders of record, 2 of which was located in the United States and held an aggregate of 24,964,462.000 shares of our common stock, representing 99.99998% of our outstanding shares of common stock. However, the U.S. shareholder of record is Cede & Co., which held shares of our common stock. We believe that the shares held by Cede & Co. include shares of common stock beneficially owned by both holders in the United States and non-U.S. beneficial owners. We are not aware of any arrangements the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in our change of control.
B. Related Party Transactions
Please see "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 5—Transactions with Related Parties."
Newbuilding Acquisitions
Between February 2018 and January 2019, we entered into a series of transactions regarding the purchase of our newbuilding and joint venture vessels. For more information, please see "Item 4. Information on the Company—A. History and Development of the Company—Recent Developments."
Central Mare Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements:
On September 1, 2010, we entered into separate agreements with Central Mare pursuant to which Central Mare furnishes our executive officers to us. On January 1st 2019 Central Mare reduced the fees we pay for the provision of our executive officers to $0.03 million per month.
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Central Shipping Monaco Letter Agreement, Management Agreements, and Other Agreements
On March 10, 2014, we entered into (i) a letter agreement, or the Letter Agreement, with CSM, a related party affiliated with the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis and (ii) management agreements between CSM and our vessel-owning subsidiaries.
The Letter Agreement can only be terminated on eighteen months' notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve months of fees payable under the Letter Agreement. Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, as well as management agreements between CSM and our vessel-owning subsidiaries, from March 10, 2018 we pay a technical management fee of $595 per day per vessel for the provision of technical, operation, insurance, bunkering and crew management, commencing three months before the vessel is scheduled to be delivered by the shipyard and a commercial management fee of $328 per day per vessel, commencing from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard. In addition, the management agreements provide for payment to CSM of: (i) $541 per day for superintendent visits plus actual expenses; (ii) a chartering commission of 1.25% on all freight, hire and demurrage revenues; (iii) a commission of 1.00% of all gross sale proceeds or the purchase price paid for vessels and (iv) a commission of 0.2% on derivative agreements and loan financing or refinancing. CSM will also perform supervision services for all of our newbuilding vessels while the vessels are under construction, for which we will pay CSM the actual cost of the supervision services plus a fee of 7% of such supervision services.
CSM provides at cost, all accounting, reporting and administrative services.
The Letter Agreement and the management agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will continue to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen-month advance notice of termination.
Pursuant to the terms of the management agreements, all fees payable to CSM are adjusted annually according to the U.S. Consumer Price Inflation of the previous year.
Central Shipping Inc New Letter Agreement and Management Agreements
On January 1, 2019, we terminated the Letter Agreement with Central Shipping Monaco without incurring any penalties and on the same date we entered into a new letter agreement, or the New Letter Agreement, with Central Shipping Inc (“CSI”), a related party controlled by the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, and on the same date we entered into management agreements between CSI and its vessel-owning subsidiaries.

The New Letter Agreement can only be terminated on eighteen months’ notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve months of fees payable under the New Letter Agreement.

Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, management fees remain the same except for the fact that the technical and the commercial management fees have been consolidated into one daily management fee and this has been reduced from $923 to $550 per day. Furthermore the fee per day for superintendent visits has been reduced from $541 to $500.

The New Letter Agreement and the management agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will continue to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen month advance notice of termination.

Family Trading facility and assumption of liabilities
On October 1, 2010, we entered into a bareboat charter agreement to lease the vessel M/T Delos until September 30, 2015 for a variable rate per year. On October 15, 2011, we terminated the bareboat charter agreement resulting in a termination fee of $5.8 million ("the Delos Termination Fee") that remained outstanding until December 31, 2012. On January 1, 2013, we entered into an agreement with the owner of M/T Delos for the repayment of the remaining balances of the Delos Termination Fee. On December 10, 2015, the owner of M/T Delos notified us that the outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee was immediately due and payable, since we had been delaying the installments as per the agreed repayment schedule. On January 12, 2016, Family Trading, a related party owned by the Lax Trust, assumed the outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee that amounted to $3.8 million (the "Family Trading transaction"). As consideration for the assumption of this liability, Family Trading on January 12, 2016 received 7 of our common shares. This transaction was approved by a special committee of our independent directors. Furthermore on December 23, 2015 we entered into an agreement for an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading for up to $15 million to be used to fund our newbuilding program and working capital relating to our operating vessels. As of the date of this annual report there have been various amendments and addendums to the Family Trading facility (see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities.").
Charter Party with Central Tankers Chartering Inc
On September 1, 2017 we entered into a time charter party with Central Tankers Chartering Inc (“Central Tankers Chartering”), a related party affiliated with the family of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, for the vessel M/T Eco Palm Desert. The time charter is for a firm period of three years at a daily rate of $14,750 with two optional years at daily rates of $15,250 and $15,750 respectively, at Central Tankers Chartering’s option.
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C. Interests of Experts and Counsel
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See "Item 18—Financial Statements."
Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. We expect that these claims would be covered by insurance, subject to customary deductibles. Those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources.
On August 1, 2017, we received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting certain documents and information in connection with offerings made by us between February 2017 and August 2017. We provided the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. On September 26, 2018 and on October 5, 2018 we received two additional subpoenas from the SEC requesting certain documents and information in connection with the previous subpoena we received on August 1, 2017. We are providing the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. The SEC investigation is ongoing and we continue to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation. We are unable to predict what action, if any, might be taken by the SEC or its staff as a result of this investigation or what impact, if any, the cost of responding to the SEC’s investigation or its ultimate outcome might have on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
On August 23, 2017, a purported securities class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (No. 2:17-cv-04987(JFB)(SIL)) by Christopher Brady on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated against (among other defendants) us and two of our executive officers. The complaint is brought on behalf of an alleged class of those who purchased our common stock between January 17, 2017 and August 22, 2017, and alleges that we and two of our executive officers violated Sections 9, 10(b) and/or 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. On August 24, 2017, a second purported securities class action complaint was filed in the same court against the same defendants (No. 2:17-cv-05016 (JFB)(SIL)) which makes similar allegations and purports to allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.  By order dated July 20, 2018, the court consolidated the two actions under docket no. 2:17-cv-04987 and appointed lead plaintiffs for the consolidated action. On September 18, 2018 the lead plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The amended complaint purports to be brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased our common stock between November 23, 2016 and April 3, 2018, makes allegations similar to those made in the original complaints, seeks similar reliefs as the original actions, and alleges that some or all the defendants violated sections 9, 10(b), 20(a), and/or 20A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. All defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint on March 25, 2019.  Plaintiffs’ oppositions to the motions to dismiss are due on May 24, 2019, and Defendants’ replies in further support of the motions to dismiss are due on June 28, 2019. By letter dated January 2, 2019, certain co-defendants in the class action litigation (Kalani Investments Ltd. (“Kalani”), Murchinson Ltd. and Marc Bistricer) requested that we indemnify and hold them harmless against all losses, including reasonable costs of defense, arising from the litigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement between us and Kalani. We acknowledged receipt of this indemnification request by letter dated February 20, 2019, and reserved all of our rights. We and our management believe that the allegations in the complaints are without merit and plan to vigorously defend against the allegations.
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Dividend Distribution Policy
The declaration and payment of any future special dividends shall remain subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and shall be based on general market and other conditions including our earnings, financial strength and cash requirements and availability. Further, pursuant to the AT Bank Bridge Facility we cannot pay any dividends to any class of our common stock until the facility is fully repaid (the facility matures in March 31, 2020).
B. Significant Changes
All significant changes have been included in the relevant sections.
ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING.
Not applicable except for Item 9.A.4. and Item 9.C.
Share History and Markets
Since July 23, 2004, the primary trading market for our common shares has been Nasdaq on which our shares are now listed under the symbol "TOPS."
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Purpose
Our purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA. Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws, as further amended, do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our shareholders.
Authorized Capitalization
Our authorized capital stock consists of 1,000,000,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which 24,964,467 shares were issued and outstanding as of March 26, 2019 and 20,000,000 preferred shares with par value of $0.01 and 100,000 Series D Preferred Shares are issued and outstanding as of March 26,, 2019. Our Board of Directors has the authority to establish such series of preferred stock and with such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or special rights and qualifications, limitations or restrictions as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such preferred stock.
On September 14, 2016, we declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding common share and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in a Stockholders Rights Agreement dated as of September 22, 2016, by and between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as rights agent (now taken over by our new transfer agent, AST), described below under the section entitled "—Stockholders Rights Agreement". In connection with the Stockholders Rights Agreement, we designated 1,000,000 shares as Series A Participating Preferred Stock, none of which are outstanding as of the date of this annual report.
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As of March 26,, 2019, there were also (i) 1,976,389  2014 Warrants outstanding, with each warrant currently having an exercise price of $0.70 per common share and entitling its holder to purchase 3.56 common shares, as may be further adjusted. Pursuant to the terms of the 2014 Warrants, holders have the right, but not the obligation, to, in any exercise of 2014 Warrants, to use the Conversion Ratio and purchase such proportionate number of common shares based on the variable price in effect on the date of exercise.  If using the Conversion Ratio, as of March 26, 2019, each 2014 Warrant has an exercise price of $0.61 per common share and entitles its holder to purchase 4.09 common shares, as may be further adjusted. The Conversion Ratio is subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the Series C Statement of Designation. For more information, please see the Series C Statement of Designation, which was filed as an exhibit to our Current Report on Form 6-K with the SEC on February 21, 2017.
Description of Common Shares
Each outstanding common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred shares, holders of common shares are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of our preferred shares having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common shares will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of our common shares do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares that we may issue in the future.
Description of Preferred Shares
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to establish one or more series of preferred shares and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred shares, the terms and rights of that series, including the designation of the series, the number of shares of the series, the preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series, and the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.
Description of Series B Convertible Preferred Shares
On November 22, 2016, we completed a private placement of up to 3,160 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares for an aggregate principal amount of up to $3.0 million. The Selling Securityholder purchased 1,579 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares at the initial closing of the Transaction and 527 Series B Convertible Preferred Shares on November 28, 2016 for a total of $2.0 million. The Selling Securityholder waived the right to purchase any additional Series B Preferred Shares. The description of the Series B Preferred Shares is incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form F-3 (333-215577). The description of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Securities Purchase Agreement, Certificate of Designation of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares and Registration Rights Agreement entered into in connection with the private placement. Copies of the Securities Purchase Agreement, Certificate of Designation of the Series B Convertible Preferred Shares and Registration Rights Agreement have been filed as exhibits to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on November 23, 2016. The waiver agreement was filed as an exhibit to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on January 10, 2017. As of August 15, 2017, we have issued 18,026 common shares in connection with the conversions of all of our Series B Convertible Preferred Shares, and there are currently no Series B Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding.
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Description of Series C Convertible Preferred Shares
On February 17, 2017, we closed a private placement with a non-U.S. institutional investor for the sale of 7,500 newly issued Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, which are convertible into our common shares, for $7.5 million pursuant to a securities purchase agreement, or the Series C Transaction.  The description of the Series C Preferred Shares is incorporated by reference from our registration statement on Form F-3 (333-215577). The description of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares is subject to and qualified in its entirety by reference to the Securities Purchase Agreement and Statement of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares entered into in connection with the private placement. Copies of the Securities Purchase Agreement and Statement of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the Series C Convertible Preferred Shares have been filed as exhibits to our Report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on February 21, 2017. As of November 8, 2017, we have issued 904,646 common shares in connection with the conversions of all our Series C Convertible Preferred Shares, and there are currently no Series C Convertible Preferred Shares outstanding.
Description of Series D Preferred Shares
On May 8, 2017, we issued 100,000 shares of Series D Preferred Shares to Tankers Family Inc., a company controlled by Lax Trust, which is an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos Pistiolis, for $1,000 pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. Each Series D Preferred Share has the voting power of one thousand (1,000) common shares.
On April 21, 2017, we were informed by ABN Amro Bank that we were in breach of a loan covenant that requires that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 30% of our outstanding Common Shares. ABN Amro Bank requested that either the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest of at least 30% of the outstanding common shares or maintain a voting rights interest of above 50% in us. In order to regain compliance with the loan covenant, we issued the Series D Preferred Shares.
The Series D Preferred Stock has the following characteristics:
Conversion. The Series D Preferred Shares are not convertible into common shares.
Voting. Each Series D Preferred Share has the voting power of 1,000 common shares.
Distributions. The Series D Preferred Shares shall have no dividend or distribution rights.
Maturity.  The Series D Preferred Shares shall expire and all outstanding Series D Preferred Shares shall be redeemed by us for par value on the date the currently outstanding loans with ABN Amro Bank and NORD/LB, or loans with any other financial institution, which contain covenants that require that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, maintain a specific minimum ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies or other entities beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of our issued and outstanding common shares, respectively, are fully repaid or reach their maturity date. The Series D Preferred Shares shall not be otherwise redeemable.
Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the Series D Preferred Shares shall have a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share.
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History
Our predecessor, Ocean Holdings Inc., was formed as a corporation in January 2000 under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and renamed Top Tankers Inc. in May 2004. In December 2007, Top Tankers Inc. was renamed TOP Ships Inc. Our common shares are currently listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "TOPS."
Shareholder Meetings
Under our Amended and Restated By-Laws, annual shareholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings of the shareholders, unless otherwise prescribed by law, may be called for any purpose or purposes at any time exclusively by our Board of Directors. Notice of every annual and special meeting of shareholders shall be given at least 15 but not more than 60 days before such meeting to each shareholder of record entitled to vote thereat.
Directors
Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast at a meeting of the shareholders by the holders of shares entitled to vote in the election. Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws, as further amended, prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors.
Our Board of Directors must consist of at least one member and not more than twelve, as fixed from time to time by the vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the entire board. Each director shall be elected to serve until the third succeeding annual meeting of shareholders and until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation, removal, or the earlier termination of his term of office. Our Board of Directors has the authority to fix the amounts which shall be payable to the members of our Board of Directors, and to members of any committee, for attendance at any meeting or for services rendered to us.
Classified Board
Our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide for the division of our Board of Directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three-year terms. Approximately one-third of our Board of Directors will be elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of our company. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of our Board of Directors from removing a majority of our Board of Directors for two years.
Election and Removal
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-Laws require parties other than our Board of Directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
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Dissenters' Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including certain mergers or consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares, subject to exceptions. For example, the right of a dissenting shareholder to receive payment of the fair value of his shares is not available if for the shares of any class or series of shares, which shares at the record date fixed to determine the shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting of shareholders to act upon the agreement of merger or consolidation, were either (1) listed on a securities exchange or admitted for trading on an interdealer quotation system or (2) held of record by more than 2,000 holders. In the event of any further amendment of the articles, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange. The value of the shares of the dissenting shareholder is fixed by the court after reference, if the court so elects, to the recommendations of a court-appointed appraiser.
Shareholders' Derivative Actions
Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates. On November 20, 2014, we amended our Amended and Restated By-Laws to provide that unless we consent in writing to the selection of alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any shareholders' derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of us, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other of our employees or our shareholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the BCA, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be the High Court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, in all cases subject to the court's having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants.
Anti-takeover Provisions of our Charter Documents
Several provisions of our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-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 its best interest and (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Business Combinations

Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation include provisions which prohibit us from engaging in a business combination with an interested shareholder for a period of three years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless:

·
prior to the date of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the Board approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder;
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·
upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced;

·
at or subsequent to the date of the transaction that resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the business combination is approved by the Board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of shareholders by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested shareholder; and

·
the shareholder became an interested shareholder prior to the consummation of the initial public offering.
Limited Actions by Shareholders
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated By-Laws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or by the unanimous written consent of our shareholders.
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated By-Laws provide that only our Board of Directors may call special meetings of our shareholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting for shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our Board of Directors and shareholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.
Blank Check Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation, our Board of Directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of blank check preferred stock. Our Board of Directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or the removal of our management.
Super-majority Required for Certain Amendments to Our By-Laws
On February 28, 2007, we amended our by-laws to require that amendments to certain provisions of our by-laws may be made when approved by a vote of not less than 66 2/3% of the entire Board of Directors. These provisions that require not less than 66 2/3% vote of our Board of Directors to be amended are provisions governing: the nature of business to be transacted at our annual meetings of shareholders, the calling of special meetings by our Board of Directors, any amendment to change the number of directors constituting our Board of Directors, the method by which our Board of Directors is elected, the nomination procedures of our Board of Directors, removal of our Board of Directors and the filling of vacancies on our Board of Directors.
Stockholders Rights Agreement
On September 14, 2016, our Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right, or a Right, for each outstanding common share and adopted a shareholder rights plan, as set forth in the Stockholders Rights Agreement dated as of September 22, 2016, or the Rights Agreement, by and between us and Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (now taken over by our new transfer agent, AST), as rights agent.
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The Board adopted the Rights Agreement to protect shareholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics. In general terms, it works by imposing a significant penalty upon any person or group that acquires 15% or more of our outstanding common shares without the approval of our Board of Directors. If a shareholder's beneficial ownership of our common shares as of the time of the public announcement of the rights plan and associated dividend declaration is at or above the applicable threshold, that shareholder's then-existing ownership percentage would be grandfathered, but the rights would become exercisable if at any time after such announcement, the shareholder increases its ownership percentage by 1% or more.
The Rights may have anti-takeover effects. The Rights will cause substantial dilution to any person or group that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our Board of Directors. As a result, the overall effect of the Rights may be to render more difficult or discourage any attempt to acquire us. Because our Board of Directors can approve a redemption of the Rights for a permitted offer, the Rights should not interfere with a merger or other business combination approved by our Board.
For those interested in the specific terms of the Rights Agreement, we provide the following summary description. Please note, however, that this description is only a summary, and is not complete, and should be read together with the entire Rights Agreement, which is an exhibit to the Form 8-A filed by us on September 22, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the Rights Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibit.
The Rights. The Rights trade with, and are inseparable from, our common shares. The Rights are evidenced only by certificates that represent our common shares. New Rights will accompany any new of our common shares issued after October 5, 2016 until the Distribution Date described below.
Exercise Price. Each Right allows its holder to purchase from us one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Participating Preferred Stock, or a Series A Preferred Share, for $50.00, or the Exercise Price, once the Rights become exercisable. This portion of a Series A Preferred Share will give the shareholder approximately the same dividend, voting and liquidation rights as would one common share. Prior to exercise, the Right does not give its holder any dividend, voting, or liquidation rights.
Exercisability. The Rights are not exercisable until ten days after the public announcement that a person or group has become an "Acquiring Person" by obtaining beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our outstanding common shares.
Certain synthetic interests in securities created by derivative positions—whether or not such interests are considered to be ownership of the underlying common shares or are reportable for purposes of Regulation 13D of the Exchange Act—are treated as beneficial ownership of the number of our common shares equivalent to the economic exposure created by the derivative position, to the extent our actual common shares are directly or indirectly held by counterparties to the derivatives contracts. Swaps dealers unassociated with any control intent or intent to evade the purposes of the Rights Agreement are excepted from such imputed beneficial ownership.
For persons who, prior to the time of public announcement of the Rights Agreement, beneficially own 15% or more of our outstanding common shares, the Rights Agreement "grandfathers" their current level of ownership, so long as they do not purchase additional shares in excess of certain limitations.
The date when the Rights become exercisable is the "Distribution Date." Until that date, our common share certificates (or, in the case of uncertificated shares, by notations in the book-entry account system) will also evidence the Rights, and any transfer of our common shares will constitute a transfer of Rights. After that date, the Rights will separate from our common shares and will be evidenced by book-entry credits or by Rights certificates that we will mail to all eligible holders of our common shares. Any Rights held by an Acquiring Person are null and void and may not be exercised.
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Series A Preferred Share Provisions
Each one one-thousandth of a Series A Preferred Share, if issued, will, among other things:

·
not be redeemable;

·
entitle holders to quarterly dividend payments in an amount per share equal to the aggregate per share amount of all cash dividends, and the aggregate per share amount (payable in kind) of all non-cash dividends or other distributions other than a dividend payable in our common shares or a subdivision of the our outstanding common shares (by reclassification or otherwise), declared on our common shares since the immediately preceding quarterly dividend payment date; and

·
entitle holders to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders.
The value of one one-thousandth interest in a Series A Preferred Share should approximate the value of one common share.
Consequences of a Person or Group Becoming an Acquiring Person.

·
Flip In.  If an Acquiring Person obtains beneficial ownership of 15% or more of our common shares, then each Right will entitle the holder thereof to purchase, for the Exercise Price, a number of our common shares (or, in certain circumstances, cash, property or other of our securities) having a then-current market value of twice the Exercise Price. However, the Rights are not exercisable following the occurrence of the foregoing event until such time as the Rights are no longer redeemable by us, as further described below.
Following the occurrence of an event set forth in preceding paragraph, all Rights that are or, under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement, were beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person or certain of its transferees will be null and void.

·
Flip Over. If, after an Acquiring Person obtains 15% or more of our common shares, (i) we merge into another entity; (ii) an acquiring entity merges into us; or (iii) we sell or transfer 50% or more of its assets, cash flow or earning power, then each Right (except for Rights that have previously been voided as set forth above) will entitle the holder thereof to purchase, for the Exercise Price, a number of our common shares of the person engaging in the transaction having a then-current market value of twice the Exercise Price.

·
Notional Shares. Shares held by affiliates and associates of an Acquiring Person, including certain entities in which the Acquiring Person beneficially owns a majority of the equity securities, and Notional Common Shares (as defined in the Rights Agreement) held by counterparties to a Derivatives Contract (as defined in the Rights Agreement) with an Acquiring Person, will be deemed to be beneficially owned by the Acquiring Person.
Redemption. Our Board of Directors may redeem the Rights for $0.01 per Right at any time before any person or group becomes an Acquiring Person. If our Board of Directors redeems any Rights, it must redeem all of the Rights. Once the Rights are redeemed, the only right of the holders of the Rights will be to receive the redemption price of $0.01 per Right. The redemption price will be adjusted if we have a stock dividend or a stock split.
Exchange. After a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person, but before an Acquiring Person owns 50% or more of our outstanding common shares, the Board may extinguish the Rights by exchanging one common share or an equivalent security for each Right, other than Rights held by the Acquiring Person. In certain circumstances, we may elect to exchange the Rights for cash or other of our securities having a value approximately equal to one common share.
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ExpirationThe Rights expire on the earliest of (i) September 22, 2026; or (ii) the redemption or exchange of the Rights as described above.
Anti-Dilution Provisions. The Board may adjust the purchase price of the Series A Preferred Shares, the number of Series A Preferred Shares issuable and the number of outstanding Rights to prevent dilution that may occur from a stock dividend, a stock split, or a reclassification of the Series A Preferred Shares or our common shares. No adjustments to the Exercise Price of less than 1% will be made.
AmendmentsThe terms of the Rights and the Rights Agreement may be amended in any respect without the consent of the holders of the Rights on or prior to the Distribution Date. Thereafter, the terms of the Rights and the Rights Agreement may be amended without the consent of the holders of Rights, with certain exceptions, in order to (i) cure any ambiguities; (ii) correct or supplement any provision contained in the Rights Agreement that may be defective or inconsistent with any other provision therein; (iii) shorten or lengthen any time period pursuant to the Rights Agreement; or (iv) make changes that do not adversely affect the interests of holders of the Rights (other than an Acquiring Person or an affiliate or associate of an Acquiring Person).
Taxes. The distribution of Rights should not be taxable for federal income tax purposes. However, following an event that renders the Rights exercisable or upon redemption of the Rights, shareholders may recognize taxable income.
2014 Warrants
Our 2014 Warrants contain certain anti-dilution provisions, which were triggered as a result of the reverse stock split, Series B Transaction, the Equity Line Offering, Series C Transaction, First Purchase Agreement, Second Purchase Agreement and Amended Family Trading Credit Facility. As of  March 26, 2019, the exercise price of our outstanding 2014 Warrants was $0.70 per warrant and each warrant could buy 3.56 common shares. Also, each warrant holder could, in its sole discretion, replace the fixed exercise price with a variable exercise price currently 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of our common shares over the 21 consecutive trading days expiring on the trading day immediately prior to the date of delivery of an exercise notice (but in no event can this variable exercise price be less than $0.25) and buy a proportionate number of common shares based on the variable price in effect on the date of exercise.  If using the aforementioned variable exercise price, as of March 26, 2019, each 2014 Warrant has an exercise price of $0.61 and entitles its holder to purchase 4.09 common shares, as may be further adjusted. As of March 26, 2019, an aggregate 3,353,611 2014 Warrants have been exercised for a total issuance of 219,251 common shares.
C. Material Contracts
We refer you to "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt Facilities," "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources—Operating Leases," "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources— Financing Commitments under Sale and Leaseback Arrangements," and "Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions" for a discussion of our material agreements that we have entered into outside the ordinary course of our business.
Other than these contracts, we have no other material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we are a party.
D Exchange controls
The Marshall Islands impose no exchange controls on non-resident corporations.
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E. Taxation
The following is a discussion of the material Marshall Islands and U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to a U.S. Holder and a Non-U.S. Holder, each as defined below, with respect to the common stock. This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences of owning common stock to all categories of investors, some of which, such as financial institutions, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, tax-exempt organizations, insurance companies, persons holding our common stock as part of a hedging, integrated, conversion or constructive sale transaction or a straddle, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for their securities, persons liable for alternative minimum tax, dealers in securities or currencies, U.S. Holders, as defined below, whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar, persons required to recognize income for U.S. federal income tax purposes no later than when such income is included on an "applicable financial statement" and investors that own, actually or under applicable constructive ownership rules, 10% or more of our common stock, may be subject to special rules. This discussion deals only with holders who own hold the common stock as a capital asset. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences arising in your own particular situation under U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. law of the ownership of common stock.
Marshall Islands Tax Consequences
We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Under current Marshall Islands law, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains, and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed upon payments of dividends by us to our shareholders.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following are the material United States federal income tax consequences to us of our activities and to U.S. Holders and non-U.S. Holders, each as defined below, of our common stock. The following discussion of U.S. federal income tax matters is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury Regulations"), all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion below is based, in part, on the description of our business in "Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview." above and assumes that we conduct our business as described in that section. Except as otherwise noted, this discussion is based on the assumption that we will not maintain an office or other fixed place of business within the United States. References in the following discussion to "we" and "us" are to TOP Ships Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from U.S. federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign corporation is subject to U.S. 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, cost 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 are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
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Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. 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 U.S. federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code, 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 U.S. Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code and the regulations thereunder, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax on our U.S.-source shipping income if:

(1)
we are organized in a foreign country, or our country of organization, that grants an "equivalent exemption" to corporations organized in the United States; and

(2)
either

A.
more than 50% of the value of our stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are "residents" of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to corporations organized in the United States (each such individual a "qualified shareholder" and such individuals collectively, "qualified shareholders"), which we refer to as the "50% Ownership Test," or

B.
our stock is "primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market" in our country of organization, in another country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to U.S. corporations, or in the United States, which we refer to as the "Publicly-Traded Test."
The Marshall Islands and Liberia, the jurisdictions where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, each grant an "equivalent exemption" to U.S. corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from U.S. federal income tax with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test is met.
Based on information provided in Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings with the SEC and ownership certificates that we obtained from certain of our shareholders, we believe that we meet the Publicly Traded Test for the taxable year 2018 and intend to take this position on our U.S. federal income tax return or the 2018 year.  A, as discussed below, this is a factual determination made on an annual basis, and no assurance can be given that we will satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test in future taxable years. We do not currently anticipate circumstances under which we would be able to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test.
Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be "primarily traded" on an established securities market 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 stock, which is our sole class of issued and outstanding stock, is and we anticipate will continue to be "primarily traded" on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Under the Treasury Regulations, our common 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 threshold." Since our common stock, our sole class of issued and outstanding stock, is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, we will satisfy the listing threshold.
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It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the listing threshold, (i) such class of stock be traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one-sixth of the days in a short taxable year, which we refer to as the "trading frequency test"; 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, which we refer to as the "trading volume test." We believe we will satisfy the trading frequency and trading volume tests. Even if this were not the case, the Treasury Regulations provide that the trading frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied if, as is the case with our common stock, such class of stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and such stock is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of our stock will not be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market for any taxable year if 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class of stock 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 the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class of stock, which we refer to as the "5% Override Rule."
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who own 5% or more of our stock, or "5% Shareholders," the Treasury Regulations permit us to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC, as having a 5% or more beneficial interest in our common stock. The Treasury Regulations further provide that an investment company identified on a SEC Schedule 13G or Schedule 13D filing which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Shareholder for such purposes.
In the event the 5% Override Rule is triggered, the Treasury Regulations provide that the 5% Override Rule will not apply if we can establish that among the closely-held group of 5% Shareholders, there are sufficient 5% Shareholders that are considered to be qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 of the Code to preclude non-qualified 5% Shareholders in the closely-held group from owning 50% or more of each class of our stock for more than half the number of days during such year. To establish and substantiate this exception to the 5% Override Rule, our 5% Shareholders who are qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 of the Code must comply with ownership certification procedures attesting that they are residents of qualifying jurisdictions, and each intermediary or other person in the chain of ownership between us and such 5% Shareholder must undertake similar compliance procedures.
For the 2018 taxable year, we believe that the 5% Override Rule was not triggered as less than 50% or more of the vote and value of our common stock was owned by 5% Shareholders on more than half of the days during the taxable year. Therefore, we intend to take the position for U.S. federal income tax reporting purposes that we are not subject to U.S. federal income taxation for the 2018 taxable year because more than 50% of our stock was not owned by non-qualified shareholders that each held 5% or more of our stock.  However, due to the factual nature of the issues, we may not qualify for the benefits of Section 883 of the Code for any future taxable year
Taxation in the Absence of Exemption under Section 883 of the Code
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 of the Code are unavailable, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions, which we refer to as the "4% gross basis tax regime." Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would be treated as being derived from U.S. sources, the maximum effective rate of U.S. federal income tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
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To the extent the benefits of the exemption under Section 883 of the Code are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping income is considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business, as described below, any such "effectively connected" U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to the U.S. federal corporate income tax imposed at a rate of 21%. In addition, we may be subject to the 30% "branch profits" tax on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of such U.S. trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business only if:

·
We have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of shipping income; and

·
substantially all of our 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.
We do not currently have, nor intend to have or permit circumstances that would result in having, 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 our U.S.-source shipping income will be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
U.S. Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code, we will not be subject to U.S. 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 U.S. 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 will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common stock that

·
is a U.S. citizen or resident, U.S. corporation or other U.S. entity taxable as a corporation, an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust;

·
owns the common stock as a capital asset, generally, for investment purposes; and

·
owns less than 10% of our common stock for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
If a partnership holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner of such partnership will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common stock, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
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Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies, or PFIC, below, any distributions made by us with respect to our common stock to a U.S. Holder will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in his common stock on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a U.S. corporation, U.S. Holders that are corporations will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends paid with respect to our common stock will generally be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.
Dividends paid on our common stock to a U.S. Holder who is an individual, trust or estate (a "U.S. Non-Corporate Holder") will generally be treated as "qualified dividend income" that is taxable to such U.S. Non-Corporate Holder at preferential tax rates provided that (1) the common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Capital Market on which our common stock is traded); (2) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (as discussed in more detail below); (3) the U.S. Non-Corporate Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common stock becomes ex-dividend; and (4) the U.S. Non-Corporate Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property.
We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2014 through 2018 taxable years, and we do not expect to be a PFIC for subsequent taxable years. If we were treated as a PFIC for our 2018 taxable year, any dividends paid by us during 2018 and 2019 will not be treated as "qualified dividend income" in the hands of a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder. Any dividends we pay which are not eligible for the preferential rates applicable to "qualified dividend income" will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder.
Special rules may apply to any "extraordinary dividend," generally, a dividend paid by us in an amount which is equal to or in excess of 10% of a shareholder's adjusted tax basis in a common share. If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our common stock that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any loss derived by a U.S. Non-Corporate Holder from the sale or exchange of such common stock will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock
Subject to the discussion of our status as a PFIC below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's tax basis in such stock. Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as U.S.-source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
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3.8% Tax on Net Investment Income
A U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate, or, in certain cases, a trust, will generally be subject to a 3.8% tax on the lesser of (1) the U.S. Holder's net investment income for the taxable year and (2) the excess of the U.S. Holder's modified adjusted gross income for the taxable year over a certain threshold (which in the case of individuals is between $125,000 and $250,000).  A U.S. Holder's net investment income will generally include distributions made by us which constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes and gain realized from the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock.  This tax is in addition to any income taxes due on such investment income.
If you are a U.S. Holder that is an individual, estate or trust, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisors regarding the applicability of the 3.8% tax on net investment income to the ownership and disposition of our common stock.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Special U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that holds stock in a foreign corporation classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which such holder held our common stock, either

·
at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or

·
at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by the corporation during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary's stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute "passive income" for these purposes. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute "passive income" unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.
In general, income derived from the bareboat charter of a vessel will be treated as "passive income" for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC and such vessel will be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of "passive income."  On the other hand, income derived from the time charter of a vessel should not be treated as "passive income" for such purpose, but rather should be treated as services income; likewise, a time chartered vessel should generally not be treated as an asset which produces or is held for the production of "passive income."
We believe that we were a PFIC for our 2013 taxable year because we believe that at least 50% of the average value of our assets consisted of vessels which were bareboat chartered and at least 75% of our gross income was derived from vessels on bareboat charter.
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We believe that we were not a PFIC for our 2014 through 2018 taxable years because we had no bareboat chartered vessels and consequently no gross income from vessels on bareboat charter. Furthermore, based on our current assets and activities, we do not believe that we will be a PFIC for the subsequent taxable years. Although there is no legal authority directly on point, and we are not relying upon an opinion of counsel on this issue, our belief is based principally on the position that, for purposes of determining whether we are a passive foreign investment company, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from the time chartering and voyage chartering activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries should constitute services income, rather than rental income. Correspondingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we or our wholly-owned subsidiaries own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels, should not constitute passive assets for purposes of determining whether we were a passive foreign investment company. We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting our position consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing passive foreign investment companies, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a passive foreign investment company with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
If we are a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder will be treated as owning his proportionate share of the stock of any of our subsidiaries which is a PFIC.  The PFIC rules discussed below will apply on a company-by-company basis with respect to us and each of our subsidiaries which is treated as a PFIC.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different U.S. federal income taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a "Qualified Electing Fund," which election is referred to as a "QEF Election." As discussed below, as an alternative to making a QEF Election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common stock, which election is referred to as a "Mark-to-Market Election". A U.S. Holder holding PFIC shares that does not make either a "QEF Election" or "Mark-to-Market Election" will be subject to the Default PFIC Regime, as defined and discussed below in "Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or "Mark-to-Market" Election."
If we were to be treated as a PFIC, a U.S. Holder would be required to file, with respect to taxable years ending on or after December 31, 2013, IRS Form 8621 to report certain information regarding us.
A U.S. Holder who held our common stock during any period in which we were treated as a PFIC and who neither made a QEF Election nor a Mark-to-Market Election may continue to be subject to the Default PFIC Regime, notwithstanding that we are no longer a PFIC. If you are a U.S. Holder who held our common shares during any period in which we were a PFIC but failed to make either of the foregoing elections, you are strongly encouraged to consult your tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences to you of holding our common stock in periods in which we are no longer a PFIC.
The QEF Election
If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF Election, which U.S. Holder we refer to as an "Electing Holder," the Electing Holder must report each year for United States federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and our net capital gain, if any, for our taxable year that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether or not distributions were made by us to the Electing Holder. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that had been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in the common stock and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock. A U.S. Holder would make a QEF Election with respect to any year that our company is a PFIC by filing one copy of IRS Form 8621 with his United States federal income tax return and a second copy in accordance with the instructions to such form. It should be noted that if any of our subsidiaries is treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. Holder must make a separate QEF Election with respect to each such subsidiary.
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Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a "Mark-to-Market" Election
Making the Election.  Alternatively, if, as is anticipated, our common stock is treated as "marketable stock," a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to the common stock, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations.  The common stock will be treated as "marketable stock" for this purpose if it is "regularly traded" on a "qualified exchange or other market."  The common stock will be "regularly traded" on a qualified exchange or other market for any calendar year during which it is traded (other than in de minimis quantities) on at least 15 days during each calendar quarter.  A "qualified exchange or other market" means either a U.S. national securities exchange that is registered with the SEC, the Nasdaq Capital Market, or a foreign securities exchange that is regulated or supervised by a governmental authority of the country in which the market is located and which satisfies certain regulatory and other requirements.  We believe that the Nasdaq Capital Market should be treated as a "qualified exchange or other market" for this purpose.  However, it should be noted that a separate Mark-to-Market Election would need to be made with respect to each of our subsidiaries which is treated as a PFIC.  The stock of these subsidiaries is not expected to be "marketable stock."  Therefore, a "mark-to-market" election is not expected to be available with respect to these subsidiaries.
Current Taxation and Dividends.  If the Mark-to-Market Election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common stock at the end of the taxable year over such U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common stock  The U.S. Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in its common stock over its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the Mark-to-Market Election.  Any income inclusion or loss under the preceding rules should be treated as gain or loss from the sale of common stock for purposes of determining the source of the income or loss.  Accordingly, any such gain or loss generally should be treated as U.S.-source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.  A U.S. Holder's tax basis in his common stock would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount.  Distributions by us to a U.S. Holder who has made a Mark-to-Market Election generally will be treated as discussed above under "Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Distributions."
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition.  Gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the common stock would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the common stock would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder.  Any loss in excess of such previous inclusions would be treated as a capital loss by the U.S. Holder.  A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.  Any such gain or loss generally should be treated as U.S.-source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit limitation purposes.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or "Mark-to-Market" Election
Finally, a U.S. Holder who does not make either a QEF Election or a Mark-to-Market Election with respect to any taxable year in which we are treated as a PFIC, or a U.S. Holder whose QEF Election is invalidated or terminated, or a Non-Electing Holder, would be subject to special rules, or the Default PFIC Regime, with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on the common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common stock), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of the common stock.
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Under the Default PFIC Regime:

·
the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's aggregate holding period for the common stock;

·
the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year before we became a PFIC would be taxed as ordinary income; and

·
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed tax deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.
Any distributions other than "excess distributions" by us to a Non-Electing Holder will be treated as discussed above under "Taxation—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Distributions."
These penalties would not apply to a pension or profit sharing trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow funds or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of the common stock.  If a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning the common stock, such Non-Electing Holder's successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to the common stock.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of "Non-U.S. Holders"
A beneficial owner of our common stock (other than a partnership) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to herein as a "Non-U.S. Holder."
Dividends on Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to our common stock, unless that income is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a U.S. income tax treaty with respect to those dividends, that income is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Stock
Non-U.S. Holders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock, unless:

·
the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States. If the Non-U.S. Holder is entitled to the benefits of a U.S. income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is taxable only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States; or

·
the Non-U.S. Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of disposition and other conditions are met.
If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the income from the common stock, including dividends and the gain from the sale, exchange or other disposition of the stock that is effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as discussed in the previous section relating to the taxation of U.S. Holders. In addition, in the case of a corporate Non-U.S. Holder, the earnings and profits of such Non-U.S. Holder that are attributable to effectively connected income, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable U.S. income tax treaty.
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Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made within the United States to you will be subject to information reporting requirements. In addition, such payments will be subject to backup withholding tax if you are a non-corporate U.S. Holder and you:

·
fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;

·
are notified by the IRS that you have failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your U.S. federal income tax returns; or

·
in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on an applicable IRS Form W-8.
If you sell your common stock to or through a U.S. office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both U.S. backup withholding and information reporting unless you certify that you are a non-U.S. person, under penalties of perjury, or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you sell your common stock through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, U.S. information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made to you outside the United States, if you sell your common stock through a non-U.S. office of a broker that is a U.S. person or has some other contacts with the United States. Backup withholding tax is not an additional tax. Rather, you generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed your U.S. federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, certain individuals who are Non-U.S. Holders and certain U.S. entities) who hold "specified foreign financial assets" (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code) are required to file IRS Form 8938 with information relating to the asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year (or such higher dollar amount as prescribed by applicable Treasury Regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, our common shares, unless the shares are held through an account maintained with a U.S. financial institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event an individual U.S. Holder (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury regulations, an individual Non-U.S. Holder or a U.S. entity) that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of U.S. federal income taxes of such holder for the related tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required information is filed.  U.S. Holders (including U.S. entities) and Non-U.S. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under this legislation.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
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H. Documents on Display
We file annual reports and other information with the SEC. Our SEC filings are available to the public at the web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov, as well as on our website at http://www.topships.org.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Our Risk Management Policy
Our primary market risks relate to adverse movements in freight rates in the product tanker market. Our policy is to continuously monitor our exposure to other business risks, including the impact of changes in interest rates, currency rates, and bunker prices on earnings and cash flows. We assess these risks and, when appropriate, enter into derivative contracts with credit-worthy counterparties to minimize our exposure to the risks. With regard to bunker prices, as our employment policy for our vessels has been and is expected to continue to be with a high percentage of our fleet on period employment, we are not directly exposed with respect to those vessels to increases in bunker fuel prices, as these are the responsibility of the charterer under period charter arrangements.
Interest Rate Risk
As of the date of this report we are exposed to interest rate risk in relation to our floating rate indebtedness  (See "Item 18. Financial Statements—Note 9—Debt"). We may be subject to additional market risks relating to changes in interest rates when we take on additional indebtedness. In order to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates due to this floating rate indebtedness, we enter into interest rate swap agreements. Set forth below is a table of our interest rate swap arrangements as of December 31, 2018 (in thousands of U.S. dollars).
SWAP Number (Nr)
 
Counterparty
 
Notional amount
as of December 31, 2018
 
Start Date
End Date
 
Fixed Rate Payable
   
Fair Value – Liability as of December 31, 2018
 
 
1
 
ABN Amro
   
 15,663
 
April 13, 2018
July 13, 2021
   
1.4425
%
   
459
 
 
2
 
ABN Amro
   
 16,575
 
December 21, 2016
January 13, 2022
   
2.0800
%
   
231
 
 
3
 
ABN Amro
   
 15,050
 
December 21, 2016
August 10, 2022
   
2.1250
%
   
205
 
 
4
 
NORD/LB Bank
   
 18,071
 
May 17, 2017
May 17, 2023
   
2.1900
%
   
259
 
 
5
 
Alpha Bank
   
 20,700
 
March 29, 2018
February 25, 2025
   
2.9700
%
   
(359)
 
     
 Total
   
86,059
                 
795
 

Under all above swap transactions, each bank effects quarterly floating-rate payments to us for the relevant amount based on the three-month USD LIBOR, and we effect quarterly payments to each bank on the relevant amount at the respective fixed rates.
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As of December 31, 2018, our total indebtedness excluding unamortized financing fees and debt discounts was $152.3 million, of which $86.1 million was covered by the interest rate swap agreements described above and $24.7 million refers to the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility the interest rate of which does not fluctuate. As set forth in the above table, as of December 31, 2018, we paid fixed rates ranging from 1.4425% to 2.9700% and received floating rates on the SWAPs that are based on three month LIBOR. As of December 31, 2018, our interest rate swap agreements are, on an average basis, below the prevailing three month LIBOR rates over which our loans are priced. Accordingly, the effect of these interest rate swap agreements in the year ended December 31, 2018 has been to increase our gains on financial instruments.
Based on the amount of our outstanding indebtedness, not covered by interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2018, a hypothetical one percentage point increase in the three month U.S. dollar LIBOR would increase our interest rate expense for 2019, on an annualized basis, by approximately $0.4 million. Based on the amount of our outstanding indebtedness, not covered by interest rate swaps, as of December 31, 2017, a hypothetical one percentage point increase in the three month U.S. dollar LIBOR would have increased our interest rate expense for 2018, on an annualized basis, by approximately $0.2 million.
Foreign Exchange Rate Fluctuation
We generate all of our revenues in U.S. dollars but incur certain expenses in currencies other than U.S. dollars, mainly the Euro. During 2018, approximately 96.5% of our expenses were in U.S. Dollars, 3.1% were in Euro and approximately 0.4% were in other currencies than the U.S. dollar or Euro. For accounting purposes, expenses incurred in other currencies are converted into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of each transaction. We have not hedged currency exchange risks associated with our expenses and our operating results could be adversely affected as a result. We constantly monitor the U.S. dollar exchange rate and we try to achieve the most favorable exchange rates from the financial institutions we work with.
Based on our total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018, and using as an average exchange rate of $1.1784 to €1, a 5% decrease in the exchange rate to $1.1195 to €1 would result in an expense saving of approximately $0.08 million. Based on our total expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017, and using as an average exchange rate of $1.1295 to €1, a 5% decrease in the exchange rate to $1.0730 to €1 would have resulted in an expense saving of approximately $0.06 million.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries have been subject to a material default in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking fund or purchase fund installment or any other material default that was not cured within 30 days.
ITEM 14.
MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On September 14, 2016, we have adopted a Stockholders Rights Agreement, pursuant to which each share of our common stock includes one preferred stock purchase right that entitles the holder to purchase from us a unit consisting of one-thousandth of a share of our Series A Participating Preferred Stock if any third-party seeks to acquire control of a substantial block of our common stock without the approval of our Board of Directors. See "Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association—Stockholders Rights Agreement" included in this annual report for a description of our Stockholders Rights Agreement.
Please also see "Item 10. Additional Information—B. Memorandum and Articles of Association" for a description of the rights of holders of our Series B and Series C Convertible Preferred Shares and Series D Preferred Shares relative to the rights of holders of shares of our common stock.
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ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act, as of December 31, 2018.
The term disclosure controls and procedures are defined under SEC rules as controls and other procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2018.
b) Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers and effected by our Board of Directors, management and other personnel, 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 and includes those policies and procedures that:

·
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets;

·
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of Company's management and directors; and

·
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives will be met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within us have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. 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.
Our management with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result of its assessment, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2018.
c) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
This annual report does not contain an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management's report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm since under the SEC adopting release implementing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, companies that are non-accelerated filers are exempt from including auditor attestation reports in their Form 20-Fs.
d) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this annual report that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
We have established an audit committee composed of three independent members that are responsible for reviewing our accounting controls and recommending to our Board of Directors the engagement of our outside auditors.
We do not believe it is necessary to have a financial expert, as defined in Item 407 of Regulation S-K, because our Board of Directors has determined that the members of the audit committee have the financial experience and other relevant experience necessary to effectively perform the duties and responsibilities of the audit committee.
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ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Corporate Code of Business Ethics and Conduct that applies to all employees, directors and officers, which complies with applicable guidelines issued by the SEC. The finalized Code of Ethics has been approved by our Board of Directors and was distributed to all employees, directors and officers. We will also provide any person a hard copy of our code of ethics free of charge upon written request. Shareholders may direct their requests to the attention of Mr. Alexandros Tsirikos at our registered address and phone number.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL AUDITOR FEES AND SERVICES
Aggregate fees billed to us for the years ended December 2017 and 2018 represent fees billed by our principal accounting firm, Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A., an independent registered public accounting firm and member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, Limited. Audit fees represent compensation for professional services rendered for the audit of the consolidated financial statements, fees for the review of interim financial information as well as in connection with the review of registration statements and related consents and comfort letters and any other audit services required for SEC or other regulatory filings. For 2017 and 2018, no other non-audit, tax or other fees were charged.
U.S. dollars in thousands,
Year Ended
 
 
2017
 
2018
 
Audit Fees
   
274.1
     
218.1
 
Our audit committee pre-approves all audit, audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by our independent auditors and associated fees prior to the engagement of the independent auditor with respect to such services.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16D. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not applicable.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We have certified to Nasdaq that our corporate governance practices are in compliance with, and are not prohibited by, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Therefore, we are exempt from many of Nasdaq's corporate governance practices other than the submission of a listing agreement, notification to Nasdaq of non-compliance with Nasdaq corporate governance practices, prohibition on disparate reduction or restriction of shareholder voting rights, and the establishment of an audit committee satisfying Nasdaq Listing Rule 5605(c)(3) and ensuring that such audit committee's members meet the independence requirement of Listing Rule 5605(c)(2)(A)(ii). The practices we follow in lieu of Nasdaq's corporate governance rules applicable to U.S. domestic issuers are as follows:

·
Majority Independent Board. Nasdaq requires, among other things, that a listed company has a Board of Directors comprised of a majority of independent directors.  As permitted under Marshall Islands law, our Board of Directors is comprised of four independent directors, one non-independent, non-executive director and three executive directors.
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·
Audit Committee.  Nasdaq requires, among other things, that a listed company has an audit committee with a minimum of three independent members, at least one of whom meets certain standards of financial sophistication. As permitted under Marshall Islands law, our audit committee consists of four independent directors but we do not designate any one audit commit member as meeting the standards of financial sophistication.

·
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to hold regularly scheduled board meetings at which only independent directors are present.

·
In lieu of obtaining shareholder approval prior to the issuance of designated securities, we will comply with provisions of the BCA, which allows our Board of Directors to approve share issuances.
As a foreign private issuer, we are not required to solicit proxies or provide proxy statements to Nasdaq pursuant to Nasdaq corporate governance rules or Marshall Islands law. Consistent with Marshall Islands law and as provided in our bylaws, we will notify our shareholders of meetings between 15 and 60 days before the meeting. This notification will contain, among other things, information regarding business to be transacted at the meeting. In addition, our bylaws provide that shareholders must give us between 120 and 180 days advance notice to properly introduce any business at a meeting of shareholders.
Other than as noted above, we are in compliance with all other Nasdaq corporate governance standards applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not Applicable.
PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See Item 18.
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial statements beginning on page F-1 are filed as a part of this annual report.

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Number
Description of Exhibits
 
1.1
   
1.2
   
1.3
   
1.4
114


   
1.5
   
1.6
   
1.7
   
1.8
   
1.9
   
1.10
   
1.11
   
2.1
   
2.2
   
2.3
   
2.4
   
2.5
   
2.6
   
2.7
   
2.8
   
2.9
   
4.1
4.2
   
4.3
 
4.4
   
4.5
115


   
4.6
   
4.7
   
4.8
   
4.9
   
4.10
   
4.11
   
4.12
   
4.13
   
4.14
   
4.15
   
4.16
   
4.17
   
4.18
   
4.19
   
4.20
   
4.21
   
4.22
   
4.23
   
4.24
   
4.25
   
4.26
116


   
4.27
   
4.28
   
4.29
   
4.30
   
4.31
   
4.32
   
4.33
   
4.34
   
4.35
   
4.36
   
4.37
   
4.38
   
4.39
   
4.40
   
4.41
   
4.42
   
4.43
   
4.44
   
4.45
117


   
4.46
   
4.47
   
4.48
   
4.49
   
4.50
   
4.51
   
4.52
   
4.53
   
4.54
   
4.55
   
4.56
   
4.57
   
4.58
   
4.59
   
4.60
   
4.61
   
4.62
   
4.63
   
4.64
   
4.65
   
4.66
118


   
4.67
   
4.68
   
4.69
   
4.70
   
4.71
   
4.72
   
4.73
   
4.74
   
4.75
   
4.76
   
4.77
Confirmation of Interest Rate Swap Transaction dated as of March 29, 2017 between Norddeutsche Landesbank Gironzentrale and Monte Carlo Seven Shipping Limited
   
4.78
   
4.79
   
4.80
   
4.81
   
4.82
   
4.83
   
4.84
   
4.85
   
4.86
$10,140,000 Loan Agreement between Alpha Bank A.E., as lender and PCH Dreaming Inc. as borrower, dated as of July 11, 2018
   
4.87 Memorandum of Agreement in respect of M/T Eco Bel Air, dated as of December 3, 2018
   
4.88
119

4.89
   
4.90
   
4.91
   
4.92
   
4.93
   
4.94
   
4.95
   
4.96
   
4.97
   
4.98
   
4.99
   
4.100
   
4.101
   
4.102
   
4.103
   
4.104
   
4.105
   
4.106
   
4.107
   
4.108
   
4.109
   
4.110

120

4.111
   
4.112
   
4.113
   
4.114
   
4.115
   
4.116
   
4.117
   
4.118
   
4.119
   
8.1
List of subsidiaries of the Company
   
12.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Company's Principal Executive Officer
   
12.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Company's Principal Financial Officer
   
13.1
   
13.2
   
15.1
   
101
The following materials from the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2018; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018; and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


__________________
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on June 24, 2011
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 18, 2014
(3)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.3 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(4)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K filed on March 9, 2007
(5)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K filed on November 28, 2014
(6)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on June 29, 2009
(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on March 14, 2017
(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on May 9, 2016 (File No. 333-194690)
(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Pre-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on May 13, 2014 (File No. 333-194690)
(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on September 22, 2016
(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 23, 2016
(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 21, 2017
(13)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 8, 2017
(14)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(15)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on September 22, 2016
(16)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 23, 2016
(17)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 23, 2016
121



(18)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on March 19, 2014, as amended (File No. 333-194960)
(19)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on March 19, 2014, as amended (File No. 333-194960)
(20)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
(21)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.30 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
(22)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.33 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
(23)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.31 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
(24)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.32 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
(25)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.34 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 29, 2015
(26)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.37 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(27)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(28)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.18 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on March 14, 2017
(29)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(30)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(31)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(32)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.42 of the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on April 26, 2016
(33)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 of the Company's Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form F-1, filed on June 23, 2016 (File No. 333-194690)
(34)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 2, 2017
(35)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 20, 2017
(36)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 27, 2017
(37)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 5, 2017
(38)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 28, 2017
(39)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 7, 2017
(40)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 7, 2017
(41)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on February 21, 2017
(42)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 14, 2017
(43)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit B of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc., Epsilon Holdings Inc., Oscar Shipholding Ltd, Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 1, 2017
(44)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 22, 2017
122

(45)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 22, 2017
(46)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 28, 2017
(47)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on March 28, 2017
(48)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 5, 2017
(49)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on April 5 2017
(50)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 15, 2017
(51)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 15, 2017
(52)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on September 15, 2017
(53)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on May 8, 2017
(54)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 8, 2017
(55)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 14, 2017
(56)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on November 14, 2017
(57)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on December 11, 2017
(58)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on December 15, 2017
(59)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on December 15, 2017
(60)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on January 8, 2018
(61)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on January 8, 2018
(62)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 24, 2018
(63)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 24, 2018
(64)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 24, 2018
(65)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on January 11, 2019

123

(66)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.4 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(67)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.5 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(68)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.6 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(69)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.7 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(70)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.8 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(71)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.9 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(72)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(74)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(74)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(75)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(76)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(77)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.26 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(78)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(79)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(80)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.38 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(81)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.39 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(82)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.40 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(83)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.41 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(84)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.47 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(85)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.48 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(86)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.49 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018

124

(87)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.50 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(88)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.53 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(89)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.56 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(90)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.57 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(91)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.60 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(92)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.61 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(93)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.62 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(94)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.71 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(95)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.72 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(96)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.73 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(97)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.74 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(98)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.75 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(99)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.76 of the Company's Annual Report of Form 20-F, filed on March 29, 2018
(100)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Current Report on Form 6-K, filed on October 3, 2018.
(101)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit F of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc., Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 12, 2019.
(102)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit G of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc., Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 12, 2019.
(103)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit H of the Schedule 13D/A of Family Trading Inc., Sovereign Holdings Inc., Epsilon Holdings Inc., Race Navigation Inc., Tankers Family Inc., and the Lax Trust, filed on March 12, 2019.









125


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.
 
TOP SHIPS INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
Date: March 27, 2019
By:
/s/ Evangelos J. Pistiolis
   
Evangelos J. Pistiolis
   
President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director











TOP SHIPS INC.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
Page
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
F-2
 
 
Consolidated Balance sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2018
F-3
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive loss for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
F-5
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
F-6
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
F-8
 
 
Notes to consolidated financial statements
F-10
   




 





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Top Ships Inc.,
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Top Ships Inc. and  subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Deloitte Certified Public Accountants S.A.

Athens, Greece

March 27, 2019

 

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.




F-2


TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
 
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars - except share and per share data)

   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2017
   
2018
 
             
ASSETS
           
 
           
CURRENT ASSETS:
           
             
Cash and cash equivalents
   
24,081
     
57
 
Trade accounts receivable
   
621
     
815
 
Prepayments and other (Note 7)
   
428
     
808
 
Due from related parties (Note 5)
   
-
     
75
 
Inventories (Note 8)
   
645
     
587
 
Prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
   
1,656
     
1,656
 
Deferred charges (Note 9)
   
341
     
-
 
Restricted cash (Note 6 and 9)
   
1,283
     
1,290
 
      Total current assets
   
29,055
     
5,288
 
 
               
FIXED ASSETS:
               
 
               
Advances for vessels under construction (Note 4(a))
   
6,757
     
38,744
 
Vessels, net (Note 4(b))
   
154,935
     
180,635
 
Other fixed assets, net
   
1,042
     
669
 
      Total fixed assets
   
162,734
     
220,048
 
 
               
OTHER NON CURRENT ASSETS:
               
 
               
     Prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
   
5,278
     
3,621
 
Restricted cash (Note 6 and 9)
   
5,249
     
6,315
 
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (Note 20)
   
17,738
     
22,063
 
Derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
   
394
     
1,153
 
      Total non-current assets
   
28,659
     
33,152
 
 
               
      Total assets
   
220,448
     
258,488
 
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
 
               
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 9)
   
9,508
     
10,210
 
Short-term debt (Note 9)
   
10,183
     
13,416
 
Due to related parties (Note 5)
   
120
     
4,223
 
Accounts payable
   
2,799
     
4,098
 
Accrued liabilities
   
1,985
     
2,957
 
Unearned revenue
   
986
     
-
 
     Current portion of derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
   
-
     
1,915
 
      Total current liabilities
   
25,581
     
36,819
 
 
               
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
                 
Non-current portion of long term debt (Note 9)
   
84,258
     
101,358
 
Long term debt from related parties (Note 9)
   
-
     
15,671
 
Non-current portion of derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
   
3,335
     
359
 
           Total non-current liabilities
   
87,593
     
117,388
 
F-3


             
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)
           
 
           
      Total liabilities
   
113,174
     
154,207
 
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
 
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; of which 100,000 Series D shares were outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2018 (Note 11)
   
1
     
1
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 1,000,000,000 shares authorized; 8,923,617 and 23,017,467 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2018 (Note 11)
   
89
     
230
 
Additional paid-in capital (Note 11)
   
402,644
     
411,829
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(296,645
)
   
(307,779
)
 
               
      Total stockholders’ equity
   
106,089
     
104,281
 
 
               
     Non-controlling Interests
   
1,185
     
-
 
           Total  equity
   
107,274
     
104,281
 
                 
      Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
   
220,448
     
258,488
 
 
               



 
F-4


`TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars – except share and per share data)
 
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
                   
                   
REVENUES:
                 
                   
Time charter revenues
   
28,433
     
39,363
     
39,442
 
Time charter revenues from related parties
   
-
     
-
     
1,606
 
Total time charter revenues
    28,433
      39,363
      41,048
 
                         
EXPENSES:
                       
                         
Voyage expenses (including $358, $487 and $511 respectively, to related party) (Note 14)
   
736
     
999
     
1,020
 
Bareboat charter hire expenses (Note 6)
   
6,299
     
6,282
     
6,282
 
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
   
1,577
     
1,657
     
1,657
 
Vessel operating expenses (including $104, $136 and $187 respectively, to related party) (Note 14)
   
9,913
     
13,444
     
14,826
 
Vessel depreciation (Note 4b)
   
3,467
     
5,744
     
6,390
 
Management fees-related parties (Note 5)
   
1,824
     
4,730
     
7,765
 
General and administrative expenses
   
2,906
     
5,805
     
6,997
 
Other operating (income) (Note 18)
   
(3,137
)
   
(914
)
   
-
 
                         
Operating income/(loss)
   
4,848
     
1,616
     
(3,889
)
                         
OTHER EXPENSES:
                       
                         
Interest and finance costs (including $509, $504 and $1,053 respectively, to related party) (Note 15)
   
(3,093
)
   
(15,793
)
   
(9,662
)
(Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
   
(698
)
   
(301
)
   
1,821
 
Interest income
   
-
     
13
     
130
 
Other, net  (Note 9)
   
(5
)
   
1,120
     
180
 
                         
Total other expenses, net
   
(3,796
)
   
(14,961
)
   
(7,531
)
                         
Net (loss)/income and comprehensive (loss)/income
   
1,052
     
(13,345
)
   
(11,420
)
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible preferred stock (Note 19)
   
(1,403
)
   
-
     
-
 
Equity (loss)/gain in unconsolidated joint ventures
   
-
     
(27
)
   
291
 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
   
(351
)
   
(13,372
)
   
(11,129
)
                         
Attributable to:
                       
Common stock holders
   
(351
)
   
(13,404
)
   
(11,134
)
Non-controlling interests
   
-
     
32
     
5
 
                         
Loss per common share, basic and diluted (Note 13)
   
(15,955
)
   
(12.57
)
   
(0.61
)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
 

F-5


TOP SHIPS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
 (Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars – except number of shares and per share data)

 
                                               
 
                         
                   
   

Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock
   
   
             
   
# of Shares
   
Par Value
   
# of Shares*
   
Par Value*
   

Additional
Paid in
Capital*
   
Accumulated Deficit
attributable to common stockholders
   
Non-controlling interest
   
Total
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2015
               
11
     
-
     
318,446
     
(284,293
)
   
-
     
34,153
 
Net income and comprehensive income
   
      1      
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,052
     
-
     
1,052
 
Stock-based compensation (Note 12)
                           
-
     
239
     
-
     
-
     
239
 
Common shares issued in exchange of assumption of Delos Termination Fee (Note 5)
                   
8
     
-
     
3,796
     
-
     
-
     
3,796
 
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of 2014 Warrants (Note 11)
                   
12
             
6,281
     
-
     
-
     
6,281
 
Deemed dividend for Series B convertible preferred stock’s beneficial conversion feature (Note 19)
                   
-
     
-
     
(1,403
)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,403
)
Beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible preferred stock (Note 19)
                   
-
     
-
     
1,403
     
-
     
-
     
1,403
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2016
                   
31
     
-
     
328,762
     
(283,241
)
   
-
     
45,521
 
Net loss
                   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(13,404
)
   
32
     
(13,372
)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to convertible related party loans (Note 9)
                   
4
             
2,040
     
-
     
-
     
2,040
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement (Note 11)
                   
632,775
     
6
     
38,383
     
-
     
-
     
38,389
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the Crede Common Stock Purchase Agreement (Note 11)
                   
7,148,889
     
72
     
28,561
     
-
     
-
     
28,633
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to Series C convertible preferred shares conversions  (Note 9 and 11)
                   
904,646
     
9
     
8,204
     
-
     
-
     
8,213
 
Series C convertible preferred stock's beneficial conversion feature (Note 9)
                   
-
     
-
     
7,500
     
-
     
-
     
7,500
 
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of 2014 Warrants (Note 11)
                   
219,250
     
2
     
1,538
     
-
     
-
     
1,540
 
Stock-based compensation (Note 12)
                   
-
     
-
     
(25
)
   
-
     
-
     
(25
)
Non-controlling interest on acquisition of Eco Seven Inc (Note 1)
                                                   
5,278
     
5,278
 
Reduction of non-controlling interest arising from Company’s purchase of additional ownership interest in Eco Seven In. (Note 1)
                                                   
(4,125
)
   
(4,125
)
Excess of consideration over acquired assets (Note 1)
                   
-
     
-
     
(12,909
)
                   
(12,909
)
F-6


Cancellation of fractional shares due to reverse stock splits
               
(4
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to Series B convertible preferred stock conversions reflected in Mezzanine equity (Note 19)
               
18,026
             
1,743
     
-
     
-
     
1,743
 
Issuance of Series D preferred stock (Note 11)
   
100,000
     
1
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
1
 
Additional paid-in capital  attributed to non-controlling interests
                   
-
     
-
     
(1,153
)
   
-
             
(1,153
)
BALANCE, December 31, 2017
   
100,000
     
1
     
8,923,617
     
89
     
402,644
     
(296,645
)
   
1,185
     
107,274
 
Net loss
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(11,134
)
   
5
     
(11,129
)
Issuance of common stock pursuant to the Crede Common Stock Purchase Agreement (Note 11)
   
-
     
-
     
8,050,000
     
81
     
14,708
     
-
     
-
     
14,789
 
Issuance of common stock pursuant to Maxim ATM (Note 11)
   
-
     
-
     
2,490,853
     
25
     
2,589
     
-
     
-
     
2,614
 
Issuance of common stock due to exercise of 2018 Warrants (Note 11)
   
-
     
-
     
1,553,000
     
16
     
2,162
     
-
     
-
     
2,178
 
Issuance of common stock due to the 2018 Common Stock Offering (Note 11)
   
-
     
-
     
2,000,000
     
20
     
2,701
     
-
     
-
     
2,721
 
Purchase of 10% of M/T Stenaweco Elegance (Note 1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1,190
)
   
(1,190
)
Stock-based compensation
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(34
)
   
-
     
-
     
(34
)
Family Trading facility beneficial
conversion feature (Note 9)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
15,028
     
-
     
-
     
15,028
 
Elimination of beneficial
conversion feature with debt extinguishment (Note 9)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(3,451
)
   
-
     
-
     
(3,451
)
Deemed dividend due to debt extinguishment of FT facility (Note 9)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(2,258
)
   
-
     
-
     
(2,258
)
Excess of consideration over acquired assets (Note 1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(22,260
)
   
-
     
-
     
(22,260
)
Cancellation of fractional shares due to reverse stock split
   
-
     
-
     
(3
)
   
(1
)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
(1
)
BALANCE, December 31, 2018
   
100,000
     
1
     
23,017,467
     
230
     
411,829
     
(307,779
)
   
-
     
104,281
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

 
F-7



TOP SHIPS INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
 
   
(Expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars)
 
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
                   
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
                 
                   
Net income/(loss)
   
1,052
     
(13,372
)
   
(11,129
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash
                       
provided by operating activities:
                       
Vessel depreciation (Note 4)
   
3,467
     
5,744
     
6,390
 
Other fixed assets depreciation
   
121
     
120
     
373
 
Equity losses/(gains) in unconsolidated joint ventures
   
-
     
27
     
(291
)
Non-cash debt conversion expenses
   
-
     
842
     
-
 
Amortization and write off of deferred financing costs
   
163
     
1,640
     
1,305
 
Amortization of debt discount
   
-
     
7,500
     
2,504
 
Stock-based compensation expense (Note 12)
   
239
     
(25
)
   
(34
)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments (Note 17)
   
682
     
(175
)
   
(1,821
)
Write-off of short term debt (Note 9)
   
-
     
(1,118
)
   
(180
)
Loss on sale of other fixed assets
   
22
     
-
     
-
 
Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire (Note 6)
   
1,577
     
1,657
     
1,657
 
Other operating income
   
(3,137
)
   
(914
)
   
-
 
(Increase)/Decrease in:
                       
Trade accounts receivable
   
88
     
(602
)
   
(194
)
Inventories
   
(181
)
   
(62
)
   
58
 
Prepayments and other
   
(429
)
   
436
     
(380
)
Due from related parties
   
(34
)
   
34
     
(75
)
Increase/(Decrease) in:
                       
Due to related parties
   
14
     
(1,034
)
   
2,621
 
Accounts payable
   
954
     
(207
)
   
695
 
Accrued liabilities
   
128
     
1,196
     
203
 
Unearned revenue
   
1,978
     
(992
)
   
(986
)
 
                       
Net Cash provided by Operating Activities
   
6,704
     
695
     
716
 
 
                       
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities:
                       
 
                       
Advances for vessels under construction and capitalized expenses (Note 4)
   
(73,383
)
   
(6,757
)
   
(63,555
)
Vessel acquisitions (Note 4)
   
-
     
(34,671
)
   
-
 
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures (Note 20)
   
-
     
(17,639
)
   
(3,681
)
Purchase of 10% of M/T Stenaweco Elegance (Note 1)
   
-
     
-
     
(1,190
)
Net proceeds from sale of other fixed assets
   
29
     
-
     
-
 
 
                       
Net Cash used in Investing Activities
   
(73,354
)
   
(59,067
)
   
(68,426
)
 
                       
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
                       
 
                       
Proceeds from debt (Note 9)
   
65,385
     
24,849
     
28,500
 
Proceeds from short-term debt (Note 9)
   
-
     
68,790
     
32,783
 
Proceeds from related party debt (Note 9)
   
235
     
3,148
     
26,152
 
Principal payments of debt
   
(5,085
)
   
(9,546
)
   
(10,221
)
Proceeds from issuance of Series C convertible preferred stock (Note 9 and 11)
   
-
     
7,500
     
-
 
Prepayment of  related party debt (Note 9)
   
-
     
(7,233
)
   
(1,408
)
Prepayment of short term debt (Note 9)
   
-
     
-
     
(8,993
)
Prepayment of short term Notes (Note 9)
   
-
     
-
     
(5,656
)
Excess of purchase price over book value of vessels (Note 1)
   
-
     
(12,909
)
   
(22,260
)
Proceeds from common issuance of common stock (Note 11)
   
-
     
9,726
     
5,781
 
Proceeds from warrant exercises (Note 11)
   
5,765
     
1,567
     
2,330
 
Proceeds from issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock
   
2,001
     
-
     
-
 
Equity offering issuance costs
   
(87
)
   
(1,342
)
   
(536
)
Payment of financing costs
   
(388
)
   
(1,159
)
   
(1,713
)
F-8


 
                 
Net Cash provided by Financing Activities
   
67,826
     
83,391
     
44,759
 
 
                       
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
   
1,176
     
25,019
     
(22,951
)
 
                       
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
   
4,418
     
5,594
     
30,613
 
                         
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year
   
5,594
     
30,613
     
7,662
 
                         
Cash breakdown
                       
Cash and cash equivalents
   
127
     
24,081
     
57
 
Restricted cash, current
   
1,257
     
1,283
     
1,290
 
Restricted cash, non-current
   
4,210
     
5,249
     
6,315
 
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
                       
                         
Capital expenditures included in Accounts payable/Accrued liabilities/Due to related parties
   
205
     
43
     
555
 
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest
   
2,434
     
5,103
     
6,322
 
Finance fees included in Accounts payable/Accrued liabilities/Due to related parties
   
67
     
372
     
2,109
 
Equity issuance costs included in liabilities
   
792
     
1,108
     
117
 
Shares issued as consideration for the assumption of liabilities
   
3,796
     
-
     
-
 
Beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible preferred stock (Note 19)
   
1,403
     
-
     
-
 
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature of Series B convertible preferred stock (Note 19)
   
(1,403
)
   
-
     
-
 
Shares issued in exchange for converting debt,  interest & finance fees
   
-
     
10,890
     
-
 
Settlement of notes with common stock issued (Note 9 and 11)
   
-
     
58,794
     
14,811
 
Elimination of beneficial conversion feature with debt extinguishment (Note 9)
   
-
     
-
     
(3,451
)
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
F-9


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)




1.
Basis of Presentation and General Information:

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Top Ships Inc. (formerly Top Tankers Inc. and Ocean Holdings Inc.) and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively the “Company”). Ocean Holdings Inc. was formed on January 10, 2000, under the laws of Marshall Islands and was renamed to Top Tankers Inc. and Top Ships Inc. in May 2004 and December 2007, respectively. The Company is an international provider of worldwide oil, petroleum products and chemicals transportation services.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company was the sole owner of all outstanding shares of the following subsidiary companies. The following list is not exhaustive as the Company has other subsidiaries relating to vessels that have been sold and that remain dormant for the periods presented in these consolidated financial statements as well as intermediary companies that own shipowning companies that are 100% subsidiaries of the Company.

 
Companies
Date of
Incorporation
Country of
Incorporation
Activity
 
 Top Tanker Management Inc.
May 2004
Marshall Islands
Management company

 
Wholly owned Shipowning Companies (“SPC”) with vessels in operation during years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018
 
Date of
Incorporation
Country of
Incorporation
Vessel
Delivery Date
1
 Monte Carlo 71 Shipping Company Limited
 
June 2014
Marshall Islands
M/T Stenaweco Energy
July  2014
2
 Monte Carlo One Shipping Company Ltd
 
June 2012
Marshall Islands
M/T Stenaweco Evolution
March 2015
3
 Monte Carlo Seven Shipping Company Limited
 
April  2013
Marshall Islands
M/T Stenaweco Excellence
May 2016
4
 Monte Carlo Lax Shipping Company Limited
 
May  2013
Marshall Islands
M/T Nord Valiant
August 2016
5
 Monte Carlo 37 Shipping Company Limited
 
September 2013
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco Fleet
July 2015
6
 Monte Carlo 39 Shipping Company Limited
 
December 2013
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco Revolution
January 2016
7
 Eco Seven Inc.
 
February 2017
Marshall Islands
M/T Stenaweco Elegance
February 2017
8
 Astarte International Inc.
 
April 2017
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco Palm Desert
September 2018

 
Wholly owned SPCs with vessels under construction  during year ended December 31, 2018
 
Date of
Incorporation
Country of
Incorporation
Vessel
Scheduled delivery date
9
 PCH77 Shipping Company Limited
 
 
September 2017
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco California
January 2019
10
 PCH Dreaming Inc.
 
January 2018
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco Marina Del Ray
March 2019
11
 South California Inc.
 
 
January 2018
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco Bel Air
April 2019
12
 Malibu Warrior Inc.
 
January 2018
Marshall Islands
M/T Eco Beverly Hills
May 2019

F-10

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



As of December 31, 2018, the Company was the owner of 50% of outstanding shares of the following companies.

 
SPC
Date of
Incorporation
Country of
Incorporation
Vessel
Built Date
1
 City of Athens Pte. Ltd.
November 2016
Singapore
M/T Eco Holmby Hills
March 2018
2
 Eco Nine Pte. Ltd.
March 2015
Singapore
M/T Eco Palm Springs
May 2018

On February 20, 2017, the Company acquired a 40% ownership interest in Eco Seven Inc. (“Eco Seven”), a Marshall Islands corporation, from Malibu Shipmanagement Co. (“Malibu”), a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, an irrevocable trust established for the benefit of certain family members of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, for an aggregate purchase price of $6,500, pursuant to a share purchase agreement. On March 30, 2017, the Company acquired another 9% ownership interest in Eco Seven from Malibu for an aggregate purchase price of $1,500. On May 30, 2017, the Company acquired an additional 41% interest in Eco Seven from Malibu, for $6,500, increasing the Company’s interest to 90%. The Company controls the board and management of Eco Seven and thus consolidates Eco Seven in its financial statements from February 20, 2017 onwards. Eco Seven owns M/T Stenaweco Elegance, a 50,118 dwt product/chemical tanker that was delivered from Hyundai Vinashin Shipyard Co., Ltd of Vietnam (“Hyundai”) on February 28, 2017.

On March 30, 2017, the Company, acquired a 49% ownership interest in City of Athens Pte. Ltd (“City of Athens”) from Fly Free Company, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $4,200. City of Athens was party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker delivered from Hyundai in March 2018. Furthermore on March 30, 2017, the Company, acquired a 49% ownership interest in Eco Nine Pte. Ltd (“Eco Nine”) from Maxima International Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,500. Eco Nine was a party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Springs, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker delivered from Hyundai in May 2018. On June 14, 2017 the Company acquired an additional 1% interest in City of Athens and in Eco Nine for an aggregate consideration of $157, increasing the Company’s interest in both companies to 50%. The Company accounts for these acquisitions as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures because the Company doesn’t control the two abovementioned companies, since they are jointly controlled by the two partners pursuant to a joint venture agreement (Note 20).

On April 26, 2017, the Company acquired a 100% ownership interest in Astarte International Inc. (“Astarte”) from Indigo Maritime Ltd, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $6,000. Astarte was party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Desert, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker delivered from Hyundai in September 2018.

On November 24, 2017, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of PCH77 Shipping Company Limited, a Marshall Islands company that owns M/T Eco California, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker delivered on January 30, 2018 from Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in Korea from an entity affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis. The Company paid $3,600 for the outstanding shares.
F-11


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



On January 31, 2018 the Company acquired:


a.
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of PCH Dreaming Inc., a Marshall Islands company that had entered into a new building contract for a high specification 50,000 dwt Medium Range (“MR”) product/chemical tanker (M/T Eco Marina Del Ray or Hull No 8242) under construction at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard Co., Ltd. in South Korea and delivered in March 2019.  The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,950. The transaction specified that following its delivery, the vessel was going to enter into a time charter with an entity affiliated with the seller for a firm duration of one year at a gross daily rate of $16,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $17,000 and $18,000, respectively. In June 2018 the Company cancelled without penalty the abovementioned time charter and entered into a new 5 year time charter with Cargill International SA (“Cargill”) at a gross daily rate of $15,100.

b.
100% of the issued and outstanding shares of South California Inc., a Marshall Islands company that had entered into a new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier (M/T Eco Bel Air or Hull No 874) under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during April 2019. The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $8,950. The transaction specified that following its delivery, the vessel was going to enter into a time charter with an entity affiliated with the Seller for a firm duration of one year at a gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $26,000 and $27,000, respectively. In June the Company cancelled without penalty the abovementioned time charter and entered into a new 3 year time charter with BP Shipping Limited at a gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $28,000 and $29,500, respectively.

c.
100% of the issued outstanding shares of Malibu Warrior Inc., a Marshall Islands company that had entered into a new building contract for a high specification, scrubber-equipped, 157,000 dwt Suezmax Crude Oil Carrier (M/T Beverly Hills or Hull No 875) under construction at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in South Korea and scheduled for delivery during May 2019. The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $8,950. The transaction specified that following its delivery, the vessel was going to enter into a time charter with an entity affiliated with the Seller for a firm duration of one year at a gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $26,000 and $27,000, respectively. In June 2018 the Company cancelled without penalty the abovementioned time charter and entered into a new 3 year time charter with BP Shipping Limited at a gross daily rate of $25,000, with a charterer’s option to extend for two additional years at $28,000 and $29,500, respectively.

d.
10% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc., the owner of M/T Stena Elegance. The Company acquired the shares from an entity affiliated with the Company’s Chief Executive Officer for an aggregate purchase price of $1,600. As a result of the transaction the Company owns 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Eco Seven Inc.

Each of the acquisitions was approved by a special committee of the Company’s board of directors, (the "Transaction Committee"), of which all of the directors were independent.  The Company accounted for the abovementioned acquisitions as a transfer of assets between entities under common control and has recognized the vessels at their historical carrying amounts at the date of transfer.

The amount of the consideration given in excess of the historical carrying value of the net assets acquired is recognized as a reduction to the Company’s additional paid in capital and presented as Excess of consideration over the carrying value of acquired assets in the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 respectively. An analysis of the consideration paid is presented in the table below:

As of December 31, 2017:

Consideration in cash
   
24,100
 
Less: Carrying value of net assets of companies acquired
   
11,191
 
Excess of consideration over acquired assets
   
12,909
 

F-12

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



As of December 31, 2018:

Consideration in cash
   
23,450
 
Less: Carrying value of net assets of companies acquired
   
1,190
 
Excess of consideration over acquired assets
   
22,260
 


2.
Significant Accounting Policies:

(a) Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and include the accounts and operating results of Top Ships Inc. and its subsidiaries referred to in Note 1. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on consolidation. Non-controlling interests are stated at the non-controlling interest’s proportion of the net assets of the subsidiaries where the Company has less than 100% interest. Subsequent to initial recognition the carrying amount of non-controlling interest is increased or decreased by the non-controlling interest’s share of subsequent changes in the equity of such subsidiaries. Total comprehensive income is attributed to a non-controlling interest even if this results in the non-controlling interest having a deficit balance. Changes in the Company’s ownership interests in subsidiaries that do not result in the Company losing control over the subsidiaries are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amounts of the Company’s interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognized directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Company.

(b)   Use of Estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Critical estimates mainly include impairment of vessels, vessel useful lives and residual values and fair values of derivative instruments.

(c)   Foreign Currency Translation: The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. Dollar because all vessels operate in international shipping markets, and therefore primarily transact business in U.S. Dollars. The Company’s books of account are 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 to U.S. Dollars based on the year-end exchange rates and any gains and losses are included in the statement of comprehensive loss.

(d)   Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers highly liquid investments such as time deposits and certificates of deposit with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

(e)   Restricted Cash: The Company considers amounts that are pledged, blocked, held as cash collateral, required to be maintained with a specific bank or be maintained by the Company as minimum cash under the terms of a loan agreement, as restricted and these amounts are presented separately on the balance sheets. In the event original maturities are shorter than twelve months, such deposits are presented as current assets while if original maturities are longer than twelve months, such deposits are presented as non-current assets.

(f)   Trade Accounts Receivable, net: The amount shown as trade accounts receivable, net at each balance sheet date, includes estimated recoveries from charterers for hire billings, net of a provision for doubtful accounts. At each balance sheet date, all potentially uncollectible accounts are assessed individually, combined with the application of a historical recoverability ratio, for purposes of determining the appropriate provision for doubtful accounts. The Company assessed that it had no potentially uncollectible accounts and hence formed no provision for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2017 and 2018 respectively.

(g)   Inventories: Inventories consist of lubricants and paints on board the vessels. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost, which consists of the purchase price, is determined by the first in, first out method.
F-13

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



(h)   Vessel Cost: Vessels are stated at cost, which consists of the contract price, pre-delivery costs and capitalized interest incurred during the construction of new building vessels, and any material expenses incurred upon acquisition (improvements and delivery costs). Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are also capitalized when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. Repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred and are included in Vessel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

(i)  Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company evaluates the existence of impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of the Company’s long lived assets are not recoverable. Such indicators of potential impairment include, vessel sales and purchases, business plans and overall market conditions. If there are indications for impairment present, the Company determines undiscounted projected net operating cash flows for each vessel and compares it to the vessel's carrying value. If the carrying value of the related vessel exceeds its undiscounted future net cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value, and the difference is recognized as an impairment loss.
 
(j)   Vessel Depreciation: Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the vessels, after deducting the estimated salvage value. Each vessel's salvage value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and estimated scrap rate, of $300 per lightweight ton. Management estimates the useful life of the Company's vessels to be 25 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Second hand vessels are depreciated from the date of their acquisition through their remaining estimated useful life. When regulations place limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, its useful life is adjusted at the date such regulations are adopted.

(k)   Long Lived Assets Held for Sale: The Company classifies vessels as being held for sale when the following criteria are met: (a) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset, (b) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated, (d) the sale of the asset is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, (f) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn.

Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. These vessels are not depreciated once they meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale. 

Long-lived assets previously classified as held for sale that are classified as held and used are revalued at the lower of (a) the carrying amount of the asset before it was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the asset been continuously classified as held and used and (b) the fair value of the asset at the date that the Company decided not to sell the asset.

(l)  Other Fixed Assets, Net: Other fixed assets, net, consist of furniture, office equipment, cars and leasehold improvements, stated at cost, which consists of the purchase/contract price less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the assets as presented below:

Description
 
Useful Life (years)
 
Leasehold improvements
 
Until the end of the lease term (December 2024)
 
Cars
   
6
 
Office equipment
   
5
 
Furniture and fittings
   
5
 
Computer equipment
   
3
 

(m)   Accounting for Dry-Docking Costs: All dry-docking and special survey costs are expensed in the period incurred.
F-14

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



(n)  Financing Costs: Fees incurred and paid to the lenders for obtaining new loans or refinancing existing ones are recorded as a contra to debt and such fees are amortized to interest and finance costs over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. Unamortized fees relating to loans repaid or refinanced are expensed when a repayment or refinancing is made and charged to interest and finance costs.
 
(o)   Accounting for Revenue and Expenses: Revenues are generated from time charter arrangements. A time charter is a contract for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate, which is generally payable monthly in advance. Time charter revenue is only recognized when an agreement exists, the price is fixed, service is provided and the collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured. Revenue is shown net of address commissions, if applicable, payable directly to charterers under the relevant charter agreements. Address commissions represent a common market practice discount (sales incentive) on services rendered by the Company and no identifiable benefit is received in exchange for the consideration provided to the charterer. Commissions on time charter revenues are recognized on a pro rata basis over the duration of the period. Time charter revenue is recognized as earned on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant time charter starting from the vessel’s delivery to the charterer, except for any off-hire period. Under a time charter agreement, vessel operating expenses such as management fees, crew wages, provisions and stores, technical maintenance and insurance expenses and broker’s commissions are paid by the vessel owner, whereas voyage expenses such as bunkers, port expenses, agents’ fees, and extra war risk insurance are paid by the charterer.

Vessel operating expenses are expensed as incurred. Unearned revenue represents cash received prior to year-end related to revenue applicable to periods after December 31 of each year.

When vessels are acquired with time charters attached and the rates on such charters are below or above market on the acquisition date, the Company allocates the total cost between the vessel and the fair value of below market time charter based on the relative fair values of the vessel and the liability or asset acquired. The fair value of the attached time charter is computed as the present value of the difference between the contractual amount to be received over the term of the time charter and management’s estimates of the market time charter rate at the time of acquisition. The fair value of below or above market time charter is recognized as an intangible liability or asset respectively and is amortized over the remaining period of the time charter as an increase or decrease to revenues.

The Company pays commissions to ship brokers associated with arranging the Company’s charters. These commissions are recognized over the related charter period and are included in voyage expenses.

(p)  Stock Incentive Plan: All share-based compensation related to the grant of restricted and/or unrestricted shares provided to employees and to non-employee directors as well as to third party consultants and service providers for their services provided is included in “general and administrative expenses” in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. The shares that do not contain any future service vesting conditions are considered vested shares and recognized in full on the grant date. The shares that contain a time-based service vesting condition are considered non-vested shares on the grant date and recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The shares granted to employees or directors, vested and non-vested, are measured at fair value which is equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. In addition, unvested awards granted to non-employees are measured at their then-current fair value as of the financial reporting dates (Note 12).
 
 (q)  Earnings / (Loss)  per Share: Basic earnings/(loss) per share are computed by dividing net income or loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares deemed outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings/(loss) per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised. For purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share the denominator of the diluted earnings per share calculation includes the incremental shares assumed issued under the treasury stock method weighted for the period the non-vested shares were outstanding. The computation of diluted earnings per share also reflects the potential dilution that could occur if warrants to issue common stock were exercised, to the extent that they are dilutive, using the treasury stock method, the potential dilution that could occur if convertible preferred stock were converted, using the if-converted method as well as the potential dilution that could occur if the Company completed all sales pursuant to common stock purchase agreements, using the if-converted method. Finally net income or loss available to common stockholders is reduced to reflect any deemed dividends on convertible preferred stock, weighted for the period the convertible preferred shares were outstanding.
F-15

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



(r)  Derivatives and Hedging:  The Company records every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, with changes in the derivatives' fair value recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The Company has not applied hedge accounting for its derivative instruments during the periods presented.

(s)  Financial liabilities: Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at ‘fair value through the profit and loss’ (“FVTPL”) or ‘other financial liabilities’. Financial instruments classified as FVTPL are recognized at fair value in the balance sheet when the Company has an obligation to perform under the contractual provisions of those instruments. Financial instruments are classified as liabilities or equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement. Changes in the financial instruments are recognized in earnings, except in the cases where these financial instruments fall under the guidance in ASC 815-40, where they are initially classified in equity and are initially measured at fair value in permanent equity and subsequent changes in fair value are not subsequently measured. Other financial liabilities (including borrowings and trade and other payables) are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.

(t) Segment Reporting: The Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”), Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis, receives financial information and evaluates the Company’s operations by charter revenues and not by the length, type of vessel or type of ship employment for its customers (i.e. time or bareboat charters) or by geographical region as the charterer is free to trade the vessel worldwide and as a result, the disclosure of geographic information is impracticable. The CODM does not use discrete financial information to evaluate the operating results for each such type of charter or vessel. Although revenue can be identified for these types of charters or vessels, management cannot and does not identify expenses, profitability or other financial information for these various types of charters or vessels. As a result, management, including the CODM, reviews operating results solely by revenue per day and operating results of the fleet, and thus the Company has determined that it operates as one reportable segment.

(u)  Leasing: Leases are classified as capital leases if they meet at least one of the following criteria: (i) the leased asset automatically transfers title at the end of the lease term; (ii) the lease contains a bargain purchase option; (iii) the lease term equals or exceeds 75% of the remaining estimated economic life of the leased asset; (iv) or the present value of the minimum lease payments equals or exceeds 90% of the excess of fair value of the leased property. If none of the above criteria is met, the lease is accounted for as an operating lease. Operating lease payments are recognized as an operating expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For sale and lease back transactions, when the lease qualifies as an operating lease and the lease back is considered “more than minor but less than substantially all” i.e. the seller-lessee retains more than a minor part but less than substantially all of the use of the asset, the resulting gains or losses are deferred and amortized to income over the lease period.

(v)   Beneficial conversion feature: A beneficial conversion feature is defined as a non detachable conversion feature that is in the money at the commitment date. The beneficial conversion feature guidance requires recognition of the conversion option’s in-the-money portion, the intrinsic value of the option, in equity, with an offsetting reduction to the carrying amount of the instrument. The resulting discount is amortized as a dividend over either the life of the instrument, if a stated maturity date exists, or to the earliest conversion date, if there is no stated maturity date. If the earliest conversion date is immediately upon issuance, the dividend must be recognized at inception. When there is a subsequent change to the conversion ratio based on a future occurrence, the new conversion price may trigger the recognition of an additional beneficial conversion feature on occurrence.

(w)  Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures: The Company's investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, investments are stated at initial cost and are adjusted for subsequent additional investments and the Company's proportionate share of earnings or losses and distributions. The Company evaluates its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such investments may have experienced other than temporary decline in value below their carrying value. If the estimated fair value is less than the carrying value and is considered other than a temporary decline, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value and the resulting impairment is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of comprehensive loss.
 
F-16

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



 (x)   Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

New Accounting Pronouncements - Adopted

ASU 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers: On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued the ASU No 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09, as amended, outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The Company elected to use the modified retrospective transition method for the implementation of this standard. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on the financial statements since the Company's revenues are generated from time charters. Revenue generated from time charters are within the scope of ASU 842, Leases, because the vessel is an identified asset, the Company does not have substantive substitution rights, and the charterer has the right to control the use of the vessel during the term of the contract and derives the economic benefits from such use. Revenue recognized under ASU 842 is discussed further below.

New Accounting Pronouncements - Not Yet Adopted

In July 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-11, "Earnings Per Share, Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity, and Derivatives and Hedging" ("ASU No. 2017-11"), which changes the classification of certain equity-linked financial instruments with down round features. As a result, a free standing equity-linked financial instrument or an embedded conversion option would not be accounted for as a derivative liability at fair value as a result of existence of a down round feature. For freestanding equity classified financial instruments, the amendment requires the entities to recognize the effect of the down round feature when triggered in its earnings per share calculations. The standard is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” This ASU expands the scope of Topic 718, which currently only includes share-based payments issued to employees, to also include share-based payments issued to nonemployees for goods and services. Currently, nonemployee awards are measured at the fair value of the consideration received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever can be more reliably measured. Under ASU 2018-07, equity-classified nonemployee awards within the scope of Topic 718 will be measured at grant-date fair value. The ASU simplified the accounting for share-based payments granted to nonemployees for goods and services, therefore guidance on such payments to nonemployees would be mostly aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not believe this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the disclosure requirements for fair value measurement. The amendments in this Update modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, based on the concepts in the Concepts Statement, including the consideration of costs and benefits. The amendments in this Update are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The amendments on changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty should be applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments should be applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of this Update. An entity is permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures upon issuance of this Update and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until their effective date. The Company will adopt this standard for its first interim reporting period commencing as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's  consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02—Leases (ASC 842), as amended from time to time, which requires lessees to recognize most leases on the balance sheet. This is expected to increase both reported assets and liabilities. The new lease standard does not substantially change lessor accounting, nor lease classification criteria. Lessees and lessors will be required to apply the new standard at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements in which they first apply the new guidance, using a modified retrospective transition method. Under that transition method, an entity initially applies the new leases standard (subject to specific transition requirements and optional practical expedients) at the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements (which is January 1, 2017 for calendar-year-end public business entities that adopted the new leases standard on January 1, 2019).
F-17

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)


The new standard (i) provides entities with an additional (and optional) transition method to adopt the new leases standard, under which an entity initially applies the new leases standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption consistent with preparers’ requests and (ii) provides lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if both of the following are met: (a) the timing and pattern of transfer of the non-lease component(s) and associated lease component are the same and (b) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease. If the non-lease component or components associated with the lease component are the predominant component of the combined component, an entity is required to account for the combined component in accordance with ASC 606. Otherwise, the entity should account for the combined component as an operating lease in accordance with ASC 842. For public companies, the standard will be effective for the first interim reporting period within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, although early adoption is permitted.
The Company will adopt this standard for its first interim reporting period commencing January 1, 2019, by using the modified retrospective transition method and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Additionally, the Company will elect to apply the additional optional transition method along with the following practical expedients: (i) a package of practical expedients which does not require the Company to reassess: (1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; (2) lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and (3) whether initial direct costs for any expired or existing leases would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. The Company will elect the practical expedient for lessors for presentation purposes, upon adoption of ASC 842-Leases, which allows the Company to account for the lease and non-lease (primarily crew and maintenance services) component of time charter agreements as one, since as the timing and pattern of transfer of the non-lease components and associated lease component are the same, the lease components, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease, and the predominant component in its time charter agreements is the lease component.
The Company's operating lease commitments relating to bareboat chartered-in vessels will be subject to the new standard and will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon its adoption, which will increase the Company's total assets and total liabilities that the Company reports relative to such amounts prior to adoption. The Company is in the final process of implementing a new lease accounting policy and updating its controls and procedures for maintaining and accounting for its leases under the new guidance in order to be able to quantify the effect. The Company expects the adoption of the new standard to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.
In November 2018, FASB issued ASU2018-19 “Codification Improvements to topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses”. The amendments in this update clarify that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. ASU 2018-19 is effective for fiscal years, including interim periods within those fiscal periods, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.


3.
Going Concern:

At December 31, 2018, the Company had a working capital deficit of $31,531 and cash and cash equivalents of $57. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has remaining contractual commitments for the acquisition of its fleet totaling $147,632. Of this amount, $66,272 is payable in the first quarter of 2019 and $81,360 in the second quarter of 2019. Of the amount payable in 2019, an amount of $66,272 has been settled as of the date of issuance of these financial statements.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company had available committed undrawn balances of $152,187. The Company expects to finance its working capital deficit with operational cash flow, debt or equity issuances, or a combination thereof and other sources such as funds from the Company's controlling shareholder and CEO, Mr. Pistiolis, if required. If the Company is unable to arrange debt or equity financing, it is probable that the Company may also consider selling a vessel. Therefore, there is no substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern, for a reasonable period of time. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets and liabilities, or any other adjustments that might result in the event the Company is unable to continue as a going concern.
F-18

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)




4(a)
Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction:

An analysis of Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction is as follows:

   
Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
   
-
 
— Advances paid
   
5,995
 
—Capitalized expenses
   
762
 
Balance, December 31, 2017
   
6,757
 
— Advances paid
   
60,731
 
— Capitalized expenses
   
3,346
 
— Transferred to Vessels
   
(32,090
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
   
38,744
 

In the year ended December 31, 2017, Advances for vessels under construction relate to the payments to the shipyards and other expenses capitalized relating to vessels M/T Eco Palm Desert and M/T Eco California amounted to $6,743 and $14 respectively.

In the year ended December 31, 2018, Advances for the construction of newbuilding vessels relate to  M/T Eco Palm Desert, M/T Eco California, M/T Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills of  $25,347, $14,392, $7,288, $8,531 and $8,519 respectively.

On September 7, 2018, the Company took delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert from Hyundai, and hence advances paid and capitalized expenses relating to the vessel were transferred from Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction to Vessels, net.


4(b)
Vessels, net:

The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:

 
 
Vessel Cost
   
Accumulated Depreciation
   
Net Book Value
 
Balance, December 31, 2016
   
130,185
     
(4,015
)
   
126,170
 
— Acquisitions
   
34,509
     
-
     
34,509
 
— Depreciation
   
-
     
(5,744
)
   
(5,744
)
Balance, December 31, 2017
   
164,694
     
(9,759
)
   
154,935
 
— Transferred from advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction
   
32,090
     
-
     
32,090
 
— Depreciation
   
-
     
(6,390
)
   
(6,390
)
Balance, December 31, 2018
   
196,784
     
(16,149
)
   
180,635
 
 
In 2017 and 2018 the Company took delivery of the following vessels:

Vessel Name
Delivery Date
 
Yard Installments
   
Capitalized Expenses
   
Final Cost
 
M/T Stenaweco Elegance
February 28, 2017
   
33,935
     
574
     
34,509
 
M/T Eco Palm Desert
September 7, 2018
   
29,994
     
2,096
     
32,090
 

F-19

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



The Company’s vessels have been mortgaged as security under its loan facilities (see Note 9).


5.
Transactions with Related Parties:

 (a) Central Mare– Executive Officers and Other Personnel Agreements: On September 1, 2010, the Company entered into separate agreements with Central Mare pursuant to which Central Mare provides the Company with its executive officers (Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Technical Officer and Chief Operating Officer).

As of December 31, 2017 the amount due to Central Mare was $46 and as of December 31, 2018 the amount due to Central Mare was $51. These amounts are presented in Due to related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
The fees charged by and expenses relating to Central Mare for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are as follows:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
   
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Presented in:
Executive officers and other personnel expenses
   
1,530
     
2,400
     
2,400
 
General and administrative expenses - Statement of comprehensive loss
Amortization of awarded shares*
   
47
     
(25
)
   
(34
)
Management fees - related parties - Statement of comprehensive loss
Total
   
1,577
     
2,375
     
2,366
 
 
 *As per the Company’s equity incentive plan, or the 2015 plan, (see Note 12), the Company incurred an amortization expense/(gain) of $47, $(25) and $(34) relating to shares vesting to Central Mare’s nominee, Tankers Family on June 30, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.

On March 27, 2017 and January 2, 2018, the Company’s board of directors granted to the Chief Executive Officer a bonus of $1,500 and $2,250 respectively, to be distributed at his own discretion to other executives and is included in “General and administrative expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

 (b) Central Shipping Monaco SAM (“CSM”) – Letter Agreement and Management Agreements: On March 10, 2014, the Company entered into a letter agreement, or the Letter Agreement, with CSM, a related party affiliated with the family of the Company’s President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Evangelos J. Pistiolis, and on March 10, 2014 and June 18, 2014 the Company entered into management agreements, or Management Agreements, between CSM and the Company’s vessel-owning subsidiaries respectively. The Letter Agreement can only be terminated subject to an eighteen-month advance notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve months of fees payable under the Letter Agreement.

Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, as well as the Management Agreements concluded between CSM and the Company’s vessel-owning subsidiaries, the Company pays a technical management fee of $595 per day per vessel for the provision of technical, operation, insurance, bunkering and crew management, commencing three months before the vessel is scheduled to be delivered by the shipyard and a commercial management fee of $328 per day per vessel, commencing from the date the vessel is delivered from the shipyard. In addition, the Management Agreements provide for payment to CSM of: (i) $541 per day for superintendent visits plus actual expenses; (ii) a chartering commission of 1.25% on all freight, hire and demurrage revenues; (iii) a commission of 1.00% on all gross vessel sale proceeds or the purchase price paid for vessels and (iv) a financing fee of 0.2% on derivative agreements and loan financing or refinancing. CSM also performs supervision services for all of the Company’s newbuilding vessels while the vessels are under construction, for which the Company pays CSM the actual cost of the supervision services plus a fee of 7% of such supervision services.

CSM provides, at cost, all accounting, reporting and administrative services. Finally, the Letter Agreement provides for a performance incentive fee for the provision of management services to be determined at the discretion of the Company. The Management Agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will continue to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen-month advance notice of termination. Pursuant to the terms of the Management Agreements, all fees payable to CSM are adjusted annually according to the US Consumer Price Inflation (“CPI”) of the previous year and if CPI is less than 2% than a 2% increase is effected.
F-20

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



As of December 31, 2017 and 2018 the amounts due to CSM were $74 and $2,366 respectively and are presented in Due to related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The fees charged by and expenses relating to CSM for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 are as follows:

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
2016
2017
2018
Presented in:
Management fees
118
34
101
Capitalized in Vessels, net / Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction –Balance sheet
1,598
2,242
2,455
Management fees - related parties -Statement of comprehensive loss
Supervision services fees
43
31
63
Capitalized in Vessels, net / Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction –Balance sheet
Superintendent fees
104
136
187
Vessel operating expenses -Statement of comprehensive loss
67
22
101
Capitalized in Vessels, net / Advances for vessels acquisitions / under construction –Balance sheet
Accounting and reporting cost
179
183
233
Management fees - related parties -Statement of comprehensive loss
Financing fees
131
139
139
Net in Current and Non-current portions of long-term debt – Balance sheet
Commission for sale and purchase of vessels
-
1,081
3,861
Management fees - related parties -Statement of comprehensive loss
Commission on charter hire agreements
358
487
511
Voyage expenses - Statement of comprehensive loss
Performance incentive fee
-
1,250
1,250
Management fees - related parties - Statement of comprehensive loss
Total
2,598
5,605
8,901
 
  
For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018, CSM charged the Company newbuilding supervision related pass-through costs amounting to $618, $454 and $958 respectively.

(c) Family Trading Inc. (“Family Trading”) - Revolving Credit Facility and Assumption of Liabilities: On October 1, 2010, the Company entered into a bareboat charter agreement to lease the vessel M/T Delos until September 30, 2015 for a variable rate per year. On October 15, 2011, the Company terminated the bareboat charter agreement resulting in a termination fee of $5,750 “(the Delos Termination Fee”) that remained outstanding until December 31, 2012. On January 1, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with the owner of M/T Delos for the repayment of the remaining balances of the Delos Termination Fee. On December 10, 2015, the owner of M/T Delos notified the Company that the outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee was immediately due and payable, since the Company had been delaying the installments as per the agreed repayment schedule. On January 12, 2016, Family Trading, a related party owned by the Lax Trust, assumed the outstanding balance of the Delos Termination Fee that amounted to $3,796 (the “Family Trading transaction”). As consideration for the assumption of this liability, Family Trading on January 12, 2016 received 8 of the Company’s common shares with a then fair value $3,661. This transaction was approved by a special committee of the independent directors of the Company. Furthermore on December 23, 2015 the Company entered into an agreement for an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading for up to $15,000 to be used to fund the Company’s newbuilding program and working capital relating to the Company’s operating vessels. As of the date of issuance of these financial statements there have been various amendments and addendums to the Family Trading Credit Facility (see Note 9). As of December 31, 2017 the amounts due to Family Trading were $0. As of December 31, 2018 the interest and fees due to Family Trading were $1,806, representing $301 of interest payable, $5 of commitment fees payable and $1,500 of arrangement fees payable and are presented in Due to related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
F-21

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)




(d) Vessel Acquisitions from affiliated entities: From February 20 to November 24, 2017 the Company entered into a series of transactions with a number of entities affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis that led to the purchase of M/T Eco Palm Desert and M/T Eco California, 90% interest in M/T Stenaweco Elegance and 50% interests in M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs. On January 31, 2018 the Company entered into a series of transactions with a number of entities affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis that led to the purchase of the construction contracts of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air, M/T Eco Beverly Hills and 10% interest in M/T Stenaweco Elegance (see Notes 1, 3, 4 and 20).

(e) Charter Party with Central Tankers Chartering Inc (“Central Tankers Chartering”): On September 1, 2017 the Company entered into a time charter party with Central Tankers Chartering, a related party affiliated with the family of Evangelos J. Pistiolis, for the vessel M/T Eco Palm Desert delivered from Hyundai in September 2018. The time charter is for a firm period of three years at a daily rate of $14,750 with two optional years at daily rates of $15,250 and $15,750 respectively, at Central Tankers Chartering’s option. The time charter carries a 1.25% address commission payable to Central Tankers Chartering. Total revenue backlog from this time charter for the firm period is $15,949, assuming no off-hire days. As of December 31, 2018 the amounts due from Central Tankers Chartering were $75 and is presented in Due from related parties, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.


6.
Leases
 
A. Lease arrangements, under which the Company acts as the lessee

Bareboat Chartered-in Vessels:

On January 29, 2015 and March 31, 2015, the Company sold and leased back M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution respectively. The vessels were chartered back on a bareboat basis for 7 years at a bareboat hire of $8,586 and $8,625 per day respectively. In addition, the Company has the option to buy back each vessel from the end of year 3 up to the end of year 7 at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised.

The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements. The Company must maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of not more than 75% and maintain minimum free liquidity of $750 per vessel owned and $500 per bareboat chartered-in vessel at all times which is certified quarterly. As of December 31, 2018, the Company is in compliance with the consolidated leverage ratio and the minimum free liquidity covenants.

As of December 31, 2018, cash and cash equivalents including restricted cash amounted to $7,662 of which an amount of $5,500 is presented as restricted cash due to the abovementioned minimum liquidity covenant.

The Company has treated the sale and leaseback of the abovementioned vessels as an operating lease. Losses from the sale of these two vessels amounted to $11,600 which are amortized over the duration of the leases. The amortization for the year is presented under Amortization of prepaid bareboat charter hire in the accompanying statement of consolidated loss and amounted to $1,577, $1,657 and $1,657 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively.

As at December 31, 2018, the outstanding balance of the Prepaid bareboat charter hire was $5,277, presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as follows:

Current portion of Prepaid bareboat charter hire
   
1,656
 
Non-current portion of Prepaid bareboat charter hire
   
3,621
 
Total
   
5,277
 

F-22

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Future minimum lease payments:

The Company's future minimum lease payments required to be made after December 31, 2018, relating to bareboat chartered-in vessels M/T Stenaweco Energy and M/T Stenaweco Evolution are as follows:

Year ending December 31,
 
Bareboat Charter Lease Payments
 
2019
   
6,282
 
2020
   
6,299
 
2021
   
6,282
 
2022
   
1,034
 
  Total
   
19,897
 

B. Lease arrangements, under which the Company acts as the lessor

Charter agreements:

In the period ended December 31, 2018, the Company operated four vessels (M/T Stenaweco Energy, M/T Stenaweco Evolution, M/T Stenaweco Excellence and M/T Stenaweco Elegance) under time charters with Stena Bulk A/S, two vessels (M/T Eco Fleet and M/T Eco Revolution) under time charters with BP Shipping Limited (“BP”), one vessel (M/T Nord Valiant) under time charter with Dampskibsselskabet Norden A/S and one vessel (M/T Eco Palm Desert) under time charter with Central Tankers Chartering Inc.

Furthermore the Company has entered into time charter parties for its newbuilding vessels, namely with BP (M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills), Cargill (M/T Eco Marina Del Ray) and Shell Tankers Singapore Private Limited (“Shell”) (M/T Eco California).

Future minimum time-charter receipts of the Company’s vessels in operation as of December 31, 2018, based on commitments relating to non-cancellable time charter contracts as of December 31, 2018, are as follows:

Year ending December 31,
 
Time Charter receipts
 
2019
   
43,875
 
2020
   
43,400
 
2021
   
19,052
 
2022
   
272
 
Total
   
106,599
 

Future minimum time-charter receipts of our vessels under construction as of December 31, 2018, are as follows (based on estimated delivery dates):

Year ending December 31,
 
Time Charter receipts
 
2019
   
21,842
 
2020
   
28,860
 
2021
   
24,188
 
2022
   
10,937
 
2023
   
5,512
 
2024
   
1,102
 
Total
   
92,441
 


In arriving at the minimum future charter revenues, an estimated 20 days off-hire time to perform scheduled dry-docking on each vessel has been deducted, and it has been assumed that no additional off-hire time is incurred, although there is no assurance that such estimate will be reflective of the actual off-hire in the future.


7.
Prepayments and other:

The amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:

 
 
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2018
 
Prepaid expenses
   
140
     
350
 
Guarantees
   
17
     
16
 
Advances to various creditors
   
119
     
100
 
Other receivables
   
152
     
342
 
Total
   
428
     
808
 

F-23

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)

 


8.
Inventories:

The amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:

   
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2018
 
Lubricants
   
574
     
522
 
Consumable stores
   
71
     
65
 
Total
   
645
     
587
 


9.
Debt:

The amounts in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are analyzed as follows:

Bank / Vessel(s)
 
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2017
   
2018
 
Total long term debt:
           
ABN (M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant)
   
53,538
     
52,288
 
NORD/LB (M/T Stenaweco Excellence)
   
20,116
     
18,071
 
Alpha Bank (M/T Stenaweco Elegance)
   
22,150
     
20,550
 
AT Bank (M/T Eco Palm Desert)
   
-
     
23,175
 
Total long term debt
   
95,804
     
114,084
 
Less: Deferred finance fees
   
(2,038
)
   
(2,516
)
Total long term debt net of deferred finance fees
   
93,766
     
111,568
 
                 
Presented:
               
Current portion of long term debt
   
9,508
     
10,210
 
Long term debt
   
84,258
     
101,358
 
                 
Long term debt from related parties:
               
Family Trading facility
   
-
     
24,744
 
Less debt discounts
           
(9,073
)
Long term debt from related parties net of debt discounts
   
-
     
15,671
 
                 
Short Term Debt:
               
Unsecured Notes
   
8,878
     
-
 
AT Bank first predelivery facility (M/T Eco Palm Desert)
   
1,499
     
-
 
AT Bank second predelivery facility (M/T Eco California)
   
-
     
10,140
 
Alpha Bank predelivery facility
   
-
     
3,380
 
Less: Deferred finance fees
   
(194
)
   
(104
)
Current portion of loans net of deferred finance fees
   
10,183
     
13,416
 
                 
Total Debt net of deferred finance fees and debt discounts
   
103,949
     
140,655
 

F-24

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



(A). LONG-TERM DEBT

ABN Amro Facility

On July 9, 2015, the Company entered into a credit facility with ABN Amro Bank N.V. of Holland (“ABN Amro”) for $42,000 (“the ABN Amro facility”) for the financing of the vessels M/T Eco Fleet and M/T Eco Revolution ($21,000 per financed vessel). This facility was amended on September 28, 2015 and was increased to $44,400 ($22,200 per vessel), with all other terms remaining the same except for the margin which was increased by 0.15%. The credit facility is repayable in 4 consecutive quarterly installments of $500, 4 consecutive quarterly installments of $512.5, 4 consecutive quarterly installments of $525 and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $387.5 for each of the financed vessels, commencing on October 13, 2015 for M/T Eco Fleet and on April 15, 2016 for M/T Eco Revolution plus a balloon installment of $11,400 for each of the financed vessels, payable together with the last installment in July 2021 and in January 2022, respectively. On August 1, 2016, the Company amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit to $64,400 and added another tranche to the loan, "Tranche C", which is secured by vessel M/T Nord Valiant. Tranche C is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $550 each and 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $363 each, commencing on November 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9,050 payable together with the last installment in August 2022. Apart from the inclusion of M/T Nord Valiant as a collateralized vessel and the reduction of the margin to 3.75% (applicable only to Tranche C), no other material changes were made to the ABN Facility.

The Company drew down $21,000 under the ABN Amro facility on July 13, 2015 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T Eco Fleet and another $1,200 on September 30, 2015. Furthermore, the Company drew down $22,200 under the ABN facility on January 15, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of M/T Eco Revolution. Finally, on August 5, 2016 the Company drew down $20,000 under the Tranche C of the ABN facility to partly finance the last shipyard installments of M/T Nord Valiant.

The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 130%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees. It also restricts the shipowning company from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.

The facility is secured as follows:


·
First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant;

·
Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessels;

·
Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiaries;

·
Pledge over the earnings account of the vessels.

On April 21, 2017, the Company was informed by ABN Amro that the Company was in breach of a loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 30% of the Company's outstanding common shares. ABN Amro requested that either the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain an ownership interest of at least 30% of the outstanding common shares or maintain a voting rights interest of above 50% in the Company. In order to regain compliance with the loan covenant, the Company issued the Series D preferred shares (see Note 11).  On July 28, 2017 ABN Amro by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 30% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of the Company’s share capital, without ABN Amro’s prior written approval.
F-25

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



On November 16, 2018 the Company amended the ABN Facility to increase the borrowing limit by $5,000. This additional amount was subsequently drawn-down and applied towards capital expenditures under the Company’s newbuilding program and is allocated to the mortgaged vessels as follows: $750 to M/T Eco Fleet, $750 to M/T Eco Revolution and $3,500 to M/T Nord Valiant. Apart from the introduction of a new repayment schedule reflecting the increased facility principal, all other material terms remained the same. As per the new repayment schedule the quarterly installments are increased by $25, $25 and $100 for M/T Eco Fleet, M/T Eco Revolution and M/T Nord Valiant respectively and their respective balloon installments are increased by $475, $425 and $2,000, respectively.

The ABN Amro facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.90%, except for the Tranche C part of the facility that bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.75%.Tranche C was repaid on January 17, 2019 from proceeds from the sale and lease-back of M/T Nord Valiant (see Note 21) The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was 2.4%.

NORD/LB Facility

On May 11, 2016, the Company entered into a credit facility with Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale (“NORD/LB Bank”) of Germany for $23,185 (“the NORD/LB facility”) for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Excellence. The credit facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $511 and 16 consecutive quarterly installments of $473, commencing in August 2016, plus a balloon installment of $9,480 payable together with the last installment in May 2023.

The Company drew down $23,185 under the NORD/LB facility on May 13, 2016 to finance the last shipyard installment of the M/T Stenaweco Excellence.

The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125% for the first three years and 143% thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees. It also restricts the shipowning company from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.

The facility is secured as follows:

 First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Excellence;
 Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
 Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
 Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
 Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
 Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.

On May 16, 2017 NORD/LB by way of a supplemental agreement provided a waiver until December 31, 2017 for the breach of the loan covenant that requires that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of 20% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares. In addition NORD/LB agreed to reduce the abovementioned minimum percentage to 10%. On January 8, 2018 NORD/LB agreed to replace said covenant with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of the Company’s share capital, without NORD/LB’s prior written approval.

The NORD/LB facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.43%. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about 2.6%.
F-26


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Alpha Bank Facility

On July 20, 2016, Eco Seven that was later acquired by the Company entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank SA. of Greece (“Alpha Bank”) for $23,350 (“the Alpha facility”) for the financing of the vessel M/T Stenaweco Elegance. The credit facility is repayable in 12 consecutive quarterly installments of $400 and 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $303, commencing in May 2017, plus a balloon installment of $12,500 payable together with the last installment in February 2025.

The Company drew down $23,350 under the Alpha facility on February 24, 2017 to finance the last shipyard installment of the M/T Stenaweco Elegance.

On August 1, 2017, Alpha Bank by way of a supplemental agreement removed the loan covenant that required that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintains an ownership interest of 40% of the Company’s issued and outstanding common shares and replaced it with a covenant that states that no other party other than a member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis (either directly and/or indirectly through companies beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) acquires a voting interest of more than 50% of the Company’s share capital, without Alpha Bank’s prior written approval.

The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 125%, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75%, (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel, (iv) EBITDA is required to be greater than 120% of fixed charges and (v) market value adjusted net worth is required to be greater than or equal to $20,000. It also restricts the shipowning company from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying dividends if such a payment would result in an event of default or in a breach of covenants under the loan agreement.

The facility is secured as follows:

 First priority mortgage over M/T Stenaweco Elegance;
 Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
 Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
 Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
 Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
 Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.

The Alpha facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.50%. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about 2.7%.

AT Bank Senior Facility

On September 5, 2017, the Company entered into a credit facility with Amsterdam Trade Bank N.V. of Holland (“AT Bank”) for $23,500 to fund the delivery of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the “AT Bank Senior Facility”), delivered in September 7, 2018. An amount of $8,993 from the AT Bank Senior Facility was applied towards repayment of the AT Bank Predelivery Facility on September 4, 2018. This facility is repayable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $325, commencing three months from draw down, and a balloon payment of $17,000 payable together with the last installment.

The facility contains various covenants, including (i) an asset cover ratio of 115% for the first year, 120% for the second year, 125% for the third year and 140% thereafter, (ii) a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and (iii) minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the shipowning company incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and paying dividends.
F-27


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



The facility is secured as follows:

 First priority mortgage over M/T Eco Palm Desert;
 Assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;
 Specific assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;
 Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
 Pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary;
 Pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.


The AT Bank Senior Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4% and a commitment fee of 2% per annum was payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. The Company on June 1, 2018 signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease of the commitment fee from 2% to 1.3%, effective from March 6, 2018. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about 2.7%.

(B). SHORT-TERM DEBT

Unsecured Notes

On November 13 and on December 14, 2017 the Company entered into two unsecured notes with Crede Capital Group LLC, an unaffiliated third party (the “Crede Notes”) as follows:

Agreement date
 
Amount drawn
   
Interest
   
Amount settled
   
Amounts forgiven
 
November 13, 2017
   
17,500
     
11
     
(17,500
)
   
-
 
December 14, 2017
   
24,269
     
75
     
(24,089
)
   
(180
)
     
41,769
     
86
     
(41,589
)
   
(180
)


The first Crede Note amounted to $12,500 and carried a single revolving option for additional $5,000 that the Company exercised on November 20, 2017, bringing the total drawn amount to $17,500. The second Crede Note amounted to $12,500 and carried revolving options for two additional $5,000 notes. On January 5, 2018, the Company amended the Note Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued to Crede a second unsecured promissory note in the amount of $5,369 with a revolving option for an additional $4,631 note. The Company further amended the Note Purchase Agreement on February 8, 2018, pursuant to which the borrowing availability was increased under the agreement and a third unsecured promissory note was issued to Crede in the amount of $6,400.

The proceeds from the sales of the Crede Notes were used for vessel acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Crede Notes matured 24 months from the date of their issuance and bore interest at a rate of 2.0% per annum for the period of ninety days starting on the issuance date, (ii) 10.0% per annum for the period of ninety days starting on the date that is ninety days immediately following the issuance date and (iii) 15.0% per annum starting on the date that is one hundred eighty days immediately following the issuance date. The Crede Notes carried customary covenants and restrictions, including the covenant that all net proceeds that the Company receives from the sale of any equity securities of the Company shall be utilized exclusively to repay any outstanding amounts under the Crede Notes until the Crede Notes were repaid in full. The Crede Notes also restricted the Company from redeeming, repurchasing or declaring any cash dividend or distribution on any of its capital stock (other than any obligations to do so outstanding as of the issuance dates of the Notes), as long as there were outstanding amounts under the Notes.
F-28

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



As of December 31, 2017 the Crede Notes had an outstanding balance of $8,878 and as of December 31, 2018, all of the Crede Notes have been repaid in full, by using proceeds from the First and Second Crede Purchase Agreement (see Note 11).

Unsecured Notes

From February 6 to September 15, 2017 the Company entered into a series of unsecured short term notes (the “Notes”) with Kalani Investments Ltd (Kalani) and Xanthe Holdings (Xanthe) Ltd as follows:

Agreement date
 
Amount drawn
   
Fees
   
Interest
   
Amount settled
   
Amounts forgiven
 
Maturity
Counterparty
February 6, 2017
   
3,500
     
210
     
22
     
(3,500
)
   
-
 
May 15, 2017
Kalani
March 22, 2017
   
5,000
     
200
     
7
     
(5,000
)
   
-
 
October 7, 2017
Kalani
March 28, 2017
   
10,000
     
-
     
24
     
(10,000
)
   
-
 
August 25, 2017
Kalani
April 5, 2017
   
7,700
     
-
     
42
     
(7,700
)
   
-
 
September 4, 2017
Kalani
May 15, 2017
   
5,000
     
-
     
28
     
(3,882
)
   
(1,118
)
August 23, 2017
Xanthe
June 26, 2017
   
3,000
     
-
     
2
     
(3,000
)
   
-
 
October 24, 2017
Kalani
July 12, 2017
   
3,060
     
60
     
16
     
(3,060
)
   
-
 
November 7, 2017
Xanthe
September 15, 2017
   
2,020
     
20
     
6
     
(2,020
)
   
-
 
December 14, 2017
Xanthe
     
39,280
     
490
     
147
     
(38,162
)
   
(1,118
)
    

As of December 31, 2017 all the Notes had been settled except an amount of $1,118 which was written-off, following discussions with the noteholder Xanthe and is included in “Other, net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. All the above, fees, interest and principal were settled with proceeds from the Common stock purchase agreement (Note 11).

The proceeds from the sales of the Notes were used for vessel acquisitions and general corporate purposes. The Notes bore interest at a rate of 6% and carried customary covenants and restrictions, including the covenant that all net proceeds that the Company received from the sale of any equity securities of the Company would be utilized exclusively to repay any outstanding amounts under the Notes until the Notes were repaid in full. The Notes also restricted the Company from redeeming, repurchasing or declaring any cash dividend or distribution on any of its capital stock (other than any obligations to do so outstanding as of the issuance dates of the Notes), as long as there were outstanding amounts under the Notes.
F-29

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Series C preferred convertible shares

On February 17, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 7,500 Series C convertible preferred shares (the “Series C shares”) for an aggregate principal amount of $7,500 with Xanthe Holdings Ltd (“Xanthe”) a non-U.S. institutional investor, non-affiliated with the Company but affiliated with Kalani Investments Limited (“Kalani”) (see Note 11). The Company has accounted for the sale of the Series C shares as a debt issuance since its characteristics are more akin to debt rather than equity. Dividends of the Series C shares were accounted as interest. Pursuant to the issuance of the Series C Shares, the Company recognized the beneficial conversion feature (“BCF”) by allocating the intrinsic value of the conversion option, which is the number of shares of common stock available upon conversion multiplied by the difference between the effective conversion price per share and the fair value of the Company's common stock per share on the commitment date, to additional paid-in capital. Since the intrinsic value of the BCF at the commitment date was greater than the proceeds allocated to the convertible instrument, the amount of the discount assigned to the BCF was limited to the amount of the proceeds allocated to the convertible instrument. The Company initially recognized $7,500 of debt discount, which it fully amortized in the year ended December 31, 2017, which is included in “Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss. Series C shares were fully converted into common stock by October 31, 2017 and dividends amounting to $600 were included in Interest and finance costs in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2017.

AT Bank Predelivery Facility

On September 5, 2017, the Company entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $8,993 for the pre-delivery financing of M/T Eco Palm Desert (the “AT Bank Predelivery Facility”). This facility was drawn down in five tranches and financed in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco Palm Desert due for payment between August 2017 and May 2018. The facility was repaid from the proceeds of the AT Bank Senior Facility on September 4, 2018.

The facility contained various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company’s fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contained restrictions on the subsidiary that owned the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.

The facility was secured as follows:

 Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Palm Desert;
 Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
 Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;

The AT Bank Predelivery Facility bore interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 8.5% and a commitment fee of 4.25% per annum was payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. The Company on June 1, 2018 signed a supplemental agreement with AT Bank that resulted in the decrease of the loan margin to 6.3% from 8.5% and in the decrease of the commitment fee from 4.25% to 0%, effective from March 6, 2018. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of the facilities last interest period that ended in September 4, 2018 was about 2.3%.

AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility
On June 1, 2018, the Company entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $10,140 for the pre-delivery financing of M/T Eco California (the "AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility"). This facility was drawn down in five tranches and financed in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018. The facility was repaid on January 28, 2019, upon delivery of the vessel, from the proceeds of the AT Bank Bridge Facility (see Note 21).
The facility contains various covenants, including a ratio of total net debt to the aggregate market value of the Company's fleet, current or future, of no more than 75% and minimum free liquidity of $750 per collateralized vessel and $500 per bareboated chartered-in vessel. Additionally, the facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends.
F-30

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)


The facility is secured as follows:


·
Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco California;

·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;

The AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 6.3%, reduced to 6% from September 2018 onwards. The facility bears no commitment fee. The Company has drawn down the full amount of the facility to finance in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco California due for payment between June and December 2018. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about 2.4%.
Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility
On July 11, 2018, the Company entered into a credit facility with Alpha Bank for $10,140 for the pre-delivery financing of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. This facility can be drawn down in five tranches to finance in full the last five pre-delivery instalments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray due between July 2018 and February 2019. The facility is repayable on delivery of the vessel in March 2019.
The facility contains restrictions on the subsidiary that owns the newbuilding contract from incurring further indebtedness or guarantees and from paying any dividends if the latter would result in an event of default.
The facility is secured as follows:
 Assignment to the bank of the newbuilding contract and of the respective refund guarantee of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray;
 Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;
 Pledge of the shares of the subsidiary owning the newbuilding contract;

The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.25% and a commitment fee of 1% per annum is payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. The Company drew down $1,690 and another $1,690 under the facility in July and October 2018 respectively, to finance two shipyard installments of M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. The applicable three-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2018 was about 2.4%.

(C). SHORT AND LONG TERM DEBT FROM RELATED PARTIES

Amended Family Trading Credit Facility

On December 23, 2015, the Company entered into an unsecured revolving credit facility with Family Trading ("the Family Trading facility"), a related party owned by the Lax Trust, for up to $15,000 to be used to fund the Company's newbuilding program and working capital relating to the Company's operating vessels. This facility was repayable in cash no later than December 31, 2016, but the Company had the option to extend the facility's repayment up to December 31, 2017. On December 28, 2016 the maturity of the Family Trading facility was extended to January 31, 2017 and on January 27, 2017 the maturity of the Family Trading loan was extended to February 28, 2017 with all terms remaining the same.

On February 21, 2017, the Company amended and restated the Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended Family Trading Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, remove any limitation in the use of funds drawn down under the facility, reduce the mandatory cash payment due under the facility when the Company raises capital through the issuance of certain securities, remove the revolving feature of the facility, extend the facility for up to three years and give Family Trading the option to get repaid for any amounts outstanding under the facility in cash or in common shares of the company. Additionally, the interest rate of the facility increased to 10% (from 9%) and the commitment fee decreased to 2.5% (from 5%). Subject to certain adjustments pursuant to the terms of the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility, the number of common shares to be issued as repayment of the amounts outstanding under the facility will be calculated by dividing the amount redeemed by 80% of the lowest daily Volume-Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”) of the Company’s common shares on the Nasdaq Capital Market during the twenty consecutive trading days ending on the trading day prior to the payment date (the "Applicable Price"), provided, however, that at no time shall the Applicable Price be lower than $0.60 per common share (the "Floor Price").
F-31

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Further, in the case where the Company raises capital (whether publicly or privately) and the Applicable Price is higher than the lowest of (henceforth the "Issuance Price"):


a.
the price per share issued upon an equity offering of the Company;

b.
the exercise price of warrants or options for common shares;

c.
the conversion price of any convertible security into common shares; or

d.
the implied exchange price of the common shares pursuant to an asset to equity or liability to equity swap,

then the Applicable Price will be reduced to the Issuance Price. Finally, in case the Applicable Price is higher than the exercise price of the Company’s 2014 Warrants, the Applicable Price will be reduced to the exercise price of such outstanding warrants.

The Company during the year ended December 31, 2017 issued 4 common shares as payment for $1,198 of accrued fees and interest under the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility that resulted in additional non-cash debt conversion expenses amounting to $842, included in Interest and finance costs in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss.

On September 27, 2018, the Company amended the Amended Family Trading Credit Facility (the "Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility") in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2019, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $20,000, increase the interest rate to 12%, reduce the commitment fee to 2% and increase the arrangement fee to 5%. On October 30, 2018, the Company entered into an addendum to the Amended and Restated Family Trading Credit Facility in order to, among other things, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $25,000. On December 31, 2018 the Company entered into another addendum to the facility in order to, among other things, set the repayment date of the facility to December 31, 2025, increase the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility to $30,000, increase the interest rate to 15% and apply the current arrangement fee rate to the whole principal of the loan.

The Company during year ended December 31, 2018 has drawn $26,152 and repaid $1,408 under the facility. As of December 31, 2018 the facility has an undrawn balance of $4,149.

At each drawdown under the facility, the Company recognized a beneficial conversion feature ("BCF") by allocating the intrinsic value of the conversion option, which is the number of shares of common stock available upon conversion multiplied by the difference between the effective conversion price per share and the fair value of the Company's common stock per share on the commitment date, to additional paid-in capital. Hence in total the Company recognized $15,028 of debt discount, $2,504 of which was amortized in the year ended December 31, 2018 and is included in “Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying Statement of comprehensive loss. Each successive amendment of the facility resulted in an increase in the borrowing capacity of the facility and therefore affected the fair value of the debt conversion feature, substantially. This resulted in the Company recognizing a debt extinguishment on each amendment date in line with ASC 470-50-40-10. Under the current accounting standard ASC 470-50-40-2, the extinguishment of related party debt is considered a capital transaction and accordingly, no gain or loss on extinguishment is recognized in the statement of comprehensive loss but it is recognized as a deemed dividend in equity.

Related party interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 incurred in connection with this credit facility, amounted to $302, $111 and $857 respectively and is included in “Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Related party commitment fees for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 incurred in connection with this credit facility, amounted to $207, $366 and $179 respectively and are included in “Interest and finance costs” in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Deferred financing costs of $341 are included in the line item “Deferred Charges” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets for December 31, 2017.
F-32

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



(D) FINANCINGS COMMITTED UNDER SALE AND LEASEBACK AGREEMENTS

Cargill Sale and Leaseback

On June 29, 2018 the Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement (“SLB”) and a 5 year time charter with Cargill, a non-affiliated party, for its newbuilding vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray (Hull No 8242) delivered in March 2019. Consummation of the deal took place on the vessel’s delivery date. Following the sale, the Company has bareboat chartered back the vessel at a bareboat hire of $8,600 per day and simultaneously the vessel commenced its  five year time charter with Cargill. As part of this transaction, the Company has continuous options to buy back the vessel during the whole five year sale and leaseback period at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised and at the end of the five year period it has to buy it back for $22,680. The gross proceeds from the sale amount are $32,387.

The abovementioned sale and leaseback transaction contains, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements.

The SLB with Cargill will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with the Company and its newbuilding vessel M/T Eco Marina Del Ray will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition the Company has an obligation to repurchase the vessel.

Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Company (“BoComm Leasing”) Sale and Leaseback

On December 21, 2018 the Company entered into a SLB with BoComm Leasing, a non-affiliated party, for M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California (Hull No 8218). Consummation of the SLB for the deal took place on January 17, 2019 for M/T Nord Valiant and on January 31, 2019 M/T Eco California. Following the sale, the Company has bareboat chartered back M/T Nord Valiant for five years and M/T Eco California for seven years at a bareboat hire of $5,875 per day and $6,550 per day respectively. As part of this transaction, the Company has continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the SLBs are $21,655 for M/T Nord Valiant and $24,140 for M/T Eco California.

The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements.

The SLB with BoComm Leasing will be accounted as a financing transaction, as control will remain with the Company and M/T Nord Valiant and M/T Eco California will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition the Company has continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.


China Merchants Bank Financial Leasing Co. Ltd. ("CMBFL") Sale and Leaseback

On December 3, 2018 the Company entered into an SLB with CMBFL, a non-affiliated party, for M/T Eco Bel Air (Hull No 874) and M/T Eco Beverly Hills (Hull No 875). Consummation of the SLB for the deal is expected to take place on the vessel’s delivery date currently planned for April and May 2019 respectively. Following the sale, the Company will bareboat charter back the vessels for a period of seven years at a bareboat hire of $16,361 per day per vessel. As part of this transaction, the Company has continuous options, after the third year, to buy back the vessels at purchase prices stipulated in the bareboat agreement depending on when the option is exercised. The gross proceeds from the sale will be $91,413 for both vessels.

The abovementioned sale and leaseback transactions contain, customary covenants and event of default clauses, including cross-default provisions and restrictive covenants and performance requirements.

The SLB with CMBLF will be accounted  as a financing transaction, as control will remain with the Company and  M/T Eco Bel Air  and M/T Eco Beverly Hills will continue to be recorded as an asset on our balance sheet. In addition the Company has continuous options to repurchase the vessels below fair value.


F-33

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Scheduled Principal Repayments: The Company’s annual principal payments required to be made after December 31, 2018 on its loan obligations, are as follows (without accounting for the commitments under sale and leaseback agreements and assuming that the Company will not draw any additional funds under the Family Trading or any of its pre-delivery facilities):

Years
     
December 31, 2019
   
24,239
 
December 31, 2020
   
9,650
 
December 31, 2021
   
21,015
 
December 31, 2022
   
29,077
 
December 31, 2023
   
29,611
 
December 31, 2024 and thereafter
   
38,756
 
Total
   
152,348
 

As of December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants with respect to its loans and credit facilities.

Financing Costs: The net additions in deferred financing costs amounted to $2,667 and $3,609 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018 respectively. For 2017, the respective amount relates to $646 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the AT Bank facilities, $625 of fees relating to the extension of the Family Trading Facility, $490 of arrangement fees relating to the Notes, $470 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Alpha Facility, $297 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Series C shares and $139 of financing fees paid to CSM as per the provisions of the Letter Agreement between the latter and the Company. For 2018, the respective amount relates to $2,172 of fees relating to the three amendments and extensions of the Family Trading Facility, $589 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the AT Bank Facility and the AT Bank First and Second Predelivery Facility, $447 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Company’s SLBs (see note 21), $152 of arrangement fees, commitment fees and legal fees relating to the Alpha Bank Predelivery Facility, $139 of financing fees paid to CSM as per the provisions of the Letter Agreement between the latter and the Company, $82 of arrangement fees and legal fees relating to the ABN Facility amendment in November 2018 and $28 of legal fees relating to the AT Bank Bridge Facility.


10.
Commitments and Contingencies:

Legal proceedings:

Various claims, suits, and complaints, including those involving government regulations and product liability, arise in the ordinary course of the shipping business. As part of the normal course of operations, the Company's customers may disagree on amounts due to the Company under the provision of the contracts which are normally settled through negotiations with the customer. Disputed amounts are normally reflected in revenues at such time as the Company reaches agreement with the customer on the amounts due.

On August 1, 2017, the Company received a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) requesting certain documents and information in connection with offerings made by the Company between February 2017 and August 2017. The Company provided the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. On September 26, 2018 and on October 5, 2018 the Company received two additional subpoenas from the SEC requesting certain documents and information in connection with the previous subpoena the Company received on August 1, 2017. The Company is providing the requested information to the SEC in response to that subpoena. The SEC investigation is ongoing and the Company continues to cooperate with the SEC in its investigation. The Company is unable to predict what action, if any, might be taken by the SEC or its staff as a result of this investigation or what impact, if any, the cost of responding to the SEC’s investigation or its ultimate outcome might have on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity . Hence the Company has not established any provision for losses relating to this matter.
F-34

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



On August 23, 2017, a purported securities class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York (No. 2:17-cv-04987(JFB)(SIL)) by Christopher Brady on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated against (among other defendants) the Company and two of its executive officers. The complaint is brought on behalf of an alleged class of those who purchased common stock of the Company between January 17, 2017 and August 22, 2017, and alleges that the Company and two of its executive officers violated Sections 9, 10(b) and/or 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. On August 24, 2017, a second purported securities class action complaint was filed in the same court against the same defendants (No. 2:17-cv-05016 (JFB)(SIL)) which makes similar allegations and purports to allege violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder.  By order dated July 20, 2018, the court consolidated the two actions under docket no. 2:17-cv-04987 and appointed lead plaintiffs for the consolidated action. On September 18, 2018 the plaintiffs filed a consolidated amended complaint. The amended complaint purports to be brought on behalf of shareholders who purchased the common stock of the Company between November 23, 2016 and April 3, 2018, makes allegations similar to those made in the original complaints, seeks similar reliefs as the original actions, and alleges that some or all the defendants violated sections 9, 10(b), 20(a), and/or 20A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. All defendants filed motions to dismiss the amended complaint on March 25, 2019.  Plaintiffs’ oppositions to the motions to dismiss are due on May 24, 2019, and Defendants’ replies in further support of the motions to dismiss are due on June 28, 2019. . The Company and its management believe that the allegations in the complaints are without merit and plan to vigorously defend themselves against the allegations. By letter dated January 2, 2019, certain co-defendants in the class action litigation (Kalani Investments Ltd. (“Kalani”), Murchinson Ltd. and Marc Bistricer) requested that the Company indemnify and hold them harmless against all losses, including reasonable costs of defense, arising from the litigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Common Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and Kalani. The Company acknowledged receipt of this indemnification request by letter dated February 20, 2019, and reserved all of its rights.

Other than the cases mentioned above, the Company is not a party to any material litigation where claims or counterclaims have been filed against the Company other than routine legal proceedings incidental to its business.

Capital Expenditures under the Company’s Newbuilding program:

From March 30, 2017 to January 31, 2018 the Company entered into a series of transactions with a number of entities affiliated with Evangelos J. Pistiolis that led to the purchase of a number of vessels and newbuilding contracts (please see Note 1 and 5). As a result of these transactions, the Company has remaining contractual commitments for the acquisition of its fleet totaling $147,632, including $20,793, $29,027, $48,906 and $48,906 pursuant to newbuilding agreements for M/T Eco California, M/T Eco Marina Del Ray, M/T Eco Bel Air and M/T Eco Beverly Hills respectively. These contractual commitments are payable in 2019.

Environmental Liabilities:

The Company accrues for the cost of environmental liabilities when management becomes aware that a liability is probable and is able to reasonably estimate the probable exposure. Currently, management is not aware of any such claims or contingent liabilities, which should be disclosed, or for which a provision should be established in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
 

11.
Common and Preferred Stock, Additional Paid-In Capital and Dividends:

Reverse stock split: On May 11 2017, June 23 2017, August 3 2017, October 6 2017 and March 26 2018, the Company effected a 1-for-20, a 1-for-15, a 1-for-30, a 1-for-2 and a 1-for-10 reverse stock split of its common stock respectively. There was no change in the number of authorized common shares of the Company. All numbers of share and earnings per share amounts, as well as warrant shares eligible for purchase under the Company's 2014 Warrants, in these financial statements have been retroactively adjusted to reflect these reverse stock splits.
F-35

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)


Issuance of common stock and warrants as part of the 2018 Common Stock Offering: On October 26, 2018, the Company priced a public offering of 2,000,000 shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase 3,500,000 common shares (the “2018 Warrants”), at $1.50 per common share and $0.00001 per warrant. The 2018 Warrants have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, are exercisable immediately, and will expire four months from the date of issuance. Each warrant grants the warrant holder the option to purchase one common share of the Company at any time within the abovementioned term (American style option). The proceeds from this offering (net of 6.5% placement agent fees), were $2,805. As of December 31, 2018, 1,553,000 2018 Warrants have been exercised for gross proceeds of $2,330. The 2018 Warrants provide for physical settlement requiring the Company to deliver shares to the holder of the warrants in exchange of cash. The Company accounts for the 2018 Warrants for shares of common stock as equity in accordance with the accounting guidance for derivatives. The accounting guidance provides a scope exception from classifying and measuring as a financial liability a contract that would otherwise meet the definition of a derivative if the contract is both (i) indexed to the entity’s own stock and (ii) meet the equity classifications conditions. The Company concluded these warrants should be equity-classified since they contain no provisions which would require the Company to account for the warrants as a derivative liability, and therefore were initially measured at fair value in permanent equity with subsequent changes in fair value not measured.

On initial recognition the fair value of the 2018 Warrants was $1,671 and was determined using the Black-Scholes methodology. The fair value is considered by the Company to be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy since it is derived by unobservable inputs. The major unobservable input in connection with the valuation of the Company’s 2018 Warrants is the volatility used in the valuation model, which is approximated by using a four-month daily historical observations of the Company’s share price. The annualized four-month daily historical volatility that has been applied in the warrant valuation as of December 31, 2018 was 108%. A 5% increase in the volatility applied would lead to an increase of 3.8% in the fair value of the 2018 Warrants.

Equity distribution agreement: On May 25, 2018, the Company, entered into an equity distribution agreement, or as is commonly known, an at-the-market offering, with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”), under which the Company could sell up to $14,250 of its common stock with Maxim acting as a sales agent over a period of 12 months (the “Maxim ATM”). Since Maxim was acting solely as a sales agent, it had no right to require any common stock sales. No warrants, derivatives, or other share classes were associated with this agreement. On July 24, 2018 the Company terminated the Maxim ATM. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had received proceeds (net of 2% fees), amounting to $2,781 and issued 2,490,853 common shares.

Series C preferred convertible shares: On February 17, 2017, the Company completed a private placement of 7,500 Series C convertible preferred shares (the “Series C shares”) for an aggregate principal amount of $7,500 with Xanthe. The Series C shares were convertible at the lesser of the following two prices: (i) $ 675,000.00 and (ii) 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of the Company's common shares over the twenty-one (21) consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to such date of determination, but in no event could the conversion price be less than $0.25. The Series C shares could not be converted if, after giving effect to the conversion, a holder together with certain related parties would beneficially own in excess of 4.99% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. Holders of Series C shares had no voting rights. The Company at its option had the right to redeem the outstanding Series C shares at an amount equal to 120% of the Conversion Amount being redeemed. The Series C shares were subject to redemption in cash at the option of the holders thereof at any time after the occurrence and continuance of a Triggering Event. A Triggering Event included, among other things, certain bankruptcy proceedings, the delisting of the Company's common shares from Nasdaq, failure to timely deliver common shares upon conversion, failure to pay cash upon redemption, or failure to observe or perform certain covenants. Further, at any time after the tenth business day before the first year anniversary of the issuance of the Series C shares, the holders had the right to require the Company to redeem all or any number of Series C shares held at a purchase price equal to 100% of the Conversion Amount of such shares. The holders of Series C shares were entitled to receive quarterly dividends at a rate of 8% per annum payable in common shares, except that any dividend not paid in common shares would be payable in cash. Capitalized terms are defined in the Statement of Designations of the Series C shares. During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company issued 904,646 common shares upon the conversion of 7,500 Series C shares and paid $600 in dividends. Also in consideration for entering into the agreement, the Company issued $113 of its common stock to Xanthe as a commitment fee. As of December 31, 2017 all Series C shares had been converted to common stock.
F-36

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Series D preferred shares: On May 8, 2017, the Company issued 100,000 shares of Series D preferred shares (the “Series D shares”) to Tankers Family Inc., a company controlled by Lax Trust for $1 pursuant to a stock purchase agreement. The Series D shares are not convertible into common shares and each Series D share has the voting power of 1,000 common shares. The Series D shares have no dividend or distribution rights and shall expire and all outstanding Series D shares shall be redeemed by the Company for par value on the date the currently outstanding loans with ABN Amro and NORD/LB, or loans with any other financial institution, which contain covenants that require that any member of the family of Mr. Evangelos J. Pistiolis maintain a specific minimum ownership or voting interest (either directly and/or indirectly through companies or other entities beneficially owned by any member of the Pistiolis family and/or trusts or foundations of which any member of the Pistiolis family are beneficiaries) of the Company's issued and outstanding common shares, respectively, are fully repaid or reach their maturity date. The Series D shares shall not be otherwise redeemable and upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the Series D shares shall have a liquidation preference of $0.01 per share.

Common stock purchase agreement: On February 2, 2017, the Company, entered into an agreement, as amended four times during 2017, with Kalani, under which the Company could sell up to $40,341 of its common stock to Kalani over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations (the “Common stock purchase agreement”). Proceeds from sales of common stock were used for general corporate purposes. Kalani had no right to require any sales and was obligated to purchase the common stock as directed by the Company, subject to certain limitations set forth in the agreement. In consideration for entering into the agreement, the Company issued $606 of its common stock to Kalani as a commitment fee. No warrants, derivatives, or other share classes are associated with this agreement. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had received proceeds (net of 1% commitment fees), amounting to $39,937 and issued 632,775 common shares, out of which 6 shares refer to commitment fees. On October 12, 2017 the Common stock purchase agreement was completed.

First Crede Purchase Agreement: On November 7, 2017, the Company, entered into an agreement with Crede, pursuant to which the Company could sell up to $25,000 of shares of its common stock, to Crede over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations (the “First Crede Purchase Agreement”). In consideration for entering into the First Crede Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue up to $500 of shares of its common stock, to Crede as a commitment fee. Crede had no right to require any sales and was obligated to purchase the common stock as directed by the Company, subject to certain limitations set forth in the agreement. Proceeds from sales of common stock were used for general corporate purposes. No warrants, derivatives, or other share classes are associated with this agreement. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had received proceeds, amounting to $25,000 and issued 5,382,972 common shares, out of which 150,000 shares refer to commitment fees. On December 14, 2017 the First Crede Purchase Agreement was completed.

Second Crede Purchase Agreement: On December 11, 2017, the Company, entered into a second agreement with Crede, pursuant to which the Company can sell another $25,000 of shares of its common stock, to Crede over a period of 24 months, subject to certain limitations (the “Second Crede Purchase Agreement”). In consideration for entering into the Second Crede Purchase Agreement, the Company agreed to issue up to $500 of shares of its common stock, to Crede as a commitment fee. Crede has no right to require any sales and is obligated to purchase the common stock as directed by the Company, subject to certain limitations set forth in the agreement. Proceeds from sales of common stock were to be used for general corporate purposes. No warrants, derivatives, or other share classes are associated with this agreement. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had received proceeds, amounting to $14,810 and issued 8,050,000 common shares, out of which 115,915 shares refer to commitment fees. The Company terminated the Second Crede Purchase Agreement on May 23, 2018.

2014 Warrants: As of December 31, 2018 the Company had 1,976,389 warrants outstanding relating to the follow-on offering of June 6, 2014 (the “2014 Warrants”), which entitle their holders to purchase 8,498,474 of the Company's common shares at an exercise price of $0.58, as it may be further adjusted. Furthermore the issuance of the Series C shares constituted an issuance of Variable Price Securities (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) and that, pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Warrant Agreement, each holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to, in any exercise of 2014 Warrants, designate the Variable Price (as defined in the Warrant Agreement) at which the Series C shares are convertible, namely the lesser of: (i) $675,000 and (ii) 75% of the lowest daily VWAP of the Company's common shares over the twenty-one (21) consecutive trading day period ending on the trading day immediately prior to such date of determination, but in no event will the conversion price be less than $0.25. During the year ended December 31, 2018 no 2014 Warrants were exercised. The 2014 Warrants expire five years from the grant date on June 11, 2019.
F-37

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



The 2014 Warrants have a number of round down protection measures embedded in the warrant agreement. These measures provide for a downward adjustment of the exercise price of each warrant in the following cases:


·
Issuance of common shares: if the Company issues, sells or is deemed to have issued or sold any common shares for a consideration per share less than the exercise price of the 2014 Warrants then the latter shall be reduced to match the reduced consideration per share.

·
Issuance of options or convertible securities: if the Company issues or sells any options at a strike price that is lower than the exercise price of the 2014 Warrants then the latter will be reduced to match the strike price of the options. If the Company issues convertibles that end up converting at a price per share that is lower than the exercise price of the 2014 Warrants then the latter will be reduced to match the conversion price per share.

·
Holder's right of alternative exercise price following issuance of certain options or convertible securities: if the Company issues or sells any options or convertible securities that are convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for common shares at a price which varies or may vary with the market price of the common shares (Variable Price), the warrant holder shall have the right, but not the obligation, to substitute the Variable Price for the exercise price of the 2014 Warrants.

·
Other events: if the Company takes any action that results in the dilution of the warrant holder not covered by the abovementioned round down protection measures (including, the granting of stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights or other rights with equity features), then the Company shall determine and implement an appropriate adjustment in the exercise price so as to protect the rights of the warrant holder.

The above list is not exhaustive and for a more comprehensive and complete list of round down protection measures one should read the warrant agreement.

Issuance of Warrants as part of the underwriting agreement: On June 6, 2014, the Company entered into an underwriting agreement in connection with the Company’s follow-on offering with AEGIS, an unaffiliated party. Pursuant to this agreement, the Company granted to AEGIS 300,000 warrants. Each warrant grants AEGIS the option to purchase one common share of the Company, at an exercise price of $4,500,000 (per share), which is exercisable at any time (American style option) from June 6, 2015 onwards and expires five years from the grant date.

Dividends: No dividends were paid to common stock holders in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018. An amount of $600 in common shares was paid to holders of Series C shares during year ended December 31, 2017.


12.
Stock Incentive Plan:

On April 15, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, or the 2015 Plan, under which the Company’s directors, officers, key employees, consultants and service providers to the Company may be granted non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, dividend equivalents, unrestricted stock and other-equity based-related awards. One common share was reserved for issuance under the 2015 Plan, which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

On April 15, 2015, the Company granted and issued one restricted share to a nominee of Central Mare (Tankers Family Inc), a related party owned by the Lax Trust, under the 2015 Plan. The share will vest equally over a period of eight years from the date of grant. The fair value of each share on the grant date was $1,962,000.

On February 25, 2016, the Company granted and issued 0.3 restricted common shares to Sovereign Holdings Inc, a company owned by the Lax Trust. The fair value of the Company’s share price at the time of the grant was $504,000 and the share vested immediately. The Company recognized an expense of $192 pursuant to this grant. This expense has been included in General and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2016.
F-38


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



A summary of the status of the Company's non-vested shares relating to the 2015 Plan as of December 31, 2018 and movement during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, is presented below:

   
Number of Non-vested Shares
   
Fair value of one common share
 
As of December 31, 2016
   
0.675
     
405,000
 
Vested shares on June 30, 2017
   
0.125
     
252
 
As of December 31, 2017
   
0.55
     
2.50
 
Vested shares on June 30, 2018
   
0.125
     
0.95
 
As of December 31, 2018
   
0.425
     
0.82
 

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017, and 2018 the equity compensation expense/(gain) that has been charged in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss was $47, $(25) and $(34) for the Non-Employee awards, respectively. This expense has been included in Management fees-related parties in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for each respective year. As of December 31, 2018 the total compensation or benefit related to non vested awards is $119 (assuming that all future share vestings under the 2015 plan would be effected at the Company’s closing stock price on December 31, 2018, i.e. at $0.82 per share, here used as an estimate of the Company’s future stock price on the respective future vesting dates) and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.5 years. The Company uses the straight-line method to recognize the cost of the awards.


13.
Loss Per Common Share:

All shares issued (including non-vested shares issued under the Company’s stock incentive plans) are included in the Company's common stock and have equal rights to vote and participate in dividends and in undistributed earnings. Non-vested shares do not have a contractual obligation to share in the losses. Dividends declared during the period for non-vested common stock as well as undistributed earnings allocated to non-vested stock are deducted from net income or loss attributable to common shareholders for the purpose of the computation of basic earnings per share in accordance with the two-class method as required by relevant guidance.
 
The components of the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 2016, 2017 and 2018 are as follows:

 
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Income:
                 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders
   
(351
)
   
(13,404
)
   
(11,134
)
 
                       
Earnings per share:
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic and diluted
   
22
     
1,063,381
     
18,181,456
 
 Loss per share, basic and diluted
   
(15,955
)
   
(12.57
)
   
(0.61
)

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 no dilutive shares were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive for the period presented.
F-39


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)




14.
Voyage and Vessel Operating Expenses:

The amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss are as follows:

Voyage Expenses
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Port charges / other voyage expenses
   
-
     
10
     
1
 
Bunkers
   
20
     
15
     
18
 
Commissions (including $358, $487 and $511 respectively, to related party)
   
716
     
974
     
1,001
 
Total
   
736
     
999
     
1,020
 
 
Vessel Operating Expenses
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Crew wages and related costs
   
6,885
     
9,228
     
10,185
 
Insurance
   
542
     
777
     
761
 
Repairs and maintenance (including $104, $136 and $187 respectively, to related party)
   
520
     
973
     
1,120
 
Spares and consumable stores
   
1,923
     
2,374
     
2,645
 
Registration and tonnage taxes (Note 16) 
   
43
     
92
     
115
 
Total
   
9,913
     
13,444
     
14,826
 


15.
Interest and Finance Costs:

The amounts in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss are analyzed as follows:

Interest and Finance Costs
 
Year Ended December 31,
 
 
 
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Interest on debt (including $302, $138 and $874, respectively, to related party) (Note 9)
   
3,208
     
5,724
     
7,373
 
Delos termination fee interest (Note 5)
   
3
     
-
     
-
 
Bank charges and loan commitment fees (including $207, $366 and $179, respectively, to related party)
   
262
     
440
     
262
 
Amortization and write-off of financing fees
   
291
     
1,640
     
1,305
 
Amortization of debt discount (Note 9)
   
-
     
7,500
     
2,504
 
Non-cash debt conversion expenses
   
-
     
842
     
-
 
Total
   
3,764
     
16,146
     
11,444
 
Less interest capitalized
   
(671
)
   
(353
)
   
(1,782
)
Total
   
3,093
     
15,793
     
9,662
 


16.
Income Taxes:

Marshall Islands, Cyprus and Liberia do not impose a tax on international shipping income. Under the laws of Marshall Islands, Cyprus and Liberia, the countries of the companies' incorporation and vessels' registration, the companies are subject to registration and tonnage taxes, which have been included in Vessel operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

The Company and its subsidiaries were not subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of income that is derived from the international operation of ships and the performance of services directly related as they qualified for the exemption of Section 883 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
F-40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)




17.
Financial Instruments:

The principal financial assets of the Company consist of cash on hand and at banks, restricted cash, prepaid expenses and other receivables. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of short and long term loans, related party loans, accounts payable due to suppliers, amounts due from/to related parties, accrued liabilities, interest rate swaps, convertible preferred shares and warrants granted to third parties.


a)
Interest rate risk: The Company is subject to market risks relating to changes in interest rates relating to debt outstanding under its bank loan facilities on which it pays interest based on LIBOR plus a margin. In order to manage part of its exposure to changes in interest rates due to this floating rate indebtedness, the Company has entered into interest rate swap agreements (refer section below)   and may enter into more interest rate swap agreements in the future.


b)
Credit risk: Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of interest rate swaps and cash. The Company places its temporary cash investments, consisting mostly of deposits, with high credit qualified financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of those financial institutions with which it places its temporary cash investments.


c)
Fair value:

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument:

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash are considered Level 1 items as they represent liquid assets with short term maturities.

The Company considers its creditworthiness when determining the fair value of the credit facilities.

The fair value of bank debt approximates the recorded value due to its variable interest rate, being the LIBOR. LIBOR rates are observable at commonly quoted intervals for the full term of the loans and, hence, bank loans are considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of interest rate swaps is determined using a discounted cash flow method taking into account current and future interest rates and the creditworthiness of both the financial instrument counterparty and the Company and, hence, they are considered Level 2 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of the 2014 Warrants is determined using the Cox, Ross and Rubinstein Binomial methodology and hence are considered Level 3 items in accordance with the fair value hierarchy.

The Company follows the accounting guidance for Fair Value Measurements. This guidance enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The guidance requires assets and liabilities carried at fair value to be classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data;
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
F-41

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Interest rate swap agreements
The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to manage interest costs and the risk associated with changing interest rates with respect to its variable interest rate credit facilities. These interest rate swap transactions fixed the interest rates based on predetermined ranges in LIBOR rates. The Company has entered into the following agreements with ABN Amro Bank, Nord/LB Bank and Alpha Bank relating to interest rate swaps, the details of which were as follows:
Agreement Date
Counterparty
Effective date:
Termination Date:
Interest rate payable
June 3, 2016
ABN Amro Bank
April 13, 2018
Ju1y 13, 2021
1.4425%
December 19, 2016
ABN Amro Bank
December 21, 2016
January 13, 2022
2.0800%
December 19, 2016
ABN Amro Bank
December 21, 2016
August 10, 2022
2.1250%
March 29, 2017
NORD/LB Bank
May 17, 2017
May 17, 2023
2.1900%
March 29, 2018
Alpha Bank
March 29, 2018
February 25, 2025
2.9700%

The fair value of the swaps was considered by the Company to be classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy since their value was being derived by observable market based inputs. The Company pays a fixed rate and receives a floating rate for these interest rate swaps. The fair values of these derivatives determined through Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy were derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data. Inputs included quoted prices for similar assets, liabilities (risk adjusted) and market-corroborated inputs, such as market comparables, interest rates, yield curves and other items that allowed values to be determined. The Company's interest rate swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting.
2014 Warrant liability
The Company's derivatives outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2018, are recorded at their fair values. As of December 31, 2018 the Company’s derivatives consisted of 8,498,474 warrant shares outstanding, issued in connection with the Company’s follow-on offering that closed on June 11, 2014 (see Note 11), as depicted in the following table:
2014 Warrants Outstanding
December 31, 2017
Warrant Shares Outstanding
December 31, 2017
Term
Warrant Exercise Price
Fair Value – Liability
December 31, 2017
1,976,389
2,134,501
5 years
$2.30
3,332

2014 Warrants Outstanding
December 31, 2018
Warrant Shares Outstanding
December 31, 2018
Term
Warrant Exercise Price*
Fair Value – Liability
December 31, 2018
1,976,389
8,498,474
5 years
$0.58
1,915
* Applying the Variable Exercise Price


F-42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Fair value of financial liabilities
The following table presents the fair value of those financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis and their locations on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, analyzed by fair value measurement hierarchy level:
       
Fair Value Measurement at Reporting Date
 
 
 As of December 31, 2017
 
Total
 
Using Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
   
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
   
Significant
Other
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Non-current asset
   
     
394
     
-
     
394
     
-
 
Non-current liability
   
     
3,335
     
-
     
3
     
3,332
 
As of December 31, 2018
   
             
Non-current asset
           
1,153
     
-
     
1,153
     
-
 
Non-current liability
           
2,274
     
-
     
359
     
1,915
 

The following table sets forth a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s level 3 fair value measurements for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018:
Closing balance – December 31, 2016
   
3,222
 
Change in fair value of 2014 Warrants, included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss
   
256
 
Adjustment for cashless exercise of 2014 Warrants, included in Additional paid-in capital line item of consolidated balance sheets
   
(146
)
Closing balance – December 31, 2017
   
3,332
 
Change in fair value of 2014 Warrants, included in (Loss)/gain on derivative financial instruments in the consolidated statements of comprehensive loss
   
(1,417
)
Closing balance – December 31, 2018
   
1,915
 

Derivative Financial Instruments not designated as hedging instruments:
The major unobservable input in connection with the valuation of the Company’s 2014 Warrants is the volatility used in the valuation model, which is approximated by using a six-month daily historical observations of the Company’s share price. The annualized six-month daily historical volatility that has been applied in the warrant valuation as of December 31, 2018 was 110%. A 5% increase in the volatility applied would lead to an increase of 2.6% in the fair value of the 2014 Warrants. The fair value of the Company’s 2014 Warrants is considered by the Company to be classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy since it is derived by unobservable inputs.

Quantitative information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
       
Derivative type
 
Fair Value at December 31, 2017
   
Fair Value at December 31, 2018
 
Balance Sheet Location
Valuation Technique
Significant Unobservable Input
 
Value
December 31, 2017
   
Value
December 31, 2018
 
2014 Warrants
   
3,332
     
1,915
 
Non-Current liabilities –Derivative financial instruments
Cox, Ross and Rubinstein Binomial
Volatility
   
233
%
   
110
%

F-43


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



Information on the location and amounts of derivative financial instruments fair values in the balance sheet and derivative financial instrument losses in the statement of comprehensive loss are presented below:

   
Amount of gain/(loss) recognized in Statement of comprehensive (loss)/gain located in Loss on derivate financial instruments
 
   
2016
   
2017
   
2018
 
Interest rate swaps- change in fair value
   
(41
)
   
431
     
404
 
Interest rate swaps– realized gain/(loss)
   
(16
)
   
(476
)
   
-
 
2014 Warrants- change in fair value
   
(641
)
   
(256
)
   
1,417
 
Total
   
(698
)
   
(301
)
   
1,821
 


18.
Other operating income

During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company wrote-off $914 of accrued liabilities of vessels sold in 2009, mainly relating to unearned revenue.

During the year ended December 31, 2016 the Company wrote-off $3,137 of accrued liabilities of vessels sold from 2006 to 2008, mainly relating to $2,043 of unearned revenue and $1,094 of related brokerage commissions, as the time frame for the Company’s counterparties to claim these amounts had expired.


19.
Mezzanine Equity

Issuance of convertible preferred stock: On November 22, 2016, the Company, entered into a securities purchase agreement with YA II CD, LTD., or Yorkville for the sale of 2,106 newly designated Series B convertible preferred stock. Yorkville purchased 1,579 Series B convertible preferred stock on November 22, 2016 and 527 Series B convertible preferred stock on November 28, 2016. The preferred stock was issued to Yorkville through a registered direct offering. The total net proceeds from the offering, after deducting offering fees and expenses, were $1,741. The holders of Series B convertible preferred shares were entitled to such number of votes as would have been equal to the number of the Company’s common shares then issuable upon a conversion of each Series B convertible preferred share (subject to an ownership limitation of 4.99%) on all matters submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company. The Series B convertible preferred stock were convertible into a number of the Company’s common shares equal to the quotient of $1 divided by the lesser of the following two prices: (i) $504,000 (per share) and (ii) 85% of the lowest daily VWAP of the Company’s common shares over the 10 consecutive trading days expiring on the trading day immediately prior to the date of delivery of a conversion notice, but in no event will this conversion price be less than $1.00 (per share). The holders of Series B convertible preferred stock are not entitled to dividends or a redemption in cash except in the case of an event of default (a “Triggering Event”). A Triggering Event includes, among other things, certain bankruptcy proceedings, the delisting of the Company’s common shares from Nasdaq, failure to timely deliver common shares upon conversion, failure to pay cash upon redemption, or failure to observe or perform certain covenants. All the issued Series B convertible preferred stock were converted in 2017. The Company retained the right at all times to redeem a portion or all of the outstanding Series B Convertible Preferred Shares. The Company would have paid an amount equal to $1 per each Series B Convertible Preferred Share, or the Liquidation Amount, plus a redemption premium equal to twenty percent (20%) of the Liquidation Amount being redeemed. Pursuant to the issuance of the convertible preferred stock, the Company recognized the beneficial conversion feature by allocating the intrinsic value of the conversion option, which is the number of shares of common stock available upon conversion multiplied by the difference between the effective conversion price per share and the fair value of the Company’s common stock per share on the commitment date, to additional paid-in capital, resulting in a discount of $1,403 on the Series B convertible preferred stock. The Company accreted the whole discount in the year ended December 31, 2016. As the Company was in an accumulated deficit position, the offsetting amount was amortized as a deemed dividend charged against additional paid-in-capital for common shares, as there were no retained earnings from which to declare a dividend.
F-44

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



The following table summarizes the activity in mezzanine equity since issuance of the preferred shares:

Series B convertible preferred stock
 
Total
 
BALANCE, December 31, 2015
   
-
 
Net Proceeds from Issuance of Series B convertible preferred stock
   
1,741
 
Deemed dividend for beneficial conversion feature
   
1,403
 
Beneficial conversion feature
   
(1,403
)
Balance December 31, 2016
   
1,741
 
Conversions of Series B convertible preferred stock
   
(1,741
)
Balance December 31, 2017
   
-
 

During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company issued 18,026 common shares upon the conversion of 2,106 Series B convertible preferred shares. As of December 31, 2017 all Series B convertible shares have been converted to common stock.


20.
Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures

On March 30, 2017, the Company, acquired a 49% ownership interest in City of Athens from Fly Free Company, a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $4,200. City of Athens was party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Holmby Hills. Furthermore on March 30, 2017, the Company acquired a 49% ownership interest in Eco Nine from Maxima International Co., a Marshall Islands corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Lax Trust, for an aggregate purchase price of $3,500. Eco Nine was a party to a newbuilding contract for the construction of M/T Eco Palm Springs. On June 14, 2017 the Company acquired an additional 1% interest in City of Athens and in Eco Nine for an aggregate consideration of $157, increasing the Company’s interest in both companies to 50%. Fees and costs related to the investments amounting to $353 were accounted for as part of the investment.

On June 30, 2017 the Lax Trust sold its 50% remaining interest in City of Athens and in Eco Nine to Gunvor S.A. (“Gunvor”), a non-affiliated company and on July 7, 2017 the Company entered into a joint venture agreement with Gunvor. Furthermore, upon the delivery of both vessels, each of the two vessels entered into time charter employments with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Gunvor, for three years firm plus two additional optional years. The Company's exposure is limited to its share of the net assets of City of Athens and Eco Nine proportionate to its 50% equity interest in these companies. The Company shares the profits and losses, cash flows and other matters relating to its investments in City of Athens and in Eco Nine in accordance with its ownership percentage. The vessels are managed by CSM, pursuant to management agreements. The Company accounts for investments in joint ventures using the equity method since it has joint control over the investment. The Company was obligated to contribute funds for yard installments in relation to the construction of the vessels of the joint venture companies, as needed and proportionate to its 50% equity interest in these companies.

On March 12, 2018 City of Athens and in Eco Nine entered into a loan agreement with ABN Amro Bank for a senior debt facility of $35,900 to fund, the delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs ($17,948 and $17,952 respectively). The loan is payable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments of $299 per vessel, commencing three months from draw down, and a balloon payment of $11,965 and $11,968 M/T Eco Holmby Hills and M/T Eco Palm Springs respectively, payable together with the last installment. The credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.90%. The facility carries customary covenants and restrictions, including the covenant that prohibits City of Athens and Eco Nine to declare any dividends until the second anniversary of the loan agreement.

On March 15, 2018, City of Athens took delivery of M/T Eco Holmby Hills, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker constructed at the Hyundai shipyard. On March 20, 2018 the vessel commenced its' time charter agreement with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.
F-45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)



On May 23, 2018, Eco Nine Inc took delivery of M/T Eco Palm Springs, a 50,000 dwt newbuilding product/chemical tanker constructed at the Hyundai shipyard. On May 26, 2018 the vessel commenced its time charter agreement with Clearlake Shipping Pte Ltd.

During the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company advanced $5,233 to City of Athens and $3,738 to Eco Nine to cover upcoming newbuilding installments and $324 to City of Athens and $135 to Eco Nine respectively to cover predelivery expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2018 the Company advanced $2,243 to Eco Nine Inc to cover upcoming newbuilding installments and another $695 to City of Athens Inc and $744 to Eco Nine Inc respectively to cover predelivery expenses, financing related expenses and to establish debt service reserves.

A condensed summary of the financial information for equity accounted investments 50% owned by the Company shown on a 100% basis are as follows:

 
 
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2018
 
   
City of Athens
   
Eco Nine
   
City of Athens
   
Eco Nine
 
Current assets
   
218
     
218
     
898
     
684
 
Non-current assets
   
12,664
     
12,664
     
30,853
     
30,975
 
Current liabilities
   
68
     
68
     
1,530
     
1,762
 
Long-term liabilities
   
-
     
-
     
15,627
     
15,900
 
Net operating revenues
   
-
     
-
     
4,182
     
3,229
 
Net (loss)/gain
   
(20
)
   
(20
)
   
396
     
185
 


21.
Subsequent Events

 On January 1, 2019, the Company terminated the Letter Agreement with Central Shipping Monaco without incurring any penalties and on the same date the Company entered into a new letter agreement, or the New Letter Agreement, with Central Shipping Inc (“CSI”), a related party controlled by the family of Mr. Evangelos Pistiolis, and on the same date the Company entered into management agreements between CSI and its vessel-owning subsidiaries.

The New Letter Agreement can only be terminated on eighteen months’ notice, subject to a termination fee equal to twelve months of fees payable under the New Letter Agreement.

Pursuant to the New Letter Agreement, management fees remain the same except for the fact that the technical and the commercial management fees have been consolidated into one daily management fee and this has been reduced from $923 to $550 per day. Furthermore the fee per day for superintendent visits has been reduced from $541 to $500.

The New Letter Agreement and the management agreements have an initial term of five years, after which they will continue to be in effect until terminated by either party subject to an eighteen month advance notice of termination.

Furthermore on January 1, 2019, Central Mare reduced the fees the Company pays for the provision of the Company’s executive officers to $30 per month.

On January 11, 2019, the Company entered into a warrant exchange agreement with the sole holder of the 2018 Warrants for the reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.50 to $1.02. On the same date 300,000 2018 Warrants were exercised for gross proceeds of $306, before deducting the placement agent fees. On February 5, 2019, the Company entered into an amendment of the 2018 Warrants for the reduction of the exercise price of said warrants from $1.02 to $0.70. On the same date 714,285 2018 Warrants were exercised for gross proceeds, of $500, before deducting placement agent fees. Between February 21 and February 25, 2019 the remaining 932,715 2018 Warrants were exercised for gross proceeds, underwriting discount, of $653, before deducting the placement agent fees.
F-46

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2018
AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016, 2017 AND 2018
(Expressed in thousands of United States Dollars – except share, per share earnings and rate per day, unless otherwise stated)




On January 17, 2019, the Company sold and leased back the M/T Nord Valiant, to BoComm Leasing. The Company used $18,550 of the sale and leaseback proceeds to prepay in full the outstanding loan on the vessel (Tranche C of the ABN Facility). As part of the prepayment of ABN Facility Tranche C, the Company unwound the interest rate swap with ABN Amro bank dated December 19, 2016 and realized a gain of $213.
On January 26, 2019 the M/T Eco Revolution entered into a new time charter employment contract for 2 years with BP Shipping Ltd.

On January 30, 2019, the Company took delivery of the M/T Eco California. On the same date, agreements were consummated for the sale and leaseback of the vessel, with BoComm Leasing. On February 4, 2019 the vessel commenced its' time charter agreement with Shell.

On January 28, 2019, the Company entered into a credit facility with AT Bank for $10,500 for general corporate purposes (the “AT Bank Bridge Facility”). This facility was drawn down in full and the proceeds were used to repay the AT Bank Second Predelivery Facility. The facility is repayable in February 28, 2020. The facility contains restrictions on the holding company (Top Ships Inc) from providing guarantees other than for financing of new vessels and from paying any dividends or distributing any of its capital or redeeming any of its shares. Furthermore the facility prohibits the Company to pay any principal, accrued fees, interest or commitment fees relating to the Family Trading Facility. Finally the facility also contains some restrictions in the use of proceeds of future issuances of capital and incurrence of unsecured debt.

The facility is secured as follows:


·
Corporate guarantee of Top Ships Inc.;

·
Second priority perfected mortgage on M/T Eco Palm Desert Vessel;

·
Second rank priority assignment of insurance and earnings of the mortgaged vessel;

·
Second rank priority assignment of any time charters with duration of more than 12 months;

·
Second priority pledge of the shares of the shipowning subsidiary of the mortgaged vessel;

·
Second priority pledge over the earnings account of the vessel.

The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 6.00% and a commitment fee of 2.25% per annum is payable quarterly in arrears over the committed and undrawn portion of the facility, starting from the date of signing the commitment letter. On March 22, 2019 the AT Bank Bridge Facility was converted into a note and its maturity was extended to March 31, 2019 with all other terms remaining the same.

On March 13, 2019, the Company took delivery of the M/T Eco Marina Del Ray. On March 18, 2019 the vessel commenced its' time charter agreement with Cargill and concurrently agreements were consummated for the vessel’s sale and leaseback to Cargill. The Company fully repaid the balance of the Alpha Bank Predelivery facility with part of the proceeds from the abovementioned sale and leaseback.






F-47