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, 2002
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-_____
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited
H & J Corporate Services Ltd.
Shirlaw House
87 Shirley Street
P. O. Box SS-19084
Nassau, Bahamas
(Address of principal executive offices)
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act: None
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the
Act: None
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d)
of the Act: 10 1/2% First Preferred Ship Mortgage Notes due 2008 [hidden text
deleted]
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.
Common Shares, $0.01 par value 2,134,451 Shares Outstanding
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 which financial statement item the Registrant has
elected to follow.
Item 17 Item 18 X
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INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F
Part I
Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisors 1
Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable 1
Item 3. Key Information 2
Item 4. Information on the Company 12
Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects 27
Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees 37
Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions 39
Item 8. Financial Information 41
Item 9. The Offer and Listing 41
Item 10. Additional Information 41
Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
about Market Risk 45
Item 12. Description of Securities 45
Part II
Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies 45
Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of
Security Holders and Use of Proceeds 45
Item 15. Controls and Procedures 45
Item 16A.Audit Committee Financial Expert 46
Item 16B Code of Ethics 46
Item 16C Principal Accountant Fees and Services 46
Part III
Item 17. Financial Statements 46
Item 18. Financial Statements 47
Item 19. Exhibits A-1
Signature Page
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Matters discussed in this document may constitute forward-looking
statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 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.
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited desires to take advantage of the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is
including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor
legislation. This document 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 document, the words "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "forecast,"
"plan," "potential," "will," "may," "should," and "expect" reflect
forward-looking statements.
The forward-looking statements in this document are based upon various
assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions,
including without limitation, managements 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 which 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 strength of world economies and
currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charterhire
rates and vessel values, changes in demand in the tanker market, as a result of
changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and world wide oil consumption and
storage, changes in the company's operating expenses, including bunker prices,
drydocking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or
actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or
future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions,
potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events,
and other important factors described from time to time in the reports filed by
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PART I
ITEM 1 - IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 2 - OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not Applicable.
ITEM 3 - KEY INFORMATION
A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following summary financial information set forth below for Ultrapetrol
(Bahamas) Limited (the "Company") is for the years ended December 31, 2002,
2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998 and has been derived from the Company's Financial
Statements, which are included in this form.
For the year ended December 31
2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
(dollars in thousands)
Statement of Operations Data:
Revenues (a)
Freight revenues. $24,743 $73,667 $97,577 $72,474 $87,086
Hire revenues 48,381 37,541 6,814 11,784 12,299
---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Total Revenues 73,124 111,208 104,391 84,258 99,385
Voyage expenses(b) (10,185) (26,889) (38,719) (28,282) (48,345)
Running costs(c) (27,397) (33,615) (28,586) (24,682) (20,435)
Amortization of drydock expense. (8,839) (7,246) (5,589) (4,017) (2,104)
Depreciation of property and equipment (15,968) (16,197) (15,572) (14,889) (11,801)
Management fees to related parties(d) (3,176) (3,250) (3,780) (3,748) (3,024)
Administrative expenses (3,642) (4,520) (4,269) (3,249) (2,285)
Loss on involuntary conversion Arg.Receivable (2,704)
Financial expense (16,763) (17,698) (16,646) (15,064) (11,773)
Financial income 326 296 282 207 1,138
Investment in subsidiaries (45) (692) (1,646)
Other net income (expenses)(e) 1,698 1,408 4,351 1,175 353
---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Earnings before income tax and minority interest (13,571) 2,805 (5,783) (8,291) 1,109
Minority interest (132) (104) (376)
Income tax (150) (390) (284) (303) 169
---------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------
Net earnings (losses) for the year $(13,853) $2,415 $(6,067) $ (8,698) $902
========== ========= ========= ========== =========
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash, cash equivalents and time deposit $4,724 $5,872 $4,225 $2,730 $5,766
Fixed assets 134,797 135,289 148,946 126,836 143,097
Total assets 213,546 225,576 232,894 170,684 178,345
Current Portion other financials payable 12,209 15,745 19,649 7,074 1,000
Long-term debt, net of current portion 135,000 135,000 135,000 135,000 135,000
Other financial payable, net of current portion 21,785 14,700 23,120 665
Stockholders' equity. 35,089 47,838 42,235 22,098 30,796
Other Financial Information:
Net cash provided by operating activities 14,395 24,814 9,293 8,369 11,625
Net cash used in investing activities (21,428) (14,133) (69,032) (15,453) (100,756)
Net cash provided (used in) financing activities 5,885 (9,034) 61,234 7,549 86,760
EBITDA(f) $27,867 $43,946 $32,024 $25,575 $26,411
Ratios
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense 1.7x 2.5x 1.9x 1.7x 2.2x
Ratio of total debt to EBITDA 6.1x 3.8x 5.4x 5.4x 5.1x
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(g) 0.2x 1.2x 0.7x 0.4x 1.1x
Vessels wholly owned at end of period 14 13 14 12 12
(a) Freight revenues arise from arrangements whereby we have agreed to
transport cargoes between ports and bear all voyage and vessel operating
expenses, whereas hire revenues arise from our vessel time or voyage
chartering operations.
(b) Voyage expenses, which are incurred when a vessel is operating under a
contract of affreightment (as well as any time when they are not operating
under time or bareboat charter), comprise all costs relating to a given
voyage, including port charges, canal dues and fuel (bunkers) costs, are
paid by the vessel owner and are recorded as voyage expenses. Voyage
expenses also include charter hire payments made by us to owners of vessels
that we have chartered in.
(c) Running costs, or operating expenses, include the cost of all ship
management, crewing, repairs and maintenance, spares and stores,
insurance premiums and lubricants and certain drydocking costs.
(d) Management fees to related parties include payments to our affiliates
Ravenscroft Miami and Oceanmarine. See "Interest of Management in Certain
Transactions."
(e) In 1999 other net income included $ 0.8 as a gain corresponding to the
Bareboat Charter - Purchase of the Abbeydale to a third party. In 2000,
other net income included $3.2 million received as compensation from
insurers in respect of loss of hire claims related to the Princess Eva
($0.6 million), Princess Marina ($0.4 million) and the Princess Pia (2.6
million). In 2001, other net income included $1.5 million received as
compensation from insurers in respect of loss of hire claims related to the
Princess Veronica ($0.8 million) and the Princess Marina (0.7 million). In
2002, other net income included $1.8 million received as compensation from
insurers for loss of hire claims related to the Alianza G-3, Princess
Marisol and Princess Pia partially offset by the loss related to the
Princess Fatima sale.
(f) EBITDA consists of income prior to deductions for interest expense, income
taxes, depreciation and amortization of drydock expense. EBITDA is not
intended to represent cash flows from operations, as defined by GAAP
("GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America in effect as of the date hereof) and should not be considered as
an alternative to net income as an indicator of our operating performance
or to cash flows from operations as a measure of liquidity. This definition
of EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures disclosed by
other companies Generally, funds represented by EBITDA are available for
management's discretionary use
For the year ended December 31
Conciliation between EBITDA and Net income (loss) for
the years 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
(dollars in thousands)
EBITDA
Net earnings (losses) for the year. (13,853) 2,415 (6,067) (8,698) 902
Plus
Financial expense 16,763 17,698 16,646 15,064 11,773
Income tax 150 390 284 303 (169)
Depreciation of property and equipment 15,968 16,197 15,572 14,889 11,801
Amortization of drydock expense 8,839 7,246 5,589 4,017 2,104
------------- ------------- ----------- ------------- -----------
EBITDA $27,867 $43.946 $32,024 $25,575 $26,411
============= ============= =========== ============= ===========
(g) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by aggregating income
before taxes and fixed charges and dividing the total by fixed charges.
Fixed charges comprise interest on all indebtedness including capital
leases and amortization of debt expense (see Exhibit 12.1).
B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS
Not Applicable.
C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not Applicable.
D. RISK FACTORS
Please note: In this section, "we", "us" and "our" all refer to the
Company and its subsidiaries.
Industry Specific Risk Factors
The cyclical nature of the tanker industry may lead to volatile changes in
charter rates and vessel values which may adversely affect our earnings
If the tanker market, which has been cyclical, is depressed in the future
when our vessels' charters expire or when we want to sell a vessel, our earnings
and available cash flow may decrease. Our ability to recharter our vessels on
the expiration or termination of their current spot and time charters and the
charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters will depend
upon, among other things, economic conditions in the tanker market. Fluctuations
in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand
for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil
products.
The factors affecting the supply and demand for tanker vessels are outside
of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry
conditions are unpredictable. The factors that influence demand for tanker
capacity include:
o demand for oil and oil products;
o global and regional economic conditions;
o the global supply of crude oil to the world markets by crude producing
nations;
o the distance oil and oil products are to be moved by sea; and
o changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns.
The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:
o the number of newbuilding deliveries;
o the scrapping rate of older vessels;
o the number of vessels that are out of service; and
o national or international regulations that may effectively cause
reductions in the carrying capacity of vessels or early obsolescence of
tonnage.
Our revenues experience seasonal variations that may affect our earnings and
financial performance
We operate our tankers in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal
variations in demand and, therefore, charter rates. Tanker markets are typically
stronger in the winter months in the northern hemisphere due to increased oil
consumption. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in the winter months
tend to disrupt vessel scheduling. The oil price volatility resulting from these
factors has historically led to increased oil trading activities.
If we violate environmental laws or regulations, the resulting liability may
adversely affect our earnings and financial condition
Our operations are subject to extensive regulation designed to promote
tanker safety, prevent oil spills and generally protect the environment. Local,
national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions,
can subject us to material liabilities in the event that there is a release of
petroleum or other hazardous substances from our vessels.
For example, the United States Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, provides
that owners, operators and bareboat charterers are strictly liable for the
discharge of oil in U.S. waters, including the 200 nautical mile zone off the
U.S. coasts. OPA provides for unlimited liability in some circumstances, such as
a vessel operator's gross negligence or willful misconduct. However, in most
cases OPA limits liability to the greater of $1,200 per gross ton or $10 million
per vessel. OPA also permits states to set their own penalty limits. Most states
bordering navigable waterways impose unlimited liability for discharges of oil
in their waters. The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, has adopted a
similar liability scheme that imposes strict liability for oil spills, subject
to limits that do not apply if the release is caused by the vessel owner's
intentional or reckless conduct.
Under OPA, with certain limited exceptions, all newly built or converted
tankers operating in United States waters must be built with double hulls
conforming to particular specifications. Tankers that do not have double hulls
are subject to structural and operational measures to reduce oil spills and will
be precluded from operating in United States waters between 1995 and 2015
according to size, age, hull configuration and place of discharge unless
retrofitted with double hulls. In addition, OPA specifies annual inspections,
vessel manning, equipment and other construction requirements that are in
various stages of development by the U.S. Coast Guard, or USCG, applicable to
new and to existing vessels.
Under OPA, our vessels will be precluded from operation in United States
waters as follows: (dates shown correspond to date issuance)
Name OPA phase-out date* Tvel / COC date*
---- ------------------ -----------------
Princess Katherine N/A March 26, 2003
Princess Eva Jun-2003 August 18, 1998
Princess Sofia** Not inform Not issued
Princess Laura Feb-2010 March 19, 2003
Princess Marisol Dec-2004 October 9, 2002
Princess Nadia Jan-2014 August 26, 2001
Princess Pia Dec-2007 June 25, 2002
Princess Susana Nov-2014 February 18, 2003
Princess Veronica Mar-2008 February 13, 2001
Princess Marina March, 2014 August 29, 2002
* As per tvel/COC
Notes:
* The United States Coast Guard inspects vessels annually and
determines when such vessels will be phased out under OPA, the dates
of which are recorded in the Certificate of Compliance or COC. On
April 30 2001, the USCG replaced the Tank Vessel Examination Letter
(TVEL) with a newly generated document called Certificate of
Compliance. The COC is issued for each tanker by the USCG, if /when
the vessel calls at a U.S. port and is valid for a period of two
years, with mid period examination.
**Princess Sofia did not call at any US Port and therefore a COC has
not been issued. Consequently, the OPA phase out date as per the COC
is not available.
There is no phase out date for Princess Katherine. The geometry of the
Princess Kahterine meets the US double hull standards.
Princess Nadia, Princess Marina and Princess Susana are double hull
vessels. However, due to configuration requirements under the U.S.
double hull standards the phase out dates indicated above are
applicable.
The above table also includes dates of inspection of USCG/COC for the first
quarter 2003.
These requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our
vessels. We believe that regulation of the tanker industry will continue to
become more stringent and more expensive for us and our competitors. More
stringent maritime safety rules are also more likely to be imposed worldwide as
a result of the recent oil spill in November 2002 relating to the loss of the
M.T. Prestige, a 26-year old single-hull tanker owned by a company not
affiliated with us. Additional laws and regulations may also be adopted that
could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing
business and that could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
Government regulation of tankers, particularly in the areas of safety and
environmental impact may change in the future and require us to incur
significant capital expenditure on our vessels to keep them in compliance.
Because the market value of our vessels may fluctuate signifcantly, we may incur
losses when we sell vessels which may adversely affect our earnings
The fair market value of tankers may increase and decrease depending on the
following factors:
o general economic and market conditions affecting the tanker industry;
o competition from other shipping companies;
o types and sizes of vessels;
o other modes of transportation;
o cost of newbuildings;
o governmental or other regulations;
o prevailing level of charter rates; and
o technological advances.
Company Specific Risk Factors
We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to
distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial and other obligations
We are a holding company, and our subsidiaries conduct all of our
operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets
other than the equity interests of our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to
make required payments on our Notes depends on the performance of our
subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of our
subsidiaries to make distributions to us may be restricted by, among other
things, restrictions under our debt facilities and applicable laws of the
jurisdictions of their incorporation or organization. If we are unable to obtain
funds from our subsidiaries, we will not be able to service our debt unless we
obtain funds from other sources. We cannot assure you that we will be able to
obtain the necessary funds from other sources.
Restrictive covenants in our indenture and financing agreements could hinder our
ability to grow and service our debt
The indenture for our Notes and our financing agreements impose operating
and financial restrictions that limit or even prohibit our ability to incur
additional indebtedness, grant liens, make certain investments, sell assets,
engage in mergers and acquisitions or make capital expenditures. These
restrictions also limit our ability to respond to market conditions or meet
extraordinary capital needs. We are also required to maintain specified cash
liquidity levels, financial ratios and vessel values relative to our
indebtedness. If we do not meet these tests we may be in default under our
indenture and other loan agreements. These defaults may allow our lenders to
accelerate the maturity of our indebtedness and foreclose on collateral securing
that indebtedness, which could materially and adversely affect our ability to
service our debt.
We have substantial leverage and debt service obligations that could affect our
ability to grow and service our debt
We are highly leveraged and have incurred substantial indebtedness. As of
December 31, 2002, we had $169 million in total indebtedness outstanding with
$35.1 million of shareholders' equity. Subject to restrictions in our Notes
indenture and depending on the results of any restructuring that we may pursue,
we may incur additional indebtedness in the future. The amount of leverage that
we have has important consequences for us and holders of our Senior Notes, which
include:
o We may not be able to obtain additional financing for shipping
activities, working capital, capital expenditures, or general corporate
purposes;
o We may need to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from
operations to paying interest on our Notes and any other future
indebtedness, reducing funds available to us for other purposes;
o We may not be able to withstand competitive pressures and respond to
changing business conditions; and
o We may be more vulnerable than our competitors to a downturn in general
economic conditions or in our business.
A decline in the market value of our vessels could lead to a default under our
loan agreements and the loss of our vessels
If the market value of our fleet declines, we may not be able to obtain
future financing. Also, declining vessel values could cause us to breach
covenants under some of our financing agreements. If we are unable to pledge
additional collateral, our lenders could accelerate that debt and foreclose on
our fleet, which would result in a default on our indenture and other financing
agreements.
Our earnings may be adversely affected if we do not successfully employ our
tankers
We seek to deploy our tankers both on time charters and under contracts of
affreightment with clients of the Company for periods of three months to three
years or on spot voyages. As of December 31, 2002, five of our vessels were
employed under time charter with remaining terms of 8 months on average.
Although time charters provide steady streams of revenue, tankers committed to
time charters may not be available for spot voyages during an upswing in the
tanker industry cycle, when spot voyages might be more profitable. If the
finalization of our term employment coincides with a low point of the cycle our
earnings could be adversely affected.
In the highly competitive international tanker market, we may not be able to
compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater
resources
We employ our vessels in a highly competitive market. Competition arises
primarily from other tanker owners, including major oil companies as well as
independent tanker companies, some of whom have substantially greater resources
than we do. Competition for the transportation of oil and oil products can be
intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the
acceptability of the tanker and its operators to the charterers.
We depend on a few significant customers for a large part of our revenues. The
loss of one or more of these customers could adversely affect our financial
performance
We derive a significant part of our revenue from a small number of
charterers. In 2002, Petrobras, the government-controlled gas and oil company of
Brazil, accounted for 41% of total revenues while Pecom Energia S.A., an
Argentinian energy company, accounted for 18% of total revenue. During the same
period, UABL Limited, a company that is affiliated with us, accounted for
approximately 14% of total revenues. The occurrence of any problems with these
charterers may adversely affect our revenues. Additionally, if our vessels do
not meet the chartering standards set forth by certain oil majors this could
have an adverse affect on our financial performance.
We may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other
employees in the tanker 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. Although we intend to negotiate agreements, we do not
currently have long term employment contracts with any of our senior executives,
including Felipe Menendez R., Ricardo Menendez R., James F. Martin, Katherine A.
Downs, and Leonard J. Hoskinson. Our success will depend upon our ability to
hire and retain key members of our management team. 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.
Because most of our employees are covered by industry-wide collective bargaining
agreements, failure of industry groups to renew those agreements may disrupt our
operations and adversely affect our earnings
We employ 16 land-based employees. Our manager employ approximately 404
seafarers who are covered by industry-wide collective bargaining agreements that
set basic standards. We cannot assure you that these agreements will prevent
labor interruptions. Any labor interruptions could disrupt our operations and
harm our financial performance.
Our vessels may suffer damage and we may face unexpected drydocking costs which
could affect our cash flow and our ability to service our debt
If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking
or other type of ship repair facility. The costs of drydock and/or repairs are
unpredictable and can be substantial. We may have to pay drydocking and repair
costs that our insurance does not cover. This would decrease earnings. Repairs
may involve long periods of inactivity which may have a negative effect on
earnings and our ability to service our debt.
Purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating
costs which could adversely affect our earnings and our ability to service our
debt
All of our vessels were purchased secondhand from other owners. Our current
business strategy includes additional growth through the acquisition of
secondhand vessels. While we inspect secondhand vessels prior to purchase, this
does not normally provide us with the same knowledge about their condition that
we would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively
by us. Also, we do not receive the benefit of builders' warranties.
In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition
increases with the age of the vessel. In some instances charterers may prefer
newer vessels that are more fuel efficient than older vessels. Cargo insurance
rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to
charterers as well.
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. We cannot assure you that, as our tankers age, market
conditions will justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our tankers
profitably during the remainder of their useful lives. If we sell vessels, we
cannot be certain that the price for which we sell them will equal at least
their carrying amount at the time of such sale. If charterers no longer charter
our vessels due to their age it could adversely affect our earnings and we may
not be able to generate sufficient revenue to service our debt.
Risks involved with operating ocean going vessels could affect our business and
reputation, which would adversely affect our revenue and our ability to service
our debt
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. These risks
include the possibility of:
o marine disaster;
o piracy;
o environmental accidents;
o cargo and property losses or damage; and
o business interruptions caused by mechanical failure, human error, war,
terrorism, political action in various countries, labor strikes, or
adverse weather conditions.
Any of these circumstances or events could increase our costs or lower our
revenues. The involvement of our vessels in an oil spill or other environmental
disaster may harm our reputation as a safe and reliable tanker operator which
could adversely affect our revenues and our ability to service our debt.
We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us if our vessels are damaged
or lost
We procure insurance for our fleet against those risks that we believe the
shipping industry commonly insures against. These insurances include hull and
machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes
environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage, and war risk insurance.
We carry insurance against loss of hire covering 74.5% of the hire value on our
oceangoing vessels, which is business interruption coverage following a loss
under our hull and machinery policy or other business interruption however, such
insurance does not cover the entire period a vessel may have been unemployed as
a consequence of an accident nor does it cover all incidents which may render a
vessel inoperative. There is no guarantee that we shall be able to renew this
policy upon its expiry. The current hull and machinery policy was renewed on
30th June 2002 with a 20.5% increase on rates and it will expire on 30th June
2003 when new terms will be renegotiated. There is no guarantee that we will be
able to renew it on the same terms at all now or in the future. We can give no
assurance that we are adequately insured against all risks. We may not be able
to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for our fleet in the
future. The insurers may not pay particular claims. Our insurance policies
contain deductibles for which we will be responsible, limitations and exclusions
which, although we believe are standard in the shipping industry, may
nevertheless increase our costs or lower our revenue.
Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flow
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a tanker, shippers of
cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that tanker
for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions a maritime
lienholder may enforce its lien by arresting a tanker through foreclosure
proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our tankers could
interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay very large sums of money to have
the arrest lifted.
In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the "sister
ship" theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both 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. Claimants could try to assert
"sister ship" liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to
another of our ships.
Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency,
resulting in loss of earnings
A government could requisition for title or seize our vessels. Requisition
for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes her
owner. Also, a government could requisition our vessels for hire. Requisition
for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively
becomes her charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur
during a period of war or emergency. Government requisition of one or more of
our vessels may negatively impact our revenues.
Our operations outside the United States expose us to global risks that may
interfere with the operation of our vessels
We are an international company and primarily conduct our operations
outside of the United States. Changing economic, political and governmental
conditions in the countries where we are engaged in business or where our
vessels are registered affect us. Hostilities or other political instability in
regions where our vessels trade could affect our trade patterns and adversely
affect our operations and performance.
We may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce our
earnings
Under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, a
portion of the gross or net shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering
corporation, such as ourselves and our subsidiaries, may be subject to a 4%
United States federal income tax on 50% of its gross shipping income that is
attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin
and end, in the U.S., unless that corporation is entitled to a special tax
exemption under the Code which applies to the international shipping income
derived by some non-United States corporations. We believe that we and each of
our subsidiaries qualify for this statutory tax exemption for the year ended
December 31, 2002 and continue to so qualify.
However, there are several risks that could cause us to become taxed on our
U.S. source income. Due to the absence of final Treasury regulations or other
definitive authority concerning some aspects of this tax exemption under the
relevant provisions of the Code and to the factual nature of the issues
involved, we can give no assurances that our tax-exempt status or that of any of
our subsidiaries will continue indefinitely.
If we or our subsidiaries are not entitled to this statutory tax exemption
for any taxable year, we or our subsidiaries could be subject for those years to
an effective 4% United States federal income tax on the portion of the income
these companies derive during the year from United States sources. The
imposition of this taxation would have an adverse effect on our profitability.
Because we are a foreign corporation, you may not have the same rights that a
creditor of a U.S. corporation may have
We are incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Our
articles of incorporation and bylaws and the International Business Companies
Act, 1989 govern our affairs. Investors may have more difficulty in protecting
their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or
controlling stockholders than would stockholders of a corporation incorporated
in a United States jurisdiction. In addition, the executive officers and
administrative activities and assets of the Company are located outside the
United States. As a result, it may be more difficult for investors to effect
service of process within the United States upon the Company, or to enforce both
in the United States and outside the United States judgments against the Company
in any action, including actions predicated upon the civil liability provisions
of the federal securities laws of the United States.
Enforcement of mortgages against our vessels may result in judgments which could
negatively impact our cash flow and our ability to service our debt
Each of our mortgaged vessels is registered under either the Panamanian
flag, or another jurisdiction with similar procedures. Under these laws, our
mortgages may be enforced by the mortgagee in an action in admiralty against the
mortgaged vessel. Although the largest proportion of the deadweight tonnage of
our vessels is or will be separately owned by single purpose subsidiaries, under
certain circumstances, a parent company and their shipowning affiliates could be
considered as a group under common control or engaged in a joint venture, and
could be held liable for damages or debts owed by one of their affiliates.
Therefore, it is possible that all of our assets, and those of our subsidiaries,
could be subject to execution upon a judgment against us or any of our
subsidiaries or affiliates. Moreover, although we currently maintain insurance
coverage for certain third party liabilities for each of our vessels, there can
be no assurance that this insurance will continue to be available on favorable
terms or at all.
If a court were to find that we were engaged in a fraudulent conveyance the
rights of our noteholders would be impaired
Our Notes are secured by mortgages granted by, and guarantees made by, our
subsidiaries. Accordingly, the making of guarantees, the granting of mortgages
and any payments made under the guarantees by our subsidiaries may be subject to
review under relevant federal and state fraudulent conveyance laws if a
bankruptcy, reorganization or rehabilitation case or a lawsuit (including
circumstances in which bankruptcy is not involved) were commenced by, or on
behalf of, unpaid creditors of the subsidiary guarantors in the future. These
laws differ among various jurisdictions. In general, under these laws, if a
court were to find that, at the time an obligation was incurred, it was done
with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors, or the entity
incurring the obligation received less than reasonably equivalent or fair value
consideration in exchange for the incurrence of the obligation, a court could
impose legal and equitable remedies or other action detrimental to the interests
of the holders of our Notes.
We believe that at the time of, or as a result of, the issuance of the
subsidiary guarantees and mortgages, each of our subsidiary guarantors was not
considered insolvent or rendered insolvent under fraudulent conveyance
standards, was not engaged in a business or transaction for which its remaining
assets would constitute unreasonably small capital, and does not intend to incur
debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature. These beliefs are
based in part on our operating history and our analysis of internal cash flow
projections and estimated values of assets and liabilities. We cannot assure
you, however, that a court passing on these issues would adopt or utilize the
same methodology or assumptions, or arrive at the same conclusions.
Our failure to make or consummate an offer to purchase our notes following a
change of control may result in the acceleration of our debt
In the event of a change of control under our indenture, we will be
required to make an offer to purchase all outstanding Notes at a price equal to
101% of the principal balance thereof, plus accrued but unpaid interest to the
date of purchase. We can not assure you that we would be able to obtain such
funds through a refinancing of the Notes to be repurchased or otherwise. Under
these circumstances, our failure to purchase all of the Notes would result in a
default under our indenture and the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes may accelerate the maturity
of all of the Notes. Also, the requirement that we offer to repurchase the Notes
in the event of a change of control may deter a third party from effecting a
transaction that would constitute a change of control for purposes of the
indenture.
We are involved in litigation with the Argentinian province of Tierra de Fuego
over the applicability of certain provincial taxes. This litigation and similar
litigation in the future could have an adverse affect on our profitability
In September, 1999, the Tax Authority of the Argentinian province, Tierra
del Fuego, commenced an action against us for non-payment of a provincial gross
income tax. We have been and are currently contesting the jurisdiction of the
Tax Authority. We have filed a declaratory action before the Argentinian Supreme
Court of Justice and were granted an injunction ordering the Tax Authority to
refrain from seeking collection of the contested tax, its interest, and related
charges pending resolution of the action. Unfavorable outcomes in this action
and if similar actions were brought by other local governmental authorities they
could have an adverse affect on our profitability and earnings.
Our exposure to the economies of countries in which we do business may have
negative effects for our results
A portion of the Company's business occurs in Argentina and the revenues
obtained from customers in that country may be negatively affected because of
reductions of the volumes consumed and carried for these customers as well as
exchange losses which may result from the difference between our current assets
and our current liabilities exposed to devaluation in that country at any
particular point in time.
ITEM 4 - INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited, a Bahamas corporation, was formed on
December 23, 1997. We are a holding company, with no independent operations of
our own, other than ownership of the shares of our subsidiaries. We were formed
to consolidate the ownership of Princely International Finance Corp., a
Panamanian corporation, Ultrapetrol S.A., an Argentinean corporation, and their
respective subsidiaries ("Ultrapetrol"). The first of the companies that are now
our subsidiaries was formed in 1992. Our business has developed primarily by
acquiring vessels and employing them in transportation service for our
customers. On December 31, 1993 the companies owned three vessels. Currently we
own and operate fourteen oceangoing vessels, one of which is owned by Ultracape
(Holdings) Ltd. ("Ultracape"), a new affiliate company that was formed through
an association between us and the AIG-GE Capital Latin America Infrastructure
Fund L.P. ("LAIF") in 2002 of which we own 60%. We also charter three push boats
and 69 wet and dry barges to UABL (Bahamas) Limited ("UABL"), a company that we
formed in a joint venture with ACBL Hidrovias, Ltd. in October 2000 and which we
own 50%. The aggregate cargo carrying capacity of our ocean-going fleet is
approximately 1.2 million dwt. "Dwt" is an abbreviation for "deadweight tons."
The "dwt" capacity of a cargo vessel is roughly the maximum weight of cargo it
can carry, in metric tons. We employ our trading fleet worldwide, but our
vessels trade primarily in South America with additional operations between
Caribbean, United States, Mediterranean and West African coast ports.
B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW
In our ocean business we concentrate on providing specialized
transportation services for an identified group of customers through direct
contracts. This approach enhances customers' ability to transport cargoes at
agreed upon rates generally without regard to the uncertainties associated with
the spot, or single voyage charter markets. In 2002, approximately 10% of our
revenues were derived from operations in the spot charter markets. In UABL's
Hidrovia project (Hidrovia is the 3,442 km of navigable waters on the Parana and
Paraguay Rivers between Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay), our
river barges transport oil products and agricultural products as well as
minerals and other products.
Our Trading Fleet
We own three Suezmax tankers, two of which have a carrying capacity of
approximately 152,000 dwt and one of approximately 164,000 dwt. Both of the
Aframax tankers we own have a cargo carrying capacity of approximately 82,500
dwt. The four Panamax tankers and the one Handysize tanker we own have a cargo
carrying capacity of approximately 60,000 each and 17,500 dwt, respectively.
These ten ocean-going tanker vessels have an average age of approximately 20
years. We also own the Alianza G3 and Alianza G2 Tug-Barge Units, which are
semi-integrated tug and barge units capable of service in shallow waters and
have cargo carrying capacities of approximately 44,000 dwt and 37,000 dwt
respectively. We also have cargo carrying capacities of approximately 36,000 dwt
with the bulkcarrier Alianza G1 and 151.000 dwt with the bulkcarrier Cape Pampas
built in 1990. Additionally we own three push boats, the Cavalier I, Cavalier II
and Cavalier III, three port tugs, the Jupiter, Mercurio and Marte, eleven
Mississippi River-type tanker barges with a cargo carrying capacity of 31,500
dwt and 58 Mississippi River-type dry cargo barges with a cargo carrying
capacity of 87,800 dwt.
Our Wholly Owned Vessels
Set forth below is certain information regarding our wholly owned vessels:
Year
Vessel dwt Built Vessel Type Current Employment
------ --- ----- ----------- ------------------
Princess Laura......................... 67,069 1982 Panamax Tanker Brazil, Argentina, U.S.A.
Princess Eva........................... 60,961 1980 Panamax Tanker Argentina, U.S.A., Europe
Princess Pia........................... 55,275 1979 Panamax Tanker U.S.A., Caribe, Europe.
Princess Veronica...................... 55,245 1980 Panamax Tanker Chile, Argentina,
Princess Sofia(1)...................... 16,593 1982 Handysize Tanker Argentina.
Princess Nadia......................... 152,329 1987 Suezmax Tanker Brazil
Princess Marisol....................... 82,006 1981 Aframax Tanker Caribs, U.S.A.
Princess Susana........................ 152,300 1986 Suezmax Tanker Brazil
Princess Marina........................ 83,930 1986 Aframax Tanker Brazil
Princess Katherine..................... 164,100 1986 Suezmax Tanker Brazil
Alianza G2 Tug-Barge Unit(1)........... 37,532(2) 1982(3) Semi-integrated River Plate/Parana
Tug/Barge Unit
Alianza G3 Tug-Barge Unit(1)........... 43,813(2) 1993(4) Semi-integrated Brazil
Tug/Barge Unit
Alianza G1 (1) (5).................... 36,369 1982 Bulkcarrier Chile, Peru, Brazil, Argentina
Cape Pampas............................ 151,380 1990 Bulkcarrier Brazil, Japan
Capesize
Cavalier I Tug & (2).................. 11,000 Tug/Barge Unit Paraguay
Gaucho I to IV barges
Cavalier II Tug & 20,565 Tug/Barge Unit Paraguay
(2)......................
Gaucho V to XI barges
Cavalier III Tug & (2) 87,800 Tug/Barge Unit Paraguay
58 Matador barges
(1) Currently qualified for Argentine cabotage trading.
(2) As the tugs carry no cargo, they are not considered in the calculations of
aggregate dwt or age.
(3) The barge, Alianza G2, was initially built in Spain
in 1982 and was refurbished and converted to its current
service in Argentina in 1994 and it is currently engaged as a transfer
station in the lower Parana river. The tug, Alianza Rosario, was built in
the United Kingdom in 1976.
(4) The barge, Alianza G3, was initially built in 1982 and was refurbished and
converted to its current service in 1993. The tug, Alianza Campana, was
built in 1976.
(5) The Alianza G1, was initially built in 1982 as a ocean barge and was
converted to its current service in 1993.
Argentine Cabotage Qualified Vessels
Our vessels Princess Sofia, the Alianza G2/G3 Tug-Barge Units and the
bulkcarrier Alianza G1, aggregating approximately 134,000 dwt, are permitted to
engage in cabotage trading in Argentina in compliance with Argentinean laws and
regulations. Cabotage trading in Argentina is the transportation of passengers
or goods by sea or river between ports and cargo transfer zones in Argentina.
This commerce is reserved for Argentinean flag vessels, vessels with a temporary
deletion from the Argentine registry (dual flag) and Argentinean shipowners who
have bareboat chartered foreign flag vessels and obtain authorization from the
Argentinean Maritime Authority. We employ most of the cabotage qualifying ships,
primarily in the Argentine cabotage trade and in voyages originating from
Argentina.
From October 2000 we employed under a long-term time charter with UABL, an
affiliated company, the Alianza G2, the 69 wet and dry river barges and the
push-boats Cavalier I, Cavalier II, Cavalier III and the tug Alianza Rosario and
the port tugs Jupiter, Mercurio and Marte.
Vessels on Time Charter to Petrobras.
During 2002 we renewed Petrobras's time charter employment of two of our
Suezmax vessels and one of our Aframax vessels for approximately six months
duration, which cover these vessel's employment up to their scheduled redelivery
between January and March 2003. Also in 2002, we entered into a three year
charter, (renewable for another two years) to employ the Alianza G3 Tug Barge
Unit in Brazil.
Vessel Management
For the day to day management of our operations, we (or our subsidiaries)
have entered into administrative agreements to provide specific services for our
operations.
For administrative services the respective vessel owning/operating
subsidiary pays Oceanmarine S.A. ("Oceanmarine"), an affiliate of ours, a
monthly fee of $ 8,750 per vessel. Oceanmarine provides all general
administration and accounting services, including financial reporting,
preparation of tax returns, invoicing and accounts payable, office premises, a
computer network, secretarial assistance, payroll and other general duties.
Through the respective owning/operating subsidiaries, we have contracted to
Ravenscroft Ship Management, Ltd., which has sub-contracted to Ravenscroft
Shipping Inc., a Miami based affiliate of Ravenscroft Ship Management, Ltd.
("Ravenscroft Miami"), the operational management of our vessels. Ravenscroft
Miami earns $12,500 per vessel per month for management services. Ravenscroft
Miami provides technical and communication services for our vessels and serves
as a contact with clients and shipping agencies. Ravenscroft Miami also manages
a number of vessels for third party owners not affiliated with us. On a per
vessel basis, the fees earned by Ravenscroft Miami from such third party owners
are substantially equivalent to the fees paid by us. In the case of our river
barges chartered to UABL we have contracted the shipmanagement responsibilities
to Lonehort Inc., an affiliate of UABL.
Customers
For our most recently completed fiscal year, service for Petrobras, the
government-controlled gas and oil company of Brazil, accounted for 41% of total
revenues, service for Pecom accounted for 18% of total revenue. During the same
period UABL, a Bahamian company, accounted for 14% of total revenue.
Competition
We face competition in the transportation of crude oil and petroleum
products from other independent tanker owners and from tanker operators who
primarily charter-in vessels to meet their cargo carrying needs. The charter
markets in which our vessels compete are highly competitive. Competition is
primarily based on prevailing market charter rates, vessel location and vessel
manager reputation. Our primary competitor in crude oil and petroleum products
transportation within Argentina, and between Argentina and other South American
countries, is Antares Naviera S.A., an independent tanker owner and operator.
The other major participant in the Argentina/Brazil trade is Transpetrol.
Transpetrol is a subsidiary of Petrobras, our primary customer in Brazil. In
other South American trading our main competitors are Lauderdale Tankers Corp.,
Heidmar Inc., Sonap S.A., Naviera Sur Petrolera S.A. and Sonacol S.A. These
companies, and other smaller entities, are regular competitors of ours in our
primary trading areas.
From time to time, charter rates available for the carriage of crude oil in
our primary areas of operations (i.e., South America and the Caribbean) may be
higher than those prevailing in other regions. In such event, operators who
typically transport refined products may shift their vessels to the
transportation of crude oil, and vessel operators active in other regions may
shift their vessels into areas serviced primarily by us. We believe that during
such periods our ongoing relationships with customers will be an important
factor in maintaining our competitive position. Competition that we face from
these operators/owners varies greatly from time to time in accordance with
vessel trading patterns and general market activity. We are also affected by
other competitive forces, which impact the supply of crude oil imported to the
United States.
Industry Conditions
Certain statistical and graphical information contained in this document has
been supplied by Doll Shipping Consultancy ("DSC"), an independent U. K.-based
company providing market analysis and strategic planning services to the
shipping industry. DSC bases its analysis on information drawn from published
and private industry sources. For purposes of this Industry discussion, Latin
America includes Central America, South America, and the Caribbean Basin
islands. Consistent with revised International Energy Agency definitions, North
America includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
We operate in the international tanker market, which is a global industry
and is affected by many factors throughout the world. Important industry
conditions for our operations are world oil production and demand, oil
production and demand in the Western Hemisphere, the size of the international
tanker fleet, the new production and scrapping of oceangoing tankers and freight
rates. Doll Shipping Consultancy, an independent company providing market
analysis and strategic planning services to the shipping industry, furnished the
following information regarding industry conditions in the international tanker
market:
World Oil Overview
World oil demand increased from about 76.5 million barrels per day, or MBD,
in 2001 to 76.9 MBD in 2002, a small increase of approximately 0.5%. Oil demand
decreased in Europe and Latin America; increased in China and other non-OECD
Asian countries, North America, and the Middle East, and was stable in OECD
Pacific countries, the Former Soviet Union, and in Africa. Specifically, Latin
American oil demand decreased from 4.8 MBD to about 4.7 MBD. The small average
increase results from decreases of demand in early 2002 and increases in demand
late in the year.
World oil supply decreased from about 76.8 MBD in 2001 to 76.6 MBD in 2002.
OPEC crude oil production decreased by about 1.9 MBD in 2002 to 25.1 MBD
(including Iraqi production, which decreased by about 0.4 MBD to approximately
2.0 MBD.) Non-OPEC production increased by 1.4 MBD to about 48.1 MBD. Oil prices
were on average stable but still remained at historically high levels in 2002,
with benchmark West Texas Intermediate, or WTI, crude averaging $26.18 per
barrel in 2002 compared with $25.98 per barrel in 2001. Early in 2003 WTI
increased to an average of almost $33.00 per barrel due to high demand and
actual or projected oil supply difficulties.
Western Hemisphere crude oil trades
U.S. oil demand was stable with about 19.7 MBD in 2001 and 2002, while U.S.
crude oil production was stable at approximately 8.1 MBD over the same period.
However, oil demand increased during the fourth quarter of 2002 to 19.8 MBD,
about 0.4 MBD higher than the same period in 2001.
Arabian Gulf OPEC producers exported about 2.2 MBD of crude oil to the
United States during 2002, a decrease of about 0.4 MBD versus 2001. Exports from
Saudi Arabia decreased by about 0.1 MBD while exports from Iraq decreased by
about 0.3 MBD. Short haul Mexican and Latin American crude oil exports to the
United States increased to more than about 3.2 MBD during 2002, an increase of
nearly 0.1 MBD. Venezuelan exports averaged about 1.2 MBD, a decrease of about
0.1 MBD from 2001. Mexico exported about 1.5 MBD during 2002, an increase of 0.1
MBD. U.S. imports from Colombia were stable at about 0.2 MBD. Consistent with
higher demand, crude shipments from Venezuela (prior to the strike, see below)
and Saudi Arabia increased during the fourth quarter of 2002.
A general strike in Venezuela and preparations for war in Iraq affected
crude oil markets significantly in late 2002 and early 2003. Venezuelan crude
oil production was reduced due to a general strike beginning in December 2002.
Venezuelan conventional crude oil production decreased in November from about
2.7 MBD(excludes about 0.7 MBD of upgraded heavy crudes, Orimulsion, and natural
gas liquids/condensates) to about 0.6-0.7 MBD in December 2002-January 2003.
U.S. oil imports were affected as Venezuelan imports were severely reduced and
crude had to be substituted from other sources. In January 2003, U.S. crude
imports averaged 8.5 MBD versus an average 9.0 MBD for calendar year 2002
(CY2002) as Venezuelan imports decreased to 0.4MBD. However, when comparing
January monthly averages with CY2002 averages, U.S. imports from Arabian Gulf
OPEC countries increased to 2.6 MBD from 2.2 MBD while imports from Nigeria
increased to about 0.8 MBD from 0.6 MBD.
Latin American oil demand decreased from about 4.8 MBD in 2001 to about 4.7
MBD in 2002. Brazilian oil demand remained at about 2.2 MBD in 2001 and 2002.
Latin American oil production (excluding Venezuela) increased by about 0.1 MBD
to approximately 3.9 MBD. Venezuelan conventional crude oil production was about
2.3 MBD in 2002, a decrease of about 0.4 MBD versus 2001, which includes about
0.1 MBD effects of the strike during December. Brazilian oil production
increased by about 0.1 MBD to 1.7 MBD, while Colombian and Argentine oil
production were unchanged at about 0.6 and 0.8 MBD, respectively.
OPEC members agreed on production cuts of 1.5 MBD effective January 2002
which were maintained in force all year. On a 100% compliance basis, this
equated to crude production of about 21.7 MBD for OPEC countries excluding Iraq
(OPEC-10) versus average 2001 production of approximately 24.7 MBD. Actual 2002
OPEC-10 production was 23.1 MBD as countries produced at levels above their
quotas for commercial reasons and to ensure security of supply when Iraqi and
Venezuelan production became uncertain.
Crude oil markets in 2003 have been affected by hostilities in Iraq and
continuing production losses in Venezuela. Venezuelan conventional crude
production averaged only 1.4 MBD in February 2003. Iraqi production (about 2.5
MBD January-February 2003) was lost in March when hostilities began. New
production targets agreed for January 2003 and February 2003 have not been
implemented as OPEC members produce at or near capacity to compensate for
continuing Venezuelan production losses, lost Iraqi production, and temporary
losses of up to 0.8 MBD of Nigerian capacity during civil unrest during March.
For non-OPEC producers in 2003, production increases of an additional 1.4 MBD
are projected by the International Energy Agency, or IEA, including about 0.7
MBD from the Former Soviet Union, 0.2 MBD from Canada, 0.2 MBD from Mexico, 0.1
MBD from Brazil and 0.1 MBD from the United States.
The IEA projects an increase in year 2003 global oil demand of about 1.1
MBD to a total 78.0 MBD. Demand in the United States is projected to increase by
about 0.3 MBD, with stable demand forecast in Latin America. These figures
reflect projected economic recovery in the United States. As noted, forecast oil
production is to increase by approximately 0.2 MBD in Canada, 0.2 MBD in Mexico,
0.1 MBD in Brazil, and 0.1 MBD in the United States, while remaining stable in
elsewhere in non-OPEC Latin America. Venezuela is believed to have incurred
damage to its oil fields during the strike that would reduce production of
conventional crude for the remainder of 2003. Estimates of lost capacity are
uncertain, vary by source, and range from no loss in capacity to about 0.4 MBD
or more.
Economic recovery in the United States and Asia and a cold winter in the
Northern Hemisphere resulted in year-on-year increases in oil demand for the
third quarter of 2002 and fourth quarter of 2002 when compared to the same
calendar quarter in 2001. World oil production decreased overall by 0.2 MBD
during 2002, with increases in short haul crude production offset by decreases
in Arabian Gulf and other OPEC production. Reduced or slowly growing oil demand
and crude oil production cuts were negative factors for tanker demand during
much of 2002. However, significant growth in oil demand and oil production in
the fourth quarter of 2002 were positive factors for tanker demand. Winter
seasonality increased demand for oil while resulting in weather related delays
in the Baltic and Black Sea trades, all positive factors for tanker demand.
Substitution for lost Venezuelan production and precautionary liftings in
expectation of war in Iraq were also positive factors for tanker demand.
The IEA projects growing oil demand in 2003, consistent with ongoing
economic recovery in the United States and most of Asia. Price volatility in
year to date 2003 indicates that oil markets overall remain finely balanced.
Eventual demand growth, normal seasonality, and replenishment of industry
inventories are consistent with increased OPEC production later in the year. Any
combination of normal seasonality, increased demand, reduction in expected
non-OPEC production increases, and replacement of short haul Venezuelan crude
with longer haul substitutes would be positive factors for tanker demand.
Tanker Fleet
Ultrapetrol operates tankers in the Suezmax (120,000 to 200,000 dwt),
Aframax (80,000 to 120,000 dwt), and Panamax (50,000 to 80,000 dwt) sectors.
Industry Tanker Fleet as of March 1, 2003
---------- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Cargo Carrying Total No. Total Mdwt % of Total % of Fleet
Capacity (in dwt) Vessels Tanker Fleet over 20 Yrs
(by dwt) Old (by dwt)
---------- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Handy 10,000 to 49,999 1,856 54.7 18% 31%
---------- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Panamax 50,000 to 79,999 294 18.7 6% 41%
--------- ------------------- ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Aframax 80,000 to 119,999 575 55.7 19% 19%
---------- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Suezmax 120,000 to 199,999 286 42.1 14% 14%
---------- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
VLCC/ULCC 200,000+ 440 128.6 43% 15%
---------- ------------------ ---------- ---------- ------------- --------------
Source: Doll Shipping Consultancy based on industry sources and estimates
In 2002, 2.0 million dwt, or Mdwt, of Suezmaxes were scrapped, while 3.8
Mdwt were delivered. As of March 1, 2003, 0.3 Mdwt have been scrapped, while 1.3
Mdwt have been delivered. The current orderbook is 9.6 Mdwt (62 vessels) with
3.4 Mdwt due for delivery this year, 3.6 Mdwt next year and 2.5 Mdwt in 2005.
In the Aframax sector, 3.8 Mdwt were delivered in 2002, while 1.8 Mdwt were
scrapped. Through March 1, 2003, 0.2 Mdwt has been scrapped, and 2.0 Mdwt have
been delivered. The orderbook is 13.6 Mdwt (126 vessels) with 5.3 Mdwt due for
delivery this year, 4.1 Mdwt next year and 3.2 Mdwt in 2005.
In 2002, 0.6 Mdwt of Panamax vessels were delivered, while 1.0 Mdwt were
scrapped. At March 1, 0.5 Mdwt have been scrapped, while 0.3 Mdwt have been
delivered. The Panamax orderbook totaled 6.5 Mdwt (93 vessels), with 1.8 Mdwt
set for delivery this year, 3.0 Mdwt next year, and 1.8 Mdwt in 2005.
The M.T. Prestige, a single hull tanker built in 1976 that was owned by a
company not affiliated with us, sank off the coast of Spain during November
2002, resulting in pollution on the Spanish and French coasts. In the aftermath
of the incident, the European Union and certain EU members such as Spain and
Italy are introducing regulations that within their jurisdictions are expected
to require accelerated phaseout of single hull vessels versus IMO regulations
and mandate double hull vessels to carry heavy crude oils and fuel oils. The EU
and its members are expected to work for similar initiatives within the
International Maritime Organization which, if adopted, could accelerate phaseout
of single hull tankers internationally.
Vessel Earnings
Tanker earnings stayed at historically low levels through most of 2002,
with a recovery in earnings in the fourth quarter. Oil demand continued to
decrease in the first two quarters of 2002. Tanker demand and earnings remained
low during most of the year. During the fourth quarter of 2002, oil demand
increased year on year. With the industry fleet growing moderately and tanker
demand increasing significantly, vessel earnings increased accordingly during
the fourth quarter of 2002.
Beginning in November 2002 and continuing through March 2003, the
concurrence of a number of positive factors resulted in extremely high tanker
earnings. Tanker demand increased while the industry fleet grew moderately.
Winter seasonality further increased demand and resulted in weather delays in
Baltic and Black Sea trades. Substitution of long haul oil for short haul
Venezuelan oil and precautionary liftings in expectation of war in Iraq were
also positive factors. The result has been extremely strong tanker earnings.
It is expected that the current high vessel earnings will decrease later in
2003. Many of the positive factors noted are by their nature temporary. Oil
demand in the second quarter of 2003 is projected to decrease by 2.0 MBD versus
the first quarter due to normal seasonality. High precautionary liftings of oil
are likely to cease as uncertainties are resolved and current supplies in
transit arrive at destinations. War in Iraq has concluded without long term
disruption to Arabian Gulf oil supplies. Iraqi oil by some estimates may start
to flow as early as June 2003. Vessel deliveries scheduled for 2003 will
increase the supply of vessels and tend to offset effects of increased tanker
demand on vessel earnings.
However, ongoing positive factors remain in the market. Both oil and tanker
markets are starting from a position of tight balance, as shown by recent price
and earnings volatility. Oil and petroleum product inventories are low.
Transportation requirements can grow quickly, as seen this year. Recent history
has shown high scrapping during periods of low vessel earnings, consistent with
International Maritime Organization regulations requiring phase out of single
hull vessels starting in 2003. Market concerns about eventual regulatory changes
in the aftermath of the Prestige sinking could strengthen this tendency.
Strength and timing of economic recovery in the United States and Asia are
key elements for oil demand. If economic recovery continues, oil demand growth
could absorb non-OPEC production increases and increased OPEC production,
resulting in increased tanker demand. If Venezuelan oil production capacity
reductions are high relative to expectations, substitution of long haul oil for
short haul Venezuelan supplies would be a positive factor for tanker demand.
High vessel deliveries clearly remain a cautionary factor and high earnings
levels of early 2003 are not expected to continue. However, ongoing economic
recovery and improved oil demand could result in equilibrium earnings at
attractive levels versus historical averages.
DSC has advised us that (i) some industry data included in this discussion is
based on estimates or subjective judgements in circumstances where data for
actual market transactions either does not exist or is not publicly available,
(ii) the published information of other maritime data collection experts may
differ from this data, and (iii) while we have taken reasonable care in the
compilation of the industry statistical data, graphs and tables and believe
them to be correct, data collection is subject to limited audit and validation
procedures.
Environmental and Other Regulations
We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to
obtain certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our
operations. Subject to the discussion below and to the fact that the kinds of
permits, licenses and certificates required for the operations of the vessels we
own will depend upon a number of factors, we believe that we have been and will
be able to obtain all permits, licenses and certificates material to the conduct
of our operations, although there can be no assurance that we will be successful
in our attempts to do so. Failure to maintain necessary permits, licenses or
certificates could require us to incur substantial costs or temporarily suspend
operations of one or more of our vessels.
We believe that the heightened environmental and quality concerns of
insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers will impose greater inspection
and safety requirements on all vessels in the tanker market. Our vessels are
subject to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections by a variety of
governmental and private interests, each of whom may have a different
perspective or standards from the others. These interests include the local port
state authority (such as the United States Coast Guard or local equivalent),
vessel classification society, flag state administration (country or registry)
and charterers, particularly major oil companies which conduct vetting
inspections and load and discharge terminal operators.
International Regulation
The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, an agency organized in
1959 by the United Nations, has adopted regulations which set forth pollution
prevention requirements applicable to tankers. These regulations, which have
been implemented in many jurisdictions in which our tankers operate, provide, in
part, that:
o 25-year old tankers must be of double-hull construction or of a
mid-deck design with double-sided construction, unless:
(1) they have wing tanks or double-bottom spaces not used for the
carriage of oil which cover at least 30% of the length of the
cargo tank section of the hull or bottom; or
(2) they are capable of hydrostatically balanced loading (loading
less cargo into a tanker so that in the event of a breach of the
hull, water flows into the tanker, displacing oil upwards instead
of into the sea);
o 30-year old tankers must be of double-hull construction or mid-deck
design with double-sided construction; and
o all tankers will be subject to enhanced inspections.
Also, under IMO regulations, a tanker must be of double-hull construction
or a mid-deck design with double-sided construction or be of another approved
design ensuring the same level of protection against oil pollution if the
tanker:
o is the subject of a contract for a major conversion or original
construction on or after July 6, 1993;
o commences a major conversion or has its keel laid on or after January
6, 1994; or
o completes a major conversion or is a newbuilding delivered on or after
July 6, 1996.
As of December 31, 2002, we owned 6 single-hull tankers. Under the current
regulations, starting in 2004, and thereafter, certain of our vessels will not
be in compliance with the configuration requirements of the IMO. Accordingly, if
we own such vessels at such time, we will be required to either adopt
hydrostatically balanced loading or structurally modify such vessels' design or
scrap such vessels. The cost of retro-fitting a tanker with a double-hull may be
prohibitive. Other methods of complying with the IMO regulations and extending
the useful life of a tanker to 30 years may be cost-effective. Such
modifications could reduce a tanker's lifting capacity by 10% to 30%.
The IMO has approved an accelerated time-table for the phase-out of
single-hull oil tankers. The new regulations, which took effect in September
2002, require the phase-out of most single-hull oil tankers by 2015 or earlier,
depending on the age of the tanker and whether it has segregated ballast tanks.
Under the new regulations, the maximum permissible age for single-hull tankers
after 2007 will be 26 years, as opposed to 30 years under current regulations.
The 6 tankers in our fleet will begin to be phased-out by 2006 under the new
regulations. Also, more stringent maritime safety rules are also more likely to
be imposed worldwide as a result of the oil spill in November 2002 relating to
the loss of the M.T. Prestige. The M.T. Prestige was a 26-year old single-hull
tanker owned by a company not affiliated with us. The M.T. Prestige disaster
could lead to proposals to accelerate the phasing out of single-hull tankers.
The requirements contained in the International Safety Management Code, or
ISM Code, promulgated by the IMO, also affect our operations. 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 intend to rely upon the safety management system
developed by our affiliate Ravenscroft 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 code
requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a certificate
unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each
flag state, under the ISM Code. Ravenscroft Miami, which manages our vessels, is
certified as an approved ship manager under the ISM Code. As of December 31,
2002 all of our oceangoing wholly owned vessels are ISM certified. As of July 1,
2002 our tugs exceeding 500 gross tons are ISM certified. This certification
does not apply to the equipment used in the river business.
Noncompliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject the
shipowner 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 U.S. Coast Guard and European
Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM
Code by the applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and
European Union ports, as the case may be.
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for
oil pollution in international waters and a signatory's territorial waters.
Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could
limit our ability to do business and which could have a material adverse effect
on our business and results of operations.
United States Regulation
The United States Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, establishes an
extensive regulatory and liability regime for environmental protection and
cleanup of oil spills. OPA affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade
with the United States or its territories or possessions, or whose vessels
operate in the waters of the United States, which include the U.S. territorial
sea and the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the United States.
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or
CERCLA, applies to the discharge of hazardous substances (other than oil)
whether on land or at sea. Both OPA and CERCLA impact our operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners, operators and bareboat charterers are
"responsible parties" who 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 oil spills from their vessels. These other damages are defined broadly to
include:
o natural resource damages and related assessment costs;
o real and personal property damages;
o net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, profits or earnings capacity;
o net cost of public services necessitated by a spill response, such as
protection from fire, safety or health hazards; and
o loss of subsistence use of natural resources.
OPA limits the liability of responsible parties to the greater of $1,200
per gross ton or $10 million per tanker that is over 3,000 gross tons (subject
to possible adjustment for inflation). The act specifically permits individual
states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution
incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted
legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within
their waters. In some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation
have not yet issued implementing regulations defining tanker owners'
responsibilities under these laws. CERCLA, which applies to owners and operators
of vessels, contains a similar liability regime and provides for cleanup,
removal and natural resource damages. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the
greater of $300 per gross ton or $5 million.
These limits of liability do not apply, however, where the incident is
caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating
regulations, or by the responsible party's gross negligence or willful
misconduct. These limits do not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses
to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with the
substance removal activities. OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover
damages under existing law, including maritime tort law. We believe that we are
in substantial compliance with OPA, CERCLA and all applicable state regulations
in the ports where our tankers call.
OPA requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with
the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the
limit of their potential strict liability under the act. The U.S. Coast Guard
has enacted regulations requiring evidence of financial responsibility in the
amount of $1,500 per gross ton for tankers, coupling the OPA limitation on
liability of $1,200 per gross ton with the CERCLA liability limit of $300 per
gross ton. Under the regulations, evidence of financial responsibility may be
demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance or guaranty. Under OPA
regulations, an owner or operator of more than one tanker is required to
demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for the entire fleet in an
amount equal only to the financial responsibility requirement of the tanker
having the greatest maximum strict liability under OPA and CERCLA. We have
demonstrated our financial responsibility by purchasing evidence of insurance
from special purpose insurers approved by the USCG. We believe that our vessels
which call within United States waters comply with these USCG requirements.
We insure each of our tankers with pollution liability insurance in the
maximum commercially available amount of $1.0 billion. A catastrophic spill
could exceed the insurance coverage available, in which event there could be a
material adverse effect on our business. Under OPA, with certain limited
exceptions, all newly-built or converted vessels operating in U.S. waters must
be built with double-hulls, and existing vessels that do not comply with the
double-hull requirement will be prohibited from trading in U.S. waters over a
20-year period (1995-2015) based on size, age and place of discharge, unless
retrofitted with double-hulls. Notwithstanding the prohibition to trade
schedule, the act currently permits existing single-hull and double-sided
tankers to operate until the year 2015 if their operations within U.S. waters
are limited to discharging at the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port or off-loading by
lightering within authorized lightering zones more than 60 miles off-shore.
Lightering is the process by which vessels at sea off-load their cargo to
smaller vessels for ultimate delivery to the discharge port. The Princess Laura,
Princess Veronica, Princess Marisol, Princess Eva, Princess Pia, Princess Nadia,
Princess Marina, and Princess Susana will be precluded from operating in United
States waters, with certain exception, in 2010, 2008, 2004, 2003, 2007, 2014,
2014 and 2014 respectively, and the Princess Katherine will not be precluded,
all based on their current authorizations from the United States Coast Guard,
known as certificate of compliance, or COC's.
Owners or operators of tankers operating in the waters of the United States
must file vessel response plans with the U.S. Coast Guard, and their tankers are
required to operate in compliance with their U.S. Coast Guard approved plans.
These response plans must, among other things:
o address a "worst case" scenario and identify and ensure, through
contract or other approved means, the availability of necessary
private response resources to respond to a "worst case discharge";
o describe crew training and drills; and
o identify a qualified individual with full authority to implement
removal actions.
We believe that our vessels are in compliance with applicable OPA and State
Response Plan Requirements.
Other Regulation
Although the United States is not a party to these conventions, many
countries have ratified and follow the liability plan adopted by the IMO and set
out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage
of 1969, the Convention for the Establishment of an International Fund for Oil
Pollution of 1971 and the 1992 Protocols. Under these conventions and depending
on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992
Protocol to the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution
Damage, a vessel's registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage
caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of
persistent oil, subject to certain complete defenses. Under an amendment that
will come into effect on November 1, 2003, for vessels of 5,000 to 140,000 gross
tons (a unit of measurement for the total enclosed spaces within a vessel),
liability will be limited to approximately $6.1 million plus $858 for each
additional gross ton over 5,000. For vessels of over 140,000 gross tons,
liability will be limited to approximately $122.1 million. The current maximum
amount under the 1992 protocol is approximately $81.2 million. As the convention
calculates liability in terms of Special Drawing Rights, or SDRs, a unit of
account pegged to a basket of currencies, these figures are based on a
conversion rate on January 13, 2003 of 1 SDR= $1.36025. The right to limit
liability is forfeited under the International Convention on Civil Liability for
Oil Pollution Damage where the spill is caused by the owner's actual fault and
under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the owner's intentional or
reckless conduct. Vessels trading to states which are parties to these
conventions must provide evidence of insurance covering the liability of the
owner. In jurisdictions where the International Convention on Civil Liability
for Oil Pollution Damage has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or
common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or in a
manner similar to that convention. We believe that our P&I insurance covers the
liability under the plan adopted by the IMO.
The European Union is considering legislation that would: (i) ban
manifestly sub-standard ships (defined as those over 15 years old that have been
detained by port authorities at least twice in the past six months) from
European waters and create an obligation of port states to inspect ships posing
a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; (ii) provide the
European Commission with greater authority and control over classification
societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of
negligent societies; and (iii) accelerate the phasing in of double-hull tankers
on the same schedule as that required under OPA. The European Union adopted a
legislative resolution confirming an accelerated phase-out schedule for
single-hull tankers in line with the schedule adopted by the IMO. Italy
announced a ban of single-hull crude oil tankers over 5,000 dwt from most
Italian ports, effective April 2001. It is impossible to predict what
legislation or additional regulations, if any, may be promulgated by the
European Union or any other country or authority.
In addition, most 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.
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical
failure, collision, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business
interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, 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 owners, operators and
demise charterers of any vessel trading in the United States exclusive economic
zone for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made
liability insurance more expensive for ship owners and operators trading in the
United States market. While we believe that our present insurance coverage is
adequate, there can be no guarantee that all risks will be insured, that any
specific claim will be paid, or that we will always be able to obtain adequate
insurance coverage at reasonable rates or at all.
Hull and Machinery Insurance
As of December 31, 2002 we obtained marine hull and machinery and war risk
insurance, that includes the risk of actual or constructive total loss, for our
wholly owned vessels. The vessels are each covered to at least fair market
value, with deductibles currently ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 per vessel per
incident. We have also arranged increased value coverage where applicable. This
increased value coverage will entitle us, in the event of total loss of a
vessel, to some recovery for amounts not recoverable under the hull and
machinery policy by reason of any under-insurance.
Loss of Hire
We maintain loss of hire insurance on each vessel except the Cavalier Barge
Convoys and Princess Sofia. Loss of hire insurance covers 74.5% lost earnings
resulting from unforeseen incidents or breakdowns that are covered by the
vessel's hull and machinery insurance and result in lengthy stays in port or
slow steaming at sea. Although loss of hire insurance will cover up to ninety
days of lost earnings, we must bear the first fourteen days' loss, consistent
with industry practice. We intend to renew these insurance policies or replace
them with other similar coverage if rates comparable to those on our present
policies remain available. There can be no assurance that we will be able to
renew these policies at comparable rates or at all. Future rates will depend
upon, among other things, our claims history and prevailing market rates.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance covers our legal liability for our
shipping activities. This includes the legal 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. Coverage is
limited to about $4.25 billion with the exception of oil pollution liability,
which is limited to $1.0 billion per vessel per incident.
This protection and indemnity insurance coverage is provided by protection
and indemnity clubs, or P&I Clubs, which are non-profit mutual assurance
associations made up of members who must be either ship owners or ship managers.
The members are both the insured parties and the providers of capital. Most P&I
Clubs, including the P&I Clubs in which our wholly owned vessels and the
Cavalier Barge Convoys are entered, are members of the International Group of
P&I Associations (the "International Group"). By a pooling agreement among the
International Group, we are subject to calls payable based on the claims records
of (i) ours, (ii) the other members of the P&I Clubs of which we are a member
and (iii) the members of the International Group.
Legal Proceedings
We are party, as plaintiff or defendant, to a variety of lawsuits for
damages arising principally from personal injury and property casualty claims.
All such legal proceedings involving any material claim are ordinary, routine
litigation incidental to our business.
One of our subsidiaries is involved in litigation with the Argentine
province of Tierra del Fuego over the applicability of certain provincial taxes
on its freights. Our lawyers allocate a 70% chance of success to our defense.
Ultrapetrol S.A. vs. Province of Tierra del Fuego:
On September 17, 1999, the "Direccion Distrito Buenos Aires de la Direccion
General de Rentas de la Provincia de Tierra del fuego" issued Resolution D.G.R.
(DBA) No. 012/99. The Company was notified of the Resolution by Letter D.G.R.
(DBA) No. 409/99 as of the same date.
The Resolution announced the intention of the Tax Authority of the Province
of Tierra del Fuego (the "Tax Authority") to determine unilaterally a debt of
the Company for an "Impuesto sobre los Ingresos Brutos" (Gross Income Tax)
accruing as of March 1994, May to September and December 1995; 1996; 1997; May
to December 1998; and February to June 1999 in connection with the operation and
loading of the Company's vessels at the port of Rio Cullen. The debt amounted to
a total of $1,059,836.36 ($769,694.58 tax, $211,635.39 in interest up to
September 30, 1999, and $78,506.39 in fiscal charges).
On October 1, 1999, the Company submitted a "Recurso de Reconsideracion"
(Motion for Reconsideration) in response to the Resolution. In this document the
Company contested the position of the Tax Authority based on the following:
o The Tax Authority intends to exercise its jurisdiction outside of the "3
nautical mile limit" set forth in National Act No. 23.775 and as determined
by the "space limit" provided for in National Act No. 18.502.
o If the Tax Authority had the power to tax the international carriage
performed by the Company (a position which is opposed by the Company), such
jurisdiction would remain limited to that portion of the carriage performed
within the limits of the Province and would not include that portion of the
carriage performed outside the Province. The Company contends that the
vessels had destinations outside of Argentina and were engaging in the
loading of crude oil from a buoy at open sea located more than 8 marine
miles from the coast of the Province.
o The tax which the Tax Authority is attempting to impose interferes with the
National Policy on International Trade, in particular policy with respect
to international transport. o Since it is not possible to transfer the cost
of the Provincial Gross Income Tax to freight rates, such a tax becomes a
tax analogous to the National Income Tax. This would result in a violation
of the compromise undertaken by the Provinces not to charge local "subject
to distribution" taxes which may overlap with national taxes.
On October 14, 1999 the Company filed a declaratory action (accion
declarativa de certeza) subject to the provisions of article 322 of the
Argentine Code of Civil and Commercial Procedure, before the Argentine Supreme
Court of Justice and against the Province of Tierra del Fuego. The action sought
clarification of the existing state of uncertainty with respect to the scope of
the tax jurisdiction of the Province of Tierra del Fuego over income derived
from activities of international transportation of crude oil. It is the
Company's belief that the above-mentioned activities were fully carried out
outside the three marine mile strip counted from the base lines as set forth in
Laws No. 18502 and 23968.
On October 14, 1999, the Company paid Pesos seventy (P$70) as Court Fees
for cases involving indeterminable amounts, as provided by Law No. 23898. In
other cases pending before the Secretary of Original Trials (Secretaria de
Juicios Originarios) of the Argentina Supreme Court of Justice where analogous
circumstances to those of this case were analyzed, the Representatives of the
Federal State claimed that a three percent (3%) amount be paid as Court Fees as
they consider that the stakes at issue were susceptible of monetary valuation.
Up to now such claim was not made in the case under consideration.
On April 11, 2000, the Company requested the Tribunal to issue an
injunction to prohibit the Province of Tierra del Fuego from seeking collection
of the contested tax, interest and related charges during the course of the
trial.
The Argentine Supreme Court of Justice granted the injunction ordered that
the Province of Tierra del Fuego be notified for a twenty-day term plus an
additional sixteen-day term fixed due to distance. It provided that:
"the injunction be sustained, and therefore the defendant be informed that
it shall refrain from seeking collection of taxes on gross income in
connection with the adjustments made by resolution No. 012/99 issued by the
Provincial Tax Board (Direccion Provincial de Rentas) dated September 17,
1999, referring to advance payments for March 1994, May to September and
December 1995, 1996, 1997, May to December 1998, and February to June of
1999, to the extent that such advance payments would constitute tax
activities fully carried out outside the three marine mile strip counted
from the base lines as provided from Laws No. 18502 and 23968, as well as
any other penalty which is based on these adjustments. A Letter Rogatory be
filed to the Governor of the Province of Tierra del Fuego to let him know
that the injunction requested by the Ultrapetrol is sustained."
On August 2, 2000, the Company extended the declaratory action filed
against the Province of Tierra del Fuego, Antartida e Islas del Atlantico Sur,
following the terms of articles 87, 331 et seq., and related provisions of the
Argentine Code of Civil and Commercial Proceedings, in order to receive a ruling
by the Argentine Supreme Court of Justice on the scope of the tax jurisdiction
of the Province of Tierra del Fuego over water mirror located in the Area of the
San Sebastian Bay, and the North of Isla Grande from F(degree) Cabo Espiritu
Santo up to Punta de Arenas, i.e., outside the three marine mile strip counted
from the base lines as provided from Law No. 23968. Consequently, the Company
requested that the defendant be condemned to render ineffective the Resolution
of the Provincial Bureau of Ports (Direccion Provincial de Puertos) No. 227/00,
dated June 28, 2000.
On August 23, 2000, the Argentine Supreme Court of Justice acknowledged the
expansion of the complaint. On October 11, 2000, the Prosecution of the Province
of Tierra del Fuego answered the complaint and the extension thereof. On October
12, 2000, the Secretary of Original Trials of the Argentina Supreme Court of
Justice accepted the answer to the complaint and notified the Company about the
documentary evidence submitted by the defendant. The Company responded to such
notification on November 1, 2000, in which opposition was expressed to the
production of informative evidence and evidence from accounting experts.
On December 21, 2000, the Argentine Supreme Court of Justice declared that
it was incompetent to issue a first instance resolution in connection with the
extension of the complaint due to the constitutional rejection made in
connection with Resolution No. 277/00 of the Provincial Bureau of Ports.
On March 12, 2001, the Argentinian Supreme Court decided to open the trial
stage for the submission of evidence for a thirty-day term. The Argentinian
Supreme Court partially sustained the opposition duly presented by the Company
to the evidences offered by the Province of Tierra del Fuego.
On May 2, 2001 the Supreme Court closed the evidence stage and issued an
order for the addition of the evidence to the main file. Likewise, such Court
issued an order for the service of notices asking the parties to file their
respective summary arguments.
After the parties have filed their summary arguments, on May 29, 2002 the
file was sent to the Procuracion General de la Nacion (Office of the Attorney
General) in order that the Procurador General (Attorney General) issue the
pertinent opinion.
On December 3, 2002 the Attorney General, Dr. Nicolas Becerra, issued the
opinion whereby he recommended a favorable judgment for the plaintiff, stating
that the Province of Tierra del Fuego does not have jurisdiction to impose taxes
within the area beyond three marine miles. It is worth mentioning that such
opinion is not binding and therefore, the final judgment which will solve the
case may be different.
On December 5, 2002 the Supreme Court sent the case to the members of the
Highest Board of Judges so that the final judgment be entered.
On February 21, 2003, Ursa Shipping Ltd. ("Ursa") brought suit in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against M/T Princess
Susana and Noble Shipping Ltd. seeking damages arising out of the delay in
delivery of a cargo of Kirkuk crude oil to the Valero terminal in Paulsboro, New
Jersey. (Ursa Shipping v. M/T Princess Susana, et al. Civil Action No.
03-CV-747(FLW).) M/T Princess Susana (the "Vessel") was detained by the United
States Coast Guard prior to her arrival in Paulsboro when, during a routine
Coast Guard tank vessel examination, a small amount of cargo was found to have
leaked from one of the cargo tanks into one of the void spaces aboard the
Vessel. On or about February 25, 2003, Valero Marketing and Supply Co.
("Valero") commenced an action against Noble Shipping Ltd. (Valero Marketing and
Supply Co. v. Noble Shipping Ltd., Civil Action No. 03-CV-843 (FLW). The Valero
and Ursa complaints seek damages in excess of $9 million.
In connection with the above complaints, the Vessel was arrested. Security
was posted by our protection and indemnity insurers in the amount of $11.2
million and the Princess Susana was released from arrest (insurance coverage is
in place). Both the Ursa and the Valero complaints have been answered, defenses
have been raised, and a counterclaim has been raised in the Ursa action seeking,
inter alia, unpaid freight and demurrage.
Discovery is presently underway and the parties have exchanged documents.
It is too early in the course of the litigations to form an opinion as to their
ultimate outcome.
We believe this claim is covered by insurance . The insurer is actively
participating in its defense and has not asserted any objections or defenses to
the claim. We would expect any damages arising from this action (less our policy
deductible) to be covered by the proceeds of such insurance.
Dividend Policy
It is the policy of the Company, unless the members decide otherwise, at
the annual general meeting to distribute a dividend of at least thirty percent
(30%) of the Company's net after-tax profit. However, such distributions shall
be subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions which may be imposed on the
Company by lenders, bondholders or other financial institutions, and/or those
limitations imposed by the contracts, agreements or other financial instruments,
including any trust indenture into which the Company may have entered. Also
before making distributions, the Company shall also make adequate reserves as
the Board of Directors may deem necessary for the company's commitments (even if
after giving effect to such reserves the distribution would be lower than thirty
per cent (30%)). The directors may, before recommencing any dividend, set aside
out of the profits of the Company such sum as they think proper as a reserve
fund to meet contingencies, or for equalizing dividends, or for special
dividends or bonuses, or for repairing, improving, maintaining any of the
property of the Company, and for such other purposes as the directors shall in
their absolute discretion think conducive to the interests of the Company.
C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited is a company organized and registered as a
Bahamas Corporation since December 1997.
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited owns directly 100% of the following
subsidiaries:
o Princely International Finance Corp. (a Panamanian corporation)
o Ultrapetrol S.A. (an Argentinean corporation)
o UP (River) Holdings Ltd. (a Bahamian corporation)
o UP River Terminals (Panama) S.A. (a Panamanian corporation)
o Kattegat Shipping Inc. (a Panamanian corporation)
o Majestic Maritime Ltd. ( a Bahamian corporation)
o Stanmore Shipping Inc ( a Panamanian corporation)
o Avemar Holding (Bahamas) Limited ( a Bahamanian corporation)
o Mansan S.A (a Uruguayan corporation)
o Wallasey Shipping Inc ( a Panamanian corporation )
o Parkwood Commercial Corp (a Panamanian corporation)
o Internationale Maritime SA (a Bahamanian corporation)
In addition, Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited has an ownership in the
following companies: 50 % of UABL Ltd. ("UABL"), 60% of Ultracape (Holdings)
Ltd. ("Ultracape") and 27.78 % of UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd. ("UP Offshore"). In
the case of the latter company we have options to increase our participation
that may be exercised under certain conditions.
Also, Princely International Finance Corp. has various subsidiaries whose
organization or acquisition is as follows:
NAME COUNTRY %OWNED
o Regal International Investments S.A. Panamanian 100%
- Bayham Investment S.A. Panamanian 100%
- Parfina S.A. Paraguayan 50%
- Draco Investment S.A. Panamanian 100%
- Cavalier Shipping Inc. Panamanian 100%
o Danube Maritime Inc. Panamanian 100%
o Baldwin Maritime Inc. Panamanian 100%
o Tipton Marine Inc. Panamanian 100%
o Corporacion de Navegacion Mundial S.A. Chilean 100%
- Parfina S.A. Paraguayan 50%
o Panpetrol Shipping S.A. Panamanian 100%
o Oceanview Maritime Inc. Panamanian 100%
o Ultrapetrol International S.A. Panamanian 100%
o Kingly Shipping Ltd. Bahamanian 100%
o Sovereign Maritime Ltd. Bahamanian 100%
o Monarch Shipping Ltd. Bahamanian 100%
o Noble Shipping Ltd. Bahamanian 100%
o Stately Shipping Ltd. Bahamanian 100%
o Ultrapetrol de Venezuela, CA Venezuelan 100%
o Imperial Maritime (Bahamas) Ltd. Inc. Panamanian 100%
o Oceanpar S.A. Paraguayan 100%
o Imperial Maritime Ltd. Bahamanian 100%
D. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
We own, directly and indirectly, 10 ocean-going tankers, two bulkcarrier,
three push boats/tugs, two ocean-going Tug-Barge units, and 69 wet and dry
barges. The vessels' name, dwt, vessel type and date of the original delivery
from the builder's yard are set forth in Item 4. "Information on the Company."
Section B. Business Overview--Our Trading Fleet. We do not own any buildings and
do not pay any rental expense other than as a portion of the administration fees
paid to Oceanmarine.
ITEM 5 - OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
A. OPERATING RESULTS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited and
subsidiaries for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000
included elsewhere in this report.
General
We were formed on December 23, 1997 to hold all the capital stock of
Princely International Finance Corporation (a Panamanian Company) and
Ultrapetrol S.A. (an Argentine company). The following discussion covers the
audited financial results of the for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002
with a comparison to the audited consolidated financial results for the same
twelve month period in 2001.
We operate Suezmax, Aframax and Panamax tankers primarily in South America
with additional operations between the Caribbean, United States, West Africa and
the Mediterranean. We also have two oceangoing Tug-Barge units, one of which
operates as a transfer station and 69 barges and three tugs that operate in
barge river trafficking under time charter to the affiliate UABL Ltd. Our ship
Princess Sofia, and the two oceangoing Tug-Barge units plus the vessel Alianza
G1 are permitted to engage in cabotage trading in Argentina. Cabotage trading in
Argentina is the transportation of passengers or goods by sea or river between
ports and cargo transfer zones in Argentina. This commerce is reserved for
Argentinean flag vessels which obtained dual flag registration privileges and
Argentinean shipowners who have bareboat chartered foreign flag vessels and
obtained authorization from the Argentinean Maritime Authority.
During the twelve months of 2002, we employed a significant part of our
fleet on time charter for different clients.
During the twelve months of 2002, the international freight market
maintained rates significantly below those experienced in 2001.
From October 2000 we have employed under a long-term time charter with UABL
Ltd., an affiliated company, the Alianza G2, the 69 wet and dry river and the
push-boats Cavalier I, Cavalier II, Cavalier III and the tug Alianza Rosario and
the port tugs Jupiter, Mercurio and Marte.
We also renewed during 2001 the time charter employment of all our Suezmax
vessels and one of our Aframax vessels for approximately eleven months duration,
which covered their employment up to their scheduled redeliveries between May
and October, 2002. Following the expiration of these charters we agreed to
extend them for short periods with the majority of the scheduled redeliveries to
take place between December 2002 and January 2003 and in one case up to March
2003.
At the end of the first quarter (March 29th 2002) Alianza G3 entered into a
3 year time charter extendable for another 2 years in north Brazil. Because this
service must be provided without interruptions and required certain
modifications to be done to the vessel, the special survey and dry dock was
accelerated by 26 months and a general refurbishment was carried out which
together with the positioning voyage to commence service meant that this unit
did not have any income for the first quarter. During the second quarter it
provided its service on a regular basis however we still incurred some
extraordinary expenses connected with adjusting operational details for the
performance of this long term charter. In the third quarter it has operated
satisfactorily without interruption.
The Princess Fatima, and Princess Pia were out of service conducting their
special survey and dry dockings during 57 days and 72 days respectively in 2002.
The Princess Marisol was out of service due to an accident for 87 days during
the first six months of 2002 and the Princess Pia was out of service due to an
accident for 20 days during the last month of 2002.
A generally low volume required by our regular COA customers in Argentina
has meant a low utilization rate for our Panamax fleet which, coupled with
alternative employment in the international market at low rates, has contributed
to reduced earnings by these vessels in 2002.
On April 18, 2002 we entered into agreements with AIG/GE Capital Latin
America Infrastructure Fund LP, a Bermuda Limited partnership, ("LAIF") relating
to the creation of two new companies in which both Ultrapetrol and LAIF are
shareholders:
The first company, "UP Offshore", intends to build/purchase and operate a
fleet of platform supply vessels. or PSV's. which will be designed to operate in
any area of the world. UP Offshore will have the initial focus of its activities
in Brazil serving both Petroleos Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras), the Brazilian
state oil company, and other international oil companies that have recently
acquired petroleum and development leases in Brazil. Ultrapetrol has committed
to place up to $12.5 million in equity for approximately a 23% share although
Ultrapetrol holds the voting power necessary to control the election of a
majority of UP Offshore's board of directors.
UP Offshore will have a capital of $55 million depending upon the final
capital contributions of other investors. UP Offshore has obtained financing
with which it will commit to the building initially of six vessels with a firm
program of expanding the fleet to ten vessels.
Ultrapetrol's participation in UP Offshore may be increased through options
which may be exercised under certain conditions.
On November 15th pursuant to the agreement signed with AIG-GE Capital Latin
American Infrastructure Fund (LAIF) on April 18th 2002 the Company entered into
a Common Shareholders Agreement and a Subscription Agreement with LAIF and
Comintra Enterprice Ltd. These agreements regulate the formation, governance of
and capital contributions to UP Offshore Ltd. Bahamas.
UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd. and its fully owned subsidiary UP Offshore
(Panama) S.A. have entered into a Loan Agreement with the International Finance
Corporation which together with a similar loan between UP Offshore Apoio
Maritimo Ltda. (another wholly owned subsidiary of UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd.)
and IFC will provide the financing for the construction of a total of six PSV
Platform supply vessels. The maximum total available under both loans facilities
will be $60 million.
The second company, Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd., has the objective of
purchasing second hand modern capesize bulkcarriers to operate in the
international market. Ultracape will have a capital of up to $50 million
depending on the number of vessels to be acquired which will be complemented by
credit from banking sources to allow the acquisition of vessels. We have
committed to place up to $10 million in equity in Ultracape.
At this time we hold a 60% stake in Ultracape. We will perform the full
commercial management for the vessels acquired by Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd.
On April 19th, 2002 Ultracape entered into a Memorandum of Agreement based
on the terms of the industry standard NSF 1993 to purchase the vessel mv Vasco
Da Gama (renamed Cape Pampas) of 151,380 dwt for $ 16.55 million. On July 1st,
2002 we completed our purchase of the Cape Pampas. Thereafter, the vessel was
delivered under a time charter to Cargill International S.A. (Cargill) for a
period of 18 months.
Pursuant to the Agreement reached on April 18th and ratified on June 24th
2002 the Company entered into a Contribution and Subscription Agreement with
LAIF III Ltd. Bermuda and Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. of Bahamas whereby the
Company confirmed its commitment to purchase up to $10 million Shares of the
shares of Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. and LAIF III Ltd. agreed to purchase up to
the lesser of $ 20 million or 40% of the shares of Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. An
initial amount to be contributed was set for both LAIF III Ltd. and the Company
at $3.3 million and $4.95 million, respectively.
Also on June 24th 2002, a Shareholders Agreement was signed with LAIF III
Ltd. and Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. for the governance of Ultracape (Holdings)
Ltd.
On June 27th 2002 Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. entered into a Loan Agreement
with Credit Agricole Indosuez for a total amount of $27 million to finance the
acquisition of up to two capesize vessels. On July 1st Braddock Shipping Inc, an
Ultracape subsidiary took delivery of the Cape Pampas and drew down $11.0
million of the loan agreed with Credit Agricole Indosuez.
On July 28th 2002, the option to repurchase 25,212 shares by the Company
for a total price of $0.9 million, which expired in July 2002 was extended until
July 31st 2003.
On August 26th, 2002, we entered into a Memorandum of Agreement, or MOA,
through which we committed to sell Princess Fatima dwt 15,261 tons built 1980,
to an unrelated company for $2 million gross of associated expenses. On
September 19th 2002 we delivered the Princess Fatima pursuant to the MOA and
received the balance of the purchase price.
On October 18th 2002 we entered into an agreement to purchase the tanker
"Rio Grande" dwt 15,261 tons built 1982 for a purchase price of $ 1.0 million
from a non related company. The purchase will be funded from the proceeds of the
sale of the "Princess Fatima". On December 12th 2002 the Princess Sofia ex "Rio
Grande" was delivered to the Company.
Revenue
The majority of our vessels are employed on time charters to affiliated and
unaffiliated companies. The revenue from this operation is derived from a daily
rate that is paid to us for the use of our vessels. Hire revenue accounted for
66% of our total revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2002.
Also, our vessels are employed on a contract of affreightment ("COA") basis
either for single or repetitive voyages. For a COA, the vessel owner or operator
generally pays all voyage and vessel operating expenses and has the right to
substitute one vessel for another. The rate is generally expressed in dollars
per metric ton of cargo. Revenues earned under COA's are referred to as
"freight". COA revenue accounted for 34% of the Company's total revenues for the
twelve months ended December 31, 2002.
From the total revenues obtained from COA's during the twelve months of
2002 70% were in respect of repetitive voyages for the Company's regular
customers and 30% in respect of single voyages for occasional customers.
Expenses
When vessels are operated on a COA basis (as well as any time when they are
not operating under time or bareboat charter), all costs relating to a given
voyage, including port charges, canal dues and fuel costs, are paid by the
vessel owner and are recorded as voyage expenses.
Our operating expenses, or running expenses, are generally paid through
Ravenscroft Miami, an affiliated company, which provides ship management
services that include the cost of all technical management, crewing, spares and
stores, insurance, lubricants, repairs and maintenance. The most significant of
these expenses are maintenance and repairs, wages paid to marine personnel and
marine insurance costs. In the case of our river barges chartered to UABL Ltd.
we contracted the shipmanagement responsibilities to Lonehort Inc., an affiliate
of UABL Ltd.
Vessels are depreciated to an estimated scrap value on a straight-line
basis over their estimated useful lives. We follow the deferral method of
accounting for survey and dry-dock costs, whereby actual survey and dry-dock
costs are capitalized and amortized over a period of two and one-half years
until the date of the next dry-dock or special survey.
Our other primary operating expenses include general and administrative
expenses as well as ship management and administration fees paid to Ravenscroft
Miami and Oceanmarine, another affiliate of ours, which provides certain
administrative services. We pay Oceanmarine a monthly fee of $8,750 per vessel
for administrative services including general administration and accounting
(financial reporting, preparation of tax returns), use of office premises, a
computer network, secretarial assistance and other general duties. We also pay
Ravenscroft Miami a monthly ship management fee of $12,500 per vessel for
services including technical management, crewing, provisioning, superintendence
and related accounting functions. We do not expect to pay regular fees to any
affiliated entity other than those described here for management and
administration functions. In the case of our river barges chartered to UABL
Ltd., we have contracted the shipmanagement responsibilities to Lonehort Inc.,
an affiliate of UABL Ltd.
2002 Compared to 2001
Year ended December 31
2002 2001
(dollars in thousands)
Freight revenues
Attributable to wholly owned vessels 23,662 68,137
Attributable to wholly chartered-in vessels 1,081 5,530
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
Total 24,743 73,667
Hire revenues
Attributable to wholly owned vessels 48,381 36,266
Attributable to wholly chartered-in vessels 0 1,275
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
Total 48,381 37,541
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
Total Revenues 73,124 111,208
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
Voyage expenses
Attributable to wholly owned vessels (9,259) (20,569)
Attributable to wholly chartered-in vessels (926) (6,320)
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
Total (10,185) (26,889)
Running costs (27,397) (33,615)
Amortization of dry-dock expense (8,839) (7,246)
Depreciation of property and equipment (15,968) (16,197)
Management fees and administrative expenses (6,818) (7,770)
Loss on involuntary conversion of Argentine
receivables (2,704)
----------- ---------
----------- ---------
Operating profit 1,213 19,491
Interest expense (16,763) (17,698)
Revenues
Total revenues from freight net of commissions decreased from $73.7 million
in 2001 to $24.7 million in 2002, or a decrease of 66%. This decrease is
primarily attributable to the time charter operation of the Princess Katherine,
Alianza G3, Princess Veronica and Princess Susana instead of COA's employment as
well as a general decrease in freight rates. Another contributing factor was
lower revenue obtained by our Alianza G3-Alianza Campana which spent the entire
first quarter in preparation and positioning for a long term contract. Also the
lower utilization rates of our Panamax vessels coupled with the total of 129
days out of service experienced by Princess Pia and, Princess Fatima due to dry
dock and special survey and Princess Marisol which was out of service due to an
accident for 87 days during 2002, affected negatively our revenues in this
period. Part of this off hire time is compensated by our loss of hire insurance
for which a total of $1.8 million has been included as other income (outside our
operational result)
Hire revenues net of commissions, increased by 29% from $37.6 to $48.4
million. This increase is attributable to the time charter employment of the
Princess Katherine, Princess Susana, Princess Veronica, Alianza G3 and the
addition of Cape Pampas purchased by Ultracape coupled with a significant
reduction in the charter rates, (because of market conditions) obtained for our
ships after expiry of the time charter agreements that had been fixed in 2001.
Operating profit for 2002 was $1.2 million a decrease of 94% or $18.3
million from the same period in 2001. The decrease is primarily attributable
to the same factors that affected our revenues in this period detailed above
and includes the full impact of a $2.7 million loss on involuntary conversion
of Argentine receivables which resulted from the devaluation of the Argentine
currency as detailed in "Foreign Currency Transactions". During the first half
of 2002 the receivables denominated in US dollars but collected in Argentine
pesos were exposed to the compulsory conversion to Argentine currency at a
rate of exchange different from the market rate at the time of payment by
virtue of Argentine Law 25.561 and the Decree 214/2002 and thereafter subject
to negotiations between the parties as to the rate of exchange applicable to
each transaction.
The sale of Princess Fatima resulted in a loss of $1.6 million which has
been accounted for under "other income".
Voyage expenses
---------------
The 2002 voyage expenses were $10.2 million, as compared to $26.9 million
for 2001, a decrease of $16.7 million, or 62%. The decrease is primarily
attributable to the combined effect of a large portion of the fleet operating on
time charter contract instead of COA and the lower activity of our Panamax
fleet.
Running costs
-------------
Running costs decreased by $6.2 million, or 18%, to $27.4 million in 2002
as compared to $33.6 million in the equivalent 2001 period. This decrease is
mainly attributable to significant cost reductions achieved on some of our
vessels in operation coupled with the general low level of activity for the
fleet and extended periods of repairs by some of our vessels.
Amortization of dry-dock expense
--------------------------------
Amortization of dry docking and special survey costs increased by $1.6
million, or 22%, to $8.8 million in 2002 as compared to $7.2 million in 2001.
The increase was due to the amortized portion of dry-docks (i.e., repairs)
carried out in 2001 on the Princess Katherine, Princess Susana and Princess
Nadia.
Depreciation of property and equipment
--------------------------------------
Depreciation and amortization decreased by $0.2 million, or 1%, to $16.0
million in 2002 as compared to $16.2 million in 2001. This decrease is primarily
due to the sale of the "Princess Fatima" partially compensated by an increase
attributable to the purchase of the Cape Pampas.
Management fees and administrative expenses
-------------------------------------------
Management fees and administrative expenses were $6.8 million in 2002 as
compared to $7.8 million in 2001, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 13%, which is
attributable mainly to a reduction in administrative expenses of $0.9 million.
Interest expense
----------------
Interest expenses decreased by $0.9 million, or 5%, to $16.8 million in
2002 as compared to $17.7 million in 2001. The decrease is primarily
attributable to the lower level of financial debt and consequential interest
costs associated.
2001 Compared to 2000
Year ended December 31
2001 2000
(dollars in thousands)
Freight revenues
Attributable to wholly owned vessels 68,137 96,333
Attributable to wholly chartered-in vessels 5,530 1,244
------------ ----------
------------ ----------
Total 73,667 97,577
Hire revenues
Attributable to wholly owned vessels 36,266 6,814
Attributable to wholly chartered-in vessels 1,275 0
------------ ----------
------------ ----------
Total 37,541 6,814
------------ ----------
------------ ----------
Total Revenues 111,208 104,391
------------ ----------
------------ ----------
Voyage expenses
Attributable to wholly owned vessels (20,569) (37,299)
Attributable to wholly chartered-in vessels (6,320) (1,420)
------------ ----------
------------ ----------
Total (26,889) (38,719)
Running costs (33,615) (28,586)
Amortization of dry-dock expense (7,246) (5,589)
Depreciation of property and equipment (16,197) (15,572)
Management fees and administrative expenses (7,770) (8,049)
------------ ----------
------------ ----------
Operating profit 19,491 7,876
Interest expense (17,698) (16,646)
Revenues
--------
Total revenues from freight net of commissions decreased from $97.5 million
in 2000 to $73.6 million in 2001, or a decrease of 25%. This decrease is
primarily attributable to the time charter operation of the Princess Nadia,
Princess Susana and the Hidrovia fleet instead of COA's employment partly
balanced with the six months operation of the Princess Katherine (incorporated
into the fleet in June 2000) Alianza G1, the lower number of off-hire days and
to the higher general freight levels to our fleet.
Hire revenues net of commissions, increased by 453% from $6.8 to $37.6
million. This increase is attributable to the time charter employment of the
Princess Nadia, Princess Katherine, Princess Susana, Princess Veronica and
Princess Marina Alianza G1and the river fleet with UABL Ltd.
Operating profit for 2001 was $19.5 million an increase of 150% or $11.7
million from the same period in 2000. The increase is primarily attributable to
the improved freight levels experienced by the fleet and a satisfactory level of
activity and employment obtained for the vessels.
Voyage expenses
---------------
The 2001 voyage expenses were $26.9 million, as compared to $38.7 million
for 2000, a decrease of $11.8 million, or 30%. The decrease is primarily
attributable to the combined effect of a large portion of the fleet operating on
time charter contact instead of COA basis balanced by the addition of three
vessels to the Company fleet (Princess Katherine, Princess Marina and Alianza
G1) two of which operated less than a full year in year 2000.
Running costs
-------------
Running costs increased by $5.0 million, or 17%, to $33.6 million in 2001
as compared to $28.6 million in the equivalent 2000 period. This increase is
mainly attributable to the larger number of wholly owned vessels in operation
(Alianza G1, Princess Katherine and Princess Marina) combined with a high level
of activity for the fleet.
Amortization of dry-dock expense
--------------------------------
Amortization of dry docking and special survey costs increased by $1.6
million, or 29%, to $7.2 million in 2001 as compared to $5.6 million in 2000.
The increase is due to the amortized portion of dry-docks (i.e., repairs)
carried out in 2000 and 2001 on the Princess Veronica, Princess Katherine,
Princess Pia and Princess Marisol.
Depreciation of property and equipment
--------------------------------------
Depreciation and amortization increased by $0.6 million, or 4%, to $16.2
million in 2001 as compared to $15.6 million in 2000. This increase is primarily
due to Alianza G1, Princess Marina and Princess Katherine depreciation partially
compensated by an decrease in the Hidrovia equipment and Plate Princess
depreciations.
Management fees and administrative expenses
-------------------------------------------
Management fees and administrative expenses were $7.8 million in 2001 as
compared to $8.0 million in 2000, a decrease of $0.2 million, or 3%, which is
attributable mainly to a reduction of $0.5 in management fees partly balanced by
an increase in administrative expenses of $0.2 million.
Interest expense
----------------
Interest expenses increased by $1.1 million, or 7%, to $17.7 million in
2001 as compared to $16.6 million in 2000. The increase is primarily
attributable to the higher level of other financial debt and consequential
interest costs associated with the purchase of the Princess Katherine and
Princess Marina.
B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We are a holding company with no material assets other than those of our
subsidiaries. Consequently, we must fund our capital requirements through other
sources, including cash dividends from subsidiaries, borrowings and shareholder
contributions. We operate in a capital-intensive industry requiring substantial
ongoing investments in revenue producing assets. Our subsidiaries have
historically funded their vessel acquisitions through a combination of bank
indebtedness, shareholder loans, cash flow from operations and equity
contributions. As of December 31, 2002, we had total indebtedness of $168.9
million, $135 million from the proceeds of the Note Issue, $2.0 million drawn
under a revolving credit facilities from Allfirst Bank (as from April 1st, 2003
is known as M&T Bank), the trustee of the Company's Notes, for Majestic Maritime
Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary, $6.0 million in a senior loan facility with
Nedship Bank (America) N.V. for Kattegat Shipping Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary, for the purchase of the vessel Princess Marina, $8.7 million in a
senior loan facility with Allfirst Bank for Majestic Maritime Ltd, a wholly
owned subsidiary, for the purchase of the vessel Princess Katherine, $11.0
million in a senior loan facility with Credit Agricole Indosuez for Braddock
Shipping Inc, a 60% owned subsidiary, for the purchase of the vessel Cape Pampas
and $1.2 million of indebtedness owed by the Company in respect of Avemar
Holding (Bahamas) Limited's purchase from Societe Internationale
D'Investissement S.A. ("SII") of all of the shares of the Company previously
owned by SII. We have a short term credit line of $0.3 million in our subsidiary
Parkwood Commercial Corp, $1.0 million drawn under a revolving credit facilities
from the Allfirst Bank for Stanmore Shipping Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary and
accrued interest expenses for these loans of $ 3.8 million. On December 31,
2002, we had cash and cash equivalents on hand of $4.7 million. We believe,
based upon current levels of operation, cash flow from operations, together with
other sources of funds, that we will have adequate liquidity to make required
payments of principal and interest on our debt, including obligations under the
Notes, complete anticipated capital expenditures and fund working capital
requirements.
Operating Activities
--------------------
In 2002, we generated a positive $14.4 million in cash flow from operations
compared to $24.8 million for in the same period in 2001. Net earnings for the
twelve months of 2001 were $ 2.4 million compared with a net loss of $13.8
million in the same period of 2002.
Net cash provided by operating activities consists of our net income
increased by non-cash expenses, such as depreciation and amortization of
deferred charges, and adjusted by changes in working capital.
Investing Activities
--------------------
In 2002, the 60% owned subsidiary Braddock Shipping Inc. disbursed $ 16.7
million in the purchase of the Cape Pampas and Ultrapetrol SA, a wholly owned
subsidiary, $ 1.0 in the purchase of the Princess Sofia compared to $4.8 million
in vessels' purchases in the same period of 2001 and $6.0 million in dry dock
expenses (Princess Pia, Princess Laura, Princess Marisol, Alianza G3 and Alianza
G1) compared to $10.1 million in the same period of 2001.
Financing Activities
--------------------
Net cash provided by financing activities increased by $5.9 million during
2002. The increase in cash provided by financing activities in the twelve months
of 2002 is mainly attributable to the draw down of $11.0 million of the
Ultracape loan facility agreed with the Credit Agricole Indosuez, partially
compensated with the repayments of principal and interest installments which
became due during 2002.
Foreign Currency Transactions
Substantially all of our revenues are denominated in U.S. dollars, but 18%
of our revenues are denominated in US dollars but collected in Argentine pesos
at the equivalent amount of U:S:dollars at the payment date and 23% of our total
out of pocket operating expenses are paid in Argentine pesos. Our operating
results, which are reported in U.S. dollars, may be affected by fluctuations in
the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Argentinean peso. For
accounting purposes, revenue and expense accounts are translated into U.S.
dollars at the exchange rate prevailing on the date of each transaction. We do
not hedge our exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
During the first half of 2002 the receivables related to the above
referenced portion of our revenues denominated in United States dollars but
collected in Argentine pesos were exposed to the compulsory (by virtue of
Argentine Law 25.561 and the Decree 214/2002) conversion to Argentine currency
at a rate of exchange different from the market rate at the time of payment and
thereafter subject to negotiations between the parties as to the rate of
exchange applicable to each transaction.
As a result of the above situation the equivalent U.S. dollars at the time
of payment by the customers resulted in losses when compared with the amount
invoiced.
The net effect of this situation resulted in a loss of $2.7 million which
was recorded in 2002.
We believe that substantially all of the impact of the exchange variance
(loss) incurred by our Argentine subsidiary as a result of Argentine Decree
214/2002 was recorded in 2002.
Inflation
We do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our
operations, although certain of our operating expenses (e.g., crewing, insurance
and dry docking costs) are subject to fluctuations as a result of market forces.
Inflationary pressures on bunker costs are not expected to have a material
effect on our future operations since freight rates for voyage charters are
generally sensitive to the price of ship's fuel. A sharp rise in bunker prices
may have a temporary negative effect on results since freights generally adjust
after prices settle at a higher level.
Critical accounting policies and estimates
Our discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and
results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements,
which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements
requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported
amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate its
estimates, including those related to bad debts, useful lives of vessels,
deferred tax assets, and certain accrued liabilities. We base its estimates on
historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be
reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for
making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are
not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We believe the following
critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates
used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is generally recorded when services are rendered, we have a signed
charter agreement or other evidence of an arrangement, pricing is fixed or
determinable and collection is reasonably assured. Revenues are earned under
time charters or affreightment/voyage contracts. Revenue from time charters is
earned and recognized on a daily basis. Revenue for affreightment/voyage
contracts is recognized based upon the percentage of voyage completion. The
percentage of voyage completion is based on the number of voyage days worked at
the balance sheet date divided by the total number of days expected on the
voyage.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We maintain allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting
from the inability of its customers to make required payments. The estimate of
uncollectible amounts is based on the results of ongoing credit evaluations and
ours historical experience. If the financial condition of our customers were to
deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments,
additional allowances may be required.
Asset Impairment
We record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when
indications of impairment are present and the estimated undiscounted cash flows
to be generated by those assets are less than the assets carrying amounts. If
the carrying value is not recoverable, the carrying value of the assets is
reduced to estimate fair value. Undiscounted cash flows are estimated using
expected average long-term day rates and utilization based largely on historical
industry and our experiences. If future market conditions do not meet
expectations, we may be required to record impairment charges which could be
material.
Useful Life Determination
Management determines the useful lives of the vessels based upon regulatory
requirements such as OPA 90, market conditions and operational considerations.
We continue to evaluate the reasonableness of the useful lives of the vessels.
Drydocking Costs
All of ours vessels must be periodically drydocked and pass certain
inspections to maintain their operating classification, as mandated by certain
maritime regulations. Costs incurred to drydock the vessels are deferred and
amortized on a straight line basis over the period to the next drydocking,
generally 30 months. The alternative accounting policy for drydocking costs is
to expense the expenditures as incurred. The Financial Accounting Standards
Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants have proposed
that the deferral method of accounting for planned major maintenance activities
such as drydocking expenditures should be eliminated. Under the proposal, we
would expense drydocking expenditures as incurred. The unamortized drydocking
costs were approximately $8,9 million as of December 31, 2002.
Recent Developments
On March 11th ,2003 we entered into a MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) under
the standard format NSF 1993 to sell its Princess Sofia for a total price of
$2.3 million wherefrom the net proceeds after deducting the taxes and expenses
in connection with re-certifying the vessel for the sale will be (approximately)
$1.8 million. The vessel was delivered to its new owners on April 25th, 2003
We entered into a three year contract to time charter Princess Marina. The
vessel underwent a period of repairs in February 2003 and was delivered into the
contract on March 13th, 2003.
In January 2003 the Company renews the employment of its vessel Princess
Katherine for another 11 months.
C. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PATENTS AND LICENSES, ETC.
Not Applicable.
D. TREND INFORMATION
Not Applicable.
ITEM 6. - DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. DIRECTORS AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT
Set forth below are the names and positions of our directors and executive
officers, as of April 30, 2003.
Name AGE Position
---- --- --------
Felipe Menendez R. .......48 President and Chief Executive Officer/Director
Ricardo Menendez R. ......54 Director
James F. Martin...........48 Director
Katherine A. Downs........48 Director
Leonard J. Hoskinson......49 Director & Secretary
Certain biographical information with respect to each director and
executive officer is set forth below.
Felipe Menendez R. Mr. Menendez has been President, Chief Executive Officer
and a Director since incorporation in December 1997 and is the brother of
Ricardo Menendez. He is also President, and has been a Director, of Ultrapetrol
S.A. since its incorporation in 1992. Mr. Menendez is also a Director of
Oceanmarine, SIPSA S.A., a Chilean publicly traded company controlled by the
Menendez family ("SIPSA"), and Ravenscroft Miami. Mr. Menendez has been, and
continues to be, actively involved in other businesses associated with the
Menendez family, as well as other companies affiliated with SIPSA. Mr. Menendez
is also a Director, President and Chief Executive Officer for UABL Limited.
Ricardo Menendez R. Mr. Menendez has been a Director since incorporation in
December 1997 and is the brother of Felipe Menendez. Mr. Menendez began his
career in the shipping industry in 1970 with Compania Chilena de Navagacion
Interoceania S.A., and has continuously been involved in the management of the
Menendez family's shipping interests. He is the President of Oceanmarine and
Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ravenscroft Miami, and has been a Director
of Ultrapetrol S.A. since it was formed in 1992. Mr. Menendez is also a Director
of SIPSA, and remains involved in the management of other Menendez family
businesses. Mr. Menendez has been a member of the board of The Standard
Steamship Owners Protection & Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Limited (a member
of the International Group of Protection & Indemnity Associations) since 1993.
Mr. Menendez is also a Director in UABL Limited.
James F. Martin. Mr. Martin has been a Director of Ultrapetrol since 2000.
He is a Managing Director with Emerging Markets Partnership ("EMP"), principal
adviser to the Bermuda-based AIG-GE Capital Latin America Infrastructure Fund
L.P. ("LAIF"), where he heads a sector team focusing on transportation,
environmental services, and oil and gas investments. Prior to joining EMP in
1997, Mr. Martin was head of a team responsible for investments in water and
environmental infrastructure at the International Finance Corporation. Mr.
Martin is also a Director in UABL Limited.
Katherine A. Downs. Ms. Downs has been a Director of Ultrapetrol since
2000. Ms. Downs is a Director with Emerging Markets Partnership, principal
adviser to the Bermuda-based AIG-GE Capital Latin America Infrastructure Fund
L.P., where she focuses on transportation, environmental services, and oil and
gas investments. Prior to joining EMP in 1997, Ms. Downs was a Managing Vice
President in the private placement group of the Prudential Insurance Company of
America
Leonard J. Hoskinson. Mr. Hoskinson was appointed Director in March 2000
and assumed the position of Secretary six months later. He is the General
Manager of Ravenscroft Shipping Inc, the Company's appointed manager of its
ocean going fleet with its base in Miami, Florida. Mr. Hoskinson has been
employed by Ravenscroft for over 13 years and prior to that headed the ship
finance group of Marine Midland Bank NA in New York.
B. COMPENSATION
The aggregate annual net cost to the Company for the compensation paid to
members of the Board of Directors was zero for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, $0.9 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 ($0.4 million
as monitoring fees and $0.5 million as a bonus to certain directors and
officers), $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 ($0.4
million as monitoring fees and $0.7 million as a bonus to certain directors and
officers). and $1.1 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 ($0.4
million as monitoring fees and $0.7 million as a bonus to certain directors and
officers). None of the work conducted by the Board of Directors was conducted in
Argentina.
We have no funds set aside or accrued to provide pension, retirement or
similar benefits for our directors or officers.
C. BOARD PRACTICES
As provided in our Memorandum and Articles of Association and the
International Business Companies Act, 1986, each director elected holds office
until a successor is elected or until his earlier death, resignation or removal.
Officers are elected from time to time by vote of the respective board of
directors and hold office until a successor is elected.
D. EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2002, we employed 16 shore-based personnel and
approximately 404 seagoing employees were employed through our managers . At
December 31, 2001, we employed 15 shore-based personnel and approximately 415
seagoing employees were employed through our managers. At the year-end 2000, we
employed of 12 shore-based personnel and approximately 360 seagoing employees
were employed through our managers and at the year-end of 1999 we employed 10
shore-based personnel and approximately 325 seagoing employees were employed
through our managers.
The crew on board our vessels is employed through Ravenscroft Ship
Management Ltd., Bahamas and through various manning agents depending on the
nationality as listed below:
Indian crew Orient Ship Management & Manning Pvt., Ltd., Mumbai, India.
Argentine crew Technical Services S.A.
Filipino crew C.F. Sharp Crew Management, Manila, Philippines
Ukrainian crew South Star Ltd., Odessa, Ukraine
Romanian crew Corona Shipping SRL, Constanta, Romania.
The crew is employed on contractual terms valid for a fixed duration of
service on board the vessels. We ensure that all the crew employed on board our
vessels have the requisite experience, qualifications & certification to comply
with all international regulations and shipping conventions. Our training
requirements for the crew exceed the statutory requirements. We have in force
special programs such a performance related incentive bonus, which is paid to
senior officers upon rejoining our ships. This ensures retention of qualified
and competent staff within our fleet.
We always man our vessels above the safe manning requirements of the
vessels' flag state in order to ensure proper maintenance and safe operation of
the vessels. Our crew is employed under the standard collective bargaining
agreements with the seafarers' union in the respective countries.
E. SHARE OWNERSHIP
DIRECTOR OR OFFICER SHARES
Felipe Menendez R. (1) 1,138,443
Ricardo Menendez R. (1) 1,138,443
(1) Reflects shares beneficially owned by Inversiones Los Avellanos S.A., as
set forth below in Item 7.--Major Shareholders and Related Party
Transactions.
ITEM 7 - MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the current
ownership of our outstanding voting securities as of December 31, 2002 by each
person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of such securities
and all the directors and senior management as a group.
Number of Percent of
Name Common Shares Class
Solimar Holdings Ltd. (1) 996,008 46.7%
Inversiones Los Avellanos S.A. (2) 1,138,443 53.3%
All directors and senior management as a group (2). 1,138,443 53.3%
--------------
(1) Solimar Holdings Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIG-GE
Capital Latin American Infrastructure Fund L.P., a Bermuda
limited partnership.
(2) In respect of 601,299 held directly by Inversiones Los Avellanos
S.A. and 537,144 held by Avemar Holdings (Bahamas) Limited, the
full voting power of which has been granted to Inversiones Los
Avellanos S.A. by irrevocable proxy. Inversiones Los Avellanos
S.A. is controlled by members of the Menendez family, including
our directors Felipe Menendez R. and Ricardo Menendez R.
B. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A significant part of the Company's revenue is derived from related
parties' chartering activity, mainly from UABL (Bahamas) Limited ("UABL") , an
affiliate and Trafigura, an indirect shareholder of the Company until October
2000, IPI, an affiliate of Trafigura and Interpetrol, also an indirect
shareholder of the Company until October 2000. We time charter our River Fleet
to UABL, this charter represented in 2002 revenues of approximately $9.8
million. For each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the
revenues derived from related parties amounted to approximately $10.0 million,
$13.4 million and $16.4 million. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001 the net
balances of the accounts receivable and payables from affiliates resulting from
such transactions were approximately $8.1 million and $5.9 million,
respectively.
The respective owning/operating subsidiaries have contracted with
Oceanmarine for certain administrative services. For these services, we pay
Oceanmarine a monthly fee of $8,750 per vessel. Pursuant to individual ship
management agreements between Ravenscroft Bahamas and the Company's relevant
vessel-owning subsidiaries, Ravenscroft Bahamas has agreed to provide certain
ship management services for all of the Company's ocean vessels. Ravenscroft
Bahamas has subcontracted the provision of these services to Ravenscroft Miami.
For these services, we have agreed to pay Ravenscroft Miami a monthly fee of
$12,500 per vessel plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. In the case of our river
barges chartered to UABL Limited we have contracted the shipmanagement
responsibilities to Lonehort Inc an affiliate company of UABL. Pursuant to an
agency agreement with Ultrapetrol S.A., I Shipping Services Argentina has agreed
to perform the duties of port agent for the Company in Argentina. For these
services, Ultrapetrol S.A. pays I. Shipping Services Argentina fees ranging from
$800 to $1,875 per port call. Each of Ravenscroft Miami, Ravenscroft Bahamas,
Oceanmarine and Inchcape Argentina are affiliates of the Company. We believe
that the payments made to Ravenscroft Miami, Oceanmarine and I. Shipping
Services Argentina reflect market rates for the services provided.
Under these agreements, these related parties are to provide all necessary
services for the Company and its subsidiaries to operate, including but not
limited to ship management services for its owned vessels, compensation of
directors, accounting services, accommodations and other related services.
Additionally, commissions and agency fees are paid to those related parties. For
each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, management fees paid
and/or accrued to related parties for such services amounted to approximately
$3.2 million, $3.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively.
Ravenscroft sometimes performs ship brokering services on behalf of the
Company. We pay Ravenscroft Miami industry standard rates for such services when
used. For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, ship broker fees
paid to and accrued for Ravenscroft. for such services amounted to $0,15
million, $0.27 million and $0.25 million, respectively
Pursuant to an agency agreement with Ultrapetrol S.A., I Shipping Service
Argentina has agreed to perform the duties of port agent for the Company in
Argentina. For each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the
amounts paid and/or accrued for such services amounted to 235, 432 and 294
respectively
Under agreements by the Company and ACBL Hidrovias Limited (Bermuda),
wholly owned subsidiary of ACL, both companies lease certain vessels not
contributed to UABL, to be operated together with the UABL fleet. Additionally,
Lonehort S.A., a shipping agent wholly owned by UABL, bills ship management fees
for the administration of the mentioned vessels. For the years ended December
31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, ship management fees paid to and accrued for Lonehort
S.A. for such services amounted to 6,599, 7,346 and 490, respectively
Certain of our directors and senior management hold similar positions with
affiliates. Felipe Menendez, who is our President, Chief Executive Officer and a
Director, is a Director of Oceanmarine and Ravenscroft Miami. Ricardo Menendez,
who is one of our Directors, is the President of Oceanmarine and Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Ravenscroft and Leonard J. Hoskinson, who is one of our
Directors, is General Manager and Director of Ravenscroft Miami. Felipe
Menendez, Ricardo Menendez and James Martin are also Directors in UABL Limited
for which company Felipe Menendez also serves as President and Chief Executive
Officer. Although it is not their current intention to do so, in light of their
positions with such entities, these officers and directors may experience
conflicts of interest in selecting between our interests and those of
Ravenscroft and Oceanmarine.
C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not Applicable.
ITEM 8 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
See Item 18.
B. SIGNIFICANT CHANGES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 9 - THE OFFER AND LISTING
No active market within or outside the United States exists for the equity
securities of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited. Our equity securities have not been
registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
As of the date of this report, there is no active trading market within or
outside the United States for our Notes. The registration statement covering
$135,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of our 10.5 % First Preferred Ship
Mortgage Notes due 2008 was declared effective by the Securities and Exchange
Commission on September 11, 1998, and we then offered the registered notes in
exchange for all of its transfer-restricted notes. The offer to exchange closed
October 19, 1998 and all transfer-restricted notes were exchanged for registered
notes.
ITEM 10 - ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. SHARE CAPITAL
Not Applicable.
B. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The following summarizes certain provisions of the Company's Amended and
Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association. This summary is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the International Business Companies Act, 2000 and
the Company's Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Information on where investors can obtain copies of the Memorandum and Articles
of Association is described under the heading "Documents on Display" under this
Item.
Objects and Purposes
The Company is incorporated in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas ("The
Bahamas") under the name Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited. The Registered Office of
the Company is situated at H & J Corporate Services Ltd., Shirlaw House, 87
Shirley Street, P.O. Box SS-19084, Nassau, Bahamas. The Registered Agent of the
Company is H & J Corporate Services Ltd., Shirlaw House, 87 Shirley Street, P.O.
Box SS-19084, Nassau, Bahamas.
Clause 4 of the Company's Memorandum of Association provides that its
objects include the carrying out of the management and exploitation of vessels
of its own or third parties, as well as to act as representatives of other
owners and ship owners or to engage in other related activities; the handling of
maritime, fluvial and lacustrine transportation, domestic and international, of
cargoes, correspondence and maritime works and services in general; the
rendering of training services to personnel relative to sea navigation; the
owning, hiring, and leasing vessels on time charter, bareboat charter, or under
any other charter; to engage in the activities of transportation, transshipment
and unloading operations and cargo complement; to develop loading, discharge and
stowing operations; to render towage services; to act as ship brokers and/or
freighters, to act as maritime agents and to represent vessels of its own or of
third parties; to build vessels and naval appliances as well as to exploit
public and private franchises of any kind, to participate in bids, to construct
ports and also to operate them and represent third parties in any manner in the
maritime business; to effect the purchase, sale, building, management and
exploitation of real estates; and to execute all kinds of acts, representations,
agencies, commissions, consignments, business activities, and management of
properties, stocks and enterprises in general.
Directors
The business and affairs of the Company shall be managed by the directors.
The Company shall pay to each director an annual fee of US$75,000.00 which
salary shall be paid out of the funds of the Company. Directors shall also be
paid out of funds of the Company all expenses, including travelling expenses,
properly incurred by them in connection with the business of the Company, as may
be approved by resolution of directors and subject to any resolution of the
shareholders. The Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association do
not place a general prohibition on a director voting in respect of any agreement
or transaction in which he has a financial interest other than by virtue of his
interest in shares of the Company. To this extent, the Company is governed by
the International Business Companies Act, 2000, which states that subject to any
limitations in the Memorandum and Articles of Association and any unanimous
shareholder agreement, no such agreement or transaction is void or voidable by
reason that the director is present at the meeting of directors that approves
the agreement or transaction or that the vote of the director is counted for
that purpose. Such agreement or transaction is valid if the material facts of
the director's interest in the agreement or transaction and his interest in or
relationship to any other party to the agreement or transaction are disclosed in
good faith or are known to the shareholders entitled to vote at a meeting of the
shareholders and the agreement or transaction is approved or ratified by
resolution of the shareholders. A director who has an interest in any particular
business to be considered at a meeting of directors may be counted for the
purpose of determining whether the meeting is duly constituted. A director need
not be a member of the Company and no shareholding qualification shall be
necessary to qualify a person as a director.
Share Rights, Preferences, Restrictions
Subject to the rights of holders of shares entitled to special rights as to
dividends, all dividends shall be declared and ranked pari passu to shareholders
of record at the date of the declaration of the dividend; but no dividend shall
be paid on those shares which are held by the Company as Treasury shares.
Dividends shall only be paid out of the net profits of the Company and shall
only be paid in cash. It is policy of the Company, unless the members decide
otherwise, at the annual general meeting to distribute a dividend of at least
thirty percent (30%) of the Company's net after-tax profit. But such
distributions shall be subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions which
may be imposed on the Company by lenders, bondholders or other financial
institutions, and/or those limitations imposed by the contracts, agreements or
other financial instruments, including any trust indenture into which the
Company may have entered. Also before making distributions, the Company shall
also make adequate reserves as the Board of Directors may deem necessary for the
Company's commitments (even if after giving effect to such reserves the
distribution would be lower than thirty per cent (30%)). The directors may,
before recommending any dividend, set aside out of the profits of the Company
such sum as they think proper as a reserve fund to meet contingencies, or for
equalizing dividends, or for special dividends or bonuses, or for repairing,
improving, maintaining any of the property of the Company, and for such other
purposes as the directors shall in their absolute discretion think conducive to
the interests of the Company. If several persons are registered as joint holders
of any share, any of them may give effectual receipt for any dividend or other
moneys payable in respect of the share.
Subject to certain voting requirements, the Company may alter or modify the
conditions contained in the Articles and Memorandum of Association as originally
prepared or as amended by resolution of the shareholders.
No business shall be transacted at any general meeting unless a quorum of
members is present. A quorum shall consist of a shareholder or shareholders
holding not less than sixty-five percent (65%) of the issued and outstanding
shares entitled to vote, provided that for the period beginning on the date of
the Shareholders Agreement and ending on the last Installment Date (both as
defined in the Amended and Restated Articles of Association of the Company), the
presence of Solimar Holdings LDC shall be required to constitute a quorum.
Subject to certain voting requirements contained in Section 1.7 (c) and (e) of
Article I and the exceptions thereto contained in Section 1.8 of Article I, any
question presented to or action taken by the shareholders shall be approved or
disapproved at a meeting at which a quorum shall be present and acting
throughout in accordance with the votes of the shareholders holding a majority
of the shares of Common Stock or other voting Capital Stock of the Company
present at such meeting. At any general meeting of the shareholders unless a
poll is demanded by a shareholder present in person or by proxy, a declaration
by the Chairman of the meeting that a resolution has been carried and an entry
to that effect in the book of proceedings of the shareholders shall be
sufficient evidence of the fact, without proof of the number of proportion of
the votes recorded in favor of or against such resolution. If a poll is demanded
it shall be taken in such manner as the Chairman directs and the result of such
poll shall be deemed to be the resolution of the shareholders. Notice of
meetings of shareholders and other information or written statement required to
be given to shareholders, shall be given by personal service, or sent by
airmail, or by telex, telegram, telefax, cable or other electronic means at the
discretion of the directors.
There are no limitations under the laws of The Bahamas on the rights of
non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights.
C. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
The following is a description of the material contracts that have been
entered into by the Company and/or its subsidiaries since January 1, 2001 other
than the contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business:
A Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited
("Ultrapetrol"), Inversiones Los Avellanos S.A., Societe Internationale
D'Investissement S.A. ("SII") and Solimar Holdings LDC ("Solimar") dated as of
March 7, 2000 for the purchase by Solimar of up to 49.9% of the issued and
outstanding capital stock of Ultrapetrol, to be issued in two tranches. Under
the Stock Purchase Agreement, Solimar purchased 996,008 shares for a purchase
price of $50 million. Subsequently, ownership of the shares was transferred to
Solimar Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda company and our affiliate.
D. EXCHANGE CONTROLS
The Company is incorporated as an International Business Company ("IBC") in
the Commonwealth of The Bahamas ("The Bahamas"). Under the International
Business Companies Act 2000 ("the Act"), provided that the operations of the
Company are conducted exclusively overseas, it is exempt from the Exchange
Control Regulations Act and any regulations made thereunder. Accordingly, the
import or export of capital and the remittance of dividends, interest or other
payments to non-resident holders of the Company's securities will not require
the prior approval of The Central Bank of The Bahamas ("the Central Bank"),
other than in respect of local Bahamian currency. However, the prior approval of
the Central Bank must be obtained in respect of operations of the Company which
will not be exclusively overseas and likewise for the aforesaid transactions.
With regard to an IBC whose operations are exclusively overseas, the
transfer of shares between non resident persons and the issuance of shares to or
by such persons may be effected without specific consent under the Exchange
Control Regulations Act and any regulations made thereunder. Issues and
transfers of shares involving any person regarded as resident in The Bahamas for
exchange control purposes require specific prior approval under the Exchange
Control Regulations Act and any regulations made thereunder.
The Act states that all benefits accruing to an IBC registered in The
Bahamas under the International Business Companies Act, 1989 ("the Old Act")
shall not be affected by the Act. It is felt that this provision preserves the
twenty year exemption granted to the Company from the date of incorporation
under the Old Act in respect of, inter alia, stamp duty, corporation tax and
business license fees. There is a tax information exchange agreement between the
United States and The Bahamas which comes into effect in relation to criminal
tax matters for the taxable period commencing in January 2004 and in relation to
civil matters for the taxable period commencing in January 2006. Expressly, that
arrangement cannot be used by the United States in relation to persons that do
not have U.S. tax liability. Further, there are anti third party provisions,
meaning that the US cannot share this information with any other country or its
agents or employees.
E. TAXATION
We have been advised by our Argentinean counsel, Perrez, Alati, Grondona,
Benites, Arnsten & Martinez de Hoz, that there is some uncertainty under
Argentinean law as to whether payments of interest by Ultrapetrol S.A., our
Argentinean subsidiary, under its guarantee of our Notes, may be subjected to
Argentinean income tax withholding. Perez, Alati et al. have advised us that
payments by Ultrapetrol S.A. made in respect of interest on our Notes might be
subject to withholding imposed by Argentinean taxing authorities. They have
advised us that the withholding determination would depend on whether the
Argentinean taxing authorities view such guarantee payments as equivalent to
loan interest payments, and that the outcome is not free from doubt.
Certain of our subsidiaries who are guarantors of our Notes are
incorporated in Panama. We have been advised by our Panamanian counsel, Tapia,
Linares y Alfaro, that there are no taxes or withholding provisions of any
nature to which United States holders of our Notes are subject under the laws of
Panama in respect of any payments that might be made by our Panamanian
subsidiaries under their guarantees of our Notes.
We have been advised by our Bahamas counsel, Higgs & Johnson, that there
are presently no tax or withholding provisions of the Commonwealth of The
Bahamas to which any United States holders of our Notes would be subject.
There is currently no reciprocal tax treaty in force between the United
States and any of Panama, the Bahamas or Argentina.
F. DIVIDEND AND PAYING AGENTS
Not Applicable.
G. STATEMENTS BY EXPERTS
Not Applicable.
H. DOCUMENTS ON DISPLAY
The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In accordance with these requirements we
file reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
These materials, including this annual report and the accompanying exhibits may
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at
the Commission's Regional Offices at 233 Broadway, New York, New York 10048 and
500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Northwestern Atrium Center, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. You may obtain information on the operation of the public
reference room by calling 1 (800) SEC-0330, and you may obtain copies at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at its
principal office in Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a website
(http://www.sec.gov.) that contains reports, proxy and information statements
and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the
SEC. In addition, documents referred to in this annual report may be inspected
at the Company's headquarters at Eighty-Seven Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas.
I. SUBSIDIARY INFORMATION
Not Applicable.
ITEM 11 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, which may
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Our policy
is not to use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes,
and we are not a party to any leveraged financial instruments. A discussion of
the fair value of financial instruments and our credit risk is included in Notes
2 and 10, respectively of the consolidated financial statements.
Exposure To Interest Rates. Short-term variable rate debt, comprised
approximately $7.3 million of our total debt as of December 31, 2002, including
accrued interest. Long-term variable rate debt, comprised approximately $21.8
million of our total debt as of December 31, 2002. Our variable rate debt had an
average interest rate of approximately 2.90% as of December 31, 2002. A
hypothetical 1.0% increase in interest rates on $29.1 million of debt would
cause our interest expense to increase on average approximately $0.3 million per
year over the term of the loans, with a corresponding decrease in income before
taxes.
ITEM 12 - DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
Not Applicable.
PART II
ITEM 13 - DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
Not Applicable.
ITEM 14 - MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF
PROCEEDS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 15 CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, the Company carried
out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the
Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer , of the
effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls
and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation,
the Chief Executive Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and
procedures are effective in alerting them timely to material information
relating to the Company required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC
filings.
Changes in Internal Controls
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other
factors that could have significantly affected those controls subsequent to the
date of our most recent evaluation of internal controls, including any
corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
ITEM 16A AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Not Applicable.
ITEM 16B CODE OF ETHICS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 16C PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Not Applicable
PART III
ITEM 17 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Not Applicable.
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements listed below and set forth on pages F-1
through F-28, together with the auditors' report are filed as part of this
annual report:
Index to Financial Statements of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited and Subsidiaries
Independent Auditors' Report (for year 2002) F-1
Independent Auditors' Report (for years 2001 and 2000) F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 F-3
Consolidated statements of operations for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-4
Consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity
for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-5
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-6
Notes to consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 F-7
Index to Financial Statements of U.A.B.L. Limited
Independent Auditors' Report (For year 2002) F-35
Independent Auditors' Report (for years 2001 and 2000) F-36
Consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 F-37
Consolidated statements of operation for the year ended December 31,
2002, 2001 and for the period of October 24 (Inception date) to
December 31, 2000 F-38
Statements of changes in stockholders' equity for the year ended
December 31, 2002, 2001, and for the period of October 24
(Inception date) to December 31, 2000 F-39
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the year ended December 31,
2002, 2001 and for the period of October 24 (Inception date)
to December 31, 2000 F-40
Notes to consolidated financial statements for the year ended December
31, 2002 2001,and for the period of October 24 (Inception date)
to December 31, 2000 F-41
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas)
Limited and its subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2002, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for
the year then ended. These statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit. The financial statements of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas)
Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and for the years ended
December 31, 2001 and 2000 were audited by other auditors who have ceased
operations as a foreign associated firm of the Securities and Exchange
Commission Practice Section of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants and whose reported dated April 30, 2002, expressed an unqualified
opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform
the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements
are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Ultrapetrol
(Bahamas) Limited and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then
ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States.
Buenos Aires, Argentina PISTRELLI, DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS S.R.L.
March 14, 2003 Member of Ernst and Young Global
MARIANA FILAS
Partner
The following is a copy of the audit report previously issued by PISTRELLI, DIAZ
Y ASOCIADOS (member of Andersen) in connection with Ultrapetrol (Bahamas)
Limited's December 31, 2001 and 2000 financial statements. This audit report has
not been reissued by PISTRELLI, DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS in connection with this filing
on Form 20-F.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ultrapetrol
(Bahamas) Limited and its subsidiaries, a company incorporated under Bahamas
legislation (the Company), as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related
consolidated statements of income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. These
statements are the responsibility of the Company's Management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the
Company as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999, in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America.
Buenos Aires, Argentina PISTRELLI, DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS
April 30, 2002 Member of Andersen
MARIANA FILAS
Partner
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars, except par value and share amounts)
December 31,
-------------------------------------
2002 2001
------------------ ------------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 4,724 5,872
Restricted cash 1,662 -
Investments 270 192
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of 810 and 540 in 2002
and 2001, respectively 7,644 10,964
Due from affiliates 13,246 18,290
Inventories 1,592 1,513
Prepaid expenses 3,299 3,794
Other receivables 6,816 6,333
--------------- ---------------
Total current assets 39,253 46,958
--------------- ---------------
NONCURRENT ASSETS
Dry dock 8,857 12,919
Other receivables 3,654 4,231
Property and equipment, net 134,797 135,289
Investment in affiliates 22,468 22,511
Other assets 4,517 3,668
--------------- ---------------
Total noncurrent assets 174,293 178,618
--------------- ---------------
Total assets 213,546 225,576
======== ========
LIABILITIES, MINORITY INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 5,029 3,851
Due to affiliates 268 8,266
Other financial debt 12,209 15,745
Other payables 734 176
--------------- ---------------
Total current liabilities 18,240 28,038
--------------- ---------------
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt 135,000 135,000
Other financial debt, net of current portion 21,785 14,700
--------------- ---------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 156,785 149,700
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities 175,025 177,738
--------------- ---------------
MINORITY INTEREST 3,432 -
--------------- ---------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $.01 par value: authorized shares 2,134,451, issued and outstanding
2,109,239 in 2002 and 2,080,840 in 2001 21 20
Treasury stock (20,332) (20,332)
Additional paid-in capital 68,884 67,781
(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings (13,484) 369
--------------- ---------------
Total shareholders' equity 35,089 47,838
--------------- ---------------
Total liabilities, minority interests and shareholders' equity 213,546 225,576
======== ========
See accompanying notes.
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------------ ------------------------------------
REVENUES
Freight revenues 24,551 70,952 85,418
Freight revenues from related parties 192 2,715 12,159
Hire revenues 38,601 26,843 2,605
Hire revenues from related parties 9,780 10,698 4,209
----------- ----------- -----------
Total revenues 73,124 111,208 104,391
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES (1)
Voyage expenses (10,185) (26,889) (38,719)
Running costs (27,397) (33,615) (28,586)
Amortization of dry dock (8,839) (7,246) (5,589)
Depreciation of property and equipment (15,968) (16,197) (15,572)
Management fees to related parties (3,176) (3,250) (3,780)
Administrative expenses (3,642) (4,520) (4,269)
Loss on involuntary conversion of Argentine receivables (2,704) - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Total operating expenses (71,911) (91,717) (96,515)
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit 1,213 19,491 7,876
----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
Interest expense (16,763) (17,698) (16,646)
Interest income 326 296 282
Investment in affiliates (45) (692) (1,646)
Other net income 1,698 1,408 4,351
----------- ----------- -----------
Total other expenses (14,784) (16,686) (13,659)
----------- ----------- -----------
(Loss) income before income taxes and minority interest (13,571) 2,805 (5,783)
Income taxes (150) (390) (284)
Minority interest (132) - -
----------- ----------- -----------
Net (loss) income (13,853) 2,415 (6,067)
====== ====== ======
(1) In addition to management fees to related parties, operating expenses included 7,669, 7,778 and 784 in 2002,
2001, and 2000, respectively, related principally to ship management fees due to related parties.
See accompanying notes.
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
(Accumulated
Additional deficit)
Common paid-in Treasury Retained
Balance stock capital stock earnings Total
------------------------------------------ ------------- ------------- ----------------- ---------------- ---------------
December 31, 1999 10 18,067 - 4,021 22,098
- Capital stock increase 10 46,417 - - 46,427
- Purchase of own shares - - (20,223) - (20,223)
- Net loss - - - (6,067) (6,067)
---- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
December 31, 2000 20 64,484 (20,223) (2,046) 42,235
- Capital stock increase 1 5,295 - - 5,296
- Purchase of own shares - - (109) - (109)
- Notes receivables as increase in
capital stock (1) (1,998) - - (1,999)
- Net income - - - 2,415 2,415
---- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
December 31, 2001 20 67,781 (20,332) 369 47,838
- Capital stock increase 1 1,103 - - 1,104
- Net loss - - - (13,853) (13,853)
---- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
December 31, 2002 21 68,884 (20,332) (13,484) 35,089
== ====== ====== ====== ======
See accompanying notes.
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002, 2001 AND 2000
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------- ------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income (13,853) 2,415 (6,067)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment 15,968 16,197 15,572
Amortization of dry dock expenses 8,839 7,246 5,589
Note issuance expenses amortization 585 585 586
Minority interests in equity of subsidiaries 132 - -
Loss (gain) from sales of property and equipment 1,575 (150) -
Net loss from investment in affiliates 45 692 1,106
Changes in assets and liabilities, net:
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivables 3,320 7,466 (10,380)
Due from affiliates 4,564 (12,233) 4,429
Inventories (79) 920 (1,255)
Prepaid expenses 495 1,682 (3,580)
Other receivables 94 636 (3,750)
Other assets 8 51 -
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (95) (8,729) 7,716
Due to affiliates (7,998) 8,266 -
Other payables 558 (128) (673)
Accrued expenses 237 (102) -
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 14,395 24,814 9,293
------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property and equipment (17,690) (4,802) (57,395)
Dry dock expenses (6,005) (10,097) (9,248)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment 1,867 2,706 -
Decrease (increase) in loan to affiliate 480 (1,721) -
Other (80) (219) (2,389)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities (21,428) (14,133) (69,032)
------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from financial debt 11,032 - 25,690
Repayment of financial debt (3,320) (5,822) (2,660)
Capital contribution 1,104 3,297 46,427
Increase in restricted cash (1,662) - -
Funds used in acquisition of treasury stock (4,400) (6,400) (8,223)
Capital contribution of minority shareholder to subsidiary 3,300 - -
Other (169) (109) -
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities 5,885 (9,034) 61,234
------------- ------------- -------------
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (1,148) 1,647 1,495
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of year 5,872 4,225 2,730
------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of year 4,724 5,872 4,225
------------- ------------- ------------
See accompanying notes.
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars, except otherwise indicated)
1. CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND CONSOLIDATED COMPANIES
Organization
Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited ("Ultrapetrol Bahamas" or "the Company") is a
company organized and registered as a Bahamas Corporation since December
1997.
The Company's operations consist of international and inland transportation
of petroleum and dry-cargo products by vessels and barges owned by its
subsidiaries. Revenues are generated through time and freight charters with
related and unrelated clients.
On March 7, 2000 the Company signed an agreement to issue and sell newly
issued voting common shares representing a total of up to 49.9% of its
issued and outstanding capital stock to Solimar Holdings LDC "Solimar", a
newly formed company owned jointly by WSUP investors LDC, an affiliate of
WestSphere Capital, and AIG-GE Capital Latin American Infraestructure Fund
L.P. (collectively the "investors") for up to 50,000.
On March 17, 2000 Solimar acquired the first tranche of 498,004 shares
representing 50% of the total newly issued voting common shares to be sold
under the stock sale agreement for a purchase price of 25,000, with net
proceeds after issuance costs of 22,836.
The second tranche was acquired on June 16, 2000, through the issuance of
298,803 shares, under the mentioned agreement, for a price of 15,000, with
act proceeds after issuance costs of 14,180.
On July 24, 2000, the last tranche was acquired for 10,000 consisting of
199,201 shares with net proceeds to the Company of 9,411.
On June 28, 2001, the Company issued 138,443 new shares for 5,295 which
were totally subscribed by Los Avellanos, one of the Company's original
shareholders and was paid 3,297 in 2001 and 1,104 in 2002 and the balance
are payable in July 2003. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001 the outstanding
payment was 894 and 1,998 and was shown as a reduction of shareholders'
equity.
As of December 31, 2002 the shareholders of Ultrapetrol Bahamas are Solimar
Holdings LDC, Inversiones Los Avellanos S.A. and Avemar Holdings (Bahamas),
a wholly owned subsidiary of the company (See Note 15), in the proportion
of 46.66%, 28.17% and 25.17%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries
described as follows:
Percentage of shares held as of
December 31,
----------------------------------
Company Origin 2002 2001 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Princely International Finance Corp. ("Princely") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Regal International Investments S.A. ("Regal") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Bayham Investment S.A. ("Bayham") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Parfina S.A. ("Parfina") Paraguayan 50% 50% 50%
- Draco Investment S.A. ("Draco") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Cavalier Shipping Inc. ("Cavalier") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Parfina S.A. ("Parfina") Paraguayan - - 50%
Percentage of shares held as of
December 31,
----------------------------------
Company Origin 2002 2001 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Danube Maritime Inc. ("Danube") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Baldwin Maritime Inc. ("Baldwin") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Tipton Marine Inc. ("Tipton") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Corporacion de Navegacion Mundial S.A. ("CorNaMuSA") Chilean 100% 100% 100%
- Parfina S.A. ("Parfina") Paraguayan 50% 50% -
- Kingsway Shipping Inc. ("Kingsway") Panamanian - - 100%
- Plate Princess Shipping Company Ltd. ("Plate Princess") Maltese - - 100%
- Panpetrol Shipping S.A. ("Panpetrol") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Oceanview Maritime Inc. ("Oceanview") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Ultrapetrol International S.A. ("Ultrapetrol International") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Kingly Shipping Ltd. ("Kingly") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Sovereign Maritime Ltd. ("Sovereign") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Monarch Shipping Ltd. ("Monarch") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Noble Shipping Ltd. ("Noble") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Stately Shipping Ltd. ("Stately") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Imperial Maritime Ltd. Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Imperial Maritime (Bahamas) Ltd. Inc. Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- Oceanpar S.A. ("Oceanpar") Paraguayan 100% 100% 100%
- Ultrapetrol de Venezuela C.A.("Ultrapetrol Venezuela") Venezuelan 100% 100% 100%
Majestic Maritime Ltd. ("Majestic") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
Ultrapetrol S.A. ("Ultrapetrol Argentina") Argentinean 100% 100% 100%
UP (River) Holdings Ltd. ("Up River") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
UP River Terminals (Panama) S.A. ("UP River Terminals") Panamanian 100% - -
Stanmore Shipping Inc. ("Stanmore") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
Mansan S.A. ("Mansan") Uruguayan 100% 100% 100%
Wallasey Shipping Inc. ("Wallasey") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
Kattegat Shipping Inc. ("Kattegat") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
Avemar Holdings (Bahamas) Ltd. ("Avemar") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
Parkwood Commercial Corp. ("Parkwood") Panamanian 100% 100% -
Internationale Maritime S.A. ("Internationale Maritime") Bahamanian 100% 100% 100%
Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. ("Ultracape") Bahamanian 60% - -
- Ultracape International S.A. ("Ultracape International") Panamanian 100% - -
- Braddock Shipping Inc. ("Braddock") Panamanian 100% - -
- Invermay Shipping Inc. ("Invermay") Panamanian 100% - -
- Palmerston Shipping Inc. ("Palmerston") Panamanian 100% - -
Recent developments in Argentina
Approximately 30% of the Company's revenues are generated from its
Argentine operations which also hold approximately 8% of the consolidated
assets of the Company.
Beginning in 1991, the Argentine peso ("peso") was tied to the US dollar at
a rate of one peso to one US dollar. As a result of economic instability
and substantial withdrawals from the banking system, in early December
2001, the Argentine government instituted restrictions that prohibit
foreign money transfers without Central Bank approval and only allow cash
withdrawals from bank accounts for personal transactions in small amounts
with certain limited exceptions. While the legal exchange rate remained at
one peso to one US dollar, financial institutions were allowed to conduct
only limited activity due to these controls, and currency exchange activity
was effectively halted except for personal transactions in small amounts.
On January 6, 2002, the Argentine government abolished the one peso to one
US dollar legal exchange rate. On January 9, 2002, Decree 71 created a dual
exchange market whereby foreign trade transactions were conducted at an
official exchange rate of 1.4 peso to one US dollar and other transactions
were conducted in a free floating exchange market. On February 8, 2002,
Decree 260 unified the dual exchange market and allowed the peso to float
freely with the US dollar. The exchange rate at December 31, 2002, was 3.32
pesos to one US dollar.
On February 3, 2002, Decree 214 required all contracts that were previously
payable in US dollars to be payable in pesos. Pursuant to an emergency law
passed on January 10, 2002, US dollar obligations between private parties
due after January 6, 2002, were to be liquidated in pesos at a negotiated
rate of exchange which reflects a sharing of the impact of the devaluation.
The Company's settlements in pesos of the existing US dollar-denominated
agreements were completed by June 30, 2002.
Absent the emergency law that was enacted on January 10, 2002, the
devaluation of the peso would have had no effect on the Company's US
dollar-denominated receivables at December 31, 2001. However, a 2,704 loss
resulting from the involuntary conversion of certain receivables from U.S.
dollars to pesos was recorded in 2002 and is reflected in "Loss on
involuntary conversion of Argentine receivables" in the accompanying
statement of operations.
The majority of the previously mentioned Argentine subsidiary's revenues
are denominated and collected in U.S. dollars. In addition, this subsidiary
does not have financial loans denominated in pesos in Argentina.
Accordingly, the above economic changes in Argentina did not significantly
adversely affect the Company. The most significant impact related to the
reduction of the US dollar equivalent value of the subsidiary's peso
denominated operating expenses.
Notwithstanding the above, the Argentine government continues to make
changes in the country which could affect the Company's Argentine
operations.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
("US GAAP").
The consolidated financial statements include all entities for which
the Company has majority share ownership. Significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
As discussed in Note 6 on March 30, 1998, Ultrapetrol Bahamas
successfully completed its offering of 135,000 principal amount of its
10.5% First Preferred Ship Mortgage Notes due 2008 ("the Notes"). The
balance sheet balances reflecting reciprocal receivables and payables
between Ultrapetrol Bahamas and its subsidiary guarantors of the Notes
originating from the allocation of the proceeds of the issuance have
been eliminated. Furthermore, the income (loss) originating in
transactions reflecting interest expense between Ultrapetrol Bahamas
and its subsidiary guarantors have been eliminated. As only certain of
the Company's subsidiaries guarantee the Notes summary financial
information of the guarantor subsidiaries is presented. See Note 17.
Certain reclassifications have been made to December 31, 2001 and 2000
amounts to conform with December 31, 2002 presentation.
b) Foreign currency remeasurement
The Company uses the U.S. dollar as its functional currency. The
majority of the Company's sales are billed and collected in U.S.
dollars and all financing is in U.S. dollars.
All monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in U.S. dollars
have been remeasured into U.S. dollars using the exchange rates in
effect at the balance sheet date. Operations statement amounts have
been translated using the average exchange rate for each month.
Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency measurements are
included in the operations statement for the same year.
For the balance sheet of Ultrapetrol Argentina as of December 31,
2001, assets and liabilities denominated in Argentine pesos were
translated using the exchange rate in effect as of January 11, 2002,
date the foreign currency market re-opened. Gains or losses
resulting from foreign currency measurements were recognized in the
operations statement.
c) Cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables
These accounts are recorded and carried at nominal value. Receivables
and payables include the portion of the respective financial income,
expense accrued as of year-end.
d) Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
Receivables are recorded and carried at face value less allowances for
uncollectible accounts estimated by the Company, in order to write
them down to estimated realizable values.
e) Allowance for doubtful account
Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 are as follows:
2002 2001 2000
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at January 1, 540 700 469
Provision 322 200 300
Amounts written off (52) (360) (69)
------ ------ ------
Balance at December 31, 810 540 700
===== ===== =====
f) Inventories
This account represents fuel and lubricants which were accounted for
at the lower of cost or market.
g) Prepaid expenses
This account includes prepaid insurance, administrative vessel fees
paid in advance and advances to suppliers.
h) Dry dock
The Company is required, under various shipping regulations, to
perform periodic overhaul activities, generally every 30 months. The
Company capitalizes such costs and amortizes the asset through the
next expected dry dock date, which reflects the investment nature of
this cost. This account is classified as noncurrent based on the
aforementioned useful life estimate.
i) Property and equipment, net
Property and equipment, which is principally comprised of ocean-going
vessels and barges and river barges, is actualled stated at cost less
accumulated depreciation. This cost includes the purchase price and
all directly attributable costs for the asset to be in working
condition. Maintenance and repair costs, other than dry dock costs
discussed above, are expensed as incurred. The vessels are considered
to have useful lives of 24 years from the date on which they were
built. The depreciation amount is calculated net from the scrap value
(19% of the acquisition cost) and is recorded by the straight-line
method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets.
The river barges are considered to have useful lives of 35 years from
the date on which they were built. The depreciation amount is
calculated net from the scrap value (19% of the acquisition cost) of
the barge convoy.
The furniture is considered to have useful lives of 10 years and the
software 3 years. The depreciation amount is recorded by the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related
assets.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS
No. 144,"Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived
Assets", whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected
future undiscounted cash flows is less that the carrying amount of the
asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value
and carrying value of the asset. There was no impairment in 2002.
j) Investment in affiliates
This account includes the Company's 50% interest in UABL Limited
("UABL"), net of the deferred gain explained in note 3.a), and 50%
interest in UABL Terminals as discussed in Note 3. These investments
are accounted for by the equity method.
k) Other assets
This account includes notes-issuance expenses net of amortization
costs and is being amortized over the note's term (10 years).
l) Other payables
This account mainly includes salaries, social security payables, taxes
payables and advances from customers.
m) Revenue recognition
Revenues are recognized daily as earned from freight and hire charters
over the period of the respective agreements.
n) Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance
with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements
and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimated.
o) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include highly-liquid, temporary cash
investments with original maturities of three months or less when
purchased.
p) Fair value of financial instruments
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
N(degree) 107 "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments",
the fair value of the Company's assets and liabilities considered to
be financial instruments have been valued at the discounted amount of
future cash flows at market interest rates current available to the
Company for credits/loans with similar terms.
The book value and estimated fair values of the Company's financial
instruments are as follows:
Book value Fair value
---------------------- -----------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
---------------------- ----------- -----------
Assets:
Windsor Financial Services Inc. note receivable (Note 11) 2,134 3,509 2,134 3,288
Liabilities (Note 6.e):
Notes 138,544 138,544 111,544 162,840
Allfirst Bank (principal plus accrued interest) 8,700 10,024 8,700 10,024
Allfirst Bank (principal plus accrued interest) 2,000 2,000 2,000 2,000
Allfirst Bank (principal plus accrued interest) 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000
Allfirst Bank (principal plus accrued interest) 250 1,250 250 1,250
Nedship Bank (principal plus accrued interest) 6,019 7,021 6,019 7,021
SII 1,348 5,606 1,348 5,856
Credit Agricole Indosuez (principal plus accrued interest) 11,133 - 11,133 -
The fair value of the Company's other financial instruments, including
its cash and cash equivalents, approximates carrying value because of
the short maturity of those instruments.
q) Comprehensive income:
According to SFAS No. 130, the Company is required to disclose
separately the changes in shareholders' equity, other than net income
(loss) and transactions with shareholders, defined as other
comprehensive income. The Company has no items of other comprehensive
income to report. The comprehensive income only includes the net
income (loss) for the year.
3. NEW OPERATIONS AND ORGANIZATION OF NEW SUBSIDIARIES
a) UABL Limited joint venture
On October 18, 2000 UP River Holdings Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary
of the company, signed an agreement with ACBL Hidrovias Ltd. (ACBLH),
a subsidiary of American Commercial Lines LLC ("ACL") to form a new
company, UABL Ltd. ("UABL"), which company shall serve commodity
shippers in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The
transaction consummated pursuant to the agreement, which closed on
October 24, 2000, included, among other things, the contribution of
the stock of UP River and its subsidiaries equipment which included
many of the Company's barges and tugboats, and cash contributions of
1,712. Additionally, certain time charter contracts involving some
vessels not contributed by the Company's subsidiaries were ceded to
UABL.
The book value of the contributions made by the Company and the ones
made by ACL's subsidiaries differed by 12,202. This amount represents
a deferred gain and was recorded by the Company as an offset against
the investment in affiliates account. The amount is being amortized
over 120 months, which represents the remaining average useful life of
the barges and tugboats contributed by the Company. As of December 31,
2002 and 2001 the unamortized deferred gain totalled 9,550 and 10,774,
respectively.
UABL shall not be obligated or become liable for any obligation or
liability, known or unknown, fixed, contingent or otherwise of ACBLH
or ACBLH S.A. (at present called UABL SA) a company contributed by
ACBLH or arising prior to October 24, 2000 in connection with any
ACBLH vessel, or any vessel chartered to UABL pursuant to an ACBLH
charter in connection with or arising out of or resulting from events
occurring prior to that date, without limitation, any liability
arising in connection with any ACBLH environmental liabilities, ACBLH
legal violations, ACBLH litigation, ACBLH employee claims, ACBLH loan
agreements or other indebtedness, any tax, or any other liabilities,
obligations, or exception to any representation or warranty. UABL
shall not assume and ACBLH shall fully indemnify UABL against such
liabilities.
During 2000, the tax authority served a notice to ACBLH S.A. (at
present called UABL SA) with the purpose of verifying the latter's
compliance with the transfer pricing regulations for transactions with
related companies for the period prior to the formation of UABL, i.e.
during 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, among other things.
In light of the above UABL SA amended its income tax returns for the
above-mentioned years charging a loss of 3,292 to the consolidated
statement of operation of UABL (consisting of a tax loss of 2,270,
interest expense for 1,487 and a gain on the sale of government bonds
of 465). In compliance with the contract provision described above,
ACBLH compensated UABL in the amount of 3,119 causing a net decrease
of 173, in the shareholders net worth.
In addition, pursuant to the mentioned consolidation agreement, all
claims, severance benefits, costs, and other expenses, social security
taxes, charges and contributions and other costs incurred by ACBLH
S.A. (at present called UABL SA) or UP River, or subsidiary of UP
River, in connection with an employee employed by UABL and
subsequently terminated by UABL shall be paid by UABL to, or on behalf
of ACBLH or UP, as the case may be provided, that the maximum amount
that UABL shall be required to pay to or behalf of the parent
companies in respect of any of the mentioned costs, in the aggregate,
shall be 1,800. ACBLH and UP agreed to fully indemnify UABL against
such liabilities over the mentioned amount.
During 2002 UP River and ACBLH, the shareholders of UABL, decided to
spin-off UABL'S equity interest in OTS S.A. and Puertos del Sur S.A.
to UABL Terminals which is owned by UP River Terminals and ACBLH.
Accordingly, since the transaction was between entities under common
ownership, the transaction was accounted for at historical cost and no
gain or loss was recognized.
b) UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd. and its subsidiaries
On April 18, 2002 the Company entered into agreements with AIG/GE
Capital Latin Infrastructure Fund LP, a Bermuda Limited Partnership,
("LAIF") relating to the creation of two new companies in which both
Ultrapetrol and LAIF will be shareholders.
The first company, "UP Offshore", plans to build/purchase and operate
a fleet of platform supply vessels (PSV), designed to operate in any
area of the world. UP Offshore will have the initial focus of its
activities in Brazil serving both Petroleos Brasileiro S.A.
(Petrobras), the Brazilian state oil company, and other international
oil companies that have recently acquired petroleum and development
leases in Brazil. Ultrapetrol has committed to place up to 12,500 in
equity for approximately a 23% share.
UP Offshore will have a capital of 55,000 depending upon the final
capital contributions of other investors. UP Offshore has obtained
financing with which it will commit to the initial construction of 6
vessels with a firm program of expanding the fleet to 10 ships. In
2002 the Company doesn't make any contribution and has a 27.78%
interest in the venture.
c) Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. and its subsidiaries
The second company, Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd., has the objective of
purchasing second hand modern capsize bulkcarriers to operate in the
international market. Ultracape will have a capital of up to 50,000
depending on the number of vessels to be acquired which will be
complemented by credit from banking sources to allow the acquisition
of vessels. The Company committed to place up to 10,000 in equity in
Ultracape.
In 2002 the Company contributed 4,950 and has a 60% stake in
Ultracape. We will perform the full commercial management for the
vessels.
On April 19, 2002 Ultracape entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to
purchase the vessel Vasco Da Gama (renamed Cape Pampas). On July 1,
2002 we completed our purchase of the Cape Pampas.
Pursuant to the agreement reached on April 18 and ratified on June 24
2002 the Company entered into a contribution and subscription
agreement with LAIF III Ltd. Bermuda and Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. of
Bahamas whereby the Company confirmed its commitment to purchase up to
10,000 and LAIF III Ltd. agreed to purchase up to the lesser of 20,000
or 40% of the shares of Ultracape (Holdings) Ltd. An initial amount to
be contributed was set for both LAIF III Ltd. and the Company at 3,300
and 4,950, respectively.
4. DRY DOCK
The capitalized amounts in dry dock as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as
follows:
Original book value Accumulated amortization Net book value
---------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001 2002 2001
----------- ---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Alianza G3 barge and Alianza
Campana tugboat 3,636 2,462 2,700 2,361 936 101
Alianza G1 vessel 1,648 896 542 - 1,106 896
Princess Veronica vessel 7,484 7,219 6,947 5,318 537 1,901
Princess Pia vessel 5,635 4,207 4,213 3,010 1,422 1,197
Princess Eva vessel 4,410 4,377 3,851 2,970 559 1,407
Princess Fatima vessel - 3,084 - 1,535 - 1,549
Princess Nadia vessel 1,966 1,654 927 148 1,039 1,506
Princess Susana vessel 2,250 2,032 1,186 310 1,064 1,722
Princess Katherine vessel 2,093 2,016 1,220 394 873 1,622
Princess Laura vessel 1,763 1,114 1,220 1,114 543 -
Princess Marisol vessel 2,301 1,672 1,549 711 752 961
Gaucho V/XI barge 232 232 232 228 - 4
Matador XXXI/LX-LXII barge 353 353 353 309 - 44
Cavalier II tugboat 112 112 112 103 - 9
Princess Sofia 26 - - - 26 -
---------- ---------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
Total 33,909 31,430 25,052 18,511 8,857 12,919
====== ===== ====== ===== ===== ======
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET
In June, 2000, the Company completed the purchase of the Princess
Katherine, a Suezmax tanker, and the Princess Marina, an Aframax tanker, by
Majestic and Kattegat, respectively, two wholly owned subsidiaries. The
total amount of the acquisitions, totaling 36,379, were financed partially
by two mortgage loans with Allfirst Bank and Nedship Bank.
As of December 31, 2002 this debt totaled 14,719 (including the current
portion of 2,219) and is due in the following years succeeding December 31,
2002: 2,219 in 2003, 2,200 in 2004 through 2006 and 5,900 in 2007. As of
December 31, 2002 the net book value of these assets was 30,243 (including
dry dock costs). On July, 2002, the Company purchased the Cape Pampas, a
second hand capsize bulk carrier through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Braddock. The amount of the acquisition was financed by a mortgage loan
agreement with Credit Agricole Indosuez.
As of December 31, 2002 this debt totaled 11,133 (including the current
portion of 1,848) and is due in the following years succeeding December 31,
2002: 1,848 in 2003, 2,574 for each of the years 2004 and 2005, and 4,137
for the year 2006. As of December 31, 2002 the net book value of this asset
was 16,128.
On August 26, 2002, the Company entered into a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) through which it committed to sell its vessel Princess Fatima, to an
unrelated company for 1,867, net of associated expenses. On September 19,
2002 the Company delivered the Princess Fatima pursuant to the MOA and
received the purchase price. The Company recognized a loss of 1,575 in the
statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2002 for this
disposal.
The proceeds from the sale of the Princess Fatima Vessel were deposited in
a restricted cash account and can only be used to buy another vessel to
guarantee the Notes. Subsequently, the Princess Sofia was bought with part
of these proceeds and the remainder of the proceeds are included in
restricted cash as of December 31, 2002.
The capitalized cost of all vessels and the related accumulated
depreciation as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:
2002 2001
---------------------------------------------------------
Original Accumulated Net book Net book
book value depreciation value value
---------------------------------------------------------
Princess Veronica vessel (1) 8,190 5,817 2,373 2,993
Princess Pia vessel (1) 10,238 6,402 3,836 4,718
Princess Eva vessel (1) 10,758 7,008 3,750 4,729
Princess Fatima vessel - - - 2,623
Princess Laura vessel (1) 13,761 7,225 6,536 7,619
Princess Marisol vessel (1) 15,585 8,690 6,895 8,724
Princess Nadia vessel (1) 31,226 9,420 21,806 23,848
Princess Susana vessel (1) 26,666 8,249 18,417 20,253
Gaucho I to IV barges and Cavalier I tugboat 3,650 2,915 735 735
Alianza G-1 vessel (1) 3,510 461 3,049 3,374
Alianza G-3 barge (1) 11,712 9,296 2,416 2,877
Alianza Campana (1) 2,997 2,521 476 590
Alianza G-2 barge (1) 4,930 1,156 3,774 4,041
Alianza Rosario tugboat (1) 2,040 981 1,059 1,345
Gaucho V to XI barges and Cavalier II tugboat (2) 5,020 1,859 3,161 3,597
Matador I to XXX and LXI barges and Cavalier III tug (3) 7,033 1,809 5,224 5,689
Matador XXXI to LX and LXII barges (3) 6,089 1,527 4,562 4,966
Mercurio tugboat 75 33 42 54
Jupiter tugboat 129 57 72 93
Marte tugboat 99 43 56 71
Princess Katherine vessel 21,038 4,061 16,977 18,610
Princess Marina vessel 15,487 3,094 12,393 13,673
Cape Pampas 16,683 555 16,128 -
Princess Sofia 1,000 - 1,000 -
Furniture and fixtures tugboat 101 41 60 67
-------------------------. ------------- ----------------
Total 2002 218,017 83,220 134,797
======== ======= ========
Total 2001 206,073 70,784 135,289
======== ======= ========
(1) Collateral vessel to the Notes (see note 6.a).
(2) Out of such amount 2,715 guarantees the Notes (see note 6.a).
(3) Out of such amount 6,511 guarantees the Notes (see note 6.a).
As of December 31, 2002 the net book value of the assets pledged as a
guarantee to the Notes was 91,571 (including dry dock costs of 7,958).
6. LONG-TERM DEBT AND OTHER FINANCIAL DEBT
a) 10.5% First Preferred Ship Mortgage Notes due 2008
On March 30, 1998, the Company successfully completed its offering of
135,000 in principal amount of its 10.5% First Preferred Ship Mortgage
Notes due in full in 2008. In accordance with the terms provided in
such Offering, the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a
joint and several basis by certain subsidiaries of the Company, and
are secured by first ship mortgages on vessels already owned by the
guarantors and on additional vessels that the Company purchased with
the proceeds obtained from the Offering.
The Company is required to meet certain restrictions and enforce such
restrictions on its subsidiaries guarantying the Notes ("restricted
subsidiaries"), during the life of the Notes under the contract:
- Limitation on indebtedness, unless the consolidated debt service
coverage ratio exceeds 2.0 to 1.0, and certain conditions
included in the indenture are met.
- Limitation on indebtedness and preferred stock of restricted
subsidiaries, except for certain clauses specified in the
indenture.
- Limitation on the restricted payment of any dividends or any
other distribution of any sort in respect of the Company's or any
of its restricted subsidiaries' capital stock, if at the time of
the distribution the Company has incurred any event of default,
unless certain clauses stated in the indenture are met.
- Limitation on restrictions on distributions by restricted
subsidiaries, on the ability of any restricted subsidiary to pay
dividends or make any other distributions of capital stock to the
Company or to any of its restricted subsidiaries, unless certain
clauses specified in the indenture are met.
- Limitation on asset sales, provided certain conditions stated in
the indenture are met.
- Limitation to engage in lines of business other than the shipping
business.
- Limitation on affiliate transactions unless the terms on which
the Notes were issued are complied with.
- Limitation on encumbrances of any nature whatsoever on any of the
Company's properties.
- Limitation on sale or leaseback transactions with any Company
property, unless certain conditions required in the indenture are
met.
- Limitation on merger and consolidation of all or substantially
all its assets, provided certain conditions stated in the
indenture are met.
- Limitation on the occurrence of any of the events defined in the
indenture as a change of control of the Company's common stock.
As of December 31, 2002 the Company has not incurred any event of
default in its compliance with any of the obligations defined in the
indenture pursuant to which the Notes were issued.
Although Ultrapetrol Bahamas Limited, parent company, subscribed the
Notes issue, the principal amount and related expense will be paid
through funds obtained from the operations of the Company's
subsidiaries.
b) Loan with the Credit Agricole Indosuez of up to 27,000
On June 27, 2002 Braddock and Invermay, as joint and several borrowers
(the "Borrowers") entered into a loan agreement with: (i) Credit
Agricole Indosuez ("the Lender"), (ii) Credit Agricole Indosuez ("the
Agent") as agent for and on behalf of the Lenders, itself and the
Security Trustee (together the "Creditor Parties") and (iii) Credit
Agricole Indosuez (the named "Security Trustee") for and on behalf of
the Creditor Parties pursuant to which the Lenders available a loan
(the "Loan") of up to 27,000 for the purpose of financing part of the
acquisition cost of up to 2 second hand capesize bulk carriers.
On July 1, 2002, Braddock received the first tranche of the loan for a
total amount of 11,032 in respect of the purchase price of the vessel
"Vasco da Gama", that was renamed "Cape Pampas".
The loan is payable in 14 consecutive equal quarterly installments
commencing 9 months after delivery down to a balloon amount which is
repayable on the final fourteenth repayment date falling due 4 years
from drawdown. This loan accrues interest at LIBOR plus a margin of
1.5% per year, payable quarterly.
c) Loan with the International Finance Corporation of up to 18,400
On November 15, 2002, UP Offshore (Panama) SA entered into a loan
agreement with International Finance Corporation ("IFC") pursuant to
which IFC will make available a loan in the aggregate principal amount
of up to 18,400, consisting of two loans: one of up to 13,100 and the
other of up to 5,300 for the purpose of financing the building of two
new platform supply vessels ("SPV") ("the Project").
The first loan is payable in 15 equal semiannually installments from
June 2005 through June 2012. This loan accrues interest at LIBOR plus
a margin of 2.75 % per year, payable semiannually.
The second loan is payable in 13 equal semiannually installments from
June 2005 through June 2011. This loan shall accrue interest at LIBOR
plus a margin of 2.50 % per year, payable semiannually.
UP Offshore (Panama) SA obligations under the loan are secured by:
- a first priority Panamanian naval mortgage over the Project SPV
in favor of IFC to secure payment of amounts due to IFC;
- a corporate guarantee issued by UP Offshore (Bahamas) LTD. to
guarantee repayment of the loan and all amounts due by the
borrower to IFC;
- a corporate guarantee issued by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
borrower that owns a Project PSV in favor of IFC to secure the
obligations of the borrower;
- an account pledge creating security interest in the "earnings
account" and the "debt service reserve account" for the benefit
of IFC; and
- a pledge of all shares of the borrower owned and to be owned by
UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd. during the life of the loan.
UP Offshore (Panama) SA has agreed no to pay dividend or make any
distribution on its capital stock, incur expenditures for fixed or
other noncurrent assets, except those included in the building of the
SPV, sell, transfer, lease or somehow dispose of all or a substantial
part of its assets, change the nature or scope of the project or
change the nature of its business. Also UP Offshore (Panama) SA has
agreed to maintain after Project completion occurs a long-term debt to
equity ratio of no more than 2 and a debt service coverage ratio of at
least 1.2 and to keep the fair market value of the SPV and of any
additional security at 125% of the aggregate outstanding amount of the
respective tranches. As of December 31, 2002 no disbursements have
been made.
d) Loan with the International Finance Corporation of up to 41,600
On December 3, 2002, UP Offshore Apoio Maritimo Ltda. entered into a
loan agreement with IFC pursuant to which IFC will make available a
loan in the aggregate principal amount of up to 41,600, consisting of
two loans: one of up to 11,600 and the other of up to 30,000 for the
purpose of financing the building of four new platform supply vessels
("SPV") ("the Project").
The first loan of 11,600 is divided into five tranches each, the first
one to the fourth one are in the amount of 2,595 and the fifth tranche
is in the amount of 1,220. The loan is payable in 100 monthly
installments from January 2005 through April 2013, commencing on
January 15, 2005 with an amount of 26, increasing to 35 on July 15,
2005, to 83 on January 15, 2006 and to 130 on July 15, 2006; the final
installment is due on April 15, 2013 in the amount of 129. This loan
shall accrue interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.75% per year,
payable semiannually.
The second loan of 30,000 is divided into five tranches each, the
first one to the fourth one are in the amount of 6,710 and the fifth
tranche is in the amount of 3,160. The loan is payable in 88 monthly
installments from January 2005 through April 2012, commencing on
January 15, 2005 with an amount of 76, increasing to 158 on July 15,
2005, to 247 on January 15, 2006 and to 388 on July 15, 2006; the
final installment is due on April 15, 2012 in the amount of 333. This
loan shall accrue interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 4.50% per year,
payable semiannually.
UP Offshore Apoio Maritimo Ltd.' obligations under the loan are
secured by:
- a first-ranking preferred Brazilian naval mortgage over the
relevant SPV for the benefit of IFC;
- a corporate guarantee issued by UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd. to
guarantee payment of all amounts due to IFC in respect of the
loan;
- an account pledge creating security interest in the "earnings
account" for the benefit of IFC; and
- a pledge of all quotas of the borrower owned and to be owned by
UP Offshore (Bahamas) Ltd. during the life of the loan.
UP Offshore Apoio Maritimo Ltd. has agreed not to pay dividends or
make any distribution on its capital stock, incur expenditures for
fixed or other noncurrent assets, except those included in the
building of the SPV, sell, transfer, lease or somehow dispose of all
or a substantial part of its assets, change the nature or scope of the
project or change the nature of its business.
Also UP Offshore Apoio Maritimo Ltd. has agreed to maintain after
project completion occurs a long-term debt to equity ratio of no more
than 1.8 and a debt service coverage ratio of al least 1.2 and to keep
the fair market value of the SPV and of any additional security at
125% of the aggregate outstanding amount of the respective tranches.
As of December 31, 2002 no disbursements have been made.
e) Balances of financial payables as of December 31, 2002 and 2001
are as follows:
Nominal value
------------------------
Financial institution / Agreement Current Noncurrent Accrued Total Average rate
other year expenses
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 2001 12,170 149,700 3,575 165,445
====== ======= ====== ========
Ultrapetrol Bahamas Private Investors
("Notes") 1998 - 135,000 3,544 138,544 10.5%
Ultrapetrol Bahamas S.I.I. 2000 1,200 - 148 1,348 10.5%
Majestic Allfirst Bank 2001 2,000 - - 2,000 Libor + 1.5%
Kattegat Nedship Bank 2000 1,000 5,000 19 6,019 Libor +
1.25%
Majestic Allfirst Bank 2002 1,200 7,500 - 8,700 Libor +
1.75%
Stanmore Allfirst Bank 2002 1,000 - - 1,000 Libor + 2%
Parkwood Allfirst Bank 2002 250 - - 250 Libor + 2%
Braddock Credit Agricole Indosuez 2002 1,747 9,285 101 11,133 Libor + 1.5%
--------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Total 2002 8,397 156,785 3,812 168,994
===== ======= ===== =======
As of December 31, 2002 financial debt listed above, excluding the
Notes, totaled 33,994 (including the current portion of 12,209) and is
due in the following years succeeding December 31, 2002: 12,209 in
2003, 4,774 in 2004 and 2005, 6,337 in 2006 and 5,900 in 2007.
7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and contingencies
arising in the ordinary course of business. When such amounts can be
estimated and are probable, management accrues the corresponding liability.
While the ultimate outcome of lawsuits or other proceedings against the
Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management does not believe the
costs of such actions will have a material effect on the Company's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.
8. INCOME TAXES
Certain entities are exempt from United States of America ("U.S.")
corporate income tax on U.S. source income from their international
shipping operations if (i) their countries of incorporation exempt shipping
operations of U.S. persons from income tax (the "Incorporation Test") and
(ii) they meet the "Ultimate Owner Test". A Company meets the Ultimate
Owner Test if more than 50% of the value of its stock is ultimately owned
by individuals who are tax residents of a foreign country that exempts U.S.
persons from tax on shipping earnings. Princely and Ultracape are involved
in international shipping operations which meet the Incorporation Test
because they are incorporated in Panama and Bahamas, respectively which
provide the required exemption to U.S. persons involved in shipping
operations, and the Company believes that more than 50% of the value of
theirs outstanding shares are owned by individuals who are residents of
Argentina and Chile which provide the required exemption to U.S. persons
involved in shipping operations. The issue of residence is, however,
inherently factual and cannot be determined with any certainty. Parfina and
Oceanpar are subject to U.S. income tax on their U.S. source income, if
any. During 2002, 2001 and 2000, Parfina's and Oceanpar's income was
derived outside the U.S.
Based on the foregoing, the Company expects all of its income to remain
exempt from U.S. income taxes. Also, as the earnings from shipping
operations are derived from sources outside of Panama, such earnings are
not subject to Panamanian taxes.
Two of the Company's subsidiaries, Parfina and Oceanpar, are subject to
Paraguayan corporate income taxes. However, Parfina and Oceanpar obtained
an exemption which includes ninety-five percent of their taxable income
earned from their fuel and dry-cargo shipping operations. This exemption
does not apply on taxable income from year-2000 onwards in the case of
Parfina, and from 2003 onwards in the case of Oceanpar. In addition,
another subsidiary is subject to Chilean corporate income taxes and
Ultrapetrol Argentina is subject to Argentine corporate income taxes.
In Argentina, the tax on minimum presumed income ("TOMPI"), supplements
income tax since it applies a minimum tax on the potential income from
certain income generating-assets at a 1% tax rate. The Company's tax
obligation in any given year will be the higher of these two tax amounts.
However, if in any given tax year tax on minimum presumed income exceeds
income tax, such excess may be computed as payment on account of any excess
of income tax over TOMPI that may arise in any of the ten following years.
Ultrapetrol Bahamas accounts for income taxes under the liability method in
accordance with SFAS N(degree) 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes".
Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for
temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax
basis of the Company's assets and liabilities at each year end. Deferred
tax assets are recognized for all temporary items and an offsetting
valuation allowance is recorded to the extent that it is not more likely
than not that the asset will be realized.
The provision for income taxes (which includes TOMPI) is comprised of:
For the years ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------------ ------------------ -----------------
Current expense 150 390 47
Deferred - - 237
------- ------- -------
150 390 284
==== ==== ====
Reconciliation of tax provision to taxes calculated based on the
statutory tax rates is as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------------ ------------------- ------------------
Pre-tax (loss) income (13,571) 2,805 (5,783)
Sources not subject to income tax (tax exempt income) 6,475 3,405 3,514
Permanent differences (nondeductible expenses) - - (245)
----------- --------- ---------
(7,096) 6,210 (2,514)
Argentine statutory tax rate 35% 35% 35%
---------- --------- ---------
Tax (benefit) provision (2,484) 2,174 (880)
(Decrease) increase in valuation allowance (368) (2,174) 927
Offsetting valuation reserve arising from prior year
tax credits - - 237
Effects of foreign exchange changes related to
Argentine subsidiary 2,887 - -
Tax on minimum presumed income (T.O.M.P.I.) 115 390 -
----------- --------- ---------
Income tax provision 150 390 284
==== ==== ====
As of December 31, 2002 Ultrapetrol Argentina had accumulated net operating
loss carryforwards ("NOLs") totaling 986 that expires in 2004. The use of
the NOLs will depend upon future taxable income in Ultrapetrol Argentina in
Argentina. As of December 31, 2002, Ultrapetrol Argentina had a credit
related to TOMPI of 425 which expires 72 in 2008, 74 in 2009, 93 in 2010,
82 in 2011 and 104 in 2012.
As of December 31,
--------------------------------------
2002 2001
--------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets
NOLs 345 810
TOMPI credit 425 630
Other, net 120 1,607
---------- ----------
Total deferred assets 890 3,047
---------- ----------
Deferred tax liabilities
Property and equipment 369 372
Dry dock 488 1,117
Other, net - 1,157
---------- ----------
Total deferred liabilities 857 2,646
---------- ----------
Valuation allowance (33) (401)
---------- ----------
Net deferred tax assets - -
========== ==========
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the balances of due from affiliates and
certain prepayments made to related vendors such as Ravenscroft Shipping
Inc., were as follows:
As of December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2002 2001
-------------------- --------------------
- Ravenscroft Shipping Inc. 5,112 4,698
- UABL and its subsidiaries 8,134 13,592
------ -------
Due from affiliates 13,246 18,290
======= =======
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001 the balance of due to affiliates was as
follows:
As of December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2002 2001
-------------------- --------------------
- UABL and its subsidiaries 80 7,686
- Oceanmarine 86 580
- Ravenscroft Shipping Inc. 88 -
- ACBL 14 -
------- -------
Due to affiliates 268 8,266
====== =======
For the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, the revenues
derived from related parties were as follows:
For the years ended
December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------------- ------------------- ------------------
- IPI (1) - - 5,416
- Interpetrol S.A. (1) - - 1,231
- Trafigura (1) - - 5,512
- UABL and its subsidiaries 192 2,715 -
----------- ----------- -----------
Freight revenues 192 2,715 12,159
----------- ----------- -----------
- Trafigura (1) - - 3,104
- UABL and its subsidiaries 9,780 10,698 1,105
----------- ----------- -----------
Hire revenues 9,780 10,698 4,209
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues from related parties 9,972 13,413 16,368
====== ====== ======
(1) Since October 12, 2000, a non-related party.
The Company through certain of its subsidiaries has contracted with
Oceanmarine, a related party, for certain administrative services. This
agreement stipulates a fee of 8.7 per month and per vessel. Pursuant to the
individual ship management agreement between Ravenscroft Ship Management
Ltd., a Bahamas Corporation ("Ravenscroft Bahamas"), and the Company's
relevant vessel-owning subsidiaries, Ravenscroft Bahamas has agreed to
provide certain ship management services for all of the Company's vessels.
Ravenscroft Bahamas has subcontracted the provision of these services to
Ravenscroft Shipping Inc., a Miami-based related party of the Company. This
agreement stipulates a fee of 12.5 per month and per vessel. Under these
contracts, these related parties are to provide all that is necessary for
such companies to operate, including but not limited to crewing, insurance,
accounting and other required services. Additionally, commissions and
agency fees are paid to those related parties.
For each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, management
fees paid and/or accrued to related parties for such services amounted to
3,176, 3,250 and 3,780 respectively.
Additionally, during December 2002 the Company paid in advance some
administrative fees for the year 2003 of about 426. As of December 31,
2002, such amount was recorded in Prepaid expenses.
Compensation paid to directors totaled 1,135, 1,100 and 831 during the
years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000.
Under agreements by the Company and ACBL Hidrovias Limited (Bermuda),
wholly owned subsidiary of ACL, both companies lease certain vessels not
contributed to UABL, to be operated together with the UABL fleet.
Additionally, Lonehort S.A., a shipping agent wholly owned by UABL, bills
ship management fees for the administration of the mentioned vessels. For
the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, ship management fees paid
to and accrued for Lonehort S.A. for such services amounted to 6,599, 7,346
and 490, respectively.
The Company sold Venecia, a wholly owned subsidiary, to a related party,
Windsor Financial Services Inc., at its book value with a remaining
receivable balance of 2,134.
As of December 31, 2002 the Company had a loan of 1,241 to UABL that was
recorded in Due from affiliates. During the year ended December 31, 2002
the Company outsourced freight from UABL for 835. Besides the expense
recovery from UABL totaled 543 and the administrative services fees to UABL
totaled 348 during the year ended December 31, 2002.
Pursuant to an agency agreement with Ultrapetrol S.A., I. Shipping Service
Argentina has agreed to perform the duties of port agent for the Company in
Argentina. For each of the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the
amounts paid and/or accrued for such services amounted to 235, 432 and 294
respectively.
10. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
a) Major customers
As of December 31, 2002 revenues from four customers of the Company
represented 29,631, 13,242, 9,972 and 5,943, respectively, of the
Company's consolidated revenues.
As of December 31, 2001 revenues from four customers of the Company
represented 25,053, 15,301, 13,894 and 11,343, respectively, of the
Company's consolidated revenues.
As of December 31, 2000 revenues from three customers of the Company
represented 16,368, 16,350 and 23,112, respectively, of the
Company's consolidated revenues.
b) Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of
cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investment, accounts
receivable, due from affiliates and other receivables.
The financial institutions are located in Argentina, France and the
United States and the Company's cash management policy is designed
to limit exposure to any one institution. As of December 31, 2002
the Company's investment in HSBC was 698. Also the Company has
restricted cash in Credit Agricole Indosuez for 637 and in All First
Bank for 1,025.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable
are limited due to the large number of entities comprising the
Company's customer base and their credit rating. As of December 31,
2002 the Company's accounts receivables from five customers totaled
11,257 (including UABL and its subsidiaries for 6,893).
As of December 31, 2002 the Company's receivables from Windsor
Financial Service Inc. amounted to 2,134. The Company does not
require collateral for this or other receivables.
11. OTHER RECEIVABLES
The breakdown of other receivables is the following:
2002 2001
----------------- ----------------
Current
Insurance claims recoverable 3,964 2,752
Tax recoverables 613 957
Windsor Financial Services Inc. note receivable 2,134 2,624
Other 105 -
--------- ---------
6,816 6,333
========= =========
Noncurrent
Insurance claims recoverable 3,654 3,346
Windsor Financial Services Inc. note receivable, net of current portion - 885
--------- ---------
3,654 4,231
========= =========
12. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company's operations include only one business segment. For such
reason, as of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, no additional business
segment information is disclosed.
Ultrapetrol's vessels and river barges operate on a worldwide basis and
are not restricted to specific locations. Accordingly, it is not
possible to allocate the assets of these operations to specific
countries. In addition, the Company does not manage its operating profit
on a geographic basis.
Segment information, for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000,
is as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
--------------- ---------------- ----------------
Revenues (1)
- Argentina 27,493 53,595 51,198
- Paraguay 10,864 13,741 7,271
- Brazil 9,668 9,269 4,702
- South and Central America/Others 11,518 10,872 3,173
- Africa 2,844 14,410 19,617
- Asia - 2,014 11,058
- Europe 10,737 7,307 7,372
-------------- --------------- ---------------
73,124 111,208 104,391
======== ========= =========
(1) Classified by port of charge
13. SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Interest and income taxes paid for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001
and 2000 are as follows:
For the years ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
------------------ --------------------------------------
Interest paid 15,641 13,408 15,450
Income taxes paid 108 - 242
14. CLAIMS AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANIES
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the "Other receivables" account
includes 7,618 and 6,098, respectively, related to claims against
insurance companies. Claims for 1,597 have been made by the Company
against the insurance companies regarding the repair expenses incurred
to date for damage to some vessels in 2002. The "Other net income"
account for the year ended December 31, 2002, includes 1,760 related to
claims for loss of income (business interruption) corresponding to the
Alianza G-3, Princess Marisol, Princess Katherine and Princess Pia.
The "Other net income" account for the year ended December 31, 2001
includes 1,145 related to claims for loss of income (business
interruption) corresponding to the Alianza Campana and Princess
Veronica.
15. TREASURY STOCK
On October 12, 2000 the Company through a wholly owned subsidiary,
Avemar Holdings (Bahamas) Limited ("Avemar"), purchased 537,144 shares
of the Company previously owned by Societe Internationale
D'Investissement S.A. (Bahamas) ("SII"). The nominal purchase price of
said shares was 20,000, 8,000 of which was paid as of December 31, 2000
and the balance of which is payable 6,400 in 2001, 4,400 in 2002 and
1,200 in 2003. As of December 31, 2002 and 2001 the balance of 1,348 and
5,606 was disclosed in the "Other financial debt" account.
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the Company recorded 20,332 in the
"Treasury stock" account, 20,000 of which relates to the amount payable
to SII and 332 relates to direct cost of acquisition.
16. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF UABL
As described in Note 3, the Company owns 50% of UABL Limited, which is
accounted for by the equity method.
Summarized financial information of UABL Limited is presented below. This
information is prepared in accordance with the Company's accounting
policies set out in Note 2. This summarized financial disclosure should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements.
a) Summarized balance sheets
December 31,
----------------------------------
2002 2001
----------------- ----------------
Current assets 6,888 26,960
Noncurrent assets 83,340 81,692
------------ ------------
Total assets 90,228 108,652
============ =============
Current liabilities 20,927 33,664
Noncurrent liabilities 8,205 8,464
---------- -----------
Total liabilities 29,132 42,128
Shareholders' equity 61,096 66,524
---------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 90,228 108,652
========== ===========
b) Summarized statements of operations
Year ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000 (1)
----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Revenues 47,060 56,581 6,580
Operating expenses (48,712) (60,113) (9,998)
---------- ---------- ----------
Operating loss (1,652) (3,532) (3,418)
Other income (expense), net (1,013) 148 (86)
---------- ---------- ----------
Loss before tax on minimum presumed
income and income tax (2,665) (3,384) (3,504)
Tax on minimum presumed income (200) (725) (95)
Income taxes 402 - -
Settlement for tax contingency - (3,292) -
-------- -------- --------
Net loss (2,463) (7,401) (3,599)
======== ======== =========
(1) For the period October 24 (Inception date) through December 31, 2000 17.
17. SUPPLEMENTAL GUARANTOR INFORMATION
As described in Note 6, the Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed
by certain subsidiaries of the Company.
The subsidiaries which offered their assets in collateral of the above -
mentioned indebtedness are: Ultrapetrol Argentina, Parfina, Imperial,
Cavalier, Regal, Baldwin, Tipton, Kingsway, Plate Princess, Panpetrol,
Oceanview, Kingly, Sovereign, Monarch, Noble and Oceanpar ("Guarantor
Subsidiaries").
In addition, a restricted subsidiary is a nonguarantor subsidiary which
owns a qualified substitute vessel. In the terms of the indenture, the term
qualified substitute vessel is only used in connection with the tender of
replacement vessel upon the sale or loss of a mortgaged vessel, it has to
be registered under the laws of a jurisdiction acceptable to institutional
lenders and has an apprised value at least equal to the vessel for which it
is being substituted.
Supplemental condensed combining financial information for the Guarantor
Subsidiaries is presented below. This information is prepared in accordance
with the Company's accounting policies set out in Note 2. This supplemental
financial disclosure should be read in conjunction with the consolidated
financial statements.
Certain eliminations were made to conform the financial information to the
financial statement presentation of Ultrapetrol Bahamas and its
subsidiaries. The principal elimination entries relate to the financial
current account balances among the Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and
the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and to the balances originated in bareboat
charter transactions between the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.
Investments in the subsidiaries are accounted for by their parent company
under the equity method of accounting only for the purpose of the
supplemental combining presentation. Under the equity method, the value and
earnings of subsidiaries' undertakings are reflected in the parent
company's noncurrent assets and Other income/expenses accounts. Separate
full financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not included
herein because the Company has determined that such financial statements do
not provide any additional or relevant information to the investors.
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollar)
Combined Combined
Guarantors that on-Guarantors Total
are joint and Consolidating consolidated
Parent several N adjustments amounts
--------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets
Due from affiliates 113,066 11,624 - (111,444) 13,246
Other current assets 2,042 15,389 16,331 (7,755) 26,007
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total current assets 115,108 27,013 16,331 (119,199) 39,253
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Noncurrent assets
Property and equipment, net - 88,808 45,989 - 134,797
Investment in affiliates 60,152 - 6,591 (44,275) 22,468
Other noncurrent assets 3,075 11,431 2,522 - 17,028
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total noncurrent assets 63,227 100,239 55,102 (44,275) 174,293
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total assets 178,335 127,252 71,433 (163,474) 213,546
=========== ========== ============ =========== ==========
Current liabilities
Due to affiliates 1 111,912 7,844 (119,489) 268
Other financial debt 4,891 - 7,318 - 12,209
Other current liabilities 101 3,618 1,754 290 5,763
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total current liabilities 4,993 115,530 16,916 (119,199) 18,240
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt 135,000 - - - 135,000
Other financial debt, net of
current portion - - 21,785 - 21,785
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total noncurrent liabilities 135,000 - 21,785 - 156,785
----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
Total liabilities 139,993 115,530 38,701 (119,199) 175,025
Minority interests - - - 3,432 3,432
Shareholders' equity 38,342 11,722 32,732 (47,707) 35,089
------------ ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total liabilities, minority
interests and shareholders'
equity 178,335 127,252 71,433 (163,474) 213,546
=========== ========== ==== ======= =========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2001
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollar)
Combined
guarantors that Combined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------------- ------------
Current assets
Due from affiliates 119,354 7,747 - (108,811) 18,290
Other current assets 6,368 18,079 4,076 145 28,668
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total current assets 125,722 25,826 4,076 (108,666) 46,958
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Noncurrent assets
Property and equipment, net - 102,514 32,775 - 135,289
Investment in affiliates 54,301 - 1,500 (33,290) 22,511
Other noncurrent assets 3,661 13,668 3,489 - 20,818
----------- ---------- ------------ ----------- ----------
Total noncurrent assets 57,962 116,182 37,764 (33,290) 178,618
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total assets 183,684 142,008 41,840 (141,956) 225,576
======= ====== ======= ======= =======
Current liabilities
Due to affiliates - 112,039 4,899 (108,672) 8,266
Other financial debt 9,144 - 6,601 - 15,745
Other current liabilities - 3,300 721 6 4,027
------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total current liabilities 9,144 115,339 12,221 (108,666) 28,038
------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Noncurrent liabilities
Long-term debt 135,000 - - - 135,000
Other financial debt, net of
current portion - - 14,700 - 14,700
------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total noncurrent liabilities 135,000 - 14,700 - 149,700
------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities 144,144 115,339 26,921 (108,666) 177,738
Minority interests - - - - -
Shareholders' equity 39,540 26,669 14,919 (33,290) 47,838
------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total liabilities, minority
interests and shareholders'
equity 183,684 142,008 41,840 (141,956) 225,576
========== ========== =========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollar)
Combined
guarantors that Combined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ----------------- ---------------
Freight revenues - 24,196 1,781 (1,234) 24,743
Hire revenues - 32,178 20,982 (4,779) 48,381
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues - 56,374 22,763 (6,013) 73,124
Operating expenses (1,355) (58,682) (18,115) 6,241 (71,911)
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating (loss) profit (1,355) (2,308) 4,648 228 1,213
Other income/(expenses), net (947) (12,575) (1,034) (228) (14,784)
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Loss) income before income tax
and minority interests (2,302) (14,883) 3,614 - (13,571)
Income taxes - (122) (28) - (150)
Minority interests - - - (132) (132)
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net (loss) income (2,302) (15,005) 3,586 (132) (13,853)
======== ========= ========= ========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollar)
Combined
guarantors that Combined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ----------------- ---------------
Freight revenues - 65,723 7,944 - 73,667
Hire revenues - 25,129 12,412 - 37,541
--------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues - 90,852 20,356 - 111,208
Operating expenses (1,662) (76,979) (13,076) - (91,717)
-------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating (loss) profit (1,662) 13,873 7,280 - 19,491
Other income/(expenses), net (4,138) (13,138) 990 (400) (16,686)
----------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income before income tax and
minority interests (5,800) 735 8,270 (400) 2,805
Income taxes (60) (335) 5 - (390)
Minority interests - - - - -
----------- --------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (5,860) 400 8,275 (400) 2,415
=========== ========= ========== ========== ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollar)
Combined
guarantors that Combined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------------ ---------------
Freight revenues - 89,064 9,948 (1,435) 97,577
Hire revenues - 6,815 1,274 (1,275) 6,814
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
Total revenues - 95,879 11,222 (2,710) 104,391
Operating expenses - (90,549) (7,571) 1,605 (96,515)
---------- ---------- --------- --------- ----------
Operating profit - 5,330 3,651 (1,105) 7,876
Other income/(expenses), net (2,030) (10,482) (2,252) 1,105 (13,659)
----------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Loss before income tax and
minority interests (2,030) (5,152) 1,399 - (5,783)
Income taxes - (250) (34) - (284)
Minority interests - - - - -
----------- ---------- --------- ---------- ----------
Net loss (2,030) (5,402) 1,365 - (6,067)
=========== ========== ========= ========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002
Combined
guarantors that Combined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------------ ---------------
Net (loss) income (2,302) (15,005) 3,586 (132) (13,853)
Adjustments to reconcile net
(loss) income to net cash
provided by operating activities: 11,325 21,869 (4,946) - 28,248
---------- ---------- ----------- ------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 9,023 6,864 (1,360) (132) 14,395
Net cash used in investing - (21,428)
activities (4,950) (6,179) (10,299)
Net cash provided by in financing
activities (4,314) - 10,199 - 5,885
------------ ----------- ----------- ------- -----------
Net increase (decrease) in cash
and cash equivalents (241) 685 (1,460) (132) (1,148)
=========== =========== =========== ====== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL CONDENSED COMBINING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollar)
Combined
guarantors that Combiined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ------------------ ---------------
Net income (5,860) 400 8,275 (400) 2,415
Adjustments to reconcile net
income to net cash provided by
operating activities: 8,036 9,606 4,221 536 22,399
---------- ---------- ---------- ------- ----------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 2,176 10,006 12,496 136 24,814
Net cash (used in) investing - (14,133)
activities - (10,216) (3,917)
Net cash used in financing
activities (2,039) (2,752) (4,243) - (9,034)
----------- ----------- ---------- ------- ----------
Net (decrease) increase in cash
and cash equivalents 137 (2,962) 4,336 136 1,647
=========== =========== ========== ======= ==========
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2000
Combined
guarantors that Combined Total
are join and Non- Consolidating consolidated
Parent several Guarantors adjustments amounts
--------------- ------------------ --------------- ----------------------------------
Net loss (2,030) (5,402) 1,365 - (6,067)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss
to net cash provided by
operating activities: - (2,239) 17,599 - 15,360
---------- ---------- -------- ------- ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by
operating activities (2,030) (7,641) 18,964 - 9,293
Net cash used in investing
activities - (9,248) (59,784) - (69,032)
Net cash provided by financing
activities 38,204 17,654 5,376 - 61,234
---------- ---------- -------- ------- ---------
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 36,174 765 (35,444) - 1,495
========== ========== ======== ======= =========
18. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On February, 2003, Ursa Shipping Ltd. ("Ursa") brought suit in the United
States District Court for the District of New Jersey against M/T Princess
Susana and Noble Shipping Ltd. (a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company)
seeking damages arising out of the delay in delivery of a cargo of Kirkuk
crude oil to the Valero terminal in Paulsboro, New Jersey. Also in February
2003, Valero Marketing and Supply Co. ("Valero") commenced an action
against Noble Shipping Ltd. The Valero and Ursa complaints seek damages in
excess of 9 million.
In connection with the above complaints, the vessel was arrested.
Security was posted by the vessel owners' protection and indemnity
insurers in the amount of 11.2 million and the vessel was released from
arrest (insurance coverage is in place).
Both the Ursa and the Valero complaints have been answered, defenses
have been raised, and a counterclaim has been raised in the Ursa action
seeking, inter alia, unpaid freight and demurrage.
Discovery is presently underway and the parties have exchanged
documents. It is too early in the course of the litigations to form an
opinion as to their ultimate outcome.
The Company's management and its legal counsel believe this claim is
covered by insurance. The insurer is actively participating in its
defense and has not asserted any objections or defenses to the claim. We
would expect any damages arising from this action (less our policy
deductible) to be covered by the proceeds of such insurance.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors of
UABL LIMITED:
We have audited the consolidated balance sheet of UABL LIMITED and
its subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2002, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year
then ended. These statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audit. The financial statements of UABL LIMITED and
its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and for the year ended December 31,
2001 and for the period of October 24 (Inception date) to December 31, 2000,
were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations as a foreign
associated firm of the Securities and Exchange Commission Practice Section of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and whose reported
dated March 26, 2002, expressed an unqualified opinion on those statements.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of UABL
LIMITED and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2002, and the consolidated
results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
February 28, 2003
PISTRELLI, DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS S.R.L.
Member of Ernst and Young Global
MARIANA FILAS
Partner
The following is a copy of the audit report previously issued by PISTRELLI,
DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS (member of Andersen) in connection with UABL LIMITED's
December 31, 2001 and 2000 financial statements. This audit report has not
been reissued by PISTRELLI, DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS in connection with this filing on
Form 20-F.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of
UABL LIMITED:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of UABL
LIMITED and its subsidiaries, a company incorporated under Bahamas legislation
(the Company), as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated
statements of income (loss), changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows
for the year ended December 31, 2001 and for the period of October 24
(Inception date) to December 31, 2000. These statements are the responsibility
of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing generally
accepted standards in the United States of America. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of UABL LIMITED as of
December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for the year ended December 31, 2001 and for the period of October 24
(Inception date) to December 31, 2000, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles in the United States.
Buenos Aires, Argentina PISTRELLI, DIAZ Y ASOCIADOS
March 26, 2002 Member of Andersen
MARIANA FILAS
Partner
UABL LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
December 31,
-----------------------------------
2002 2001
----------------- -----------------
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents 321 106
Investments 86 -
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of 265 and 312 in
2002 and 2001, respectively 2,386 3,691
Due from affiliates 353 17,295
Inventories 1,052 1,465
Prepaid expenses 645 1,772
Other receivables 1,450 2,631
Deferred tax asset 595 -
---------- ----------
Total current assets 6,888 26,960
---------- ----------
NONCURRENT ASSETS
Other receivables 96 -
Investments 100 -
Due from affiliates 2,229 -
Investment in affiliates - 3,809
Property and equipment, net 80,915 77,883
---------- ----------
Total noncurrent assets 83,340 81,692
---------- ----------
Total assets 90,228 108,652
====== ======
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,781 3,040
Due to affiliates 15,496 28,449
Other payables 928 809
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations 2,722 1,366
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 20,927 33,664
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES
Long-term debt, less current portion 6,678 8,464
Capital lease obligations, less current portion 1,527 -
---------- ----------
Total noncurrent liabilities 8,205 8,464
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 29,132 42,128
---------- ----------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, 10,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 10 10
Additional paid-in capital 74,549 77,514
Accumulated deficit (13,463) (11,000)
---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity 61,096 66,524
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 90,228 108,652
====== ======
See accompanying notes.
UABL LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
AND FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 24 (INCEPTION DATE) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2000
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year / period ended December 31,
-------------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
(365 days) (365 days) (69 days)
-------------------------------------------------------
REVENUE
Revenues 31,440 35,933 3,993
Revenues from related parties 895 4,027 640
Management fee from related parties 13,784 15,055 1,947
Other revenues 941 1,566 -
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenue 47,060 56,581 6,580
--------- --------- ---------
OPERATING EXPENSES (1)
Port expenses (3,902) (5,671) (1,260)
Boat costs (13,163) (18,968) (3,347)
Barge costs (4,257) (4,597) (1,116)
Charter hire from related parties (19,755) (22,399) (2,944)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (4,070) (3,259) (688)
Administrative expenses (3,565) (5,219) (643)
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating expenses (48,712) (60,113) (9,998)
--------- --------- ---------
Operating loss (1,652) (3,532) (3,418)
--------- --------- ---------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES), net
Investment in affiliates (99) (83) (86)
Interest expense (997) (282) -
Foreign exchange gains 83 513 -
--------- --------- ---------
Total other income (expenses), net (1,013) 148 (86)
--------- --------- ---------
Loss before tax on minimum presumed income and income tax for
the year (2,665) (3,384) (3,504)
Tax on minimum presumed income for the year (200) (725) (95)
Income taxes 402 - -
Settlement of tax contingency - (3,292) -
--------- --------- ---------
Net loss (2,463) (7,401) (3,599)
========= ========= =========
(1) In addition to charter hires from related parties, operating expenses included 1,206 and 3,226 in 2002 and 2001,
respectively, related to charges from related parties.
See accompanying notes.
UABL LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
AND FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 24 (INCEPTION DATE) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2000
(stated in thousands of US dollars)
Additional
Common paid-in Accumulated
Balance stock capital deficit Total
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 24, 2000 10 74,395 - 74,405
Net loss for the period (69 days) - - (3,599) (3,599)
---- ---------- ---------- ----------
December 31, 2000 10 74,395 (3,599) 70,806
Additional paid-in capital - 3,119 3,119
Net loss for the year - - (7,401) (7,401)
--- --------- --------- ---------
December 31, 2001 10 77,514 (11,000) 66,524
Spin off approved by the shareholders'
on August 15, 2002 - (2,965) - (2,965)
Net loss for the year - - (2,463) (2,463)
---- --------- --------- ---------
December 31, 2002 10 74,549 (13,463) 61,096
==== ========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes.
UABL LIMITED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001
AND FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 24 (INCEPTION DATE) THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2000
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
Year ended December 31,
--------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
(365 days) (365 days) (69 days)
-------------- -----------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net loss (2,463) (7,401) (3,599)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in)
operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment 4,070 3,259 688
Loss from investment in affiliates 99 83 86
Income from sales of property and equipment - (2) -
Changes in assets and liabilities, net:
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Accounts receivable 1,305 2,029 (3,150)
Due from affiliates 16,871 (16,811) (484)
Inventories 413 96 (1,561)
Prepaid expenses 1,127 (1,157) (615)
Other receivables 1,235 1,260 2,349
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,259) (4,055) 4,365
Due to affiliates (12,498) 27,436 1,013
Other payables 119 (530) (95)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 9,019 4,207 (1,003)
------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from property and equipment 597 53
Loans granted to related parties (2,158) - -
Investment in certificate of deposit (186) 607 (607)
Purchases of property and equipment (7,699) (17,145) -
Investment in affiliate - (2,461) -
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities (9,446) (18,946) (607)
------------- ------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 5,594 10,100 -
Repayment of long-term debt (4,497) (270) -
Repayment of loans due to related parties (455) - -
Capital contribution - 3,119 -
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 642 12,949 -
------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 215 (1,790) (1,610)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 106 1,896 3,506
------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 321 106 1,896
============= =========== =============
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid 715 57 1
Income taxes paid 100 569 82
See accompanying notes.
UABL LIMITED
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(stated in thousands of U.S. dollars)
1. CORPORATE ORGANIZATION AND NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Organization
ACBL Hidrovias Ltd. ("ACBLH"), a subsidiary of American Commercial Lines
LLC ("ACL"), and UP River (Holdings) Ltd. ("UP River"), a Bahamian
corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited
("Ultrapetrol"), individually and through their subsidiaries, owned certain
vessels, land-based assets, permits and contracts of affreightment, which
they used to operate a river transportation business on the Parana,
Paraguay and Uruguay Rivers in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay and
Uruguay.
The respective Boards of Directors of ACBLH and UP (collectively, the
"Parties") decided to combine the businesses of ACBLH and UP into a new
business entity, UABL Limited ("the Company" or "UABL Limited"), and for
that purpose executed a Consolidation Agreement ("the Consolidation
Agreement") on October 18, 2000 (the "Closing Date"). As a result of the
business combination, the Company was organized and registered as a
Bahamian corporation on October 18, 2000. The Company has an authorized
capital stock of 10,000 shares, with a par value of $1 per share and is
owned equally by UP and ACBLH and its affiliates. These contributions were
recorded at the historical cost basis of the related entities or assets.
On the Closing Date and in accordance with the Consolidation Agreement,
UABL S.A. ("UABL SA"; formerly ACBL Hidrovias S.A.), under Argentinean
legislation and UP River, under Bahamian legislation, were contributed to
the Company by ACBLH and UP River, respectively. Additionally, the parties
contributed equipment, cash and certain time charter contracts involving
certain vessels to the Company on the Closing Date.
Lonehort S.A. ("Lonehort") a ship management company serving the boats,
barges and other marine equipment of the Company was created in October
2000. UABL Limited is its sole shareholder (100% interest).
As of December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 the consolidated financial
statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries
described as follows:
Company Origin 2002 2001 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- -------------------- ----------
- Thurston Shipping Inc. ("Thurston") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- UABL International S.A. ("UABL International") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- UABL S.A. Argentinian 100% 100% 100%
- Sernova S.A. ("Sernova") Argentinian 100% 100% 100%
- UABL Paraguay S.A. ("UABL Paraguay") Paraguayan 100% 100% 100%
- Riverpar S.A. ("Riverpar") Paraguayan 100% 100% -
- Yataiti S.A. ("Yataiti") Paraguayan 100% 100% -
- ACBL del Paraguay S.A. ("ACBL del Paraguay") Paraguayan 100% 100% -
- Lonehort S.A. ("Lonehort") Panamanian 100% 100% 100%
- UABL Barges (Panama) Inc. ("UABL Barges") Panamanian 100% - -
Recent developments
Argentina
Approximately 17% of the Company's revenues are generated from its
Argentine subsidiaries which also hold approximately 44% of the
consolidated assets of the Company. Argentina has undergone major economic,
political and social changes in the last several years, including
significant economic changes in December 2001 and throughout 2002. Most
importantly, in January 2002 the government eliminated the prior
convertibility law which had been in place since 1991 through which the
Argentine peso was traded at one peso per U.S. dollar. Beginning in
February 2002 the government established a single market for all foreign
exchange transactions at a single free-floating exchange rate. Subsequent
to this change the Argentine peso devalued significantly and as of December
31, 2002 the peso was trading on one peso per 3.32 U.S. dollars.
In addition to the above changes the government also converted all debts
denominated in U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies in the financial
system to pesos at the exchange rate of one peso per US$1.00. There were
also various other banking and foreign payment restrictions which were
substantially lifted in 2002.
The majority of the Argentine subsidiary's revenues are denominated and
collected in U.S. dollars. In addition, the Company does not have financial
loans denominated in pesos in Argentina. Accordingly, the above economic
changes in Argentina did not significantly adversely affect the Company.
The most significant impact related to the reduction of the U.S. dollar
equivalent value of the Company's peso denominated operating expenses.
Notwithstanding the above, the Argentine government continues to make
changes in the country which could affect the Company's Argentine
operations.
Paraguay
Approximately 31% of the Company's revenues are generated from its
Paraguayan subsidiaries which also hold approximately 25% of the
consolidated assets of the Company. Paraguay has undergone certain
economic, political and social changes in the last several years, including
an approximate 50% devaluation of the Guaranii (monetary unit in Paraguay)
in 2002.
The majority of the Paraguayan subsidiaries' revenues are denominated and
collected in U.S. dollars. In addition, the Company does not have financial
loans denominated in guarani in Paraguay. Accordingly, the above economic
changes in Paraguay did not significantly adversely affect the Company. The
most significant impact related to the reduction of the U.S. dollar
equivalent value of the Company's guarani denominated operating expenses.
Notwithstanding the above, future economic changes in Paraguay could affect
the Company's subsidiaries and operations in this country.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of presentation and principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
("US GAAP").
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its subsidiaries all of which are wholly-owned.
Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
Certain reclassifications have been made to December 31, 2001 and 2000
amounts to conform with December 31, 2002 presentation.
b) Foreign-currency remeasurement
The Company uses the US dollar as its functional currency. The
majority of the Company's sales are billed and collected in U.S.
dollars and all financing is in U.S. dollars.
All monetary assets and liabilities not denominated in US dollars have
been remeasured into US dollars using the exchange rates in effect at
the balance sheet date. Operations statement amounts have been
translated using the average exchange rate for each month. Gains or
losses resulting from foreign currency measurements are included in
the operations statement for the same year.
c) Investments
As of December 31, 2002, this account includes a certificate of
deposit in Citibank N.A., Paraguay.
d) Other receivables
This account mainly includes claims receivables, tax credits for VAT
and income tax withholdings as of December 31, 2002 and 2001.
e) Inventories
This account includes fuel, lubricants and spare parts, which were
accounted for at the lower of cost or market. The amounts for each
item were as follows:
2002 2001
----------- -----------
Spare parts 696 995
Fuel 356 470
-------- --------
Total 1,052 1,465
======== ========
f) Prepaid expenses
This account includes prepaid insurance, charter expenses and advances
to suppliers.
g) Property and equipment
Property and equipment, which is principally comprised of river
barges, tugboats and river equipment is stated on the basis of cost.
This cost includes the purchase price and all directly attributable
costs for the asset to be in working condition. Maintenance and repair
costs are expensed as incurred.
The barges and tugboats are considered to have useful lives of 35
years from the date on which they were built. The depreciation amount
is calculated net from the scrap value of the barges and tugboats (5%
of the acquisition cost). River equipment is considered to have a
useful life of 15 years. Depreciation for all property and equipment
is recorded by the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the related assets.
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS
No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived
Assets", whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected
future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the
asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value
and carrying value of the asset. There was no impairment in 2002.
h) Investment in affiliates
This account included the Company's 50% interest in Obras Terminales y
Servicios S.A. ("OTS"), and 50% in Puertos del Sur S.A., through UABL
Paraguay.
These investments were accounted for by the equity method.
During the year the Company contributed its equity share of these
companies to UABL Terminals. Refer to Note 4.
i) Accounts payable and accrued expenses
This account mainly includes payables to agents and suppliers.
j) Other payables
This account mainly includes salaries, social security payables, taxes
payable and accruals.
k) Revenue recognition
Barge transportation revenues are recognized daily as earned from
charters over the period of the respective agreements.
l) Use of estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in
accordance with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect reported amounts in the consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could
differ from those estimated.
m) Comprehensive income:
According to SFAS No. 130, the Company is required to disclose
separately the changes in shareholders' equity, other than net
income (loss) and transactions with shareholders, defined as other
comprehensive income. The Company has no items of other
comprehensive income to report. The comprehensive income only
includes the net income (loss) for the year.
n) Fair value of financial instruments:
The fair value of the Company's financial instruments, which include
cash and cash equivalents, investments, accounts receivable and
accounts payable and long and short-term debt, approximates carrying
value.
o) Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents include highly-liquid, temporary cash
investments with original maturities of three months or less when
purchased.
p) Allowance for doubtful accounts
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows:
December 31,
--------------------------------------
2002 2001
------------------ ------------------
Balance at January 1, 312 355
Provision 108 312
Amounts written off (110) (355)
Amounts recovered (45) -
------- ------
Balance at December 31, 265 312
======= ======
Changes in allowance for doubtful accounts for the period October 24,
2000 to December 31, 2000 are as follows:
Balance at October 24, 2000 -
Provision 355
-------
Balance at December 31, 2000 355
=======
3. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
The capitalized cost of property and equipment and the related
accumulated depreciation as of December 31, 2002 and 2001 is as follows:
December 31,
------------------------------
2002 2001
--------------- --------------
Boats and tug boats 7,978 5,185
Barges 77,731 74,994
Improvements in third's parties assets 2,691 -
Vehicles 89 82
Equipment 3,443 3,346
Furniture & fixtures 981 964
Land & operating base 2,730 2,622
Work in progress 126 1,787
Prepayment to suppliers 281 -
---------- ----------
96,050 88,980
Less accumulated depreciation (15,135) (11,097)
---------- ----------
Total 80,915 77,883
========== ==========
4. SPIN-OFF OF EQUITY INVESTMENT
In 2002 the shareholders of UABL Limited decided to spin-off their equity
interest in OTS SA and Puertos del Sur SA to UABL Terminals. UABL Terminals
is owned by the same ultimate shareholders as UABL Limited. Accordingly,
since the transaction was between entities under common ownership, the
transaction was accounted for at historical cost and no gain or loss was
recognized.
5. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
a) Consolidation agreement
According to the provisions of the Consolidation Agreement, UABL
Limited shall not be obligated or become liable for any obligation
or liability, known or unknown, fixed, contingent or otherwise of
UP, UP River or the Subsidiaries of UP and ACBLH, UABL SA, arising
prior to October 24, 2000 in connection with any vessel, or any
vessel chartered to UABL Limited, in connection with or arising out
of or resulting events occurring prior to that date, without
limitation, any liability arising in connection with any
environmental liabilities, legal violations, litigation, employee
claims, loan agreements or other indebtedness, any tax, or any other
liabilities, obligations, or exception to any representation or
warranty. UABL Limited shall not assume, and UP and ACBLH shall
severally indemnify UABL Limited against such liabilities.
In addition, pursuant to the mentioned Consolidation Agreement, all
claims, severance benefits, costs, and other expenses, social
security taxes, charges and contributions and other costs incurred
by UABL SA or UP River, or subsidiary of UP River, in connection
with an employee employed by the Company and subsequently terminated
by the Company shall be paid by the Company to, or on behalf of
ACBLH or UP, as the case may be; provided, that the maximum amount
that the Company shall be required to pay to or on behalf of parent
companies in respect of any of the mentioned costs in the aggregate,
shall be 1,800. ACBLH and UP agreed to fully indemnify the Company
against such liabilities over the mentioned amount.
During 2000 the Argentine tax authority served a notice to UABL SA
with the purpose of verifying the latter's compliance with transfer
pricing regulations for transactions with related companies for the
period prior to the organization of UABL Limited, i.e. during 1996,
1997, 1998 and 1999, among other things.
In light of the above, the Company amended its income tax returns
for the above-mentioned years charging a loss of 3,292 to UABL SA's
income statement (consisting of a tax loss of 2,270, interest
expense for 1,487 and a gain on the sale of government bonds of
465). In compliance with the contract provision described above,
ACBLH compensated UABL Limited in the amount of 3,119 causing a net
decrease of 173, in the shareholders equity.
According to US GAAP, this compensation was accounted for as
additional paid-in capital and was not offset against the loss
generated by the tax liability.
b) Temporary import of goods
As of December 31, 2002, the Company had fixed assets imported
temporarily into Argentina for 4,773.
In accordance with the prevailing tax legislation in Argentina, the
deadline and time limit for paying the applicable import duties
definitively expires three years after goods, including marine
equipment, are brought into the country. The Company obtained an
extension from the Argentinean tax authorities for the assets
imported in 1996, 1997 and 1998, which had expired during 2002. The
Company reexported those assets during January 2003.
c) Leases
The Company leases a boat and sixteen barges under capital leases
until 2006.
Property and equipment includes the following amounts for leases
that have been capitalized at December 31, 2002:
Boat 1,543
Barges 2,518
---------
4,061
Less accumulated depreciation (168)
---------
3,893
=========
The Company recorded depreciation expense in the amount of 168 on
assets recorded under capital leases for the year ended December 31,
2002.
Under the charter agreements entered into by the parties, both UP
and ACBLH lease certain vessels which were not contributed to the
Company through the Consolidation Agreement. These operating leases
expire in 2008.
The Company recorded charter hire expenses to related parties of
19,755, 22,399 and 2,944 for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001
and 2000, respectively.
Future minimum payments under capital leases and noncancelable
operating leases with initial terms of one year or more consisted of
the following as of December 31, 2002:
Operating
Capital leases -
leases Related parties
--------------- -----------------
2003 732 20,068
2004 732 20,068
2005 732 20,068
2006 183 20,068
2007 - 20,068
2008 - 4,947
-------- ----------
Total minimum lease payments 2,379 105,287
==========
Amount representing interest (241)
--------
Present value of net minimum lease payments (including
current portion of 611) 2,138
=======
d) Other
10% of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement.
e) Contingencies
The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and contingencies
arising in the ordinary course of business. When such amounts can be
estimated and are probable, management accrues the corresponding
liability. While the ultimate outcome of lawsuits or other proceedings
against the Company cannot be predicted with certainty, management
does not believe the costs of such actions will have a material effect
on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of
operations
6. INCOME TAXES
As the earnings from shipping operations of UABL International and Thurston
are derived from sources outside of Panama, such earnings are not subject
to Panamanian taxes.
UABL Paraguay, ACBL del Paraguay, Yataiti and Riverpar are subject to
Paraguayan corporate income taxes. UABL SA and Sernova are subject to
Argentine corporate income taxes.
In Argentina the tax on minimum presumed income ("TOMPI") supplements
income tax since it applies a minimum tax on the potential income from
certain income generating-assets at a 1% tax rate. The Company's tax
obligation in any given year will be the higher of these two tax amounts.
However, if in any given tax year tax on minimum presumed income exceeds
income tax, such excess may be computed as payment on account of any excess
of income tax over TOMPI that may arise in any of the ten following years.
The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method in
accordance with SFAS No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes".
Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are established for
temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax
basis of the Company's assets and liabilities at each year end. Deferred
tax assets are recognized for all temporary items and an offsetting
valuation allowance is recorded to the extent that it is not more likely
than not that the asset will be realized.
UABL Limited's pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 2002, 2001
and 2000 was taxed in foreign jurisdictions (Argentina and Paraguay).
The provision (benefit) for income taxes (which includes TOMPI) is
comprised of:
For the year/period ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
--------------- ------------- --------------
Current
Argentina 211 725 95
Paraguay 182 - -
------ ------ -----
Total current 393 725 95
------ ------ -----
Deferred
Argentina (464) - -
Paraguay (131) - -
------ ------ -----
Total deferred (595) - -
------ ------ -----
Total (202) 725 95
====== ====== =====
Reconciliation of the tax (benefit) provision to taxes calculated based on
the statutory tax rates is a follows:
For the year ended/period December 31,
----------------------------------------
2002 2001 2000
----------- ---------- -----------
----------- ---------- -----------
Pre-tax (loss) (2,665) (3,384) (3.504)
Sources not subject to income tax 4,576 3,598 (5,303)
Income derived from permanent differences 200 (1,857) 7
-------- -------- ---------
2,111 (1,643) 8,800
Statutory tax rate 35% 35% 35%
-------- -------- ---------
Tax provision (benefit) 739 (575) (3,080)
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance (2,966) 575 3,080
Exchange loss on net deferred tax assets 1,825 - -
Tax on minimum presumed income 200 725 95
-------- -------- --------
Income tax provision (benefit) (202) 725 95
===== ===== ====
As of December 31, 2002 UABL SA had accumulated net operating loss
carryforwards ("NOLs") totaling 3,543 that expire in 2005. The use of the
NOLs will depend upon future taxable income in UABL SA in Argentina. For
financial reporting purposes, the corresponding deferred tax asset of 1,240
has a valuation allowance of 776 to offset the deferred tax asset related
to this NOL.
As of December 31, 2002, UABL SA had a credit related to TOMPI of 464 which
expires 143 in 2010, 135 in 2011 and 186 in 2012. This tax credit is fully
reserved. In addition, ACBL del Paraguay had NOLs of 1,077 that expire in
2005. These NOLs are fully reserved. UABL Paraguay has NOLs of 507. The use
of these NOLs will depend upon future taxable income in UABL Paraguay. For
financial reporting purposes, the corresponding deferred tax asset of 152
has a valuation allowance of 52 to offset the deferred tax asset related to
this NOL.
2002 2001
---------------- ----------------
Deferred tax assets
NOLs 1,663 3,310
Due to affiliate 116 1,681
TOMPI credit 162 97
Other, net 6 77
-------- --------
Total deferred assets 1,947 5,165
-------- --------
Deferred tax liabilities
Property and equipment 257 264
Other receivables - 593
Account receivable, net - 230
Other, net - 17
-------- --------
Total deferred liabilities 257 1,104
-------- --------
Valuation allowance (1,095) (4,061)
-------- --------
Net deferred assets 595 -
===== =====
7. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001 the balances from related parties were as
follows:
Accounts receivable from related parties
2002 2001
----------------- -----------------
Current:
- Ultrapetrol SA 10 134
- Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd. - 1,087
- Parfina SA 61 14
- Oceanmarine 194 331
- ACBLH (1) 10 9,207
- Oceanpar 18 2
- Princely International Finance Corp. and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries - 6,449
- UABL Terminals Ltd. 60 -
--------- -----------
353 17,224
Loans due from related parties -- OTS S.A. - 71
--------- -----------
353 17,295
====== =====
(1) This entity is a subsidiary of ACL who is a 50% shareholder of the Company. See note 13 related
to significant events at ACL.
2002 2001
----------------- -----------------
Noncurrent:
Loans due from related parties (1)
- OTS SA 173 -
- Puertos del Sur SA 2,056 -
--------- -----------
2,229 -
===== ======
Accounts payable to related parties
- Mansan SA 201 1,518
- Ultrapetrol SA 678 57
- Majestic Maritime Ltd. 185 -
- Princely International Finance Corp. and its wholly-owned
subsidiaries 3,497 9,729
- ACBLH (2) 5,372 13,150
- Oceanpar SA 1,777 -
- Oceanmarine 63 -
- Parfina 555 569
- Louisiana Dock Company LLC 552 355
---------- ----------
12,880 25,378
--------- ----------
Loans due to related parties (1)
- ACBLH (2) 1,375 1,350
- Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd. 1,101 1,721
- Ultrapetrol SA 140 -
---------- ----------
2,616 3,071
---------- ----------
15,496 28,449
====== =====
(1) These loans accrue no interest and have no maturity date.
For the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 and for the period
October, 24 through December 31, 2000, the transactions with related
parties were as follows:
2002 2001 2000
(365 days) (365 days) (69 days)
---------------- --------------- --------------
Revenues from related parties
- Parfina SA 424 1,777 266
- Oceanpar SA 411 1,470 199
- Ultrapetrol SA - 449 30
- ACBLH (2) - - 145
- Oceanmarine 60 331 -
---------- ---------- ---------
Total 895 4,027 640
---------- ---------- ---------
(2) This entity is a subsidiary of ACL who is a 50% shareholder of the Company. See note 13 related to
significant events at ACL.
2002 2001 2000
(365 days) (365 days) (69 days)
---------------- --------------- --------------
Management fee revenue
- ACBLH (1) 7,185 7,709 1,457
- Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd. 912 913 173
- Princely International Finance Corp. and its wholly
owned subsidiaries 5,687 6,433 -
- Ultrapetrol SA - - 317
---------- ---------- ---------
Total 13,784 15,055 1,947
---------- ---------- ---------
Total revenues from related parties 14,679 19,082 2,587
====== ====== =====
Operating expenses
- ACBLH (1) 10,097 11,539 2,089
- Oceanpar SA 1,537 107 329
- Mansan SA 1,205 1,432 224
- Majestic Maritime Ltd. 348 - -
- Ultrapetrol SA 621 154 134
- Parfina SA 543 800 168
- Lousiana Dock Company LLC - 355 -
- Oceanmarine SA 13 318 -
- Princely International France Corp. and its wholly
owned subsidiaries 6,597 10,920 -
---------- ------------ ---------
Total (2) 20,961 (2) 25,625 2,944
====== ======= =====
Cash (paid) from related parties related to loans due to
related parties
- Ultrapetrol SA 140 - -
- Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Ltd. (620) 1,721 -
- ACBLH (1) 25 1,950 -
---------- ---------- ---------
Total (455) 3,671 -
====== ====== =====
Cash paid to related parties related to loans due from
related parties
- OTS SA 102 71 -
- Puertos del Sur SA 2,056 - -
---------- ---------- ---------
Total 2,158 71 -
====== ====== =====
Property, spare parts and equipment acquisitions from related
parties
- Oceanmarine SA 49 - -
- Lousiana Dock Company LLC (1) 721 790 -
---------- ---------- ---------
770 790 -
====== ====== =====
(1) These entities are subsidiaries of ACL who is a 50% shareholder of the Company. See note 13
related to significant events at ACL.
(2) Includes 19,755 and 22,399 as of December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, related to the hire
of certain vessels according to the Charter Party Agreement dated as of October 24, 2000 and
1,206 and 3,226 related to expense recovery and administrative services fees.
Management fee revenue
Management fee relates to compensation for crew, maintenance and
operation of certain vessels related to Ship Management Agreements dated
as of October 24, 2000, between Lonehort S.A., ACBLH and Ultrapetrol
Bahamas Ltd.
These agreements have a period of three years and can be extended at the
option of ACBLH and Ultrapetrol Bahamas Ltd. for an additional three
years and afterwards, an additional two years. The Management fees are
stipulated in the related contracts for each specific vessel.
Charter party agreements
The Company and its subsidiaries entered into Charter Party Agreements
with ACBLH and Ultrapetrol Bahamas Ltd. and its subsidiaries. These
agreements have a period of three years, which is renewable at the
owners' option for all or part of the vessels included in the agreements
for a further three years after which the owner has a further option to
renew for two more years.
Under these agreements the Company and its subsidiaries pay a daily rate
which is specific to stated vessels.
Expenses Recovery and Administrative Service Fees
The Company's shareholders charged the Company certain expenses in 2002
and 2001 related to cost-sharing functions for legal, insurance and
administrative areas. There is no formal written agreement related to
these charges.
8. BUSINESS AND GEOGRAPHIC SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company's operations include only one business segment river
transportation services in South America. For such reason, as of
December 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000, no additional business or geographic
segment information is disclosed.
9. PURCHASE OF BARGES AND PLEDGED ASSETS
In November 2001, ACBL del Paraguay acquired from Transamerica Ltd.
twenty-four dry-cargo barges under a Paraguayan flag with a gross
tonnage of 1,500 tons each. The barges were built in 1998 and 1999.
Together with the barges the Company also acquired a tugboat. The
tugboat has a Paraguayan flag and was built in 1999.
The transaction was closed in the total amount of 11,100 payable as
follows: a down payment of 3,100 and a 8,000 Transamerica Ltd loan
repayable in 60 monthly installments of 161, which include interest at a
7,94% annual rate. As of December 31, 2002 this debt totaled 6,364
(including the current portion of 1,479) and is due in the following
years succeeding December 31, 2002: 1,479 in 2003, 1,601 in 2004, 1,732
in 2005 and 1,552 in 2006.
The transaction was secured with a mortgage in favor of Transamerica
Ltd. covering the full value of the assets acquired. As of December 31,
2002 the net book value of these assets was 10,734.
ACBL del Paraguay and UABL Limited committed, among other things, to
preserve its corporate existence, to respect all the laws and applicable
regulations, to maintain and preserve all its properties, not to enter
into any merger transaction, consolidation of liquidation, not to change
the terms and conditions of vessels management, not to dispose of a
significant part of its assets or business, not to assume any debt,
excluding those related with the ordinary course of business, to be
responsible for the management and operation of vessels and to limit the
distribution of dividends in the event of default.
In December 2001, UABL Paraguay acquired from Citibank N.A. Paraguay
seven dry-cargo barges with Paraguayan flag with a gross tonnage of
1,500 tons each. The barges were built in 1997 and 1998.
The transaction was closed in the total amount of 2,100 payable in 17
semiannual installments. The first installment was paid in December
2002. Interest accrues at LIBOR (London interbank offered rate) plus 275
bp. As of December 31, 2002 the debt totaled 1,976 (including the
current portion of 247) and the maturities for the years subsequent to
December 31, 2002 are 247 in each year for the years 2003 through 2007
and 741 thereafter.
This transaction was secured with a mortgage in favor of Citibank N.A.
Paraguay on the assets acquired and on other barges owned by UABL
Paraguay as a credit enhancement. As of December 31, 2002 the net book
value of these assets is 2,269.
As of December 31, 2002 UABL Limited had additional long term and
short-term debt totaling 64 and 385, respectively.
10. MAJOR CUSTOMERS AND CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
a) Major customers
For the year ended December 31, 2002 revenues from four Company
customers represented 9,807, 7,494, 6,599, and 4,101 of UABL's
consolidated revenues.
For the year ended December 31, 2001 revenues from three Company
customers represented approximately 6,433, 7,709 and 10,304 of UABL's
consolidated revenues.
b) Concentrations of credit risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash,
investment, accounts receivable and other receivables.
The financial institutions are located in Argentina, Paraguay and
the United States and the Company's cash management policy is
designed to limit exposure to any one institution. As of December
31, 2002 the Company's investment in certificates of deposit was
186.
Concentrations of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable
are limited due to the large number of entities comprising the
Company's customer base and their credit rating.
As of December 31, 2002 the Company's receivables from OTS SA and
Puerto del Sur SA amounted to 2,229. The Company does not require
collateral for these receivables.
11. CLAIMS AGAINST INSURANCE COMPANIES
As of December 31, 2002 and 2001, the "Other receivables" account
includes 814 and 1,515 in claims against insurance companies. Claims for
2,172 have been made by UABL Limited against the insurance companies
regarding the repair expenses incurred to date for damage to some boats
in 2002 and 2001. The "Other revenues" account for the year ended
December 31, 2002, includes 500 in compensation received from insurers
in connection with an accident including the Pueblo Esther tugboat
during the year. As December 31, 2002 this amount was fully collected.
In addition, the "Other revenues" account for the year ended December
31, 2001 includes 687 related to claims for loss of income (business
interruption) corresponding to the Alianza Rosario and San Pedro
tugboats.
12. NEW AGREEMENTS SIGNED BY THE COMPANY AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
On December 17, 2002, UABL Barges signed a loan agreement with the
International Financial Corporation (IFC) amounting to 20,000.
This loan is divided into two tranches:
- Tranche A, amounting to 15,000, is payable in 14 semiannual
installments of 1,071 each, beginning on June 15, 2005 and ending on
December 15, 2011. This loan shall accrue interest at LIBOR plus 3.75%
per year.
- Tranche B, amounting to 5,000, is payable in 10 semiannual
installments of 500 each, beginning on June 15, 2005 and ending on
December 15, 2009. This loan shall accrue interest at LIBOR plus 3.50%
per year.
As of December 31, 2002 the Company had not received any funds related to
this loan.
In addition, on February 27, 2003, UABL Barges signed a loan agreement with
Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KFW) amounting to 10,000.
This loan shall be payable in 10 semiannual installments of 1,000 each,
beginning on June 15, 2005 and ending on December 15, 2009. This loan shall
accrue interest at LIBOR plus 3.50% per year.
The funds must be disbursed before May 31, 2005, while the first
disbursements shall be made before March 31, 2003.
These loans are guaranteed by UABL Limited and its subsidiaries and secured
by a mortgage taken on existing on to be acquired barges and tugboats
belonging to UABL Limited and its subsidiaries.
The funds deriving from such loans shall be used as follows: (i) 15,000 to
acquire barges and tugboats by UABL Barges, the Company or any subsidiary
thereof, (ii) 3,000 to grant a loan to the Company or any subsidiary
thereof to acquire or build inland transportation terminals and (iii)
12,000 to grant a loan to the Company to refinance barges, tugboats and
other related assets acquired by the Company or any subsidiary thereof
during 2001 and 2002.
UABL Barges has agreed to keep a debt coverage ratio not lower than 1, and
not to take other loans, change its business nature, pay dividends and
sell, transfer or somehow dispose of a significant portion of its assets,
among others.
In addition, UABL Limited has agreed to keep a debt coverage ratio not
lower than 1.25 until June 15, 2005, not lower than 1.50 from such date
onwards and a consolidated debt ratio lower than 1. It further agreed to
keep the market value of mortgaged assets at 130% of the remaining loan
debt, and not to pay dividends under certain circumstances, change its
business nature, take other loans and sell, transfer or somehow dispose of
a significant portion of its assets, among others.
13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS - SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AT ACL
On January 31, 2003 ACL announced that it had filed a petition with the
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Indiana, New Albany
Division, to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. ACL
said that it filed to reorganize its capital and debt structure in an
orderly fashion while continuing normal business operations. Included in
the filing are ACL, ACL's parent American Commercial Lines Holdings LLC,
American Commercial Barge Line LLC, Jeffboat LLC, Lousiana Dock Company LLC
and ten other U.S. subsidiaries of ACL.
The Company does not believe that this event will affect the financial
needs of the Company or its ability to continue operations. As noted in
Note 7, the Company's primary transaction with ACL and its subsidiaries
include the hire of certain vessels according to the Charter Party
Agreement dated as of October 24, 2000 and the management fee received by
Lonehort S.A. related to the management compensation for crew, maintenance
and operations of such vessels. In addition, in December 2002 the Company
obtained financing from outside sources to finance the acquisition of new
barges and tugboats for 15,000 and the refinancing of 12,000 related to
short term debt due to affiliates at December 31,2002.
ITEM 19 - EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibits DESCRIPTION
Number Description of Exhibits
3.1 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Ultrapetrol
(Bahamas) Limited*
3.2 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Abbey Marine
Inc.*
3.3 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Baldwin
Maritime Inc.*
3.4 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Kingly
Shipping Ltd.*
3.5 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Kingsway
Shipping Inc.*
3.6 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Oceanview
Maritime Inc.*
3.7 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Panpetrol
Shipping S.A.*
3.8 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Plate
Princess Shipping Limited*
3.9 Articles of Incorporation of Princely International
Finance Corp.*
3.10 Articles of Incorporation of Regal International
Investments S.A.*
3.11 By-laws of Regal International Investments S.A.*
3.12 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Sovereign
Maritime Ltd. as amended*
3.13 Articles of Incorporation and By-laws of Tipton
Marine Inc.*
3.14 Articles of Incorporation of Ultrapetrol S.A.*
3.15 By-laws of Ultrapetrol S.A.*
3.16 Memorandum and Articles of Association of Noble
Shipping Ltd.*
4.1 Indenture*
10.1 Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Agreement by and
among Avemar Holdings (Bahamas) Limited, Ultrapetrol
(Bahamas) Limited, Trafigura Beheer B.V., Societe
Internationale D'Investissement S.A., Solimar
Holdings LDC, and Inversiones Los Avellanos S.A.,
dated October 12, 2000**
10.2 Consolidation Agreement, by and between ACBL
Hidrovias, Ltd. and UP River (Holdings) Ltd., dated
October 18, 2000**
10.3 Stock Purchase Agreement by and among Ultrapetrol
(Bahamas) Limited, Inversiones Los Avellanos S.A.,
Societe Internationale D'Investissements S.A., and
Solimar Holdings LDC**
12.1 Statement re Computation of Ratios***
21.1 Subsidiaries of Registrant* [Note: List incorporated
by reference to registration statement will need to
be updated/filed]
[Note: Certifications of CEO and CFO (provided
below) should be filed as Exhibits 99.1-4]
--------------------
* Incorporated by reference to Exhibits of corresponding number in the
Registration Statement of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited filed May 29, 1998
(Reg. No. 333-8878).
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibits of corresponding number as part of
the Form 20-F of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited filed May 1, 2001.
*** Incorporated by reference to Exhibits of corresponding number as part
of the Form 20-F of Ultrapetrol (Bahamas) Limited filed May 1, 2002.
Exhibit 12.1
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED
STATEMENT OF COMPUTATION OF RATIOS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2002 AND 2001 (US$ 000s)
31-Dec-02 31-Dec-01
---------------------- ------------------------
EBITDA
Earnings: (13,853) 2,415
Income (Loss)
Plus
Interest expenses 16,763 17,698
Income tax 150 390
Depreciation 15,968 16,197
Amortization of dry dock expenses 8,839 7,246
---------------------- ------------------------
EBITDA 27,867 43,946
---------------------- ------------------------
---------------------- ------------------------
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense
EBITDA 27,867 43,946
Total interest
Financial expenses 16,763 17,698
Note-issuance expenses amortization 0 0
---------------------- ------------------------
---------------------- ------------------------
Total 16,763 17,698
---------------------- ------------------------
---------------------- ------------------------
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense 1.7 2.5
Ratio of total debt to EBITDA
Total debt
Other financial payable 12,209 15,745
Long-term debt, net of current portion 135,000 135,000
Current portion of shareholders long-term debt 0 0
Other financial payable, net of current portion 21,785 14,700
---------------------- ------------------------
---------------------- ------------------------
168,994 165,445
---------------------- ------------------------
---------------------- ------------------------
EBITDA 27,867 43,946
Ratio of total debt to EBITDA (*) 6.1 3.8
(*) annualized
Ratio of earning to fixed charges
Fixed charges
Financial expenses 16,763 17,698
-----------------------------------------------
Total 16,763 17,698
Earning:
Income (Loss) (13,853) 2,415
Income tax 150 390
-----------------------------------------------
Total 3,060 20,503
-----------------------------------------------
Ratio of earning to fixed charges 0.2 1.2
For purposes of calculating this ratio, "earnings" consist of income before
taxes plus fixed charges, while "fixed charges" consist of interest on all
indebtedness including capital leases and amortization of debt expenses.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant certifies that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused this annual report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on May
31, 2003.
ULTRAPETROL (BAHAMAS) LIMITED
/s/ Felipe Menendez Ross
-----------------------------------------------------
Felipe Menendez Ross
President