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

FORM 20-F
(Mark One)
¨
REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
OR
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018
 
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________________ to _________________
 
OR
¨
SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report _________________
 

Commission file number: 001-34677
 
SCORPIO TANKERS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
 
Republic of the Marshall Islands
(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
9, Boulevard Charles III Monaco 98000
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
Mr. Emanuele Lauro
+377-9798-5716
investor.relations@scorpiotankers.com
9, Boulevard Charles III Monaco 98000
(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile, and address of Company Contact Person)
 
Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to section 12(b) of the Act.
 


Title of each class
 
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange
6.75% Senior Notes due 2020
 
New York Stock Exchange
 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act.
 
NONE
(Title of class)
 
Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.
 
NONE
(Title of class)
 
Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.
 
As of December 31, 2018, there were 51,397,562 outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (such number adjusted for the one-for-ten reverse stock split effected on January 18, 2019).
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
 
Yes
X
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Yes
 
 
No
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
Yes
X
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).
 
Yes
X
 
No
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer  x
 
Accelerated filer  ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer  ¨
 
Emerging growth company  ¨
 
If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting
Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.


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

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

 
Item 17
 
 
Item 18
 
If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
Yes
 
 
No
X
 
 
 
 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 

 

 

 
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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING 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. This document includes assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events. These statements are intended as “forward-looking statements.” We desire to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this cautionary statement in connection therewith. This report and any other written or oral statements made by us or on our behalf may include forward-looking statements, which reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance, and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may and often do vary from actual results and the differences can be material. When used in this document, the words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “seek,” “plan,” “potential,” “continue,” “contemplate,” “possible,” “target,” “project,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “would,” “could” and similar expressions, terms, or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about the business and our future financial results and readers should not place undue reliance on them. The forward-looking statements in this report are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies 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 important factors and matters discussed elsewhere in this report, and in the documents incorporated by reference herein, important factors that, in our view, could cause our actual results and developments to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include:
•
our future operating or financial results;
•
the strength of world economies and currencies;
•
fluctuations in interest rates and foreign exchange rates;
•
general market conditions, including the market for our vessels, fluctuations in spot and charter rates and vessel values;
•
availability of financing and refinancing;
•
our business strategy and other plans and objectives for growth and future operations;
•
our ability to successfully employ our vessels;
•
planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;
•
planned, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending or operating expenses, including drydocking, surveys, upgrades and insurance costs;
•
our ability to realize the expected benefits from acquisitions;
•
potential liability from pending or future litigation;
•
general domestic and international political conditions;
•
potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events;
•
vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hire;
•
competition within our industry;
•
the supply of and demand for vessels comparable to ours;
•
corruption, piracy, militant activities, political instability, terrorism, and ethnic unrest in locations where we may operate;
•
delays and cost overruns in construction projects;
•
our level of indebtedness;
•
our ability to obtain financing and to comply with the restrictive and other covenants in our financing arrangements;
•
our need for cash to meet our debt service obligations;
•
our levels of operating and maintenance costs, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs;
•
our ability to successfully identify, consummate, integrate, and realize the expected benefits from acquisitions, including our acquisition of Navig8 Product Tankers Inc., or NPTI;
•
reputational risks;
•
availability of skilled workers and the related labor costs and related costs;


•
the MarPol convention, Annex VI Prevention of  Air Pollution from Ships which will reduce the maximum amount of sulfur that ships can emit into the air, which will be applicable as of January 1, 2020;
•
the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM), which will be applicable as of September 2019;
•
compliance with governmental, tax, environmental and safety regulation;
•
any non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (FCPA) or other applicable regulations relating to bribery;
•
general economic conditions and conditions in the oil and natural gas industry;
•
effects of new products and new technology in our industry;
•
the failure of counterparties to fully perform their contracts with us;
•
our dependence on key personnel;
•
adequacy of insurance coverage;
•
our ability to obtain indemnities from customers;
•
changes in laws, treaties or regulations applicable to us;
•
the volatility of the price of our common shares and our other securities;
•
other factors that may affect our future results; and
•
these factors and other risk factors described in this annual report and other reports that we furnish or file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.
These factors and the other risk factors described in this report are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Please see our Risk Factors in "Item 3. Key Information - D. Risk Factors" of this annual report for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties.



Table of Contents

PART I
ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE
Not applicable.

1

Table of Contents

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION
Unless the context otherwise requires, when used in this annual report, the terms “Scorpio Tankers,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Scorpio Tankers Inc. and its subsidiaries. “Scorpio Tankers Inc.” refers only to Scorpio Tankers Inc. and not its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to “dollars,” “US dollars” and “$” in this annual report are to the lawful currency of the United States. We use the term deadweight tons, or dwt, expressed in metric tons, each of which is equivalent to 1,000 kilograms, in describing the size of tankers.
As used herein, “SLR2P” refers to the Scorpio LR2 Pool,“SLR1P” refers to the Scorpio LR1 Tanker Pool, “SMRP” refers to the Scorpio MR Pool, and “SHTP” refers to the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool, which are spot market-oriented tanker pools in which certain of our vessels operate.
References in this annual report to common shares are adjusted to reflect the consolidation of common shares through a one-for-ten reverse stock split, which became effective as of January 18, 2019.
A. Selected Financial Data
The following tables set forth our selected consolidated financial data and other operating data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014. The selected data is derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). Our audited consolidated income statement and statement of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016 and our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, together with the notes thereto, are included herein. Our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, and the notes thereto, are not included herein.
Additionally, on January 18, 2019, we effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. Our shareholders approved the reverse stock split and change in authorized common shares at our special meeting of shareholders held on January 15, 2019. Pursuant to this reverse stock split, the total number of authorized common shares was reduced to 150,000,000 shares and the number of common shares outstanding was reduced from 513,975,324 shares to 51,397,470 shares (which reflects adjustments for fractional share settlements). The par value of the common shares was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. All share and per share information contained in this annual report have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

2

Table of Contents

 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars except per share and share data
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Consolidated income statement data
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Revenue
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Vessel revenue
$
585,047

 
$
512,732

 
$
522,747

 
$
755,711

 
$
342,807

Operating expenses
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Vessel operating costs
(280,460
)
 
(231,227
)
 
(187,120
)
 
(174,556
)
 
(78,823
)
Voyage expenses
(5,146
)
 
(7,733
)
 
(1,578
)
 
(4,432
)
 
(7,533
)
Charterhire
(59,632
)
 
(75,750
)
 
(78,862
)
 
(96,865
)
 
(139,168
)
Depreciation
(176,723
)
 
(141,418
)
 
(121,461
)
 
(107,356
)
 
(42,617
)
General and administrative expenses
(52,272
)
 
(47,511
)
 
(54,899
)
 
(65,831
)
 
(48,129
)
Write down of vessels held for sale and net loss on sales of vessels
—

 
(23,345
)
 
(2,078
)
 
(35
)
 
(3,978
)
Write-off of vessel purchase options
—

 
—

 
—

 
(731
)
 
—

Merger transaction related costs
(272
)
 
(36,114
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Bargain purchase gain
—

 
5,417

 
—

 
—

 
—

Gain on sale of VLGCs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Gain on sale of VLCCs
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
51,419

Gain on sale of Dorian shares
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,179

 
10,924

Re-measurement of investment in Dorian
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(13,895
)
Total operating expenses
(574,505
)
 
(557,681
)
 
(445,998
)
 
(448,627
)
 
(271,800
)
Operating income / (loss)
10,542

 
(44,949
)
 
76,749

 
307,084

 
71,007

Other (expense) and income, net
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Financial expenses
(186,628
)
 
(116,240
)
 
$
(104,048
)
 
(89,596
)
 
(20,770
)
Loss on exchange of convertible notes
(17,838
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
—

 
(116
)
 
—

 
55

 
17

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
—

 
—

 
1,371

 
(1,255
)
 
264

Financial income
4,458

 
1,538

 
1,213

 
145

 
203

Share of income from associate
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,473

Other expenses, net
(605
)
 
1,527

 
(188
)
 
1,316

 
(103
)
Total other expense, net
(200,613
)
 
(113,291
)
 
(101,652
)
 
(89,335
)
 
(18,916
)
Net (loss) / income
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
 
$
217,749

 
$
52,091

(Loss) / earnings per common share:(1)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic (loss) / earnings per share
$
(5.46
)
 
$
(7.35
)
 
$
(1.55
)
 
$
13.49

 
$
3.03

Diluted (loss) / earnings per share
$
(5.46
)
 
$
(7.35
)
 
$
(1.55
)
 
$
11.97

 
$
2.95

Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.400

 
$
0.400

 
$
5.000

 
$
4.950

 
$
3.900

Basic weighted average shares outstanding
34,824,311

 
21,533,340

 
16,111,865

 
16,143,644

 
17,185,106

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
34,824,311

 
21,533,340

 
16,111,865

 
19,973,932

 
17,629,280

  

3

Table of Contents

 
As of December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Balance sheet data
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
$
593,652

 
$
186,462

 
$
99,887

 
$
200,970

 
$
116,143

Vessels and drydock
3,997,789

 
4,090,094

 
2,913,254

 
3,087,753

 
1,971,878

Vessels under construction
—

 
55,376

 
137,917

 
132,218

 
404,877

Total assets
4,784,164

 
4,498,376

 
3,230,187

 
3,523,455

 
2,804,643

Current and non-current debt (2)
2,910,315

 
2,767,193

 
1,882,681

 
2,049,989

 
1,571,522

Shareholders’ equity
1,839,012

 
1,685,301

 
1,315,200

 
1,413,885

 
1,162,848

 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flow data
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash inflow/(outflow)
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating activities
$
57,790

 
$
41,801

 
$
178,511

 
$
391,975

 
$
93,916

Investing activities
(52,737
)
 
(159,923
)
 
31,333

 
(703,418
)
 
(1,158,234
)
Financing activities
402,137

 
204,697

 
(310,927
)
 
396,270

 
1,101,616

 
(1)
Basic (loss) / earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net (loss) / income attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted (loss) / earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the net (loss) / income attributable to equity holders of the parent and the weighted average number of common shares used for calculating basic earnings per share for the effects of all potentially dilutive shares. Such potentially dilutive common shares are excluded when the effect would be to increase earnings per share or reduce a loss per share. Moreover, the per share information reflected above has been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the one-for-ten reverse stock split that we effected on January 18, 2019.
(2)
Current and non-current debt as of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014 is shown net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $23.5 million, $36.2 million, $37.4 million, $55.8 million and $47.1 million, respectively.


4

Table of Contents

The following table sets forth our other operating data. This data should be read in conjunction with “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 
2015
 
2014
Average Daily Results
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

TCE per day(1)
 
$
12,782

 
$
13,146

 
$
15,783

 
$
23,163

 
$
15,935

Vessel operating costs per day(2)
 
6,463

 
6,559

 
6,576

 
6,564

 
6,802

LR2/Aframax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TCE per revenue day (1)
 
13,968

 
14,849

 
20,280

 
30,544

 
18,621

Vessel operating costs per day(2)
 
6,631

 
6,705

 
6,734

 
6,865

 
6,789

LR1/Panamax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TCE per revenue day (1)
 
10,775

 
11,409

 
17,277

 
21,804

 
16,857

Vessel operating costs per day(2)(4)
 
6,608

 
7,073

 
—

 
8,440

 
8,332

MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TCE per revenue day (1)
 
12,589

 
12,975

 
14,898

 
21,803

 
15,297

Vessel operating costs per day(2)
 
6,366

 
6,337

 
6,555

 
6,461

 
6,580

Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

TCE per revenue day (1)
 
12,196

 
11,706

 
12,615

 
19,686

 
14,528

Vessel operating costs per day(2)
 
6,295

 
6,716

 
6,404

 
6,473

 
6,704

Fleet data(3)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Average number of owned or finance leased vessels
 
108.9

 
88.0

 
77.7

 
72.7

 
31.6

Average number of time chartered-in vessels
 
6.3

 
10.3

 
12.7

 
16.9

 
26.3

Average number of bareboat chartered-in vessels
 
10.0

 
                            8.2

 
—

 
—

 
—

Drydock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Expenditures for drydock, scrubber and BWTS (in thousands of U.S. dollars)
 
$
26,680

 
$
6,353

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
1,290

 
(1)
Freight rates are commonly measured in the shipping industry in terms of time charter equivalent, or TCE (a non-IFRS measure), per revenue day. Vessels in pools and on time charter do not incur significant voyage expenses; therefore, the revenue for pool vessels and time charter vessels is approximately the same as their TCE revenue. Please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects- Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts” for a discussion of TCE revenue, revenue days and voyage expenses and "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - A. Operating Results" for a reconciliation of TCE revenue to vessel revenue.
(2)
Vessel operating costs per day represent vessel operating costs, as such term is defined in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts,” divided by the number of days the vessel is owned, finance leased or bareboat chartered-in during the period.
(3)
For a definition of items listed under “Fleet Data,” please see the section of this annual report entitled “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
(4)
We did not own, finance lease or bareboat charter-in any LR1/Panamax vessels in 2016.

B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

5

Table of Contents

Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
The following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. Other risks relate principally to the securities market and ownership of our securities. The occurrence of any of the events described in this section could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash available for the payment of dividends on our common shares and interest on our debt securities, or the trading price of our securities.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDUSTRY
The tanker industry is cyclical and volatile, which may adversely affect our earnings and available cash flow.
The tanker industry is both cyclical and volatile in terms of charter rates and profitability. Periodic adjustments to the supply of and demand for oil tankers cause the industry to be cyclical in nature. We expect continued volatility in market rates for our vessels in the foreseeable future with a consequent effect on our short and medium-term liquidity. A worsening of current global economic conditions may cause tanker charter rates to decline and thereby adversely affect our ability to charter or re-charter our vessels or to sell them on the expiration or termination of their charters, and the rates payable in respect of our vessels currently operating in tanker pools, or any renewal or replacement charters that we enter into, may not be sufficient to allow us to operate our vessels profitably. 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 tankers 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:
•
supply and demand for energy resources and oil and petroleum products;
•
regional availability of refining capacity and inventories;
•
global and regional economic and political conditions, including armed conflicts, terrorist activities, embargoes and strikes;
•
currency exchange rates;
•
the distance over which oil and oil products are to be moved by sea;
•
changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns;
•
changes in governmental or maritime self-regulatory organizations’ rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities;
•
environmental and other legal and regulatory developments;
•
weather and natural disasters;
•
developments in international trade, including those relating to the imposition of tariffs;
•
competition from alternative sources of energy; and
•
international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations and wars

6

Table of Contents


The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:
•
supply and demand for energy resources and oil and petroleum products;
•
demand for alternative sources of energy;
•
the number of newbuilding orders and deliveries, including slippage in deliveries;
•
vessel casualties;
•
the number of shipyards and ability of shipyards to deliver vessels;
•
the scrapping rate of older vessels, depending, amongst other things, on scrapping rates and international scrapping regulations;
•
conversion of tankers to other uses;
•
the number of product tankers trading crude or "dirty" oil products (such as fuel oil);
•
the number of vessels that are out of service, namely those that are laid up, drydocked, awaiting repairs
or otherwise not available for hire;
•
environmental concerns and regulations;
•
product imbalances (affecting the level of trading activity);
•
developments in international trade, including refinery additions and closures;
•
port or canal congestion; and
•
speed of vessel operation.

In addition to the prevailing and anticipated freight rates, factors that affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying-up include newbuilding prices, secondhand vessel values in relation to scrap prices, costs of bunkers and other operating costs, costs associated with classification society surveys, normal maintenance costs, insurance coverage costs, the efficiency and age profile of the existing tanker fleet in the market, and government and industry regulation of maritime transportation practices, particularly environmental protection laws and regulations.  These factors influencing the supply of and demand for shipping capacity are outside of our control, and we may not be able to correctly assess the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions.
We anticipate that the future demand for our tankers will be dependent upon economic growth in the world’s economies, seasonal and regional changes in demand, changes in the capacity of the global tanker fleet and the sources and supply of oil and petroleum products to be transported by sea.  Given the number of new tankers currently on order with shipyards, the capacity of the global tanker fleet seems likely to increase and there can be no assurance as to the timing or extent of future economic growth.  Adverse economic, political, social or other developments could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Declines in oil and natural gas prices for an extended period of time, or market expectations of potential decreases in these prices, could negatively affect our future growth in the tanker and offshore sector. Sustained periods of low oil and natural gas prices typically result in reduced exploration and extraction because oil and natural gas companies’ capital expenditure budgets are subject to cash flow from such activities and are therefore sensitive to changes in energy prices. These changes in commodity prices can have a material effect on demand for our services, and periods of low demand can cause excess vessel supply and intensify the competition in the industry, which often results in vessels, particularly older and less technologically-advanced vessels, being idle for long periods of time. We cannot predict the future level of demand for our services or future conditions of the oil and natural gas industry. Any decrease in exploration, development or production expenditures by oil and natural gas companies could reduce our revenues and materially harm our business, results of operations and cash available for distribution.


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We are dependent on spot-oriented pools and spot charters and any decrease in spot charter rates in the future may adversely affect our earnings.
As of March 15, 2019, all of our vessels were employed in either the spot market or in spot market-oriented tanker pools such as the SLR2P, SLR1P, SMRP or SHTP, which we refer to collectively as the Scorpio Pools and which are managed by companies that are members of the Scorpio group of companies, or Scorpio, exposing us to fluctuations in spot market charter rates. The spot charter market may fluctuate significantly based upon tanker and oil supply and demand. The successful operation of our vessels in the competitive spot charter market, including within the Scorpio Pools, depends on, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling unladen to pick up cargo. The spot market is very volatile, and, in the past, there have been periods when spot charter rates have declined below the operating cost of vessels. If spot charter rates decline, then we may be unable to operate our vessels trading in the spot market profitably, meet our obligations, including payments on indebtedness, or pay dividends in the future. Furthermore, as charter rates for spot charters are fixed for a single voyage which may last up to several weeks, during periods in which spot charter rates are rising, we will generally experience delays in realizing the benefits from such increases.
Our ability to renew expiring charters or obtain new charters will depend on the prevailing market conditions at the time. If we are not able to obtain new charters in direct continuation with existing charters or upon taking delivery of a newly acquired vessel, or if new charters are entered into at charter rates substantially below the existing charter rates or on terms otherwise less favorable compared to existing charter terms, our revenues and profitability could be adversely affected.
An over-supply of tanker capacity may lead to a reduction in charter rates, vessel values, and profitability.
The market supply of tankers is affected by a number of factors, such as supply and demand for energy resources, including oil and petroleum products, supply and demand for seaborne transportation of such energy resources, and the current and expected purchase orders for newbuildings. If the capacity of new tankers delivered exceeds the capacity of tankers being scrapped and converted to non-trading tankers, tanker capacity will increase. According to Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd., or Drewry, as of February 1, 2019, the newbuilding order book, which extends to 2022 and beyond, equaled approximately 10.9% of the existing world tanker fleet and the order book may increase further in proportion to the existing fleet. If the supply of tanker capacity increases and if the demand for tanker capacity does not increase correspondingly or declines, charter rates could materially decline. A reduction in charter rates and the value of our vessels may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and available cash.
In addition, product tankers may be "cleaned up" from "dirty/crude" trades and swapped back into the product tanker market which would increase the available product tanker tonnage which may in turn affect the supply and demand balance for product tankers. This could have an adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea, the Gulf of Aden and the Sulu Sea. Sea piracy incidents continue to occur, with drybulk vessels and tankers particularly vulnerable to such attacks. If these piracy attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being characterized by insurers as “war risk” zones or Joint War Committee “war and strikes” listed areas, premiums payable for such coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage may be more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew and security equipment costs, including costs which may be incurred to the extent we employ onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, detention or hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or increases in cost associated with seeking to avoid such events (including increased bunker costs resulting from vessels being rerouted or travelling at increased speeds as recommended by BMP4), or unavailability of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, ability to pay dividends, cash flows and financial condition and may result in loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters.
Changes in fuel, or bunkers, prices may adversely affect our profits.
Fuel, or bunkers, is typically the largest expense in our shipping operations for our vessels and changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. Further, fuel may become much more expensive in the future, including as a result of the imposition of sulfur oxide emissions limits in 2020 under new regulations adopted by the International Maritime Organization, or the IMO, which may adversely affect the competitiveness of our business compared to other forms of transportation and reduce our profitability.

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Tanker rates also fluctuate based on seasonal variations in demand.
Tanker markets are typically stronger in the winter months as a result of increased oil consumption in the northern hemisphere but weaker in the summer months as a result of lower oil consumption in the northern hemisphere and refinery maintenance that is typically conducted in the summer months. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns during the winter months in the northern hemisphere tend to disrupt vessel routing and scheduling. The oil price volatility resulting from these factors has historically led to increased oil trading activities in the winter months. As a result, revenues generated by our vessels have historically been weaker during the quarters ended June 30 and September 30, and stronger in the quarters ended March 31 and December 31.
A shift in consumer demand from oil towards other energy sources or changes to trade patterns for refined oil products may have a material adverse effect on our business.
A significant portion of our earnings are related to the oil industry.  A shift in the consumer demand from oil towards other energy resources such as wind energy, solar energy, or water energy would potentially affect the demand for our product tankers.  This could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Seaborne trading and distribution patterns are primarily influenced by the relative advantage of the various sources of production, locations of consumption, pricing differentials and seasonality. Changes to the trade patterns of refined oil products may have a significant negative or positive impact on the ton-mile and therefore the demand for our product tankers. This could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
An inability to effectively time investments in and divestments of vessels could prevent the implementation of our business strategy and negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Our strategy is to own and operate a fleet large enough to provide global coverage, but no larger than what the demand for our services can support over a longer period by both contracting newbuildings and through acquisitions and disposals in the second-hand market. Our business is greatly influenced by the timing of investments and/or divestments and contracting of newbuildings. If we are unable able to identify the optimal timing of such investments, divestments or contracting of newbuildings in relation to the shipping value cycle due to capital restraints, this could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Volatility in economic conditions throughout the world could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business and profitability are affected by the overall level of demand for our vessels, which in turn is affected by trends in global economic conditions. There has historically been a strong link between the development of the world economy and demand for energy, including oil and gas. In the past, declines in global economic activity significantly reduced the level of demand for our vessels.  The world economy continues to face a number of challenges and an extended period of deterioration in the outlook for the world economy could reduce the overall demand for oil and gas and for our services. Such changes could adversely affect our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
We also face risks attendant to changes in interest rates, along with instability in the banking and securities markets around the world, among other factors. These risks factors may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition and may cause the price of our common shares to decline.
If volatility in LIBOR occurs, it could affect our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
LIBOR has historically been volatile, with the spread between LIBOR and the prime lending rate widening significantly at times. These conditions are the result of the disruptions in the international credit markets. Because the interest rates borne by our outstanding indebtedness fluctuate with changes in LIBOR, if this volatility were to occur, it would affect the amount of interest payable on our debt, which in turn, could have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
Furthermore, interest in most financing agreements in our industry has been based on published LIBOR rates. Recently, however, there is uncertainty relating to the LIBOR calculation process, which may result in the phasing out of LIBOR in the future. As a result, lenders have insisted on provisions that entitle the lenders, in their discretion, to replace published LIBOR as the base for the interest calculation with their cost-of-funds rate. If lenders exercise such a provision in our existing agreements or we to agree to such a provision in future financing agreements, our lending costs could increase significantly, which would have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings and cash flow.

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In addition, the banks currently reporting information used to set LIBOR will likely stop such reporting after 2021, when their commitment to reporting information ends. The Alternative Reference Rate Committee, or "Committee", a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, has proposed an alternative rate to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR: the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or "SOFR." The impact of such a transition away from LIBOR could be significant for us because of our substantial indebtedness. In order to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations, we may from time to time use interest rate derivatives to effectively fix some of our floating rate debt obligations. No assurance can however be given that the use of these derivative instruments, if any, may effectively protect us from adverse interest rate movements. The use of interest rate derivatives may affect our results through mark to market valuation of these derivatives. Also, adverse movements in interest rate derivatives may require us to post cash as collateral, which may impact our free cash position.
If we, including the Scorpio Pools in which all of our vessels operate, cannot meet our customers' quality and compliance requirements we may not be able to operate our vessels profitably which could have an adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Customers, in particular those in the oil industry, have an increasingly high focus on quality and compliance standards with their suppliers across the entire value chain, including the shipping and transportation segment. Our, and the Scorpio Pools' continuous compliance with these standards and quality requirements is vital for our operations. Related risks could materialize in multiple ways, including a sudden and unexpected breach in quality and/or compliance concerning one or more vessels, or a continuous decrease in the quality concerning one or more vessels occurring over time. Moreover, continuous increasing requirements from oil industry constituents can further complicate our ability to meet the standards. Any noncompliance by us, or the Scorpio Pools, either suddenly or over a period of time, on one or more vessels, or an increase in requirements by oil operators above and beyond what we deliver, may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
We are required to make significant investments in ballast water management which may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, and financial position.
The International Convention for the Control and Management of Vessels' Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention, aims to prevent the spread of harmful aquatic organisms from one region to another, by establishing standards and procedures for the management and control of ships' ballast water and sediments. The BWM Convention calls for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits.  The BWM Convention was ratified in September 2016 and entered into force in September 2017. The IMO has imposed updated guidelines for ballast water management systems specifying the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged from a vessel’s ballast water. Depending on the date of the International Oil Pollution Prevention, or IOPP, renewal survey, existing vessels must comply with the updated D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most vessels, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. The cost of such systems, including installation, is expected to be between $1.0 million and $1.5 million per vessel.
54 of the 109 vessels in our owned or finance leased fleet currently have ballast water treatment systems installed. Additionally, in July 2018, we executed an agreement to purchase 55 ballast water treatment systems from an unaffiliated third-party supplier for total consideration of $36.2 million. These systems are expected to be installed over the next five years, as each respective vessel under the agreement is due for its IOPP renewal survey. We cannot be assured that these systems will be approved by the regulatory bodies of every jurisdiction in which we may wish to conduct our business. Accordingly, we may have to make additional investments in these vessels and substantial investments in the remaining vessels in our fleet that do not carry any such equipment. The investment in ballast water treatment systems could have an adverse material impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations depending on the ability to install effective ballast water treatment systems and the extent to which existing vessels must be modified to accommodate such systems.
Furthermore, United States regulations are currently changing. Although the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“VGP”) program and U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”) are currently in effect to regulate ballast discharge, exchange and installation, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018, requires that the U.S. Coast Guard develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations regarding ballast water within two years. The new regulations could require the installation of new equipment, which may cause us to incur substantial costs.
Sulfur regulations to reduce air pollution from ships are likely to require retrofitting of vessels and may cause us to incur significant costs.
In October 2016, the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels, set January 1, 2020 as the implementation date for vessels to comply with its low sulfur fuel oil requirement, which cuts sulfur levels from 3.5% to 0.5%. The interpretation of "fuel oil used on board" includes use in main engine, auxiliary engines and boilers. Shipowners may comply with this regulation by (i) using 0.5% sulfur fuels on board, which is likely to be available around the world by 2020 but likely at a higher cost; (ii) installing scrubbers for cleaning of the exhaust

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gas; or (iii) by retrofitting vessels to be powered by liquefied natural gas, which may not be a viable option for shipowners due to the lack of supply network and high costs involved in this process. Costs of compliance with these regulatory changes may be significant and may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations that can adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and our available cash.
Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations in the form of international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and national and international regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the ownership and operation of our vessels. These requirements include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or OPA, the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, or CERCLA, requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard or the USCG, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, the U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990), or the CAA, the U.S. Clean Water Act, or the CWA and the U.S. Marine Transportation Security Act of 2002, or the MTSA, European Union, or EU, regulations, and regulations of the IMO, including the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as MARPOL including the designation of Emission Control Areas, or ECAs, thereunder, the IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as SOLAS, the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, as from time to time amended, or the LL Convention, the International Convention of Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as CLC, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, or the Bunker Convention, and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, or the ISPS code.
Compliance with such laws and regulations, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. We may also incur additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to air emissions including greenhouse gases, the management of ballast and bilge waters, maintenance and inspection, elimination of tin-based paint, development and implementation of emergency procedures and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents.
Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. Under OPA, for example, owners, operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the discharge of oil within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the United States (unless the spill results solely from, under certain limited circumstances, the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war). An oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties, criminal liability and remediation costs for natural resource damages under other international and U.S. federal, state and local laws, as well as third-party damages, including punitive damages, and could harm our reputation with current or potential charterers of our tankers.
We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other pollution incidents. Although we have arranged insurance to cover certain environmental risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be sufficient to cover all such risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and available cash.
Recent action by the IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and United States agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. This might cause companies to cultivate additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. However, the impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time.

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If we fail to comply with international safety regulations, we may be subject to increased liability, which may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the IMO’s International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or the ISM Code, promulgated by the IMO under SOLAS. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop and maintain 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 safe operation and describing procedures for dealing with emergencies. Failure to comply with the ISM code may subject us to increased liability and may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for our affected vessels and such failure may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
We operate tankers worldwide, and as a result, we are exposed to inherent operational and international risks, which may adversely affect our business and financial condition.
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. Our vessels and their cargoes will be at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather, and other acts of God, business interruptions caused by mechanical failures, grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. Changing economic, regulatory and political conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways, piracy, terrorism, labor strikes and boycotts. These hazards may result in death or injury to persons, loss of revenues or property, payment of ransoms, environmental damage, higher insurance rates, damage to our customer relationships, market disruptions, and interference with shipping routes (such as delay or rerouting), which may reduce our revenue or increase our expenses and also subject us to litigation. In addition, the operation of tankers has unique operational risks associated with the transportation of oil. An oil spill may cause significant environmental damage, and the associated costs could exceed the insurance coverage available to us. Compared to other types of vessels, tankers are exposed to a higher risk of damage and loss by fire, whether ignited by a terrorist attack, collision, or other cause, due to the high flammability and high volume of the oil transported in tankers.
If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility. The costs of drydock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have to pay drydocking costs that our insurance does not cover in full. The loss of revenues while these vessels are being repaired and repositioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, may adversely affect our business and financial condition. In addition, space at drydocking facilities is sometimes limited and not all drydocking facilities are conveniently located. We may be unable to find space at a suitable drydocking facility or our vessels may be forced to travel to a drydocking facility that is not conveniently located to our vessels’ positions. The loss of earnings while these vessels are forced to wait for space or to travel to more distant drydocking facilities may adversely affect our business and financial condition. Further, the total loss of any of our vessels could harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator. If we are unable to adequately maintain or safeguard our vessels, we may be unable to prevent any such damage, costs, or loss which could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and available cash.
Increased inspection procedures could increase costs and disrupt our business.
International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination and trans-shipment points. Inspection procedures can result in the seizure of the cargo and/or our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us. It is possible that changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Furthermore, changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of cargo uneconomical or impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
Political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities can affect the tanker industry, which may adversely affect our business.
We conduct most of our operations outside of the United States, and our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash may be adversely affected by changing economic, political and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels are employed or registered. Moreover, we operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, including the current political instability in the Middle East and the South China Sea region and other geographic countries and areas, geopolitical events such as the withdrawal of the U.K. from the European Union, or "Brexit," terrorist or other attacks, and war (or threatened war) or international hostilities, such as those between the United States and North Korea.
Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues and costs. Additionally, Brexit, or similar events in other jurisdictions, could impact global markets, including foreign exchange and securities markets; any resulting changes in currency exchange rates, tariffs, treaties and other regulatory matters could in turn adversely impact our business and operations.

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

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Our vessels may call on ports located in countries that are subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. or other governments, which could result in fines and penalties imposed on us and may adversely affect our reputation and the market for our securities
Although no vessels owned or operated by us called on ports located in countries subject to countrywide U.S. sanctions during 2018, and we intend to comply with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, our vessels may call on ports in these countries from time to time on charterers’ instructions in the future, and there can be no assurance that we will maintain such compliance, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. The U.S. sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time. With effect from July 1, 2010, the U.S. enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions Accountability and Divestment Act, or CISADA, which expanded the scope of the Iran Sanctions Act. Among other things, CISADA expands the application of the prohibitions to companies, such as ours, and introduces limits on the ability of companies and persons to do business or trade with Iran when such activities relate to the investment, supply or export of refined petroleum or petroleum products. In addition, on May 1, 2012, President Obama signed Executive Order 13608 which prohibits foreign persons from violating or attempting to violate, or causing a violation of any sanctions in effect against Iran or facilitating any deceptive transactions for or on behalf of any person subject to U.S. sanctions. Any persons found to be in violation of Executive Order 13608 will be deemed a foreign sanctions evader, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from all transactions or dealings with such persons, whether direct or indirect. Among other things, foreign sanctions evaders are unable to transact in U.S. dollars.
Also in 2012, President Obama signed into law the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, or the Iran Threat Reduction Act, which created new sanctions and strengthened existing sanctions. Among other things, the Iran Threat Reduction Act intensifies existing sanctions regarding the provision of goods, services, infrastructure or technology to Iran’s petroleum or petrochemical sector. The Iran Threat Reduction Act also includes a provision requiring the President of the United States to impose five or more sanctions from Section 6(a) of the Iran Sanctions Act, as amended, on a person the President determines is a controlling beneficial owner of, or otherwise owns, operates, or controls or insures a vessel that was used to transport crude oil from Iran to another country and (1) if the person is a controlling beneficial owner of the vessel, the person had actual knowledge the vessel was so used or (2) if the person otherwise owns, operates, or controls, or insures the vessel, the person knew or should have known the vessel was so used. Such a person could be subject to a variety of sanctions, including exclusion from U.S. capital markets, exclusion from financial transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and exclusion of that person’s vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years.
On November 24, 2013, the P5+1 (the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China) entered into an interim agreement with Iran entitled the “Joint Plan of Action,” or the JPOA. Under the JPOA it was agreed that, in exchange for Iran taking certain voluntary measures to ensure that its nuclear program is used only for peaceful purposes, the United States and EU would voluntarily suspend certain sanctions for a period of six months. On January 20, 2014, the United States and EU indicated that they would begin implementing the temporary relief measures provided for under the JPOA. These measures included, among other things, the suspension of certain sanctions on the Iranian petrochemicals, precious metals, and automotive industries from January 20, 2014 until July 20, 2014. The JPOA was subsequently extended twice.
On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 and the EU announced that they reached a landmark agreement with Iran titled the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Nuclear Program, or the JCPOA, which was intended to significantly restrict Iran’s ability to develop and produce nuclear weapons for ten years while simultaneously easing sanctions directed toward non-U.S. persons for conduct involving Iran, but that took place outside of U.S. jurisdiction and did not involve U.S. persons. On January 16, 2016, which we refer to as Implementation Day, the United States joined the EU and the UN in lifting a significant number of their nuclear-related sanctions on Iran following an announcement by the International Atomic Energy Agency, or the IAEA, that Iran had satisfied its respective obligations under the JCPOA.
U.S. sanctions prohibiting certain conduct that were permitted under the JCPOA were not actually repealed or permanently terminated. Rather, the U.S. government implemented changes to the sanctions regime by: (1) issuing waivers of certain statutory sanctions provisions; (2) committing to refrain from exercising certain discretionary sanctions authorities; (3) removing certain individuals and entities from OFAC's sanctions lists; and (4) revoking certain Executive Orders and specified sections of Executive Orders. These sanctions were not permanently "lifted."
On October 13, 2017, the U.S. President announced that he would not certify Iran’s compliance with the JCPOA. This did not withdraw the United States from the JCPOA or reinstate any sanctions.
On May 8, 2018, President Trump announced his decision to cease U.S. participation in the JCPOA and to reimpose the U.S. nuclear-related sanctions that were previously lifted, following two wind-down periods. The second wind-down period ended on November 4, 2018.


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Current or future counterparties of ours may be affiliated with persons or entities that are or may be in the future the subject of sanctions imposed by the Trump administration, the EU, and/or other international bodies as a result of the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014. If we determine that such sanctions require us to terminate existing or future contracts to which we or our subsidiaries are party or if we are found to be in violation of such applicable sanctions, our results of operations may be adversely affected or we may suffer reputational harm. Currently, we do not believe that any of our existing counterparties are affiliated with persons or entities that are subject to such sanctions.
Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business, and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. In addition, certain institutional investors may have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities of companies that have contracts with countries identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from, our securities may adversely affect the price at which our securities trade. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company simply because we do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if we engage in certain other activities, such as entering into charters with individuals or entities in countries subject to U.S. sanctions and embargo laws that are not controlled by the governments of those countries, or engaging in operations associated with those countries pursuant to contracts with third parties that are unrelated to those countries or entities controlled by their governments. Investor perception of the value of our securities may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.
The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.
We expect that our vessels will call in ports where smugglers attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessel and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends.
Maritime claimants could arrest or attach our vessels, which would have a negative effect on our cash flows.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, lenders, and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against a vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting or attaching a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our business or require us to pay large sums of money to have the arrest lifted, which would have a negative effect on our cash flows.
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, which may negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and available cash.
A government could requisition one or more of our vessels for title or hire. Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the 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 the 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 business, financial condition, results of operations and available cash.

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Technological innovation could reduce our charterhire income and the value of our vessels.
The charterhire rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes speed, fuel economy and the ability to load and discharge cargo quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter harbors, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. The length of a vessel’s physical life is related to its original design and construction, its maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new tankers are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charterhire payments we receive for our vessels and the resale value of our vessels could significantly decrease. As a result, our available cash could be adversely affected.
If labor interruptions are not resolved in a timely manner, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
We, indirectly through Scorpio Ship Management S.A.M., or SSM, our technical manager, employ masters, officers and crews to man our vessels. If not resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, industrial action or other labor unrest could prevent or hinder our operations from being carried out as we expect and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMPANY
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our investment in exhaust gas cleaning systems, or 'scrubbers'
We expect to retrofit a substantial majority of our vessels with exhaust gas cleaning systems, or scrubbers. The scrubbers will enable our ships to use high sulfur fuel oil, which is less expensive than low sulfur fuel oil, in certain parts of the world. From August 2018 through November 2018, we entered into agreements with two separate suppliers to retrofit a total of 77 of our tankers with such systems, which are expected to be installed throughout 2019 and 2020. We also obtained options to retrofit additional tankers under these agreements. The total estimated investment for these systems, including estimated installation costs is expected to be approximately $2.5 million per vessel.
There is a risk that some or all of the expected benefits of our investment in scrubbers may fail to materialize. The realization of such benefits may be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to the pricing differential between high and low sulfur fuel oil, the availability of low sulfur fuel oil in the ports in which we operate and the impact of changes in the laws and regulations regulating the discharge and disposal of wash water.
Additionally, we are currently in discussions with our lenders to finance a portion of the costs relating to the purchase of scrubbers.
Failure to secure financing, or to realize the anticipated benefits of our investment in scrubbers could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our Merger with NPTI.
In May 2017, we entered into definitive agreements to acquire NPTI, including its fleet of 12 LR1 and 15 LR2 product tankers, which we refer to as the Merger. Part of NPTI’s business was acquired in June 2017 when we acquired four of NPTI’s subsidiaries that owned four LR1 product tankers for a $42.2 million cash payment, and the balance of NPTI’s business was acquired in September 2017 when the Merger closed, for approximately 5.5 million common shares of the Company and the assumption of NPTI’s debt.
There is a risk that some or all of the expected benefits of our recent Merger with NPTI may fail to materialize, or may not occur within the time periods anticipated. The realization of such benefits may be affected by a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to the strength or weakness of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where we do business, the effects of competition in the markets in which we operate, and the impact of changes in the laws and regulations regulating the seaborne transportation or refined petroleum products industries or affecting domestic or foreign operations.
Failure to realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Merger may impact our financial performance, the price of our common shares and our ability to pay dividends on our common shares.

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We cannot assure you that our internal controls and procedures over financial reporting will be sufficient.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the other rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley. Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley requires that we evaluate and determine the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. If we have a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting, we may not detect errors on a timely basis and our financial statements may be materially misstated. We dedicate a significant amount of time and resources to ensure compliance with these regulatory requirements. We will continue to evaluate areas such as corporate governance, corporate control, internal audit, disclosure controls and procedures and financial reporting and accounting systems. We will make changes in any of these and other areas, including our internal control over financial reporting, which we believe are necessary. However, these and other measures we may take may not be sufficient to allow us to satisfy our obligations as a public company on a timely and reliable basis.
We may have difficulty managing our planned growth properly.
We have and may continue to grow by expanding our operations and adding to our fleet. Any future growth will primarily depend upon a number of factors, some of which may not be within our control, including our ability to effectively identify, purchase, finance, develop and integrate any tankers or businesses. Furthermore, the number of employees that perform services for us and our current operating and financial systems may not be adequate as we expand the size of our fleet, and we may not be able to effectively hire more employees or adequately improve those systems. Finally, acquisitions may require additional equity issuances or debt issuances (with amortization payments), or entry into other financing arrangements which could, among other things, reduce our available cash. If any such events occur, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected and the amount of cash available for distribution as dividends to our shareholders may be reduced.
Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, difficulty in obtaining additional qualified personnel and managing relationships with customers and suppliers and integrating newly acquired operations into existing infrastructures. The expansion of our fleet may impose significant additional responsibilities on our management and staff, and the management and staff of our commercial and technical managers, and may necessitate that we, and they, increase the number of personnel. We cannot give any assurance that we will be successful in executing our growth plans or that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with our future growth.
We operate secondhand vessels, which exposes us to increased operating costs which could adversely affect our earnings and, as our fleet ages, the risks associated with older vessels could adversely affect our ability to obtain profitable charters.
We have acquired and may continue to acquire secondhand vessels. We are entitled to inspect such vessels prior to purchase, but this does not 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. Generally, we do not receive the benefit of warranties from the builders for the secondhand vessels that we acquire.
In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age of the vessel. Older vessels are typically less fuel-efficient than more recently constructed vessels due to improvements in engine technology. Cargo insurance rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers.
Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which the vessels may engage. As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
An increase in operating costs would decrease earnings and available cash.
Under time charter agreements, the charterer is responsible for voyage costs and the owner is responsible for the vessel operating costs. We currently do not have any vessels on long-term time charter-out agreements (with initial terms of one year or greater) and we have 10 vessels operating under bareboat charter-in agreements. When our owned or finance leased vessels are employed in one of the Scorpio Pools, the pool is responsible for voyage expenses and we are responsible for vessel costs. As of March 15, 2019, all of our owned or finance leased vessels and all of our time or bareboat chartered-in vessels were employed through the Scorpio Pools. When our vessels operate directly in the spot market, we are responsible for both voyage expenses and vessel operating costs. Our vessel operating costs include the costs of crew, fuel (for spot chartered vessels), provisions, deck and engine stores, insurance and maintenance and repairs, which depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Further, if our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility. The costs of drydocking repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial. Increases in any of these expenses would decrease earnings and available cash. Please see “-We will be required to make additional capital expenditures should we determine to expand the number of vessels in our fleet and to maintain all our vessels.”

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We will be required to make additional capital expenditures should we determine to expand the number of vessels in our fleet and to maintain all our vessels.
Our business strategy is based in part upon the expansion of our fleet through the purchase of additional vessels. While we currently have no vessels on order, if we are unable to fulfill our obligations under any memorandum of agreement for any future vessel acquisitions, the sellers of such vessels may be permitted to terminate such contracts and we may forfeit all or a portion of the down payments we have already made under such contracts, and we may be sued for, among other things, any outstanding balances we are obligated to pay and other damages.
In addition, we will incur significant maintenance costs for our existing and any newly-acquired vessels. A newbuilding vessel must be drydocked within five years of its delivery from a shipyard, and vessels are typically drydocked every 30 months thereafter, not including any unexpected repairs. We estimate the cost to drydock a vessel to be between $500,000 and $1,500,000, excluding costs relating to compliance with applicable ballast water treatment requirements and costs related to exhaust gas cleaning systems, depending on the size and condition of the vessel and the location of drydocking.
If we do not generate or reserve enough cash flow from operations to pay for our capital expenditures, we may need to incur additional indebtedness or enter into alternative financing arrangements, which may be on terms that are unfavorable to us. If we are unable to fund our obligations or to secure financing, it would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Please also see "We are required to make significant investments in ballast water management which may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, and financial position", "We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of our investment in exhaust gas cleaning systems, or 'scrubbers'" and "We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations that can adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial conditions, and our available cash."
Declines in charter rates and other market deterioration could cause us to incur impairment charges.
We evaluate the carrying amounts of our vessels to determine if events have occurred that would require an impairment of their carrying amounts. The recoverable amount of vessels is reviewed based on events and changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying amount of the assets might not be recovered. The review for potential impairment indicators and projection of future cash flows related to the vessels is complex and requires us to make various estimates including future freight rates, earnings from the vessels and discount rates. All of these items have been historically volatile.
We evaluate the recoverable amount as the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. If the recoverable amount is less than the carrying amount of the vessel, the vessel is deemed impaired. The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time because the new market prices of secondhand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we evaluated the recoverable amount of our vessels and we did not recognize an impairment loss. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we evaluated the recoverable amount of our vessels and we did not recognize an impairment loss however we recorded a $23.3 million aggregate loss as a result of the sales of STI Sapphire and STI Emerald along with the sale and leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Larvotto and STI Le Rocher during the year. We cannot assure you that we will not recognize impairment losses in future years. Any impairment charges incurred as a result of further declines in charter rates could negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results or the trading price of our securities.
Please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-Critical Accounting Policies-Vessel Impairment.”

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The market values of our vessels may decrease, which could limit the amount of funds that we can borrow or trigger certain financial covenants under our current or future debt facilities and we may incur a loss if we sell vessels following a decline in their market value.
The fair market values of our vessels have generally experienced high volatility. The fair market values for tankers declined significantly from historically high levels reached in 2008 and remain at relatively low levels. Such prices may fluctuate depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, the prevailing level of charter rates and day rates, general economic and market conditions affecting the international shipping industry, types, sizes and ages of vessels, supply and demand for vessels, availability of or developments in other modes of transportation, competition from other tanker companies, cost of newbuildings, applicable governmental or other regulations and technological advances. In addition, as vessels grow older, they generally decline in value. If the fair market values of our vessels decline we may not be in compliance with certain covenants contained in our secured credit facilities, which may result in an event of default. In such circumstances, we may not be able to refinance our debt, obtain additional financing or make distributions to our shareholders and our subsidiaries may not be able to make distributions to us. The prepayment of certain debt facilities may be necessary to cause us to maintain compliance with certain covenants in the event that the value of the vessels falls below certain levels. If we are not able to comply with the covenants in our secured credit facilities, and are unable to remedy the relevant breach, our lenders could accelerate our debt and foreclose on our fleet.
Additionally, if we sell one or more of our vessels at a time when vessel prices have fallen, the sale price may be less than the vessel’s carrying value on our consolidated financial statements, resulting in a loss on sale or an impairment loss being recognized, ultimately leading to a reduction in earnings. For example, in 2017, we recorded an aggregate loss on sales of $23.3 million. Furthermore, if vessel values fall significantly, this could indicate a decrease in the recoverable amount for the vessel which may result in an impairment adjustment in our financial statements, which could adversely affect our financial results and condition.
For further information, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”
If we are unable to operate our vessels profitably, we may be unsuccessful in competing in the highly competitive international tanker market, which would negatively affect our financial condition and our ability to expand our business.
The operation of tanker vessels and transportation of crude and petroleum products is extremely competitive, in an industry that is capital intensive and highly fragmented. Demand for transportation of oil and oil products has declined, and could continue to decline, which could lead to increased competition. 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 will have to compete with other tanker owners, including major oil companies as well as independent tanker companies.
Our market share may decrease in the future. We may not be able to compete profitably as we expand our business into new geographic regions or provide new services. New markets may require different skills, knowledge or strategies than we use in our current markets, and the competitors in those new markets may have greater financial strength and capital resources than we do.

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If we do not set aside funds and are unable to borrow or raise funds for vessel replacement, at the end of a vessel’s useful life our revenue will decline, which would adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and available cash.
If we do not set aside funds or are unable to borrow or raise funds, including through equity issuances, for vessel replacement, we will be unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their remaining useful lives, which we expect to occur between 2037 and 2043, depending on the vessel. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues earned by the chartering of our vessels. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, results of operations, financial condition, and available cash per share would be adversely affected. Any funds set aside for vessel replacement will reduce available cash.
Our ability to obtain additional financing may be dependent on the performance of our then existing charters and the creditworthiness of our charterers.
The actual or perceived credit quality of our charterers, and any defaults by them, may materially affect our ability to obtain the additional capital resources that we will require to purchase additional vessels or may significantly increase our costs of obtaining such capital. Our inability to obtain additional financing at all or at a higher than anticipated cost may materially affect our results of operations and our ability to implement our business strategy.
We cannot guarantee that our Board of Directors will declare dividends.
Our Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, from time to time, declare and pay cash dividends in accordance with our organizational documents and applicable law.  Our Board of Directors makes determinations regarding the payment of dividends in its sole discretion, and there is no guarantee that we will continue to pay dividends in the future.  
In addition, the markets in which we operate our vessels are volatile and we cannot predict with certainty the amount of cash, if any, that will be available for distribution as dividends in any period. We may also incur expenses or liabilities or be subject to other circumstances in the future that reduce or eliminate the amount of cash that we have available for distribution as dividends, including as a result of the risks described herein. If additional financing is not available to us on acceptable terms, our Board of Directors may determine to finance or refinance asset acquisitions with cash from operations, which would reduce the amount of any cash available for the payment of dividends. Please see “Item 8 - Financial Information - A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information - Dividend Policy.”
United States tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States shareholders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income” or (2) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation’s assets produce or are held for the production of those types of “passive income.” For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest, and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income.” United States shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous United States federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC.
Based on our current and proposed method of operation, we do not believe that we will be a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. In this regard, we intend to treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, our income from our time and voyage chartering activities should not constitute “passive income,” and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income should not constitute assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income.”
There is substantial legal authority supporting this position, consisting of case law and United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, it should be noted that there is also authority that characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if the nature and extent of our operations change.

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If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our United States shareholders would face adverse United States federal income tax consequences and incur certain information reporting obligations. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders), such shareholders would be subject to United States federal income tax at the then prevailing rates on ordinary income plus interest, in respect of excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of their common shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of the common shares. See “Taxation-Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences” for a more comprehensive discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences to United States shareholders if we are treated as a PFIC.
We may have to pay tax on United States source shipping income, which would reduce our earnings.
Under the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a corporation that owns or charters vessels, as we and our subsidiaries do, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States may be subject to a 4% United States federal income tax without allowance for deductions, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder by the United States Department of the Treasury.
We and our subsidiaries intend to take the position that we qualify for this statutory tax exemption for United States federal income tax return reporting purposes. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption and thereby become subject to United States federal income tax on our United States source shipping income. For example, we may no longer qualify for exemption under Section 883 of the Code for a particular taxable year if shareholders with a five percent or greater interest in our common shares, or 5% Shareholders, owned, in the aggregate, 50% or more of our outstanding common shares for more than half the days during the taxable year, and there do not exist sufficient 5% Shareholders that are qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 of the Code to preclude nonqualified 5% Shareholders from owning 50% or more of our common shares for more than half the number of days during such taxable year or we are unable to satisfy certain substantiation requirements with regard to our 5% Shareholders. Due to the factual nature of the issues involved, there can be no assurances on the tax-exempt status of us or any of our subsidiaries.
If we or our subsidiaries were not entitled to exemption under Section 883 of the Code for any taxable year, we or our subsidiaries could be subject for such year to an effective 2% United States federal income tax on the shipping income we or they derive during such year which is attributable to the transport of cargoes to or from the United States. The imposition of this tax would have a negative effect on our business and would decrease our earnings available for distribution to our shareholders.
We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts, including our vessel employment arrangements, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations could cause us to suffer losses or negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
We have entered into, and may enter into in the future, various contracts, including, without limitation, charter and pooling agreements relating to the employment of our vessels, newbuilding contracts, debt facilities, and other agreements. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability and willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the maritime and offshore industries, and the overall financial condition of the counterparty.
In addition, with respect to our charter arrangements, in depressed market conditions, our charterers may no longer need a vessel that is then under charter or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter agreements or avoid their obligations under those contracts. If our charterers fail to meet their obligations to us or attempt to renegotiate our charter agreements, it may be difficult to secure substitute employment for such vessel, and any new charter arrangements we secure in the spot market or on time charters may be at lower rates. As a result, we could sustain significant losses which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, as well as our ability to pay dividends on our common shares and interest on our debt securities and comply with covenants in our credit facilities.

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Our insurance may not be adequate to cover our losses that may result from our operations due to the inherent operational risks of the tanker industry.
We carry insurance to protect us against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business, including marine hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes pollution risks, crew insurance and war risk insurance. However, we may not be adequately insured to cover losses from our operational risks, which could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, our insurers may refuse to pay particular claims and our insurance may be voidable by the insurers if we take, or fail to take, certain action, such as failing to maintain certification of our vessels with applicable maritime regulatory organizations. Any significant uninsured or under-insured loss or liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition and our available cash. In addition, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates in the future during adverse insurance market conditions.
Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks may also make certain types of insurance more difficult for us to obtain due to increased premiums or reduced or restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally.
Because we obtain some of our insurance through protection and indemnity associations, which result in significant expenses to us, we may be required to make additional premium payments.
We may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, in amounts based on our claim records, the claim records of our managers, as well as the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations through which we receive insurance coverage for tort liability, including pollution-related liability. In addition, our protection and indemnity associations may not have enough resources to cover claims made against them. Our payment of these calls could result in significant expense to us, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and available cash.
Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.
We may operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or the FCPA. We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and attention of our senior management.
We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law and, as a result, shareholders may have fewer rights and protections under Marshall Islands law than under a typical jurisdiction in the United States.
Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation and bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA. The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain United States jurisdictions. Shareholder rights may differ as well. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction.
It may be difficult to serve process on or enforce a United States judgment against us, our officers and our directors because we are a foreign corporation.
We are a corporation formed in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and some of our directors and officers and certain of the experts named in this report are located outside the United States. In addition, a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of our directors, officers and experts are located outside of the United States. As a result, you may have difficulty serving legal process within the United States upon us or any of these persons. You may also have difficulty enforcing, both in and outside the United States, judgments you may obtain in U.S. courts against us or any of these persons in any action, including actions based upon the civil liability provisions of U.S. federal or state securities laws. Furthermore, there is substantial doubt that the courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or of the non-U.S. jurisdictions in which our offices are located would enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws.

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The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.
We are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and we conduct operations in countries around the world. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us or any of our subsidiaries, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction.
We rely on our information systems to conduct our business, and failure to protect these systems against security breaches could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Additionally, if these systems fail or become unavailable for any significant period of time, our business could be harmed.  
The efficient operation of our business, including processing, transmitting and storing electronic and financial information, is dependent on computer hardware and software systems.  Information systems are vulnerable to security breaches by computer hackers and cyber terrorists.  We rely on industry accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information maintained on our information systems.  However, these measures and technology may not adequately prevent security breaches.  In addition, the unavailability of the information systems or the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and could result in decreased performance and increased operating costs, causing our business and results of operations to suffer.  Any significant interruption or failure of our information systems or any significant breach of security could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

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RISKS RELATED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH SCORPIO AND ITS AFFILIATES
We are dependent on our managers and their ability to hire and retain key personnel, and there may be conflicts of interest between us and our managers that may not be resolved in our favor.
Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our technical manager, SSM, our commercial manager, Scorpio Commercial Management S.A.M., or SCM, and our management team. Our success will depend upon our and our managers’ 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.
In addition, 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.
Our technical and commercial managers are members of Scorpio, which is owned and controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family, of which our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emanuele Lauro, and our Vice President, Mr. Filippo Lauro, are members. In addition, all of our executive officers serve in similar management positions in certain other companies within Scorpio. These relationships may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting us and our customers, including in the chartering, purchase, sale and operation of the vessels in our fleet versus vessels managed by other members of Scorpio. Conflicts of interest may arise between us, on the one hand, and our commercial and technical managers, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, our commercial and technical managers, who have limited contractual duties, may favor their own or other owner’s interests over our interests. These conflicts may have unfavorable results for us.
Our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Vice President have affiliations with our administrator and commercial and technical managers which may create conflicts of interest.
Emanuele Lauro, our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Filippo Lauro, our Vice President, are members of the Lolli-Ghetti family which owns and controls Scorpio. Annalisa Lolli-Ghetti is majority owner of Scorpio (of which our administrator and commercial and technical managers are members) and beneficially owns approximately 4.55% of our outstanding common shares. These responsibilities and relationships could create conflicts of interest between us, on the one hand, and our administrator and/or commercial and technical managers, on the other hand. These conflicts may arise in connection with the chartering, purchase, sale and operations of the vessels in our fleet versus vessels managed by other companies affiliated with our commercial or technical managers. Our commercial and technical managers may give preferential treatment to vessels that are time chartered-in by related parties because our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and members of his family may receive greater economic benefits. In particular, as of the date of this annual report, our commercial and technical managers provide commercial and technical management services to approximately 118 and 83 vessels respectively, other than the vessels in our fleet, that are owned, operated or managed by entities affiliated with Messrs. Lauro, and such entities may operate or acquire additional vessels that will compete with our vessels in the future. Such conflicts may have an adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, certain members of Scorpio may benefit from economies of scale all of which may not be passed along to us.
Certain of our officers do not devote all of their time to our business, which may hinder our ability to operate successfully.
Certain of our officers participate in business activities not associated with us, and as a result, they may devote less time to us than if they were not engaged in other business activities and may owe fiduciary duties to the shareholders of both us as well as shareholders of other companies which they may be affiliated, including other companies within Scorpio. This may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting us and our customers and it is not certain that any of these conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Our commercial and technical managers are each privately held companies and there is little or no publicly available information about them.
SCM is our commercial manager and SSM is our technical manager. SCM’s and SSM’s ability to render management services will depend in part on their own financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair our commercial manager’s or technical manager’s financial strength, and because each is a privately held company, information about the financial strength of our commercial manager and technical manager is not available. As a result, we and our shareholders might have little advance warning of financial or other problems affecting our commercial manager or technical manager even though their financial or other problems could have a material adverse effect on us.

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RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS
Servicing our current or future indebtedness limits funds available for other purposes and if we cannot service our debt, we may lose our vessels.
As of December 31, 2018, we had approximately $3.0 billion in interest-bearing debt. Borrowings under our debt facilities and lease financing arrangements require us to dedicate a part of our cash flow from operations to the payment of interest and principal on our debt. These payments limit funds available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes, including further equity or debt financing in the future. Amounts borrowed under our secured debt facilities and certain of our lease financing arrangements bear interest at variable rates. Increases in prevailing rates could increase the amounts that we would have to pay to our lenders, even though the outstanding principal amount remains the same, and our net income and cash flows would decrease. We expect our earnings and cash flow to vary from year to year due to the cyclical nature of the tanker industry. If we do not generate or reserve enough cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as seeking to raise additional capital, refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling tankers, or reducing or delaying capital investments. However, these alternative financing plans, if necessary, may not be sufficient to allow us to meet our debt obligations.
If we are unable to meet our debt obligations or if some other default occurs under our debt facilities, our lenders could elect to declare that debt, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable and proceed against the collateral vessels securing that debt even though the majority of the proceeds used to purchase the collateral vessels did not come from our debt facilities.
Our debt and lease financing agreements contain restrictive and financial covenants which may limit our ability to conduct certain activities, and further, we may be unable to comply with such covenants, which could result in a default under the terms of such agreements.
Our debt and lease financing agreements impose operating and financial restrictions on us. These restrictions may limit our ability, or the ability of our subsidiaries party thereto, to, among other things:
•
\pay dividends and make capital expenditures if we do not repay amounts drawn under our debt facilities or if there is another default under our debt facilities;
•
incur additional indebtedness, including the issuance of guarantees;
•
create liens on our assets;
•
change the flag, class or management of our vessels or terminate or materially amend the management agreement relating to each vessel;
•
sell our vessels;
•
merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all our assets to, another person; or
•
enter into a new line of business.
Therefore, we will need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some corporate actions. Our lenders’ interests may be different from ours and we may not be able to obtain our lenders’ permission when needed. This may limit our ability to pay dividends to you if we determine to do so in the future, finance our future operations or capital requirements, make acquisitions or pursue business opportunities.
In addition, the terms and conditions of certain of our borrowings require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy financial covenants, including ratios and covenants based on the market value of the vessels in our fleet. Should our charter rates or vessel values materially decline in the future, we may seek to obtain waivers or amendments from our lenders with respect to such financial ratios and covenants, or we may be required to take action to reduce our debt or to act in a manner contrary to our business objectives to meet any such financial ratios and satisfy any such financial covenants. Events beyond our control, including changes in the economic and business conditions in the shipping markets in which we operate, may affect our ability to comply with these covenants. We cannot assure you that we will meet these ratios or satisfy these covenants or that our lenders will waive any failure to do so or amend these requirements. A breach of any of the covenants in, or our inability to maintain the required financial ratios under, our credit facilities would prevent us from borrowing additional money under our credit facilities or lease financing arrangements and could result in a default under our credit facilities. If a default occurs under our credit facilities or lease financing arrangements, the counterparties could elect to declare the outstanding debt, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on the collateral securing that debt, which could constitute all or substantially all of our assets. Moreover, in connection with any waivers or amendments to our credit facilities or lease financing arrangements that we may obtain, our lenders may impose additional operating and financial restrictions on us or modify the terms of our existing credit facilities or lease financing arrangements. These restrictions may further restrict our ability to, among other things, pay dividends, repurchase our common shares, make capital expenditures, or incur additional indebtedness.

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Furthermore, our debt and lease financing agreements contain cross-default provisions that may be triggered if we default under the terms of any one of our financing agreements. In the event of default by us under one of our debt agreements, the lenders under our other debt or lease financing agreements could determine that we are in default under such other financing agreements. Such cross defaults could result in the acceleration of the maturity of such indebtedness under these agreements and the lenders thereunder may foreclose upon any collateral securing that indebtedness, including our vessels, even if we were to subsequently cure such default. In the event of such acceleration or foreclosure, we might not have sufficient funds or other assets to satisfy all of our obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be adversely affected by the introduction of new accounting rules for leasing.
IFRS 16, Leases, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on January 13, 2016. IFRS 16 applies to an entity's first annual IFRS financial statements for a period beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and amends the existing accounting standards to require lessees to recognize, on a discounted basis, the rights and obligations created by the commitment to lease assets on the balance sheet, unless the term of the lease is 12 months or less. Accordingly, the standard will result in the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities, on the basis of the discounted remaining future minimum lease payments, relating to three of our existing bareboat chartered-in vessel commitments that are currently reported as operating leases and any future leases that we may enter into under terms equal to or greater than 12 months.
On this basis, certain financial statement metrics such as leverage and capital ratios will be affected, even when the underlying cash flows have not changed. The implementation of this standard will also change the income and expense recognition patterns of those items. This may in turn affect covenant calculations under various contracts (such as loan and lease financing agreements) unless the affected contracts are modified. We have not modified any such contracts in anticipation of this new accounting standard. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Impact of New Accounting Standards on Revenue Recognition in Future Periods.”
ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY
A. History and Development of the Company
Scorpio Tankers Inc. was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands pursuant to the BCA on July 1, 2009. We provide seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products worldwide. We began our operations in October 2009 with three vessels and in April 2010, we completed our initial public offering and commenced trading on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “STNG.” We have since expanded and as of March 15, 2019, our fleet consisted of 109 wholly owned or finance leased tankers (38 LR2, 12 LR1, 45 MR and 14 Handymax) with a weighted average age of approximately 3.6 years, and 10 time or bareboat chartered-in tankers that we operate (three MR and seven Handymax).
Our principal executive offices are located at 9, Boulevard Charles III, Monaco 98000 and our telephone number at that address is +377-9798-5716. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's Internet site is http://www.sec.gov. The address of the Company's Internet site is http://www.scorpiotankers.com. None of the information contained on these websites is incorporated into or forms a part of this annual report.
Fleet Development
For information regarding the development of our fleet, including vessel acquisitions and dispositions and the status of recent newbuilding deliveries, please see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects-B. Liquidity and Capital Resources-Capital Expenditures-Vessel Acquisitions and Dispositions.” All vessels have been delivered under our previously existing newbuilding program.
Recent Developments
Declaration of Dividend
On February 13, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share payable on or about March 28, 2019 to all shareholders of record as of March 13, 2019. As of March 15, 2019, there were 51,396,970 issued and outstanding common shares.

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January 2019 Reverse Stock Split
On January 18, 2019, we effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. Our shareholders approved the reverse stock split and change in authorized common shares at our special meeting of shareholders held on January 15, 2019. Pursuant to this reverse stock split, the total number of authorized common shares was reduced to 150,000,000 shares and common shares outstanding were reduced from 513,975,324 shares to 51,397,470 shares (which reflects adjustments for fractional share settlements). The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. All share and per share information contained in this report has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
Securities Repurchase Program
In March 2019, we repurchased $2.3 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $990.00 per $1,000 principal amount, or $2.3 million. We had $121.6 million remaining under the Securities Repurchase Program as of March 15, 2019.  We expect to repurchase any securities in the open market, at times and prices that are considered to be appropriate, but we are not obligated under the terms of the program to repurchase any securities.
Redemption of our 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due June 2019
In February 2019, we announced that we have issued a notice of redemption for all $57,500,000 aggregate principal amount of our 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due June 2019, or the Senior Notes Due June 2019, and on March 18, 2019, or the Redemption Date, we redeemed the notes in full at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.
B. Business Overview
We provide seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products worldwide. As of March 15, 2019, our fleet consisted of 109 wholly owned or finance leased tankers (38 LR2, 12 LR1, 45 MR and 14 Handymax) with a weighted average age of approximately 3.6 years, and 10 time or bareboat chartered-in tankers which we operate (three MR and seven Handymax), which we refer to collectively as our Operating Fleet.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our Operating Fleet as of March 15, 2019:
 
Vessel Name
 
Year Built
 
DWT
 
Ice class
 
Employment
 
Vessel type
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owned or finance leased vessels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1

STI Brixton
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2

STI Comandante
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3

STI Pimlico
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4

STI Hackney
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5

STI Acton
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6

STI Fulham
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7

STI Camden
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8

STI Battersea
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9

STI Wembley
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10

STI Finchley
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11

STI Clapham
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12

STI Poplar
 
2014
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
13

STI Hammersmith
 
2015
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
14

STI Rotherhithe
 
2015
 
38,734

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
15

STI Amber
 
2012
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
16

STI Topaz
 
2012
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
17

STI Ruby
 
2012
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
18

STI Garnet
 
2012
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
19

STI Onyx
 
2012
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
20

STI Fontvieille
 
2013
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
21

STI Ville
 
2013
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

22

STI Duchessa
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23

STI Opera
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24

STI Texas City
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
25

STI Meraux
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
26

STI San Antonio
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
27

STI Venere
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
28

STI Virtus
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
29

STI Aqua
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30

STI Dama
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31

STI Benicia
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32

STI Regina
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
33

STI St. Charles
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
34

STI Mayfair
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
35

STI Yorkville
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
36

STI Milwaukee
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37

STI Battery
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
38

STI Soho
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
39

STI Memphis
 
2014
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
40

STI Tribeca
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
41

STI Gramercy
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
42

STI Bronx
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
43

STI Pontiac
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
44

STI Manhattan
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
45

STI Queens
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
46

STI Osceola
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
47

STI Notting Hill
 
2015
 
49,687

 
1B
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48

STI Seneca
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
49

STI Westminster
 
2015
 
49,687

 
1B
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
50

STI Brooklyn
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
51

STI Black Hawk
 
2015
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52

STI Galata
 
2017
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
53

STI Bosphorus
 
2017
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
54

STI Leblon
 
2017
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
55

STI La Boca
 
2017
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
56

STI San Telmo
 
2017
 
49,990

 
1B
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
57

STI Donald C Trauscht
 
2017
 
49,990

 
1B
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
58

STI Esles II
 
2018
 
49,990

 
1B
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
59

STI Jardins
 
2018
 
49,990

 
1B
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60

STI Excel
 
2015
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
61

STI Excelsior
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62

STI Expedite
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
63

STI Exceed
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
64

STI Executive
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
65

STI Excellence
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66

STI Experience
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
67

STI Express
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
68

STI Precision
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

69

STI Prestige
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70

STI Pride
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
71

STI Providence
 
2016
 
74,000

 
—
 
SLR1P (3)
 
LR1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72

STI Elysees
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
73

STI Madison
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
74

STI Park
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
75

STI Orchard
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
76

STI Sloane
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
77

STI Broadway
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78

STI Condotti
 
2014
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
79

STI Rose
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80

STI Veneto
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
81

STI Alexis
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
82

STI Winnie
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
83

STI Oxford
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84

STI Lauren
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
85

STI Connaught
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
86

STI Spiga
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
87

STI Savile Row
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88

STI Kingsway
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
89

STI Carnaby
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
90

STI Solidarity
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
91

STI Lombard
 
2015
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92

STI Grace
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
93

STI Jermyn
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
94

STI Sanctity
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
95

STI Solace
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96

STI Stability
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
97

STI Steadfast
  
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98

STI Supreme
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
99

STI Symphony
 
2016
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
100

STI Gallantry
 
2016
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101

STI Goal
 
2016
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
102

STI Nautilus
 
2016
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
103

STI Guard
 
2016
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
104

STI Guide
 
2016
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
105

STI Selatar
 
2017
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
106

STI Rambla
 
2017
 
109,999

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
107

STI Gauntlet
 
2017
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
108

STI Gladiator
 
2017
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
109

STI Gratitude
 
2017
 
113,000

 
—
 
SLR2P (4)
 
LR2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total owned or finance leased DWT
 
 
 
7,883,190

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vessel Name
 
Year Built
 
DWT
 
Ice class
 
Employment
 
Vessel type
 
Charter type
 
Daily Base Rate
 
Expiry (5)
 

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Table of Contents

 
Time or bareboat chartered-in vessels
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
110

Silent
 
2007
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
7,500

 
31-Mar-19
 
111

Single
 
2007
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
7,500

 
31-Mar-19
 
112

Star I
 
2007
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
7,500

 
31-Mar-19
 
113

Sky
 
2007
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
6,000

 
31-Mar-19
 
114

Steel
 
2008
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
6,000

 
31-Mar-19
 
115

Stone I
 
2008
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
6,000

 
31-Mar-19
 
116

Style
 
2008
 
37,847

 
1A
 
 SHTP (1)
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
$
6,000

 
31-Mar-19
 
117

STI Beryl
 
2013
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
Bareboat
 
$
8,800

 
18-Apr-25
(6)
118

STI Le Rocher
 
2013
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
Bareboat
 
$
8,800

 
21-Apr-25
(6)
119

STI Larvotto
 
2013
 
49,990

 
—
 
SMRP (2)
 
MR
 
Bareboat
 
$
8,800

 
28-Apr-25
(6)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total time or bareboat chartered-in DWT
 
 
 
414,899

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Fleet DWT
 
 
 
8,298,089

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
This vessel operates in the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool, or SHTP. SHTP is a Scorpio Pool and is operated by Scorpio Commercial Management S.A.M., or SCM. SHTP and SCM are related parties to the Company.
(2)
This vessel operates in the Scorpio MR Pool, or SMRP. SMRP is a Scorpio Pool and is operated by SCM. SMRP is a related party to the Company.
(3)
This vessel operates in the Scorpio LR1 Pool, or SLR1P. SLR1P is a Scorpio Pool and is operated by SCM. SLR1P is a related party to the Company.
(4)
This vessel operates in the Scorpio LR2 Pool, or SLR2P. SLR2P is a Scorpio Pool and is operated by SCM. SLR2P is a related party to the Company.
(5)
Redelivery from the charterer is plus or minus 30 days from the expiry date.
(6)
In April 2017, we sold and leased back this vessel, on a bareboat basis, for a period of up to eight years for $8,800 per day. The sales price was $29.0 million and we have the option to purchase this vessel beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreement through the end of the eighth year of the agreement, at market based prices. Additionally, a deposit of $4.35 million was retained by the buyer and will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement.

Chartering Strategy
Generally, we operate our vessels in commercial pools operated by related entities, on time charters or in the spot market. The overall mix of how our vessels are employed varies from time to time based on many factors including our view of the future market conditions.
Commercial Pools
To increase vessel utilization and thereby revenues, we participate in commercial pools with other shipowners of similar modern, well-maintained vessels. By operating a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, commercial pools offer customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools employ experienced commercial managers and operators who have close working relationships with customers and brokers, while technical management is performed by each shipowner. Pools negotiate charters with customers primarily in the spot market, but may also arrange time charter agreements. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance utilization rates for pool vessels by securing backhaul voyages and contracts of affreightment, or COAs, thus generating higher effective TCE revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market. As of March 15, 2019, all of the vessels in our Operating Fleet operate in one of the Scorpio Pools.
Time Charters
Time charters give us a fixed and stable cash flow for a known period of time. Time charters also mitigate in part the seasonality of the spot market business, which is generally weaker in the second and third quarters of the year. In the future, we may opportunistically look to enter our vessels into time charter contracts. We may also enter into time charter contracts with profit sharing agreements, which enable us to benefit if the spot market increases.

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Table of Contents

Spot Market
A spot market voyage charter is generally a contract to carry a specific cargo from a load port to a discharge port for an agreed freight per ton of cargo or a specified total amount. Under spot market voyage charters, we pay voyage expenses such as port, canal and bunker costs. Spot charter rates are volatile and fluctuate on a seasonal and year-to-year basis. Fluctuations derive from imbalances in the availability of cargoes for shipment and the number of vessels available at any given time to transport these cargoes. Vessels operating in the spot market generate revenue that is less predictable but may enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of improvements in tanker rates. We also consider short-term time charters (with initial terms of less than one year) as spot market voyages.
Management of our Fleet
Revised Master Agreement
On September 29, 2016, we agreed to amend our master agreement, or the Master Agreement, with SCM and SSM under a deed of amendment, or the Deed of Amendment. Pursuant to the terms of the Deed of Amendment, on November 15, 2016, we entered into definitive documentation to memorialize the agreed amendments to the Master Agreement, or the Amended and Restated Master Agreement.
On February 22, 2018, we entered into definitive documentation to memorialize the agreed amendments to the Amended and Restated Master Agreement under a deed of amendment, or the Amendment Agreement. The Amended and Restated Master Agreement as amended by the Amendment Agreement, or the Revised Master Agreement, is effective as from January 1, 2018.
Pursuant to the Revised Master Agreement, the fixed annual technical management fee was reduced from $250,000 per vessel to $175,000 per vessel, and certain services previously provided as part of the fixed fee are now itemized.  The aggregate cost, including the costs that are now itemized, for the services provided under the technical management agreement, did not and are not expected to materially differ from the annual technical management fee charged prior to the amendment.
Commercial and Technical Management
Our vessels are commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM pursuant to the Revised Master Agreement (described above), which may be terminated by either party upon 24 months' notice, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Master Agreement. In the event of the sale of one or more vessels, a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees will apply, provided that the termination does not amount to a change in control, including a sale of all or substantially all of our vessels, in which case a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply. SCM and SSM are related parties of ours. We expect that additional vessels that we may acquire in the future will also be managed under the Revised Master Agreement or on substantially similar terms.
SCM’s services include securing employment, in the spot market and on time charters, for our vessels. SCM also manages the Scorpio Pools. When our vessels are operating in one of the Scorpio Pools, SCM, the pool manager, charges fees of $300 per vessel per day with respect to our LR1 vessels (as applicable), $250 per vessel per day with respect to our LR2 vessels, and $325 per vessel per day with respect to each of our Handymax and MR vessels, plus 1.50% commission on gross revenues per charter fixture.  These are the same fees that SCM charges other vessel owners in these pools, including third-party owned vessels. For commercial management of our vessels that are not operating in any of the Scorpio Pools, we pay SCM a fee of $250 per vessel per day for each LR1 and LR2 vessel and $300 per vessel per day for each Handymax and MR vessel, plus 1.25% commission on gross revenues per charter fixture. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges our vessels to effectively reduce such commissions to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.
SSM’s services include day-to-day vessel operations, performing general maintenance, monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance, customer vetting procedures, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants and providing technical support. We pay SSM an annual fee of $175,000 plus additional amounts for certain itemized services per vessel to provide technical management services for each of our owned vessels.
Amended Administrative Services Agreement
We have an Amended Administrative Services Agreement with SSH, or our Administrator, for the provision of administrative staff and office space, and administrative services, including accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services. SSH is a related party to us. We reimburse our Administrator for the reasonable direct or indirect expenses it incurs in providing us with the administrative services described above. The services provided to us by our Administrator may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.

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On September 29, 2016, we agreed to amend the then current administrative services agreement with Scorpio Services Holding Limited, or SSH, to eliminate the fee equal to 1% of the gross purchase or sale price that was payable upon the consummation of any such purchase or sale. This fee was eliminated for all vessel purchase or sale agreements entered into after September 29, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid our Administrator an aggregate of $0.7 million in connection with the purchase and delivery of two newbuilding vessels, the contracts for which were entered into prior to September 29, 2016.
Further, pursuant to our Amended Administrative Services Agreement, our Administrator, on behalf of itself and other members of Scorpio, has agreed that it will not directly own product or crude tankers ranging in size from 35,000 dwt to 200,000 dwt.
Our Amended Administrative Services Agreement may be terminated by us upon two years' notice.
The International Oil Tanker Shipping Industry
All the information and data presented in this section, including the analysis of the oil tanker shipping industry, has been provided by Drewry. The statistical and graphical information contained herein is drawn from Drewry’s database and other sources. According to Drewry: (i) certain information in Drewry’s database is derived from estimates or subjective judgments; (ii) the information in the databases of other maritime data collection agencies may differ from the information in Drewry’s database; and (iii) while Drewry has taken reasonable care in the compilation of the statistical and graphical information and believes it to be accurate and correct, data compilation is subject to limited audit and validation procedures.

Oil Tanker Demand
In broad terms, demand for oil products traded by sea is primarily affected by global and regional economic conditions, as well as other factors such as changes in the location of productive capacity, and variations in regional prices. Demand for shipping capacity is a product of the physical quantity of the cargo (measured, depending on the cargo in terms of tons or cubic metrics), together with the distance the cargo is carried. Demand cycles move broadly in line with developments in the global economy, with demand for products slowing significantly in the period immediately after the onset of the global economic downturn in late 2008, before recovering gradually from 2011 with general improvement in the global macro-economic environment. Low crude prices between 2015 and 2017 induced greater consumption, which led to increased seaborne trade of crude oil as well as refined products. However, the seaborne trade growth slowed in 2018 because of inventory drawdown in crude as well as refined products.
In 2018, 3,436 million tons of crude oil, products and vegetable oils/chemicals were moved by sea. Of this, crude shipments constituted 2,135 million tons of cargo, products 1,053 million tons, with the balance made up of other bulk liquids, including vegetable oils, chemicals and associated products.



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Table of Contents

World Seaborne Tanker Trade

 
 
Crude Oil
 
Refined Products
 
Veg Oils/
Chemicals
 
Total
Year
 
Mill T
 
% Y-o-Y

 
Mill T
 
% Y-o-Y

 
Mill T
 
% Y-o-Y
 
Mill T
 
% Y-o-Y
2002
 
1,756
 
0.3
 %
 
519
 
0.3
 %
 
122
 
7.0
 %
 
2,396
 
0.6
 %
2003
 
1,860
 
5.9
 %
 
550
 
6.0
 %
 
129
 
5.9
 %
 
2,538
 
5.9
 %
2004
 
1,963
 
5.6
 %
 
599
 
8.8
 %
 
141
 
9.5
 %
 
2,703
 
6.5
 %
2005
 
1,994
 
1.6
 %
 
646
 
8.0
 %
 
156
 
10.5
 %
 
2,797
 
3.5
 %
2006
 
1,996
 
0.1
 %
 
677
 
4.7
 %
 
166
 
6.5
 %
 
2,839
 
1.5
 %
2007
 
2,008
 
0.6
 %
 
723
 
6.8
 %
 
170
 
2.5
 %
 
2,902
 
2.2
 %
2008
 
2,014
 
0.3
 %
 
765
 
5.8
 %
 
169
 
(0.6
)%
 
2,947
 
1.6
 %
2009
 
1,928
 
(4.2
)%
 
777
 
1.6
 %
 
178
 
5.4
 %
 
2,883
 
(2.2
)%
2010
 
1,997
 
3.6
 %
 
810
 
4.2
 %
 
189
 
6.2
 %
 
2,996
 
3.9
 %
2011
 
1,941
 
(2.8
)%
 
860
 
6.3
 %
 
194
 
2.6
 %
 
2,996
 
—
 %
2012
 
1,988
 
2.4
 %
 
859
 
(0.2
)%
 
202
 
4.2
 %
 
3,049
 
1.8
 %
2013
 
1,918
 
(3.6
)%
 
904
 
5.3
 %
 
211
 
4.1
 %
 
3,033
 
(0.6
)%
2014
 
1,893
 
(1.3
)%
 
914
 
1.1
 %
 
215
 
2.1
 %
 
3,022
 
(0.3
)%
2015
 
1,954
 
3.2
 %
 
963
 
5.3
 %
 
231
 
7.5
 %
 
3,148
 
4.1
 %
2016
 
2,042
 
4.5
 %
 
1,003
 
4.2
 %
 
234
 
1.2
 %
 
3,279
 
4.2
 %
2017
 
2,116
 
3.6
 %
 
1,032
 
2.9
 %
 
248
 
5.9
 %
 
3,396
 
3.6
 %
2018*
 
2,135
 
0.9
 %
 
1,053
 
2.0
 %
 
248
 
0.1
 %
 
3,436
 
1.2
 %
CAGR (2013-2018)
 
2.2%
 
 
 
3.1%
 
 
 
3.3%
 
 
 
2.5%
 
 
CAGR (2008-2018)
 
0.6%
 
 
 
3.2%
 
 
 
3.9%
 
 
 
1.5%
 
 

* Provisional assessment
Source: Drewry

The volume of oil moved by sea was affected by the economic recession in 2008 and 2009, but since then, renewed growth in the world economy and in oil demand has had a positive impact on seaborne trade. Oil demand has benefited from economic growth in Asia, especially in China, where oil consumption increased by a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% to touch 13.1 million barrels per day (mbpd) between 2008 and 2018. Low per capita oil consumption in developing countries, such as China and India, compared with the developed world provides scope for higher oil consumption in these economies. Conversely, oil consumption in developed Organization for Economic Cooperating and Development (OECD) economies has been in decline for much of the last decade. However, in 2015, this trend was reversed for the United States (U.S.) and some European countries. This was primarily due to the positive impact of lower oil prices on demand for products such as gasoline. Oil demand in OECD economies increased at a CAGR of 1.1% from 45.8 mbpd in 2014 to 47.8 mbpd in 2018. Provisional data suggests oil demand of OECD America increased 0.4 mbpd to reach 25.5 mbpd in 2018 due to improved demand in the US, Canada and Mexico. Oil demand of OECD Europe remained flat at 14.3 mbpd, whereas demand in OECD Oceania dropped 1.1% to touch 8.0 mbpd during the year. Accordingly, oil consumption for OECD countries in 2018 was estimated at 47.8 mbpd.


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Table of Contents

World Oil Consumption: 1992-2018*
(Million bpd)
worldoilconsumptiona02.jpg

* Provisional estimate
Source: Drewry

Provisional estimates suggest that world oil demand in 2018 was 99.2 mbpd, an increase of 1.3% from 2017, and between 2008 and 2018, world oil demand grew at a CAGR of 1.3%.
Oil Product Exports & Imports
Products trades have received a boost in the last decade as a result of developments in E&P activity in the U.S. energy economy. In the U.S., as a result of the development of shale oil deposits, domestic crude oil production increased at a CAGR of 9.5% between 2008 and 2015 to 9.4 mbpd. Horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing have triggered a shale oil revolution and rising crude oil production has also ensured the availability of cheaper feedstocks to local refineries. As a result, the U.S. has become a major net exporter of products.


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Table of Contents

Oil Product Exports - Major Growth Regions

(Million Bpd)
oilproductexportsa02.jpg
Source: Drewry
In a short span of time, the U.S. has become the largest exporter of refined products in the world, with supplies from U.S. Gulf Coast terminals heading to most parts of the globe. By way of illustration, U.S. product exports to South America were close to 23.3 million tons in 2008, but had grown to 81.4 million tons by 2018, owing to strong import demand and the growth in U.S. products availability. Most of these exports were carried by MR product tankers, which constitute about 55% of global product tanker fleet capacity and have been the mainstay of seaborne trade in refined petroleum products. However, lower crude oil prices in 2015 and 2016 adversely impacted U.S. shale oil producers, and accordingly, crude production in the region was on the decline from May 2015 to September 2016. Nevertheless, the production cut by OPEC members from January 2017 came as a relief for domestic producers and U.S. crude production is on the rise; the U.S. became the largest crude producer in September 2018. The U.S. crude production increased at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2015 and 2018. Additionally, U.S. producers pumped a record 12 mbpd in the second week of February 2019; a surge in U.S. output will further strengthen its position in the global oil market.
The shift in the location of global oil production is also being accompanied by a shift in the location of global refinery capacity and throughput. In short, capacity and throughput are moving from the developed to the developing world. Between 2008 and 2018, total OECD refining throughput registered a marginal increase of 0.3%, largely as a result of cutbacks in OECD Europe. On the other hand, throughput in the OECD Americas in the same period moved up 7.9% to reach 19.2 mbpd. In 2018, refining throughput of OECD countries stood at 38.5 mbpd and accounted for 46.8% of global refinery throughput.
Asia (excluding China) and the Middle East added over 0.63 mbpd of export-oriented refinery capacity in 2017, whereas there was no material change in refining capacity in OECD America and OECD Europe. For 2018, nearly 0.33 mbpd of new refining capacity was scheduled to be added in the Middle East and another 0.24 mbpd in Asia (excluding China). As a result of these developments, countries such as India and Saudi Arabia, along with the U.S., have become major exporters of refined products.
Export-oriented refineries in India and the Middle East, coupled with the closure of refining capacity in the developed world, have promoted long-haul shipments to meet product demand.
 


35

Table of Contents

Oil Product Imports - Major Growth Regions
(Million bpd)
oilproductimportsa01.jpg

Source: Drewry
Current Tanker Fleet
Crude oil is transported in uncoated vessels, which range upwards in size from 55,000 dwt. Products are carried predominantly in coated ships and include commodities such as gas oil, gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene and naphtha (often referred to as ‘clean products’), and fuel oil and vacuum gas oil (often referred to as ‘dirty products’). In addition, some product tankers are also able to carry bulk liquid chemicals and edible oils and fats if they have the appropriate International Maritime Organization (IMO) certification. These vessels are classified as product/chemical tankers, and as such, they represent a swing element in supply, having the ability to move between trades depending on market conditions. Clean petroleum products are therefore carried by non-IMO product tankers and IMO certified product/chemical tankers. IMO tankers will also carry, depending on their tank coatings, a range of other products including organic and inorganic bulk liquid chemicals, vegetable oils and animal fats and special products such as molasses.
Record high demolitions kept a check on the fleet growth, and the global tanker fleet expanded 1.6% over the last 12 months despite greater newbuilding deliveries. As of February 1, 2019, the total oil tanker fleet (crude, products and product/chemical tankers) consisted of 4,971 ships with a combined capacity of 554.7 million dwt.


36

Table of Contents

The Oil Tanker Fleet - February 1, 2019
Vessel Type
Deadweight Tons
Number of
% of Fleet
Capacity
% of Fleet
 
(Dwt)
Vessels
 
(m Dwt)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Tankers (1)
 
 
 
 
 
VLCC/ULCC
200,000+
747
35.3
230.0
58.3
Suezmax
120-199,999
556
26.3
86.7
22.0
Aframax
80-119,999
642
30.4
70.0
17.7
Panamax
55-79,999
81
3.8
5.6
1.4
Handymax
40-54,999
18
0.9
0.8
0.2
Handy
25-39,999
11
0.5
0.4
0.1
Handy
10-24,999
59
2.8
0.9
0.2
Total Fleet
 
2,114
100.0
394.4
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Tankers
 
 
 
 
 
Long Range 3 (LR3)
120-199,999
20
1.4
3.2
3.4
Long Range 2 (LR2)
80-119,999
358
25.5
39.2
41.9
Long Range 1 (LR1)
55-79,999
338
24.1
24.8
26.5
Medium Range 2 (MR2)
40-54,999
434
31.0
20.4
21.8
Medium Range 1 (MR1)
25-39,999
117
8.3
4.0
4.2
Handy
10-24,999
135
9.6
2.0
2.1
Total Fleet
 
1,402
100.0
93.6
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product/Chemical Tankers (2)
 
 
 
 
Long Range 3 (LR3)
120-199,999
—
—
—
—
Long Range 2 (LR2)
80-119,999
3
0.2
0.3
0.5
Long Range 1 (LR1)
55-79,999
30
2.1
2.2
3.3
Medium Range 2 (MR2)
40-54,999
1,097
75.4
53.0
79.4
Medium Range 1 (MR1)
25-39,999
286
19.7
10.7
16.0
Handy
10-24,999
39
2.7
0.6
0.9
Total Fleet
 
1,455
100.0
66.8
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product & Product/Chemical Fleet
 
 
 
 
Long Range 3 (LR3)
120-199,999
20
0.7
3.2
2.0
Long Range 2 (LR2)
80-119,999
361
12.6
39.5
24.7
Long Range 1 (LR1)
55-79,999
368
12.9
27.0
16.9
Medium Range 2 (MR2)
40-54,999
1,531
53.6
73.3
45.8
Medium Range 1 (MR1)
25-39,999
403
14.1
14.6
9.1
Handy
10-24,999
174
6.1
2.6
1.6
Total Fleet
 
2,857
100.0
160.2
100.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude, Product and Product/Chemical Tanker Fleet
 
 
 
VLCC/ULCC
200,000+
747
15.0
230.0
41.5
Suezmax/LR3
120-199,999
576
11.6
89.9
16.2
Aframax/LR2
80-119,999
1,003
20.2
109.5
19.7
Panamax/LR1
55-79,999
449
9.0
32.6
5.9
Handy/Medium Range
40-54,999
1,549
31.2
74.1
13.4
Handy/Medium Range
25-39,999
414
8.3
15.0
2.7
Handy/Handymax
10-54,999
233
4.7
3.5
0.6
Total Fleet
 
4,971
100.0
554.6
100.0

(1)
Included shuttle tankers and tankers on storage duties
(2)
Excludes pure chemical tankers

Source: Drewry

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Table of Contents


The world product tanker fleet as on February 1, 2019, consisted of 2,857 vessels with a combined capacity of 160.2 million dwt. The breakdown of the fleet by type (crude, product and product/chemical) and by size, together with the orderbook for newbuilding tankers as on February 1, 2019, is illustrated in the table below.


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Table of Contents



The World Tanker Fleet(1) & Orderbook - February 1, 2019
Vessel Type
Deadweight
Existing
Fleet
 
Orderbook
 
Orderbook % Fleet
2019
2020
2021
2022+
 
(Dwt)
No
m Dwt
 
No
m Dwt
 
No
Dwt
No
m Dwt
No
m Dwt
No
m Dwt
No
m Dwt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude Tankers (1)
VLCC/ULCC
200,000+
747.0
230.0
 
98.0
30.3
 
13.1
13.2
55.0
17.1
34.0
10.4
9.0
2.8
 
 
Suezmax
120-199,999
556.0
86.7
 
62.0
9.4
 
11.2
10.9
28.0
4.3
29.0
4.4
5.0
0.8
 
 
Aframax
80-119,999
642.0
70.0
 
66.0
7.5
 
10.3
10.7
42.0
4.8
17.0
1.9
5.0
0.6
2.0
0.2
Panamax
55-79,999
81.0
5.6
 
9.0
0.6
 
11.1
11.1
2.0
0.1
6.0
0.4
1.0
0.1
 
 
Handymax
40-54,999
18.0
0.8
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Handy
25-39,999
11.0
0.4
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Handy
10-24,999
59.0
0.9
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Fleet
 
2,114.0
394.4
 
235.0
47.8
 
11.1
12.1
127
26.3
86
17.1
20
4.3
2
0.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product Tankers
Long Range 3 (LR3)
120-199,999
20.0
3.2
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Long Range 2 (LR2)
80-119,999
358.0
39.2
 
34.0
3.7
 
9.5
9.3
14.0
1.5
8.0
0.8
12.0
1.3
—
—
Long Range 1 (LR1)
55-79,999
338.0
24.8
 
13.0
1.0
 
3.8
4.0
8.0
0.6
5.0
0.4
—
—
—
—
Medium Range 2 (MR2)
40-54,999
434.0
20.4
 
27.0
1.3
 
6.2
6.6
17.0
0.8
10.0
0.5
—
—
—
—
Medium Range 1 (MR1)
25-39,999
117.0
4.0
 
1.0
—
 
0.9
0.8
—
—
1.0
—
—
—
—
—
Handy
10-24,999
135.0
2.0
 
24.0
0.4
 
17.8
20.5
16.0
0.2
8.0
0.2
—
—
—
—
Total Fleet
 
1,402.0
93.6
 
99.0
6.4
 
7.1
6.8
55
3.1
32
1.9
12
1.3
—
—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product/Chemical Tankers (2)
Long Range 3 (LR3)
120-199,999
—
—
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Long Range 2 (LR2)
80-119,999
3.0
0.3
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Long Range 1 (LR1)
55-79,999
30.0
2.2
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Medium Range 2 (MR2)
40-54,999
1,097.0
53.0
 
123.0
6.1
 
11.2
11.5
76.0
3.7
42.0
2.1
5.0
0.3
—
—
Medium Range 1 (MR1)
25-39,999
286.0
10.7
 
11.0
0.4
 
3.8
3.8
11.0
0.4
—
—
—
—
—
—
Handy
10-24,999
39.0
0.6
 
1.0
—
 
2.6
4.1
1.0
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total Fleet
 
1,455.0
66.8
 
135.0
6.5
 
9.3
9.7
88.0
4.1
42.0
2.1
5.0
0.3
—
—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Product & Product/Chemical Fleet
Long Range 3 (LR3)
120-199,999
20.0
3.2
 
—
—
 
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
Long Range 2 (LR2)
80-119,999
361.0
39.5
 
34.0
3.7
 
9.4
9.3
14.0
1.5
8.0
0.8
12.0
1.3
—
—
Long Range 1 (LR1)
55-79,999
368.0
27.0
 
13.0
1.0
 
3.5
3.6
8.0
0.6
5.0
0.4
—
—
—
—
Medium Range 2 (MR2)
40-54,999
1,531.0
73.3
 
150.0
7.4
 
9.8
10.1
93.0
4.6
52.0
2.6
5.0
0.3
—
—
Medium Range 1 (MR1)
25-39,999
403.0
14.6
 
12.0
0.4
 
3.0
3.0
11.0
0.4
1.0
—
—
—
—
—
Handy
10-24,999
174.0
2.6
 
25.0
0.4
 
14.4
16.8
17.0
0.3
8.0
0.2
—
—
—
—

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Table of Contents

Total Fleet
 
2,857.0
160.2
 
234.0
12.9
 
8.2
8.1
143.0
7.4
74.0
4.0
17.0
1.6
—
—
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude, Product and Product/Chemical Tanker Fleet
VLCC/ULCC
200,000+
747.0
230.0
 
98.0
30.3
 
13.1
13.2
55.0
17.1
34.0
10.4
9.0
2.8
—
—
Suezmax/LR3
120-199,999
576.0
89.9
 
62.0
9.4
 
10.8
10.5
28.0
4.3
29.0
4.4
5.0
0.8
—
—
Aframax/LR2
80-119,999
1,003.0
109.5
 
100.0
11.2
 
10.0
10.2
56.0
6.3
25.0
2.8
17.0
1.9
2.0
0.2
Panamax/LR1
55-79,999
449.0
32.6
 
22.0
1.6
 
4.9
4.9
10.0
0.7
11.0
0.8
1.0
0.1
—
—
Handy/Medium Range
40-54,999
1,549.0
74.1
 
150.0
7.4
 
9.7
10.0
93.0
4.6
52.0
2.6
5.0
0.3
—
—
Handy/Medium Range
25-39,999
414.0
15.0
 
12.0
0.4
 
2.9
2.9
11.0
0.4
1.0
—
—
—
—
—
Handy/Handymax
10-54,999
233.0
3.5
 
25.0
0.4
 
10.7
12.3
17
0.3
8
0.2
0
—
—
—
Total Fleet
 
4,971.0
554.6
 
469.0
60.7
 
9.4
10.9
270.0
33.7
160.0
21.2
37.0
5.9
2.0
0.2

(1) Included shuttle tankers and tankers on storage duties
(2) Product and product/chemical tankers only, excludes pure chemical tankers
Source: Drewry
As of February 1, 2019, the orderbook for product and product/chemical tankers for vessels above 10,000 dwt comprised 234 vessels with a combined capacity of 12.9 million dwt, equivalent to 8.1% of the existing fleet. Based on the total orderbook and scheduled deliveries, nearly 7.4 million dwt is expected to be delivered in 2019, followed by 4 million dwt in 2020 and the remaining 1.6 million dwt in 2021. In recent years, however, the orderbook has been affected by the non-delivery of vessels (sometimes referred to as ‘slippage’). Some of this slippage resulted from delays, either through mutual agreement or through shipyard problems, while some were due to vessel cancellations. Slippage is likely to remain an issue going forward, and as such, it will have a moderating effect on growth in the product tanker fleet over the next three years.
Two other important factors are likely to affect product tanker supply in the future. The first is the requirement to retrofit Ballast Water Management Systems (BWTS) to existing vessels. In February 2004, the IMO adopted the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the BWM Convention. The BWM Convention contains an environmentally protective numeric standard for the treatment of a ship’s ballast water before it is discharged. This standard, detailed in Regulation ‘D-2’ of the BWM Convention, sets out the numbers of organisms allowed in specific volumes of treated discharge water. The IMO ‘D-2’ standard is also the standard that has been adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard’s ballast water regulations and the U.S. EPA’s Vessel General Permit. The BWM Convention also contains an implementation schedule for the installation of IMO member state type approved treatment systems in existing ships and in new vessels, requirements for the development of vessel ballast water management plans, requirements for the safe removal of sediments from ballast tanks, and guidelines for the testing and type approval of ballast water treatment technologies. In July 2017, the IMO extended the regulatory requirement of compliance to the BWM Convention from September 8, 2017 to September 8, 2019. Vessels trading internationally will have to comply with the BWM Convention upon their next special survey after that date, and for an LR2 tanker, the retrofit cost could be in the range of $1.25 to $1.75 million per vessel, including labour. Expenditure of this kind will be another factor impacting the decision to scrap older vessels once the BWM convention comes into force in September 2019.
The second factor that is likely to impact future vessel supply is the drive to introduce low sulfur fuels. Heavy fuel oil (HFO) has been the main fuel of the shipping industry since many years. It is relatively inexpensive and widely available, but it is ‘dirty’ from an environmental point of view. The sulfur content of HFO is extremely high and it is the reason that maritime shipping accounts for 8% of global emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), an important source for acid rain, as well as respiratory diseases. In some port cities, such as Hong Kong, shipping is the largest single source of SO2 emissions, as well as emissions of particulate matter (PM), which are directly tied to the sulfur content of the fuel. One estimate suggests that PM emissions from maritime shipping led to 87,000 premature deaths worldwide in 2012.
The IMO, the governing body of international shipping, has made a decisive effort to diversify the industry away from HFO into cleaner fuels with less harmful effects on the environment and human health. Effective in 2015, ships operating within the Emission Control Areas (ECAs) covering the Economic Exclusive Zone of North America, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the English Channel are required to use marine gas oil with allowable sulfur content up to 0.1%. The IMO’s 2020 regulations stipulates that from January 1, 2020, ships sailing outside ECAs will switch to an alternate fuel with permitted sulfur content up to 0.5%. This will create openings for a variety of new fuels, or major capital expenditures for costly scrubbers to be retrofitted on existing ships, and as such, it will be another factor hastening the demise of older ships. Within the context of the wider market, increased vessel scrapping is a positive development as it helps to counterbalance new ship deliveries and moderates the fleet growth.

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Table of Contents

The Oil Tanker Freight Market
Tanker charter hire rates and vessel values for all tankers are influenced by the supply-demand dynamics of the tanker market. Also, in general terms, time charter rates are less volatile than spot rates as they reflect the fact that the vessel is fixed for a longer period of time. In the spot market, rates will reflect the immediate underlying conditions in vessel supply and demand, and are thus prone to more volatility. The trend in spot rates since 2002 for the main vessel classes is shown in the table below.

Oil Tanker - Spot (TCE) Rates: 2002-2019*
(US$/Day)
Year
Caribs
NW Europe
West Africa
AG
 
USAC
NW Europe
Caribs/USES
Japan
 
40-70,000 DWT
70-100,000 DWT
150-160,000 DWT
280-300,000 DWT
2002
16,567
22,800
19,325
21,667
2003
28,833
41,883
37,367
49,342
2004
42,158
55,408
64,792
95,258
2005
34,933
57,517
40,883
59,125
2006
28,792
47,067
40,142
51,142
2007
30,100
41,975
35,392
45,475
2008
36,992
56,408
52,650
89,300
2009
13,450
19,883
20,242
29,483
2010
17,950
27,825
19,658
40,408
2011
8,817
10,500
12,758
8,700
2012
12,408
9,100
14,275
12,275
2013
13,475
11,427
13,308
12,325
2014
21,383
23,360
23,567
24,625
2015
23,725
37,509
38,350
67,928
2016
13,608
24,333
21,592
42,183
2017
9,633
7,643
11,255
22,617
2018
9,992
9,181
11,075
21,433
Jan-19
28,700
20,692
23,500
24,700

*Up to January 2019
Source: Drewry
After a period of favorable market conditions between 2004 and 2008, demand for products fell as the world economy went into recession in the latter half of 2008 and there was a negative impact on product tanker demand. With supply at the same time increasing at a fast pace, falling utilization levels pushed tanker freight rates downwards in 2009. A modest recovery took place in the early part of 2010, but this was short-lived and rates started to fall once more in mid-2012 before rebounding in 2014.
Freight rates in the tanker sector started to improve in the second half of 2014 as result of low growth in vessel supply and rising vessel demand. In the products sector, a number of factors combined to push up rates, including:
•
Increased trade due to higher stocking activity and improved demand for oil products
•
Longer voyage distances because of refining capacity additions in Asia
•
Product tankers also carrying crude encouraged by firm freight rates for dirty tankers
•
Lower bunker prices contributing to higher net earnings
Freight rates remained firm throughout 2015 and in the first half of 2016, leading to greater revenue and improved profitability for shipowners. However, in the second half of 2016, tanker freight rates declined sharply as a result of the increased tanker supply outweighing the demand for tankers. A spate of newbuilding deliveries in 2017 aggravated the situation further for shipowners and the average one-year spot charter rate declined further. The situation worsened further and TCE rates were below breakeven rates on key routes for the first nine months of 2018. However, towards the end of 2018, there were signs that vessel earnings were beginning to improve as supply growth was moderating in the wake of record high demolitions and reduced new vessel ordering. Additionally, the TCE rates improved further in January 2019 because of stronger seasonal demand.



41

Table of Contents


Oil Tanker Newbuilding Prices
Newbuilding prices increased significantly between 2003 and 2007 primarily as a result of increased tanker demand. Thereafter, prices weakened in the face of a poor freight market and lower levels of new ordering. In late 2013, prices started to recover and they continued to edge up slowly during 2014 before falling marginally in late 2015. Moreover, newbuilding prices fell further in 2016 because of excess capacity available at shipyards, accompanied with low steel prices. New orders declined on account of diminishing earnings potential of oil tankers, and mandatory compliance to Tier III emission for ships ordered on or after January 1, 2016, as well as owners’ limited access to cost-effective capital.
Newbuild prices remained stable throughout 2017. However, asset values of newbuilds have increased in the range of 3 to 13% in the last 12 months primarily on the back of optimism about a recovery in the tanker market. For most oil tanker sizes, newbuilding prices in January 2019 are well below the peaks reported at the height of the market boom in 2007-08 and also below long-term averages.

Oil Tankers: Newbuilding Prices: 2002-2019*
(In millions of U.S. Dollars)

Year End
37,000(1)
50,000(1)
75,000(1)
110,000(1)
75,000(2)
110,000(2)
160,000(2)
300,000(2)
 
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
2002
24.5
26.5
33.0
38.0
31.0
36.0
44.0
66.0
2003
28.5
30.5
36.5
42.0
34.5
40.0
52.0
73.0
2004
34.0
39.0
43.0
59.0
41.0
57.0
68.0
105.0
2005
37.5
42.0
45.0
61.0
43.0
59.0
71.0
120.0
2006
40.5
47.5
52.0
67.0
50.0
65.0
78.0
128.0
2007
46.0
54.0
66.0
80.0
64.0
78.0
90.0
146.0
2008
40.0
46.5
59.0
73.5
57.0
71.5
87.0
142.0
2009
31.0
36.0
44.5
54.0
42.5
52.0
62.0
101.0
2010
33.0
36.0
48.0
59.0
46.0
57.0
67.0
105.0
2011
31.5
36.0
46.0
54.8
44.0
52.8
61.7
99.0
2012
30.0
33.0
44.0
50.0
42.0
48.0
56.5
92.0
2013
31.0
35.0
45.0
53.5
43.0
51.5
59.0
93.5
2014
33.0
37.0
47.5
56.0
45.5
54.0
65.0
97.0
2015
32.0
35.5
47.0
53.5
45.0
51.5
63.0
94.0
2016
30.0
32.0
41.0
47.0
39.0
45.0
54.0
83.0
2017
31.0
33.0
41.0
46.0
39.0
44.0
55.0
81.0
2018
31.4
35.3
41.4
48.8
39.4
46.8
58.7
88.0
Jan-19
32.0
36.0
44.0
50.0
40.0
48.0
61.0
93.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term average
32.8
36.8
45.3
54.6
43.3
52.6
63.3
99.2
(1) Coated tankers
(2) Uncoated tankers
*Up to January 2019
Source: Drewry
Second-hand Prices
Second-hand values primarily, albeit with a lag, reflect prevailing and expected charter rates. During extended periods of high charter rates, vessel values tend to appreciate and vice versa. However, vessel values are also influenced by other factors, including the age of the vessel. Prices for young vessels, those about up to five-years old, are also influenced by newbuilding prices, while prices for old vessels, near the end of their useful economic life, those around, at or in excess of 25 years, are influenced by the value of scrap steel.

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The table below illustrates the movements of prices for second-hand oil tankers from 2002 to 2018. In late 2013, prices for all modern tankers increased as a result of improvement in freight rates and positive market sentiment, and further gains were recorded in 2014 and 2015. However, in 2016, second-hand prices saw a double-digit decline on account of weakening freight rates. For illustration, the second-hand price of a five-year old LR vessel of 95,000 dwt capacity fell 35% from $46 million in 2015 to $30 million in 2016. However, the market saw increased demand for modern second-hand vessels in the last two years, in anticipation of a recovery in the freight market and buyers trying to take advantage of historically low asset prices. As such, second-hand modern product tanker prices increased in the range of 3 to 10% in 2018. For example, the second-hand price of a five-year old LR2 inched up $2.0 million between January 2018 and December 2018. As of January 2019, second-hand prices for oil tankers were still well below their long-term averages for every vessel class.


Oil Tanker Second-hand Prices for 5 year old vessels: 2002-2019*
(In millions of U.S. Dollars)

Year End
37,000(1)
45,000(1)
75,000(1)
95,000(1)
75,000(2)
95,000(2)
150,000(2)
300,000(2)
 
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
DWT
2002
15.5
21.5
23.0
31.5
21.0
29.5
39.0
55.0
2003
24.5
29.5
26.0
39.0
24.0
37.0
47.0
70.0
2004
36.0
42.0
40.0
59.0
38.0
57.0
73.0
112.0
2005
40.0
45.5
48.5
60.0
46.5
58.0
75.0
110.0
2006
40.0
47.5
50.0
65.0
48.0
63.0
77.0
115.0
2007
40.0
52.0
61.0
70.5
59.0
68.5
87.0
130.0
2008
36.0
42.0
48.0
57.0
46.0
55.0
77.0
110.0
2009
21.0
24.0
34.5
40.0
32.5
38.0
53.0
77.5
2010
21.5
24.0
37.0
44.0
35.0
42.0
58.0
85.5
2011
24.0
27.0
34.0
35.5
32.0
33.5
45.5
58.0
2012
21.0
24.0
27.0
29.5
25.0
27.5
40.0
57.0
2013
25.0
29.0
33.0
35.0
31.0
33.0
42.0
60.0
2014
23.0
24.0
35.5
44.0
33.5
42.0
57.0
76.0
2015
26.0
27.0
38.0
48.0
36.0
46.0
60.0
80.0
2016
20.0
22.0
30.0
32.0
28.0
30.0
42.0
60.0
2017
21.0
24.0
29.0
32.0
27.0
30.0
40.0
62.0
2018
23.0
27.0
31.0
34.0
29.0
32.0
44.0
64.0
Jan-19
23.0
27.0
32.0
34.0
30.0
32.0
45.0
66.0
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term average
26.4
30.9
36.3
44.0
34.3
42.0
55.4
80.3
(1) Coated tankers
(2) Uncoated tankers
*Up to January 2019
Source: Drewry
Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry
Government regulation and laws significantly affect the ownership and operation of our fleet. We are subject to international conventions and treaties, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our vessels may operate or are registered relating to safety and health and environmental protection including the storage, handling, emission, transportation and discharge of hazardous and non-hazardous materials and the remediation of contamination and liability for damage to natural resources. Compliance with such laws, regulations and other requirements entails significant expense, including vessel modifications and implementation of certain operating procedures.

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A variety of government and private entities subject our vessels to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. These entities include the local port authorities (applicable national authorities such as the United States Coast Guard (“USCG”), harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administrations (countries of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators. Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses, certificates and other authorizations for the operation of our vessels. Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or result in the temporary suspension of the operation of one or more of our vessels.
Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for vessels that conform to stricter environmental standards. We are required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with United States and international regulations. We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.
International Maritime Organization
International Maritime Organization, or the IMO, the United Nations agency for maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by vessels, has adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto, collectively referred to as MARPOL 73/78 and herein as “MARPOL,” the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974 (“SOLAS Convention”), and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966 (the “LL Convention”). MARPOL establishes environmental standards relating to oil leakage or spilling, garbage management, sewage, air emissions, handling and disposal of noxious liquids and the handling of harmful substances in packaged forms. MARPOL is applicable to drybulk, tanker and LNG carriers, among other vessels, and is broken into six Annexes, each of which regulates a different source of pollution. Annex I relates to oil leakage or spilling; Annexes II and III relate to harmful substances carried in bulk in liquid or in packaged form, respectively; Annexes IV and V relate to sewage and garbage management, respectively; and Annex VI, lastly, relates to air emissions. Annex VI was separately adopted by the IMO in September of 1997.
In 2012, the IMO’s Marine Environmental Protection Committee, or the "MEPC," adopted a resolution amending the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, or the "IBC Code." The provisions of the IBC Code are mandatory under MARPOL and the SOLAS Convention. These amendments, which entered into force in June 2014, pertain to revised international certificates of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk and identifying new products that fall under the IBC Code. We may need to make certain financial expenditures to comply with these amendments.
Air Emissions
In September of 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to MARPOL to address air pollution from vessels. Effective May 2005, Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from all commercial vessel exhausts and prohibits “deliberate emissions” of ozone depleting substances (such as halons and chlorofluorocarbons), emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks, and the shipboard incineration of specific substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions, as explained below. Emissions of “volatile organic compounds” from certain vessels, and the shipboard incineration (from incinerators installed after January 1, 2000) of certain substances (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs) are also prohibited. We believe that all our vessels are currently compliant in all material respects with these regulations.
The MEPC adopted amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide, particulate matter and ozone depleting substances, which entered into force on July 1, 2010. The amended Annex VI seeks to further reduce air pollution by, among other things, implementing a progressive reduction of the amount of sulfur contained in any fuel oil used on board ships. On October 27, 2016, at its 70th session, the MEPC agreed to implement a global 0.5% m/m sulfur oxide emissions limit (reduced from 3.50%) starting from January 1, 2020. This limitation can be met by using low-sulfur compliant fuel oil, alternative fuels, or certain exhaust gas cleaning systems. Once the cap becomes effective, ships will be required to obtain bunker delivery notes and International Air Pollution Prevention ("IAPP") Certificates from their flag states that specify sulfur content. Additionally, at MEPC 73, amendments to Annex VI to prohibit the carriage of bunkers above 0.5% sulfur on ships were adopted and will take effect March 1, 2020. These regulations subject ocean-going vessels to stringent emissions controls, and may cause us to incur substantial costs.

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Sulfur content standards are even stricter within certain “Emission Control Areas,” or ("ECAs"). As of January 1, 2015, ships operating within an ECA were not permitted to use fuel with sulfur content in excess of 0.1%. Amended Annex VI establishes procedures for designating new ECAs. Currently, the IMO has designated four ECAs, including specified portions of the Baltic Sea area, North Sea area, North American area and United States Caribbean area. Ocean-going vessels in these areas will be subject to stringent emission controls and may cause us to incur additional costs. If other ECAs are approved by the IMO, or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.
Amended Annex VI also establishes new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for marine diesel engines, depending on their date of installation. At the MEPC meeting held from March to April 2014, amendments to Annex VI were adopted which address the date on which Tier III Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) standards in ECAs will go into effect. Under the amendments, Tier III NOx standards apply to ships that operate in the North American and U.S. Caribbean Sea ECAs designed for the control of NOx produced by vessels with a marine diesel engine installed and constructed on or after January 1, 2016. Tier III requirements could apply to areas that will be designated for Tier III NOx in the future. At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, the MEPC approved the North Sea and Baltic Sea as ECAs for nitrogen oxide for ships built after January 1, 2021. The EPA promulgated equivalent (and in some senses stricter) emissions standards in late 2009. As a result of these designations or similar future designations, we may be required to incur additional operating or other costs.
As determined at the MEPC 70, the new Regulation 22A of MARPOL Annex VI became effective as of March 1, 2018 and requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to collect and report annual data on fuel oil consumption to an IMO database, with the first year of data collection commencing on January 1, 2019. The IMO intends to use such data as the first step in its roadmap (through 2023) for developing its strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships, as discussed further below.
As of January 1, 2013, MARPOL made mandatory certain measures relating to energy efficiency for ships. All ships are now required to develop and implement Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plans, ("SEEMPS"), and new ships must be designed in compliance with minimum energy efficiency levels per capacity mile as defined by the Energy Efficiency Design Index ("EEDI"). Under these measures, by 2025, all new ships built will be 30% more energy efficient than those built in 2014.
We may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems and could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Safety Management System Requirements
The SOLAS Convention was amended to address the safe manning of vessels and emergency training drills.  The Convention of Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims ("LLMC") sets limitations of liability for a loss of life or personal injury claim or a property claim against ship owners. We believe that our vessels are in substantial compliance with SOLAS and LLMC standards.

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Under Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention, or the International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (the “ISM Code”), our operations are also subject to environmental standards and requirements. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We rely upon the safety management system that we and our technical management team have developed for compliance with the ISM Code. The failure of a vessel owner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject such party to increased liability, may decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.
The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with the ISM Code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a safety management certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. We have obtained applicable documents of compliance and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO. The document of compliance and safety management certificate are renewed as required.
Regulation II-1/3-10 of the SOLAS Convention governs ship construction and stipulates that ships over 150 meters in length must have adequate strength, integrity and stability to minimize risk of loss or pollution. Goal-based standards amendments in SOLAS regulation II-1/3-10 entered into force in 2012, with July 1, 2016 set for application to new oil tankers and bulk carriers. The SOLAS Convention regulation II-1/3-10 on goal-based ship construction standards for bulk carriers and oil tankers, which entered into force on January 1, 2012, requires that all oil tankers and bulk carriers of 150 meters in length and above, for which the building contract is placed on or after July 1, 2016, satisfy applicable structural requirements conforming to the functional requirements of the International Goal-based Ship Construction Standards for Bulk Carriers and Oil Tankers (GBS Standards).
Amendments to the SOLAS Convention Chapter VII apply to vessels transporting dangerous goods and require those vessels be in compliance with the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code ("IMDG Code"). Effective January 1, 2018, the IMDG Code includes (1) updates to the provisions for radioactive material, reflecting the latest provisions from the International Atomic Energy Agency, (2) new marking, packing and classification requirements for dangerous goods, and (3) new mandatory training requirements.
The IMO has also adopted the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers ("STCW"). As of February 2017, all seafarers are required to meet the STCW standards and be in possession of a valid STCW certificate. Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance.
The IMO's Maritime Safety Committee and MEPC, respectively, each adopted relevant parts of the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Water (the “Polar Code”). The Polar Code, which entered into force on January 1, 2017, covers design, construction, equipment, operational, training, search and rescue as well as environmental protection matters relevant to ships operating in the waters surrounding the two poles. It also includes mandatory measures regarding safety and pollution prevention as well as recommendatory provisions. The Polar Code applies to new ships constructed after January 1, 2017, and after January 1, 2018, ships constructed before January 1, 2017 are required to meet the relevant requirements by the earlier of their first intermediate or renewal survey.
Furthermore, recent action by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and United States agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. For example, cyber-risk management systems must be incorporated by ship-owners and managers by 2021. This might cause companies to create additional procedures for monitoring cybersecurity, which could require additional expenses and/or capital expenditures. The impact of such regulations is hard to predict at this time.
Pollution Control and Liability Requirements
The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for pollution in international waters and the territorial waters of the signatories to such conventions. For example, the IMO adopted the BWM Convention in 2004. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 9, 2017. The BWM Convention requires ships to manage their ballast water to remove, render harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of new or invasive aquatic organisms and pathogens within ballast water and sediments. The BWM Convention’s implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits, and require all ships to carry a ballast water record book and an international ballast water management certificate. 

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On December 4, 2013, the IMO Assembly passed a resolution revising the application dates of the BWM Convention so that the dates are triggered by the entry into force date and not the dates originally in the BWM Convention. This, in effect, makes all vessels delivered before the entry into force date “existing vessels” and allows for the installation of ballast water management systems on such vessels at the first International Oil Pollution Prevention (“IOPP”) renewal survey following entry into force of the convention. The MEPC adopted updated guidelines for approval of ballast water management systems (G8) at MEPC 70. At MEPC 71, the schedule regarding the BWM Convention’s implementation dates was also discussed and amendments were introduced to extend the date existing vessels are subject to certain ballast water standards. Ships over 400 gross tons generally must comply with a “D-1 standard,” requiring the exchange of ballast water only in open seas and away from coastal waters. The “D-2 standard” specifies the maximum amount of viable organisms allowed to be discharged, and compliance dates vary depending on the IOPP renewal dates. Depending on the date of the IOPP renewal survey, existing vessels must comply with the D-2 standard on or after September 8, 2019. For most ships, compliance with the D-2 standard will involve installing on-board systems to treat ballast water and eliminate unwanted organisms. Ballast Water Management systems, which include systems that make use of chemical, biocides, organisms or biological mechanisms, or which alter the chemical or physical characteristics of the Ballast Water, must be approved in accordance with IMO Guidelines (Regulation D-3). Costs of compliance with these regulations may be substantial.
Once mid-ocean ballast exchange or ballast water treatment requirements become mandatory under the BWM Convention, the cost of compliance could increase for ocean carriers and may have a material effect on our operations. However, many countries already regulate the discharge of ballast water carried by vessels from country to country to prevent the introduction of invasive and harmful species via such discharges. The U.S., for example, requires vessels entering its waters from another country to conduct mid-ocean ballast exchange, or undertake some alternate measure, and to comply with certain reporting requirements.
The IMO adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended by different Protocols in 1976, 1984, and 1992, and amended in 2000 ("CLC"). Under the CLC and depending on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel’s registered owner may be strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain exceptions. The 1992 Protocol changed certain limits on liability expressed using the International Monetary Fund currency unit, the Special Drawing Rights. The limits on liability have since been amended so that the compensation limits on liability were raised. The right to limit liability is forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the shipowner’s actual fault and under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the shipowner’s intentional or reckless act or omission where the shipowner knew pollution damage would probably result. The CLC requires ships over 2,000 tons covered by it to maintain insurance covering the liability of the owner in a sum equivalent to an owner’s liability for a single incident. We have protection and indemnity insurance for environmental incidents. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunkers Convention “Blue Cards” to enable signatory states to issue certificates. All of our vessels are in possession of a CLC State issued certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force.
The IMO also adopted the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage (the "Bunker Convention") to impose strict liability on ship owners (including the registered owner, bareboat charterer, manager or operator) for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention requires registered owners of ships over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance for pollution damage in an amount equal to the limits of liability under the applicable national or international limitation regime (but not exceeding the amount calculated in accordance with the LLMC). With respect to non-ratifying states, liability for spills or releases of oil carried as fuel in a ship’s bunkers typically is determined by the national or other domestic laws in the jurisdiction where the events or damages occur.
Ships are required to maintain a certificate attesting that they maintain adequate insurance to cover an incident. In jurisdictions, such as the United States where the CLC or the Bunker Convention has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis.
Anti-Fouling Requirements
In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, or the "Anti-fouling Convention." The Anti-fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages will also be required to undergo an initial survey before the vessel is put into service or before an International Anti-fouling System Certificate is issued for the first time; and subsequent surveys when the anti-fouling systems are altered or replaced. We have obtained Anti-fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels that are subject to the Anti-fouling Convention.

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Compliance Enforcement
Noncompliance with the ISM Code or other IMO regulations may subject the ship owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The USCG and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. As of the date of this report, each of our vessels is ISM Code certified. However, there can be no assurance that such certificates will be maintained in the future. The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations.
United States Regulations
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA”) established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills. OPA affects all “owners and operators” whose vessels trade or operate within the U.S., its territories and possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which includes the U.S.’s territorial sea and its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S. The U.S. has also enacted the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), which applies to the discharge of hazardous substances other than oil, except in limited circumstances, whether on land or at sea. OPA and CERCLA both define “owner and operator” in the case of a vessel as any person owning, operating or chartering by demise, the vessel. Both OPA and CERCLA impact our operations.
Under OPA, vessel owners and operators are “responsible parties” and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war) for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels, including bunkers (fuel). OPA defines these other damages broadly to include:
(i)    injury to, destruction or loss of, or loss of use of, natural resources and related assessment costs;
(ii)    injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property;
(iii)    loss of subsistence use of natural resources that are injured, destroyed or lost;
(iv)    net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or net profit revenues resulting from injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property, or natural resources;
(v)    lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to injury, destruction or loss of real or personal property or natural resources; and
(vi)    net cost of increased or additional public services necessitated by removal activities following a discharge of oil, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards, and loss of subsistence use of natural resources.
OPA contains statutory caps on liability and damages; such caps do not apply to direct cleanup costs. Effective December 21, 2015, the USCG adjusted the limits of OPA liability for a tank vessel, other than a single-hull tank vessel, over 3,000 gross tons liability to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18,796,800 (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation. These limits of liability do not apply if an incident was proximately caused by the violation of an applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulation by a responsible party (or its agent, employee or a person acting pursuant to a contractual relationship), or a responsible party's gross negligence or willful misconduct. The limitation on liability similarly does not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to (i) report the incident where the responsible party knows or has reason to know of the incident; (ii) reasonably cooperate and assist as requested in connection with oil removal activities; or (iii) without sufficient cause, comply with an order issued under the Federal Water Pollution Act (Section 311 (c), (e)) or the Intervention on the High Seas Act.
CERCLA contains a similar liability regime whereby owners and operators of vessels are liable for cleanup, removal and remedial costs, as well as damages for injury to, or destruction or loss of, natural resources, including the reasonable costs associated with assessing the same, and health assessments or health effects studies. There is no liability if the discharge of a hazardous substance results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. Liability under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $500,000 for any other vessel. These limits do not apply (rendering the responsible person liable for the total cost of response and damages) if the release or threat of release of a hazardous substance resulted from willful misconduct or negligence, or the primary cause of the release was a violation of applicable safety, construction or operating standards or regulations. The limitation on liability also does not apply if the responsible person fails or refused to provide all reasonable cooperation and assistance as requested in connection with response activities where the vessel is subject to OPA.

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OPA and CERCLA each preserve the right to recover damages under existing law, including maritime tort law. OPA and CERCLA both require owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the maximum amount of liability to which the particular responsible person may be subject. Vessel owners and operators may satisfy their financial responsibility obligations by providing a proof of insurance, a surety bond, qualification as a self-insurer or a guarantee. We comply and plan to comply going forward with the USCG’s financial responsibility regulations by providing applicable certificates of financial responsibility.
The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico resulted in additional regulatory initiatives or statutes, including higher liability caps under OPA, new regulations regarding offshore oil and gas drilling, and a pilot inspection program for offshore facilities. However, several of these initiatives and regulations have been or may be revised. For example, the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement’s (“BSEE”) revised Production Safety Systems Rule (“PSSR”), effective December 27, 2018, modified and relaxed certain environmental and safety protections under the 2016 PSSR. Additionally, the BSEE released proposed changes to the Well Control Rule, which could roll back certain reforms regarding the safety of drilling operations, and the U.S. President proposed leasing new sections of U.S. waters to oil and gas companies for offshore drilling, expanding the U.S. waters that are available for such activity over the next five years. The effects of these proposals are currently unknown. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA and future legislation or regulations applicable to the operation of our vessels could impact the cost of our operations and adversely affect our business.
OPA specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, provided they accept, at a minimum, the levels of liability established under OPA and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills. Many U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted environmental pollution laws that impose strict liability on a person for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance. These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law. Moreover, some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters, although in some cases, states which have enacted this type of legislation have not yet issued implementing regulations defining vessel owners’ responsibilities under these laws. The Company intends to comply with all applicable state regulations in the ports where the Company’s vessels call.
We currently maintain pollution liability coverage insurance in the amount of $1 billion per incident for each of our vessels. If the damages from a catastrophic spill were to exceed our insurance coverage, it could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operation.
Other United States Environmental Initiatives
The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970 (including its amendments of 1977 and 1990) (“CAA”) requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas. The CAA also requires states to draft State Implementation Plans, or SIPs, designed to attain national health-based air quality standards in each state. Although state-specific, SIPs may include regulations concerning emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor control equipment. Our vessels operating in such regulated port areas with restricted cargoes are equipped with vapor recovery systems that satisfy these existing requirements.
The U.S. Clean Water Act (“CWA”) prohibits the discharge of oil, hazardous substances and ballast water in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA and CERCLA. In 2015, the EPA expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” (“WOTUS”), thereby expanding federal authority under the CWA. Following litigation on the revised WOTUS rule, in December 2018, the EPA and Department of the Army proposed a revised, limited definition of “waters of the United States.” The effect of this proposal on U.S. environmental regulations is still unknown.

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The EPA and the USCG have also enacted rules relating to ballast water discharge, compliance with which requires the installation of equipment on our vessels to treat ballast water before it is discharged or the implementation of other port facility disposal arrangements or procedures at potentially substantial costs, and/or otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. Waters.  The EPA will regulate these ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of certain vessels within United States waters pursuant to the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), which was signed into law on December 4, 2018 and will replace the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“VGP”) program (which authorizes discharges incidental to operations of commercial vessels and contains numeric ballast water discharge limits for most vessels to reduce the risk of invasive species in U.S. waters, stringent requirements for exhaust gas scrubbers, and requirements for the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants) and current Coast Guard ballast water management regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”), such as mid-ocean ballast exchange programs and installation of approved USCG technology for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports or entering U.S. waters.  VIDA establishes a new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges under the Clean Water Act (CWA), requires the EPA to develop performance standards for those discharges within two years of enactment, and requires the U.S. Coast Guard to develop implementation, compliance, and enforcement regulations within two years of EPA’s promulgation of standards.  Under VIDA, all provisions of the 2013 VGP and USCG regulations regarding ballast water treatment remain in force and effect until the EPA and U.S. Coast Guard regulations are finalized.  Non-military, non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with the requirements of the VGP, including submission of a Notice of Intent (“NOI”) or retention of a PARI form and submission of annual reports. We have submitted NOIs for our vessels where required. Compliance with the EPA, U.S. Coast Guard and state regulations could require the installation of ballast water treatment equipment on our vessels or the implementation of other port facility disposal procedures at potentially substantial cost, or may otherwise restrict our vessels from entering U.S. waters.
European Union Regulations
In October 2009, the European Union amended a directive to impose criminal sanctions for illicit ship-source discharges of polluting substances, including minor discharges, if committed with intent, recklessly or with serious negligence and the discharges individually or in the aggregate result in deterioration of the quality of water. Aiding and abetting the discharge of a polluting substance may also lead to criminal penalties. The directive applies to all types of vessels, irrespective of their flag, but certain exceptions apply to warships or where human safety or that of the ship is in danger. Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims. Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2015 (amending EU Directive 2009/16/EC) governs the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport, and, subject to some exclusions, requires companies with ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to monitor and report carbon dioxide emissions annually starting on January 1, 2018, which may cause us to incur additional expenses.
The European Union has adopted several regulations and directives requiring, among other things, more frequent inspections of high-risk ships, as determined by type, age, and flag as well as the number of times the ship has been detained. The European Union also adopted and extended a ban on substandard ships and enacted a minimum ban period and a definitive ban for repeated offenses. The regulation also provided the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, by imposing more requirements on classification societies and providing for fines or penalty payments for organizations that failed to comply. Furthermore, the EU has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/33/EC (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced requirements parallel to those in Annex VI relating to the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, the EU imposed a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports.
International Labour Organization
The International Labor Organization (the "ILO") is a specialized agency of the UN that has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, ("MLC 2006"). A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships above 500 gross tons in international trade. We believe that all our vessels are in substantial compliance with and are certified to meet MLC 2006.

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Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, which entered into force in 2005 and pursuant to which adopting countries have been required to implement national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with targets extended through 2020. International negotiations are continuing with respect to a successor to the Kyoto Protocol, and restrictions on shipping emissions may be included in any new treaty. In December 2009, more than 27 nations, including the U.S. and China, signed the Copenhagen Accord, which includes a non-binding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris resulted in the Paris Agreement, which entered into force on November 4, 2016 and does not directly limit greenhouse gas emissions from ships. On June 1, 2017, the U.S. President announced that the United States is withdrawing from the Paris Agreement. The timing and effect of such action has yet to be determined, but the Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process.
At MEPC 70 and MEPC 71, a draft outline of the structure of the initial strategy for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships was approved. In accordance with this roadmap, in April 2018, nations at the MEPC 72 adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships. The initial strategy identifies “levels of ambition” to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including (1) decreasing the carbon intensity from ships through implementation of further phases of the EEDI for new ships; (2) reducing carbon dioxide emissions per transport work, as an average across international shipping, by at least 40% by 2030, pursuing efforts towards 70% by 2050, compared to 2008 emission levels; and (3) reducing the total annual greenhouse emissions by at least 50% by 2050 compared to 2008 while pursuing efforts towards phasing them out entirely. The initial strategy notes that technological innovation, alternative fuels and/or energy sources for international shipping will be integral to achieve the overall ambition. These regulations could cause us to incur additional substantial expenses.
The EU made a unilateral commitment to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from its member states from 20% of 1990 levels by 2020. The EU also committed to reduce its emissions by 20% under the Kyoto Protocol’s second period from 2013 to 2020. Starting in January 2018, large ships calling at EU ports are required to collect and publish data on carbon dioxide emissions and other information.
In the United States, the EPA issued a finding that greenhouse gases endanger the public health and safety, adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile sources, and proposed regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from large stationary sources. However, in March 2017, the U.S. President signed an executive order to review and possibly eliminate the EPA’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA or individual U.S. states could enact environmental regulations that would affect our operations.
Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level to succeed the Kyoto Protocol or Paris Agreement, that restricts emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures which we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Even in the absence of climate control legislation, our business may be indirectly affected to the extent that climate change may result in sea level changes or certain weather events.
Vessel Security Regulations
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in the United States, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security such as the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”). To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the USCG issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities, some of which are regulated by the EPA.

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Similarly, Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention imposes detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities and mandates compliance with the International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code (“the ISPS Code”). The ISPS Code is designed to enhance the security of ports and ships against terrorism. To trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate (“ISSC”) from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state. Ships operating without a valid certificate may be detained, expelled from, or refused entry at port until they obtain an ISSC. The various requirements, some of which are found in the SOLAS Convention, include, for example, on-board installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship’s identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; a continuous synopsis record kept onboard showing a vessel's history including the name of the ship, the state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, the date on which the ship was registered with that state, the ship's identification number, the port at which the ship is registered and the name of the registered owner(s) and their registered address; and compliance with flag state security certification requirements.
The USCG regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures, provided such vessels have on board a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel’s compliance with the SOLAS Convention security requirements and the ISPS Code. Future security measures could have a significant financial impact on us. We intend to comply with the various security measures addressed by MTSA, the SOLAS Convention and the ISPS Code.
The cost of vessel security measures has also been affected by the escalation in the frequency of acts of piracy against ships, notably off the coast of Somalia, including the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea area. Substantial loss of revenue and other costs may be incurred as a result of detention of a vessel or additional security measures, and the risk of uninsured losses could significantly affect our business. Costs are incurred in taking additional security measures in accordance with Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy, notably those contained in the BMP4 industry standard.
Inspection by Classification Societies
The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and SOLAS. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage and lending that a vessel be certified “in class” by a classification society which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies, the IACS. The IACS has adopted harmonized Common Structural Rules, or the Rules, which apply to oil tankers and bulk carriers constructed on or after July 1, 2015. The Rules attempt to create a level of consistency between IACS Societies. All of our vessels are certified as being “in class” by all the applicable Classification Societies (e.g., American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyd's Register of Shipping).
A vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys, drydockings and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel’s machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Every vessel is also required to be drydocked every 30 to 36 months for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, drydocking or special survey, the vessel will be unable to carry cargo between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable which could cause us to be in violation of certain covenants in our loan agreements. Any such inability to carry cargo or be employed, or any such violation of covenants, could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risk of Loss and Liability Insurance
General
The operation of any cargo vessel includes risks such as mechanical failure, physical damage, collision, property loss, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, piracy incidents, hostilities and labor strikes. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. OPA, which imposes virtually unlimited liability upon shipowners, operators and bareboat charterers of any vessel trading in the exclusive economic zone of the United States for certain oil pollution accidents in the United States, has made liability insurance more expensive for shipowners and operators trading in the United States market. We carry insurance coverage as customary in the shipping industry. However, not all risks can be insured, specific claims may be rejected, and we might not be always able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates.
Hull and Machinery Insurance

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We procure hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance and war risk insurance and freight, demurrage and defense insurance for our fleet. We generally do not maintain insurance against loss of hire (except for certain charters for which we consider it appropriate), which covers business interruptions that result in the loss of use of a vessel.
Protection and Indemnity Insurance
Protection and indemnity insurance provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or P&I Associations, covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Protection and indemnity insurance is a form of mutual indemnity insurance, extended by protection and indemnity mutual associations, or “clubs.”
Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. The 13 P&I Associations that comprise the International Group insure approximately 90% of the world’s commercial tonnage and have entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association’s liabilities. The International Group’s website states that the Pool provides a mechanism for sharing all claims in excess of US$ 10 million up to, currently, approximately US$ 8.2 billion. As a member of a P&I Association, which is a member of the International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations and members of the shipping pool of P&I Associations comprising the International Group.
C. Organizational Structure
Please see Exhibit 8.1 to this annual report for a list of our current significant subsidiaries.
D. Property, Plants and Equipment
For a description of our fleet, see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview.”
ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS
The following presentation of management’s discussion and analysis of results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes thereto and other financial information appearing in “Item 18. Financial Statements.” You should also carefully read the following discussion with the sections of this annual report entitled “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—The International Oil Tanker Shipping Industry,” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 have been prepared in accordance with IFRS as issued by the IASB. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars ($) unless otherwise indicated. Any amounts converted from another non-U.S. currency to U.S. dollars in this annual report are at the rate applicable at the relevant date, or the average rate during the applicable period.
We generate revenues by charging customers for the transportation of their refined oil and other petroleum products using our vessels. These services are generally provided under the following basic types of contractual relationships:
•
Voyage charters, which are charters for short intervals that are priced on current, or “spot,” market rates.
•
Time or bareboat charters, which are vessels chartered to customers for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, or current market rates.
•
Commercial Pools, whereby we participate with other shipowners to operate a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, which offers customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools negotiate charters primarily in the spot market, but may also arrange time charter agreements. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance utilization rates for pool vessels by securing backhaul voyages and COAs (described below), thus generating higher effective TCE revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market.

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For all types of vessels in contractual relationships, we are responsible for crewing and other vessel operating costs for our owned, finance leased or bareboat chartered-in vessels and the charterhire expense for vessels that we time or bareboat charter-in.
The table below illustrates the primary distinctions among these different employment arrangements:
 
 
Voyage Charter
 
Time Charter
 
Bareboat Charter
 
Commercial Pool
Typical contract length
 
Single voyage
 
One year or more
 
One year or more
 
Varies
Hire rate basis(1)
 
Varies
 
Daily
 
Daily
 
Varies
Voyage expenses(2)
 
We pay
 
Customer pays
 
Customer pays
 
Pool pays
Vessel operating costs for owned, finance leased, or bareboat chartered-in vessels(3)
 
We pay
 
We pay
 
Customer pays
 
We pay
Charterhire expense for time or bareboat chartered-in vessels(3)
 
We pay
 
We pay
 
We pay
 
We pay
Off-hire(4)
 
Customer does not pay
 
Customer does not pay
 
Customer pays
 
Pool does not pay

(1)
“Hire rate” refers to the basic payment from the charterer for the use of the vessel.
(2)
“Voyage expenses” refers to expenses incurred due to a vessel’s traveling from a loading port to a discharging port, such as fuel (bunker) cost, port expenses, agent’s fees, canal dues and extra war risk insurance, as well as commissions.
(3)
“Vessel operating costs” and "Charterhire expense" are defined below under “—Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts.”
(4)
“Off-hire” refers to the time a vessel is not available for service due primarily to scheduled and unscheduled repairs or drydockings. For time chartered-in vessels, we do not pay the charterhire expense when the vessel is off-hire.
As of March 15, 2019, all of our owned or finance leased vessels were operating in the Scorpio Pools.
Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts
We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts. These include the following:
Vessel revenues. Vessel revenues primarily include revenues from time charters, pool revenues and voyage charters (in the spot market). Vessel revenues are affected by hire rates and the number of days a vessel operates. Vessel revenues are also affected by the mix of business between vessels on time charter, vessels in pools and vessels operating on voyage charter. Revenues from vessels in pools and on voyage charter are more volatile, as they are typically tied to prevailing market rates.
Voyage charters. Voyage charters or spot voyages are charters under which the customer pays a transportation charge for the movement of a specific cargo between two or more specified ports. We pay all of the voyage expenses under these charters.
Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses primarily include bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, cargo handling operations and brokerage commissions paid by us under voyage charters. These expenses are subtracted from voyage charter revenues to calculate TCE revenue, a non-IFRS measure, which is defined below.
Vessel operating costs. For our owned, finance leased and bareboat chartered-in vessels, we are responsible for vessel operating costs, which include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, spares and stores, lubricating oils, communication expenses, and technical management fees. The three largest components of our vessel operating costs are crewing, spares and stores and repairs and maintenance. Expenses for repairs and maintenance tend to fluctuate from period to period because most repairs and maintenance typically occur during periodic drydocking. Please read “Drydocking” below. We expect these expenses to increase as our fleet matures and to the extent that it expands.
Additionally, these costs include technical management fees that we paid to SSM, which is controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family. Pursuant to our Revised Master Agreement, SSM provides us with technical services, and we provide them with the ability to subcontract technical management of our vessels with our approval.
Charterhire expense. Charterhire is the amount we pay the owner for time or bareboat chartered-in vessels. The amount is usually for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, or current market rates. The responsibility of vessel operating expenses for the different types of charter agreements are as follows:

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•Time chartered-in vessels. The vessel's owner is responsible for the vessel operating costs.
•Bareboat chartered-in vessels. The charterer is responsible for the vessel operating costs.
Drydocking. We periodically drydock each of our owned or finance leased vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. Generally, each vessel is drydocked every 30 months to 60 months. We capitalize a substantial portion of the costs incurred during drydocking and amortize those costs on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking. We immediately expense costs for routine repairs and maintenance performed during drydocking that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the assets. The number of drydockings undertaken in a given period and the nature of the work performed determine the level of drydocking expenditures.
Depreciation. Depreciation expense typically consists of:
•
charges related to the depreciation of the historical cost of our owned or finance leased vessels (less an estimated residual value) over the estimated useful lives of the vessels; and
•
charges related to the amortization of drydocking expenditures over the estimated number of years to the next scheduled drydocking.
Time charter equivalent (TCE) revenue or rates. We report TCE revenues, a non-IFRS measure, because (i) we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with voyage revenues and voyage expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, (ii) it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance, (iii) it is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance irrespective of changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods, and (iv) we believe that it presents useful information to investors. TCE revenue is vessel revenue less voyage expenses, including bunkers and port charges. The TCE rate achieved on a given voyage is expressed in U.S. dollars/day and is generally calculated by taking TCE revenue and dividing that figure by the number of revenue days in the period. For a reconciliation of TCE revenue, deduct voyage expenses from revenue on our consolidated statements of income or loss.
Revenue days. Revenue days are the total number of calendar days our vessels were in our possession during a period, less the total number of off-hire days during the period associated with major repairs or drydockings. Consequently, revenue days represent the total number of days available for the vessel to earn revenue. Idle days, which are days when a vessel is available to earn revenue, yet is not employed, are included in revenue days. We use revenue days to show changes in net vessel revenues between periods.
Average number of vessels. Historical average number of owned or finance leased vessels consists of the average number of vessels that were in our possession during a period. We use average number of vessels primarily to highlight changes in vessel operating costs and depreciation and amortization.
Contract of affreightment. A contract of affreightment, or COA, relates to the carriage of specific quantities of cargo with multiple voyages over the same route and over a specific period of time which usually spans a number of years. A COA does not designate the specific vessels or voyage schedules that will transport the cargo, thereby providing both the charterer and shipowner greater operating flexibility than with voyage charters alone. The charterer has the flexibility to determine the individual voyage scheduling at a future date while the shipowner may use different vessels to perform these individual voyages. As a result, COAs are mostly entered into by large fleet operators, such as pools or shipowners with large fleets of the same vessel type. We pay the voyage expenses while the freight rate normally is agreed on a per cargo ton basis.
Commercial pools. To increase vessel utilization and revenues, we participate in commercial pools with other shipowners and operators of similar modern, well-maintained vessels. By operating a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, commercial pools offer customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools employ experienced commercial charterers and operators who have close working relationships with customers and brokers, while technical management is performed by each shipowner. Pools negotiate charters with customers primarily in the spot market, but may also arrange time charter agreements. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance utilization rates for pool vessels by securing backhaul voyages and COAs, thus generating higher effective TCE revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market while providing a higher level of service offerings to customers.
Operating days. Operating days are the total number of available days in a period with respect to the owned, finance leased or bareboat chartered-in vessels, before deducting available days due to off-hire days and days in drydock. Operating days is a measurement that is only applicable to our owned, finance leased or bareboat chartered-in vessels, not our time chartered-in vessels.
Items You Should Consider When Evaluating Our Results
You should consider the following factors when evaluating our historical financial performance and assessing our future prospects:

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Our vessel revenues are affected by cyclicality in the tanker markets. The cyclical nature of the tanker industry causes significant increases or decreases in the revenue we earn from our vessels, particularly those vessels we trade in the spot market or in spot market oriented pools. We employ a chartering strategy to capture upside opportunities in the spot market while using fixed-rate time charters to reduce downside risks, depending on SCM’s outlook for freight rates, oil tanker market conditions and global economic conditions. Historically, the tanker industry has been cyclical, experiencing volatility in profitability due to changes in the supply of, and demand for, tanker capacity. The supply of tanker capacity is influenced by the number and size of new vessels built, vessels scrapped, converted and lost, the number of vessels that are out of service, and regulations that may effectively cause early obsolescence of tonnage. The demand for tanker capacity is influenced by, among other factors:
•
global and regional economic and political conditions;
•
increases and decreases in production of and demand for crude oil and petroleum products;
•
increases and decreases in OPEC oil production quotas;
•
the distance crude oil and petroleum products need to be transported by sea; and
•
developments in international trade and changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns.
Tanker rates also fluctuate based on seasonal variations in demand. Tanker markets are typically stronger in the winter months as a result of increased oil consumption in the northern hemisphere but weaker in the summer months as a result of lower oil consumption in the northern hemisphere and refinery maintenance that is typically conducted in the summer months. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns during the winter months in the northern hemisphere tend to disrupt vessel routing and scheduling. The oil price volatility resulting from these factors has historically led to increased oil trading activities in the winter months. As a result, revenues generated by our vessels have historically been weaker during the quarters ended June 30 and September 30, and stronger in the quarters ended March 31 and December 31.
Our expenses were affected by the fees we pay SCM, SSM, and SSH for commercial management, technical management and administrative services, respectively. SCM, SSM and SSH, companies controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family of which our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and our Vice President are members, provide commercial, technical and administrative management services to us, respectively. We pay fees under our Revised Master Agreement with SCM and SSM, for our vessels that operate both within and outside of the Scorpio Pools.  The fees charged to our vessels operating within the Scorpio Pools are identical to what SCM charges third-party owned vessels operating within the Scorpio Pools. When our vessels are operating in one of the Scorpio Pools, SCM, the pool manager, charges fees of $300 per vessel per day with respect to our LR1 vessels, $250 per vessel per day with respect to our LR2 vessels, and $325 per vessel per day with respect to each of our Handymax and MR vessels, plus 1.50% commission on gross revenues per charter fixture.  For commercial management of our vessels that are not operating in any of the Scorpio Pools, we pay SCM a fee of $250 per vessel per day for each LR1 and LR2 vessel and $300 per vessel per day for each Handymax and MR vessel, plus 1.25% commission on gross revenues per charter fixture. Additionally, in September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges our vessels to effectively reduce such commissions to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.
Pursuant to the Revised Master Agreement, the fixed annual technical management fee that we pay to SSM was reduced from $250,000 per vessel to $175,000, effective January 1, 2018 and certain services previously provided as part of the fixed fee are now itemized.  The aggregate cost, including the costs that are now itemized, for the services provided under the technical management agreement did not and are not expected to materially differ from the annual management fee charged prior to the amendment.
We also reimburse our Administrator for the reasonable direct or indirect expenses it incurs in providing us with the administrative services described in "Item 4 - Information on the Company".
Our fleet growth during 2017 was driven by the acquisition of NPTI During 2017, our expansion was largely driven by the acquisition of Navig8 Product Tankers Inc, or NPTI, including its fleet of 27 product tankers (12 LR1 and 15 LR2 product tankers) for 5,499,999 common shares of the Company and the assumption of NPTI's debt. We refer to this transaction as the “Merger.” As part of the Merger, a portion of NPTI's business was acquired in June 2017 when we acquired four of NPTI's subsidiaries, or the NPTI Vessel Acquisition, that owned four LR1 product tankers. In connection with the NPTI Vessel Acquisition, we transferred $42.2 million in cash to NPTI, which remained on its balance sheet after the Merger and assumed the debt secured by the NPTI Vessel Acquisition vessels in the amount of $118.3 million. The balance of NPTI's business was acquired in September 2017 when the Merger closed and 5,499,999 common shares were issued and we assumed $806.5 million of NPTI's debt. We refer to this latter part of the transaction as the September Closing.
Critical Accounting Policies
In the application of the accounting policies, we are required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

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The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The significant judgments and estimates are as follows:
Revenue recognition
Beginning on January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology for recognizing revenue and voyage expenses to comply with the new accounting standards.
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on May 28, 2014. IFRS 15 amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition and is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products or services are transferred to customers. IFRS 15 applies to an entity's first annual IFRS financial statements for a period beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption (the “modified retrospective method”). We have applied the modified retrospective method upon the date of transition.
Revenue earned by our vessels is comprised of pool revenue, time charter revenue and voyage revenue.
(1)
Pool revenue for each vessel is determined in accordance with the profit-sharing terms specified within each pool agreement. In particular, the pool manager aggregates the revenues and expenses of all of the pool participants and distributes the net earnings to participants based on:
•
the pool points attributed to each vessel (which are determined by vessel attributes such as cargo carrying capacity, fuel consumption, and construction characteristics); and
•
the number of days the vessel participated in the pool in the period.
(2)
Time charter agreements are when our vessels are chartered to customers for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, or current market rates.
(3)
Voyage charter agreements are charter hires, where a contract is made in the spot market for the use of a vessel for a specific voyage for a specified charter rate.
Of these revenue streams, revenue generated from voyage charter agreements is within the scope of IFRS 15. Revenue generated from pools and time charters is accounted for as revenue earned under operating leases. Accordingly, the implementation of IFRS 15 did not have an effect on the revenue recognized from the pools or time charters however these arrangements will be impacted by IFRS 16, Leases, which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is discussed further below.
The accounting for our different revenue streams is as follows:
Spot market revenue
For vessels operating directly in the spot market, we recognize revenue ‘over time’ as the customer (i.e. the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the vessel. Under IFRS 15, the time period over which revenue is recognized has changed from the previous accounting standard. Prior to the effective date of IFRS 15, revenue from voyage charter agreements was recognized as voyage revenue on a pro-rata basis over the duration of the voyage on a discharge to discharge basis. In the application of this policy, we did not begin recognizing revenue until (i) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably, (ii) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the entity, (iii) the transactions stage of completion at the balance sheet date could be measured reliably, and (iv) the costs incurred and the costs to complete the transaction could be measured reliably. However, under IFRS 15, the performance obligation has been identified as the transportation of cargo from one point to another. Therefore, in a spot market voyage under IFRS 15, revenue is now recognized on a pro-rata basis commencing on the date that the cargo is loaded and concluding on the date of discharge.
At December 31, 2017, we had two vessels operating in the spot market and the cumulative effect of the application of IFRS 15 under the modified retrospective method resulted in a $3,888 reduction in the opening balance of accumulated deficit on January 1, 2018. We did not have any vessels operating directly in the spot market as of December 31, 2018.

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Pool revenue
We recognize pool revenue on a monthly basis, when the vessel has participated in a pool during the period and the amount of pool revenue for the month can be estimated reliably. We receive estimated vessel earnings based on the known number of days the vessel has participated in the pool, the contract terms, and the estimated monthly pool revenue. On a quarterly basis, we receive a report from the pool which identifies the number of days the vessel participated in the pool, the total pool points for the period, the total pool revenue for the period, and the calculated share of pool revenue for the vessel. We review the quarterly report for consistency with each vessel’s pool agreement and vessel management records. The estimated pool revenue is reconciled quarterly, coinciding with our external reporting periods, to the actual pool revenue earned, per the pool report. Consequently, in our financial statements, reported revenues represent actual pooled revenues. While differences do arise in the performance of these quarterly reconciliations, such differences are not material to total reported revenues.
Time charter revenue
Time charter revenue is recognized as services are performed based on the daily rates specified in the time charter contract.
Voyage expenses
Voyage expenses primarily include bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, cargo handling operations and brokerage commissions paid by us under voyage charters. Prior to the implementation of IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018, voyage costs were expensed ratably over the estimated length of each voyage, which can be allocated between reporting periods based on the timing of the voyage. The impact of recognizing voyage expenses ratably over the length of each voyage was not materially different on a quarterly and annual basis from a method of recognizing such costs as incurred. Consistent with our revenue recognition for voyage charters prior to the implementation of IFRS 15, voyage expenses were calculated on a discharge-to-discharge basis.
Beginning on January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology for recognizing revenue and voyage expenses to comply with IFRS 15. Under IFRS 15, voyage costs incurred in the fulfillment of a voyage charter are deferred and amortized over the course of the charter commencing on the date that the cargo is loaded and concluding on the date of discharge. Voyage costs are only deferred if they (i) relate directly to such charter, (ii) generate or enhance resources to be used in meeting obligations under the charter and (iii) are expected to be recovered.
Vessel impairment
Impairment methodology
The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of constructing new vessels. At each reporting period end date, we review the carrying amounts of our vessels to determine whether there is any indication that those vessels may have suffered an impairment loss. In this regard, we consider factors such as fluctuations in the market values of our vessels below their carrying values, or the sustained weakness in the product tanker market as potential impairment indicators that necessitate the performance of a full impairment review.
Impairment losses are calculated as the excess of a vessel’s carrying amount over its recoverable amount. Under IFRS, the recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s (i) fair value less costs to sell and (ii) value in use. Fair value less costs to sell is defined by IFRS as “the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset or cash-generating unit in an arm’s length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties, less the costs of disposal.” When we calculate value in use, we discount the expected future cash flows to be generated by our vessels to their net present value.
Our impairment evaluation is performed on an individual vessel basis when there are indications of impairment. First, we assess the fair value less the cost to sell our vessels taking into consideration vessel valuations from leading, independent and internationally recognized ship brokers. We then compare that estimate of market values (less an estimate of selling costs) to each vessel’s carrying value and, if the carrying value exceeds the vessel’s market value, an indicator of impairment exists. We also consider sustained weakness in the product tanker market as an impairment indicator. An indicator of impairment prompts us to perform a calculation of the potentially impaired vessel’s value in use, in order to appropriately determine the “higher of” the two values.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. In developing estimates of future cash flows, we make assumptions about future charter rates, vessel operating expenses, the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels and the discount rate. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate, such assumptions are highly subjective. Reasonable changes in the assumptions for the discount rate or future charter rates could lead to a value in use for some of our vessels that is equal to or less than the carrying amount for such vessels. All of the aforementioned assumptions have been highly volatile in both the current market and historically.
At December 31, 2018, we had 109 vessels in our fleet:

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•
34 of our owned or financed leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell greater than their carrying amount. As such, there were no indicators of impairment for these vessels.
•
75 of our owned or finance leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell less than their carrying amount. We prepared a value in use calculation for each of these vessels which resulted in no impairment being recognized.
At December 31, 2017, we had 107 vessels in our fleet and two vessels under construction:
•
Eight vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell more than their carrying amount. As such, there were no indicators of impairment for these vessels.
•
99 of our owned or finance leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell less than their carrying amount. We prepared a value in use calculation for each of these vessels which resulted in no impairment being recognized.
•
We did not obtain independent broker valuations for our two vessels under construction. To assess their carrying values for impairment, we prepared value in use calculations for each vessel which resulted in no impairment being recognized.
Our Fleet—Illustrative comparison of excess of carrying amounts over estimated charter-free market value of certain vessels
During the past few years, the market values of vessels have experienced particular volatility and as a result, the charter-free market value, or basic market value, of certain of our vessels may have declined below the carrying amounts of those vessels. After undergoing the impairment analysis discussed above, we have concluded that no impairment is required at December 31, 2018.
The table set forth below indicates the carrying amount of each of our vessels as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 and the aggregate difference between the carrying amount and the market value represented by such vessels (see footnotes to the table set forth below). This aggregate difference represents the approximate analysis of the amount by which we believe we would record a loss if we sold those vessels, in the current environment, on industry standard terms, in cash transactions and to a willing buyer where we are not under any compulsion to sell, and where the buyer is not under any compulsion to buy. For purposes of this calculation, we have assumed that the vessels would be sold at a price that reflects our estimate of their basic market values.
Our estimate of basic market value assumes that our vessels are all in good and seaworthy condition without need for repair and if inspected would be certified in class without notations of any kind. Our estimates are based on information available from various industry sources, including:
•
reports by industry analysts and data providers that focus on our industry and related dynamics affecting vessel values;
•
news and industry reports of similar vessel sales;
•
news and industry reports of sales of vessels that are not similar to our vessels where we have made certain adjustments in an attempt to derive information that can be used as part of our estimates;
•
approximate market values for our vessels or similar vessels that we have received from shipbrokers, whether solicited or unsolicited, or that shipbrokers have generally disseminated;
•
offers that we may have received from potential purchasers of our vessels; and
•
vessel sale prices and values of which we are aware through both formal and informal communications with shipowners, shipbrokers, industry analysts and various other shipping industry participants and observers.

As we obtain information from various industry and other sources, our estimates of basic market value are inherently uncertain. In addition, vessel values and revenues are highly volatile; as such, our estimates may not be indicative of the current or future basic market value of our vessels or prices that we could achieve if we were to sell them.
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value as of,
 
 
Vessel Name
Year Built
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
 
1

STI Amber
2012
 
30.5

(1) 
32.1

 
2

STI Topaz
2012
 
30.9

(1) 
32.6

 
3

STI Ruby
2012
 
30.6

(1) 
32.2

 
4

STI Garnet
2012
 
30.9

(1) 
32.4

 
5

STI Onyx
2012
 
30.6

(1) 
32.3

 
6

STI Fontvieille
2013
 
30.2

(1) 
30.9

 
7

STI Ville
2013
 
30.6

(1) 
31.2

 
8

STI Duchessa
2014
 
28.5

(2) 
29.5

 

59

Table of Contents

9

STI Wembley
2014
 
27.6

(1) 
28.9

 
10

STI Opera
2014
 
28.3

(2) 
29.3

 
11

STI Texas City
2014
 
31.9

(1) 
33.3

 
12

STI Meraux
2014
 
32.3

(1) 
33.7

 
13

STI San Antonio
2014
 
32.3

(1) 
33.8

 
14

STI Venere
2014
 
28.0

(2) 
29.3

 
15

STI Virtus
2014
 
28.1

(2) 
29.4

 
16

STI Aqua
2014
 
28.3

(2) 
29.7

 
17

STI Dama
2014
 
28.3

(2) 
29.6

 
18

STI Benicia
2014
 
33.0

(1) 
34.6

 
19

STI Regina
2014
 
28.5

(2) 
29.9

 
20

STI St. Charles
2014
 
31.8

(1) 
33.3

 
21

STI Yorkville
2014
 
28.9

(2) 
30.2

 
22

STI Milwaukee
2014
 
34.1

(1) 
35.7

 
23

STI Battery
2014
 
29.1

(2) 
30.4

 
24

STI Brixton
2014
 
27.0

(1) 
28.3

 
25

STI Comandante
2014
 
26.9

(2) 
28.2

 
26

STI Pimlico
2014
 
27.1

(1) 
28.4

 
27

STI Hackney
2014
 
27.0

(1) 
28.3

 
28

STI Acton
2014
 
27.6

(1) 
28.9

 
29

STI Fulham
2014
 
27.4

(1) 
28.7

 
30

STI Camden
2014
 
27.2

(1) 
28.5

 
31

STI Finchley
2014
 
27.6

(1) 
28.8

 
32

STI Clapham
2014
 
27.8

(1) 
29.1

 
33

STI Poplar
2014
 
27.8

(1) 
29.1

 
34

STI Elysees
2014
 
44.2

(1) 
46.2

 
35

STI Madison
2014
 
44.5

(1) 
46.5

 
36

STI Park
2014
 
44.5

(1) 
46.5

 
37

STI Orchard
2014
 
44.2

(1) 
46.1

 
38

STI Sloane
2014
 
45.0

(1) 
47.0

 
39

STI Broadway
2014
 
44.1

(1) 
46.1

 
40

STI Condotti
2014
 
45.0

(1) 
47.0

 
41

STI Battersea
2014
 
27.4

(1) 
28.7

 
42

STI Memphis
2014
 
32.6

(1) 
34.1

 
43

STI Mayfair
2014
 
29.3

(2) 
30.7

 
44

STI Soho
2014
 
29.0

(2) 
30.3

 
45

STI Tribeca
2015
 
29.9

(2) 
31.2

 
46

STI Hammersmith
2015
 
28.2

(2) 
29.5

 
47

STI Rotherhithe
2015
 
28.3

(2) 
29.6

 
48

STI Rose
2015
 
52.2

(1) 
54.6

 
49

STI Gramercy
2015
 
29.1

(2) 
30.5

 
50

STI Veneto
2015
 
45.3

(1) 
47.2


51

STI Alexis
2015
 
52.4

(1) 
54.7


52

STI Bronx
2015
 
29.8

(2) 
31.2


53

STI Pontiac
2015
 
34.2

(1) 
35.8


54

STI Manhattan
2015
 
29.8

(2) 
31.2



60

Table of Contents

55

STI Winnie
2015
 
46.1

(1) 
48.2


56

STI Oxford
2015
 
46.3

(1) 
48.3


57

STI Queens
2015
 
29.8

(2) 
31.2


58

STI Osceola
2015
 
34.6

(1) 
36.2


59

STI Lauren
2015
 
46.3

(1) 
48.3


60

STI Connaught
2015
 
46.1

(1) 
48.0


61

STI Notting Hill
2015
 
33.2

(1) 
34.7


62

STI Spiga
2015
 
51.6

(1) 
53.8


63

STI Seneca
2015
 
34.6

(1) 
36.2


64

STI Savile Row
2015
 
52.6

(1) 
54.9


65

STI Westminster
2015
 
33.3

(1) 
34.8


66

STI Brooklyn
2015
 
30.0

(2) 
31.4


67

STI Kingsway
2015
 
53.0

(1) 
55.2


68

STI Lombard
2015
 
53.7

(1) 
56.0


69

STI Carnaby
2015
 
53.1

(1) 
55.4


70

STI Black Hawk
2015
 
33.0

(1) 
34.5


71

STI Excel
2015
 
36.1

(2) 
37.6


72

STI Solidarity
2015
 
39.1

(2) 
40.7


73

STI Grace
2016
 
47.6

(1) 
49.5

 
74

STI Jermyn
2016
 
48.5

(1) 
50.5

 
75

STI Excelsior
2016
 
37.5

(2) 
39.1


76

STI Expedite
2016
 
37.5

(2) 
39.1


77

STI Exceed
2016
 
37.5

(2) 
39.1


78

STI Executive
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


79

STI Excellence
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


80

STI Experience
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


81

STI Express
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


82

STI Precision
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


83

STI Prestige
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


84

STI Pride
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


85

STI Providence
2016
 
38.1

(2) 
39.7


86

STI Sanctity
2016
 
41.7

(2) 
43.5


87

STI Solace
2016
 
41.7

(2) 
43.4


88

STI Stability
2016
 
41.7

(2) 
43.4


89

STI Steadfast
2016
 
41.7

(2) 
43.5


90

STI Supreme
2016
 
41.8

(2) 
43.5


91

STI Symphony
2016
 
41.7

(2) 
43.5


92

STI Gallantry
2016
 
40.2

(2) 
41.7


93

STI Goal
2016
 
40.2

(2) 
41.7


94

STI Nautilus
2016
 
40.1

(2) 
41.7


95

STI Guard
2016
 
40.2

(2) 
41.7


96

STI Guide
2016
 
40.2

(2) 
41.7


97

STI Selatar
2017
 
48.9

(1) 
50.9


98

STI Rambla
2017
 
49.7

(1) 
51.7


99

STI Galata
2017
 
35.6

(1) 
37.1


100

STI Bosphorus
2017
 
35.8

(1) 
37.3



61

Table of Contents

101

STI Leblon
2017
 
36.2

(1) 
37.8


102

STI La Boca
2017
 
36.2

(1) 
37.7


103

STI San Telmo
2017
 
38.4

(1) 
40.0


104

STI Donald C Trauscht
2017
 
38.5

(1) 
40.1


105

STI Gauntlet
2017
 
42.5

(2) 
44.2


106

STI Gladiator
2017
 
42.6

(2) 
44.2


107

STI Gratitude
2017
 
42.6

(2) 
44.2


108

STI Esles II
2018
 
39.0

(1) 
N/A

(3) 
109

STI Jardins
2018
 
39.0

(1) 
N/A

(3) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
3,997.8

 
$
4,090.1

 

(1) As of December 31, 2018, the basic charter-free market value is lower than each vessel’s carrying value. We believe that the aggregate carrying value of these vessels exceeds their aggregate basic charter-free market value by approximately $235.6 million.
(2) As of December 31, 2018, the basic charter-free market value is higher than each vessel’s carrying value. We believe that the aggregate carrying value of these vessels is lower than their aggregate basic charter-free market value by approximately $61.8 million.
(3) These vessels were acquired during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The impairment test that we conduct is most sensitive to variances in the discount rate and future time charter rates. Based on the sensitivity analysis performed for December 31, 2018, a 1.0% increase in the discount rate would result in an impairment of $0.3 million being recognized. Alternatively, a 5% decrease in forecasted time charter rates would result in an impairment of $0.4 million being recognized.
We refer you to the discussion herein under “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors—Risks Related to our Company,” including the risk factor entitled “Declines in charter rates and other market deterioration could cause us to incur impairment charges."
Vessel lives and residual value
The carrying value of each of our vessels represents its original cost at the time it was delivered or purchased less depreciation and impairment. We depreciate our vessels to their residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 25 years. The estimated useful life of 25 years is management’s best estimate and is also consistent with industry practice for similar vessels. The residual value is estimated as the lightweight tonnage of each vessel multiplied by a forecast scrap value per ton. The scrap value per ton is estimated by taking into consideration the historical four-year scrap market rate average, which we update annually.
An increase in the estimated useful life of a vessel or in its scrap value would have the effect of decreasing the annual depreciation charge and extending it into later periods. A decrease in the useful life of a vessel or scrap value would have the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge.
When regulations place significant limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, the vessel’s useful life is adjusted to end at the date such regulations become effective. No such regulations have been identified that would have impacted the estimated useful life of our vessels. The estimated salvage value of the vessels may not represent the fair market value at any one time since market prices of scrap values tend to fluctuate.
Deferred drydock cost
We recognize drydock costs as a separate component of the vessels’ carrying amounts and amortize the drydock cost on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next drydock. We use judgment when estimating the period between when drydocks are performed, which can result in adjustments to the estimated amortization of the drydock expense. If the vessel is disposed of before the next drydock, the remaining balance of the deferred drydock is written-off and forms part of the gain or loss recognized upon disposal of vessels in the period when contracted. We expect that our vessels will be required to be drydocked approximately every 30 to 60 months for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Costs capitalized as part of the drydock include actual costs incurred at the drydock yard and parts and supplies used in making such repairs. We only include in deferred drydocking costs those direct costs that are incurred as part of the drydocking to meet regulatory requirements, or are expenditures that add economic life to the vessel, increase the vessel’s earnings capacity or improve the vessel’s efficiency. Direct costs include shipyard costs as well as the costs of placing the vessel in the shipyard. Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs, whether incurred as part of the drydocking or not, are expensed as incurred.

62

Table of Contents

Impact of New Accounting Standards on Revenue Recognition in Future Periods
IFRS 16, Leases, was issued by the IASB on January 13, 2016. IFRS 16 applies to an entity's first annual IFRS financial statements for a period beginning on or after January 1, 2019. IFRS 16 amends the definition of what constitutes a lease to be a contract that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset if the lessee has both (i) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and (ii) the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use. We have determined that our existing pool and time charter-out arrangements meet the definition of leases under IFRS 16, with the Company as lessor, on the basis that the pool or charterer manages the vessels in order to enter into transportation contracts with their customers, and thereby enjoys the economic benefits derived from such arrangements. Furthermore, the pool or charterer can direct the use of a vessel (subject to certain limitations in the pool or charter agreement) throughout the period of use.
Moreover, under IFRS 16, we are also required to identify the lease and non-lease components of revenue and account for each component in accordance with the applicable accounting standard. In time charter-out or pool arrangements, we have determined that the lease component is the vessel and the non-lease component is the technical management services provided to operate the vessel. These components will be accounted for as follows:
•
All fixed lease revenue earned under these arrangements will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
•
Lease revenue earned under our pool arrangements will be recognized as it is earned, since it is 100% variable.
•
The non-lease component will be accounted for as services revenue under IFRS 15. This revenue will be recognized ‘over time’ as the customer (i.e. the pool or the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the service.
We expect that the application of the above principles will not result in a material difference to the amount of revenue recognized under our existing accounting policies for pool and time-out charter arrangements.

A. Operating Results

Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
Vessel revenue
 
$
585,047

 
$
512,732

 
$
72,315

 
14
 %
Vessel operating costs
 
(280,460
)
 
(231,227
)
 
(49,233
)
 
(21
)%
Voyage expenses
 
(5,146
)
 
(7,733
)
 
2,587

 
33
 %
Charterhire
 
(59,632
)
 
(75,750
)
 
16,118

 
21
 %
Depreciation
 
(176,723
)
 
(141,418
)
 
(35,305
)
 
(25
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(52,272
)
 
(47,511
)
 
(4,761
)
 
(10
)%
Loss on sales of vessels, net
 
—

 
(23,345
)
 
23,345

 
100
 %
Merger transaction related costs
 
(272
)
 
(36,114
)
 
35,842

 
99
 %
Bargain purchase gain
 
—

 
5,417

 
(5,417
)
 
(100
)%
Financial expenses
 
(186,628
)
 
(116,240
)
 
(70,388
)
 
(61
)%
Loss on exchange of convertible notes
 
(17,838
)
 
—

 
(17,838
)
 
N/A

Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
 
—

 
(116
)
 
116

 
100
 %
Financial income
 
4,458

 
1,538

 
2,920

 
190
 %
Other income / (expenses), net
 
(605
)
 
1,527

 
(2,132
)
 
(140
)%
Net loss
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(31,831
)
 
(20
)%
Net loss. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $190.1 million, an increase of $31.8 million, or 20%, from the net loss of $158.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The differences between the two periods are discussed below.

63

Table of Contents

Vessel revenue. Vessel revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $585.0 million, an increase of $72.3 million, or 14%, from vessel revenue of $512.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in vessel revenue between 2017 and 2018 was driven by an increase in revenue days to 45,366 days from 38,415 days for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was offset by a decrease of the fleet daily TCE revenue (a non-IFRS measure) per day to $12,782 during the year ended December 31, 2018 from $13,146 per day during the year ended December 31, 2017. This increase in revenue is discussed below by operating segment.
The following is a summary of our consolidated revenue by revenue type, in addition to TCE revenue per day and total revenue days.
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
Pool revenue by operating segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
$
225,181

 
$
217,141

 
$
8,040

 
4
 %
LR2/Aframax
 
188,938

 
142,204

 
46,734

 
33
 %
Handymax
 
82,782

 
78,510

 
4,272

 
5
 %
LR1/Panamax
 
46,883

 
20,875

 
26,008

 
125
 %
Total pool revenue
 
543,784

 
458,730

 
85,054

 
19
 %
Voyage revenue (spot market)
 
7,248

 
16,591

 
(9,343
)
 
(56
)%
Time charter-out revenue
 
34,015

 
37,411

 
(3,396
)
 
(9
)%
Gross revenue
 
585,047

 
512,732

 
72,315

 
14
 %
Voyage expenses
 
(5,146
)
 
(7,733
)
 
2,587

 
33
 %
TCE revenue (1)
 
$
579,901


$
504,999

 
$
74,902

 
15
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daily pool TCE by operating segment: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR pool
 
$
12,356

 
$
12,712

 
$
(356
)
 
(3
)%
LR2/Aframax pools
 
13,795

 
14,749

 
(954
)
 
(6
)%
Handymax pool
 
11,694

 
11,255

 
439

 
4
 %
LR1/Panamax pools
 
10,891

 
11,562

 
(671
)
 
(6
)%
Consolidated daily pool TCE
 
12,557

 
12,921

 
(364
)
 
(3
)%
Voyage (spot market) - daily TCE
 
7,959

 
9,242

 
(1,283
)
 
(14
)%
Time charter-out - daily TCE
 
20,195

 
19,914

 
281

 
1
 %
Consolidated daily TCE
 
12,782

 
13,146

 
(364
)
 
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pool revenue days per operating segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
18,196

 
17,077

 
1,119

 
7
 %
LR2/Aframax
 
13,674

 
9,638

 
4,036

 
42
 %
Handymax
 
7,072

 
6,975

 
97

 
1
 %
LR1/Panamax
 
4,306

 
1,804

 
2,502

 
139
 %
Total pool revenue days
 
43,248

 
35,494

 
7,754

 
22
 %
Voyage (spot market) revenue days
 
486

 
1,104

 
(618
)
 
(56
)%
Time charter-out revenue days
 
1,632

 
1,817

 
(185
)
 
(10
)%
Total revenue days
 
45,366

 
38,415

 
6,951

 
18
 %

64

Table of Contents

(1) We report TCE revenues, a non-IFRS measure, because (i) we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with voyage revenues and voyage expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, (ii) it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance, (iii) it is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance irrespective of changes in the mix of charter types (spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods, and (iv) we believe that it presents useful information to investors.
Pool revenue. Pool revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $543.8 million, an increase of $85.1 million, or 19% from $458.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in pool revenue was due to an increase in pool revenue days to 43,248 for the year ended December 31, 2018 from 35,494 for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in pool revenue days was largely attributable to the Merger with NPTI, which resulted in the acquisition of four LR1 vessels in June 2017 and 23 LR2 and LR1 vessels in September 2017, which operated in the pools for a portion of the year ended December 31, 2017 and for most of the year ended December 31, 2018. These increases are discussed in further detail below.
The increase pool revenue days was offset by a decrease in pool TCE revenue per day across our MR, LR1 and LR2 operating segments offset by a slight increase in TCE revenue per day in our Handymax operating segment. The product tanker market experienced headwinds which began in 2016 and continued through most of the year ended December 31, 2018. These adverse market conditions were the result of an unfavorable global supply and demand imbalance resulting from the reduction in historical high inventories, the continued absorption of an influx of prior year newbuilding deliveries, and a lack of arbitrage opportunities.
MR pool revenue. MR pool revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $225.2 million, an increase of $8.0 million, or 4%, from $217.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in MR pool revenue was due to an increase in pool revenue days to 18,196 from 17,077 days during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in the average number of owned and finance leased MRs to 44.9 during the year ended December 31, 2018 from 41.7 during the year ended December 31, 2017, as we took delivery of six newbuilding MRs throughout 2017 and two newbuilding MRs in January 2018, representing an increase of 2,200 pool revenue days. This increase in pool revenue days was partially offset by the sale of two MRs in June and July 2017, which were in the pool for an aggregate of 361 days during the year ended December 31, 2017, along with the timing of the deliveries and redeliveries of certain time chartered-in vessels during those periods, which led to a net reduction of 859 pool revenue days for these vessels.
The increase in pool revenue days was offset by a decrease in pool daily TCE revenue to $12,356 per day from $12,712 per day during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These rates reflect the challenging environment for MR product tankers operating in the spot market during those periods, as the influx of newbuilding vessel deliveries from prior years, along with a lack of arbitrage opportunities resulted in a prolonged supply and demand imbalance, adversely affecting the spot rates earned.
LR2 pool revenue. Pool revenue from LR2 vessels for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $188.9 million, an increase of $46.7 million, or 33% from $142.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in revenue days of 4,036 to 13,674 from 9,638 days during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in pool revenue days was primarily the result of (i) the acquisition of 15 LR2 vessels acquired from NPTI in September 2017 (resulting in 3,737 additional revenue days) and (ii) the delivery of two newbuilding LR2 tankers during the year ended December 31, 2017 (resulting in 195 additional revenue days as they operated for the entire year ended December 31, 2018).
The increase in pool revenue was offset by a decrease in pool daily TCE to $13,795 per day from $14,749 per day during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition to the global supply and demand imbalance for product tankers in general, spot rates in the LR2 segment were negatively impacted by a lack of arbitrage opportunities in addition to a reduction in the volume of light distillates shipped from Europe to the Far East during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Handymax pool revenue. Handymax pool revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $82.8 million, an increase of $4.3 million, or 5% from $78.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in Handymax pool revenue was primarily driven by an increase in daily TCE rates earned to $11,694 per day from $11,255 per day during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase was offset by a decrease in pool revenue days to 7,072 from 6,975 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This decrease was a result of the timing of the deliveries and redeliveries of certain time and bareboat chartered-in vessels during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 representing a decrease of 97 pool revenue days.
LR1 pool revenue. Pool revenue from LR1 vessels for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $46.9 million, an increase of $26.0 million, or 125% from $20.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in LR1 pool revenue was the result of an increase in LR1 pool revenue days to 4,306 days from 1,804 days during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We took delivery of 12 LR1 product tankers acquired from NPTI during the year ended December 31, 2017 (representing an increase of 2,638 in pool revenue days). This increase in pool revenue days was offset by the redelivery of a time chartered-in vessel during the year ended December 31, 2017 (representing a decrease of 136 in pool revenue days). The increase in LR1 pool revenue days was partially offset by a decrease in daily TCE revenue to $10,891 from $11,562 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which was driven by the adverse market conditions described above.

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Voyage revenue (spot market). Voyage revenue (spot revenue) consists of spot market voyages and short-term time charters. Voyage revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $7.2 million, a decrease of $9.3 million or 56.3%, from $16.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.
 
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
LR2
 
$
4,375

 
$
4,810

 
$
(435
)
 
(9.0
)%
MR
 
2,034

 
6,508

 
(4,474
)
 
(68.7
)%
Handymax
 
—

 
3,576

 
(3,576
)
 
(100.0
)%
LR1
 
839

 
1,697

 
(858
)
 
(50.6
)%
Total voyage revenue (spot market)
 
$
7,248

 
$
16,591

 
$
(9,343
)
 
(56.3
)%
•
Spot market voyages: Six LR2 and two LR1 product tankers operated in the spot market on voyage charters for an aggregate 302 revenue days during the year ended December 31, 2018. These voyages earned $4.2 million in spot market revenue during that period. Seven of our Handymax bareboat chartered-in tankers, two LR1 tankers and six LR2 tankers operated in the spot market on voyage charters for an aggregate of 397 days during the year ended December 31, 2017. These voyages earned $7.0 million in spot market revenue during that period. The Handymax tankers were delivered to us under bareboat charters in the first quarter of 2017 and they traded in the spot market temporarily, to gain their required vettings prior to their entrance into the SHTP. The LR1 and LR2 tankers were acquired from NPTI, and they also traded in the spot market temporarily to gain their required vettings prior to their entrance into their respective pools.
•
Short-term time charters: We consider short-term time charters (less than one year) as spot market voyages. We had three MR and two LR2 product tankers employed on short-term time charters (ranging from 45 days to 120 days) for an aggregate 184 revenue days during the year ended December 31, 2018. These voyages earned $3.0 million in spot market revenue during that period. We had six MR and four LR2 product tankers employed on short-term time charters for 706 revenue days during the year ended December 31, 2017. These voyages earned $9.6 million in spot market revenue during that period. The MRs were newbuilding vessels delivered from HMD and were temporarily employed on these short-term time charters upon delivery, prior to their entrance into the SMRP. The LR2 tankers were acquired from NPTI, and they were also temporarily employed on short-term time charters prior to their entrance into the SLR2P.
Time charter-out revenue. Time charter-out revenue (representing time charters with initial terms of one year or greater) for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $34.0 million, a decrease of $3.4 million, or 9%, from $37.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in time charter-out revenue was the result of a decrease in time charter-out revenue days to 1,632 days from 1,817 days, which was the result of the expiration of the time charters on two MRs during the year ended December 31, 2018. Time charter-out revenue, by operating segment, consists of the following:
 
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
MR
 
$
11,507

 
$
14,289

 
$
(2,782
)
 
(19
)%
Handymax
 
12,408

 
13,012

 
(604
)
 
(5
)%
LR2
 
10,100

 
10,110

 
(10
)
 
—
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total time charter-out revenue
 
$
34,015

 
$
37,411

 
$
(3,396
)
 
(9
)%

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The following table summarizes the terms of our time chartered-out vessels during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively:
 
Name
 
Year built
 
Type
 
Delivery Date to the Charterer
 
Charter Expiration
 
Rate ($/ day)
 
1

STI Pimlico
 
2014
 
Handymax
 
February-16
 
March-19
(1) 
$
18,000

 
2

STI Poplar
 
2014
 
Handymax
 
January-16
 
February-19
 
$
18,000

 
3

STI Notting Hill
 
2015
 
MR
 
November-15
 
October-18
 
$
20,500

 
4

STI Westminster
 
2015
 
MR
 
December-15
 
October-18
 
$
20,500

 
5

STI Rose
 
2015
 
LR2
 
February-16
 
February-19
 
$
28,000

 
(1) Redelivery is plus 30 days or minus 10 days from the expiry date.  
Vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $280.5 million, an increase of $49.2 million, or 21%, from $231.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Vessel operating days increased to 43,398 days from 35,254 days for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These increases are discussed below by operating segment.
The following table is a summary of our vessel operating costs by operating segment:

 
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 change
Vessel operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
$
111,294

 
$
101,267

 
$
(10,027
)
 
(10
)%
LR2
 
91,975

 
67,254

 
(24,721
)
 
(37
)%
Handymax
 
48,249

 
50,145

 
1,896

 
4
 %
LR1
 
28,942

 
12,561

 
(16,381
)
 
(130
)%
Total vessel operating costs
 
$
280,460

 
$
231,227

 
$
(49,233
)
 
(21
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vessel operating costs per day
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
$
6,366

 
$
6,337

 
$
(29
)
 
—
 %
LR2
 
6,631

 
6,705

 
74

 
1
 %
Handymax
 
6,295

 
6,716

 
421

 
6
 %
LR1
 
6,608

 
7,073

 
465

 
7
 %
Consolidated vessel operating costs per day
 
6,463
 
6,559
 
96

 
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
17,483

 
15,980

 
1,503

 
9
 %
LR2
 
13,870

 
10,030

 
3,840

 
38
 %
Handymax
 
7,665

 
7,468

 
197

 
3
 %
LR1
 
4,380

 
1,776

 
2,604

 
147
 %
Total operating days
 
43,398

 
35,254

 
8,144

 
23
 %



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Table of Contents

MR vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our MR segment, which included vessels on bareboat charter, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $111.3 million, an increase of $10.0 million, or 10%, from $101.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. This was primarily due to an increase in operating days of 1,503 days to 17,483 days from 15,980 days during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This change was the result of the delivery of six newbuilding MR product tankers in 2017 and two newbuilding MR product tankers in January 2018 resulting in an additional 1,867 of operating days during the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was partially offset by the sale of two MRs during the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in a reduction of 364 operating days. Operating costs per day remained consistent, increasing slightly to $6,366 from $6,337, for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 respectively.
LR2 vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our LR2 segment for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $92.0 million, an increase of $24.7 million, or 37%, from $67.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in operating costs was driven by an increase of 3,840 operating days which was primarily a result of the delivery of 15 LR2 vessels acquired from NPTI in September 2017 (resulting in an increase of 3,645 operating days), in addition to the delivery of two newbuilding LR2 product tankers (resulting in an increase of 195 operating days) during the year ended December 31, 2018. LR2 operating costs per day remained relatively consistent, decreasing slightly to $6,631 per day from $6,705 per day for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
Handymax vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our Handymax segment, which included vessels on bareboat charter, for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $48.2 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or 4%, from $50.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease in operating costs was driven by a decrease in Handymax vessel operating costs per day to $6,295 from $6,716 per day during the during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We took delivery of seven Handymax vessels under bareboat charter-in agreements during the first quarter of 2017 and incurred increased costs on these vessels upon delivery to align them with our operating standards. The decrease in vessel operating costs was offset by an increase in vessel operating days to 7,665 from 7,468 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This increase was the result of the timing of the delivery of these vessels as they operated for a partial year during the year ended December 31, 2017 as compared to a full year for the year ended December 31, 2018 (resulting in a 197 day increase in operating days).
LR1 vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our LR1/Panamax segment for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $28.9 million, an increase of $16.4 million, or 130%, from $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in vessel operating costs and vessel operating days was the result of the delivery of 12 LR1 tankers that were acquired from NPTI during the year ended December 31, 2017. These LR1 tankers operated the entire year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to a partial period during the year ended December 31, 2017 (resulting in a 2,604 day increase in operating days). In addition, vessel operating costs per day decreased to $6,608 from $7,073 per day during the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The decrease in operating costs was driven by additional costs incurred for these vessels during the year ended December 31, 2017 as they transitioned technical management.
Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $5.1 million, a decrease of $2.6 million, or 33%, from $7.7 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The decrease was primarily the result of the decrease in the number of days that our vessels operated in the spot market. We had 11 and 21 vessels that operated in the spot or were employed under short-term time charter out agreements for an aggregate of 486 and 1,104 days during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Voyage expenses for these periods relate to the expenses incurred in the fulfillment of these spot market voyages and also include broker commissions and commercial management fees incurred on vessels that were time chartered-out (on both short and long-term time charters) during the period.
Charterhire expense. Charterhire expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $59.6 million, a decrease of $16.1 million, or 21%, from $75.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. This decrease was driven by (i) a reduction in the average number of vessels time chartered-in to 6.3 from 10.3 and (ii) lower average daily base rates on the time chartered-in fleet to an average of $14,069 per vessel per day from an average of $14,366 per vessel per day for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which was the result of the expiration of certain time charter-in agreements during the year ended December 31, 2018 that carried higher relative daily rates as compared to the remaining time chartered-in vessels. The decrease was partially offset by an increase bareboat chartered-in vessels to 10.0 from 8.2 during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Depreciation. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $176.7 million, an increase of $35.3 million, or 25%, from $141.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 as the result of an increase in the average number of owned and financed leased vessels to 108.9 from 88.0 vessels for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, due to the following:

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Table of Contents

•
The Merger with NPTI and the acquisition of its fleet of 15 LR2 and 12 LR1 product tankers. Four LR1 product tankers were acquired on June 14, 2017, and the remaining 23 product tankers were acquired on September 1, 2017. These vessels were depreciated for the entire year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to a partial period for the year ended December 31, 2017.
•
The delivery of six MR and two LR2 newbuilding vessels during the year ended December 31, 2017. These vessels were depreciated for the entire year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to a partial period for the year ended December 31, 2017.
•
The delivery of two newbuilding vessels during the year ended December 31, 2018.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $52.3 million, an increase of $4.8 million, or 10%, from $47.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The change was primarily driven by an increase of $3.2 million in restricted stock amortization and an increase of $2.1 million in administrative fees charged by SSH, which increased as a result of the growth of our fleet following the merger with NPTI. These increases were offset by a $0.7 million reduction in foreign currency exchange losses that were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Loss on sales of vessels. Loss on sales of vessels was $23.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded (i) an aggregate loss of $14.2 million on the sales and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto, which closed in April 2017, and (ii) an aggregate loss of $9.1 million on the sales of STI Emerald and STI Sapphire, which closed in June and July 2017, respectively. No vessels were sold during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Merger transaction related costs. Merger transaction related costs for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $0.3 million, a decrease of $35.8 million or 99%, from $36.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. Merger transaction related costs represent costs incurred as part of the Merger with NPTI. These costs included $16.1 million of advisory and other professional fees, $17.7 million of costs related to the early termination of NPTI’s existing service agreements, and $2.6 million of other costs, which include fees incurred for a back-stop credit facility that was put in place in the event that certain of NPTI’s lenders did not consent to the Merger. This facility was cancelled upon the receipt of such consents.
Bargain purchase gain. Bargain purchase gain for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $5.4 million. This bargain purchase gain represents the result of the purchase price allocation which was performed upon the closing of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition on June 14, 2017. This transaction was accounted for as a separate business combination.
Financial expenses. Financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 were $186.6 million, an increase of $70.4 million, or 61%, from $116.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase in interest payable was the result of (i) an increase in our average carrying value of debt outstanding to $2.8 billion from $2.3 billion, which was primarily driven by the assumption of $924.8 million of indebtedness as a result of the merger with NPTI in addition to a series of initiatives to refinance the existing indebtedness on certain of the vessels in our fleet, which both increased our outstanding indebtedness and our cost of borrowing (these new arrangements are described below in Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources), (ii) a year over year increase in LIBOR rates, and (iii) an increase in the amount of deferred financing fees that were written-off during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The amounts of deferred financing fees that were written-off during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were as follows:
•
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we wrote-off an aggregate of $13.2 million of deferred financing fees, which consisted of (i) $1.2 million as a result of the exchange of our Convertible Notes due 2019 (defined below) for newly issued Convertible Notes due 2022 (defined below) and (ii) $12.0 million related to the repayments of certain credit facilities as part of a series of refinancing initiatives on certain of the vessels in our fleet. These transactions are described below in Item 5B - Long-Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we wrote-off an aggregate of $2.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of (i) the closing of the finance lease arrangements, and corresponding debt repayments for STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet, and STI Onyx, (ii) the sales and corresponding debt repayments on the amounts borrowed for STI Sapphire and STI Emerald, (iii) the refinancing of the DVB 2016 Credit Facility, and (iv) the refinancing of amounts borrowed for STI Soho.

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Financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily consisted of (i) interest payable on debt of $145.9 million, (ii) amortization of loan fees of $10.5 million, (iii) the write-off of deferred financing fees of $13.2 million, (iv) accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 (each defined below) of $13.2 million and (v) accretion of the premiums and discounts recorded as part of the initial purchase price allocation on the indebtedness assumed from NPTI of $3.8 million.
Financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of (i) interest payable on debt of $86.7 million, (ii) amortization of loan fees of $13.3 million, (iii) the write-off of deferred financing fees of $2.5 million, (iv) accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 (defined below) of $12.2 million, and (v) accretion of the premiums and discounts recorded as part of the initial purchase price allocation on the indebtedness assumed from NPTI of $1.5 million.
Loss on exchange of convertible notes. Loss on exchange of convertible notes for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $17.8 million. In May and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2.375% convertible senior notes due 2019 (the "Convertible Notes due 2019") for $188.5 million and $15.0 million in aggregate principal amount of newly issued 3.0% convertible senior notes due 2022 (the "Convertible Notes due 2022"), respectively. As a result of these exchanges, we recorded an aggregate loss of $17.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 ($17.0 million in May 2018 and $0.8 million in July 2018). These transactions are described below under “B. Liquidity and Capital Resources - Long-Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements”.
Financial income. Financial income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $4.5 million, an increase of $2.9 million, or 190% from $1.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2017. Financial income primarily relates to interest earned on our cash balance which increased during the year ended December 31, 2018, primarily as a result of the receipt of aggregate net proceeds of $319.6 million as part of an underwritten offering of newly issued shares of our common stock in October 2018. This transaction is described below in "B. Liquidity and Capital Resources".
Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
Change
Vessel revenue
 
$
512,732

 
$
522,747

 
$
(10,015
)
 
(2
)%
Vessel operating costs
 
(231,227
)
 
(187,120
)
 
(44,107
)
 
(24
)%
Voyage expenses
 
(7,733
)
 
(1,578
)
 
(6,155
)
 
(390
)%
Charterhire
 
(75,750
)
 
(78,862
)
 
3,112

 
4
 %
Depreciation
 
(141,418
)
 
(121,461
)
 
(19,957
)
 
(16
)%
General and administrative expenses
 
(47,511
)
 
(54,899
)
 
7,388

 
13
 %
Loss on sales of vessels, net
 
(23,345
)
 
(2,078
)
 
(21,267
)
 
(1,023
)%
Merger transaction related costs
 
(36,114
)
 
—

 
(36,114
)
 
N/A

Bargain purchase gain
 
5,417

 
—

 
5,417

 
N/A

Financial expenses
 
(116,240
)
 
(104,048
)
 
(12,192
)
 
(12
)%
Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
 
(116
)
 
—

 
(116
)
 
N/A

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
 
—

 
1,371

 
(1,371
)
 
(100
)%
Financial income
 
1,538

 
1,213

 
325

 
27
 %
Other income (expenses), net
 
1,527

 
(188
)
 
1,715

 
912
 %
Net loss
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
 
$
(133,337
)
 
(535
)%
Net loss. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $158.2 million, an increase of $133.3 million, or 535%, from the net loss of $24.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The differences between the two periods are discussed below.

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Table of Contents

Vessel revenue. Vessel revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $512.7 million, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 2%, from vessel revenue of $522.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in vessel revenue between 2016 and 2017 was driven by a weaker product tanker market and as a result, the overall TCE revenue (a non-IFRS measure) per day decreased to $13,146 per day during the year ended December 31, 2017 from $15,783 per day during the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease is discussed below by operating segment.
The following is a summary of our consolidated revenue by revenue type, in addition to TCE revenue per day and total revenue days.
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
Pool revenue by operating segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
$
217,141

 
$
248,974

 
$
(31,833
)
 
(13
)%
LR2/Aframax
 
142,204

 
156,503

 
(14,299
)
 
(9
)%
Handymax
 
78,510

 
73,683

 
4,827

 
7
 %
LR1/Panamax
 
20,875

 
5,843

 
15,032

 
257
 %
Total pool revenue
 
$
458,730

 
$
485,003

 
$
(26,273
)
 
(5
)%
Voyage revenue (spot market)
 
16,591

 
—

 
16,591

 
N/A

Time charter-out revenue
 
37,411

 
36,694

 
717

 
2
 %
Other revenue
 
—

 
1,050

 
(1,050
)
 
(100
)%
Gross revenue
 
512,732

 
522,747

 
(10,015
)
 
(2
)%
Voyage expenses
 
(7,733
)
 
(1,578
)
 
(6,155
)
 
(390
)%
TCE revenue (1)
 
$
504,999

 
$
521,169

 
$
(16,170
)
 
(3
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Daily pool TCE by operating segment: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR pool
 
$
12,712

 
$
14,711

 
$
(1,999
)
 
(14
)%
LR2/Aframax pool
 
14,749

 
20,019

 
(5,270
)
 
(26
)%
Handymax pool
 
11,255

 
12,101

 
(846
)
 
(7
)%
LR1/Panamax pool
 
11,562

 
17,277

 
(5,715
)
 
(33
)%
Consolidated daily pool TCE
 
12,921

 
15,561

 
(2,640
)
 
(17
)%
Voyage (spot market) - daily TCE
 
9,242

 
—

 
9,242

 
N/A

Time charter-out - daily TCE
 
19,914

 
19,599

 
315

 
2
 %
Consolidated daily TCE
 
13,146

 
15,783

 
(2,637
)
 
(17
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pool revenue days per operating segment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
17,077

 
16,915

 
162

 
1
 %
LR2/Aframax
 
9,638

 
7,814

 
1,824

 
23
 %
Handymax
 
6,975

 
6,079

 
896

 
15
 %
LR1/Panamax
 
1,804

 
337

 
1,467

 
435
 %
Total pool revenue days
 
35,494

 
31,145

 
4,349

 
14
 %
Voyage (spot market) revenue days
 
1,104

 
—

 
1,104

 
N/A

Time charter-out revenue days
 
1,817

 
1,810

 
7

 
—
 %
Total revenue days
 
38,415

 
32,955

 
5,460

 
17
 %

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Table of Contents

(1) We report TCE revenues, a non-IFRS measure, because (i) we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with voyage revenues and voyage expenses, the most directly comparable IFRS measure, (ii) it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance, (iii) it is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance irrespective of changes in the mix of charter types (spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods, and (iv) we believe that it presents useful information to investors.
Pool revenue. Pool revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $458.7 million, a decrease of $26.3 million, or 5%, from $485.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The decrease in pool revenue was due to unfavorable market conditions, driven by an unfavorable supply and demand imbalance, which began in the second half of 2016 and persisted throughout 2017, and led to a decrease in pool TCE per day across all of our operating segments. An influx of newbuilding vessel deliveries caused the global supply of product tankers to increase during these periods. Furthermore, in spite of the increase in demand for refined petroleum products during this period, high inventories tempered a corresponding increase in the demand for the seaborne transportation of such products.
MR pool revenue. MR pool revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $217.1 million, a decrease of $31.8 million, or 13%, from $249.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The pool daily TCE revenue decreased to $12,712 per day from $14,711 per day during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. High product inventories and low refining margins negatively impacted the demand for MR product tankers during 2017. This dynamic was amplified by the delivery of newbuilding product tankers to the global fleet, which had a corresponding impact on supply, resulting in downward pressure on the daily TCE rates.
The decrease in MR pool revenue was partially offset by an increase in pool revenue days to 17,077 from 16,915 days during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This increase was primarily due to (i) an increase in the average number of time chartered-in MR tankers to 6.7 from 5.2 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing a 517 day increase in revenue days and (ii) the delivery of five newbuilding tankers into the SMRP during 2017, representing a 545 day increase in revenue days. The increase was partially offset by the sale of five MR tankers during 2016, which were in the SMRP for an aggregate of 478 days during the year ended December 31, 2016 and the sale of two MR tankers during 2017, which were in the SMRP for an aggregate of 731 days and 361 days during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
LR2/Aframax pool revenue. Pool revenue from LR2 vessels for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $142.2 million, a decrease of $14.3 million, or 9%, from $156.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Pool daily TCE revenue decreased to $14,749 per day from $20,019 per day during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Spot TCE rates in our LR2 operating segment were also under pressure during 2017, primarily as a result of supply and demand imbalance in the global fleet, which began in 2016 and persisted throughout 2017 as a result of an influx of newbuilding vessel deliveries during that time period.
The decrease in pool TCE revenue per day was partially offset by an increase in pool revenue days to 9,638 from 7,814 days during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in pool revenue days was primarily the result of (i) the acquisition of 15 vessels acquired from NPTI in September 2017 (resulting in 1,372 additional revenue days) and (ii) the delivery of two newbuilding LR2 tankers during the year ended December 31, 2017 (resulting in 534 additional revenue days). The increase was partially offset by a reduction in the average number of time chartered-in LR2 vessels to 1.2 from 2.0 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively (resulting in a 292 day decrease in revenue days).
Handymax pool revenue. Handymax pool revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $78.5 million, an increase of $4.8 million, or 7%, from $73.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in Handymax pool revenue was primarily driven by an increase in Handymax pool revenue days to 6,975 from 6,079 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This was a result of an increase in the average number of time and bareboat chartered-in Handymax tankers to an average of 8.1 from 4.6 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, representing a 929 day increase in revenue days. This increase was partially offset by lower daily TCE rates earned by the SHTP to $11,255 per day from $12,101 per day during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The aforementioned factors affecting the global demand for product tankers had a consequential impact on Handymax spot TCE rates throughout 2017.
LR1/Panamax pool revenue. Pool revenue from LR1/Panamax vessels for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $20.9 million, an increase of $15.0 million, or 257%, from $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in LR1/Panamax pool revenue was primarily driven by an increase in LR1/Panamax pool revenue days to 1,804 days from 337 days during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which was primarily the result of the delivery of 12 LR1 product tankers acquired from NPTI during the year ended December 31, 2017 (representing a 1,668 increase in revenue days). The increase in LR1/Panamax pool revenue days was partially offset by a decrease in daily TCE revenue to $11,562 from $17,277 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which was driven by the adverse market conditions described above affecting the larger vessel classes (LR2s and LR1s) which began during the second half of 2016 and persisted throughout 2017.


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Voyage revenue (spot market). Voyage revenue (spot revenue), which consists of spot market voyages and short-term time charters, for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $16.6 million, an increase of $16.6 million from the year ended December 31, 2016.
 
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
MR
 
$
6,508

 
$
—

 
$
6,508

 
N/A
LR2
 
4,810

 
—

 
4,810

 
N/A
Handymax
 
3,576

 
—

 
3,576

 
N/A
LR1/Panamax
 
1,697

 
—

 
1,697

 
N/A
Total voyage revenue (spot market)
 
$
16,591

 
$
—

 
$
16,591

 
N/A
•
Spot market voyages: Seven of our Handymax bareboat chartered-in tankers, two LR1 tankers and six LR2 tankers operated in the spot market on voyage charters for an aggregate of 397 days during the year ended December 31, 2017. None of our vessels operated in the spot market during the year ended December 31, 2016. The Handymax tankers were delivered to us under bareboat charters in the first quarter of 2017 and they traded in the spot market temporarily to gain their required vettings prior to their entrance into the SHTP. The LR1 and LR2 tankers were acquired from NPTI, and they also traded in the spot market temporarily to gain their required vettings prior to the entrance into their respective pools.
•
Short-term time charters: We consider short-term time charters (less than one year) as spot market voyages. We had six MR and four LR2 product tankers employed on short-term time charters (ranging from 45 days to 120 days) for 706 revenue days during the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no vessels employed on short-term time charters during the year ended December 31, 2016. The MRs were newbuilding vessels delivered from HMD and were temporarily employed on these short-term time charters upon delivery, prior to their entrance into the SMRP. The LR2 tankers were acquired from NPTI, and they were also temporarily employed on short-term time charters prior to their entrance into the SLR2P.
Time charter-out revenue. Time charter-out revenue (representing time charters with initial terms of one year or greater) for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $37.4 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 2%, from $36.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in time charter-out revenue was the result of an increase in time charter-out revenue days to 1,817 days from 1,810 days and an increase in the overall daily TCE revenue earned on these time charters to $19,914 per day from $19,599 per day for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Time charter-out revenue, by operating segment, consists of the following:

 
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
MR
 
$
14,289

 
$
16,046

 
$
(1,757
)
 
(11
)%
Handymax
 
13,012

 
11,895

 
1,117

 
9
 %
LR2
 
10,110

 
8,753

 
1,357

 
16
 %
LR1
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
N/A

Total time charter-out revenue
 
$
37,411

 
$
36,694

 
$
717

 
2
 %

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The following table summarizes the terms of our time charter-out agreements during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
 
Name
 
Year built
 
Type
 
Delivery Date to the Charterer
 
Charter Expiration
 
Rate ($/ day)
 
1

STI Pimlico
 
2014
 
Handymax
 
February-16
 
March-19
(1) 
$
18,000

 
2

STI Poplar
 
2014
 
Handymax
 
January-16
 
February-19
(1) 
$
18,000

 
3

STI Notting Hill
 
2015
 
MR
 
November-15
 
October-18
(2) 
$
20,500

 
4

STI Westminster
 
2015
 
MR
 
December-15
 
October-18
(2) 
$
20,500

 
5

STI Rose
 
2015
 
LR2
 
February-16
 
February-19
(2) 
$
28,000

 
6

STI Texas City
 
2014
 
MR
 
March-14
 
April-16
 
$
16,000

(3) 
(1) Redelivery is plus 30 days or minus 10 days from the expiry date.
(2) Redelivery is plus or minus 30 days from the expiry date.
(3) The charter had a 50% profit sharing provision whereby we received 50% of the vessel's profits above the daily base rate from the charterer.
Vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $231.2 million, an increase of $44.1 million, or 24%, from $187.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Vessel operating days increased to 35,254 days from 28,454 days for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The following table is a summary of our vessel operating costs by operating segment:
 
 
 For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
 Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
Vessel operating costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
$
101,267

 
$
104,242

 
$
2,975

 
3
 %
LR2
 
67,254

 
50,028

 
(17,226
)
 
(34
)%
Handymax
 
50,145

 
32,817

 
(17,328
)
 
(53
)%
LR1
 
12,561

 
33

 
(12,528
)
 
(37,964
)%
Total vessel operating costs
 
$
231,227

 
$
187,120

 
$
(44,107
)
 
(24
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vessel operating costs per day
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
$
6,337

 
$
6,555

 
$
218

 
3
 %
LR2
 
6,705

 
6,734

 
29

 
—
 %
Handymax
 
6,716

 
6,404

 
(312
)
 
(5
)%
LR1
 
7,073

 
—

(1) 
(7,073
)
 
N/A

Consolidated vessel operating costs per day
 
6,559

 
6,576

 
17

 
—
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating days
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MR
 
15,980

 
15,900

 
80

 
1
 %
LR2
 
10,030

 
7,430

 
2,600

 
35
 %
Handymax
 
7,468

 
5,124

 
2,344

 
46
 %
LR1
 
1,776

 
—

 
1,776

 
N/A

Total operating days
 
35,254

 
28,454

 
6,800

 
24
 %
(1) We did not own, finance lease or bareboat charter-in any LR1/Panamax vessels in 2016.

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MR vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our MR segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $101.3 million, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 3%, from $104.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily driven by a decrease in operating costs per day to $6,337 for the year ended December 31, 2017 from $6,555 for the year ended December 31, 2016. This improvement was the result of our efforts to control costs across the entire fleet, with the benefits of such efforts particularly materializing in reduced crewing costs as well as spares and stores costs. The number of operating days was impacted by the sales of five MR tankers during the year ended December 31, 2016 and two MR tankers during the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in a reduction of 896 operating days. The reduction in operating days as a result of these sales was offset by the delivery of six newbuilding MR product tankers during the year ended December 31, 2017, resulting in an increase of 1,016 operating days.
LR2 vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our LR2 segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $67.3 million, an increase of $17.2 million, or 34%, from $50.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in operating costs was driven by an increase of 2,600 operating days which was primarily a result of the delivery of 15 LR2 vessels acquired from NPTI in September 2017, in addition to the delivery of two newbuilding LR2 product tankers during the year ended December 31, 2017. LR2 operating costs per day remained consistent for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
Handymax vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our Handymax segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $50.1 million, an increase of $17.3 million, or 53%, from $32.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Vessel operating days increased to 7,468 from 5,124 during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This increase was the result of the delivery of seven Handymax vessels under bareboat charter-in agreements during the first quarter of 2017 (resulting in a 2,357 increase in operating days). The overall increase in Handymax vessel operating costs per day to $6,716 from $6,404 per day was the result of increased costs incurred on these vessels to bring them into alignment with our operating standards.
LR1 vessel operating costs. Vessel operating costs for our LR1 segment for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $12.6 million. The increase in vessel operating costs and vessel operating days was the result of the delivery of 12 LR1 tankers that were acquired from NPTI during the year ended December 31, 2017. We did not own, finance lease, or bareboat charter-in any vessels in this operating segment during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Voyage expenses. Voyage expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $7.7 million, an increase of $6.2 million, or 390%, from $1.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. No vessels operated in the spot market or were employed under short-term time charter-out agreements during the year ended December 31, 2016, whereas we had 21 vessels that operated in the spot market or were employed under short-term time charter out agreements for an aggregate of 1,104 days during the year ended December 31, 2017. Voyage expenses for this period relate to the expenses incurred in the fulfillment of these spot market voyages and also include broker commissions and commercial management fees incurred on vessels that were time chartered-out (on both short and long-term time charters) during the period. Voyage expenses during the year ended December 31, 2016 relate to broker commissions and commercial management fees incurred on vessels that were time chartered-out (on long-term time charters) during the period.
Charterhire expense. Charterhire expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $75.8 million, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 4%, from $78.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was driven by (i) a reduction in the average number of vessels time chartered-in to 10.3 from 12.7 and (ii) lower average daily base rates on the time chartered-in fleet to an average of $14,366 per vessel per day from an average of $16,847 per vessel per day for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which was the result of the expiration of certain time charter-in agreements during the year ended December 31, 2017 that carried higher relative daily rates as compared to the remaining time chartered-in vessels.
The decrease was partially offset by the delivery of 10 vessels under bareboat charter-in agreements during the year ended December 31, 2017. During the first quarter of 2017, we took delivery of seven Handymax Ice Class 1A product tankers under bareboat charter-in agreements (three at $7,500 per day per vessel and four at $6,000 per day per vessel) all of which expire on March 31, 2019. Additionally, in April 2017, we sold and leased back three MR product tankers, on a bareboat basis, for a period of up to eight years for $8,800 per day per vessel. The sales price was $29.0 million per vessel, and we have the option to purchase each vessel beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreement through the end of the eighth year of the agreement at market-based prices. Additionally, a deposit of $4.35 million per vessel was retained by the buyer that will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel, if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement.
Depreciation. Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $141.4 million, an increase of $20.0 million, or 16%, from $121.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase was the result of an increase in the average number of owned and financed leased vessels to 88.0 from 77.7 vessels for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, as a result of the following:

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•
The Merger with NPTI and the acquisition of its fleet of 15 LR2 and 12 LR1 product tankers. Four LR1 product tankers were acquired on June 14, 2017, and the remaining 23 product tankers were acquired on September 1, 2017.
•
The delivery of eight newbuilding vessels throughout 2017 (two LR2 and six MR).
This increase in the average number of owned and financed leased vessels was partially offset by the following:
•
The sales of two MR tankers in June and July 2017.
•
The sales and operating leasebacks of three MR tankers in April 2017.
•
The sales of five MR tankers during the year ended December 31, 2016, which operated for part of 2016.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $47.5 million, a decrease of $7.4 million, or 13%, from $54.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. The change was primarily driven by reductions in compensation expense, which includes a $7.8 million reduction in restricted stock amortization, offset by additional costs incurred as a result of the merger with NPTI.
Loss on sales of vessels. Loss on sales of vessels for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $23.3 million, an increase of $21.3 million or 1,023%, from $2.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2016.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded (i) an aggregate loss of $14.2 million on the sales and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto, which closed in April 2017, and (ii) an aggregate loss of $9.1 million on the sales of STI Emerald and STI Sapphire, which closed in June and July 2017, respectively. These transactions are further described below under “ - Capital Expenditures.”
•
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded an aggregate loss of $2.1 million on the sales of STI Lexington, STI Mythos, STI Chelsea, STI Powai and STI Olivia. Two of these sales closed in March 2016, one in April 2016 and two in May 2016.
Merger transaction related costs. Merger transaction related costs for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $36.1 million. Merger transaction related costs represent costs incurred as part of the Merger with NPTI. These costs included $16.1 million of advisory and other professional fees, $17.7 million of costs related to the early termination of NPTI’s existing service agreements, and $2.3 million of other costs, which include fees incurred for a back-stop credit facility that was put in place in the event that certain of NPTI’s lenders did not consent to the Merger. This facility was cancelled upon the receipt of such consents.
We settled $6.0 million of the fees incurred to terminate NPTI's existing service agreements through the issuance of warrants to the NPTI pool manager, exercisable into 150,000 of our common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per share, upon the delivery of the vessels acquired from NPTI to the Scorpio Pools. These fees relate to the termination of the applicable pooling arrangements with NPTI, and we issued two warrants to the Navig8 pool manager as consideration for the termination.  The first warrant was issued in June 2017, as part of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition, and was exercisable on a pro-rata basis for an aggregate of 22,222 of our common shares. The second warrant was issued on similar terms to the first warrant on September 1, 2017 and was exercisable on a pro-rata basis for an aggregate of 127,778 of our common shares upon the delivery of each of the 23 remaining vessels to the Scorpio Pools.  These warrants were accounted for on the date of issuance and valued based on the average of the high and low price of our common shares on such dates. All of the warrants had been exercised as of December 31, 2017.
No such costs were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Bargain purchase gain. Bargain purchase gain for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $5.4 million. This bargain purchase gain represents the result of the initial purchase price allocation, which was performed upon the closing of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition on June 14, 2017. This transaction was accounted for as a separate business combination. The accounting for the Merger and the September Closing are described in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which are included elsewhere in this report.
Financial expenses. Financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 were $116.2 million, an increase of $12.2 million, or 12%, from $104.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. The change was primarily driven by an increase in interest payable on our outstanding borrowings offset by a reduction in the amount of deferred financing fees that were written-off for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The increase in interest payable was the result of (i) an increase in our average carrying value of debt outstanding to $2.3 billion from $2.0 billion, which was primarily driven by the assumption of $924.8 million of indebtedness as a result of the merger with NPTI, (ii) a year over year increase in LIBOR rates, and (iii) interest incurred on our 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 which were issued in March 2017.
The amounts of deferred financing fees that were written-off during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, were as follows:

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•
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we wrote-off an aggregate of $2.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of (i) the closing of the finance lease arrangements, and corresponding debt repayments for STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet, and STI Onyx, (ii) the sales and corresponding debt repayments on the amounts borrowed for STI Sapphire and STI Emerald, (iii) the refinancing of the DVB 2016 Credit Facility, and (iv) the refinancing of amounts borrowed for STI Soho.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we wrote-off an aggregate of $14.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of (i) $3.2 million for the sales and corresponding debt repayments on the amounts borrowed for STI Lexington, STI Mythos, STI Chelsea, STI Olivia and STI Powai, (ii) $11.1 million for the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for 24 vessels, and (iii) $0.2 million for the repurchase of $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes.
Financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily consisted of (i) interest payable on debt of $86.7 million, (ii) amortization of loan fees of $13.3 million, (iii) the write-off of deferred financing fees of $2.5 million, (iv) accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 of $12.2 million, and (v) accretion of the premiums and discounts recorded as part of the initial purchase price allocation on the indebtedness assumed from NPTI of $1.5 million.
Financial expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily consisted of (i) interest payable on debt of $63.9 million, (ii) amortization of loan fees of $14.1 million, (iii) the write-off of deferred financing fees of $14.5 million, and (iv) accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 of $11.6 million.
Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments. Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments of $1.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2016 relates to the change in the fair value of a profit or loss agreement on a vessel that we time chartered-in, with a third party who neither owned nor operated this vessel during the year ended December 31, 2016. This agreement was settled in January 2017.
Financial income. Financial income for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $1.5 million, an increase of $0.3 million, or 27% from $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. Financial income for the year ended December 31, 2017 primarily relates to interest earned on our cash balance during the year ended December 31, 2017. Financial income for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $1.2 million primarily related to the gains recorded on the repurchase of $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for an average price of $839.28 per $1,000 principal amount.
B. Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of funds for our short-term and long-term liquidity needs will be the cash flows generated from our vessels, which primarily operate in the Scorpio Pools, in the spot market or on time charter, in addition to cash on hand. We believe that the Scorpio Pools reduce volatility because (i) they aggregate the revenues and expenses of all pool participants and distribute net earnings to the participants based on an agreed upon formula and (ii) some of the vessels in the pool are on time charter. Furthermore, spot charters provide flexibility and allow us to fix vessels at prevailing rates.
We believe that our cash flows from operations, amounts available for borrowing under our various credit facilities and our cash balance will be sufficient to meet our existing liquidity needs for the next 12 months from the date of this annual report. A discussion and analysis of our key risks, including sensitivities thereto, can be found in "Item 3. Key Information - D. Risk Factors" and "Item 11 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk".
Economic conditions in the product tanker market were challenging during the year ended December 31, 2018, with freight rates reaching their lowest levels since 2009, resulting in the incurrence of significant losses during that period. Towards the end of 2018 and into 2019, economic conditions in the product tanker market have improved, and we also raised approximately $319.6 million in additional liquidity in an underwritten offering of our common shares in October 2018. Our Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2019 are scheduled to mature in June and July of 2019, respectively. While we believe our current financial position is adequate to address the maturity of these instruments, a deterioration in economic conditions could cause us to pursue other means to raise liquidity to meet these obligations through the sale or refinancing of vessels or raising funds in the public or private equity or debt markets or in other transactions. Moreover, a deterioration in economic conditions could cause us to breach our debt covenants and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
We continuously evaluate potential transactions that we believe will be accretive to earnings, enhance shareholder value or are in the best interests of the Company, which may include the pursuit of other business combinations, the acquisition of vessels or related businesses, the expansion of our operations, repayment of existing debt, share repurchases, short-term investments or other uses. Any funds received may be used by us for any corporate purpose. In connection with any transaction, we may enter into additional financing arrangements, refinance existing arrangements or raise capital through public or private debt or equity offerings of our securities. Any funds raised by us may be used for any corporate purpose. There is no guarantee that we will grow the size of our fleet or enter into transactions that are accretive to our shareholders.

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As of December 31, 2018, our cash balance was $593.7 million, which was more than our cash balance of $186.5 million as of December 31, 2017. As of March 15, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had approximately $2.9 billion and $3.0 billion in aggregate outstanding indebtedness, respectively (which reflects the amounts payable and excludes unamortized deferred financing fees or other premiums and discounts). All of our credit facilities are described below under “Long-Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements”.
As of December 31, 2018, our long-term liquidity needs were comprised of our debt repayment obligations for our secured credit facilities, lease financing arrangements, Senior Notes Due 2020 and 2019 (defined and described below), Convertible Notes due 2019 and 2022 (described below), our obligations for the purchase of exhaust gas cleaning systems or "scrubbers" and ballast water treatment systems, and obligations under our time and bareboat charter-in arrangements.
Equity Issuances
In October 2018, we raised net proceeds of approximately $319.6 million in an underwritten public offering of 18.2 million shares of common stock (including 2.0 million shares of common stock issued when the underwriters partially exercised their overallotment option to purchase additional shares) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Scorpio Bulkers Inc., or SALT, and Scorpio Services Holding Limited, or SSH, each a related party, purchased 5.4 million common shares and 0.5 million common shares, respectively, at the public offering price.
For a description of issuances of our common shares pursuant to our 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, see “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees - B. Compensation - 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.”
Cash Flows
The table below summarizes our sources and uses of cash for the periods presented:
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flow data
 

 
 

 
 

Net cash inflow/(outflow)
 

 
 

 
 

Operating activities
$
57,790

 
$
41,801

 
$
178,511

Investing activities
(52,737
)
 
(159,923
)
 
31,333

Financing activities
402,137

 
204,697

 
(310,927
)

Cash flow from operating activities
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2017    
Operating cash flows are driven by our results of operations along with movements in working capital. The following table sets forth the components of our operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
Vessel revenue (1)
 
$
585,047

 
$
512,732

 
$
72,315

 
14
 %
Vessel operating costs (1)
 
(280,460
)
 
(231,227
)
 
(49,233
)
 
(21
)%
Voyage expenses (1)
 
(5,146
)
 
(7,733
)
 
2,587

 
33
 %
Charterhire (1)
 
(59,632
)
 
(75,750
)
 
16,118

 
21
 %
General and administrative expenses - cash (1)(2)
 
(26,725
)
 
(25,126
)
 
(1,599
)
 
(6
)%
Financial expenses - cash (1) (3)
 
(145,871
)
 
(86,703
)
 
(59,168
)
 
(68
)%
Merger transaction related costs (4)
 
(272
)
 
(30,141
)
 
29,869

 
N/A

Change in working capital (5)
 
(13,004
)
 
(17,200
)
 
4,196

 
24
 %
Financial income - cash
 
3,952

 
1,206

 
2,746

 
228
 %
Other
 
(99
)
 
1,743

 
(1,842
)
 
(106
)%
Operating cash flow
 
$
57,790

 
$
41,801

 
$
15,989

 
38
 %

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(1)
See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects- A. Operating Results” for information on these variations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
(2)
Cash general and administrative expenses are general and administrative expenses from our consolidated statements of income or loss excluding the amortization of restricted stock of $25.5 million and $22.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(3)
Cash financial expenses represents interest payable on our outstanding indebtedness. These amounts are derived from Financial Expenses from our consolidated statements of income or loss excluding (i) the amortization of deferred financing fees of $10.5 million and $13.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, (ii) the write-off of deferred financing fees of $13.2 million and $2.5 million over these same periods, (iii) the accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 of $13.2 million and $12.2 million over these same periods, and (iv) accretion of $3.8 million and $1.5 million related to the premiums and discounts recorded as part of the initial purchase price allocation on the indebtedness assumed from NPTI during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
(4)
Cash merger transaction related costs are costs related to the merger with NPTI, from our consolidated statements of income or loss, excluding the termination costs of $6.0 million that were settled via the issuance of 150,000 of our common shares as described above in “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects- A. Operating Results”.
(5)
The change in working capital in 2018 was primarily driven by a decrease in accrued expenses and accounts payable in addition to an increase in accounts receivable and other assets. These increases were offset by decreases in inventories and prepaid expenses. The decrease in accrued expenses was driven by the timing of payments to suppliers along with changes in the amount of accrued interest expense at December 31, 2018. The increase in accounts receivable is attributable to improved revenues earned from the Scorpio Pools, which strengthened particularly in December of 2018 leading to an increase in accounts receivable at December 31, 2018. The remaining changes in working capital were driven by the timing of the payments related to such items.
The change in working capital in 2017 was primarily driven by an increase in other assets and a decrease in accrued expenses. These increases were offset by a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets in addition to an increase in accounts payable. The increase in other assets was driven by (i) an increase in pool working capital contributions as a result of the increase in the number of vessels entering the Scorpio Pools and (ii) an $8.6 million increase representing the present value of the deposits ($13.1 million in aggregate) that were retained by the buyer as part of the sale and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto that were entered into in April 2017. The decrease in accrued expenses was driven by a decrease in accrued employee benefits, and the remaining changes in working capital were driven by the timing of the payments related to such items.
Fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 compared to fiscal year ended December 31, 2016
The following table sets forth the components of our operating cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
 Change
Vessel revenue (1)
 
$
512,732

 
$
522,747

 
$
(10,015
)
 
(2
)%
Vessel operating costs (1)
 
(231,227
)
 
(187,120
)
 
(44,107
)
 
(24
)%
Voyage expenses (1)
 
(7,733
)
 
(1,578
)
 
(6,155
)
 
(390
)%
Charterhire (1)
 
(75,750
)
 
(78,862
)
 
3,112

 
4
 %
General and administrative expenses - cash (1)(2)
 
(25,126
)
 
(24,692
)
 
(434
)
 
(2
)%
Financial expenses - cash (1)(3)
 
(86,703
)
 
(63,858
)
 
(22,845
)
 
(36
)%
Merger transaction related costs (4)
 
(30,141
)
 
—

 
(30,141
)
 
N/A

Change in working capital (5)
 
(17,200
)
 
11,778

 
(28,978
)
 
(246
)%
Financial income - cash
 
1,206

 
1,213

 
(7
)
 
(1
)%
Other
 
1,743

 
(1,117
)
 
2,860

 
(256
)%
Operating cash flow
 
$
41,801

 
$
178,511

 
$
(136,710
)
 
(77
)%
(1)
See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects- A. Operating Results” for information on these variations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
(2)
Cash general and administrative expenses are general and administrative expenses from our consolidated statements of income or loss excluding the amortization of restricted stock of $22.4 million and $30.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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(3)
Cash financial expenses represents interest payable on our outstanding indebtedness. These amounts are derived from Financial Expenses from our consolidated statements of income or loss excluding (i) the amortization of deferred financing fees of $13.4 million and $14.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, (ii) the write-off of deferred financing fees of $2.5 million and $14.5 million over these same periods, (iii) the accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 of $12.2 million and $11.6 million over these same periods, and (iv) accretion of $1.5 million related to the premiums and discounts recorded as part of the initial purchase price allocation on the indebtedness assumed from NPTI during the year ended December 31, 2017.
(4)
Cash merger transaction related costs are costs related to the merger with NPTI, from our consolidated statements of income or loss, excluding the termination costs of $6.0 million that were settled via the issuance of 150,000 of our common shares.
(5)
The change in working capital in 2017 was primarily driven by an increase in other assets and a decrease in accrued expenses. These increases were offset by a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets in addition to an increase in accounts payable. The increase in other assets was driven by (i) an increase in pool working capital contributions as a result of the increase in the number of vessels entering the Scorpio Pools and (ii) an $8.6 million increase representing the present value of the deposits ($13.1 million in aggregate) that were retained by the buyer as part of the sale and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto that were entered into in April 2017. The decrease in accrued expenses was driven by a decrease in accrued employee benefits, and the remaining changes in working capital were driven by the timing of the payments related to such items.
The change in working capital in 2016 was primarily driven by a decrease in accounts receivable offset by an increase in prepaid expense and other current assets and a decrease in accrued expenses. The decrease in accounts receivable was driven by an overall decrease in revenue across all of our operating segments when comparing the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015. The increase in prepaid expenses was driven by advances made for vessel operating expenses (such as crew wages) at the end of 2016 and the increase in other assets was driven by working capital contributions to the Scorpio Pools. The decrease in accrued expenses was driven by an overall decline in accrued short-term employee benefits.


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Cash flow from investing activities
The following table sets forth the components of our investing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
Change
Cash inflows
 
 
 
 
 

 

Net proceeds from the sales of vessels (1)
 
$
—

 
$
127,372

 
$
(127,372
)
 
(100
)%
Total investing cash inflows
 
—

 
127,372

 
(127,372
)
 
(100
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash outflows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of vessels and payments for vessels under construction (2)
 
(26,057
)
 
(258,311
)
 
232,254

 
90
 %
Net cash paid for the merger with NPTI (3)
 
—

 
(23,062
)
 
23,062

 
100
 %
Drydock, scrubber and BWTS payments (owned and bareboat-in vessels) (4)
 
(26,680
)
 
(5,922
)
 
(20,758
)
 
(351
)%
Total investing cash outflows
 
(52,737
)
 
(287,295
)
 
234,558

 
82
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash outflow from investing activities
 
$
(52,737
)
 
$
(159,923
)
 
$
107,186

 
67
 %
(1)
Net proceeds from the sales of vessels in 2017 represents the net proceeds received for the sale and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto along with the sales of STI Emerald and STI Sapphire.
(2)
Represents installment payments and other capitalized costs (including capitalized interest) associated with vessels that were under construction and/or delivered during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
(3)
Net cash paid for the merger with NPTI represents the $42.2 million paid to NPTI to acquire four vessel owning subsidiaries, offset by the $3.9 million cash on hand of such subsidiaries as part of the closing of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition on June 14, 2017, and further offset by $15.1 million of cash on hand of NPTI at the September Closing.
(4)
Drydock, scrubbers and BWTS payments represent the cash paid in 2018 for the drydocking of our vessels, and installment payments made as part of the agreements to purchase scrubbers and ballast water treatment systems.
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to purchase 55 ballast water treatment systems from an unaffiliated third-party supplier for total consideration of $36.2 million. We paid $8.1 million as installment payments under this agreement during the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, an aggregate of $0.3 million was paid during the year ended December 31, 2018 as installation costs in advance of the installation of this equipment on several vessels scheduled for 2019.
From August 2018 through November 2018, we entered into agreements with two unaffiliated third-party suppliers to retrofit a total of 77 of our tankers with scrubbers. We paid $12.2 million as installment payments under this agreement during the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, an aggregate of $0.3 million was paid during the year ended December 31, 2018 as installation costs in advance of the installation of this equipment on several vessels scheduled for 2019.
Five of our MR vessels were drydocked in accordance with their scheduled, class required special surveys during the year ended December 31, 2018 and $4.7 million was paid as part of these drydocks during the year ended December 31, 2018. Additionally, two vessels entered drydock in December 2018, which were completed in January 2019. $0.6 million of drydock costs were paid for these vessels during the year ended December 31, 2018. The remaining drydock payments of $0.5 million relate to costs incurred on vessels that were drydocked in 2017 but paid in 2018 and payments made in advance of the expected drydocks for certain vessels in 2019.
Drydock payments during the year ended December 31, 2017 represent the cash paid for the drydocking of five MR vessels as part of their scheduled, class required special surveys.


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The following table sets forth the components of our investing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
 
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
Change
 
Cash inflows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net proceeds from the sales of vessels (1)
 
$
127,372

 
$
158,175

 
$
(30,803
)
 
(19
)%
 
Total investing cash inflows
 
127,372

 
158,175

 
(30,803
)
 
(19
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash outflows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of vessels and payments for vessels under construction (2)
 
(258,311
)
 
(126,842
)
 
(131,469
)
 
(104
)%
 
Net cash paid for the merger with NPTI (3)
 
(23,062
)
 
—

 
(23,062
)
 
N/A

 
Drydock Payments (4)
 
(5,922
)
 
—

 
(5,922
)
 
N/A

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total investing cash outflows
 
(287,295
)
 
(126,842
)
 
(160,453
)
 
(126
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing activities
 
$
(159,923
)
 
$
31,333

 
$
(191,256
)
 
(610
)%
 
(1)
Net proceeds from the sales of vessels in 2017 represents the net proceeds received for the sale and leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto along with the sales of STI Emerald and STI Sapphire. Net proceeds from the sales of vessels in 2016 represents the net proceeds received for the sales of STI Chelsea, STI Lexington, STI Powai, STI Olivia and STI Mythos.
(2)
Represents installment payments and other capitalized costs (including capitalized interest) associated with vessels that were under construction and/or delivered during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.
(3)
Net cash paid for the merger with NPTI represents the $42.2 million paid to NPTI to acquire four vessel owning subsidiaries, offset by the $3.9 million cash on hand of such subsidiaries as part of the closing of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition on June 14, 2017, and further offset by $15.1 million of cash on hand of NPTI at the September Closing.
(4)
Drydock payments represent the cash paid in 2017 for the drydocking of five 2012 built MR vessels, STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet and STI Onyx. These vessels were drydocked in accordance with their scheduled, class required special surveys and were offhire for an aggregate of 102 days.
Cash flow from financing activities
Cash flows from financing activities primarily consist of the issuance, repayment and costs related to our secured and unsecured debt, lease financing arrangements, the issuance and costs related to our common stock, the payment of dividends to our common shareholders, activity within our Securities Repurchase Program (defined later) and the redemption of the redeemable preferred shares that were assumed from NPTI at the September Closing. The following table sets forth the components of our financing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

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Table of Contents

 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
Change
Cash inflows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Drawdowns from our secured credit facilities (1)
 
$
216,358

 
$
357,200

 
$
(140,842
)
 
(39
)%
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019 (1)
 
—

 
57,500

 
(57,500
)
 
(100
)%
Proceeds from finance lease arrangements (1)
 
790,940

 
110,942

 
679,998

 
613
 %
Refund of debt issuance costs due to early debt repayment (2)
 
2,826

 
—

 
2,826

 
N/A

Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock (3)
 
337,000

 
303,500

 
33,500

 
11
 %
Total financing cash inflows
 
1,347,124

 
829,142

 
517,982

 
62
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash outflows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayments on our secured credit facilities (1)
 
(786,053
)
 
(478,413
)
 
(307,640
)
 
(64
)%
Repayments of 7.50% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2017 (1)
 
—

 
(51,750
)
 
51,750

 
100
 %
Payments under finance lease arrangements (1)
 
(79,541
)
 
(16,133
)
 
(63,408
)
 
(393
)%
Redemption of redeemable preferred shares assumed from NPTI (4)
 
—

 
(39,495
)
 
39,495

 
100
 %
Dividend payments (5)
 
(15,127
)
 
(9,561
)
 
(5,566
)
 
(58
)%
Common stock repurchases (6)
 
(23,240
)
 
—

 
(23,240
)
 
N/A

Debt issuance costs (7)
 
(23,056
)
 
(11,758
)
 
(11,298
)
 
(96
)%
Equity issuance costs (3)
 
(17,073
)
 
(15,056
)
 
(2,017
)
 
(13
)%
Increase in restricted cash (8)
 
(897
)
 
(2,279
)
 
1,382

 
61
 %
Total financing cash outflows
 
(944,987
)
 
(624,445
)
 
(320,542
)
 
(51
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash inflow from financing activities
 
$
402,137


$
204,697


$
197,440

 
96
 %


(1)
The following table sets forth the drawdowns and repayments on our secured credit facilities, unsecured debt and finance lease arrangements during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. These facilities, and the activity noted in the table, are more fully described below in the section entitled "Item 5 - Long Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements".

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Table of Contents

 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
Drawdowns
 
Repayments
 
Drawdowns
 
Repayments
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Credit Facility
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
(93,041
)
K-Sure Credit Facility
 
—

 
(239,920
)
 
—

 
(74,111
)
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
—

 
(33,650
)
 
—

 
(33,650
)
Credit Suisse Credit Facility
 
—

 
(53,488
)
 
58,350

 
(4,863
)
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
—

 
(12,804
)
 
—

 
(13,038
)
ING Credit Facility
 
38,675

 
(4,343
)
 
—

 
(14,447
)
BNP Paribas Credit Facility
 
—

 
(42,550
)
 
40,825

 
(30,475
)
Scotiabank Credit Facility
 
—

 
(28,860
)
 
—

 
(3,330
)
NIBC Credit Facility
 
—

 
(34,712
)
 
—

 
(5,105
)
2018 NIBC Credit Facility
 
35,658

 
(807
)
 
—

 
—

2016 Credit Facility
 
—

 
(195,979
)
 
—

 
(85,205
)
DVB 2016 Credit Facility
 
—

 

 
—

 
(88,375
)
HSH Credit Facility
 
—

 
(15,416
)
 
31,125

 
(15,709
)
2017 Credit Facility
 
21,450

 
(18,499
)
 
145,500

 
(3,686
)
DVB 2017 Credit Facility
 
—

 
(78,440
)
 
81,400

 
(2,960
)
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
—

 
(8,568
)
 
—

 
(4,284
)
ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility
 
—

 
(3,851
)
 
—

 
(1,926
)
Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility
 
—

 
(8,416
)
 
—

 
(4,208
)
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
120,575

 
(5,750
)
 
—

 
—

Total Secured Credit Facilities
 
216,358

 
(786,053
)
 
357,200

 
(478,413
)
Unsecured Senior Notes due 2019
 
—

 
—

 
57,500

 
—

Unsecured Senior Notes due 2017
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(51,750
)
Total Unsecured Senior Notes
 
—

 
—

 
57,500

 
(51,750
)
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
—

 
(10,458
)
 
—

 
(3,459
)
CMBFL Lease Financing
 
—

 
(4,908
)
 
—

 
(2,454
)
BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
 
—

 
(7,332
)
 
—

 
(2,439
)
CSSC Lease Financing
 
—

 
(17,309
)
 
—

 
(6,071
)
BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
—

 
(10,399
)
 
110,942

 
(1,710
)
2018 CMBFL Lease Financing
 
141,600

 
(5,057
)
 
—

 
—

$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
114,840

 
(2,167
)
 
—

 
—

AVIC Lease Financing
 
145,000

 
(5,897
)
 
—

 
—

China Huarong Lease Financing
 
144,000

 
(6,750
)
 
—

 
—

$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
157,500

 
(5,414
)
 
—

 
—

COSCO Lease Financing
 
88,000

 
(3,850
)
 
—

 
—

Total Finance Leases
 
$
790,940

 
$
(79,541
)
 
$
110,942

 
$
(16,133
)
(2)
Relates to the refund of debt issuance costs of $2.8 million due to the early repayment of the K-Sure Credit Facility in 2018. This facility was repaid in 2018 as part of a series of refinancing initiatives that we completed during the year ended December 31, 2018.
(3)
We completed the three follow-on offerings of common stock during the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 as follows:
*
In October 2018, we issued 18.2 million common shares in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $18.50 per share. Of the 18.2 million common shares issued, 5.4 million and 0.54 million shares were issued to Scorpio Bulkers Inc., and SSH, each a related party affiliate, respectively, at the offering price. $17.0 million of expenses related to this offering, which includes underwriters' discounts, were paid during the year ended December 31, 2018.

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Table of Contents

*
In December 2017, we issued 3.45 million common shares in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $30.00 per share. $3.9 million of expenses related to this offering, which include underwriters' discounts, were paid during the year ended December 31, 2017.
*
In May 2017, we issued 5.0 million common shares in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $40.00 per share. The completion of this offering was a condition to closing the Merger with NPTI. $11.2 million of expenses related to this offering, which includes underwriters' discounts, were paid during the year ended December 31, 2017.
(4)
As of the date of the closing of the Merger, NPTI had three million Series A Redeemable Preferred Shares outstanding. These shares were issued by NPTI in 2016 for gross proceeds of $30.0 million and according to the terms and conditions of this instrument, upon a change of control, NPTI was obligated to redeem all of these shares at a redemption price equal to the sum of $10.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, multiplied by a redemption premium of 1.20. The aggregate liability was determined to be $39.5 million at the date of the September Closing and this amount was repaid on that date.
(5)
Dividend payments to shareholders were $15.1 million and $9.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These dividends represent dividends of $0.40 per share (based on the number of shares outstanding on each of the record dates) for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
(6)
Common stock repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2018 represent the purchase of 1,351,235 of our common shares in the open market at an average price of $17.20 per share.
(7)
Debt issuance costs relate to costs incurred for our secured credit facilities and lease financing arrangements which are described below in the section entitled "Item 5 - Long Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements".
(8)
The increase in restricted cash is primarily related to a debt service reserve account that was established as part of the 2017 Credit Facility which was funded upon each of the eight drawdowns that occurred under this facility during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018. The funds in this account will be released upon maturity of this facility.
The following table sets forth the components of our financing cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:

 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 
 Change
 
Percentage
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2017
 
2016
 
 favorable / (unfavorable)
 
Change
Cash inflows
 
 
 
 
 

 

Drawdowns from our secured credit facilities (1)
 
$
357,200

 
$
565,028

 
$
(207,828
)
 
(37
)%
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes due 2019 (1)
 
57,500

 
—

 
57,500

 
N/A

Proceeds from finance lease arrangements (1)
 
110,942

 
—

 
110,942

 
N/A

Gross proceeds from the issuance of common stock (2)
 
303,500

 
—

 
303,500

 
N/A

Total financing cash inflows
 
829,142

 
565,028

 
264,114

 
47
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash outflows
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repayments on our secured credit facilities (1)
 
(478,413
)
 
(700,059
)
 
221,646

 
32
 %
Repayments of Senior Notes due 2017 (1)
 
(51,750
)
 
—

 
(51,750
)
 
N/A

Payments under finance lease arrangements (1)
 
(16,133
)
 
(53,372
)
 
37,239

 
N/A

Redemption of redeemable preferred shares assumed from NPTI (3)
 
(39,495
)
 
—

 
(39,495
)
 
N/A

Dividend payments (4)
 
(9,561
)
 
(86,923
)
 
77,362

 
89
 %
Common stock repurchases (5)
 
—

 
(16,505
)
 
16,505

 
100
 %
Debt issuance costs (6)
 
(11,758
)
 
(10,679
)
 
(1,079
)
 
(10
)%
Repurchase of Convertible Notes (7)
 
—

 
(8,393
)
 
8,393

 
100
 %
Equity issuance costs (2)
 
(15,056
)
 
(24
)
 
(15,032
)
 
(62,633
)%
Increase in restricted cash (8)
 
(2,279
)
 
—

 
(2,279
)
 
N/A

Total financing cash outflows
 
(624,445
)
 
(875,955
)
 
251,510

 
29
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (outflow) / inflow from financing activities
 
$
204,697

 
$
(310,927
)
 
$
515,624

 
166
 %


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(1) Drawdowns from and repayments on our secured facilities in 2017 and 2016 consisted of:
 
 
2017
 
2016
 
 
Drawdowns
 
Repayments
 
Drawdowns
 
Repayments
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2011 Credit Facility
 
$
—

 
$
(93,041
)
 
$
—

 
$
(7,935
)
Newbuilding Credit Facility
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(71,843
)
2013 Credit Facility
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(428,253
)
K-Sure Credit Facility
 
—

 
(74,111
)
 
—

 
(125,968
)
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
—

 
(33,650
)
 
—

 
(33,650
)
Credit Suisse Credit Facility
 
58,350

 
(4,863
)
 
—

 
—

ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
—

 
(13,038
)
 
—

 
(13,480
)
ING Credit Facility
 
—

 
(14,447
)
 
95,641

 
(6,058
)
BNP Paribas Credit Facility
 
40,825

 
(30,475
)
 
17,250

 
(2,300
)
Scotiabank Credit Facility
 
—

 
(3,330
)
 
33,300

 
(1,110
)
NIBC Credit Facility
 
—

 
(5,105
)
 
40,838

 
(1,021
)
2016 Credit Facility
 
—

 
(85,205
)
 
288,000

 
(6,816
)
DVB 2016 Credit Facility
 
—

 
(88,375
)
 
90,000

 
(1,625
)
HSH Credit Facility
 
31,125

 
(15,709
)
 
—

 
—

2017 Credit Facility
 
145,500

 
(3,686
)
 
—

 
—

DVB 2017 Credit Facility
 
81,400

 
(2,960
)
 
—

 
—

Credit Agricole Credit Facility*
 
—

 
(4,284
)
 
—

 
—

ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility*
 
—

 
(1,926
)
 
—

 
—

Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility*
 
—

 
(4,208
)
 
—

 
—

Total Secured Credit Facilities
 
357,200

 
(478,413
)
 
565,029

 
(700,059
)
Unsecured Senior Notes due 2019
 
57,500

 
—

 
—

 
—

Unsecured Senior Notes due 2017
 
—

 
(51,750
)
 
—

 
—

Total Unsecured Senior Notes
 
57,500

 
(51,750
)
 
—

 
—

Ocean Yield Lease Financing*
 
—

 
(3,459
)
 
 
 
—

CMBFL Lease Financing*
 
—

 
(2,454
)
 
—

 
—

BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)*
 
—

 
(2,439
)
 
—

 
—

CSSC Lease Financing*
 
—

 
(6,071
)
 
—

 
—

BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
110,942

 
(1,710
)
 
—

 
—

Finance lease payments - STI Lombard
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(53,372
)
Total Finance Leases
 
110,942

 
(16,133
)

—

 
(53,372
)

* Assumed as part of the Merger with NPTI. See below, "Item 5 - Long Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements" for a description of the facility or lease financing arrangement.
(2)
We completed two follow-on offerings of common stock during the year ended December 31, 2017 as follows:
•
In December 2017, we issued 3.45 million common shares in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $30.00 per share. $3.9 million of expenses related to this offering, which include underwriters' discounts, were paid during the year ended December 31, 2017.
•
In May 2017, we issued 5.0 million common shares in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $40.00 per share. The completion of this offering was a condition to closing the Merger with NPTI. $11.2 million of expenses related to this offering, which include underwriters' discounts, were paid during the year ended December 31, 2017.
(3)
As of the date of the closing of the Merger, NPTI had three million Series A Redeemable Preferred Shares outstanding. These shares were issued by NPTI in 2016 for gross proceeds of $30.0 million. According to the terms of this instrument, upon a change of control, NPTI was obligated to redeem all of these shares at a redemption price equal to the sum of $10.00 per share

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plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, multiplied by a redemption premium of 1.20. The aggregate liability was determined to be $39.5 million at the date of the September Closing and this amount was repaid on that date.
(4)
Dividend payments to shareholders were $9.6 million and $86.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These dividends represent total dividends of $0.40 per share and $5.00 per share (based on the number of shares outstanding on the record dates) for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(5)
Common stock repurchases during the year ended December 31, 2016 included the purchase of 295,676 common shares in the open market at an average price of $55.82 per share.
(6)
Debt issuance costs relates to costs incurred for our secured credit facilities and lease financing arrangements.
(7)
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we repurchased an aggregate of $10.0 million aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $839.28 per $1,000 principal amount.
(8)
The increase in restricted cash is primarily related to a debt service reserve account that was established as part of the 2017 Credit Facility and must be funded upon each drawdown. The funds in this account will be released upon maturity of this facility.

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Long-Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements
The following is a discussion of the key terms and conditions of our secured credit facilities, unsecured senior notes, finance leases and our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022. Our secured credit facilities may be secured by, among other things:
•
a first priority mortgage over the relevant collateralized vessels;
•
a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and charters from the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility;
•
a pledge of earnings generated by the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility; and
•
a pledge of the equity interests of each vessel owning subsidiary under the specific facility.
Our debt and lease financing agreements may require us to comply with a number of covenants, including financial covenants related to liquidity, consolidated net worth, maximum leverage ratios, loan to value ratios and collateral maintenance, informational requirements, including the delivery of quarterly and annual financial statements and annual projections, and restrictive covenants, including maintenance of adequate insurances; compliance with laws (including environmental); compliance with the Employee Retirement Income and Security Act, or ERISA; maintenance of flag and class of the vessels; restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets; approvals on changes in the manager of the vessels; limitations on liens; limitations on additional indebtedness; prohibitions on paying dividends if a covenant breach or an event of default has occurred or would occur as a result of payment of a dividend; prohibitions on transactions with affiliates; and other customary covenants. Furthermore, our debt and lease financing agreements contain cross-default provisions that may be triggered if we default under the terms of any one of our financing agreements.
Minimum interest coverage ratio amendment
In February and March 2018, we amended the ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense ratio financial covenant on our secured credit facilities (wherever applicable) for the quarters ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Under this amendment, the ratio was reduced to greater than 1.50 to 1.00 from 2.50 to 1.00. These amendments were accounted for as debt modifications.
In September 2018, we entered into agreements with certain of our lenders with whom their credit facility had a minimum interest coverage ratio financial covenant in place, to permanently remove such covenant from the terms of each facility. As a result, the Company is no longer required to maintain a ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense on any of its secured credit facilities or lease financing arrangements.
As part of these agreements, and for certain of the facilities, the minimum threshold for the aggregate fair market value of the vessels as a percentage of the then aggregate principal amount of each facility was revised to be no less than the following:
Facility
Minimum ratio
KEXIM Credit Facility
155%
2017 Credit Facility
155%
ABN Credit Facility
145% through June 30, 2019, 150% thereafter
The following is a table summarizing our indebtedness as of December 31, 2018 and March 15, 2019. The balances set forth below reflect the amounts due under each facility or financing arrangement, and the amounts outstanding under our unsecured borrowings, and do not reflect any unamortized deferred financing fees or discounts/premiums attributable to the indebtedness assumed from NPTI as part of the initial purchase price allocation for the Merger. These facilities are summarized further below.

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 In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
Amount outstanding at December 31, 2018
 
Amount outstanding at March 15, 2019
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
$
299,300

 
$
282,475

ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
100,508

 
98,369

ING Credit Facility
 
144,176

 
142,239

2018 NIBC Credit Facility
 
34,850

 
34,042

2017 Credit Facility
 
144,766

 
144,766

Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
99,295

 
97,153

ABN / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
49,530

 
48,568

Citibank / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
103,650

 
101,546

ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
114,825

 
114,825

Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
160,262

 
157,664

CMBFL Lease Financing
 
61,971

 
60,744

BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
 
100,789

 
98,933

CSSC Lease Financing
 
246,526

 
242,199

BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
98,831

 
96,191

2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
136,543

 
134,014

$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
112,674

 
111,103

AVIC International Lease Financing
 
139,103

 
136,905

China Huarong Shipping Lease Financing
 
137,250

 
133,875

$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
152,086

 
148,550

COSCO Lease Financing
 
84,150

 
84,150

Senior Notes Due 2020
 
53,750

 
53,750

Senior Notes Due 2019 (1)
 
57,500

 
57,500

Convertible Notes due 2019 (2)
 
145,000

 
145,000

Convertible Notes due 2022 (2)
 
203,500

 
203,500

Total
 
$
2,980,835


$
2,928,061

(1) 
On March 18, 2019 or the Redemption Date, we redeemed the entire outstanding balance of the Senior Notes Due 2019.  The redemption price of the Senior Notes Due 2019 was equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.
(2) 
The balances of our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 shown in the table above represent their face value. The liability components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 have been recorded within the current portion of long-term debt and long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. The equity components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 have been recorded within Additional paid-in-capital on the consolidated balance sheet.
Secured Debt
K-Sure Credit Facility
In February 2014, we entered into a $458.3 million senior secured term loan facility which consists of a $358.3 million tranche with a group of financial institutions that is being 95% covered by Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, or the K-Sure Tranche, and a $100.0 million commercial tranche with a group of financial institutions led by DNB Bank ASA, or the Commercial Tranche. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $239.9 million, as a result of the sale and leaseback transactions of STI Hammersmith, STI Winnie, STI Lauren, STI Connaught, STI Westminster, STI Tribeca, STI Bronx, STI Manhattan, STI Oxford, STI Gramercy, STI Queens, STI Brooklyn, STI Mayfair, STI Battersea, STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill (see section entitled "Lease financing arrangements" below for descriptions of these arrangements).
We wrote off an aggregate of $5.9 million of deferred financing fees as a result of the repayment of the outstanding balance during the year ended December 31, 2018.

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KEXIM Credit Facility 
In February 2014, we executed a senior secured term loan facility for $429.6 million, or the KEXIM Credit Facility, with a group of financial institutions led by DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) and from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, or KEXIM, a statutory juridical entity established under The Export-Import Bank of Korea Act of 1969, as amended, in the Republic of Korea.  This KEXIM Credit Facility includes commitments from KEXIM of $300.6 million, or the KEXIM Tranche, and a group of financial institutions led by DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) of $129.0 million, or the Commercial Tranche.
Drawdowns under the KEXIM Credit Facility occurred in connection with the delivery of 18 vessels in our previously existing newbuilding program as specified in the loan agreement.
In addition to KEXIM’s commitment of up to $300.6 million, KEXIM also provided an optional guarantee for a five-year amortizing note of $125.25 million, the proceeds of which reduced the $300.6 million KEXIM Tranche. These notes were issued on July 18, 2014 when Seven and Seven Ltd., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands completed an offering of $125,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of floating rate guaranteed notes due 2019, or the KEXIM Notes, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the Securities Act and in offshore transactions complying with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The KEXIM Notes were issued in connection with the KEXIM Tranche and reduced KEXIM's funding obligations and our borrowing costs under the KEXIM Tranche by 1.55% per year. Seven and Seven Ltd. is an unaffiliated company that was incorporated for the purpose of facilitating this transaction and servicing the bonds until maturity.
Payment of 100% of all regularly scheduled installments of principal of, and interest on, the KEXIM Notes are guaranteed by KEXIM. The vessels in the loan are the collateral for the KEXIM Credit Facility, which includes the KEXIM Notes. The KEXIM Notes are currently listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. The KEXIM Notes are not listed on any other securities exchange, listing authority or quotation system.
The Commercial Tranche matures on the sixth anniversary of the delivery date of the last vessel specified under the loan (January 2021), and the KEXIM Tranche matures on the 12th anniversary of the weighted average delivery date of the vessels specified under the loan assuming the Commercial Tranche is refinanced through that date (September 2026).
Repayments will be made in ten equal consecutive semi-annual repayment installments in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile under the Commercial Tranche and a 12-year repayment profile under the KEXIM Tranche (which includes the KEXIM Notes). Repayments under the KEXIM Tranche will first be applied to the KEXIM Notes until the maturity of those notes in September 2019 and all subsequent repayments will be applied to the remaining amounts outstanding under KEXIM Tranche until the maturity of that tranche in September 2026 (assuming the Commercial Tranche is refinanced through that date). Repayments commenced in March 2015 for the KEXIM Tranche and in July 2015 for the Commercial Tranche.
Borrowings under the KEXIM Tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.25%. Borrowings under the Commercial Tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.25% from the effective date of the agreement to the fifth anniversary thereof and 3.75% thereafter until the maturity date in respect of the Commercial Tranche.
Our KEXIM Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants which require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of any new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The minimum threshold for the aggregate fair market value of the vessels as a percentage of the then aggregate principal amount in the facility shall at all times be no less than 155%.
The amounts outstanding relating to this facility (which includes the KEXIM Notes) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $299.3 million and $333.0 million respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.

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Credit Suisse Credit Facility
In October 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with Credit Suisse AG, Switzerland. The proceeds of this facility of $58.4 million were used to finance a portion of the purchase price of STI Selatar and STI Rambla. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $53.5 million as a result of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed related to these two vessels.
We wrote off an aggregate of $1.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this repayment.
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
In July 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and DVB Bank SE for up to $142.2 million. This facility was fully drawn in 2015 to partially finance the purchases of STI Savile Row, STI Kingsway and STI Carnaby and to refinance the existing indebtedness on STI Spiga. We refer to this credit facility as our ABN AMRO Credit Facility.
Repayments under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility will be made in equal consecutive quarterly repayment installments in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile. Repayments commenced three months after the drawdown date of each vessel. Each tranche matures on the fifth anniversary of the initial drawdown date and a balloon installment payment is due on the maturity date of each tranche. Borrowings under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.15%.
Our ABN AMRO Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $677.3 million plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after October 1, 2013 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after October 1, 2013.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 145% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made scheduled principal payments of $8.8 million and an unscheduled prepayment of $4.0 million on this credit facility. The amounts outstanding relating to this facility as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $100.5 million and $113.3 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
ING Credit Facility
In June 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with ING Bank N.V., London Branch for a credit facility of up to $52.0 million. In September 2015, we amended and restated the facility to increase the borrowing capacity to $87.0 million, and in March 2016, we amended and restated the facility to further increase the borrowing capacity to $132.5 million. In June 2018, we executed another agreement to further increase the borrowing capacity to $171.2 million. The 2018 upsized portion of the loan facility was fully drawn in September 2018 and was used to refinance the existing outstanding indebtedness relating to one Handymax product tanker (STI Rotherhithe) and one MR product tanker (STI Notting Hill), which were previously financed under our K-Sure Credit Facility.
Repayments on borrowings up to $132.5 million are being made in equal quarterly installments, in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile and a balloon installment payment due on the maturity dates of March 4, 2021 for STI Lombard and STI Osceola and June 24, 2022 for STI Grace, STI Jermyn, STI Black Hawk, STI Pontiac, STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill. The 2018 upsized portion of the loan for STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill will be repaid in equal quarterly installments of $1.0 million per quarter, in aggregate, for the first eight installments and $0.8 million per quarter, in aggregate, thereafter, with a balloon payment due upon the maturity date of June 24, 2022.
Borrowings under the ING Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.95% per annum for the STI Lombard, STI Osceola, STI Grace, STI Jermyn, STI Black Hawk and STI Pontiac tranches. The STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill tranches bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.4% per annum.
Our ING Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of not less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the positive consolidated net income for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.

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•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 160% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
The amounts outstanding relating to this facility as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $144.2 million and $109.8 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
BNP Paribas Credit Facility
In December 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with BNP Paribas SA for up to $34.5 million, and in December 2016, we amended and restated the facility to increase the borrowing capacity by a further $27.6 million to $62.1 million. This upsized portion was drawn in January and February 2017 as part of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Sapphire and STI Emerald and fully repaid in June 2017 when these vessels were sold. Furthermore, in December 2017 we amended and restated the facility to increase the borrowing capacity by a further $13.2 million as part of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Soho (which was previously financed under our K-Sure Credit Facility). During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $42.6 million primarily in connection with the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Memphis, STI Battery and STI Soho.
We wrote off an aggregate of $0.4 million of deferred financing fees as a result of these transactions.
Scotiabank Credit Facility
In June 2016, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with Scotiabank Europe plc. The loan facility was fully drawn in June 2016, and the proceeds of $33.3 million were used to refinance the existing indebtedness on STI Rose. In September 2018, we refinanced the outstanding amounts borrowed under this facility by repaying $28.9 million and drawing down $36.5 million from the AVIC Lease Financing agreement, which is described below. We wrote off an aggregate of $0.1 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
NIBC Credit Facility
In June 2016, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with NIBC Bank N.V. This facility was fully drawn in July 2016 and the aggregate proceeds of $40.8 million were used to refinance the existing indebtedness on STI Ville and STI Fontvieille, which were previously financed under our 2013 Credit Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $34.7 million primarily in connection with the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Ville and STI Fontvieille.
We wrote off an aggregate of $0.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of these transactions.
2018 NIBC Credit Facility
In June 2018, we executed an agreement with NIBC Bank N.V. for a $35.7 million term loan facility. This facility was fully drawn in August 2018, and the proceeds were used to refinance the existing indebtedness related to two MR product tankers (STI Memphis and STI Soho), which were previously financed under the BNP Paribas Credit Facility.
The loan facility has a final maturity of June 2021, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.5% per annum and will be repaid in equal quarterly installments of $0.8 million, in aggregate, with a balloon payment due upon maturity.  Our 2018 NIBC Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall be: 130% from the first drawdown date and ending on the second anniversary of the first drawdown date; 135% from the second anniversary of the first drawdown date and expiring on the fourth anniversary of the first drawdown date; and 140% at all times thereafter.
The amount outstanding relating to this facility was $34.9 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date.

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2016 Credit Facility
In August 2016, we executed a senior secured loan facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Nordea Bank Finland plc, acting through its New York branch, and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB. The loan facility was fully drawn in September 2016, and the aggregate proceeds of $288.0 million were used to refinance the existing indebtedness on 16 MR product tankers, which were previously financed under the 2013 Credit Facility. This credit facility was comprised of a term loan up to $192.0 million and a revolver up to $96.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $196.0 million primarily as a result of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for all of the vessels collateralized under this facility.
We wrote off $2.2 million in deferred financing fees as a result of these transactions.
2017 Credit Facility
In March 2017, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with a group of financial institutions led by Macquarie Bank Limited (London Branch) for up to $172.0 million, or the 2017 Credit Facility. The 2017 Credit Facility consists of five tranches; including two commercial tranches of $15.0 million and $25.0 million, a KEXIM Guaranteed Tranche of $48.0 million, a KEXIM Funded Tranche of $52.0 million, and a GIEK Guaranteed Tranche of $32.0 million.
$145.5 million was drawn during the year ended December 31, 2017 to partially finance the purchases of seven newbuilding MRs, and we made the following drawdown to partially finance the purchase of one newbuilding MR during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Drawdown amount
 
 
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Drawdown date
 
Collateral
$
21.5

 
January 2018
 
STI Jardins
There are no remaining amounts available under this facility. Other key terms are as follows:
•
The first commercial tranche of $15.0 million has a final maturity of six years from the drawdown date of each vessel, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum, and has a 15-year repayment profile.
•
The second commercial tranche of $25.0 million has a final maturity of nine years from the drawdown date of each vessel (assuming KEXIM or GIEK have not exercised their option to call for prepayment of the KEXIM and GIEK funded and guaranteed tranches by the date falling two months prior to the maturity of the first commercial tranche and in the event that the first commercial tranche has not been extended), bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum, and has a 15-year repayment profile.
•
The KEXIM Funded Tranche and GIEK Guaranteed Tranche have a final maturity of 12 years from the drawdown date of each vessel (assuming the commercial tranches are refinanced through that date), bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.15% per annum, and have a 12-year repayment profile.
•
The KEXIM Guaranteed Tranche has a final maturity of 12 years from the drawdown date of each vessel (assuming the commercial tranches are refinanced through that date), bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.60% per annum, and has a 12-year repayment profile.
Our 2017 Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
Concurrent with the amendment on the ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense financial covenant in September 2018, the security cover ratio under the 2017 Credit Facility was revised such that the aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 155% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $5.0 million on deposit in a debt service reserve account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.

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During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made scheduled principal payments of $10.5 million and an unscheduled prepayment of $8.0 million on this credit facility. The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $144.8 million and $141.8 million, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
HSH Nordbank Credit Facility
In January 2017, we executed a senior secured credit facility agreement with HSH Nordbank AG for $31.1 million, or the HSH Credit Facility. In February 2017, we refinanced the outstanding indebtedness related to STI Duchessa and STI Onyx by repaying an aggregate of $23.7 million on our 2011 Credit Facility and drawing down an aggregate of $31.1 million from this facility. In October 2017, we repaid $13.8 million relating to the amounts borrowed for STI Onyx in connection with the sale and leaseback of this vessel.
In September 2018, we repaid the remaining outstanding balance of $14.2 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of STI Duchessa. We wrote off $0.2 million in deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
DVB 2017 Credit Facility
In March 2017, we executed a senior secured term loan facility of up to $81.4 million with DVB Bank SE, or the DVB 2017 Credit Facility, to refinance our previous facility with DVB Bank SE. The DVB 2017 Credit Facility was used to refinance the existing indebtedness on four product tankers, STI Wembley, STI Milwaukee, STI Seneca and STI Alexis in April 2017. We repaid the entire outstanding balance of $78.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily as a result of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for these vessels.
We wrote off $1.2 million in deferred financing fees as a result of the repayment of this facility.
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
As part of the closing of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition in June 2017, we assumed the outstanding indebtedness under NPTI's senior secured term loan with Credit Agricole. STI Excel, STI Excelsior, STI Expedite and STI Exceed are pledged as collateral under this facility. Repayments are being made in equal quarterly installments of $2.1 million in aggregate in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile with a balloon payment due upon maturity, which occurs between November 2022 and February 2023 (depending on the vessel). The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%.
Our Credit Agricole Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 135% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $99.3 million and $107.9 million (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation), and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility
We assumed the outstanding indebtedness under NPTI's senior secured credit facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, or K-Sure, which we refer to as the ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility, upon the closing of the Merger with NPTI in September 2017. Two LR1s (STI Precision and STI Prestige) are collateralized under this facility and the facility consists of two separate tranches, an $11.5 million commercial tranche and a $43.8 million K-Sure tranche (which represents the amounts assumed from NPTI).
The commercial tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.75%, and the K-Sure tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.80%. Repayments on the K-Sure tranche are being made in equal quarterly installments of $1.0 million in accordance with a 12-year repayment profile from the date of delivery from the shipyard, with a balloon payment due upon maturity, and the commercial tranche is being repaid via a balloon payment upon maturity in September and November 2022 (depending on the vessel). The K-Sure tranche fully matures in September and November 2028 (depending on the vessel), and K-Sure has an option to require repayment upon the maturity of the commercial tranche if the commercial tranche is not refinanced by its maturity dates.
Our ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:

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•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 135% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans (less any amounts held in a debt service reserve account as described below) under the credit facility.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $0.5 million on deposit in a debt service reserve account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $49.5 million and $53.4 million (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation), and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility
We assumed the outstanding indebtedness under NPTI's senior secured credit facility with Citibank N.A., London Branch, Caixabank, S.A., and K-Sure, which we refer to as the Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility, upon the closing of the Merger with NPTI in September 2017. Four LR1s (STI Excellence, STI Executive, STI Experience, and STI Express) are collateralized under this facility. The facility consists of two separate tranches, a $25.1 million commercial tranche and a $91.2 million K-Sure tranche (which represents the amounts assumed from NPTI).
The commercial tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and the K-Sure tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.60%. Repayments on the K-Sure tranche are being made in equal quarterly installments of $2.1 million in accordance with a 12-year repayment profile from the date of delivery from the shipyard, with a balloon payment due upon maturity and the commercial tranche is scheduled to be repaid via a balloon payment upon the maturity which occurs between March and May 2022 (depending on the vessel). The K-Sure tranche fully matures between March and May 2028 (depending on the vessel), and K-Sure has an option to require repayment upon the maturity of the commercial tranche if the commercial tranche is not refinanced by its maturity dates.
Our Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 135% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans (less any amounts held in a debt service reserve account as described below) under the credit facility.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $4.0 million on deposit in a debt service reserve account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $103.7 million and $112.0 million (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation), and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
In June 2018, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB for up to $120.6 million.  This loan was fully drawn in June 2018 and the proceeds were used to refinance the existing indebtedness of $87.6 million under our K-Sure Credit Facility relating to five vessels consisting of one Handymax product tanker

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(STI Hammersmith), one MR product tanker (STI Westminster), and three LR2 product tankers (STI Connaught, STI Winnie and STI Lauren).
The ABN/SEB Credit Facility has a final maturity of June 2023 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.6% per annum.  The loan will be repaid in equal quarterly installments of $2.9 million per quarter, in aggregate, for the first eight installments and $2.5 million per quarter, in aggregate, thereafter, with a balloon payment due upon maturity.
Our ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.65 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1,265,728,005 plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2018.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million and $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall be: 130% from the date of the agreement and ending on the second anniversary thereof and 140% at all times thereafter.
The amount outstanding related to this facility as of December 31, 2018 was $114.8 million, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date.
Lease financing arrangements
The below lease financing arrangements were entered into during 2017 and 2018 or were assumed as part of the Merger with NPTI.  For each arrangement, we have evaluated whether, in substance, these transactions are leases or merely a form of financing.  As a result of this evaluation, we have concluded that each agreement is a form of financing on the basis that the terms and conditions are such that we never part with the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of each vessel for the remainder of its useful life.  This conclusion was reached, in part, as a result of the existence within each agreement of either a purchase obligation or a purchase option that will almost certainly be exercised.  Accordingly, the liability under each arrangement has been recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method, and the corresponding vessels have been recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, on our consolidated balance sheet.
The obligations set forth below are secured by, among other things, assignments of earnings and insurances and stock pledges and account charges in respect of the subject vessels. All of the financing arrangements contain customary events of default, including cross-default provisions.
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing MR financing, or the BCFL Lease Financing (MR)
In September 2017, we entered into finance lease agreements to sell and lease back five 2012 built MR product tankers (STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet and STI Onyx) with Bank of Communications Finance Leasing Co Ltd., or BCFL, for a sale price of $27.5 million per vessel. The financing for STI Topaz, STI Ruby and STI Garnet closed in September 2017, the financing for STI Onyx closed in October 2017, and the financing for STI Amber closed in November 2017. Each agreement is for a fixed term of seven years at a bareboat rate of $9,025 per vessel per day, and we have three consecutive one-year options to extend each charter beyond the initial term. Furthermore, we have the option to purchase these vessels beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreements through the end of the tenth year of the agreements. A deposit of $5.1 million per vessel was retained by the buyers and will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel, if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement (as applicable).
Our BCFL Lease Financing (MR) includes a financial covenant that requires us to maintain the aggregate of the fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility plus the aforementioned $5.1 million deposit shall at all times be no less than 100% of the then outstanding balance plus the aforementioned $5.1 million deposit.
The aggregate outstanding balances under this arrangement were $98.8 million and $109.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing LR2 financing, or the BCFL Lease Financing (LR2)
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with Bank of Communications Finance Leasing Co Ltd., or BCFL, for three LR2 tankers (STI Solace, STI Solidarity, and STI Stability) upon the September Closing. Under the arrangement, each vessel is subject to a 10-year bareboat charter, which charters expire in July 2026. Charterhire under the arrangement is determined in advance, on a quarterly basis and is calculated by determining the payment based off of the then outstanding balance, the time to expiration and an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.50%. Using the forward interest swap curve at December 31, 2018, future monthly principal payments are estimated to be $0.2 million per vessel gradually increasing to $0.3 million per vessel per month until the expiration of the agreement. We have purchase options to re-

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acquire each of the subject vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable at the end of the fourth year from the delivery date of the respective vessel. There is also a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of the agreement.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $0.8 million on deposit in a deposit account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The amounts due under this arrangement (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation) were $100.8 million and $108.1 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
CSSC Shipping Lease Financing
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company Limited, or CSSC, for eight LR2 tankers (STI Gallantry, STI Nautilus, STI Guard, STI Guide, STI Goal, STI Gauntlet, STI Gladiator and STI Gratitude) upon the September Closing. Under the arrangement, each vessel is subject to a 10-year bareboat charter, which charters expire throughout 2026 and 2027 (depending on the vessel). Charterhire under the arrangement is comprised of a fixed repayment amount of $0.2 million per month per vessel plus a variable component calculated at LIBOR plus 4.60%. We have purchase options to re-acquire each of the subject vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable at the end of the fourth year from the delivery date of the respective vessel. There is also a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of the agreement.
Our CSSC finance lease arrangement includes a financial covenant that requires the fair market value of each vessel that is leased under this facility to at all times be no less than 125% of the applicable outstanding balance for such vessel. In September 2017, we made a $10.9 million aggregate prepayment on this arrangement to maintain compliance with this covenant. This prepayment was released from restricted cash that was assumed from NPTI at the closing date of the Merger.
The amounts due under this arrangement (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation) were $246.5 million and $263.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
CMBFL Lease Financing
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with CMB Financial Leasing Co. Ltd, or CMBFL, for two LR1 tankers (STI Pride and STI Providence) upon the September Closing. Under this arrangement, each vessel is subject to a seven-year bareboat charter, which expires in July or August 2023 (depending on the vessel). Charterhire under the arrangement is comprised of a fixed, quarterly repayment amount of $0.6 million per vessel plus a variable component calculated at LIBOR plus 3.75%. We have purchase options to re-acquire each of the subject vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable on the third anniversary from the delivery date of the respective vessel. There is also a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of the agreement. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 115% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $2.0 million on deposit in a deposit account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The amounts due under this arrangement (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation) were $62.0 million and $66.9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.

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Ocean Yield Lease Financing
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with Ocean Yield ASA for four LR2 tankers (STI Sanctity, STI Steadfast, STI Supreme, and STI Symphony) upon the September Closing. Under this arrangement, each vessel is subject to a 13-year bareboat charter, which expires between February and August 2029 (depending on the vessel). Charterhire, which is paid monthly in advance, includes a fixed payment in addition to a quarterly adjustment based on prevailing LIBOR rates.
Monthly principal payments are approximately $0.2 million per vessel gradually increasing to $0.3 million per vessel per month until the expiration of the agreement. The interest component of the leases approximates LIBOR plus 5.40%. We also have purchase options to re-acquire each of the vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable beginning at the end of the seventh year from the delivery date of the subject vessel.
We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
The amounts due under this arrangement (which excludes fair value adjustments made as part of the initial purchase price allocation) were $160.3 million and $170.7 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
China Huarong Lease Financing
In May 2018, we reached an agreement to sell and leaseback six 2014 built MR product tankers, (STI Opera, STI Virtus, STI Venere, STI Aqua, STI Dama, and STI Regina) to China Huarong Shipping Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. The borrowing amount under the arrangement is $144.0 million in aggregate. These agreements closed in August 2018, and the proceeds were utilized to repay $92.7 million of the outstanding indebtedness under our 2016 Credit Facility.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the third year of each agreement. The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.5% per annum and will be repaid in equal quarterly principal installments of $0.6 million per vessel. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions under this arrangement, including the financial covenant that the Company will maintain consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $650.0 million.
The amount outstanding was $137.3 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenant relating to this facility as of that date.
$116.0 Million Lease Financing
In August 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback two MR product tankers (STI Gramercy and STI Queens) and two LR2 product tankers (STI Oxford and STI Selatar) in two separate transactions to an international financial institution. The net borrowing amount (which reflect the selling price less deposits and commissions to the lessor) under the arrangement was $114.8 million in aggregate, consisting of $23.8 million per MR and $33.7 million per LR2. The proceeds were utilized to repay $26.5 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our Credit Suisse Credit Facility and $46.6 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility for these vessels.
Under the terms of these agreements, the Company will bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of seven years at $7,935 per day for each MR and $11,040 per day for each LR2 (which includes both the principal and interest components of the lease). In addition, we have purchase options beginning at the end of the third year of each agreement, and a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of each agreement.
We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including a financial covenant that requires that the aggregate of the fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility plus the aforementioned deposits shall at all times be no less than 111% of the then outstanding balance plus the aforementioned deposits.
The amount outstanding was $112.7 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenant as of that date.

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2018 CMB Sale and Leaseback
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback six MR product tankers (STI Battery, STI Milwaukee, STI Tribeca, STI Bronx, STI Manhattan, and STI Seneca) to CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. The borrowing amount under the arrangement is $141.6 million in aggregate and the sales closed in August 2018. The proceeds were utilized to repay $33.5 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our DVB 2017 Credit Facility, $39.7 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility and $14.4 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our BNPP Credit Facility for these vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels at the start of the fourth year of each agreement. The lease bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.2% per annum and will be repaid in quarterly principal installments of $0.4 million per vessel. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million and $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 115% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
The amount outstanding was $136.5 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.
AVIC Lease Financing
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback three MR product tankers (STI Ville, STI Fontvieille and STI Brooklyn) and two LR2 product tankers (STI Rose and STI Rambla) to AVIC International Leasing Co., Ltd. The borrowing amounts under the arrangement are $24.0 million per MR and $36.5 million per LR2 ($145.0 million in aggregate). These transactions closed in August and September 2018. The proceeds were utilized to repay $32.7 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our NIBC Credit Facility, $13.0 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility, $28.3 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our Scotiabank Credit Facility and $26.1 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our Credit Suisse Credit Facility for these vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the second year of each agreement. The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.7% per annum and will be repaid in quarterly principal installments of $0.5 million per MR and $0.8 million per LR2. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.70 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $650.0 million.
•
The fair market value of each grouped vessel (MRs or LR2s) leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 110% of the outstanding balance for such grouped vessels (MRs or LR2s).
The amount outstanding was $139.1 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.

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COSCO Shipping Lease Financing
In September 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback two Handymax product tankers (STI Battersea and STI Wembley) and two MR product tankers (STI Texas City and STI Meraux) to Oriental Fleet International Company Limited ("COSCO Shipping"). The borrowing amounts under the arrangement are $21.2 million for the Handymax vessels and $22.8 million for the MR vessels ($88.0 million in aggregate). The proceeds were utilized to repay $14.8 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our DVB 2017 Credit Facility, $12.6 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility, and $30.0 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our 2016 Credit Facility relating to these vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the second year of each agreement. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.6% per annum and will be repaid in quarterly installments of $0.5 million per vessel. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of total liabilities (less cash and cash equivalents) to total assets no greater than 0.65 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2018.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 110% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
The amount outstanding was $84.2 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date.
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
In July 2018, we agreed to sell and leaseback six MR product tankers (STI San Antonio, STI Benicia, STI St. Charles, STI Yorkville, STI Mayfair and STI Duchessa) and one LR2 product tanker (STI Alexis) to an international financial institution. The borrowing amount under the arrangement was $157.5 million in aggregate, and these sales closed in October 2018. In September 2018, we repaid the outstanding indebtedness for two vessels consisting of $14.2 million on the HSH Credit Facility and $13.6 million on the K-Sure Credit Facility, in advance of the October closing of these transactions. Upon closing, the proceeds were utilized to repay the remaining outstanding indebtedness of $59.2 million on our 2016 Credit Facility and the remaining outstanding indebtedness of $25.8 million on our DVB 2017 Credit Facility for the remaining five vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of seven years, and we have options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the third year of each agreement. The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.0% per annum and will be repaid in equal quarterly principal installments of $0.5 million per MR and $0.6 million for the LR2. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the seventh year (which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date). We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million and $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 115% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
The amount outstanding relating to this facility was $152.1 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date.
Unsecured debt
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2020
On May 12, 2014, we issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due May 2020, or our "Senior Notes Due 2020," and on June 9, 2014, we issued an additional $3.75 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes Due 2020 when the underwriters partially exercised their option to purchase additional Senior Notes Due 2020 on the same terms and conditions. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes Due 2020 were $51.8 million after deducting the underwriters’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses.

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The Senior Notes Due 2020 bear interest at a coupon rate of 6.75% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of February, May, August and November of each year. Coupon payments commenced on August 15, 2014. The Senior Notes Due 2020 are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2017 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
The Senior Notes Due 2020 are our senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt and are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. No sinking fund is provided for the Senior Notes Due 2020. The Senior Notes Due 2020 were issued in minimum denominations of $25.00 and integral multiples of $25.00 in excess thereof and are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “SBNA.”
The Senior Notes Due 2020 require us to comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants, restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets and prohibitions on paying dividends or returning capital to equity holders if a covenant breach or an event of default has occurred or would occur as a result of such payment. If we undergo a change of control, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a change of control repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the change of control purchase date.
The financial covenants under our Senior Notes Due 2020 include:
•
Net borrowings shall not equal or exceed 70% of total assets.
•
Net worth shall always exceed $650.0 million.
The outstanding balance was $53.75 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to the Senior Notes Due 2020 as of those dates.
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019
In June 2014, we issued $360.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019, or the "Convertible Notes due 2019," in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. This amount includes the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase an additional $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes due 2019 in connection with the offering. The net proceeds we received from the issuance of the Convertible Notes due 2019 after the exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional Convertible Notes due 2019 were $349.0 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses of $11.0 million. As part of the transaction, we used a portion of the net proceeds to repurchase $95.0 million of our common stock, or 1,012,760 shares, at $93.80 per share in a privately negotiated transaction.
The Convertible Notes due 2019 bear interest at a coupon rate of 2.375% per annum and are payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year beginning on January 1, 2015. The Convertible Notes due 2019 will mature on July 1, 2019, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. At issuance, the Convertible Notes due 2019 were convertible in certain circumstances and during certain periods at an initial conversion rate of 8.2008 shares of common stock per $1,000 (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $121.94 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes due 2019. Adjustments were made during years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 to the initial conversion rate as a result of the issuance of dividends to our common stockholders. The table below details the dividends declared from the issuance of the Convertible Notes due 2019 through December 31, 2018 and their corresponding effect to the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes due 2019 (as adjusted for reverse stock split that was effective in January 2019). The conversion rates as of December 31, 2018 and March 15, 2019 were 10.0540 and 10.1110, respectively.

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.
Record Date
 
Dividends per share
 
Share Adjusted Conversion Rate (1)
August 22, 2014
 
$
1.000

 
8.2856
November 25, 2014
 
$
1.200

 
8.4018
March 13, 2015
 
$
1.200

 
8.5222
May 21, 2015
 
$
1.250

 
8.6374
August 14, 2015
 
$
1.250

 
8.7435
November 24, 2015
 
$
1.250

 
8.8679
March 10, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.0531
May 11, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.2532
September 15, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.4935
November 25, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.77039
February 23, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.79316
May 11, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.8159
September 25, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.8445
December 13, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.8774
March 12, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
9.9206
June 6, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
9.9528
September 20, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
10.0052
December 5, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
10.0540
March 13, 2019
 
$
0.100

 
10.1110
(1)  Per $1,000 principal amount.
Holders could convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 1, 2019 only under the following circumstances:
•
during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 25 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
•
during the five-business day period after any five consecutive trading day period, or the Measurement Period, in which the trading price (as defined in the indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2019 for each trading day of the Measurement Period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day;
•
if the Company calls any or all of the Convertible Notes due 2019 for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or
•
upon the occurrence of specified corporate events as defined in the indenture (e.g. consolidations, mergers, a binding share exchange or the transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets).

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We were not permitted to redeem the Convertible Notes due 2019 prior to July 6, 2017. Effective July 6, 2017, we may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes, at our option, if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 25 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes due 2019.
The Convertible Notes due 2019 require us to comply with certain covenants such as restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets. Additionally, if we undergo a fundamental change, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
Upon issuance, we determined the initial carrying value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 to be $298.7 million based on the fair value of a similar liability that does not have any associated conversion feature. We used our Senior Notes Due 2020 issued in May 2014 as the basis for this determination. The difference between the fair value of the liability component and the face value of the Convertible Notes is being amortized over the term of the Convertible Notes under the effective interest method and recorded as part of financial expenses. The residual value of $61.3 million (the conversion feature) was recorded to additional paid-in capital upon issuance.
In July 2015, we repurchased $1.5 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $1,088.10 per $1,000 principal amount. As a result of this transaction, we reduced the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 by $1.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively and recorded a gain of $46,273. We also wrote off $30,880 of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
In March 2016, we repurchased $5.0 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $831.05 per $1,000 principal amount, or $4.2 million. As a result of this transaction, we reduced the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 by $4.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively and we recorded a gain of $0.6 million, which is recorded within financial income of the consolidated statement of income or loss. We also wrote off $0.1 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
In May 2016, we repurchased $5.0 million face value of our Convertible Notes at an average price of $847.50 per $1,000 principal amount, or $4.2 million. As a result of this transaction, we reduced the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes by $4.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively and we recorded a gain of $0.4 million, which is recorded within financial income of the consolidated statement of income or loss. We also wrote off $0.1 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
In May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million (out of $348.5 million outstanding), respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our new 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes due 2022”), the terms of which are described below. These exchanges were executed with certain holders of the Convertible Notes due 2019 via separate, privately negotiated agreements.
The carrying values of the debt component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 that were part of the exchanges were $180.4 million and $14.5 million on the dates of the exchanges, respectively. These values were also determined to approximate the fair value (including the debt and equity components) on the dates of the exchanges. As these transactions were accounted for as extinguishments of debt, an aggregate loss of $17.8 million ($17.0 million in May 2018 and $0.8 million in July 2018) was recorded representing the difference between the carrying values on the dates of the exchanges and (i) the aggregate consideration exchanged of $188.5 million in May 2018 and $15.0 million in July 2018 of newly issued Convertible Notes due 2022 and (ii) all transaction costs incurred.
The carrying values of the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $142.2 million and $328.7 million, respectively. We incurred $5.3 million of coupon interest and $8.3 million of non-cash accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 during the year ended December 31, 2018. We incurred $8.3 million of coupon interest and $12.2 million of non-cash accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 during the year ended December 31, 2017.
We were in compliance with the covenants related to the Convertible Notes due 2019 as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Convertible Senior Notes due 2022
As discussed above, in May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of newly issued Convertible Notes due 2022. The Convertible Notes due 2022 issued in July 2018 have identical terms,

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are fungible with and are part of the series of Convertible Notes due 2022 issued in May 2018. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes due 2022 will mature on May 15, 2022, unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms.
The conversion rate of the Convertible Notes due 2022 was initially 25 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2022 (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $40.00 per share of our common stock), and is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes due 2022 (such as the payment of dividends).
The table below details the dividends issued during the year ended December 31, 2018 and up to March 15, 2019 and the corresponding effect on the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes due 2022:
Record Date
 
Dividends per share
 
Share Adjusted Conversion Rate (1)
June 6, 2018
 
$
0.10

 
25.0812

September 20, 2018
 
$
0.10

 
25.2132

December 5, 2018
 
$
0.10

 
25.3362

March 13, 2019
 
$
0.10


25.4799

(1) Per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes.
The Convertible Notes due 2022 are freely convertible at the option of the holder on or after January 1, 2019 and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date, and could be converted at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 1, 2019 only under the following circumstances:
•
during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2018 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 25 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
•
during the five-business day period after any five consecutive trading day period, or the Measurement Period, in which the trading price (as defined in the indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2022 for each trading day of the Measurement Period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or
•
upon the occurrence of specified corporate events as defined in the indenture (e.g. consolidations, mergers, a binding share exchange or the transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets).
Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes due 2022, holders will receive shares of our common stock. The Convertible Notes due 2022 are not redeemable by us.
The Convertible Notes due 2022 require us to comply with certain covenants such as restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets. Additionally, if we undergo a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture), holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.

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Upon the May and July 2018 issuances, we determined the initial carrying values of the liability components of the Convertible Notes due 2022 to be $154.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, based on the fair value of a similar liability that does not have any associated conversion feature. We utilized recent pricing (with adjustments made to align the tenor) on (i) our Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019, (ii) Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 and (iii) the pricing on recently issued unsecured bonds in the shipping sector as the basis for this determination. The difference between the fair value of the liability component and the face value of the Convertible Notes due 2022 is being amortized over the term of the Convertible Notes due 2022 under the effective interest method and recorded as part of financial expenses. The residual value (the conversion feature) of $34.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, were recorded to Additional paid-in capital upon issuance.
The carrying value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2022 (consisting of both the May 2018 and July 2018 issuances) as of December 31, 2018 was $171.5 million, and we incurred $3.8 million of coupon interest and $4.9 million of non-cash accretion during the year ended December 31, 2018. We were in compliance with the covenants related to the Convertible Notes due 2022 as of December 31, 2018.
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019
In March 2017, we issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 2019, or our Senior Notes Due 2019, in an underwritten public offering and in April 2017, we issued an additional $7.5 million of Senior Notes due 2019 when the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase additional notes under the same terms and conditions. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes Due 2019 were $55.3 million after deducting the underwriters’ discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses. Interest, which commenced on June 1, 2017, is payable quarterly in arrears on the 1st day of March, June, September and December of each year.
The Senior Notes Due 2019 are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after December 1, 2018 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Senior Notes Due 2019 are our senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt and are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. No sinking fund is provided for the Senior Notes Due 2019. The Senior Notes Due 2019 were issued in minimum denominations of $25.00 and integral multiples of $25.00 in excess thereof and are listed on the NYSE under the symbol SBBC.
The Senior Notes Due 2019 require us to comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants, restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets and prohibitions on paying dividends or returning capital to equity holders if a covenant breach or an event of default has occurred or would occur as a result of such payment. If we undergo a change of control, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a change of control repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the change of control purchase date.
The financial covenants under our Senior Notes Due 2019 include:

•
Net borrowings shall not equal or exceed 70% of total assets.
•
Net worth shall always exceed $650.0 million.
The amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was $57.5 million, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date. In February 2019, we issued a notice of redemption for the entire outstanding balance of the Senior Notes Due 2019, and on March 18, 2019, or the Redemption Date, we redeemed the notes in full at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.
Capital Expenditures
Vessel acquisitions and payments for vessels under construction
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, our vessel acquisitions and payments for vessels under construction consisted of vessels delivered under construction contracts with various shipyards, installment payments, capitalized interest and other costs for vessels under construction and purchases of vessels from third parties, including NPTI. We made cash payments to acquire these vessels of $26.1 million, $281.4 million and $126.8 million, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
We did not enter into any agreements to purchase or construct vessels during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 but we did have vessels delivered during those periods under contracts that were entered into prior to 2016. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2017, we acquired 27 vessels as part of the Merger with NPTI.

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The table set forth below lists the vessels that were delivered during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
 
 
 
 Month
 
 Vessel
 
 
 Name
 
 Delivered
 
 Type
 
1

STI Grace
 
March 2016
 
LR2
(1) 
2

STI Jermyn
 
June 2016
 
LR2
(1) 
3

STI Selatar
 
February 2017
 
LR2
(1) 
4

STI Rambla
 
March 2017
 
LR2
(1) 
5

STI Galata
 
March 2017
 
MR
(1) 
6

STI Bosphorus
 
April 2017
 
MR
(1) 
7

STI Exceed
 
June 2017
 
LR1
(2) 
8

STI Excel
 
June 2017
 
LR1
(2) 
9

STI Excelsior
 
June 2017
 
LR1
(2) 
10

STI Expedite
 
June 2017
 
LR1
(2) 
11

STI Leblon
 
July 2017
 
MR
(1) 
12

STI La Boca
 
July 2017
 
MR
(1) 
13

STI Excellence
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
14

STI Executive
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
15

STI Experience
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
16

STI Express
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
17

STI Precision
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
18

STI Prestige
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
19

STI Pride
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
20

STI Providence
 
September 2017
 
LR1
(3) 
21

STI Solidarity
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
22

STI Sanctity
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
23

STI Solace
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
24

STI Stability
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
25

STI Steadfast
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
26

STI Supreme
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
27

STI Symphony
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
28

STI Gallantry
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
29

STI Goal
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
30

STI Nautilus
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
31

STI Guard
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
32

STI Guide
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
33

STI Gauntlet
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
34

STI Gladiator
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
35

STI Gratitude
 
September 2017
 
LR2
(3) 
36

STI San Telmo
 
September 2017
 
MR
(1) 
37

STI Donald C Trauscht
 
October 2017
 
MR
(1) 
38

STI Esles II
 
January 2018
 
MR
(1) 
39

STI Jardins
 
January 2018
 
MR
(1) 
(1)    This was a newbuilding vessel delivered under a construction contact entered into prior to 2016.
(2)    This vessel was acquired from NPTI as part of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition.
(3)    This vessel was acquired from NPTI upon the September Closing.

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We had no orders for new or secondhand vessels as of December 31, 2018 and as of March 15, 2019.
Sales of vessels
In February 2016, we reached an agreement with an unrelated third party to sell five 2014-built MR product tankers, STI Lexington, STI Mythos, STI Chelsea, STI Olivia, and STI Powai. Two vessels were sold in March 2016, one vessel was sold in April 2016 and two vessels were sold in May 2016. The aggregate net proceeds were $158.1 million, and we recognized an aggregate loss of $2.1 million as part of these sales. As part of the sales of STI Lexington, STI Chelsea, STI Olivia, and STI Powai, we made an aggregate repayment of $73.5 million on our K-Sure Credit Facility, and as part of the sale of STI Mythos, we repaid $17.9 million on our 2013 Credit Facility. We also wrote off an aggregate of $3.2 million of deferred financing fees as part of these repayments.
In April 2017, we executed agreements with Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., or the Buyers, to sell and leaseback, on a bareboat basis, three 2013 built MR product tankers, STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto. The selling price was $29.0 million per vessel, and we agreed to bareboat charter-in these vessels for a period of up to eight years for $8,800 per day per vessel. Each bareboat agreement has been accounted for as an operating lease. We have the option to purchase these vessels beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreements through the end of the eighth year of the agreements. Additionally, a deposit of $4.35 million per vessel was retained by the Buyers and will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement. These sales closed in April 2017 and as a result, all amounts outstanding under our 2011 Credit Facility of $42.2 million were repaid and a $14.2 million loss on sales of vessels was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017.
In April 2017, we executed an agreement with an unrelated third party to sell two 2013 built, MR product tankers, STI Emerald and STI Sapphire, for a sales price of $56.4 million in aggregate. The sale of STI Emerald closed in June 2017, and the sale of STI Sapphire closed in July 2017.  We recorded an aggregate loss on sale of $9.1 million as a result of these transactions. Additionally, we repaid the aggregate outstanding debt for both vessels of $27.6 million on our BNP Paribas Credit Facility in June 2017 and wrote-off $0.5 million of deferred financing fees during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Drydock
Five of our 2012 built MR product tankers, STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet and STI Onyx, were drydocked in accordance with their scheduled, class required special survey during 2017. These vessels were offhire for an aggregate of 102 days, and the aggregate drydock cost was $6.4 million, of which $5.9 million was paid as of December 31, 2017.
Additionally, we incurred drydock costs during the year ended December 31, 2018. These primarily consisted of:
•
STI Fontvieille and STI Ville were drydocked in accordance with their scheduled, class required special survey during 2018 for an aggregate cost of $1.9 million and 46 offhire days.
•
STI Duchessa and STI Opera were drydocked in accordance with their class required special survey in December 2018 and these vessels completed these surveys in January 2019. $0.7 million of drydock costs relating to these vessels were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018.
•
$0.9 million of drydock costs incurred for vessels that are expected to enter into drydock in 2019.
As our fleet matures and expands, our drydock expenses will likely increase. Ongoing costs for compliance with environmental regulations and society classification survey costs are a component of our vessel operating costs. With the exception of the recent ratification of the ballast water treatment convention as described in "Item 3. Key Information - D. Risk Factors", we are not currently aware of any regulatory changes or environmental liabilities that we anticipate will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

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Ballast Water Treatment Systems and Scrubbers
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to purchase 55 ballast water treatment systems from an unaffiliated third-party supplier for total consideration of $36.2 million. These systems are expected to be installed over the next five years, as each respective vessel under the agreement is due for its International Oil Pollution Prevention, or IOPP, renewal survey.
We expect to retrofit the substantial majority of our vessels with exhaust gas cleaning systems, or scrubbers. The scrubbers will enable our ships to use high sulfur fuel oil, which is less expensive than low sulfur fuel oil, in certain parts of the world. From August 2018 through November 2018, we entered into agreements with two separate suppliers to retrofit a total of 77 of our tankers with such systems for total consideration of $116.1 million (which excludes installation costs). These systems are expected to be installed throughout 2019 and 2020. We also obtained options to retrofit additional tankers under these agreements.
The following table is a timeline of future expected payments and dates for our commitments to purchase scrubbers and ballast water treatment systems as of December 31, 2018 (1):
 
As of December 31,
Amounts in thousands of US dollars
2018
Less than 1 month
$
926

1-3 months
19,481

3 months to 1 year
93,188

1-5 years
18,279

5+ years
—

Total
$
131,874

(1)
These amounts reflect only those firm commitments as of December 31, 2018 and exclude installation costs and potential payments under any purchase options that may be declared in the future. Furthermore, the timing of these payments are subject to change as installation times are finalized.
C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc.
Not applicable.
D. Trend Information
See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—The International Oil Tanker Shipping Industry.”
E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of December 31, 2018, we were committed to make charter-hire payments to third parties for certain time and bareboat chartered-in vessels in addition to purchasing scrubbers and ballast water treatment systems. These arrangements have been accounted for as operating leases. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—B. Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.

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F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our total contractual obligations at December 31, 2018:
 
Less than
 
1 to 3
 
3 to 5
 
More than
In thousands of U.S. dollars
1 year
 
years
 
years
 
5 years
Secured bank loans (1)
$
103,771

 
$
529,521

 
$
457,607

 
$
—

Principal obligations under finance leases(1)
115,409

 
236,813

 
282,180

 
795,783

Estimated interest payments on secured bank loans (2)
59,631

 
69,621

 
24,279

 
—

Estimated interest payments on finance leases(2)
83,633

 
146,040

 
125,098

 
114,270

Time and bareboat charter-in commitments (3)
14,241

 
19,298

 
19,272

 
12,628

Technical management fees (4)
14,672

 
—

 
—

 
—

Commercial management fees (5)
14,334

 
—

 
—

 
—

Ballast Water Treatment System purchase commitments (6)
23,546

 
4,491

 
—

 
—

Exhaust Gas Cleaning System purchase commitments (7)
90,050

 
13,787

 
—

 
—

Convertible notes (8)
145,000

 
—

 
203,500

 
—

Convertible notes - estimated interest payments (9)
7,827

 
12,210

 
3,053

 
—

Senior unsecured notes (10)
57,500

 
53,750

 
—

 
—

Senior unsecured notes - estimated interest payments (11)
6,000

 
1,784

 
—

 
—

Total
$
735,614

 
$
1,087,315

 
$
1,114,989

 
$
922,681


(1)
Represents principal payments due on our secured credit facilities and finance lease arrangements, as described above in "Item 5B. Liquidity and Capital Resources - Long-Term Debt Obligations and Credit Arrangements". These payments are based on our outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2018.
(2)
Represents estimated interest payments on our secured credit facilities and finance lease arrangements. These payments were estimated by taking into consideration: (i) the margin on each credit facility and (ii) the forward interest rate curve calculated from interest swap rates, as published by a third party, as of December 31, 2018.
The forward curve was calculated as follows as of December 31, 2018:     
Year 1
2.72
%
 
Year 2
2.37
%
 
Year 3
2.18
%
 
Year 4
2.75
%
(A)
Year 5
2.96
%
 
Year 6
2.75
%
(A)
Year 7
2.84
%
 
Year 8
2.95
%
(A)
Year 9
3.06
%
(A)
Year 10
3.14
%
 
Year 11
3.10
%
(A)
Year 12
3.16
%
(A)

(A)
Third party published interest swap rates were unavailable. As such, we interpolated these rates using the averages of the years in which swap rates were published.

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The margins on each credit facility that have amounts outstanding at December 31, 2018 are as follows:
Facility
Margin
 
KEXIM
3.25
%
 
KEXIM Commercial Tranche
3.25
%
(A) 
KEXIM Guarantee Notes
1.70
%
 
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
2.15
%
 
ING Credit Facility
2.07
%
(B) 
2018 NIBC Credit Facility
2.50
%
 
2017 Credit Facility
2.02
%
(B) 
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
2.75
%
 
ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility
2.01
%
(B) 
Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility
1.80
%
(B) 
ABN AMRO/SEB Credit Facility
2.60
%
 
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
5.40
%
 
CMBFL Lease Financing
3.75
%
 
BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
3.50
%
 
CSSC Lease Financing
4.60
%
 
2018 CMBFL Lease Financing
3.20
%
 
AVIC Lease Financing
3.70
%
 
China Huarong Lease Financing
3.50
%
 
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
3.00
%
 
COSCO Lease Financing
3.60
%
 

(A) 
Borrowings under the KEXIM Commercial Tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.25% from the effective date of the agreement to the fifth anniversary thereof and 3.75% thereafter until the maturity date.
(B) 
Based on the weighted average of the margins for all tranches in the loan.
Interest was then estimated using the rates mentioned above multiplied by the amounts outstanding under our various credit facilities using the balance as of December 31, 2018 and taking into consideration the scheduled amortization of such facilities going forward until their respective maturities. Additionally, the BCFL Lease Financing (MR) and the $116.0 Million Lease Financing do not have a variable interest component. Accordingly, the interest portion of this arrangement was calculated using the implied interest rate in these agreements.
(3)
Represents amounts due under our time and bareboat charter-in agreements as of December 31, 2018
(4)
Our technical manager, SSM, charges fees for its services pursuant to a Revised Master Agreement. Pursuant to this agreement, the fixed annual technical management fee is $175,000, and certain other services are itemized.  The aggregate cost, including the costs that are itemized, are approximately $250,000 per year. Under the terms of the Revised Master Agreement, the termination fees are subject to a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees which would be due and payable upon the sale of a vessel, so long as such termination does not amount to a change of control of the Company, including a sale of all or substantially all vessels, in which case, a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply.
(5)
We pay our commercial manager, SCM, $250 per vessel per day for LR2 vessels, $300 per vessel per day for LR1/Panamax and Aframax vessels, $325 per vessel per day for MR and Handymax vessels plus a 1.50% commission on gross revenue for vessels that are in one of the Scorpio Pools. When the vessels are not in the pools, SCM charges fees of $250 per vessel per day for the LR1/Panamax and LR2/Aframax vessels, $300 per vessel per day for the Handymax and MR vessels plus a 1.25% commission on gross revenue. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM's commission on our vessels will effectively be reduced to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.
These fees are subject to a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees which would be due and payable upon the sale of a vessel, so long as such termination does not amount to a change of control

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of the Company, including a sale of all or substantially all vessels, in which case, a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply.
(6)
Represents obligations as of December 31, 2018 under our agreements to purchase ballast water treatment systems as described in the section above entitled "Item 5 - Capital Expenditures". These amounts exclude installation costs and are subject to change as installation times are finalized.
(7)
Represents obligations as of December 31, 2018 under our agreement to purchase exhaust gas cleaning systems ('scrubbers') as described in the section above entitled "Item 5 - Capital Expenditures". These amounts reflect only those firm commitments as of December 31, 2018 and exclude installation costs and potential payments under any purchase options that may be declared in the future. Furthermore, the timing of these payments are subject to change as installation times are finalized.
(8)
Represents the principal due at maturity on our Convertible Notes due 2019 and our Convertible Notes due 2022 as of December 31, 2018.
(9)
Represents estimated coupon interest payments on our convertible notes. The Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 bear interest at coupon rates of 2.375% and 3.00% per annum and mature in July 2019 and May 2022, respectively.
(10)
Represents the principal due at maturity on our Senior Notes Due 2020 and our Senior Notes Due 2019 as of December 31, 2018.
(11)
Represents estimated coupon interest payments on our Senior Notes Due 2020 and our Senior Notes Due 2019 as of December 31, 2018. These notes bear interest at coupon rates of 6.75% and 8.25%, respectively.

G. Safe Harbor
See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report.
ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES
A. Directors and Senior Management
Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of our directors and executive officers as of the date of this annual report. Our Board of Directors is elected annually, and each director elected holds office for a three-year term or until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his or her death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his or her term of office. The terms of our Class I directors expire at the 2020 annual meeting of shareholders, the terms of our Class II directors expire at the 2021 annual meeting of shareholders, and the terms of our Class III directors expire at the 2019 annual meeting of shareholders. Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our Board of Directors and hold office until a successor is elected. The business address for each director and executive officer is the address of our principal executive office which is Scorpio Tankers Inc., 9, Boulevard Charles III, Monaco 98000.
Certain of our officers participate in business activities not associated with us. As a result, they may devote less time to us than if they were not engaged in other business activities and may owe fiduciary duties to both our shareholders as well as shareholders of other companies to which they may be affiliated, including other Scorpio companies. This may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting us and our customers and it is not certain that any of these conflicts of interest would be resolved in our favor. While there are no formal requirements or guidelines for the allocation of our officers' time between our business and the business of members of Scorpio, their performance of their duties is subject to the ongoing oversight of our Board of Directors.

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Name
 
Age
 
Position
Emanuele A. Lauro
 
40
 
Chairman, Class I Director, and Chief Executive Officer
Robert Bugbee
 
58
 
President and Class II Director
Cameron Mackey
 
50
 
Chief Operating Officer and Class III Director
Brian Lee
 
52
 
Chief Financial Officer
Filippo Lauro
 
42
 
Vice President
Fan Yang
 
30
 
Secretary
Alexandre Albertini
 
42
 
Class III Director
Ademaro Lanzara
 
76
 
Class I Director
Marianne Økland
 
56
 
Class III Director
Jose Tarruella
 
47
 
Class II Director
Reidar Brekke
 
57
 
Class II Director
Merrick Rayner
 
63
 
Class I Director
 
Effective as of December 5, 2018, Ms. Anoushka Kachelo resigned as secretary of the Company and Ms. Fan Yang was appointed as secretary of the Company.

Biographical information concerning the directors and executive officers listed above is set forth below.
Emanuele A. Lauro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Emanuele A. Lauro, the Company's founder, has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since the closing of our initial public offering in April 2010. Mr. Lauro also co-founded and serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Scorpio Bulkers (NYSE: SALT), which was formed in 2013 and as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nordic American Offshore Ltd. (NYSE: NAO) since December 2018. He also served as Director of the Standard Club from May 2013 to January 2019. Mr. Lauro joined Scorpio in 2003 and has continued to serve there in a senior management position since 2004. Under his leadership, Scorpio has grown from an owner of three vessels in 2003 to become a leading operator and manager of more than 230 vessels in 2018. Over the course of the last several years, Mr. Lauro has founded and developed all of the Scorpio Pools in addition to several other ventures such as Scorpio Logistics, which owns and operates specialized assets engaged in the transshipment of dry cargo commodities and invests in coastal transportation and port infrastructure developments in Asia and Africa since 2007. Mr. Lauro has a degree in international business from the European Business School, London. Mr. Lauro is the brother of our Vice President, Mr. Filippo Lauro.
Robert Bugbee, President and Director
Robert Bugbee has served as a Director and President since the closing of our initial public offering in April 2010. He has more than 34 years of experience in the shipping industry. Mr. Bugbee also co-founded and serves as President and Director of Scorpio Bulkers since July and April 2013, respectively, and as President and Director of Nordic American Offshore Ltd. since December 2018. He joined Scorpio in March 2009 and has continued to serve there in a senior management position. Prior to joining Scorpio, Mr. Bugbee was a partner at Ospraie Management LLP between 2007 and 2008, a company which advises and invests in commodities and basic industry. From 1995 to 2007, Mr. Bugbee was employed at OMI Corporation, or OMI, a NYSE-listed tanker company which was sold in 2007. While at OMI, Mr. Bugbee served as President from January 2002 until the sale of the company, and before that served as Executive Vice President since January 2001, Chief Operating Officer since March 2000, and Senior Vice President from August 1995 to June 1998. Mr. Bugbee joined OMI in February 1995. Prior to this, he was employed by Gotaas-Larsen Shipping Corporation since 1984. During this time, he took a two year sabbatical beginning 1987 for the M.I.B. Program at the Norwegian School for Economics and Business Administration in Bergen. He has a B.A. (Honors) from London University.
Cameron Mackey, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Cameron Mackey has served as Chief Operating Officer since the closing of our initial public offering in April 2010 and as a Director since May 2013. Mr. Mackey also serves as Chief Operating Officer of Scorpio Bulkers since July 2013 and of Nordic American Offshore Ltd. since December 2018. He joined Scorpio in March 2009, where he continues to serve in a senior management position. Prior to joining Scorpio, he was an equity and commodity analyst at Ospraie Management LLC from 2007 to 2008. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President of OMI Marine Services LLC from 2004 to 2007, where he was also in Business Development from 2002 to 2004. He has been employed in the shipping industry since 1994 and, earlier in his career, was employed in unlicensed and licensed positions in the merchant navy, primarily on tankers in the international fleet of Mobil

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Oil Corporation, where he held the qualification of Master Mariner. He has an M.B.A. from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a B.S. from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a B.A. from Princeton University.
Brian Lee, Chief Financial Officer
Brian Lee has served as Chief Financial Officer since the closing of our initial public offering in April 2010. He joined Scorpio in April 2009, where he continues to serve in a senior management position. He has been employed in the shipping industry since 1998. Prior to joining Scorpio, he was the Controller of OMI from 2001 until the sale of the company in 2007. Mr. Lee has an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut and has a B.S. in Business Administration from the University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
Filippo Lauro, Vice President
Mr. Filippo Lauro has served as an executive officer of the Company with the title of Vice President since May 2015. Mr. Lauro also serves as Vice President of Scorpio Bulkers since June 2016 and of Nordic American Offshore Ltd. since December 2018. He joined Scorpio in 2010 and has continued to serve there in a senior management position. Prior to joining Scorpio, Mr. Lauro was the founder of and held senior executive roles in several private companies, primarily active in real estate, golf courses and resorts development. Mr. Lauro is the brother of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Emanuele Lauro.
Fan Yang, Secretary
Ms. Fan Yang joined Scorpio in February 2018 and also serves as secretary of Scorpio Bulkers Inc. She is admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. Prior to joining Scorpio, Ms. Yang was in private practice in London at Travers Smith LLP and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP, and led a law reform project at the Law Commission, an independent body that makes recommendations for the reform of the law of England and Wales to Parliament. She has a BA in Law from the University of Cambridge.
Ademaro Lanzara, Director
Ademaro Lanzara has served on our Board of Directors since the closing of our initial public offering in April 2010 and is our lead independent director. Mr. Lanzara has served as Chairman of Alkemia Capital Partners Sgr SpA, Padova since June 2018. Mr. Lanzara previously served as the Chairman of NEM Sgr SpA, Vicenza from November 2013 to June 2018, as the Chairman of BPV Finance (International) Plc Dublin from 2008 to May 2018, as the deputy Chairman and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Cattolica Life Inc. Dublin from 2011 to July 2017 and as Chairman of BPVI Fondi Sgr SpA, Milano from April 2012 to November 2013. From 1963 to 2006, Mr. Lanzara held a number of positions with BNL spa Rome, a leading Italian banking group, including Deputy Group CEO, acting as the Chairman of the Credit Committee and Chairman of the Finance Committee. He also served as Chairman and/or director of a number of BNL controlled banks or financial companies in Europe, the United States and South America. He formerly served as a director of each of Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana fondata da Giovanni Treccani Spa, Rome, Italy, the Institute of International Finance Inc. in Washington DC, Compagnie Financiere Edmond de Rothschild Banque, in Paris, France, ABI-Italian Banking Association in Rome, Italy, FITD-Interbank deposit Protection Fund, in Rome, Italy, ICC International Chamber of Commerce Italian section, Rome, Italy and Co-Chairman Round Table of Bankers and Small and Medium Enterprises, European Commission, in Brussels, Belgium. Mr. Lanzara has an economics degree (graduated magna cum laude) from the University of Naples, a law degree from the University of Naples and completed the Program for Management Development (PMD) at Harvard Business School.
Alexandre Albertini, Director
Alexandre Albertini has served on our Board of Directors since the closing of our initial public offering in April 2010. Mr. Albertini has more than 20 years of experience in the shipping industry. He has been employed by Marfin Management SAM, a drybulk ship management company, since 1997 and has served as its CEO since October 2010. Marfin operates 12 vessels, providing services such as technical and crew management as well as insurance, legal, financial, and information technology. In 2017, Mr. Albertini founded Factor8 Shipping SARL, a drybulk commercial management company managing 15 vessels. He also serves as President of Ant. Topic srl, a vessel and crewing agent based in Trieste, Italy. Mr. Albertini serves on the board of a private company in addition to various trade associations; BIMCO, Monaco Chamber of Shipping, Intermanager and since January 2016 has been a Director of The Steamship Mutual Underwriting Association (Bermuda) Limited.

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Marianne Økland, Director
Marianne Økland has served on our Board of Directors since April 2013. She is a non-executive director at IDFC Limited and Nordic American Offshore Ltd., or NAO. She also serves on the Audit Committees of IDFC Limited and NAO. Previously, she was a non-executive director at IDFC Alternatives (India), NLB (Slovenia) and Islandsbanki (Iceland), and a non-executive director and member of the Audit Committee of the National Bank of Greece. In addition, Ms. Økland served as Managing Director of Avista Partners, a London based consultancy company that provides advisory services and raises capital, from 2009 to 2018. Between 1993 and 2008, she held various investment banking positions at JP Morgan Chase & Co. and UBS where she focused on debt capital raising and structuring. Ms. Økland has led many transactions for large Nordic banks and insurance companies, and worked on some of the most significant mergers and acquisitions in these sectors. Between 1988 and 1993, she headed European operations of Marsoft, a Boston, Oslo and London based consulting firm that advises banks and large shipping, oil and raw material companies on shipping strategies and investments. Ms. Økland holds a M.Sc. degree in Finance and Economics from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration where she also worked as a researcher and taught mathematics and statistics.
Jose Tarruella, Director
Jose Tarruella has served on our Board of Directors since May 2013. He is the founder and Chairman of Taorfi Gestion s.l., a company specializing in advertising and public relations, since February 2018. Mr. Tarruella is also the founder and Chairman of Camino de Esles s.l., a high-end restaurant chain with franchises throughout Madrid, Spain, since 2007. Prior to forming Taorfi Gestion and Camino de Esles, Mr. Tarruella was a Director in Group Tragaluz, which owns and operates restaurants throughout Spain. Mr. Tarruella also acted as a consultant for the Spanish interests of Rank Group plc (LSE: RNK.L) a leading European gaming-based entertainment business. He has been involved in corporate relations for Esade Business School in Madrid. He earned an International MBA from Esade Business School in Barcelona and an MA from the University of Navarre in Spain.
Reidar C. Brekke, Director
Reidar C. Brekke has served on our Board of Directors since December 2016. Mr. Brekke has over 20 years’ experience in the international energy, container logistics and transportation sector. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Diana Containerships Inc. (NASDAQ: DCIX), a position he has held since June 2010, and as senior partner of Brightstar Capital Partners, a middle market private equity firm. From December 2012 to August 2018, Mr. Brekke served as a board member and President of Intermodal Holdings LP, a New York based portfolio company that invests in and operates marine containers. From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Brekke served as President of Energy Capital Solution Inc., a company that provides strategic and financial advisory services to international shipping, logistics and energy related companies. From 2003 to 2008, he served as Manager of Poten Capital Services LLC, a registered broker-dealer specialized in the maritime sector. Prior to 2003, Mr. Brekke served as Chief Financial Officer, then President and Chief Operating Officer, of SynchroNet Marine, a logistics service provider to the global container transportation industry. He also held various senior positions with AMA Capital Partners LLC (formerly American Marine Advisers), a merchant banking firm focused on the maritime and energy industries. Furthermore, Mr. Brekke has been an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs - Center for Energy, Marine Transportation and Public Policy. Mr. Brekke graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1986 and has an MBA from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Merrick Rayner, Director
Merrick Rayner has served on our Board of Directors since September 2017. Mr. Rayner has over 40 years of experience in the tanker business. From 1974 to 2003, Mr. Rayner was a broker at H. Clarkson & Company Limited shipbrokers, with experience in both the deep-sea tanker chartering business as well as new and second hand vessel sale and purchase. From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Rayner served as Director of Clarkson Sale and Purchase Division. From 1989 until leaving H. Clarkson & Company Limited in 2003, he was a director of the company, and also served as a director of Clarkson Research Studies from 1992 until 2003. In 2003 Mr. Rayner joined E.A. Gibson’s shipbrokers as a broker, where he developed the company’s time charter group. He also served as a director of Gibson’s from 2012 until his retirement in 2016. Mr. Rayner currently resides in the United Kingdom.

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B. Compensation
We paid an aggregate compensation of $25.8 million, $25.7 million and $34.4 million to our senior executive officers in 2018, 2017, and 2016, respectively. Executive management remuneration was as follows during these periods:
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Short-term employee benefits (salaries)
$
5,436

 
$
6,614

 
$
8,786

Share-based compensation (1)
20,316

 
19,113

 
25,575

Total
$
25,752

 
$
25,727

 
$
34,361


(1)
Represents the amortization of restricted stock issued under our equity incentive plans. See Note 17 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for further description. 
Each of our non-employee directors receive cash compensation in the aggregate amount of $60,000 annually, plus an additional fee of $10,000 for each committee on which a director serves plus an additional fee of $25,000 for each committee for which a director serves as Chairman, per year, plus an additional fee of $35,000 to the lead independent director, per year, plus $2,000 for each meeting, plus reimbursements for actual expenses incurred while acting in their capacity as a director. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we paid aggregate cash compensation of $0.9 million and $0.8 million to our directors, respectively. Our officers and directors are also eligible to receive awards under our equity incentive plan which is described below under “—2013 Equity Incentive Plan.”
We believe that it is important to align the interests of our directors and management with that of our shareholders. In this regard, we have determined that it will generally be beneficial to us and to our shareholders for our directors and management to have a stake in our long-term performance. We expect to have a meaningful component of our compensation package for our directors and management consisted of equity interests in us in order to provide them on an on-going basis with a meaningful percentage of ownership in us.
There are no material post-employment benefits for our executive officers or directors.  By law, our employees in Monaco are entitled to a one-time payment of up to two months salary upon retirement if they meet certain minimum service requirements. 
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
In April 2013, we adopted an equity incentive plan, which was amended in March 2014 and which we refer to as the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, under which directors, officers, employees, consultants and service providers of us and our subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted common stock. We initially reserved a total of 500,000 common shares for issuance under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan which was increased by an aggregate of 1,286,971 common shares through December 31, 2016 and subsequently revised as follows:
•
In October 2017, we reserved an additional 950,180 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In February 2018, we reserved an additional 512,244 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In June 2018, we reserved an additional 210,140 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In December 2018, we reserved an additional 1,383,248 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In February 2019, we reserved an additional 86,977 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remain unchanged.
 Under the terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator, but in no event will the exercise price be less than the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant. Options and stock appreciation rights will be exercisable at times and under conditions as determined by the plan administrator, but in no event will they be exercisable later than ten years from the date of grant.
 The plan administrator may grant shares of restricted stock and awards of restricted stock units subject to vesting, forfeiture and other terms and conditions as determined by the plan administrator. Following the vesting of a restricted stock unit, the award recipient will be paid an amount equal to the number of vested restricted stock units multiplied by the fair market value of a common share on the date of vesting, which payment may be paid in the form of cash or common shares or a combination

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of both, as determined by the plan administrator. The plan administrator may grant dividend equivalents with respect to grants of restricted stock units.
 Adjustments may be made to outstanding awards in the event of a corporate transaction or change in capitalization or other extraordinary event. In the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan), unless otherwise provided by the plan administrator in an award agreement, awards then outstanding will become fully vested and exercisable in full.
 Our Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and may amend outstanding awards, provided that no such amendment or termination may be made that would materially impair any rights, or materially increase any obligations, of a grantee under an outstanding award. Shareholder approval of plan amendments will be required under certain circumstances. Unless terminated earlier by our Board of Directors, the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan will expire ten years from the date the plan was adopted.
In December 2017, we issued 997,380 shares of restricted stock to our employees, 60,000 shares to our independent directors and 34,900 shares to SSH employees for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $30.90 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is as follows:
 Number of restricted shares
 Vesting date
36,043

September 5, 2019
67,026

March 2, 2020
125,857

June 1, 2020
139,576

September 4, 2020
67,026

March 1, 2021
125,858

June 1, 2021
139,577

September 3, 2021
67,026

March 1, 2022
125,858

June 1, 2022
103,533

September 2, 2022
997,380

 
The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to SSH employees is (i) one-third of the shares vest on June 1, 2020, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on June 1, 2021, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on June 1, 2022. The vesting schedule of the restricted shares issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vested on September 5, 2018, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on September 5, 2019, and (iii) one-third shares vest on September 4, 2020.
In March 2018, we issued 500,245 shares of restricted stock to our employees and 12,000 shares to our independent directors for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $22.15 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is as follows:
 Number of restricted shares
 Vesting date
123,518

September 4, 2020
21,750

November 4, 2020
21,479

March 1, 2021
123,518

September 3, 2021
21,750

November 5, 2021
21,480

March 1, 2022
123,519

September 2, 2022
21,751

November 4, 2022
21,480

March 1, 2023
500,245

 

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The vesting schedule of the restricted shares issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vested on March 1, 2019, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on March 2, 2020, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on March 1, 2021.
In September 2018, we issued 198,141 shares of restricted stock to our employees and 12,000 shares to our independent directors for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $19.75 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is (i) one-third of the shares vest on June 9, 2021, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on June 9, 2022, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on June 8, 2023. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vest on June 10, 2019, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on June 10, 2020, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on June 9, 2021.
In December 2018, we issued 1,103,248 shares of restricted stock to our employees and 60,000 shares to our independent directors for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $19.55 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is (i) one-third of the shares vest on September 23, 2021, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on September 26, 2022, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on September 25, 2023. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vest on September 25, 2019, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on September 24, 2020, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on September 23, 2021.
Employment Agreements
We have entered into employment agreements with the majority of our executives. These employment agreements remain in effect until terminated in accordance with their terms upon not less than between 24 months' and 36 months' prior written notice, depending on the terms of the employment agreement applicable to each executive. Pursuant to the terms of their respective employment agreements, our executives are prohibited from disclosing or unlawfully using any of our material confidential information.
Upon a change in control of us, the annual bonus provided under the employment agreement becomes a fixed bonus of between 150% and 250% of the executive’s base salary, and the executive may receive an assurance bonus equal to the fixed bonus, depending on the terms of the employment agreement applicable to each executive.
Any such executive may be entitled to receive upon termination an assurance bonus equal to such fixed bonus and an immediate lump-sum payment in an amount equal to three times the sum of the executive’s then current base salary and the assurance bonus, and he will continue to receive all salary, compensation payments and benefits, including additional bonus payments, otherwise due to him, to the extent permitted by applicable law, for the remaining balance of his then-existing employment period. If an executive’s employment is terminated for cause or voluntarily by the employee, he shall not be entitled to any salary, benefits or reimbursements beyond those accrued through the date of his termination, unless he voluntarily terminated his employment in connection with certain conditions. Those conditions include a change in control combined with a significant geographic relocation of his office, a material diminution of his duties and responsibilities, and other conditions identified in the employment agreement.
C. Board Practices
Our Board of Directors currently consists of nine directors, six of whom have been determined by our Board of Directors to be independent under the rules of the NYSE and the rules and regulations of the SEC. Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Regulatory and Compliance Committee, each of which is comprised of certain of our independent directors, who are Messrs. Alexandre Albertini, Ademaro Lanzara, Jose Tarruella, Reidar Brekke, Mrs. Marianne Økland and Mr. Merrick Rayner. The Audit Committee, among other things, reviews our external financial reporting, engages our external auditors and oversees our internal audit activities, procedures and the adequacy of our internal controls. In addition, provided that no member of the Audit Committee has a material interest in such transaction, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing transactions that we may enter into in the future with other members of Scorpio that our board believes may present potential conflicts of interests between us and Scorpio. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors nominees for director appointments and directors for appointment to board committees and advising the board with regard to corporate governance practices. The Compensation Committee oversees our equity incentive plan and recommends director and senior employee compensation. The Regulatory and Compliance Committee oversees our operations to minimize the environmental impact by the constant monitoring and measuring of progress of our vessels. Our shareholders may also nominate directors in accordance with procedures set forth in our bylaws.
D. Employees
As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had 21 and 22 shore based employees, respectively. SSM and SCM were responsible for our commercial and technical management.
E. Share Ownership

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The following table sets forth information regarding the share ownership of our common stock as of March 15, 2019 by our directors and executive officers, including the restricted shares issued to our executive officers and to our independent directors as well as shares purchased in the open market.
Name
 
No. of Shares
 
% Owned (5)
Emanuele A. Lauro (1)
 
898,141

 
1.75
%
Robert Bugbee (2)
 
831,292

 
1.62
%
Cameron Mackey (3)
 
734,630

 
1.43
%
Brian M. Lee (4)
 
556,603

 
1.08
%
All other executive officers and directors individually
 
*

 
*

 
(1)
Includes 757,885 shares of restricted stock from the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
(2)
Includes 757,885 shares of restricted stock from the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
(3)
Includes 531,616 shares of restricted stock from the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
(4)
Includes 374,061 shares of restricted stock from the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan.
(5)
Based on 51,396,970 common shares outstanding as of March 15, 2019.
* The remaining executive officers and directors individually each own less than 1% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS.
A. Major shareholders.
The following table sets forth information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock for owners of more than five percent of our common stock, of which we are aware as of March 15, 2019.
Name
 
No. of Shares
 
% Owned (3)
Scorpio Bulkers Inc.
 
5,405,405

(1) 
10.5
%
Wellington Management Group LLP*
 
3,668,061

(2) 
7.1
%
 
(1) This information is derived from Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on October 22, 2018.
(2) This information is derived from Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 12, 2019.
(3) Based on 51,396,970 common shares outstanding as of March 15, 2019.
*Includes certain funds managed thereby.
As of March 15, 2019, we had 88 shareholders of record, 20 of which were located in the United States and held an aggregate of 48,939,850 shares of our common stock, representing 95.22% of our outstanding shares of common stock. However, one of the U.S. shareholders of record is Cede & Co., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which held 46,979,747 shares of our common stock, as of March 15, 2019.
Additionally, Scorpio currently owns 2,039,710 common shares of the Company, representing approximately 3.97% of our outstanding common shares as of March 15, 2019, which it acquired through transactions directly with the Company and in open market transactions.
B. Related Party Transactions
Management of Our Fleet 
Revised Master Agreement
On September 29, 2016, we agreed to amend our master agreement, or the Master Agreement, with SCM and SSM under a deed of amendment, or the Deed of Amendment. Pursuant to the terms of the Deed of Amendment, on November 15, 2016, we entered into definitive documentation to memorialize the agreed amendments to the Master Agreement, or the Amended and Restated Master Agreement.

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On February 22, 2018, we entered into definitive documentation to memorialize agreed amendments to the Amended and Restated Master Agreement under a deed of amendment, or the Amendment Agreement. The Amended and Restated Master Agreement as amended by the Amendment Agreement, or the Revised Master Agreement, is effective as from January 1, 2018.
Pursuant to the Revised Master Agreement, the fixed annual technical management fee was reduced from $250,000 per vessel to $175,000, and certain services previously provided as part of the fixed fee are now itemized.  The aggregate cost, including the costs that are now itemized, for the services provided under the technical management agreement are not expected to materially differ from the annual management fee charged prior to the amendment.
The independent members of our Board of Directors unanimously approved the revised technical management agreement described in the preceding paragraph.
Commercial and Technical Management
Our vessels are commercially managed by SCM and technically managed by SSM pursuant to the aforementioned Revised Master Agreement (described above), which may be terminated by either party upon 24 months' notice, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of the Revised Master Agreement. In the event of the sale of one or more vessels, a notice period of three months and a payment equal to three months of management fees will apply, provided that the termination does not amount to a change in control, including a sale of all or substantially all of our vessels, in which case a payment equal to 24 months of management fees will apply. SCM and SSM are related parties of ours. We expect that additional vessels that we may acquire in the future will also be managed under the Revised Master Agreement or on substantially similar terms.
SCM’s services include securing employment, in the spot market and on time charters, for our vessels. SCM also manages the Scorpio Pools. When our vessels are in the Scorpio Pools, SCM, the pool manager, charges fees of $300 per vessel per day with respect to our LR1/Panamax vessels and Aframax vessels, $250 per vessel per day with respect to our LR2 vessels, and $325 per vessel per day with respect to each of our Handymax and MR vessels, plus 1.50% commission on gross revenues per charter fixture.  These are the same fees that SCM charges other vessels in these pools, including third-party owned vessels. For commercial management of our vessels that do not operate in any of the Scorpio Pools, we pay SCM a fee of $250 per vessel per day for each LR1/Panamax and LR2/Aframax vessel and $300 per vessel per day for each Handymax and MR vessel, plus 1.25% commission on gross revenues per charter fixture. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges the Company’s vessels to effectively reduce such to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.
SSM’s services include day-to-day vessel operation, performing general maintenance, monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance, customer vetting procedures, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants and providing technical support. Prior to January 1, 2018, we paid SSM $685 per vessel per day to provide technical management services for each of our vessels. This fee was based on contracted rates that were the same as those charged to other third party vessels managed by SSM at the time the management agreements were entered into.  Effective January 1, 2018, the fixed annual technical management fee was reduced from $250,000 per vessel to $175,000, and certain services previously provided as part of the fixed fee are now itemized, as noted above.
Amended Administrative Services Agreement
We have an Amended Administrative Services Agreement with SSH or our Administrator, for the provision of administrative staff and office space, and administrative services, including accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services. SSH is a related party of to us. We reimburse our current Administrator for the reasonable direct or indirect expenses it incurs in providing us with the administrative services described above. The services provided to us by our Administrator may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.
Prior to September 29, 2016, we paid SSH a fee for arranging vessel purchases and sales, on our behalf, equal to 1% of the gross purchase or sale price, payable upon the consummation of any such purchase or sale. This fee was eliminated for all vessel purchase or sale agreements entered into after September 29, 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $0.7 million in connection with the purchase and delivery of STI Esles II and STI Jardins. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $2.2 million in connection with the purchase and deliveries of STI Galata, STI Bosphorus, STI Leblon, STI La Boca, STI San Telmo and STI Donald C. Trauscht. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Master Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement.
Further, pursuant to our Amended Administrative Services Agreement, our Administrator, on behalf of itself and other members of Scorpio, has agreed that it will not directly own product or crude tankers ranging in size from 35,000 dwt to 200,000 dwt.

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Tanker pools
To increase vessel utilization and thereby revenues, we participate in commercial pools with other shipowners of similar modern, well-maintained vessels. By operating a large number of vessels as an integrated transportation system, commercial pools offer customers greater flexibility and a higher level of service while achieving scheduling efficiencies. Pools employ experienced commercial charterers and operators who have close working relationships with customers and brokers, while technical management is performed by each shipowner. The managers of the pools negotiate charters with customers primarily in the spot market, but may also arrange time charter agreements. The size and scope of these pools enable them to enhance utilization rates for pool vessels by securing backhaul voyages and COAs, thus generating higher effective TCE revenues than otherwise might be obtainable in the spot market while providing a higher level of service offerings to customers. When we employ a vessel in the spot charter market, we generally place such vessel in a tanker pool managed by our commercial manager that pertains to that vessel’s size class. The earnings allocated to vessels (charterhire expense for the pool) are aggregated and divided on the basis of a weighted scale, or Pool Points, which reflect comparative voyage results on hypothetical benchmark routes. The Pool Point system generally favors those vessels with greater cargo-carrying capacity and those with better fuel consumption. Pool Points are also awarded to vessels capable of carrying clean products and to vessels capable of trading in certain ice conditions. We currently participate in four pools: the Scorpio LR2 Pool, the Scorpio LR1 Pool, the Scorpio MR Pool and the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool.
SCM is responsible for the commercial management of participating vessels in the pools, including the marketing, chartering, operating and bunker (fuel oil) purchases of the vessels. The Scorpio LR2 Pool is administered by Scorpio LR2 Pool Ltd., the Scorpio LR1 Pool is administered by Scorpio LR1 Pool Ltd, the Scorpio MR Pool is administered by Scorpio MR Pool Ltd. and the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool is administered by Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Ltd. Our founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Vice President are members of the Lolli-Ghetti family which owns a majority of the issued and outstanding stock of Scorpio LR2 Pool Ltd., Scorpio LR1 Pool Ltd., Scorpio MR Pool Ltd., and Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Ltd., or the Pool Entities. Taking into account the recommendations of a pool committee and a technical committee, each of which is comprised of representatives of each pool participant, the Pool Entities set the respective pool policies and issue directives to the pool participants and SCM. The pool participants remain responsible for all other costs including the financing, insurance, manning and technical management of their vessels. The earnings of all of the vessels are aggregated and divided according to the relative performance capabilities of the vessel and the actual earning days for which each vessel is available.
Our Relationship with Scorpio and its Affiliates
Scorpio is owned and controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family, of which Messrs. Emanuele Lauro and Filippo Lauro are members. Annalisa Lolli-Ghetti is majority owner of Scorpio (of which our administrator and commercial and technical managers are members) and beneficially owns approximately 4.55% of our common shares. We are not affiliated with any other entities in the shipping industry other than those that are members of Scorpio.
In addition, Mr. Emanuele Lauro, Mr. Robert Bugbee and other members of our senior management have an indirect minority equity interest in SSH, our Administrator, a member of Scorpio.
SCM and SSM, our commercial manager and technical manager, respectively, are also members of Scorpio. For information regarding the details regarding our relationship with SCM, SSM and SSH, please see “– Management of our Fleet.”
Our Board of Directors consists of nine individuals, six of whom are independent directors. Three of the independent directors form the board’s Audit Committee and, pursuant to the Audit Committee charter, are required to review all potential conflicts of interest between us and related parties, including Scorpio. Our three non-independent directors and all of our executive officers serve in senior management positions in certain other companies within Scorpio.
In October 2018, we raised net proceeds of approximately $319.6 million in an underwritten public offering of 18.2 million shares of common stock (including 2.0 million shares of common stock issued when the underwriters partially exercised their overallotment option to purchase additional shares) at a public offering price of $18.50 per share. Scorpio Bulkers Inc., or SALT, and Scorpio Services Holding Limited, or SSH, each a related party, purchased 5.4 million common shares and 0.5 million common shares, respectively, at the public offering price.


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Transactions with Related Parties
Transactions with entities controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family (herein referred to as related party affiliates) in the consolidated statements of income and balance sheet are as follows:
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Pool revenue(1)
 
 

 
 

 
 

Scorpio MR Pool Limited
 
$
225,181

 
$
217,141

 
$
248,974

Scorpio LR2 Pool Limited
 
188,890

 
136,514

 
156,503

Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Limited

82,782

 
78,510

 
73,683

Scorpio LR1 Pool Limited
 
46,823

 
13,895

 
—

Scorpio Panamax Tanker Pool Limited
 
—

 
1,515

 
5,843

Scorpio Aframax Pool Limited
 
—

 
1,170

 
—

Voyage expenses(2)
 
(1,290
)
 
(1,786
)
 
(1,128
)
Vessel operating costs(3)
 
(34,272
)
 
(27,601
)
 
(22,526
)
Administrative expenses(4)
 
(12,475
)
 
(10,744
)
 
(9,462
)

(1)
These transactions relate to revenue earned in the Scorpio Pools. The Scorpio Pools are related party affiliates. When our vessels are in the Scorpio Pools, SCM, the pool manager, charges fees of $300 per vessel per day with respect to our LR1/Panamax and Aframax vessels, $250 per vessel per day with respect to our LR2 vessels, and $325 per vessel per day with respect to each of our Handymax and MR vessels, plus a commission of 1.50% on gross revenue per charter fixture.  These are the same fees that SCM charges other vessels in these pools, including third party owned vessels. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges our vessels to effectively reduce such to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.

(2)
Related party expenditures included within voyage expenses in the consolidated statements of income or loss consist of the following:
◦
Expenses due to SCM, a related party affiliate, for commissions related to the commercial management services provided by SCM under the commercial management agreement for vessels that are not in one of the Scorpio Pools. SCM’s services include securing employment, in the spot market and on time charters, for our vessels. When not in one of the Scorpio Pools, each vessel pays (i) flat fees of $250 per day for LR1/Panamax and LR2/Aframax vessels and $300 per day for Handymax and MR vessels and (ii) commissions of 1.25% of their gross revenue per charter fixture.  These expenses are included in voyage expenses in the consolidated statements of income or loss. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges our vessels to effectively reduce such to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.
•
Voyage expenses of $25,747 charged by a related party port agent during the year ended December 31, 2018. SSH has a majority equity interest in a port agent that provides supply and logistical services for vessels operating in its regions. No voyage expenses were charged by this port agent during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The fees and rates charged by this port agent are based on the prevailing market rates for such services in each respective region.
(3)
Related party expenditures included within vessel operating costs in the consolidated statements of income or loss consist of the following:
•
Technical management fees of $30.1 million, $22.9 million, and $19.5 million charged by SSM, a related party affiliate, during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively. SSM’s services include day-to-day vessel operations, performing general maintenance, monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance, customer vetting procedures, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants, and providing technical support.

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•
Insurance related expenses of $2.6 million, $4.3 million and $3.0 million incurred through a related party insurance broker during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2016, an Executive Officer of the Company acquired a minority interest, which in 2018 increased to a majority interest, in an insurance broker which arranges hull and machinery and war risk insurance for certain of our owned and finance leased vessels. This broker has arranged such policies for the Company since 2010 and the extent of the coverage and the manner in which the policies are priced did not change as a result of this transaction. In September 2018, the Executive Officer disposed of their interest in the insurance broker in its entirety to a third party not affiliated with the Company. The amounts recorded reflect the amortization of the policy premiums through September 2018, which are paid directly to the broker, who then remits the premiums to the underwriters.
•
Vessel operating expenses of $1.6 million and $0.4 million charged by a related party port agent during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. SSH has a majority equity interest in a port agent that provides supply and logistical services for vessels operating in its regions. The fees and rates charged by this port agent are based on the prevailing market rates for such services in each respective region.
(4)
We have an Amended Administrative Services Agreement with SSH for the provision of administrative staff and office space, and administrative services, including accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services. SSH is a related party to us. We reimburse SSH for the reasonable direct or indirect expenses that are incurred on our behalf. SSH also arranges vessel sales and purchases for us. The services provided to us by SSH may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.  The expenses incurred under this agreement were as follows, and were recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income or loss:
•
The expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $12.5 million included (i) administrative fees of $11.1 million charged by SSH, (ii) restricted stock amortization of $1.3 million, which relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 114,400 shares of restricted stock to SSH employees for no cash consideration in May 2014, September 2014, July 2015, July 2016 and December 2017, and (iii) the reimbursement of expenses of $46,535.
•
The expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $10.7 million included (i) administrative fees of $9.0 million charged by SSH, (ii) restricted stock amortization of $1.2 million, which relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 114,400 shares of restricted stock to SSH employees for no cash consideration in May 2014, September 2014, July 2015, July 2016, and December 2017, and (iii) the reimbursement of expenses of $0.5 million.
•
The expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $9.5 million included (i) administrative fees of $7.3 million charged by SSH, (ii) restricted stock amortization of $1.6 million, which relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 79,500 shares of restricted stock to SSH employees for no cash consideration in May and September 2014, July 2015, and July 2016 and (iii) the reimbursement of expenses of $0.6 million. We had the following balances with related party affiliates, which have been included in the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
As of December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Assets:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable (due from the Scorpio Pools) (1)
$
66,178

 
$
44,880

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (SSM) (2)
2,461

 
6,391

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (SCM) (3)
2,511

 
—

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (related party insurance broker) (4)
—

 
2,428

Other assets (pool working capital contributions) (5)
42,973

 
41,401

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (SSM)
832

 
766

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related party port agent)
459

 
95

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (SSH)
409

 
190

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (SCM)
389

 
191

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (owed to the Scorpio Pools)
66

 
462

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related party insurance broker)
—

 
2,190


(1)
Accounts receivable due from the Scorpio Pools relate to hire receivables for revenues earned and receivables from working capital contributions. The amounts as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include $22.9 million and $25.7 million,

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respectively, of working capital contributions made on behalf of our vessels to the Scorpio Pools. Upon entrance into such pools, all vessels are required to make working capital contributions of both cash and bunkers. Additional working capital contributions can be made from time to time based on the operating needs of the pools. These amounts are accounted for and repaid as follows:
•
For vessels in the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool, the initial contribution amount is repaid, without interest, upon a vessel’s exit from the pool no later than six months after the exit date. Bunkers on board a vessel exiting the pool are credited against such repayment at the actual invoice price of the bunkers. For all owned or finance leased vessels we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For time or bareboat chartered-in vessels we classify the initial contributions as current (within accounts receivable) or non-current (within other assets) according to the expiration of the contract. Any additional working capital contributions are repaid when sufficient net revenues become available to cover such amounts.
•
For vessels in the Scorpio MR Pool and Scorpio Panamax Tanker Pool, any contributions are repaid, without interest, when such vessel has earned sufficient net revenues to cover the value of such working capital contributed.  Accordingly, we classify such amounts as current (within accounts receivable).
•
For vessels in the Scorpio LR2 Pool, Scorpio Aframax Pool and Scorpio LR1 Pool, the initial contribution amount is repaid, without interest, upon a vessel’s exit from each pool. Bunkers on board a vessel exiting the pool are credited against such repayment at the actual invoice price of the bunkers. For all owned or finance leased vessels we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For time or bareboat chartered-in vessels we classify the initial contributions as current (within accounts receivable) or non-current (within other assets) according to the expiration of the contract. Any additional working capital contributions are repaid when sufficient net revenues become available to cover such amounts and are therefore classified as current.
(2)
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses from SSM relate to advances made for vessel operating expenses (such as crew wages) that will either be reimbursed or applied against future costs.
(3)
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses from SCM primarily relate to the reduction of commission rebate to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture as described above.
(4) Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses from the related-party insurance brokerage firm (as discussed above) relate to premiums which have been prepaid and are being amortized over the term of the respective policy. In September 2018, the Executive Officer who had an ownership interest in this firm disposed of their interest in its entirety to a third party not affiliated with the Company.
(5)
Represents the non-current portion of working capital receivables as described above.
Prior to September 29, 2016, we paid SSH a fee for arranging vessel purchases and sales, on our behalf, equal to 1% of the gross purchase or sale price, payable upon the consummation of any such purchase or sale. This fee was eliminated for all vessel purchase or sale agreements entered into after September 29, 2016. These fees are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related vessel for a vessel purchase and are included as part of the gain or loss on sale for a vessel disposal.

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•
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $0.7 million in connection with the purchase and delivery of STI Esles II and STI Jardins. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Administrative Services Agreement.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $2.2 million in connection with the purchase and delivery of STI Galata, STI Bosphorus, STI Leblon, STI La Boca, STI San Telmo and STI Donald C. Trauscht. Additionally, we paid SCM an aggregate termination fee of $0.2 million that was due under the commercial management agreements and we paid SSM an aggregate termination fee of $0.2 million that was due under technical management agreements as a result of the sales of STI Emerald and STI Sapphire which have been recorded within loss on sales of vessels within the consolidated statement of income or loss. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Master Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $1.7 million in connection with the sales of STI Lexington, STI Mythos, STI Chelsea, STI Powai, and STI Olivia and a fee of $0.6 million for the purchase and delivery of STI Lombard. Additionally, we paid SCM an aggregate termination fee of $2.7 million that was due under the commercial management agreements and we paid SSM an aggregate termination fee of $2.5 million that was due under the technical management agreements as a result of the aforementioned vessel sales. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Master Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement. The aggregate fees paid to SCM, SSH and SSM as they relate to the aforementioned vessel sales, are recorded within loss on sales of vessels within the consolidated statement of income or loss.
In 2011, we entered into an agreement to reimburse costs to SSM as part of its supervision agreement for newbuilding vessels. There were no costs incurred under this agreement during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. We also have an agreement with SSM to supervise the eight MR product tankers that were under construction at HMD and delivered throughout 2017 and in January 2018. We paid SSM $0.7 million under this agreement during the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no costs incurred under this agreement during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016. Please see "Item 3. Key Information - D. Risk Factors - Risks Related to our Relationship with Scorpio and its Affiliates."
C. INTERESTS OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information
See “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, we are not currently a party to any lawsuit that, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. As such, we do not believe that pending legal proceedings, taken as a whole, should have any significant impact on our financial statements. From time to time in the future we may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. While we expect that these claims would be covered by our existing insurance policies, those claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. We have not been involved in any legal proceedings which may have, or have had, a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity, nor are we aware of any proceedings that are pending or threatened which may have a significant effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Dividend Policy
The declaration and payment of dividends is subject at all times to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The timing and amount of dividends, if any, depends on, among other things, our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our loan agreements and finance lease arrangements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends and other factors.

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We are a holding company with no material assets other than the equity interests in our wholly-owned subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to pay dividends, if any, depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. Our credit facilities and finance lease arrangements have restrictions on our ability, and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries, to pay dividends in the event of a default or breach of covenants under the agreements. Under such circumstances, we or our subsidiaries may not be able to pay dividends so long as we are in default or have breached certain covenants of a credit facility or finance lease arrangement without our lender’s consent or waiver of the default or breach. In addition, Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends (i) other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received for the sale of shares above the par value of the shares) or (ii) when a company is insolvent or (iii) if the payment of the dividend would render the company insolvent.
In addition, we may incur expenses or liabilities, including extraordinary expenses, decreases in revenues, including as a result of unanticipated off-hire days or loss of a vessel, or increased cash needs that could reduce or eliminate the amount of cash that we have available for distribution as dividends.
Any dividends paid by us will be income to a United States shareholder. Please see “Item 10. Additional Information - E. Taxation” for additional information relating to the United States federal income tax treatment of our dividend payments, if any are declared in the future.
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we paid aggregate dividends to our shareholders in the amount of $15.1 million, $9.6 million and $86.9 million, respectively. We have paid the following dividends per share in respect of the periods set forth below:
Date Paid
 
Dividends per Share
March 30, 2016
 
$1.250
June 24, 2016
 
$1.250
September 29, 2016
 
$1.250
December 22, 2016
 
$1.250
March 30, 2017
 
$0.100
June 14, 2017
 
$0.100
September 29, 2017
 
$0.100
December 28, 2017
 
$0.100
March 27, 2018
 
$0.100
June 28, 2018
 
$0.100
September 27, 2018
 
$0.100
December 13, 2018
 
$0.100
March 28, 2019*
 
$0.100
*Dividend is scheduled to be paid on or about March 28, 2019.
B. Significant Changes
There have been no significant changes since the date of the annual consolidated financial statements included in this report, other than as described in Note 25-Subsequent Events to our consolidated financial statements included herein.
ITEM 9. OFFER AND THE LISTING
A. Offer and Listing Details
Since our initial public offering, our shares of common stock have traded on the NYSE under the symbol “STNG”. Please see “Item 9. Offer and the Listing - C. Markets.”
B. Plan of Distribution
Not applicable.
C. Markets
Our Senior Notes Due 2020 are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol “SBNA”.

D. Selling Shareholders

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Not applicable.
E. Dilution
Not applicable.
F. Expenses of the Issue
Not applicable.
ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A. Share Capital
Not applicable.
B. Memorandum and Articles of Association
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation have been filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to our Registration Statement on Form F-1 (Registration No. 333-164940), filed with the SEC on March 18, 2010. Our amended and restated bylaws are filed as Exhibit 1.2 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on June 29, 2010. In June 2014, after receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase our authorized common stock to 400,000,000 from 250,000,000. This amendment to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC on March 31, 2015. In June 2018, after receiving shareholder approval, we amended our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase our authorized common stock to 750,000,000 from 400,000,000. This amendment to our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation is filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 6-K filed with the SEC on June 1, 2018.
On January 18, 2019, we effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. Our shareholders approved the reverse stock split including a change in authorized common shares at the special meeting of shareholders held on January 15, 2019. Pursuant to this reverse stock split, the total number of authorized common shares was reduced to 150,000,000 shares and common shares outstanding were reduced from 513,975,324 shares to 51,397,470 shares (which reflects adjustments for fractional share settlements). The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. The Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split and change in authorized common shares from 750,000,000 to 150,000,000 is included as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 6-K filed with the SEC on January 18, 2019. The information contained in these exhibits is incorporated by reference herein.
Below is a summary of the description of our capital stock, including the rights, preferences and restrictions attaching to each class of stock. Because the following is a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful. For more complete information, you should read our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are incorporated by reference herein.
Purpose
Our purpose, as stated in our amended and restated articles of incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the BCA. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our shareholders.
Authorized capitalization
Under our amended and restated articles of incorporation, as amended, we have authorized 175,000,000 registered shares, consisting of 150,000,000 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which 51,396,970 shares were issued and outstanding as of March 15, 2019 and 25,000,000 preferred shares, par value $0.01 per share, of which no shares are issued and outstanding.
Description of Common Shares
Each outstanding common share entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred shares, holders of our common shares are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our Board of Directors out of funds legally available for dividends. Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common shares are entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. Holders of our common shares do not have conversion, redemption or pre-emptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities. The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of our common shares are subject to the rights of the holders of any preferred shares, which we may issue in the future.
Description of Preferred Shares

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Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series, including the designation of the series, the number of shares of the series, the preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series, and the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.
Directors
Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote. There is no provision for cumulative voting.
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation require our Board of Directors to consist of at least one member. Our Board of Directors consists of nine members. Our amended and restated bylaws may be amended by the vote of a majority of our entire Board of Directors.
Directors are elected annually on a staggered basis, and each shall serve for a three-year term and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his or her death, resignation, removal, or the earlier termination of his or her term of office. Our Board of Directors, as advised by our Compensation Committee, has the authority to fix the amounts which shall be payable to the members of the Board of Directors for attendance at any meeting or for services rendered to us.
Shareholder Meetings
Under our amended and restated bylaws, annual meetings of shareholders will be held at a time and place selected by our Board of Directors. The meetings may be held in or outside of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Special meetings may be called at any time by a majority of our Board of Directors, the chairman of our Board of Directors or an officer of the Company who is also a director. Our Board of Directors may set a record date between 15 and 60 days before the date of any meeting to determine the shareholders that will be eligible to receive notice and vote at the meeting. One or more shareholders representing at least one-third of the total voting rights of our total issued and outstanding shares present in person or by proxy at a shareholder meeting shall constitute a quorum for the purposes of the meeting.
Dissenters’ Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the BCA, our shareholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, and receive payment of the fair market value of their shares. In the event of any further amendment of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, a shareholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares. The dissenting shareholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment. In the event that we and any dissenting shareholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the high court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange.
Shareholders’ Derivative Actions
Under the BCA, any of our shareholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the shareholder bringing the action is a holder of common shares both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The BCA authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their shareholders for monetary damages for certain breaches of directors' fiduciary duties. Our amended and restated bylaws include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law. We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorney's fees and disbursements and court costs) to our directors and officers and carry directors' and officers' insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification provisions and this insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated bylaws may discourage shareholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duties. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our shareholders. In addition, shareholders' investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

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Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers and controlling persons pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Anti-Takeover Effect of Certain Provisions of our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws
Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our Board of Directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us. However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (i) the merger or acquisition of us by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and (ii) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Blank Check Preferred Stock
Under the terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, our Board of Directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 25 million shares of blank check preferred stock. Our Board of Directors may issue preferred shares on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of us or the removal of our management.
Election and Removal of Directors
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Our amended and restated bylaws require parties other than the Board of Directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation also provide that our directors may be removed for cause upon the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.
Limited Actions by Shareholders
Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of shareholders or by the unanimous written consent of our shareholders. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that, unless otherwise prescribed by law, only a majority of our Board of Directors, the chairman of our Board of Directors or an officer of the Company who is also a director may call special meetings of our shareholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Accordingly, a shareholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting for shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our Board of Directors and shareholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.
Advance notice requirements for shareholder proposals and director nominations
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder's notice must be received at our principal executive offices not less than 150 days nor more than 180 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our amended and restated bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder's notice. These provisions may impede shareholders' ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders.
Classified Board of Directors
As described above, our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide for the division of our Board of Directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered three-year terms. Accordingly, approximately one-third of our Board of Directors will be elected each year. This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us. It could also delay shareholders who do not agree with the policies of our Board of Directors from removing a majority of our Board of Directors for two years.
Business combinations
Although the BCA does not contain specific provisions regarding "business combinations" between companies organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands and "interested shareholders," we have included these provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation. Specifically, our amended and restated articles of incorporation prohibit us from engaging in a

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"business combination" with certain persons for three years following the date the person becomes an interested shareholder. Interested shareholders generally include:
•
any person who is the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock; or
•
any person who is our affiliate or associate and who held 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock at any time within three years before the date on which the person's status as an interested shareholder is determined, and the affiliates and associates of such person.
Subject to certain exceptions, a business combination includes, among other things:
•
certain mergers or consolidations of us or any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of ours;
•
any sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition of our assets or of any subsidiary of ours having an aggregate fair market value equal to 10% or more of either the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets, determined on a combined basis, or the aggregate value of all of our outstanding stock;
•
certain transactions that result in the issuance or transfer by us of any stock of ours to the interested shareholder;
•
any transaction involving us or any of our subsidiaries that has the effect of increasing the proportionate share of any class or series of stock, or securities convertible into any class or series of stock, of ours or any such subsidiary that is owned directly or indirectly by the interested shareholder or any affiliate or associate of the interested shareholder; and
•
any receipt by the interested shareholder of the benefit directly or indirectly (except proportionately as a shareholder) of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through us.
These provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation do not apply to a business combination if:
•
before a person became an interested shareholder, our Board of Directors approved either the business combination or the transaction in which the shareholder became an interested shareholder;
•
upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the shareholder becoming an interested shareholder, the interested shareholder owned at least 85% of our voting stock outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, other than certain excluded shares;
•
at or following the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, the business combination is approved by our Board of Directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of shareholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of our outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested shareholder;
•
the shareholder was or became an interested shareholder prior to the closing of our initial public offering in 2010;
•
a shareholder became an interested shareholder inadvertently and (i) as soon as practicable divested itself of ownership of sufficient shares so that the shareholder ceased to be an interested shareholder; and (ii) would not, at any time within the three-year period immediately prior to a business combination between us and such shareholder, have been an interested shareholder but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership; or
•
the business combination is proposed prior to the consummation or abandonment of and subsequent to the earlier of the public announcement or the notice required under our amended and restated articles of incorporation which (i) constitutes one of the transactions described in the following sentence; (ii) is with or by a person who either was not an interested shareholder during the previous three years or who became an interested shareholder with the approval of the board; and (iii) is approved or not opposed by a majority of the members of the Board of Directors then in office (but not less than one) who were directors prior to any person becoming an interested shareholder during the previous three years or were recommended for election or elected to succeed such directors by a majority of such directors. The proposed transactions referred to in the preceding sentence are limited to:

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(i)
a merger or consolidation of us (except for a merger in respect of which, pursuant to the BCA, no vote of our shareholders is required);
(ii)
a sale, lease, exchange, mortgage, pledge, transfer or other disposition (in one transaction or a series of transactions), whether as part of a dissolution or otherwise, of assets of us or of any direct or indirect majority-owned subsidiary of ours (other than to any direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary or to us) having an aggregate fair market value equal to 50% or more of either the aggregate fair market value of all of our assets determined on a consolidated basis or the aggregate fair market value of all the outstanding shares; or
(iii)
a proposed tender or exchange offer for 50% or more of our outstanding voting stock.
Registrar and Transfer Agent
The registrar and transfer agent for our common shares is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.
Listing
Our common shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “STNG.”
C. Material Contracts
Attached as exhibits to this annual report are the contracts we consider to be both material and outside the ordinary course of business during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of this annual report. We refer you to “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—B. Compensation—2013 Equity Incentive Plan” and “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions” for a discussion of these agreements.
Other than as set forth above, there were no material contracts, other than contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we were a party during the two-year period immediately preceding the date of this annual report.
D. Exchange Controls
Under Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our common shares.
E. Taxation
United States Federal Income Tax Considerations
In the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, the following are the material United States federal income tax consequences to us of our activities and to United States Holders and Non-United States Holders, each as defined below, of the ownership of common shares. The following discussion of United States federal income tax matters is based on the Code, judicial decisions, administrative pronouncements, and existing and proposed regulations issued by the United States Department of the Treasury, or the Treasury Regulations, all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. The discussion below is based, in part, on the description of our business in this Report and assumes that we conduct our business as described herein. References in the following discussion to the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” are to Scorpio Tankers Inc. and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Operating Income: In General
We earn and anticipate that we will continue to earn substantially all our income from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time charter basis, from participation in a pool or from the performance of services directly related to those uses, all of which we refer to as Shipping Income.
Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules of Section 883 of the Code, or Section 883, as discussed below, a foreign corporation such as us will be subject to United States federal income taxation on its Shipping Income that is treated as derived from sources within the United States, which we refer to as “United States Source Shipping Income.” For United States federal income tax purposes, “United States Source Shipping Income” includes 50% of shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States.
Shipping Income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-United States ports will be considered to be 100% derived from sources entirely outside the United States. Shipping Income derived from sources outside the United States will not be subject to any United States federal income tax.

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Shipping Income attributable to transportation exclusively between United States ports is considered to be 100% derived from United States sources. However, we are not permitted by United States law to engage in the transportation of cargoes that produces 100% United States Source Shipping Income.
Unless exempt from tax under Section 883, our gross United States Source Shipping Income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions, as described more fully below.
Exemption of Operating Income from United States Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, a foreign corporation will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on its United States Source Shipping Income if:
(1) it is organized in a “qualified foreign country,” which is one that grants an “equivalent exemption” from tax to corporations organized in the United States in respect of each category of shipping income for which exemption is being claimed under Section 883; and
(2) one of the following tests is met:
(A) more than 50% of the value of its shares is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by “qualified shareholders,” which as defined includes individuals who are “residents” of a qualified foreign country, which we refer to as the “50% Ownership Test”; or
(B) its shares are “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in a qualified foreign country or in the United States, to which we refer as the “Publicly-Traded Test”.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands, the jurisdiction where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, has been officially recognized by the IRS as a qualified foreign country that grants the requisite “equivalent exemption” from tax in respect of each category of shipping income we earn and currently expect to earn in the future. Therefore, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation with respect to our United States Source Shipping Income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or the Publicly-Traded Test.
For our 2018 taxable tax year, we intend to take the position that we satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test and we anticipate that we will continue to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test for future taxable years. However, as discussed below, this is a factual determination made on an annual basis. We do not currently anticipate a circumstance under which we would be able to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test.
Publicly-Traded Test
The Treasury Regulations under Section 883 provide, in pertinent part, that shares of a foreign corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market in a country if the number of shares of each class of stock that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Our common shares, which constitute our sole class of issued and outstanding stock, are “primarily traded” on the NYSE.
Under the Treasury Regulations, our common shares will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market if one or more classes of our stock representing more than 50% of our outstanding stock, by both total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote and total value, are listed on such market, to which we refer as the “Listing Threshold.” Since our common shares are listed on the NYSE, we expect to satisfy the Listing Threshold.
It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the Listing Threshold, (i) such class of stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable year or one-sixth of the days in a short taxable year, or the “Trading Frequency Test”; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such class of stock traded on such market during the taxable year is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year, or the “Trading Volume Test.” We currently satisfy and anticipate that we will continue to satisfy the Trading Frequency Test and Trading Volume Test. Even if this were not the case, the Treasury Regulations provide that the Trading Frequency Test and Trading Volume Tests will be deemed satisfied if, as is the case with our common shares, such class of stock is traded on an established securities market in the United States and such class of stock is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Treasury Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that a class of stock will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year during which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the vote and value of such class of outstanding shares, to which we refer as the “5% Override Rule.”

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For purposes of being able to determine the persons who actually or constructively own 5% or more of the vote and value of our common shares, or “5% Shareholders,” the Treasury Regulations permit us to rely on those persons that are identified on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC as owning 5% or more of our common shares. The Treasury Regulations further provide that an investment company which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be treated as a 5% Shareholder for such purposes.
In the event the 5% Override Rule is triggered, the Treasury Regulations provide that the 5% Override Rule will nevertheless not apply if we can establish that within the group of 5% Shareholders, there are sufficient qualified shareholders for purposes of Section 883 to preclude non-qualified shareholders in such group from owning 50% or more of our common shares for more than half the number of days during the taxable year. In order to benefit from this exception to the 5% Override Rule, we must satisfy certain substantiation requirements in regards to the identity of our 5% Shareholders.
We believe that we currently satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test and intend to take this position on our United States federal income tax return for the 2018 taxable year. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of the Section 883 exemption. For example, if we trigger the 5% Override Rule for any future taxable year, there is no assurance that we will have sufficient qualified 5% Shareholders to preclude nonqualified 5% Shareholders from owning 50% or more of our common shares for more than half the number of days during such taxable year, or that we will be able to satisfy the substantiation requirements in regards to our 5% Shareholders.
United States Federal Income Taxation in Absence of Section 883 Exemption
If the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable, our United States source shipping income would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of deductions, which we refer to as the “4% Gross Basis Tax Regime,” to the extent that such income is not considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below. Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would be treated as being United States source shipping income, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% Gross Basis Tax Regime.
To the extent our United States source shipping income is considered to be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described below, any such “effectively connected” United States source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to United States federal income tax, currently imposed at a rate of 21%. In addition, we would generally be subject to the 30% “branch profits” tax on earnings effectively connected with the conduct of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid attributable to the conduct of our United States trade or business.
Our United States Source Shipping Income would be considered “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business only if:
•
we have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of United States Source Shipping Income; and
•
substantially all of our United States Source Shipping Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
We do not currently have, intend to have, or permit circumstances that would result in having, any vessel sailing to or from the United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping operations and other activities, it is anticipated that none of our United States source shipping income will be “effectively connected” with the conduct of a United States trade or business.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
If we qualify for exemption from tax under Section 883 in respect of the shipping income derived from the international operation of our vessels, then a gain from the sale of any such vessel should likewise be exempt from United States federal income tax under Section 883. If, however, our shipping income from such vessels does not for whatever reason qualify for exemption under Section 883, then any gain on the sale of a vessel will be subject to United States federal income tax if such sale occurs in the United States. To the extent possible, we intend to structure the sales of our vessels so that the gain therefrom is not subject to United States federal income tax. However, there is no assurance we will be able to do so.
United States Federal Income Taxation of United States Holders
The following is a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations relevant to an investment decision by a United States Holder, as defined below, with respect to our common shares. This discussion does not purport to deal with the tax consequences of owning common shares to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to special rules. This discussion only addresses considerations relevant to those United States Holders who hold the common shares as capital

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assets, that is, generally for investment purposes. You are encouraged to consult your own tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences arising in your own particular situation under United States federal, state, local or foreign law of the ownership of common shares.
As used herein, the term United States Holder means a beneficial owner of common shares that is an individual United States citizen or resident, a United States corporation or other United States entity taxable as a corporation, an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust.
If a partnership holds our common shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding common shares, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion of passive foreign investment companies below, any distributions made by us with respect to our common shares to a United States Holder will generally constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of such earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the United States Holder’s tax basis in his common shares on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain. Because we are not a United States corporation, United States Holders that are corporations will generally not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to any distributions they receive from us. Dividends paid with respect to our common shares will generally be treated as “passive category income” for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for United States foreign tax credit purposes.
Dividends paid on our common shares to a United States Holder who is an individual, trust or estate, or a United States Non-Corporate Holder, will generally be treated as “qualified dividend income” that is taxable to such United States Non-Corporate Holder at preferential tax rates provided that (1) the common shares are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE, on which our common shares are traded); (2) we are not a passive foreign investment company for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which, as discussed below, we believe we have not been, we believe we are not and do not anticipate being in the future); (3) the United States Non-Corporate Holder has owned the common shares for more than 60 days in the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common shares become ex-dividend; and (4) the United States Non-Corporate Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Any distributions out of earnings and profits we pay which are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a United States Non-Corporate Holder.
Special rules may apply to any “extraordinary dividend”—generally, a dividend in an amount which is equal to or in excess of 10% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in his common shares—paid by us. If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on our common shares that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss derived by a United States Non-Corporate Holder from the sale or exchange of such common shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of such dividend.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Shares
Assuming we do not constitute a passive foreign investment company for any taxable year, a United States Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the United States Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the United States Holder’s tax basis in such shares. Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the United States Holder’s holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Such capital gain or loss will generally be treated as United States source income or loss, as applicable, for United States foreign tax credit purposes. Long-term capital gains of United States Non-Corporate Holders are currently eligible for reduced rates of taxation. A United States Holder’s ability to deduct capital losses is subject to certain limitations.
Passive Foreign Investment Company Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Special United States federal income tax rules apply to a United States Holder that holds shares in a foreign corporation classified as a “passive foreign investment company”, or a PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a United States Holder if, for any taxable year in which such Holder holds our common shares, either:
•
at least 75% of our gross income for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or
•
at least 50% of the average value of our assets during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.

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For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary’s stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally constitute “passive income” unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business.
Based on our current operations and future projections, we do not believe that we have been, are, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. Although there is no legal authority directly on point, our belief is based principally on the position that, for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from the time chartering and voyage chartering activities of our wholly-owned subsidiaries should constitute services income, rather than rental income. Accordingly, such income should not constitute passive income, and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of such income, in particular, the vessels, should not constitute assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. Therefore, based on our current operations and future projections, we should not be treated as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. There is substantial legal authority supporting this position, consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, there is also authority that characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than services income for other tax purposes. It should be noted that in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions governing PFICs, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. Furthermore, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a United States Holder would be subject to different United States federal income taxation rules depending on whether the United States Holder makes an election to treat us as a “Qualified Electing Fund,” which election we refer to as a “QEF election.” As an alternative to making a QEF election, a United States Holder should be able to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common shares, as discussed below. In addition, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a United States Holder will generally be required to file an annual report with the IRS for that year with respect to such Holder’s common shares.
Taxation of United States Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
If a United States Holder makes a timely QEF election, which United States Holder we refer to as an Electing Holder, the Electing Holder must report for United States federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for each of our taxable years during which we are a PFIC that ends with or within the taxable year of the Electing Holder, regardless of whether distributions were received from us by the Electing Holder. No portion of any such inclusions of ordinary earnings will be treated as “qualified dividend income.” Net capital gain inclusions of United States Non-Corporate Holders would be eligible for preferential capital gain tax rates. The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that had been previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the adjusted tax basis in the common shares and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder would not, however, be entitled to a deduction for its pro rata share of any losses that we incur with respect to any taxable year. An Electing Holder would generally recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares. A United States Holder would make a timely QEF election for our shares by filing one copy of IRS Form 8621 with his United States federal income tax return for the first year in which he held such shares when we were a PFIC. If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we would provide each United States Holder with all necessary information in order to make the QEF election described above.
Taxation of United States Holders Making a “Mark-to-Market” Election
Alternatively, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate will be the case, our common shares are treated as “marketable stock,” a United States Holder would be allowed to make a “mark-to-market” election with respect to our common shares, provided the United States Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the United States Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the common shares at the end of the taxable year over such Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares. The United States Holder would also be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the United States Holder’s adjusted tax basis in the common shares over its fair market value at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A United States Holder’s tax basis in his common shares would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss amount. Gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common shares would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included by the United States Holder.

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Taxation of United States Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election
 Finally, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a United States Holder who does not make either a QEF election or a “mark-to-market” election for that year, whom we refer to as a Non-Electing Holder, would be subject to special rules with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on the common shares in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder’s holding period for the common shares), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares. Under these special rules:
•
the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s aggregate holding period for the common shares;
•
the amount allocated to the current taxable year, and any taxable year prior to the first taxable year in which we were a PFIC, would be taxed as ordinary income and would not be “qualified dividend income”; and
•
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayer for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed tax deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Non-United States Holders
 A beneficial owner of common shares (other than a partnership) that is not a United States Holder is referred to herein as a Non-United States Holder.
If a partnership holds common shares, the tax treatment of a partner will generally depend upon the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding common shares, you are encouraged to consult your tax advisor.
Dividends on Common Stock
A Non-United States Holder generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on dividends received from us with respect to his common shares, unless that income is effectively connected with the Non-United States Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States. If the Non-United States Holder is entitled to the benefits of a United States income tax treaty with respect to those dividends, that income is subject to United States federal income tax only if it is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-United States Holder in the United States.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Shares
Non-United States Holders generally will not be subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common shares, unless:
•
the gain is effectively connected with the Non-United States Holder’s conduct of a trade or business in the United States (and, if the Non-United States Holder is entitled to the benefits of a United States income tax treaty with respect to that gain, that gain is attributable to a permanent establishment maintained by the Non-United States Holder in the United States); or
•
the Non-United States Holder is an individual who is present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year of disposition and other conditions are met.
If the Non-United States Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business for United States federal income tax purposes, dividends on the common shares, and gains from the sale, exchange or other disposition of such shares, that are effectively connected with the conduct of that trade or business will generally be subject to regular United States federal income tax in the same manner as discussed in the previous section relating to the taxation of United States Holders. In addition, if you are a corporate Non-United States Holder, your earnings and profits that are attributable to the effectively connected income, subject to certain adjustments, may be subject to an additional “branch profits” tax at a rate of 30%, or at a lower rate as may be specified by an applicable United States income tax treaty.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, dividend payments, or other taxable distributions, made within the United States to you will be subject to information reporting requirements if you are a non-corporate United States Holder. Such payments or distributions may also be subject to backup withholding if you are a non-corporate United States Holder and you:
•
fail to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
•
are notified by the IRS that you have failed to report all interest or dividends required to be shown on your United States federal income tax returns; or

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•
in certain circumstances, fail to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-United States Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on an appropriate IRS Form W-8.
If you are a Non-United States Holder and you sell your common shares to or through a United States office of a broker, the payment of the proceeds is subject to both United States backup withholding and information reporting unless you certify that you are a non-United States person, under penalties of perjury, or you otherwise establish an exemption. If you sell your common shares through a non-United States office of a non-United States broker and the sales proceeds are paid to you outside the United States, then information reporting and backup withholding generally will not apply to that payment. However, United States information reporting requirements, but not backup withholding, will apply to a payment of sales proceeds, even if that payment is made to you outside the United States, if you sell your common shares through a non-United States office of a broker that is a United States person or has some other contacts with the United States. Such information reporting requirements will not apply, however, if the broker has documentary evidence in its records that you are a non-United States person and certain other conditions are met, or you otherwise establish an exemption.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, you generally may obtain a refund of any amounts withheld under backup withholding rules that exceed your United States federal income tax liability by filing a refund claim with the IRS.
Individuals who are United States Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, certain individuals who are Non- United States Holders and certain United States entities) who hold “specified foreign financial assets” (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code) are required to file IRS Form 8938 with information relating to the asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year (or such higher dollar amount as prescribed by applicable Treasury regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, our common shares, unless the shares are held through an account maintained with a United States financial institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event an individual United States Holder (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury Regulations, an individual Non- United States Holder or a United States entity) that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of United States federal income taxes of such holder for the related tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required IRS Form 8938 is filed. United States Holders (including United States entities) and Non- United States Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under this legislation.
F. Dividends and Paying Agents
Not applicable.
G. Statement by Experts
Not applicable.
H. Documents on Display
We file reports and other information with the SEC. These materials, including this annual report and the accompanying exhibits are available from http://www.sec.gov.
Shareholders may also visit the Investor Relations section of our website at www.scorpiotankers.com or request a copy of our filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at the following address: Scorpio Tankers Inc., 9, Boulevard Charles III Monaco 98000, +377-9898-5716.
I. Subsidiary Information
Not applicable.
ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes primarily through our unhedged variable-rate borrowings. Significant increases in interest rates could adversely affect our operating margins, results of operations and our ability to service our debt. From time to time, we will use interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to market risk from changes in interest rates. The principal objective of these contracts is to minimize the risks and costs associated with our variable-rate debt and are not for speculative or trading purposes.
Based on the floating rate debt at December 31, 2018 and 2017, a one-percentage point increase in the floating interest rate would increase interest expense by $23.1 million and $22.7 million per year, respectively. The following table presents the due dates for the principal payments on our fixed and floating rate debt:

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As of December 31,
 In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
2019
 
2020 - 2021
 
2022 - 2023
 
Thereafter
Principal payments floating rate debt (unhedged)
 
$
201,526

 
$
727,542

 
$
696,066

 
$
684,445

Principal payments fixed rate debt
 
220,154

 
92,542

 
247,221

 
111,338

Total principal payments on outstanding debt
 
$
421,680

 
$
820,084

 
$
943,287

 
$
795,783

Spot Market Rate Risk
The cyclical nature of the tanker industry causes significant increases or decreases in the revenue that we earn from our vessels, particularly those vessels that operate in the spot market or participate in pools that are concentrated in the spot market such as the Scorpio Pools. We currently do not have any vessels employed on time charter contracts. Additionally, we have the ability to remove our vessels from the pools on relatively short notice if attractive time charter opportunities arise. A $1,000 per day increase or decrease in spot rates for all of our vessel classes would have increased or decreased our operating income by $43.7 million and $36.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Our primary economic environment is the international shipping market. This market utilizes the US dollar as its functional currency. Consequently, virtually all of our revenues and the majority of our operating expenses are in US dollars. However, we incur some of our combined expenses in other currencies, particularly the Euro. The amount and frequency of some of these expenses (such as vessel repairs, supplies and stores) may fluctuate from period to period. Depreciation in the value of the US dollar relative to other currencies will increase the US dollar cost of us paying such expenses. The portion of our business conducted in other currencies could increase in the future, which could expand our exposure to losses arising from currency fluctuations.
There is a risk that currency fluctuations will have a negative effect on our cash flows. We have not entered into any hedging contracts to protect against currency fluctuations. However, we have some ability to shift the purchase of goods and services from one country to another and, thus, from one currency to another, on relatively short notice. We may seek to hedge this currency fluctuation risk in the future.
Bunker Price Risk
Our operating results are affected by movement in the price of fuel oil consumed by the vessels – known in the industry as bunkers. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. Further, fuel may become much more expensive in the future, which may reduce the profitability. We do not hedge our exposure to bunker price risk.
Inflation
We do not expect inflation to be a significant risk to direct expenses in the current and foreseeable economic environment.
See Note 24 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included herein for additional information.
ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES
Not applicable.

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PART II
ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES
None.
ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS
None.
ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
A. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. Our controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives.
We carried out an evaluation under the supervision, and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15e ) as of December 31, 2018. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2018 to provide reasonable assurance that (1) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of disclosure controls and procedures, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of the controls and procedures. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.
B. Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
In accordance with Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act, the management of the Company is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 based on the provisions of Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, or COSO, in 2013. Based on our assessment, management determined that the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018 based on the criteria in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO (2013).
The Company’s internal control over financial reporting, at December 31, 2018, has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, an independent registered public accounting firm, who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for that year. Their audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is presented in “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
C. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
The attestation report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm is presented on page F-2 of the Financial Statements filed as part of this annual report.
D. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
None

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ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Ademaro Lanzara, who serves on the Audit Committee, qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” and that he is “independent” in accordance with SEC rules.
ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics applicable to the Company's officers, directors, employees and agents, which complies with applicable guidelines issued by the SEC. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics as in effect on the date hereof, has been filed as an exhibit to this annual report and is also available on our website at www.scorpiotankers.com.
ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
A. Audit Fees
Our principal accountant for fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit and the audit fee for those periods was $613,259 and $652,510, respectively.
During 2018, our principal accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit, or its affiliates, provided an additional service related to the October 2018 underwritten offering of our common stock and the fee for this service was $82,000. During 2017, PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit provided additional services related to (i) the April 2017 issuance of our Senior Notes due 2019, (ii) the May 2017 underwritten offering of our common stock, (iii) the Merger with NPTI and (iv) the December 2017 underwritten offering of our common stock. The aggregate fees for these services were $395,184.
B. Audit-Related Fees
None
C. Tax Fees
None
D. All Other Fees
None
E. Audit Committee’s Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
Our Audit Committee pre-approves all audit, audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by our independent auditors and associated fees prior to the engagement of the independent auditor with respect to such services.
F. Audit Work Performed by Other Than Principal Accountant if Greater Than 50%
Not applicable.
ITEM 16D. EXEMPTIONS FROM LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES
Not applicable.
ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
The following table sets forth the stock purchase activity of affiliated purchasers of the Company during 2018.
Name
 
Period
 
Total Number of Common Shares Purchased
 
Price Paid per Common Share
Scorpio Bulkers Inc.
 
October 2018
 
5,405,405
(1) 
$
18.50

Scorpio Services Holding Ltd.
 
October 2018
 
540,540
(1) 
$
18.50

(1) Purchased in the underwritten public offering of the Company’s common shares that closed on October 12, 2018.

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In May 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a new Securities Repurchase Program, or the Securities Repurchase Program, to purchase up to an aggregate of $250 million of our common stock and bonds, the latter of which currently consists of our (i) Convertible Notes due 2019, (ii) Convertible Notes due 2022, and (iii) Senior Notes Due 2020 (NYSE: SBNA). This program replaced our stock buyback program that was previously announced in July 2014 and was terminated in conjunction with this new repurchase program.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repurchased an aggregate of 1,351,235 of our common shares at an average price of $17.20 per share pursuant to our Share Repurchase Program. The amounts of our common shares purchased in 2018 by month, including commissions, are set out in the table below:
Name
 
Period
 
Total Number of Common Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Common Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Amount that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Scorpio Tankers Inc.
 
November 2018
 
463,649
 
$
17.81

 
463,649
 
$138,831,353
Scorpio Tankers Inc.
 
December 2018
 
887,586
 
$
16.88

 
887,586
 
$123,847,224

From January 1, 2019 through March 15, 2019, we repurchased an aggregate of 30 of our common shares that are being held as treasury shares at an average price of $17.10 per share.
Furthermore, in March 2019, we repurchased $2.3 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $990.00 per $1,000 principal amount, or $2.3 million.
We had $121.6 million remaining available under our Securities Repurchase Program as of March 15, 2019. We expect to repurchase any securities in the open market, at times and prices that are considered to be appropriate, but we are not obligated under the terms of the program to repurchase any securities.
There were 51,396,970 common shares outstanding as of March 15, 2019.
ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
None.
ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to an exception for foreign private issuers, we, as a Marshall Islands company, are not required to comply with the corporate governance practices followed by U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards. We believe that our established practices in the area of corporate governance are in line with the spirit of the NYSE standards and provide adequate protection to our shareholders. In this respect, we have voluntarily adopted NYSE required practices, such as (i) having a majority of independent directors, (ii) establishing audit, compensation and nominating committees and (iii) adopting a Code of Ethics.
There are two significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the practices required by the NYSE. The NYSE requires that non-management directors meet regularly in executive sessions without management. The NYSE also requires that all independent directors meet in an executive session at least once a year. Marshall Islands law and our bylaws do not require our non-management directors to regularly hold executive sessions without management. During 2018 and through the date of this annual report, our non-management directors met in executive session five times. The NYSE requires companies to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. The guidelines must address, among other things: director qualification standards, director responsibilities, director access to management and independent advisers, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, management succession and an annual performance evaluation. We are not required to adopt such guidelines under Marshall Islands law and we have not adopted such guidelines.
ITEM 16H. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Not applicable.

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PART III
ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
See “Item 18. Financial Statements.”
ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The financial information required by this Item is set forth beginning on page F-1 and is filed as part of this annual report.

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ITEM 19. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
4.1
4.2
4.2(a)
4.3
4.3(a)
4.3(b)
8.1
11.1
11.2
11.3
12.1
12.2
13.1
13.2
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Label Linkbase
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Presentation Linkbase

(1)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Amended Registration Statement on Form F-1/A (Amendment No. 1) (File No. 333-164940) on March 10, 2010, and incorporated by reference herein.
(2)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Amended Registration Statement on Form F-1/A (Amendment No. 2) (File No. 333-164940) on March 18, 2010, and incorporated by reference herein.

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(3)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 20-F on June 29, 2010, and incorporated by reference herein.
(4)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-173929) on May 4, 2011, and incorporated by reference herein.
(5)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F on March 29, 2013, and incorporated by reference herein.
(6)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F on March 31, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.
(7)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K on May 13, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.
(8)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K on October 31, 2014, and incorporated by reference herein.
(9)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F on March 31, 2015, and incorporated by reference herein.
(10)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F on March 16, 2017, and incorporated by reference herein.
(11)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K on March 31, 2017, and incorporated by reference herein.
(12)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F on March 23, 2018, and incorporated by reference herein.
(13)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K on May 16, 2018, and incorporated by reference herein.
(14)
Filed as an Exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 6-K on January 18, 2019, and incorporated by reference herein.



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SIGNATURES
The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.
Dated: March 20, 2019

Scorpio Tankers Inc.
(Registrant)
 
/s/ Emanuele Lauro
Emanuele Lauro
Chief Executive Officer


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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Page


F-1
Table of Contents


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Scorpio Tankers Inc.

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Scorpio Tankers Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income or loss, of comprehensive income or loss, of changes in shareholders’ equity and of cash flow for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2018 in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 15. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
  
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.


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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit
Marseille, France
March 20, 2019

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2013.  



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Table of Contents

Scorpio Tankers Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2018 and 2017
 
 
 
As of
In thousands of U.S. dollars
Notes
 
December 31, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
 

 
 

Current assets
 
 
 
 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
593,652

 
$
186,462

Accounts receivable
 
69,718

 
65,458

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
15,671

 
17,720

Inventories
 
 
8,300

 
9,713

Total current assets
 
 
687,341

 
279,353

Non-current assets
 
 
 
 
 

Vessels and drydock
 
3,997,789

 
4,090,094

Vessels under construction
 
—

 
55,376

Other assets
 
75,210

 
50,684

Goodwill
 
11,539

 
11,482

Restricted cash
 
12,285

 
11,387

Total non-current assets
 
 
4,096,823

 
4,219,023

Total assets
 
 
$
4,784,164

 
$
4,498,376

Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 

Current portion of long-term debt
 
297,934

 
113,036

Finance lease liability
 
114,429

 
50,146

Accounts payable
 
11,865

 
13,044

Accrued expenses
 
22,972

 
32,838

Total current liabilities
 
 
447,200

 
209,064

Non-current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 

Long-term debt
 
1,192,000

 
1,937,018

Finance lease liability
 
1,305,952

 
666,993

Total non-current liabilities
 
 
2,497,952

 
2,604,011

Total liabilities
 
 
2,945,152

 
2,813,075

Shareholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 

Issued, authorized and fully paid-in share capital:
 
 
 
 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 150,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized; 51,397,562 and 32,650,755 issued and outstanding shares as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
 
5,776

 
3,766

Additional paid-in capital
 
2,648,599

 
2,283,591

Treasury shares
 
(467,056
)
 
(443,816
)
Accumulated deficit
 
(348,307
)
 
(158,240
)
Total shareholders’ equity
 
 
1,839,012

 
1,685,301

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
 
$
4,784,164

 
$
4,498,376


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

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Scorpio Tankers Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income or Loss
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars except per share and share data
 
Notes
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Revenue
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Vessel revenue
 
 
$
585,047

 
$
512,732

 
$
522,747

Operating expenses
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Vessel operating costs
 
 
 
(280,460
)
 
(231,227
)
 
(187,120
)
Voyage expenses
 
 
 
(5,146
)
 
(7,733
)
 
(1,578
)
Charterhire
 
 
(59,632
)
 
(75,750
)
 
(78,862
)
Depreciation
 
 
(176,723
)
 
(141,418
)
 
(121,461
)
General and administrative expenses
 
 
(52,272
)
 
(47,511
)
 
(54,899
)
Loss on sales of vessels, net
 
 
—

 
(23,345
)
 
(2,078
)
Merger transaction related costs
 
 
(272
)
 
(36,114
)
 
—

Bargain purchase gain
 
 
—

 
5,417

 
—

Total operating expenses
 
 
 
(574,505
)
 
(557,681
)
 
(445,998
)
Operating income / (loss)
 
 
 
10,542

 
(44,949
)
 
76,749

Other (expense) and income, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial expenses
 
 
(186,628
)
 
(116,240
)
 
(104,048
)
Loss on exchange of convertible notes
 
 
(17,838
)
 
—

 
—

Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
 
 
—

 
(116
)
 
—

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
 
 
—

 
—

 
1,371

Financial income
 
 
 
4,458

 
1,538

 
1,213

Other expenses, net
 
 
 
(605
)
 
1,527

 
(188
)
Total other expense, net
 
 
 
(200,613
)
 
(113,291
)
 
(101,652
)
Net loss
 
 
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
Attributable to:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity holders of the parent
 
 
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
Loss per share
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Basic
 
 
$
(5.46
)
 
$
(7.35
)
 
$
(1.55
)
Diluted
 
 
$
(5.46
)
 
$
(7.35
)
 
$
(1.55
)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
34,824,311

 
21,533,340

 
16,111,865

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
 
 
34,824,311

 
21,533,340

 
16,111,865


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


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Scorpio Tankers Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income or Loss
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net loss
 
 
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
—

 
—

 
—

Total comprehensive loss
 
 
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
Attributable to:
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity holders of the parent
 
 
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)

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

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Scorpio Tankers Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016
In thousands of U.S. dollars except share data
Number of shares outstanding(2)
 
Share capital
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
Treasury shares
 
(Accumulated deficit) / retained earnings
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2016
17,533,540

 
$
2,224

 
$
1,729,314

 
$
(427,311
)
 
$
109,658

 
$
1,413,885

Net loss for the period
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(24,903
)
 
(24,903
)
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
225,112

 
23

 
(23
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Amortization of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
30,207

 
—

 
—

 
30,207

Dividends paid, $5.00 per share (1)
—

 
—

 
(2,168
)
 
—

 
(84,755
)
 
(86,923
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(295,676
)
 
—

 
—

 
(16,505
)
 
—

 
(16,505
)
Equity issuance costs
—

 
—

 
(24
)
 
—

 
—

 
(24
)
Equity component of repurchase of the Convertible Notes (see Note 13)
—

 
—

 
(537
)
 
—

 
—

 
(537
)
Balance as of December 31, 2016
17,462,976

 
$
2,247

 
$
1,756,769

 
$
(443,816
)
 
$
—

 
$
1,315,200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of January 1, 2017
17,462,976

 
$
2,247

 
$
1,756,769

 
$
(443,816
)
 
$
—

 
$
1,315,200

Net loss for the period
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(158,240
)
 
(158,240
)
Net proceeds from follow on offerings of common stock
8,450,000

 
845

 
287,599

 
—

 
—

 
288,444

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
1,087,780

 
109

 
(109
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Amortization of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
22,385

 
—

 
—

 
22,385

Dividends paid, $0.40 per share (1)
—

 
—

 
(9,561
)
 
—

 
—

 
(9,561
)
Shares issued as consideration for merger with NPTI, $40.20 per share
5,499,999

 
550

 
220,550

 
—

 
—

 
221,100

Warrants exercised relating to merger with NPTI
150,000

 
15

 
5,958

 
—

 
—

 
5,973

Balance as of December 31, 2017
32,650,755

 
$
3,766

 
$
2,283,591

 
$
(443,816
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
1,685,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance as of January 1, 2018
32,650,755

 
$
3,766

 
$
2,283,591

 
$
(443,816
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
1,685,301

Adoption of accounting standards (IFRS 15)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4

 
4

Net loss for the period
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(190,071
)
 
(190,071
)
Net proceeds from follow-on offerings of common stock
18,216,216

 
1,822

 
317,810

 
—

 
—

 
319,632

Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
1,881,826

 
188

 
(188
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

Amortization of restricted stock, net of forfeitures
—

 
—

 
25,547

 
—

 
—

 
25,547

Dividends paid, $0.40 per share (1)
—

 
—

 
(15,127
)
 
—

 
—

 
(15,127
)
Purchase of treasury shares
(1,351,235
)
 
—

 
—

 
(23,240
)
 
—

 
(23,240
)
Equity component of issuance of Senior Convertible Notes due 2022 (see Note 13)
—

 
—

 
36,966

 
—

 
—

 
36,966

Balance as of December 31, 2018
51,397,562

 
$
5,776

 
$
2,648,599

 
$
(467,056
)
 
$
(348,307
)
 
$
1,839,012

(1) The Company's policy is to distribute dividends from available retained earnings first and then from additional paid in capital.
(2) On January 18, 2019, the Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. The Company's shareholders approved the reverse stock split and change in authorized common shares at the Company's special meeting of shareholders held on January 15, 2019. Pursuant to this reverse stock split, the total number of authorized common shares was reduced to 150.0 million shares.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Scorpio Tankers Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016

 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
Notes
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Net loss
 
 
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
Loss from sales of vessels
 
—

 
23,345

 
2,078

Depreciation
 
176,723

 
141,418

 
121,461

Amortization of restricted stock
 
25,547

 
22,385

 
30,207

Amortization of deferred financing fees
 
10,541

 
13,381

 
14,149

Write-off of deferred financing fees
 
13,212

 
2,467

 
14,479

Bargain purchase gain
 
—

 
(5,417
)
 
—

Share based transaction costs
 
—

 
5,973

 
—

Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
 
—

 
—

 
(1,371
)
Amortization of acquired time charter contracts
 
 
—

 
—

 
65

Accretion of Convertible Notes
 
13,225

 
12,211

 
11,562

Accretion of fair market measurement on debt assumed from merger with NPTI
 
3,779

 
1,478

 
—

Loss on exchange of Convertible Notes
 
17,838

 
—

 
—

Gain on repurchase of Convertible Notes
 
—

 
—

 
(994
)
 
 
 
70,794

 
59,001

 
166,733

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Decrease / (increase) in inventories
 
 
1,535

 
(1,319
)
 
564

(Increase) / decrease in accounts receivable
 
 
(4,298
)
 
(1,478
)
 
26,688

Decrease / (Increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
 
2,227

 
12,219

 
(5,546
)
(Increase) / decrease in other assets
 
 
(1,226
)
 
(22,651
)
 
2,045

(Decrease) / increase in accounts payable
 
 
(1,382
)
 
3,694

 
(2,487
)
Decrease in accrued expenses
 
 
(9,860
)
 
(7,665
)
 
(9,486
)
 
 
 
(13,004
)
 
(17,200
)
 
11,778

Net cash inflow from operating activities
 
 
57,790

 
41,801

 
178,511

Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Acquisition of vessels and payments for vessels under construction
 
 
(26,057
)
 
(258,311
)
 
(126,842
)
Proceeds from disposal of vessels
 
 
—

 
127,372

 
158,175

Net cash paid for the merger with NPTI
 
 
—

 
(23,062
)
 
—

Drydock, scrubber and BWTS payments (owned and bareboat-in vessels)
 
 
(26,680
)
 
(5,922
)
 
—

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from investing activities
 
 
(52,737
)
 
(159,923
)
 
31,333

Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Debt repayments
 
 
(865,594
)
 
(546,296
)
 
(753,431
)
Issuance of debt
 
 
1,007,298

 
525,642

 
565,028

Debt issuance costs
 
 
(23,056
)
 
(11,758
)
 
(10,679
)
Refund of debt issuance costs due to early debt repayment
 
 
2,826

 
—

 
—

Increase in restricted cash
 
 
(897
)
 
(2,279
)
 
—

Repayment of Convertible Notes
 
 
—

 
—

 
(8,393
)

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Gross proceeds from issuance of common stock
 
 
337,000

 
303,500

 
—

Equity issuance costs
 
 
(17,073
)
 
(15,056
)
 
(24
)
Dividends paid
 
 
(15,127
)
 
(9,561
)
 
(86,923
)
Redemption of NPTI Redeemable Preferred Shares
 
 
—

 
(39,495
)
 
—

Repurchase of common stock
 
 
(23,240
)
 
—

 
(16,505
)
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from financing activities
 
 
402,137

 
204,697

 
(310,927
)
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
407,190

 
86,575

 
(101,083
)
Cash and cash equivalents at January 1,
 
 
186,462

 
99,887

 
200,970

Cash and cash equivalents at December 31,
 
 
$
593,652

 
$
186,462

 
$
99,887

Supplemental information:
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Interest paid (which includes $0.2 million, $4.2 million and $6.3 million of interest capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively)
 
 
$
155,304

 
$
92,034

 
$
69,008



In May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged an aggregate of $203.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for an aggregate of $203.5 million in aggregate principal amount of our newly issued Convertible Senior Notes due 2022. These transactions are further described in Note 13.

In June and September 2017, we acquired Navig8 Product Tankers Inc ("NPTI") and its fleet of 12 LR1 and 15 LR2 product tankers for approximately 5.5 million common shares of the Company and the assumption of NPTI's debt. These transactions are described in Note 2.

These transactions represent the significant non-cash transactions incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

Notes to the consolidated financial statements
 
1.
General information and significant accounting policies
Company
Scorpio Tankers Inc. and its subsidiaries (together “we”, “our” or the “Company”) are engaged in the seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products in the international shipping markets. Scorpio Tankers Inc. was incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on July 1, 2009. On April 6, 2010, we closed on our initial public offering, and the common stock currently trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol STNG.
Our fleet as of December 31, 2018 consisted of 109 owned or finance leased product tankers (14 Handymax, 45 MR, 12 LR1 and 38 LR2) and 11 time or bareboat chartered-in product tankers (seven Handymax and four MR).
Our vessels are commercially managed by Scorpio Commercial Management S.A.M., or SCM, which is majority owned by the Lolli-Ghetti family of which Mr. Emanuele Lauro, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Mr. Filippo Lauro, our Vice President, are members. SCM’s services include securing employment, in pools, in the spot market, and on time charters.
Our vessels are technically managed by Scorpio Ship Management S.A.M., or SSM, which is majority owned by the Lolli-Ghetti family. SSM facilitates vessel support such as crew, provisions, deck and engine stores, insurance, maintenance and repairs, and other services necessary to operate the vessels such as drydocks and vetting/inspection under a technical management agreement.
We also have an administrative services agreement with Scorpio Services Holding Limited, or SSH, which is majority owned by the Lolli-Ghetti family. The administrative services provided under this agreement primarily include accounting, legal compliance, financial, information technology services, and the provision of administrative staff and office space, which are contracted to subsidiaries of SSH. We pay our managers fees for these services and reimburse them for direct or indirect expenses that they incur in providing these services. 
Basis of accounting
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of Scorpio Tankers Inc. and its subsidiaries. The consolidated financial statements have been presented in United States dollars, or USD or $, which is the functional currency of Scorpio Tankers Inc. and all its subsidiaries, and have been authorized for issue by the Board of Directors on March 15, 2019. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or IFRS, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and on a historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial instruments.
All inter-company transactions, balances, income and expenses were eliminated on consolidation.
Reverse stock split
On January 18, 2019, the Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split. The par value was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the going concern basis of accounting as described further in the “Liquidity risk” section of Note 24.

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Significant Accounting Policies
The following is a discussion of our significant accounting policies that were in effect during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Revenue recognition
Beginning on January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology for recognizing revenue and voyage expenses related to certain revenue streams to comply with the new accounting standards.
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on May 28, 2014. IFRS 15 amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition and is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products or services are transferred to customers. IFRS 15 applies to an entity's first annual IFRS financial statements for a period beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption (the “modified retrospective method”). We have applied the modified retrospective method upon the date of transition.
Revenue earned by our vessels is comprised of pool revenue, time charter revenue and voyage revenue.
(1)
Pool revenue for each vessel is determined in accordance with the profit sharing terms specified within each pool agreement. In particular, the pool manager aggregates the revenues and expenses of all of the pool participants and distributes the net earnings to participants based on:
•
the pool points attributed to each vessel (which are determined by vessel attributes such as cargo carrying capacity, fuel consumption, and construction characteristics); and
•
the number of days the vessel participated in the pool in the period.
(2)
Time charter agreements are when our vessels are chartered to customers for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, or current market rates.
(3)
Voyage charter agreements are charter hires, where a contract is made in the spot market for the use of a vessel for a specific voyage for a specified charter rate.
Of these revenue streams, revenue generated from voyage charter agreements is within the scope of IFRS 15. Revenue generated from pools and time charters is accounted for as revenue earned under operating leases. Accordingly, the implementation of IFRS 15 did not have an effect on the revenue recognized from the pools or time charters, however these arrangements will be impacted by IFRS 16, Leases, which is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 and is discussed further below. The accounting for our different revenue streams is as follows:
Spot market revenue
For vessels operating in the spot market, we recognize revenue ‘over time’ as the customer (i.e. the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the vessel. Under IFRS 15, the time period over which revenue is recognized has changed from the previous accounting standard. Prior to the effective date of IFRS 15, revenue from voyage charter agreements was recognized as voyage revenue on a pro-rata basis over the duration of the voyage on a discharge to discharge basis. In the application of this policy, we did not begin recognizing revenue until (i) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably, (ii) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the entity, (iii) the transactions stage of completion at the balance sheet date could be measured reliably, and (iv) the costs incurred and the costs to complete the transaction could be measured reliably. However, under IFRS 15, the performance obligation has been identified as the transportation of cargo from one point to another. Therefore, in a spot market voyage under IFRS 15, revenue is now recognized on a pro-rata basis commencing on the date that the cargo is loaded and concluding on the date of discharge.
At December 31, 2017, we had two vessels operating in the spot market and the cumulative effect of the application of IFRS 15 under the modified retrospective method resulted in a $3,888 reduction in the opening balance of accumulated deficit on January 1, 2018.
The following table summarizes the impact of adopting IFRS 15 on the Company's statement of income or loss and statement of comprehensive income or loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 for each of the line items affected. There was no impact on the Company's balance sheet at December 31, 2018 as the Company did not have any vessels operating in the spot market on that date. Additionally, there was no material impact on the statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2018.

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In thousands of U.S. dollars
Amounts after adoption of IFRS 15
Adjustments
Amounts without adoption of IFRS 15
Revenue
 
 
 
Vessel revenue
$
585,047

$
(173
)
$
584,874

 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
 
 
 
Voyage expenses
(5,146
)
177

(4,969
)
Total operating expenses
(574,505
)
177

(574,328
)
Net loss
$
(190,071
)
$
4

$
(190,067
)
 
 
 
 
Total comprehensive loss
$
(190,071
)
$
4

$
(190,067
)

Pool revenue
We recognize pool revenue on a monthly basis, when the vessel has participated in a pool during the period and the amount of pool revenue for the month can be estimated reliably. We receive estimated vessel earnings based on the known number of days the vessel has participated in the pool, the contract terms, and the estimated monthly pool revenue. On a quarterly basis, we receive a report from the pool which identifies the number of days the vessel participated in the pool, the total pool points for the period, the total pool revenue for the period, and the calculated share of pool revenue for the vessel. We review the quarterly report for consistency with each vessel’s pool agreement and vessel management records. The estimated pool revenue is reconciled quarterly, coinciding with our external reporting periods, to the actual pool revenue earned, per the pool report. Consequently, in our financial statements, reported revenues represent actual pooled revenues. While differences do arise in the performance of these quarterly reconciliations, such differences are not material to total reported revenues.
Time charter revenue
Time charter revenue is recognized as services are performed based on the daily rates specified in the time charter contract.
Voyage expenses
Voyage expenses primarily include bunkers, port charges, canal tolls, cargo handling operations and brokerage commissions paid by us under voyage charters. Prior to the implementation of IFRS 15 on January 1, 2018, voyage costs were expensed ratably over the estimated length of each voyage, which can be allocated between reporting periods based on the timing of the voyage. The impact of recognizing voyage expenses ratably over the length of each voyage was not materially different on a quarterly and annual basis from a method of recognizing such costs as incurred. Consistent with our revenue recognition for voyage charters prior to the implementation of IFRS 15, voyage expenses were calculated on a discharge-to-discharge basis.
Beginning on January 1, 2018, we changed the methodology for recognizing revenue and voyage expenses to comply with IFRS 15. Under IFRS 15, voyage costs incurred in the fulfillment of a voyage charter are deferred and amortized over the course of the charter commencing on the date that the cargo is loaded and concluding on the date of discharge. Voyage costs are only deferred if they (i) relate directly to such charter, (ii) generate or enhance resources to be used in meeting obligations under the charter and (iii) are expected to be recovered.
The procurement of these services is managed on our behalf by our commercial manager, SCM (see Note 17).
Vessel operating costs
Vessel operating costs, which include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lubricating oil consumption, communication expenses, and technical management fees, are expensed as incurred for vessels that are owned, finance leased or bareboat chartered-in. The procurement of these services is managed on our behalf by our technical manager, SSM (see Note 17).

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(Loss) / earnings per share
Basic (loss) / earnings per share is calculated by dividing net (loss) / income attributable to equity holders of the parent by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted (loss) / earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the net (loss) / income attributable to equity holders of the parent and the weighted average number of common shares used for calculating basic (loss) / earnings per share for the effects of all potentially dilutive shares. Such dilutive common shares are excluded when the effect would be to reduce a loss per share or increase earnings per share.
In the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, there were potentially dilutive items as a result of our Equity Incentive Plans (see Note 16), our convertible senior notes due 2019, or Convertible Notes due 2019, and our convertible senior notes due 2022, or Convertible Notes due 2022, (as described in Note 13). Potentially dilutive items related to our Equity Incentive Plans, Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 were excluded from the composition of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
We apply the if-converted method when determining diluted (loss) / earnings per share. This requires the assumption that all potential ordinary shares have been converted into ordinary shares at the beginning of the period or, if not in existence at the beginning of the period, the date of the issue of the financial instrument or the granting of the rights by which they are granted. Under this method, once potential ordinary shares are converted into ordinary shares during the period, the dividends, interest and other expense associated with those potential ordinary shares will no longer be incurred. The effect of conversion, therefore, is to increase income (or reduce losses) attributable to ordinary equity holders as well as the number of shares in issue. Conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Charterhire expense
Charterhire expense is the amount we pay to vessel owners to time or bareboat charter-in vessels.  The amount is usually for a fixed period of time at rates that are generally fixed, but may contain a variable component based on inflation, interest rates, profit sharing or current market rates.  In a time charter-in arrangement, the vessel’s owner is responsible for crewing and other vessel operating costs, whereas these costs are the responsibility of the charterer in a bareboat charter-in arrangement. Charterhire expense is recognized ratably over the charterhire period.
Operating leases
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged to the consolidated statement of income or loss on a straight line basis over the lease term.
Foreign currencies
The individual financial statements of Scorpio Tankers Inc. and each of its subsidiaries are presented in the currency of the primary economic environment in which we operate (its functional currency), which in all cases is U.S. dollars. For the purpose of the consolidated financial statements, our results and financial position are also expressed in U.S. dollars.
In preparing the financial statements of Scorpio Tankers Inc. and each of its subsidiaries, transactions in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are recorded at the rate of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are retranslated into the functional currency at rates ruling at that date. All resultant exchange differences have been recognized in the consolidated statements of income or loss. The amounts charged to the consolidated statements of income or loss during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 were not material.
Segment reporting
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we owned, finance leased or chartered-in vessels spanning four different vessel classes, Handymax, MR, LR1/Panamax and LR2/Aframax, all of which earn revenues in the seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products in the international shipping markets. Each vessel within its respective class qualifies as an operating segment under IFRS. However, each vessel also exhibits similar long-term financial performance and similar economic characteristics to the other vessels within the respective vessel class, thereby meeting the aggregation criteria in IFRS. We have therefore chosen to present our segment information by vessel class using the aggregated information from the individual vessels.
Segment results are evaluated based on reported net income or loss from each segment. The accounting policies applied to the reportable segments are the same as those used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
It is not practical to report revenue or non-current assets on a geographical basis due to the international nature of the shipping market.

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Vessels under construction
Vessels under construction are measured at cost and include costs incurred that are directly attributable to bringing the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. These costs include installment payments made to the shipyards, directly attributable financing costs, professional fees and other costs deemed directly attributable to the construction of the asset. We had no vessels under construction as of December 31, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, we had two vessels under construction.
Vessels and drydock
Our fleet is measured at cost, which includes directly attributable financing costs and the cost of work undertaken to enhance the capabilities of the vessels, less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to the estimated residual value over the anticipated useful life of the vessel from date of delivery. Vessels under construction are not depreciated until such time as they are ready for use. The residual value is estimated as the lightweight tonnage of each vessel multiplied by scrap value per ton. The scrap value per ton is estimated taking into consideration the historical four-year average scrap market rates available at the balance sheet date with changes accounted for in the period of change and in future periods.
The vessels are required to undergo planned drydocks for replacement of certain components, major repairs and maintenance of other components, which cannot be carried out while the vessels are operating, approximately every 30 months or 60 months depending on the nature of work and external requirements. These drydock costs are capitalized and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next drydock. In deferred drydocking, we only include direct costs that are incurred as part of the drydocking to meet regulatory requirements, or are expenditures that add economic life to the vessel, increase the vessel’s earnings capacity or improve the vessel’s efficiency. Direct costs include shipyard costs as well as the costs of placing the vessel in the shipyard. Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs, whether incurred as part of the drydocking or not, are expensed as incurred.
For an acquired or newly built vessel, a notional drydock component is allocated from the vessel’s cost. The notional drydock cost is estimated by us, based on the expected costs related to the next drydock, which is based on experience and past history of similar vessels, and carried separately from the cost of the vessel. Subsequent drydocks are recorded at actual cost incurred. The drydock component is depreciated on a straight-line basis to the next estimated drydock. The estimated amortization period for a drydock is based on the estimated period between drydocks. When the drydock expenditure is incurred prior to the expiry of the period, the remaining balance is expensed.
Business combinations
In May 2017, we entered into definitive agreements to acquire Navig8 Product Tankers Inc. ("NPTI"), including its fleet of 12 LR1 and 15 LR2 product tankers for approximately 5.5 million common shares of the Company and the assumption of NPTI's debt (herein referred to as "the Merger"). On June 14, 2017, we acquired part of NPTI’s business with the acquisition of four LR1 product tankers (the “NPTI Vessel Acquisition”) through the acquisition of entities holding those vessels and related debt for an acquisition price of $42.2 million in cash. On September 1, 2017, all conditions precedent were lifted and we acquired NPTI's remaining business including eight LR1 and 15 LR2 tankers (the "September Closing") when the Merger closed.
We have accounted for these transactions as business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting as set forth in IFRS 3 Business Combinations, with the Company determined as the accounting acquirer under this guidance. Accordingly, we have measured the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. The consideration transferred has been measured at fair value, with the fair value of the approximately 5.5 million common shares issued in September 2017 based on the price of such shares on the date of acquisition. The difference between the fair value of the net assets acquired and the fair value of the consideration transferred has been recorded as a bargain purchase gain with respect to the acquisition of the four LR1 tankers in June 2017 and goodwill with respect to the acquisition of the remaining fleet in September 2017. Acquisition related costs have been expensed as incurred. This transaction is further described in Note 2.
Impairment of goodwill
Goodwill arising from the September Closing has been allocated to the cash generating units within each of the respective operating segments that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the Merger (LR2s and LR1s). Goodwill is not amortized and is tested annually ('or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise') by comparing the aggregate carrying amount of the cash generating units in each respective operating segment, plus the allocated goodwill, to their recoverable amounts.
Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell ('determined by taking into consideration two independent broker valuations for each vessel within each segment') and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows of the operating segment are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the operating segment for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.

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If the recoverable amount is determined to be less than the aggregate carrying amount of the assets in each respective operating segment, plus goodwill, then goodwill is reduced to the lower of the recoverable amount or zero. An impairment loss is recognized as an expense immediately. The carrying value of our vessels, drydock and vessels under construction is reviewed for impairment separately, as described below.
Impairment of vessels, drydock and vessels under construction
At each balance sheet date, we review the carrying amount of our vessels and drydock and vessels under construction to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the vessels and drydock and vessels under construction is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). We treat each vessel and the related drydock as a cash generating unit.
Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell (determined by taking into consideration two independent broker valuations) and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the cash-generating unit is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognized as an expense immediately.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the cash generating unit is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognized for the cash generating unit in the prior years. A reversal of impairment is recognized as income immediately.
Inventories
Inventories consist of lubricating oils and other items including stock provisions, and are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the first in first out method. Stores and spares are charged to vessel operating costs when purchased.
Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time (for example, the time period necessary to construct a vessel) to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.
To the extent that variable rate borrowings are used to finance a qualifying asset and are hedged in an effective cash flow hedge of interest rate risk, the effective portion of the derivative is recognized in other comprehensive income and released to income or loss when the qualifying asset impacts income or loss. To the extent that fixed rate borrowings are used to finance a qualifying asset and are hedged in an effective fair value hedge of interest rate risk, the capitalized borrowing costs reflect the hedged interest rate.
Investment income earned on the temporary investment of specific borrowings pending their expenditure on qualifying assets is deducted from the borrowing costs eligible for capitalization.
All other borrowing costs are recognized in the consolidated statement of income or loss in the period in which they are incurred.
Financial instruments
IFRS 9, Financial instruments, sets out requirements for recognizing and measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and some contracts to buy or sell non-financial items. This standard replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and is effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on these consolidated financial statements.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognized in our balance sheet when we become a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets
All financial assets are recognized and derecognized on a trade date where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract whose terms require delivery within the timeframe established by the market concerned, and are initially measured at fair value, plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value.

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Financial assets are classified into the following specified categories: financial assets "at fair value through profit or loss", or FVTPL, "at fair value through other comprehensive income" or at amortized costs on the basis of the Company’s business model for managing financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset.
Income is recognized on an effective interest basis for debt instruments other than those financial assets classified as at FVTPL.
Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets are measured at amortized cost if both of the following conditions are met:
•
the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and
•
the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if both of the following conditions are met:
•
the financial asset is held within a business model whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial assets; and
•
the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets are classified as at FVTPL where the financial asset is held for trading.
A financial asset is classified as held for trading if:
•
it has been acquired principally for the purpose of selling in the near future; or
•
it is a part of an identified portfolio of financial instruments that we manage together and has a recent actual pattern of short-term profit-taking; or
•
it is a derivative that is not designated and effective as a hedging instrument.
Financial assets at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognized in the statement of income or loss. The net gain or loss recognized in income or loss incorporates any dividend or interest earned on the financial asset. Fair value is determined in the manner described in Note 24.
Accounts receivable
Amounts due from the Scorpio Pools and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments and are not quoted in an active market are classified as accounts receivable. Accounts receivable without a significant financing component are initially measured at their transaction price and subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment (as discussed below). Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.
Impairment of financial assets
IFRS 9 replaces the 'incurred loss' model in IAS 39 with an 'expected credit loss' (ECL) model to determine and recognize impairments. ECLs are a probability-weighted estimate of credit losses and are measured as the present value of all cash shortfalls (i.e. the difference between cash flows due to the entity in accordance with the contract and cash flows that the Company expects to receive). ECLs are discounted at the effective interest rate of the financial asset. Under IFRS 9, credit losses are recognized earlier than under IAS 39.
Under the general model to ECLs under IFRS 9, loss allowances are measured in two different ways:
•
12-month ECLs: 12-month ECLs are the expected credit losses that may result from default events on a financial instrument that are possible within the 12 months after the reporting date. 12-month ECLs are utilized when a financial asset has a low credit risk at the reporting date or has not had a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition.

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•
Lifetime ECLs: these are ECLs that result from all possible default events over the expected life of a financial instrument. Lifetime ECLs are determined when an impaired financial asset has been purchased or originated or when there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition
However, IFRS 9 requires operational simplifications for trade receivables, contract assets and lease receivables because they are often held by entities that do not have sophisticated credit risk management systems (i.e. the ‘simplified model’). These simplifications eliminate the need to calculate 12- month ECLs and to assess when a significant increase in credit risk has occurred. Under the simplified approach:
•
For trade receivables or contract assets that do not contain a significant financing component, the loss allowance is required to be measured at initial recognition and throughout the life of the receivable at an amount equal to lifetime ECL.
•
For finance lease receivables, operating lease receivables, or trade receivables or contract assets that do contain a significant financing component, IFRS 9 permits an entity to choose as its accounting policy to measure the loss allowance using the general model or the simplified model (i.e. at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses).
We measure loss allowances for all trade and lease receivables under the simplified model using the lifetime ECL approach. When estimating ECLs, the Company considers reasonable and supportable information that is available without undue cost or effort at the reporting date about past events, current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions.
The application of the ECL requirements under IFRS 9 did not result in the recognition of an impairment charge under the new impairment model. This determination was made on the basis that most of our vessels operate in the Scorpio Pools and the Company has never experienced a historical credit loss of amounts due from the Scorpio Pools. This determination also considers reasonable and supportable information about current conditions and forecast future economic conditions
Cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and demand deposits, and other short-term highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.
Restricted cash
During 2018, we placed deposits in debt service reserve accounts under the terms and conditions set forth under our 2017 Credit Facility. Additionally, as part of the acquisition of NPTI and the assumption of NPTI's indebtedness (as further described in Note 13), we are required to maintain debt service reserve accounts under certain of NPTI's secured credit facilities and sale leaseback arrangements. Funds held in these accounts will be released upon the maturity of such facilities and have accordingly been accounted for as non-current restricted cash on our consolidated balance sheet.
 Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at amortized cost or financial liabilities at FVTPL.
Financial liabilities at amortized cost
Financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities at FVTPL
Financial liabilities not classified at amortized cost are classified as FVTPL.
Financial liabilities at FVTPL are stated at fair value, with any resultant gain or loss recognized in the Statement of Income or Loss. The net gain or loss recognized in the statement of income or loss incorporates any interest paid on the financial liability. Fair value is determined in the manner described in Note 24.
Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortized cost of a financial asset and a financial liability. It allocates interest income and interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that discounts estimated future cash flows (including all fees or points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) over the expected life of the financial asset and financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

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Convertible debt instruments
In June 2014, we completed an offering for $360.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019, or the Convertible Notes due 2019, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933 (as further described in Note 13). In May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million (out of $348.5 million outstanding), respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the Company's new 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes due 2022”), the terms of which are in Note 13. These exchanges were executed with certain holders of the Convertible Notes due 2019 via separate, privately negotiated agreements.
Under International Accounting Standard 32, or IAS 32, we must separately account for the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments (such as the Convertible Notes) in a manner that reflects the issuer’s economic interest cost. Under this methodology, the instrument is split between its liability and equity components upon initial recognition. The fair value of the liability is measured first, by estimating the fair value of a similar liability that does not have any associated equity conversion option. This becomes the liability’s carrying amount at initial recognition, which is recorded as part of Debt on the consolidated balance sheet. The equity component (the conversion feature) is assigned the residual amount after deducting the amount separately determined for the liability component from the fair value of the instrument as a whole and is recorded as part of Additional paid-in capital within stockholders’ equity on the consolidated balance sheet. Issuance costs are allocated proportionately between the liability and equity components.
The value of the equity component is treated as an original issue discount for purposes of accounting for the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022. Accordingly, we are required to record non-cash interest expense as a result of the amortization of the discounted carrying value of the Convertible Notes to their face amount over the term of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022. IAS 32 therefore requires interest to include both the current period’s amortization of the debt discount and the instrument’s coupon interest.    
Derivative financial instruments
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each balance sheet date. A derivative with a positive fair value is recognized as a financial asset whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognized as a financial liability. The resulting gain or loss is recognized in income or loss immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in income or loss depends on the nature of the hedging relationship.
A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months, and it is not expected to be realized or settled within 12 months.
There were no derivative instruments or transactions during the year ended December 31, 2018. Our derivative financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 consisted of a profit or loss sharing arrangement with a third party on a time chartered-in vessel. See Note 14 for further description of these instruments.
Lease Financing
During the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we entered into sale and leaseback transactions in which certain of our vessels were sold to a third party and then leased back to us under bareboat charter-in arrangements. In certain of these transactions, the criteria necessary to recognize a sale of these vessels were not met as the terms of these transactions were such that we never part with the risks and rewards incident to ownership of the vessel, which includes an assessment of the likelihood of the exercise of purchase options contained within the contracts. Accordingly, these transactions have been accounted for as financing arrangements, with the liability under each arrangement recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method and the corresponding vessels recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, on our consolidated balance sheet. All of these arrangements are further described in Note 13.
Conversely, certain of our other sale and leaseback transactions that were entered into during the year ended December 31, 2017 met the criteria as sales and operating leasebacks as set forth under IAS 17, Leases. Accordingly, the losses on the sales of these assets were recognized when the vessels were designated as held for sale. These transactions are further described in Note 6.
Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in our assets after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by us are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.
We had 51,397,562 and 32,650,755 registered shares authorized, issued and outstanding with a par value of $0.01 per share at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. These shares provide the holders with the same rights to dividends and voting rights.

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Provisions
Provisions are recognized when we have a present obligation as a result of a past event, and it is probable that we will be required to settle that obligation. Provisions are measured at our best estimate of the expenditure required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date and are discounted to present value where the effect is material.
Dividends
A provision for dividends payable is recognized when the dividend has been declared in accordance with the terms of the shareholder agreement.
Dividends per share presented in these consolidated financial statements are calculated by dividing the aggregate dividends declared by the number of our shares at the record date of such dividend.
Restricted stock
The restricted stock awards granted under our equity incentive plans as described in Note 16 contain only service conditions and are classified as equity settled. Accordingly, the fair value of our restricted stock awards was calculated by multiplying the average of the high and low share price on the grant date and the number of restricted stock shares granted that are expected to vest.  In accordance with IFRS 2 “Share Based Payment,” the share price at the grant date serves as a proxy for the fair value of services to be provided by the individual under the plan.
Compensation expense related to the awards is recognized ratably over the vesting period, based on our estimate of the number of awards that will eventually vest. The vesting period is the period during which an individual is required to provide service in exchange for an award and is updated at each balance sheet date to reflect any revisions in estimates of the number of awards expected to vest as a result of the effect of service vesting conditions. The impact of the revision of the original estimate, if any, is recognized in the consolidated statement of income or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves.
Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the accounting policies, we are required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The significant judgments and estimates are as follows:
Revenue recognition
Our revenue is primarily generated from time charters, spot voyages, or pools (see Note 18 for the components of our revenue generated during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016). Revenue recognition for time charters and pools is generally not as complex or as subjective as voyage charters (spot voyages). Time charters are for a specific period of time at a specific rate per day. For long-term time charters, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter. Pool revenues are determined by the pool managers from the total revenues and expenses of the pool and allocated to pool participants using a mechanism set out in the pool agreement.
We generated revenue from spot voyages during the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017. Within the shipping industry, prior to January 1, 2018 (as discussed below under Standards and Interpretations issued and adopted in 2018), there were two methods used to account for spot voyage revenue: (1) ratably over the estimated length of each voyage or (2) completed voyage. The recognition of voyage revenues ratably over the estimated length of each voyage was the most prevalent method of accounting for voyage revenues and the method used by us. Under each method, voyages were calculated on either a load-to-load or discharge-to-discharge basis. In applying our revenue recognition method, we believed that the discharge-to-discharge basis of calculating voyages more accurately estimated voyage results than the load-to-load basis. In the application of this policy, we did not begin recognizing revenue until (i) the amount of revenue could be measured reliably, (ii) it was probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction would flow to the entity, (iii) the transactions stage of completion at the balance sheet date could be measured reliably and (iv) the costs incurred and the costs to complete the transaction could be measured reliably.
Subsequent to January 1, 2018, we recognize spot market revenue ‘over time’ as the customer (i.e. the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the vessel. Under IFRS 15, the performance obligation has been identified as the transportation of cargo from one point to another. Therefore, in a spot market voyage under IFRS 15, revenue is now recognized on a pro-rata basis commencing on the date that the cargo is loaded and concluding on the date of discharge. Moreover,

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we changed the methodology for recognizing voyage expenses to comply with IFRS 15. Under IFRS 15, voyage costs incurred in the fulfillment of a voyage charter are deferred and amortized over the course of the charter commencing on the date that the cargo is loaded and concluding on the date of discharge. Voyage costs are only deferred if they (i) relate directly to such charter, (ii) generate or enhance resources to be used in meeting obligations under the charter and (iii) are expected to be recovered.
Vessel impairment 
We evaluate the carrying amounts of our vessels and vessels under construction to determine whether there is any indication that those vessels have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of vessels is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell (determined by taking into consideration two independent broker valuations) and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. The projection of cash flows related to vessels is complex and requires us to make various estimates including future freight rates, earnings from the vessels and discount rates. All of these items have been historically volatile. As part of our process of assessing fair value less costs to sell of the vessel, we obtain vessel valuations for our operating vessels from leading, independent and internationally recognized ship brokers on an annual basis or when there is an indication that an asset or assets may be impaired. We generally do not obtain vessel valuations for vessels under construction. If an indication of impairment is identified, the need for recognizing an impairment loss is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the vessels to the higher of the fair value less costs to sell and the value in use. Likewise, if there is an indication that an impairment loss recognized in prior periods no longer exists or may have decreased, the need for recognizing an impairment reversal is assessed by comparing the carrying amount of the vessels to the latest estimate of recoverable amount.
At December 31, 2018, we reviewed the carrying amount of our vessels to determine whether there was an indication that these assets had suffered an impairment. First, we compared the carrying amount of our vessels to their fair values less costs to sell (determined by taking into consideration two independent broker valuations). We then compare that estimate of market values (less an estimate of selling costs) to each vessel’s carrying value and, if the carrying value exceeds the vessel’s market value, an indicator of impairment exists. We also consider sustained weakness in the product tanker market as an impairment indicator. If we determined that impairment indicators exist, then we prepared a value in use calculation where we estimated each vessel’s future cash flows. These estimates are primarily based on a combination of the latest, published, forecast time charter rates for the next three years, a growth rate of 2.47% in freight rates in each period thereafter (which is based off of historical and forecast inflation rates) and our best estimates of vessel operating expenses and drydock costs. These cash flows were then discounted to their present value, using a pre-tax discount rate of 8.29%.
At December 31, 2018, we owned or financed leased 109 vessels in our fleet. The results of our impairment test were as follows:
•
34 of our owned or financed leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell greater than their carrying amount. As such, there were no indicators of impairment for these vessels.
•
75 of our owned or finance leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell less than their carrying amount. We prepared a value in use calculation for each of these vessels which resulted in no impairment being recognized
Vessel lives and residual value
The carrying value of each of our vessels represents its original cost at the time it was delivered or purchased less depreciation and impairment. We depreciate our vessels to their residual value on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives of 25 years. The estimated useful life of 25 years is management’s best estimate and is also consistent with industry practice for similar vessels. The residual value is estimated as the lightweight tonnage of each vessel multiplied by a forecast scrap value per ton. The scrap value per ton is estimated by taking into consideration the historical four-year scrap market rate average at the balance sheet date, which we update annually.
An increase in the estimated useful life of a vessel or in its scrap value would have the effect of decreasing the annual depreciation charge and extending it into later periods. A decrease in the useful life of a vessel or scrap value would have the effect of increasing the annual depreciation charge.
When regulations place significant limitations over the ability of a vessel to trade on a worldwide basis, the vessel’s useful life is adjusted to end at the date such regulations become effective. No such regulations have been identified that would have impacted the estimated useful life of our vessels. The estimated salvage value of the vessels may not represent the fair market value at any one time since market prices of scrap values tend to fluctuate.

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Deferred drydock cost
We recognize drydock costs as a separate component of each vessel’s carrying amount and amortize the drydock cost on a straight-line basis over the estimated period until the next drydock. We use judgment when estimating the period between when drydocks are performed, which can result in adjustments to the estimated amortization of the drydock expense. If the vessel is disposed of before the next drydock, the remaining balance of the deferred drydock is written-off and forms part of the gain or loss recognized upon disposal of vessels in the period when contracted. We expect that our vessels will be required to be drydocked approximately every 30 to 60 months for major repairs and maintenance that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. Costs capitalized as part of the drydock include actual costs incurred at the drydock yard and parts and supplies used in making such repairs.
Adoption of new and amended IFRS and IFRIC interpretations from January 1, 2018
Standards and Interpretations issued and adopted in 2018
•
Amendment to IFRS 2 - Share based payment transactions
•
IFRIC 22 - Foreign currency transactions and advance consideration
•
IFRS 9 - Financial Instruments
The adoption of these standards did not have a material impact on these consolidated financial statements.
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on May 28, 2014. IFRS 15 amends the existing accounting standards for revenue recognition and is based on principles that govern the recognition of revenue at an amount an entity expects to be entitled when products or services are transferred to customers. IFRS 15 applies to an entity's first annual IFRS financial statements for a period beginning on or after January 1, 2018. The standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption (the “modified retrospective method”). We have applied the modified retrospective method upon the date of transition.
Our revenue is primarily generated from time charters, participation in pooling arrangements, and in the spot market. Of these revenue streams, revenue generated in the spot market is within the scope of IFRS 15. Revenue generated from time charters and from pooling arrangements are outside the scope of IFRS 15 as they are considered leases.
The impact of the application of this new accounting standard is discussed above under the heading Significant Accounting Policies.
At December 31, 2017, we had two vessels operating in the spot market and the cumulative effect of the application of this standard under the modified retrospective method resulted in a $3,888 reduction in the opening balance of accumulated deficit on January 1, 2018.
Standards and Interpretations issued yet not adopted
IFRS 16, Leases, was issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on January 13, 2016. IFRS 16 applies to an entity's first annual IFRS financial statements for a period beginning on or after January 1, 2019. IFRS 16 amends the definition of what constitutes a lease to be a contract that conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset if the lessee has both (i) the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the identified asset and (ii) the right to direct the use of the identified asset throughout the period of use. We have determined that our existing pool and time charter-out arrangements meet the definition of leases under IFRS 16, with the Company as lessor, on the basis that the pool or charterer manages the vessels in order to enter into transportation contracts with their customers, and thereby enjoys the economic benefits derived from such arrangements. Furthermore, the pool or charterer can direct the use of a vessel (subject to certain limitations in the pool or charter agreement) throughout the period of use.
Moreover, under IFRS 16, we are also required to identify the lease and non-lease components of revenue and account for each component in accordance with the applicable accounting standard. In time charter-out or pool arrangements, we have determined that the lease component is the vessel and the non-lease component is the technical management services provided to operate the vessel. These components will be accounted for as follows:
•All fixed lease revenue earned under these time charter-out arrangements will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
•Lease revenue earned under our pool arrangements will be recognized as it is earned, since it is 100% variable.
•The non-lease component will be accounted for as services revenue under IFRS 15. This revenue will be recognized “over time” as the customer (i.e. the pool or the charterer) is simultaneously receiving and consuming the benefits of the service.

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We expect that the application of the above principles will not result in a material difference to the amount of revenue recognized under our existing accounting policies for pool and time-out charter arrangements.
IFRS 16 also amends the existing accounting standards to require lessees to recognize, on a discounted basis, the rights and obligations created by the commitment to lease assets on the balance sheet, unless the term of the lease is 12 months or less. Accordingly, the standard will result in the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding liabilities, on the basis of the discounted remaining future minimum lease payments, relating to our existing bareboat chartered-in vessel commitments that are currently reported as operating leases. This standard will not impact the accounting for our existing time chartered-in vessels which are scheduled to expire in the first quarter of 2019, however it will result in the recognition of right of use assets and corresponding liabilities for our three bareboat chartered-in vessels, which are scheduled to expire in April 2025.
Upon transition, a lessee shall apply IFRS 16 to its leases either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (the ‘full retrospective approach’) or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying IFRS 16 recognized at the date of initial application (the ‘modified retrospective approach’). We will apply the modified retrospective approach upon transition. The impact of the application of this standard on our opening balance sheet as of January 1, 2019 will be the recognition of a $48.7 million right of use asset, a $50.9 million operating lease liability and a $2.2 million reduction in retained earnings.
Additionally, at the date of authorization of these consolidated financial statements, the following Standards which have not been applied in these consolidated financial statements were issued but not yet effective. We do not expect that the adoption of these standards in future periods will have a material impact on our financial statements.
•
Annual Improvements for IFRS Standards 2015 - 2017 Cycle, which are summarized as follows:
IFRS 3 Business Combinations and IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements - The amendments to IFRS 3 clarify that when an entity obtains control of a business that is a joint operation, it remeasures previously held interests in that business. The amendments to IFRS 11 clarify that when an entity obtains joint control of a business that is a joint operation, the entity does not remeasure previously held interests in that business.
IAS 23 Borrowing Costs - The amendments clarify that if any specific borrowing remains outstanding after the related asset is ready for its intended use or sale, that borrowing becomes part of the funds that an entity borrows generally when calculating the capitalization rate on general borrowings.
•
Amendment to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 - Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture. Clarifies the recognition of gains and losses arising on the sale or contribution of assets that constitute a business and assets that do not constitute a business. The effective date is pending.
•
IAS 19, Employee Benefits - Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement (Amendments to IAS 19): The amendments require an entity to use the updated assumptions from a remeasurement net defined benefit liability or asset resulting from a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement to determine current service cost and net interest for the remainder of the reporting period after the change to the plan.
•
IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments - The interpretation specifies how an entity should reflect the effects of uncertainties in accounting for income taxes.

2.
Merger with Navig8 Product Tankers Inc
Background
In May 2017, we entered into definitive agreements to acquire NPTI, including its fleet of 12 LR1 and 15 LR2 product tankers for approximately 5.5 million common shares of the Company and the assumption of NPTI's debt. The rationale for the Merger was that both companies operate complementary fleets of modern, fuel efficient product tankers, and the combination of both companies provided an opportunity to materially increase our size and scale so that we are better positioned to benefit from a cyclical recovery, without ordering new vessels and adding to the total supply of the product tankers globally.
On June 14, 2017, we acquired part of NPTI’s business with the acquisition of four LR1 product tankers through the acquisition of entities holding those vessels (which we refer to as "NPTI Vessel Acquisition") and related debt for an acquisition price of $42.2 million in cash. On September 1, 2017, all conditions precedent were lifted and we acquired NPTI's remaining business including eight LR1 and 15 LR2 tankers when the Merger closed (which we refer to as the "September Closing"). We assumed NPTI's aggregate outstanding indebtedness of $907.4 million upon the closing of these transactions.
The key events, consideration and corresponding timeline of the Merger were as follows:

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•
On May 30, 2017, we issued 5 million shares of common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $40.00 per share for net proceeds of approximately $188.7 million, after deducting underwriters' discounts and offering expenses. The completion of this offering was a condition to closing the Merger.
•
On June 14, 2017, we acquired part of NPTI’s business with the acquisition of four LR1 product tankers through the acquisition of entities holding those vessels and related debt for an acquisition price of $42.2 million in cash.
•
On September 1, 2017, at the September Closing, all conditions precedent were lifted and we acquired NPTI's remaining business including eight LR1 and 15 LR2 tankers. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, one share in NPTI gave the right to receive 0.1176 of our shares, and we issued a total of 5,499,999 common shares to NPTI's shareholders as Merger consideration. Insignificant transaction costs were incurred as part of this issuance.
•
We assumed NPTI's aggregate outstanding indebtedness of $907.4 million upon the closing of these transactions.
Accounting for the Merger
With the closing of these transactions, we took control of NPTI’s business. The factors that were considered in determining that we should be treated as the accounting acquirer in the Merger were the relative voting rights in the combined company, the composition of the board of directors in the combined company, the relative sizes of the Company and NPTI, and the composition of senior management of the combined company.
Our original intentions were to acquire NPTI and its entire fleet of 27 vessels. We agreed to acquire the vessels that were part of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition prior to the closing of the Merger in order to provide NPTI with additional liquidity through the closing date of the Merger. The NPTI Vessel Acquisition was negotiated on non-recourse terms that did not allow for this transaction to be rescinded or repriced in the event that the Merger did not close (if, for example, either party exercised their termination rights, as defined in the Merger Agreement, prior to the September Closing). In addition, we gained control of the four entities on June 14, 2017 and were not restricted in the use of these underlying vessels. Accordingly, we have assessed that this first transaction was a separate transaction from an accounting perspective.
As part of this assessment, we determined that the NPTI Vessel Acquisition met the criteria as a business combination under IFRS 3 given the acquisition of the underlying inputs, processes and outputs that accompanied these vessels. The key determinant in this assessment was the acquisition of the processes underlying the entities acquired as we assumed the rights and obligations under the commercial and technical management contracts for these entities. The processes underlying these agreements are summarized as follows:
Commercial management - The NPTI Acquisition Vessels operated under the commercial management of the Navig8 Group (a related party affiliate to NPTI) both prior to and subsequent to closing. This included, but was not limited to, entering into voyage arrangements with the Navig8 Group's existing customers, determining the locations where the vessels traded and the types of cargos that the vessels transported.
Technical management - In addition, the technical management contracts were also maintained subsequent to closing. The processes underlying these contracts included crewing, which includes but is not limited to ensuring that the vessel is appropriately staffed with qualified personnel, payment of crew wages and arrangement of crew travel, repairs and maintenance of the vessel, procurement of supplies and spare parts, safety, quality and environmental compliance services, insurance, and meeting third party quality assurance compliance (including oil major vetting).
The assumption of these processes was the distinguishing factor between the accounting for this transaction as a separate business combination, rather than as an asset acquisition. Moreover, the fact pattern was the same for the entities acquired at the September Closing as we acquired the inputs, processes and outputs underlying those entities as well.
Accordingly, the NPTI Vessel Acquisition that closed in June 2017 and the September Closing were accounted for as two separate business combinations.
The following represents the purchase price allocation for both the NPTI Vessel Acquisition and the September Closing. The consideration transferred for the September Closing has been measured at fair value, with the fair value of the common shares issued in September 2017 based on the average of the high and low price of such shares on the date of acquisition.

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In thousands of U.S. Dollars
NPTI Vessel Acquisition
September Closing - Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation - December 31, 2017
Measurement Period Adjustments
September Closing - Final Purchase Price Allocation - December 31, 2018
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,180

$
15,149

$
—

$
15,149

 
Restricted cash
—

13,641

—

13,641

 
Accounts receivables
3,330

16,323

132

16,455

(1) 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
2,932

19,940

—

19,940

 
Inventories
299

1,415

—

1,415

 
Restricted cash - non-current
4,000

6,380

—

6,380

 
Vessels, net
158,500

972,750

—

972,750

 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(13,720
)
(2,966
)
(189
)
(3,155
)
(2) 
Debt (current and non-current)
(113,856
)
(793,519
)
—

(793,519
)
 
Redeemable Preferred Shares
—

(39,495
)
—

(39,495
)
 
Net assets acquired and liabilities assumed
47,665

209,618

(57
)
209,561

 
Total purchase price consideration
42,248

221,100

—

221,100

 
Provisional (bargain purchase) / goodwill
$
(5,417
)
$
11,482

$
57

$
11,539

 
The bargain purchase relating to the NPTI Vessel Acquisition arose primarily as a result of increases in the market prices of secondhand LR1 vessels between the date that the negotiations took place and the closing date of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition, in addition to our bargaining power during the negotiations given NPTI's immediate need for additional liquidity.
The goodwill arising from the September Closing is attributable to benefits that we expect to realize as a result of the increased size and scale of the combined company and the anticipated benefits that we expect to achieve given this enhanced market position. This purchase price allocation was finalized in September 2018 and the measurement period adjustments are described below:
(1)
The September Closing measurement period adjustments to accounts receivable relates to changes in estimates of revenue earned for vessels operating in the Navig8 Pools (which are owned and operated by the Navig8 Group) during the periods prior to the closing of the Merger. A vessel's share of pool revenues in a particular period can change in subsequent periods as initial voyage results are finalized for items that have initially been estimated (such as demurrage claims).
(2) The September Closing measurement period adjustments to accounts payable and accrued expenses relate to new information obtained regarding certain expense items that relate to the period prior to the closing of the Merger but were not reflected in the initial purchase price allocation.
There were no contingent liabilities assumed as part of the Merger.
Accounts receivables
Accounts receivables primarily represent hire receivables due from the Navig8 Pools, which are owned and operated by the Navig8 Group. The carrying value of accounts receivables acquired has been assessed as their fair value as, at the acquisition date, there was no indication that these amounts will not be collectible.
Vessels, Net
Vessels have been valued at fair value after taking into consideration the average of two leading, independent and internationally recognized ship brokers. The brokers assess fair value based on each vessel's age, the shipyard where it was built, its deadweight capacity, and other factors that may influence the selling price between a willing buyer and seller. We consider these valuations to be Level 2 fair value measurements.
Debt (current and non-current)
NPTI’s long-term debt consists of secured borrowings and obligations due under finance leases.
Secured debt - The fair value of NPTI's secured debt was measured using the income approach under IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, which takes into account the future cash flows that a market participant would expect to receive from holding the liability as an asset. In making this assessment, we estimated each facility's rate of return based on the margin for each facility in addition to the interest rate swap forward curve as published by a third party on the date of acquisition.

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This rate of return was used to assess whether, in conjunction with other terms of these arrangements (such as the leverage ratio), the economics of each arrangement were consistent with the economics that can be attained in the market by reference to recently executed transactions under similar terms and conditions. Fair value adjustments were made to those arrangements where differences were identified. We consider these valuations to be Level 2 fair value measurements.
Obligations due under sale and leaseback financing facilities - The fair value of NPTI’s sale and leaseback financing arrangements was measured using the income approach under IFRS 13, Fair Value Measurement, which takes into account the future cash flows that a market participant would expect to receive from holding the liability as an asset. In making this assessment, the Company estimated each facility's variable interest component based on the interest rate swap forward curve as published by a third party on the date of acquisition. A rate of return was estimated based on these inputs and a terminal value based on either the purchase obligation or the final purchase option (wherever applicable). This rate of return was used to assess whether, in conjunction with other terms of these arrangements (such as the leverage ratio or the existence of a purchase obligation), the economics of each arrangement were consistent with the economics that can be attained in the market by reference to recently executed sale and leaseback arrangements that were entered into under similar terms and conditions. Fair value adjustments were made to those arrangements where differences were identified. We consider these valuations to be Level 2 fair value measurements.
Redeemable Preferred Shares and Other non-current liabilities— As of the date of the September Closing, NPTI had 3 million Series A Redeemable Preferred Shares outstanding. These shares were issued by NPTI in 2016 for gross proceeds of $30 million. According to the terms of the Redeemable Preferred Shares, upon a change of control, NPTI was required to redeem all of the Redeemable Preferred Shares at a redemption price equal to the sum of $10.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, multiplied by a redemption premium of 1.20. The fair value of the redemption shares was determined to be $6.6 million as of the date of closing. Accordingly, the fair value of the aggregate liability was determined to be $39.5 million which reflects the redemption price of $30.0 million, accrued and unpaid dividends of $2.9 million and the redemption premium of $6.6 million. This liability was repaid upon the September Closing.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $45.3 million in revenue and a net loss of $18.7 million attributable to the operations of NPTI that were acquired, which excludes the impact of general and administrative expenses as these are generally not allocated to our operating segments.
Unaudited Pro Forma Results
If the Merger had occurred on January 1, 2017, unaudited consolidated pro-forma revenue and net loss for the year ended December 31, 2017 would have been $594.5 million and $193.4 million, respectively. These amounts have been calculated using NPTI's results for the year ended December 31, 2017 and adjusted for the following:
Revenue — NPTI was party to a Pool Management Revenue Share Rights agreement with each of the pools that its vessels operated in. This agreement enabled NPTI to receive a 30% share of the net revenues derived from the commercial management of the pools in exchange for 33,696 shares of NPTI common stock. This agreement was cancelled on the date of execution of the Merger Agreement of May 23, 2017 and the shares were returned to NPTI and cancelled. Accordingly, amounts earned under this agreement of $0.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2017 were eliminated on a pro forma basis.
Depreciation — Depreciation expense has been adjusted to reflect:
•
the change in depreciation that would have occurred assuming the fair value adjustments to Vessels had applied beginning on January 1, 2017.
•
the Company's accounting policy for the depreciation of vessels and drydock whereby (i) depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to the estimated residual value over the anticipated useful life of the vessel from the date of delivery and (ii) for an acquired or newly built vessel, a notional drydock component is allocated from the vessel’s cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis to the next estimated drydock.
Financial expenses - Financial expenses have been adjusted to reflect:
•
Deferred financing fee amortization — unamortized deferred charges relating to NPTI’s secured debt were eliminated and reflected in the fair value assessment of the debt.
•
Interest expense - the preliminary purchase price allocates the estimated fair value of NPTI’s secured debt and obligations due under sale leaseback facilities. Accordingly, we adjusted interest expense on a pro forma basis to reflect the amortization of these fair value adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2017.
Transaction Costs
We incurred $36.1 million of transactions costs relating to the Merger, which were expensed during the year ended December 31, 2017 and $0.3 million of transaction costs during the year ended December 31, 2018. These costs include $16.1 million of advisory and other professional fees, $17.7 million of costs related to the early termination of NPTI’s existing service

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agreements and $2.6 million of other costs, which include fees incurred for a back-stop credit facility that was put in place in the event that certain of NPTI's lenders did not consent to the Merger. This facility was cancelled upon the receipt of such consents.
We settled $6.0 million of the fees incurred to terminate NPTI's existing service agreements through the issuance of warrants to the NPTI pool manager, exercisable into 150,000 of our common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per share, upon the delivery of the vessels acquired from NPTI to the Scorpio Pools. These fees relate to the termination of the applicable pooling arrangements with NPTI, and we issued two warrants to the Navig8 pool manager as consideration for the termination.  The first warrant was issued in June 2017 as part of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition, and was exercisable on a pro-rata basis for an aggregate of 22,222 of our common shares. The second warrant was issued on similar terms to the first warrant on September 1, 2017 and was exercisable on a pro-rata basis for an aggregate of 127,778 of our common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per share upon the delivery of each of the 23 remaining vessels to the Scorpio Pools.  These warrants were accounted for on the date of issuance and valued based on the average of the high and low price of our common shares on such dates. All of the warrants had been exercised as of December 31, 2017.
For impairment testing of goodwill, refer to Note 8.

3.
Cash and cash equivalents
The following table depicts the components of our cash as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
At December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Cash at banks
$
592,498

 
$
185,377

Cash on vessels
1,154

 
1,085

 
$
593,652

 
$
186,462


4.
Prepaid expenses and other assets
The following is a table summarizing our prepaid expenses and other current assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

 
 At December 31,
 In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
SSM - prepaid vessel operating expenses
2,461

 
6,391

Prepaid insurance - related party
—

 
2,428

Prepaid expenses from related parties
2,461

 
8,819

 
 
 
 
Prepaid interest
6,870

 
1,153

Prepaid insurance
4,449

 
1,001

Third party - prepaid vessel operating expenses
712

 
1,255

Other prepaid expenses
1,179

 
5,492

 
$
15,671

 
$
17,720



5.
Accounts receivable
The following is a table summarizing our accounts receivable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

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At December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Scorpio MR Pool Limited
$
33,288

 
$
27,720

Scorpio LR2 Pool Limited
24,563

 
7,026

Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Limited
4,559

 
6,037

Scorpio LR1 Pool Limited
3,705

 
3,002

Scorpio Aframax Pool Limited
63

 
1,095

Scorpio Commercial Management S.A.M.
2,511

 
—

Receivables from the related parties
68,689

 
44,880

 
 
 
 
Insurance receivables
204

 
870

Freight and time charter receivables
22

 
2,399

Receivables from Navig8 Group Pools
17

 
14,625

Other receivables
786

 
2,684

 
$
69,718

 
$
65,458

Scorpio MR Pool Limited, Scorpio LR2 Pool Limited, Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Limited, Scorpio LR1 Pool Limited and Scorpio Aframax Pool Limited are related parties, as described in Note 17. Amounts due from the Scorpio Pools relate to income receivables and receivables for working capital contributions which are expected to be collected within one year. The amounts receivable from the Scorpio Pools as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include $22.9 million and $25.7 million, respectively, of working capital contributions made on behalf of our vessels to the Scorpio Pools.
Receivables from SCM primarily represent amounts due from the agreement to reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges the Company’s vessels (as described in Note 17) to effectively reduce such commissions to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture. This agreement is effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019 and the amount due at December 31, 2018 represents the reimbursement earned from September 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
Receivables from Navig8 Group Pools represent amounts due from the Navig8 LR8 and Alpha8 pools for certain vessels that were acquired from NPTI which operated in such pools during the year ended December 31, 2017. These vessels joined the Scorpio Pools in the fourth quarter of 2017 or first quarter of 2018.
Freight and time charter receivables represent amounts collectible from customers for our vessels operating on time charter or in the spot market.
Insurance receivables primarily represent amounts collectible on our insurance policies in relation to vessel repairs.
We consider that the carrying amount of accounts receivable approximates their fair value due to the short maturity thereof. Accounts receivable are non-interest bearing. At December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, no material receivable balances were either past due or impaired.


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6.
Vessels
 
Operating vessels and drydock
 
 In thousands of U.S. dollars
 Vessels
 
 Drydock
 
 Total
 Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of January 1, 2018
4,389,648

 
82,888

 
4,472,536

 
Additions (1)
79,454

 
4,964

 
84,418

 
Write-offs (2)
—

 
(1,500
)
 
(1,500
)
 
As of December 31, 2018
4,469,102

 
86,352

 
4,555,454

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Accumulated depreciation and impairment
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of January 1, 2018
(347,703
)
 
(34,739
)
 
(382,442
)
 
Charge for the period
(158,740
)
 
(17,983
)
 
(176,723
)
 
Write-offs (2)
—

 
1,500

 
1,500

 
As of December 31, 2018
(506,443
)
 
(51,222
)
 
(557,665
)
 Net book value
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2018
$
3,962,659

 
$
35,130

 
$
3,997,789

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cost
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of January 1, 2017
$
3,126,790

 
$
60,089

 
$
3,186,879

 
Additions (3)
333,338

 
12,667

 
346,005

 
Vessels acquired in merger with NPTI (4)
1,113,618

 
17,632

 
1,131,250

 
Disposal of vessels (5)
(184,098
)
 
(3,750
)
 
(187,848
)
 
Write-offs (6)
—

 
(3,750
)
 
(3,750
)
 
As of December 31, 2017
4,389,648

 
82,888

 
4,472,536

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Accumulated depreciation and impairment
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of January 1, 2017
(246,210
)
 
(27,415
)
 
(273,625
)
 
Charge for the period
(127,369
)
 
(14,049
)
 
(141,418
)
 
Disposal of vessels (5)
25,876

 
2,975

 
28,851

 
Write-offs (6)
—

 
3,750

 
3,750

 
As of December 31, 2017
(347,703
)
 
(34,739
)
 
(382,442
)
 Net book value
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017
$
4,041,945

 
$
48,149

 
$
4,090,094


(1)
Additions in 2018 primarily relate to (i) the deliveries of STI Esles II and STI Jardins and corresponding calculations of notional drydock on these vessels and (ii) drydock costs incurred on certain of our vessels.
(2)
Represents the write-off of the notional drydock costs of STI Fontvieille and STI Ville which were drydocked in 2018.
(3)
Additions in 2017 primarily relate to (i) the deliveries of eight newbuilding vessels and corresponding calculations of notional drydock on these vessels and (ii) drydock costs incurred on certain of our vessels.
(4)
Represents the fair value of the vessels acquired in the Merger with NPTI as described in Note 2.
(5)
Represents the net book value of (i) STI Sapphire and STI Emerald, which were sold during the year ended December 31, 2017 and (ii) STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto, which were sold and leased back during the year ended December 31, 2017. These transactions are further described below.
(6)
Represents the write-off of the notional drydock costs of STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet and STI Onyx which were drydocked in 2017.



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2018 Activity
We took delivery of the following newbuilding vessels during the year ended December 31, 2018 resulting in an increase of $81.0 million in Vessels from December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 Month
 
 Vessel
 
 Name
 
 Delivered
 
 Type
1

STI Esles II
 
January 2018
 
MR
2

STI Jardins
 
January 2018
 
MR
Additionally, we incurred drydock costs during the year ended December 31, 2018. These primarily consisted of:
•
STI Fontvieille and STI Ville, which were drydocked in accordance with their scheduled, class required special survey during 2018 for an aggregate cost of $1.9 million and 46 offhire days.
•
STI Duchessa and STI Opera, which were drydocked in accordance with their class required special survey in December 2018 and these vessels completed these surveys in January 2019. $0.7 million of drydock costs relating to these vessels were incurred during the year ended December 31, 2018.
•
$0.9 million of drydock costs incurred for vessels that are expected to enter into drydock in 2019.
Ballast Water Treatment Systems and Scrubbers
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to purchase 55 ballast water treatment systems from an unaffiliated third-party supplier for total consideration of $36.2 million. These systems are expected to be installed over the next five years, as each respective vessel under the agreement is due for its International Oil Pollution Prevention, or IOPP, renewal survey.
Additionally, we expect to retrofit the substantial majority of our vessels with exhaust gas cleaning systems, or scrubbers. The scrubbers will enable our ships to use high sulfur fuel oil, which is less expensive than low sulfur fuel oil, in certain parts of the world. From August 2018 through November 2018, we entered into agreements with two separate suppliers to retrofit a total of 77 of our tankers with such systems for total consideration of $116.1 million (which excludes installation costs). These systems are expected to be installed throughout 2019 and 2020. We also obtained options to retrofit additional tankers under these agreements.
The following table is a timeline of future expected payments and dates for our commitments to purchase scrubbers and ballast water treatment systems as of December 31, 2018 (1):
 
As of December 31,
Amounts in thousands of US dollars
2018
Less than 1 month
$
926

1-3 months
19,481

3 months to 1 year
93,188

1-5 years
18,279

5+ years
—

Total
$
131,874

(1) 
These amounts are subject to change as installation times are finalized. The amounts presented exclude installation costs.  
2017 Activity
We took delivery of the following newbuilding vessels during the year ended December 31, 2017 resulting in an increase of $346.0 million in Vessels from December 31, 2016:

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 Month
 
 Vessel
 
 Name
 
 Delivered
 
 Type
1

STI Selatar
 
February 2017
 
LR2
2

STI Rambla
 
March 2017
 
LR2
3

STI Galata
 
March 2017
 
MR
4

STI Bosphorus
 
April 2017
 
MR
5

STI Leblon
 
July 2017
 
MR
6

STI La Boca
 
July 2017
 
MR
7

STI San Telmo
 
September 2017
 
MR
8

STI Donald C Trauscht
 
October 2017
 
MR
Additionally, five of the Company's 2012 built MR product tankers, STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet and STI Onyx, were drydocked in accordance with their scheduled, class required special survey during 2017. These vessels were offhire for an aggregate of 102 days and the aggregate drydock cost was $6.4 million.
Vessel Sales
In April 2017, we executed agreements with Bank of Communications Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (the “Buyers”) to sell and leaseback, on a bareboat basis, three 2013 built MR product tankers, STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto. The selling price was $29.0 million per vessel, and we agreed to bareboat charter-in these vessels for a period of up to eight years for $8,800 per day per vessel. Each bareboat agreement has been accounted for as an operating lease. We have the option to purchase these vessels beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreements through the end of the eighth year of the agreements. Additionally, a deposit of $4.35 million per vessel was retained by the buyers and will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreements. These sales closed in April 2017 and as a result, all amounts outstanding under our 2011 Credit Facility of $42.2 million were repaid and a $14.2 million loss on sales of vessels was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2017.
In April 2017, we executed an agreement with an unrelated third party to sell two 2013 built, MR product tankers, STI Emerald and STI Sapphire, for a sales price of $56.4 million in aggregate. The sale of STI Emerald closed in June 2017, and the sale of STI Sapphire closed in July 2017.  As a result of this transaction, we recorded an aggregate loss on sale of $9.1 million. Additionally, we repaid the aggregate outstanding debt for both vessels of $27.6 million on the BNP Paribas Credit Facility in June 2017 and wrote-off $0.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this repayment.
Collateral agreements
Vessels with an aggregate carrying value of $3,997.8 million at December 31, 2018, have been pledged as collateral under the terms of our secured debt or have been sold under the terms of our lease financing arrangements. The below table is a summary of these vessels, along with the respective borrowing or lease financing facility (which are described in Note 13) as of December 31, 2018:
Credit Facility
 
Vessel Name
$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Oxford
$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Selatar
$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Gramercy
$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Queens
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Alexis
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Benicia
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Duchessa
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Mayfair
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI San Antonio
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI St. Charles
$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
STI Yorkville
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI Galata

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2017 Credit Facility
 
STI Bosphorus
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI Leblon
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI La Boca
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI San Telmo
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI Donald C Trauscht
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI Esles II
2017 Credit Facility
 
STI Jardins
2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Milwaukee
2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Battery
2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Tribeca
2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Bronx
2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Manhattan
2018 CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Seneca
2018 NIBC Credit Facility
 
STI Memphis
2018 NIBC Credit Facility
 
STI Soho
ABN AMRO / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
STI Precision
ABN AMRO / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
STI Prestige
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
STI Hammersmith
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
STI Westminster
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
STI Winnie
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
STI Lauren
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
 
STI Connaught
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
STI Spiga
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
STI Savile Row
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
STI Kingsway
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
STI Carnaby
AVIC Lease Financing
 
STI Fontvieille
AVIC Lease Financing
 
STI Ville
AVIC Lease Financing
 
STI Brooklyn
AVIC Lease Financing
 
STI Rose
AVIC Lease Financing
 
STI Rambla
BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
 
STI Solace
BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
 
STI Solidarity
BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
 
STI Stability
BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
STI Amber
BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
STI Topaz
BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
STI Ruby
BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
STI Garnet
BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
STI Onyx
China Huarong Lease Financing
 
STI Opera
China Huarong Lease Financing
 
STI Venere
China Huarong Lease Financing
 
STI Virtus
China Huarong Lease Financing
 
STI Aqua
China Huarong Lease Financing
 
STI Dama
China Huarong Lease Financing
 
STI Regina
Citibank / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
STI Excellence

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Citibank / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
STI Executive
Citibank / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
STI Experience
Citibank / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
STI Express
CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Pride
CMB Lease Financing
 
STI Providence
COSCO Shipping Lease Financing
 
STI Battersea
COSCO Shipping Lease Financing
 
STI Wembley
COSCO Shipping Lease Financing
 
STI Texas City
COSCO Shipping Lease Financing
 
STI Meraux
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
STI Exceed
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
STI Excel
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
STI Excelsior
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
STI Expedite
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Nautilus
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Gallantry
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Goal
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Guard
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Guide
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Gauntlet
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Gladiator
CSSC Lease Financing
 
STI Gratitude
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Black Hawk
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Rotherhithe
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Pontiac
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Osceola
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Notting Hill
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Jermyn
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Lombard
ING Credit Facility
 
STI Grace
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Acton
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Brixton
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Broadway
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Camden
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Clapham
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Comandante
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Condotti
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Elysees
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Finchley
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Fulham
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Hackney
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Madison
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Orchard
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Park
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Pimlico
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Poplar
KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Sloane

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KEXIM Credit Facility
 
STI Veneto
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
STI Sanctity
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
STI Steadfast
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
STI Supreme
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
STI Symphony

7.
Vessels under construction
We did not enter into any contracts for the construction of newbuilding vessels during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
As of December 31, 2018, we had no newbuilding product tanker orders. As of December 31, 2017, we had two MR newbuilding product tanker orders for an aggregate purchase price of $75.8 million, of which $52.3 million in cash was paid as of that date, which included the final installment payment of $23.5 million for STI Esles II, which was paid in December 2017 in advance of its delivery in January 2018. Additionally, we made the final installment of $23.5 million for the delivery of STI Jardins in January 2018.
Capitalized interest
In accordance with IAS 23 “Borrowing Costs,” applicable interest costs are capitalized during the period that vessels are under construction. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, we capitalized interest expense for the vessels under construction of $0.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively. The capitalization rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs eligible for capitalization was 5.7% and 4.7% for each of the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We cease capitalizing interest when the vessels reach the location and condition necessary to operate in the manner intended by management.

A rollforward of activity within vessels under construction is as follows:

In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
Balance as of January 1, 2017
$
137,917

Installment payments and other capitalized expenses
252,977

Capitalized interest
4,194

Transferred to operating vessels and drydock
(339,712
)
Balance as of December 31, 2017
$
55,376

 
 
Installment payments and other capitalized expenses
25,452

Capitalized interest
157

Transferred to operating vessels and drydock
(80,985
)
Balance as of December 31, 2018
$
—


8.
Carrying values of vessels, vessels under construction and goodwill
At each balance sheet date, we review the carrying amounts of our goodwill, vessels and related drydock costs to determine if there is any indication that these amounts have suffered an impairment loss. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the vessels and related drydock costs is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. As part of this evaluation, we consider certain indicators of potential impairment, such as market conditions including forecast time charter rates and values for second hand product tankers, discounted projected vessel operating cash flows and the Company’s overall business plans.
Goodwill arising from the September Closing has been allocated to the cash generating units within each of the respective operating segments that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the Merger (LR2s and LR1s). The carrying values of goodwill allocated to these segments were $8.9 million for the LR2 segment and $2.6 million for the LR1 segment. Goodwill is not amortized and is tested annually (or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise) by comparing the aggregate carrying amount of the cash generating units in each respective operating segment, plus the allocated goodwill, to their recoverable amounts. Recoverable amount is the higher of the fair value less cost to sell (determined by taking into consideration two independent broker valuations for each vessel within each segment) and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows of the operating

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segment are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the operating segment for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. This test was performed in connection with the assessment of the carrying amount of our vessels and related drydock costs below, and the test did not result in an impairment charge to goodwill at December 31, 2018.
At December 31, 2018, we reviewed the carrying amount of our vessels to determine whether there was an indication that these assets had suffered an impairment. First, we assess the fair value less the cost to sell our vessels taking into consideration vessel valuations from leading, independent and internationally recognized ship brokers. We then compare that estimate of market values (less an estimate of selling costs) to each vessel’s carrying value and, if the carrying value exceeds the vessel’s market value, an indicator of impairment exists. We also consider sustained weakness in the product tanker market as an impairment indicator. If we determined that impairment indicators exist, then we prepared a value in use calculation where we estimated each vessel’s future cash flows. These estimates were primarily based on (i) a combination of the latest forecast, published time charter rates for the next three years and a 2.47% growth rate (which is based on published historical and forecast inflation rates) in freight rates in each period thereafter and (ii) our best estimate of vessel operating expenses and drydock costs, which are based on our most recent forecasts for the next three years and a 2.47% growth rate in each period thereafter. These cash flows were then discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate of 8.29%. The results of these tests were as follows:
At December 31, 2018, we owned or financed leased 109 vessels in our fleet:
•
34 of our owned or financed leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell greater than their carrying amount. As such, there were no indicators of impairment for these vessels.
•
75 of our owned or finance leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell less than their carrying amount. We prepared a value in use calculation for each of these vessels which resulted in no impairment being recognized.
At December 31, 2017, we owned or financed leased 107 vessels in our fleet and two vessels under construction:
•
Eight of our owned or financed leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell greater than their carrying amount. As such, there were no indicators of impairment for these vessels.
•
99 of our owned or finance leased vessels in our fleet had fair values less costs to sell less than their carrying amount. We prepared a value in use calculation for each of these vessels which resulted in no impairment being recognized.
•
We did not obtain independent broker valuations for our two vessels under construction. To assess their carrying values for impairment, we prepared value in use calculations for each vessel which resulted in no impairment being recognized.
The impairment test that we conduct is most sensitive to variances in the discount rate and future time charter rates.
•
Based on the sensitivity analysis performed for December 31, 2018, a 1.0% increase in the discount rate would result in one LR2 vessel being impaired for an aggregate $0.3 million loss. Alternatively, a 5% decrease in forecasted time charter rates would result in two LR2 vessels being impaired for an aggregate $0.4 million loss.
•
Based on the sensitivity analysis performed for December 31, 2017, a 1.0% increase in the discount rate would result in four MR vessels being impaired for an aggregate $2.3 million loss. Alternatively, a 5% decrease in forecasted time charter rates would also result in thirteen Handymax and MR vessels being impaired for an aggregate $6.9 million loss.



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9.
Other non-current assets
 
At December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Scorpio LR2 Pool Ltd. pool working capital contributions (1)
$
31,450

 
$
28,050

Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Ltd. pool working capital contributions (2)
4,923

 
6,751

Scorpio LR1 Pool Ltd. pool working capital contributions(1)
6,600

 
6,600

Working capital contributions to Scorpio Pools
42,973

 
41,401

 
 
 
 
Deposits for exhaust gas cleaning system ('scrubbers') (3)
12,221

 
—

Seller's credit on lease financed vessels (4)
9,087

 
8,581

Deposits for ballast water treatment systems (5)
6,365

 
—

Investment in ballast water treatment system supplier (5)
1,751

 
—

Capitalized loan fees 
—

 
582

Deferred drydock costs on bareboat chartered-in vessels  (6)
2,813

 
120

 
$
75,210

 
$
50,684

 
(1)
Upon entrance into the Scorpio LR2 and LR1 Pools, all vessels are required to make initial working capital contributions of both cash and bunkers. Initial working capital contributions are repaid, without interest, upon a vessel’s exit from the pool. Bunkers on board a vessel exiting the pool are credited against such repayment at the actual invoice price of the bunkers. For all owned vessels, we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For time chartered-in vessels we classify the amounts as current (within accounts receivable) or non-current (within Other Assets) according to the expiration of the contract.

(2)
Upon entrance into the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool, all vessels are required to make initial working capital contributions of both cash and bunkers. Initial working capital contributions are repaid, without interest, upon a vessel's exit from each pool no later than six months after the exit date. Bunkers on board a vessel exiting the pool are credited against such repayment at the actual invoice price of the bunkers. For all owned vessels, we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For time chartered-in vessels we classify the amounts as current (within Accounts Receivable) or non-current (within Other Assets) according to the expiration of the contract.

(3) From August 2018 through November 2018, we entered into agreements with two separate suppliers to retrofit a total of 77 of our tankers with scrubbers for total consideration of $116.1 million (which excludes installation costs). These scrubbers are expected to be installed throughout 2019 and 2020. Deposits of $12.2 million were made as part of these agreements during the year ended December 31, 2018.

(4) The seller's credit on lease financed vessels represents the present value of the deposits of $4.35 million per vessel ($13.1 million in aggregate) that was retained by the buyer as part of the sale and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto, which is described in Note 13. This deposit will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement. The present value of this deposit has been calculated based on the interest rate that is implied in the lease, and the carrying value will accrete over the life of the lease, through interest income, until expiration. $0.5 million and $0.3 million was recorded as interest income as part of these agreements during years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

(5)
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to purchase 55 ballast water treatment systems from an unaffiliated third party supplier for total consideration of $36.2 million. These systems are expected to be installed over the next five years, as each respective vessel under the agreement is due for its International Oil Pollution Prevention, or IOPP, renewal survey. Upon entry into this agreement, we also obtained a minority equity interest in this supplier for no additional consideration. We have determined that of the total consideration of $36.2 million, $1.8 million is attributable to the minority equity interest.

During the year ended December 31, 2018, an aggregate deposit of $8.1 million was made as part of the entry into this agreement, and we have recorded $1.8 million of this amount as the aforementioned minority equity interest, which is being accounted for as a financial asset under IFRS 9.  Under the terms of the agreement, we were granted a put option, exercisable

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after one year following the date of the agreement, whereby we can put the shares back to the supplier at a predetermined price. The supplier was also granted a call option, exercisable two years following the date of the agreement, whereby it can buy the shares back from us at a predetermined price, which is greater than the strike price of the put option. Given that the value of this investment is contractually limited to the strike prices set forth in these options, we have recorded the value of the investment at the put option strike price, or $1.8 million in aggregate. The difference in the aggregate value of the investment, based on the spread between the exercise prices of the put and call options, is $0.6 million. We consider this value to be a Level 3 fair value measurement, as this supplier is a private company, and the value has been determined based on unobservable market data (i.e. the proceeds that we would receive if we exercised our put option in full).

(6)
Represents deferred drydock costs that have been incurred on certain of our bareboat chartered-in vessels that are being accounted for as operating leases. These costs are being amortized over the shorter of the lease term, or the time period until the next scheduled drydock.

10.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash for the year ended December 31, 2018 primarily represents debt service reserve accounts that must be maintained as part of the terms and conditions of our 2017 Credit Facility, Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility, ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility, and the lease financing arrangements with CMB Financial Leasing Co. Ltd and Bank of Communications Financial Leasing (LR2s). The funds in these accounts will be applied against the principal balance of these facilities upon maturity. These facilities are further described in Note 13.

11.
Accounts payable
The following table depicts the components of our accounts payable as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
At December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Scorpio Ship Management S.A.M. (SSM)
$
545

 
$
766

Scorpio Services Holding Limited (SSH)
409

 
190

Scorpio Commercial Management S.A.M. (SCM)
389

 
186

Amounts due to a port agent - related party
62

 
60

Scorpio LR1 Pool Limited
51

 
22

Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Limited
12

 
—

Scorpio LR2 Pool Limited
2

 
365

Insurance liabilities - related party
—

 
2,163

Scorpio Aframax Pool Limited
—

 
74

Accounts payable to related parties
1,470

 
3,826

 
 
 
 
Suppliers
10,395

 
9,218

 
$
11,865

 
$
13,044

The majority of accounts payable are settled with a cash payment within 90 days. No interest is charged on accounts payable. We consider that the carrying amount of accounts payable approximates fair value.  
12.
Accrued expenses
The following table depicts the components of our accrued expenses as of December 31, 2018 and 2017:

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At December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Accrued expenses to a related party port agent
$
398

 
$
35

Accrued expenses to SSM
287

 
—

Accrued expenses to a related party insurance broker
—

 
26

Accrued expenses to SCM
—

 
5

Accrued expenses to related parties
685

 
66

 
 
 
 
Suppliers
9,147

 
16,533

Accrued interest
9,202

 
13,078

Accrued short-term employee benefits
2,430

 
2,325

Accrued transaction costs relating to the Merger
—

 
34

Other accrued expenses
1,508

 
802

 
$
22,972

 
$
32,838

 
13.
Current and long-term debt
The following is a breakdown of the current and non-current portion of our debt outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 
At December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Current portion (1)
$
297,934

 
$
113,036

Finance lease (2)
114,429

 
50,146

Current portion of long-term debt
412,363

 
163,182

 
 
 
 
Non-current portion (3)
1,192,000

 
1,937,018

Finance lease (4)
1,305,952

 
666,993

 
$
2,910,315

 
$
2,767,193

(1)
The current portion at December 31, 2018 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $2.1 million. The current portion at December 31, 2017 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $1.7 million.
(2)
The current portion at December 31, 2018 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $0.8 million. The current portion at December 31, 2017 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $0.1 million.
(3)
The non-current portion at December 31, 2018 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $12.0 million. The non-current portion at December 31, 2017 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $33.4 million.
(4)
The non-current portion at December 31, 2018 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $8.7 million. The non-current portion at December 31, 2017 was net of unamortized deferred financing fees of $1.1 million.
The following is a rollforward of the activity within debt (current and non-current), by facility, for December 31, 2018:

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Activity
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2018 consists of:
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2017
 
Drawdowns
 
Repayments
 
Other Activity(1)
 
Carrying Value as of December 31, 2018
Current
Non-Current
K-Sure Credit Facility
 
$
239,919

 
$
—

 
$
(239,919
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

$
—

$
—

KEXIM Credit Facility
 
332,950

 
—

 
(33,650
)
 
—

 
299,300

33,650

265,650

Credit Suisse Credit Facility
 
53,488

 
—

 
(53,488
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

ABN AMRO Credit Facility
 
113,312

 
—

 
(12,804
)
 
—

 
100,508

8,554

91,954

ING Credit Facility
 
109,844

 
38,675

 
(4,343
)
 
—

 
144,176

12,737

131,439

BNP Paribas Credit Facility
 
42,550

 
—

 
(42,550
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

Scotiabank Credit Facility
 
28,860

 
—

 
(28,860
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

NIBC Credit Facility
 
34,712

 
—

 
(34,712
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

2018 NIBC Credit Facility
 
—

 
35,658

 
(807
)
 
—

 
34,851

3,230

31,621

2016 Credit Facility
 
195,979

 
—

 
(195,979
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

2017 Credit Facility
 
141,814

 
21,450

 
(18,499
)
 
—

 
144,765

13,265

131,500

HSH Credit Facility
 
15,416

 
—

 
(15,416
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

DVB 2017 Credit Facility
 
78,440

 
—

 
(78,440
)
 
—

 
—

—

—

Credit Agricole Credit Facility
 
103,914

 
—

 
(8,568
)
 
865

 
96,211

7,745

88,466

ABN / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
49,908

 
—

 
(3,851
)
 
775

 
46,832

3,106

43,726

Citibank / K-Sure Credit Facility
 
104,052

 
—

 
(8,416
)
 
1,973

 
97,609

6,524

91,085

ABN / SEB Credit Facility
 
—

 
120,575

 
(5,750
)
 
—

 
114,825

11,500

103,325

Ocean Yield Lease Financing
 
169,016

 
—

 
(10,458
)
 
199

 
158,757

10,515

148,242

CMBFL Lease Financing
 
65,915

 
—

 
(4,908
)
 
191

 
61,198

4,725

56,473

BCFL Lease Financing (LR2s)
 
104,187

 
—

 
(7,332
)
 
599

 
97,454

7,005

90,449

CSSC Lease Financing
 
269,965

 
—

 
(17,309
)
 
(824
)
 
251,832

18,104

233,728

BCFL Lease Financing (MRs)
 
109,232

 
—

 
(10,401
)
 
—

 
98,831

11,021

87,810

2018 CMBFL Lease Financing
 
—

 
141,600

 
(5,057
)
 
—

 
136,543

10,114

126,429


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$116.0 Million Lease Financing
 
—

 
114,840

 
(2,166
)
 
—

 
112,674

6,633

106,041

AVIC Lease Financing
 
—

 
145,000

 
(5,897
)
 
—

 
139,103

11,794

127,309

China Huarong Lease Financing
 
—

 
144,000

 
(6,750
)
 
—

 
137,250

13,500

123,750

$157.5 Million Lease Financing
 
—

 
157,500

 
(5,414
)
 
—

 
152,086

14,143

137,943

COSCO Lease Financing
 
—

 
88,000

 
(3,850
)
 
—

 
84,150

7,700

76,450

Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2020
 
53,750

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
53,750

—

53,750

Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019
 
57,500

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
57,500

57,500

—

Convertible Notes due 2019 (2)
 
328,717

 
—

 
—

 
(186,537
)
 
142,180

142,180

—

Convertible Notes due 2022 (2)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
171,469

 
171,469

—

171,469

 
 
$
2,803,440

 
$
1,007,298

 
$
(865,594
)
 
$
(11,290
)
 
$
2,933,854

$
415,245

$
2,518,609

Less: deferred financing fees
 
(36,247
)
 
(13,871
)
 
—

 
26,579

 
(23,539
)
(2,882
)
(20,657
)
Total
 
$
2,767,193

 
$
993,427

 
$
(865,594
)
 
$
15,289

 
$
2,910,315

$
412,363

$
2,497,952


(1)    Relates to non-cash accretion or amortization of (i) obligations assumed as part of the Merger with NPTI, which were recorded at fair value on the closing date (described below) and (ii) accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022.
(2)    In May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million (out of $348.5 million outstanding), respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the Company's new 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022.
Secured Debt
Each of our secured credit facilities contains financial and restrictive covenants, which require us to, among other things, comply with certain financial tests (described below); deliver quarterly and annual financial statements and annual projections; comply with restrictive covenants, including maintaining adequate insurances; comply with laws (including environmental laws and ERISA); and maintain flag and class of our vessels. Other such covenants may, among other things, restrict consolidations, mergers or sales of our assets; require us to obtain lender approval on changes in our vessel manager; limit our ability to place liens on our assets; limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness; prohibit us from paying dividends if there is a covenant breach under the loan or an event of default has occurred or would occur as a result of payment of such dividend; prohibit our transactions with affiliates. Furthermore, our debt agreements contain cross-default provisions that may be triggered if we default under the terms of any one of our financing agreements.
These secured credit facilities may be secured by, among other things:
•
a first priority mortgage over the relevant collateralized vessels;
•
a first priority assignment of earnings, insurances and charters from the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility;
•
a pledge of earnings generated by the mortgaged vessels for the specific facility; and
•
a pledge of the equity interests of each vessel owning subsidiary under the specific facility.
Minimum interest coverage ratio amendment

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In February and March 2018, we amended the ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense ratio financial covenant on our secured credit facilities (wherever applicable) for the quarters ended June 30, 2018, September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2018. Under this amendment, the ratio was reduced to greater than 1.50 to 1.00 from 2.50 to 1.00. These amendments have been accounted for as debt modifications.
In September 2018, we entered into agreements with certain credit facility lenders to permanently remove the minimum interest coverage ratio financial covenants from the terms of those credit facilities where such covenants were in place. As a result, the Company is no longer required to maintain a ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense on any of its secured credit facilities or lease financing arrangements.
As part of these agreements, and for certain of the facilities, the minimum threshold for the aggregate fair market value of the vessels as a percentage of the then aggregate principal amount of each facility was revised to be no less than the following:
Facility
Minimum ratio
KEXIM Credit Facility
155%
2017 Credit Facility
155%
ABN Credit Facility
145% through June 30, 2019, 150% thereafter
Each of our secured credit facilities are described below.
K-Sure Credit Facility
In February 2014, we entered into a $458.3 million senior secured term loan facility which consisted of a $358.3 million tranche with a group of financial institutions that was 95% covered by Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, or the K-Sure Tranche, and a $100.0 million commercial tranche with a group of financial institutions led by DNB Bank ASA, or the Commercial Tranche. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $239.9 million, as a result of the sale and leasebacks of STI Hammersmith, STI Winnie, STI Lauren, STI Connaught, STI Westminster, STI Tribeca, STI Bronx, STI Manhattan, STI Oxford, STI Gramercy, STI Queens, STI Brooklyn, STI Mayfair, STI Battersea, STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill (see sale leaseback facilities below).
We wrote off an aggregate of $5.9 million of deferred financing fees as a result of the repayment of the outstanding balance.
KEXIM Credit Facility 
In February 2014, we executed a senior secured term loan facility for $429.6 million, or the KEXIM Credit Facility, with a group of financial institutions led by DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) and from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, or KEXIM, a statutory juridical entity established under The Export-Import Bank of Korea Act of 1969, as amended, in the Republic of Korea.  This KEXIM Credit Facility includes commitments from KEXIM of $300.6 million, or the KEXIM Tranche, and a group of financial institutions led by DNB Bank ASA and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) of $129.0 million, or the Commercial Tranche.
Drawdowns under the KEXIM Credit Facility occurred in connection with the delivery of 18 newbuilding vessels as specified in the loan agreement.
In addition to KEXIM’s commitment of up to $300.6 million, KEXIM also provided an optional guarantee for a five-year amortizing note of $125.25 million, the proceeds of which reduced the $300.6 million KEXIM Tranche. These notes were issued on July 18, 2014 when Seven and Seven Ltd., an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands completed an offering of $125,250,000 in aggregate principal amount of floating rate guaranteed notes due 2019, or the KEXIM Notes, in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to the Securities Act and in offshore transactions complying with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The KEXIM Notes were issued in connection with the KEXIM Tranche and reduced KEXIM's funding obligations and our borrowing costs under the KEXIM Tranche by 1.55% per year. Seven and Seven Ltd. is an unaffiliated company that was incorporated for the purpose of facilitating this transaction and servicing the bonds until maturity.
Payment of 100% of all regularly scheduled installments of principal of, and interest on, the KEXIM Notes are guaranteed by KEXIM. The vessels in the loan are the collateral for the KEXIM Credit Facility, which includes the KEXIM Notes. The KEXIM Notes are currently listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited. The KEXIM Notes are not listed on any other securities exchange, listing authority or quotation system.
The Commercial Tranche matures on the sixth anniversary of the delivery date of the last vessel specified under the loan (January 2021), and the KEXIM Tranche matures on the 12th anniversary of the weighted average delivery date of the vessels specified under the loan assuming the Commercial Tranche is refinanced through that date (September 2026).

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Repayments will be made in ten equal consecutive semi-annual repayment installments in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile under the Commercial Tranche and a 12-year repayment profile under the KEXIM Tranche (which includes the KEXIM Notes). Repayments under the KEXIM Tranche will first be applied to the KEXIM Notes until the maturity of those notes in September 2019 and all subsequent repayments will be applied to the remaining amounts outstanding under KEXIM Tranche until the maturity of that tranche in September 2026 (assuming the Commercial Tranche is refinanced through that date). Repayments commenced in March 2015 for the KEXIM Tranche and in July 2015 for the Commercial Tranche.
Borrowings under the KEXIM Tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.25%. Borrowings under the Commercial Tranche bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 3.25% from the effective date of the agreement to the fifth anniversary thereof and 3.75% thereafter until the maturity date in respect of the Commercial Tranche.
Our KEXIM Credit Facility contains certain financial covenants which require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of any new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The minimum threshold for the aggregate fair market value of the vessels as a percentage of the then aggregate principal amount in the facility shall at all times be no less than 155%.
The amounts outstanding relating to this facility (which includes the KEXIM Notes) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $299.3 million and $333.0 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
Credit Suisse Credit Facility
In October 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with Credit Suisse AG, Switzerland. The proceeds of this facility of $58.4 million were used to finance a portion of the purchase price of STI Selatar and STI Rambla. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $53.5 million, as a result of the sale and leaseback of STI Selatar and STI Rambla.
We wrote off an aggregate of $1.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of the repayment.
ABN AMRO Credit Facility
In July 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and DVB Bank SE for up to $142.2 million. This facility was fully drawn in 2015 to partially finance the purchases of STI Savile Row, STI Kingsway and STI Carnaby and to refinance the existing indebtedness on STI Spiga. We refer to this credit facility as our ABN AMRO Credit Facility.
Repayments under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility will be made in equal consecutive quarterly repayment installments in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile. Repayments commenced three months after the drawdown date of each vessel. Each tranche matures on the fifth anniversary of the initial drawdown date and a balloon installment payment is due on the maturity date of each tranche. Borrowings under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 2.15%.
Our ABN AMRO Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $677.3 million plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after October 1, 2013 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after October 1, 2013.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 145% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility through June 30, 2019 and 150% thereafter.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made scheduled principal payments of $8.8 million and an unscheduled prepayment of $4.0 million on this credit facility. The amounts outstanding relating to this facility as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $100.5 million and $113.3 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.

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ING Credit Facility
In June 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with ING Bank N.V., London Branch for a credit facility of up to $52.0 million. In September 2015, we amended and restated the facility to increase the borrowing capacity to $87.0 million, and in March 2016, we amended and restated the facility to further increase the borrowing capacity to $132.5 million. In June 2018, we executed another agreement to further increase the borrowing capacity to $171.2 million. The 2018 upsized portion of the loan facility was fully drawn in September 2018 and was used to refinance the existing outstanding indebtedness relating to one Handymax product tanker (STI Rotherhithe) and one MR product tanker (STI Notting Hill), which were previously financed under the Company’s K-Sure Credit Facility.
Repayments on borrowings up to $132.5 million are being made in equal quarterly installments, in accordance with a 15-year repayment profile, and a balloon installment payment due on the maturity dates of March 4, 2021 for STI Lombard and STI Osceola and June 24, 2022 for STI Grace, STI Jermyn, STI Black Hawk, STI Pontiac, STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill. The 2018 upsized portion of the loan for STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill will be repaid in equal quarterly installments of $1.0 million per quarter, in aggregate, for the first eight installments and $0.8 million per quarter, in aggregate, thereafter, with a balloon payment due upon the maturity date of June 24, 2022.
Borrowings under the ING Credit Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.95% per annum for the STI Lombard, STI Osceola, STI Grace, STI Jermyn, STI Black Hawk and STI Pontiac tranches. The STI Rotherhithe and STI Notting Hill tranches bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.4% per annum.
Our ING Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of not less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the positive consolidated net income for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 160% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
The amounts outstanding relating to this facility as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $144.2 million and $109.8 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
BNP Paribas Credit Facility
In December 2015, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with BNP Paribas SA for up to $34.5 million, and in December 2016, we amended and restated the facility to increase the borrowing capacity by a further $27.6 million to $62.1 million. This upsized portion was drawn in January and February 2017 as part of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Sapphire and STI Emerald and fully repaid in June 2017 when these vessels were sold. Furthermore, in December 2017 we amended and restated the facility to increase the borrowing capacity by a further $13.2 million as part of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Soho (which was previously financed under our K-Sure Credit Facility). During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $42.6 million in connection with the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Memphis, STI Battery and STI Soho.
We wrote off an aggregate of $0.4 million of deferred financing fees as a result of these transactions.
Scotiabank Credit Facility
In June 2016, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with Scotiabank Europe plc. The loan facility was fully drawn in June 2016, and the proceeds of $33.3 million were used to refinance the existing indebtedness on STI Rose. In September 2018, we refinanced the outstanding amounts borrowed under this facility by repaying $28.9 million and drawing down $36.5 million from the AVIC Lease Financing agreement (described below). We wrote off an aggregate of $0.1 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
NIBC Credit Facility
In June 2016, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with NIBC Bank N.V. This facility was fully drawn in July 2016, and the aggregate proceeds of $40.8 million were used to refinance the existing indebtedness on STI Ville and STI Fontvieille, which were previously financed under our 2013 Credit Facility. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $34.7 million primarily in connection with the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for STI Fontvieille and STI Ville.
We wrote off an aggregate of $0.5 million of deferred financing fees as a result of these transactions.

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2018 NIBC Credit Facility
In June 2018, we executed an agreement with NIBC Bank N.V. for a $35.7 million term loan facility. We refer to this facility as our 2018 NIBC Credit Facility. This facility was fully drawn in August 2018 and the proceeds were used to refinance the existing indebtedness related to two MR product tankers (STI Memphis and STI Soho), which were previously financed under the BNP Paribas Credit Facility.
The loan facility has a final maturity of June 2021, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.5% per annum and will be repaid in equal quarterly installments of $0.8 million, in aggregate, with a balloon payment due upon maturity.  Our 2018 NIBC Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall be: 130% from the first drawdown date and ending on the second anniversary of the first drawdown date; 135% from the second anniversary of the first drawdown date and expiring on the fourth anniversary of the first drawdown date; and 140% at all times thereafter.
The amount outstanding relating to this facility was $34.9 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date.
2016 Credit Facility
In August 2016, we executed a senior secured loan facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Nordea Bank Finland plc, acting through its New York branch, and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB. The loan facility was fully drawn in September 2016, and the aggregate proceeds of $288.0 million were used to refinance the existing indebtedness on 16 MR product tankers, which were previously financed under the 2013 Credit Facility. This credit facility was comprised of a term loan up to $192.0 million and a revolver up to $96.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $196.0 million as a result of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for all of the vessels collateralized under this facility.
We wrote off $2.2 million in deferred financing fees as a result of these transactions.
2017 Credit Facility
In March 2017, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with a group of financial institutions led by Macquarie Bank Limited (London Branch) for up to $172.0 million, or the 2017 Credit Facility. The 2017 Credit Facility consists of five tranches, including two commercial tranches of $15.0 million and $25.0 million, a KEXIM Guaranteed Tranche of $48.0 million, a KEXIM Funded Tranche of $52.0 million, and a GIEK Guaranteed Tranche of $32.0 million.
$145.5 million was drawn during the year ended December 31, 2017 to partially finance the purchases of seven newbuilding MRs and we made the following drawdown to partially finance the purchase of one newbuilding MR during the year ended December 31, 2018:
Drawdown amount
 
 
 
 
(in millions of U.S. dollars)
 
Drawdown date
 
Collateral
$
21.5

 
January 2018
 
STI Jardins
There are no remaining amounts available under this facility. Other key terms are as follows:

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•
The first commercial tranche of $15.0 million has a final maturity of six years from the drawdown date of each vessel, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum, and has a 15 year repayment profile.
•
The second commercial tranche of $25.0 million has a final maturity of nine years from the drawdown date of each vessel (assuming KEXIM or GIEK have not exercised their option to call for prepayment of the KEXIM and GIEK funded and guaranteed tranches by the date falling two months prior to the maturity of the first commercial tranche and in the event that the first commercial tranche has not been extended), bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.25% per annum, and has a 15 year repayment profile.
•
The KEXIM Funded Tranche and GIEK Guaranteed Tranche have a final maturity of 12 years from the drawdown date of each vessel (assuming the commercial tranches are refinanced through that date), bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.15% per annum, and have a 12 year repayment profile.
•
The KEXIM Guaranteed Tranche has a final maturity of 12 years from the drawdown date of each vessel (assuming the commercial tranches are refinanced through that date), bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.60% per annum, and has a 12 year repayment profile.
Our 2017 Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
Concurrent with the amendment on the ratio of EBITDA to net interest expense financial covenant in September 2018, the security cover ratio under the 2017 Credit Facility was revised such that the aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 155% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $5.0 million on deposit in a debt service reserve account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we made scheduled principal payments of $10.5 million and an unscheduled prepayment of $8.0 million on this credit facility. The amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $144.8 million and $141.8 million. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
HSH Nordbank Credit Facility
In January 2017, we executed a senior secured credit facility agreement with HSH Nordbank AG for $31.1 million, or the HSH Credit Facility. In February 2017, we refinanced the outstanding indebtedness related to STI Duchessa and STI Onyx by repaying an aggregate of $23.7 million on our 2011 Credit Facility and drawing down an aggregate of $31.1 million from this facility. In October 2017, we repaid $13.8 million relating to the amounts borrowed for STI Onyx in connection with the sale and leaseback of this vessel.
In September 2018, we repaid the remaining outstanding balance of $14.2 million in connection with the sale and leaseback of STI Duchessa.
We wrote off $0.2 million in deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
DVB 2017 Credit Facility
In March 2017, we executed a senior secured term loan facility of up to $81.4 million with DVB Bank SE, or the DVB 2017 Credit Facility, to refinance our previous facility with DVB Bank SE. The DVB 2017 Credit Facility was used to refinance the existing indebtedness on four product tankers, STI Wembley, STI Milwaukee, STI Seneca and STI Alexis in April 2017. Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2018, we repaid the outstanding balance of $78.4 million primarily as a result of the refinancing of the amounts borrowed for these vessels.
We wrote off $1.2 million in deferred financing fees as a result of the repayment of this facility.
Credit Agricole Credit Facility
As part of the closing of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition in June 2017, we assumed the outstanding indebtedness under NPTI's senior secured term loan with Credit Agricole. STI Excel, STI Excelsior, STI Expedite and STI Exceed are pledged as collateral under this facility. Repayments are being made in equal quarterly installments of $2.1 million in aggregate in accordance

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with a 15-year repayment profile with a balloon payment due upon maturity, which occurs between November 2022 and February 2023 (depending on the vessel). The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.75%.
Our Credit Agricole Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 135% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans under the credit facility.
The carrying values of the indebtedness related to this facility (which includes the discount recorded to write the value down of its fair value as part of the purchase price allocation for the Merger) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $96.2 million and $103.9 million. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility
We assumed the outstanding indebtedness under NPTI's senior secured credit facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, or K-Sure, which we refer to as the ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility, upon the closing of the Merger with NPTI in September 2017. Two LR1s (STI Precision and STI Prestige) are collateralized under this facility and the facility consists of two separate tranches, an $11.5 million commercial tranche and a $43.8 million K-Sure tranche (which represents the amounts assumed from NPTI).
The commercial tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.75%, and the K-Sure tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.80%. Repayments on the K-Sure tranche are being made in equal quarterly installments of $1.0 million in accordance with a 12-year repayment profile from the date of delivery from the shipyard, with a balloon payment due upon maturity, and the commercial tranche is being repaid via a balloon payment upon maturity in September and November 2022 (depending on the vessel). The K-Sure tranche fully matures in September and November 2028 (depending on the vessel), and K-Sure has an option to require repayment upon the maturity of the commercial tranche if the commercial tranche is not refinanced by its maturity dates.
Our ABN AMRO/K-Sure Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 135% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans (less any amounts held in a debt service reserve account as described below) under the credit facility.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $0.5 million on deposit in a debt service reserve account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The carrying values of the indebtedness related to this facility (which includes the discount recorded to write the value down of its fair value as part of the purchase price allocation for the Merger) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $46.8 million and $49.9 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.

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Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility
We assumed the outstanding indebtedness under NPTI's senior secured credit facility with Citibank N.A., London Branch, Caixabank, S.A., and K-Sure, which we refer to as the Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility, upon the closing of the Merger with NPTI in September 2017. Four LR1s (STI Excellence, STI Executive, STI Experience, and STI Express) are collateralized under this facility. The facility consists of two separate tranches, a $25.1 million commercial tranche and a $91.2 million K-Sure tranche (which represents the amounts assumed from NPTI).
The commercial tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.50% and the K-Sure tranche bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.60%. Repayments on the K-Sure tranche are being made in equal quarterly installments of $2.1 million in accordance with a 12-year repayment profile from the date of delivery from the shipyard, with a balloon payment due upon maturity and the commercial tranche is scheduled to be repaid via a balloon payment upon the maturity which occurs between March and May 2022 (depending on the vessel). The K-Sure tranche fully matures between March and May 2028 (depending on the vessel), and K-Sure has an option to require repayment upon the maturity of the commercial tranche if the commercial tranche is not refinanced by its maturity dates.
Our Citibank/K-Sure Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall at all times be no less than 135% of the then aggregate outstanding principal amount of the loans (less any amounts held in a debt service reserve account as described below) under the credit facility.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $4.0 million on deposit in a debt service reserve account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The carrying values of the indebtedness related to this facility (which includes the discount recorded to write the value down of its fair value as part of the purchase price allocation for the Merger) as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $97.6 million and $104.1 million, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of those dates.
ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility
In June 2018, we executed a senior secured term loan facility with ABN AMRO Bank N.V. and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB for up to $120.6 million.  We refer to this facility as our ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility. This loan was fully drawn in June 2018 and the proceeds were used to refinance the existing indebtedness of $87.6 million under our K-Sure Credit Facility relating to five vessels consisting of one Handymax product tanker (STI Hammersmith), one MR product tanker (STI Westminster), and three LR2 product tankers (STI Connaught, STI Winnie and STI Lauren). 
The ABN/SEB Credit Facility has a final maturity of June 2023 and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.6% per annum.  The loan will be repaid in equal quarterly installments of $2.9 million per quarter, in aggregate, for the first eight installments and $2.5 million per quarter, in aggregate, thereafter, with a balloon payment due upon maturity.
Our ABN AMRO / SEB Credit Facility includes financial covenants that require us to maintain:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.65 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1,265,728,005 plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2018.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million and $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The aggregate of the fair market value of the vessels provided as collateral under the facility shall be: 130% from the date of this agreement and ending on the second anniversary thereof and 140% at all times thereafter.
The amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was $114.8 million and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.

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Lease financing arrangements
The below lease financing arrangements were entered into during 2017 and 2018 or were assumed as part of the Merger with NPTI.  For each arrangement, we have evaluated whether, in substance, these transactions are leases or merely a form of financing.  As a result of this evaluation, we have concluded that each agreement is a form of financing on the basis that the terms and conditions are such that we never part with the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of each vessel for the remainder of its useful life.  This conclusion was reached, in part, as a result of the existence within each agreement of either a purchase obligation or a purchase option that will almost certainly be exercised.  Accordingly, the liability under each arrangement has been recorded at amortized cost using the effective interest method, and the corresponding vessels have been recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation, on our consolidated balance sheet.
The obligations set forth below are secured by, among other things, assignments of earnings and insurances and stock pledges and account charges in respect of the subject vessels. All of the financing arrangements contain customary events of default, including cross-default provisions.
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing MR financing, or the BCFL Lease Financing (MR)
In September 2017, we entered into finance lease agreements to sell and lease back five 2012 built MR product tankers (STI Amber, STI Topaz, STI Ruby, STI Garnet and STI Onyx) with Bank of Communications Finance Leasing Co Ltd., or BCFL, for a sales price of $27.5 million per vessel. The financing for STI Topaz, STI Ruby and STI Garnet closed in September 2017, the financing for STI Onyx closed in October 2017, and the financing for STI Amber closed in November 2017. Each agreement is for a fixed term of seven years at a bareboat rate of $9,025 per vessel per day, and we have three consecutive one-year options to extend each charter beyond the initial term. Furthermore, we have the option to purchase these vessels beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreements through the end of the tenth year of the agreements. A deposit of $5.1 million per vessel was retained by the buyers and will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement (as applicable).
Our BCFL Lease Financing (MR) includes a financial covenant that requires us to maintain that the aggregate of the fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility plus the aforementioned $5.1 million deposit shall at all times be no less than 100% of the then outstanding balance plus the aforementioned $5.1 million deposit.
The aggregate outstanding balances under this arrangement were $98.8 million and $109.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
Bank of Communications Financial Leasing LR2 financing, or the BCFL Lease Financing (LR2)
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with Bank of Communications Finance Leasing Co Ltd., or BCFL, for three LR2 tankers (STI Solace, STI Solidarity, and STI Stability) upon the September Closing. Under the arrangement, each vessel is subject to a 10-year bareboat charter, which expire in July 2026. Charterhire under the arrangement is determined in advance, on a quarterly basis and is calculated by determining the payment based off of the then outstanding balance, the time to expiration and an interest rate of LIBOR plus 3.50%. Using the forward interest swap curve at December 31, 2018, future monthly principal payments are estimated to be $0.2 million per vessel gradually increasing to $0.3 million per vessel per month until the expiration of the agreement. We have purchase options to re-acquire each of the subject vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable at the end of the fourth year from the delivery date of the respective vessel. There is also a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of the agreement.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $0.8 million on deposit in a deposit account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The carrying values of the amounts due under this arrangement (which reflect fair value adjustments made as part of the purchase price allocation) were $97.5 million and $104.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
CSSC Shipping Lease Financing
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with CSSC (Hong Kong) Shipping Company Limited, or CSSC, for eight LR2 tankers (STI Gallantry, STI Nautilus, STI Guard, STI Guide, STI Goal, STI Gauntlet, STI Gladiator and STI Gratitude) upon the September Closing. Under the arrangement, each vessel is subject to a 10-year bareboat charter which expire throughout 2026 and 2027 (depending on the vessel). Charterhire under the arrangement is comprised of a fixed repayment amount of $0.2 million per month per vessel plus a variable component calculated at LIBOR plus 4.60%. We have purchase options to re-acquire each of the subject vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first

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of such options exercisable at the end of the fourth year from the delivery date of the respective vessel. There is also a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of the agreement.
Our CSSC finance lease arrangement includes a financial covenant that requires the fair market value of each vessel that is leased under this facility to at all times be no less than 125% of the applicable outstanding balance for such vessel. In September 2017, we made a $10.9 million aggregate prepayment on this arrangement to maintain compliance with this covenant. This prepayment was released from restricted cash that was assumed from NPTI at the closing date of the Merger.
The carrying values of the amounts due under this arrangement (which reflect fair value adjustments made as part of the purchase price allocation) were $251.8 million and $270.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
CMBFL Lease Financing
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with CMB Financial Leasing Co. Ltd, or CMBFL, for two LR1 tankers (STI Pride and STI Providence) upon the September Closing. Under this arrangement, each vessel is subject to a seven-year bareboat charter, which expires in July or August 2023 (depending on the vessel). Charterhire under the arrangement is comprised of a fixed, quarterly repayment amount of $0.6 million per vessel plus a variable component calculated at LIBOR plus 3.75%. We have purchase options to re-acquire each of the subject vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable on the third anniversary from the delivery date of the respective vessel. There is also a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of the agreement. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 115% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
Additionally, we have an aggregate of $2.0 million on deposit in a deposit account as of December 31, 2018 in accordance with the terms and conditions of this facility. The funds deposited in this account are not freely available and will be released upon maturity. The balance in this account has been recorded as non-current Restricted Cash on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
The carrying values of the amounts due under this arrangement (which reflect fair value adjustments made as part of the purchase price allocation) were $61.2 million and $65.9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
Ocean Yield Lease Financing
In connection with the Merger, we assumed the obligations under NPTI’s finance lease arrangement with Ocean Yield ASA for four LR2 tankers (STI Sanctity, STI Steadfast, STI Supreme, and STI Symphony) upon the September Closing. Under this arrangement, each vessel is subject to a 13-year bareboat charter, which expires between February and August 2029 (depending on the vessel). Charterhire, which is paid monthly in advance, includes a fixed payment in addition to a quarterly adjustment based on prevailing LIBOR rates.
Monthly principal payments are approximately $0.2 million per vessel gradually increasing to $0.3 million per vessel per month until the expiration of the agreement. The interest component of the leases approximates LIBOR plus 5.40%. We also have purchase options to re-acquire each of the vessels during the bareboat charter period, with the first of such options exercisable beginning at the end of the seventh year from the delivery date of the subject vessel.
We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issues occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million or $500,000 per each owned vessel and $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.

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The carrying values of the amounts due under this arrangement (which reflect fair value adjustments made as part of the purchase price allocation) were $158.8 million and $169.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. We were in compliance with the financial covenants as of those dates.
China Huarong Lease Financing
In May 2018, we reached an agreement to sell and leaseback six 2014 built MR product tankers, (STI Opera, STI Virtus, STI Venere, STI Aqua, STI Dama, and STI Regina) to China Huarong Shipping Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. The borrowing amount under the arrangement is $144.0 million in aggregate. These agreements closed in August 2018, and the proceeds were utilized to repay $92.7 million of the outstanding indebtedness under our 2016 Credit Facility.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the third year of each agreement. The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.5% per annum and will be repaid in equal quarterly principal installments of $0.6 million per vessel. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions under this arrangement, including the financial covenant that the Company will maintain consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $650.0 million.
The amount outstanding was $137.3 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenant relating to this facility as of that date.
$116.0 million Lease Financing
In August 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback two MR product tankers (STI Gramercy and STI Queens) and two LR2 product tankers (STI Oxford and STI Selatar) in two separate transactions to an international financial institution. The net borrowing amount (which reflect the selling price less deposits and commissions to the lessor) under the arrangement was $114.8 million in aggregate, consisting of $23.8 million per MR and $33.7 million per LR2. The proceeds were utilized to repay $26.5 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our Credit Suisse Credit Facility and $46.6 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility for these vessels.
Under the terms of these agreements, the Company will bareboat charter-in the vessels for a period of seven years at $7,935 per day for each MR and $11,040 per day for each LR2 (which includes both the principal and interest components of the lease). In addition, we have purchase options beginning at the end of the third year of each agreement, and a purchase obligation for each vessel upon the expiration of each agreement.
We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including a financial covenant that requires us to maintain that the aggregate of the fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility plus the aforementioned deposits shall at all times be no less than 111% of the then outstanding balance plus the aforementioned deposits.
The amount outstanding was $112.7 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenant as of that date.
2018 CMB Lease Financing
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback six MR product tankers (STI Battery, STI Milwaukee, STI Tribeca, STI Bronx, STI Manhattan, and STI Seneca) to CMB Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. The borrowing amount under the arrangement is $141.6 million in aggregate and the sales closed in August 2018. The proceeds were utilized to repay $33.5 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our DVB 2017 Credit Facility, $39.7 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility and $14.4 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our BNPP Credit Facility for these vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels at the start of the fourth year of each agreement. The lease bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.2% per annum and will be repaid in quarterly principal installments of $0.4 million per vessel. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million and $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 115% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.

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The amount outstanding was $136.5 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.
AVIC Lease Financing
In July 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback three MR product tankers (STI Ville, STI Fontvieille and STI Brooklyn) and two LR2 product tankers (STI Rose and STI Rambla) to AVIC International Leasing Co., Ltd. The borrowing amounts under the arrangement are $24.0 million per MR and $36.5 million per LR2 ($145.0 million in aggregate). These transactions closed in August and September 2018. The proceeds were utilized to repay $32.7 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our NIBC Credit Facility, $13.0 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility, $28.3 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our Scotiabank Credit Facility and $26.1 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our Credit Suisse Credit Facility for these vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the second year of each agreement. The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.7% per annum and will be repaid in quarterly principal installments of $0.5 million per MR and $0.8 million per LR2. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.70 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $650.0 million.
•
The fair market value of each grouped vessels (MRs or LR2s) leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 110% of the outstanding balance for such grouped vessels (MRs or LR2s).
The amount outstanding was $139.1 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.
COSCO Shipping Lease Financing
In September 2018, we executed an agreement to sell and leaseback two Handymax product tankers (STI Battersea and STI Wembley) and two MR product tankers (STI Texas City and STI Meraux) to Oriental Fleet International Company Limited ("COSCO Shipping"). The borrowing amounts under the arrangement are $21.2 million for the Handymax vessels and $22.8 million for the MR vessels ($88.0 million in aggregate). The proceeds were utilized to repay $14.8 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our DVB 2017 Credit Facility, $12.6 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our K-Sure Credit Facility, and $30.0 million of the outstanding indebtedness on our 2016 Credit Facility relating to these vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of eight years, and the Company has options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the second year of each agreement. The facility bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.6% per annum and will be repaid in quarterly installments of $0.5 million per vessel. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the eighth year, which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date. We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of total liabilities (less cash and cash equivalents) to total assets no greater than 0.65 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2018 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2018.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 110% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
The amount outstanding was $84.2 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.

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$157.5 million Lease Financing
In July 2018, we agreed to sell and leaseback six MR product tankers (STI San Antonio, STI Benicia, STI St. Charles, STI Yorkville, STI Mayfair and STI Duchessa) and one LR2 product tanker (STI Alexis) to an international financial institution. The borrowing amount under the arrangement was $157.5 million in aggregate, and these sales closed in October 2018. In September 2018, we repaid the outstanding indebtedness for two vessels consisting of $14.2 million on the HSH Credit Facility and $13.6 million on the K-Sure Credit Facility, in advance of the October closing of these transactions. Upon closing, the proceeds were utilized to repay the remaining outstanding indebtedness of $59.2 million on our 2016 Credit Facility and the remaining outstanding indebtedness of $25.8 million on our DVB 2017 Credit Facility for the remaining five vessels.
Each agreement is for a fixed term of seven years, and we have options to purchase the vessels beginning at the end of the third year of each agreement. The leases bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 3.0% per annum and will be repaid in equal quarterly principal installments of $0.5 million per MR and $0.6 million for the LR2. Each agreement also has a purchase obligation at the end of the seventh year (which is equal to the outstanding principal balance at that date). We are subject to certain terms and conditions, including financial covenants, under this arrangement which are summarized as follows:
•
The ratio of net debt to total capitalization no greater than 0.60 to 1.00.
•
Consolidated tangible net worth of no less than $1.0 billion plus (i) 25% of the cumulative positive net income (on a consolidated basis) for each fiscal quarter commencing on or after January 1, 2016 and (ii) 50% of the net proceeds of new equity issuances occurring on or after January 1, 2016.
•
Minimum liquidity of not less than the greater of $25.0 million and $500,000 per each owned vessel plus $250,000 per each time chartered-in vessel.
•
The fair market value of each vessel leased under the facility shall at all times be no less than 115% of the outstanding balance for such vessel.
The amount outstanding was $152.1 million as of December 31, 2018, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants as of that date.
Unsecured debt
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2020
On May 12, 2014, we issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due May 2020, or our "Senior Notes Due 2020," and on June 9, 2014, we issued an additional $3.75 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes Due 2020 when the underwriters partially exercised their option to purchase additional Senior Notes Due 2020 on the same terms and conditions. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes Due 2020 were $51.8 million after deducting the underwriters’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses.
The Senior Notes Due 2020 bear interest at a coupon rate of 6.75% per year, payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of February, May, August and November of each year. Coupon payments commenced on August 15, 2014. The Senior Notes Due 2020 are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after May 15, 2017 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date.
The Senior Notes Due 2020 are our senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt and are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. No sinking fund is provided for the Senior Notes Due 2020. The Senior Notes Due 2020 were issued in minimum denominations of $25.00 and integral multiples of $25.00 in excess thereof and are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “SBNA.”
The Senior Notes Due 2020 require us to comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants, restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets and prohibitions on paying dividends or returning capital to equity holders if a covenant breach or an event of default has occurred or would occur as a result of such payment. If we undergo a change of control, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a change of control repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the change of control purchase date.
The financial covenants under our Senior Notes Due 2020 include:
•
Net borrowings shall not equal or exceed 70% of total assets.
•
Net worth shall always exceed $650.0 million.

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The outstanding balance was $53.75 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to the Senior Notes Due 2020 as of those dates.
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2019
In June 2014, we issued $360.0 million in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019, or the "Convertible Notes due 2019," in a private offering to qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act. This amount includes the full exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase an additional $60.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Convertible Notes due 2019 in connection with the offering. The net proceeds we received from the issuance of the Convertible Notes due 2019 after the exercise of the initial purchasers’ option to purchase additional Convertible Notes due 2019 were $349.0 million after deducting the initial purchasers’ discounts, commissions and offering expenses of $11.0 million. As part of the transaction, we used a portion of the net proceeds to repurchase $95.0 million of our common stock, or 1,012,760 shares, at $93.80 per share in a privately negotiated transaction.
The Convertible Notes due 2019 bear interest at a coupon rate of 2.375% per annum, and are payable semi-annually in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year beginning on January 1, 2015. The Convertible Notes due 2019 will mature on July 1, 2019, unless earlier converted, redeemed or repurchased. At issuance, the Convertible Notes due 2019 were convertible in certain circumstances and during certain periods at an initial conversion rate of 8.20075 shares of common stock per $1,000 (which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $121.94 per share of common stock), subject to adjustment in certain circumstances as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes due 2019. Adjustments were made during years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 to the initial conversion rate as a result of the issuance of dividends to our common stockholders. The table below details the dividends declared from the issuance of the Convertible Notes due 2019 through December 31, 2018 and their corresponding effect to the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes due 2019 (as adjusted for the reverse stock split that was effective in January 2019). The conversion rate as of December 31, 2018 was 10.05396.
Record Date
 
Dividends per share
 
Share Adjusted Conversion Rate (1)
August 22, 2014
 
$
1.000

 
8.28556
November 25, 2014
 
$
1.200

 
8.40184
March 13, 2015
 
$
1.200

 
8.52216
May 21, 2015
 
$
1.250

 
8.63738
August 14, 2015
 
$
1.250

 
8.74349
November 24, 2015
 
$
1.250

 
8.86790
March 10, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.05311
May 11, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.25323
September 15, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.49345
November 25, 2016
 
$
1.250

 
9.77039
February 23, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.79316
May 11, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.81588
September 25, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.84450
December 13, 2017
 
$
0.100

 
9.87742
March 12, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
9.92056
June 6, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
9.95277
September 20, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
10.00515
December 5, 2018
 
$
0.100

 
10.05396
(1)  Per $1,000 principal amount.

Holders could convert their notes at their option at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 1, 2019 only under the following circumstances:
•
during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on September 30, 2014 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 25 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;

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•
during the five-business day period after any five consecutive trading day period, or the Measurement Period, in which the trading price (as defined in the indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2019 for each trading day of the Measurement Period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day;
•
if the Company calls any or all of the Convertible Notes due 2019 for redemption, at any time prior to the close of business on the scheduled trading day immediately preceding the redemption date; or
•
upon the occurrence of specified corporate events as defined in the indenture (e.g. consolidations, mergers, a binding share exchange or the transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets).
We were not permitted to redeem the Convertible Notes due 2019 prior to July 6, 2017. Effective July 6, 2017, we may redeem for cash all or any portion of the notes, at our option if the last reported sale price of our common stock has been at least 130% of the conversion price then in effect for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during any 25 consecutive trading day period (including the last trading day of such period) ending on, and including, the trading day immediately preceding the date on which we provide notice of redemption at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. No sinking fund is provided for the Convertible Notes due 2019.
The Convertible Notes due 2019 require us to comply with certain covenants such as restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets. Additionally, if we undergo a fundamental change, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
Upon issuance, we determined the initial carrying value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 to be $298.7 million based on the fair value of a similar liability that does not have any associated conversion feature. We used our Senior Notes Due 2020 issued in May 2014 as the basis for this determination. The difference between the fair value of the liability component and the face value of the Convertible Notes due 2019 is being amortized over the term of the Convertible Notes under the effective interest method and recorded as part of financial expenses. The residual value of $61.3 million (the conversion feature) was recorded to Additional paid-in capital upon issuance.
In July 2015, we repurchased $1.5 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $1,088.10 per $1,000 principal amount. As a result of this transaction, we reduced the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 by $1.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively and we recorded a gain of $46,273, which is recorded within financial income of consolidated statement of income or loss. We also wrote off $30,880 of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.

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In March 2016, we repurchased $5.0 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $831.05 per $1,000 principal amount, or $4.2 million. As a result of this transaction, we reduced the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 by $4.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively and we recorded a gain of $0.6 million, which is recorded within financial income of the consolidated statement of income or loss. We also wrote off $0.1 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
In May 2016, we repurchased $5.0 million face value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $847.50 per $1,000 principal amount, or $4.2 million. As a result of this transaction, we reduced the liability and equity components of the Convertible Notes due 2019 by $4.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively and we recorded a gain of $0.4 million, which is recorded within financial income of the consolidated statement of income or loss. We also wrote off $0.1 million of deferred financing fees as a result of this transaction.
In May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million (out of $348.5 million outstanding), respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the Company's new 3.0% Convertible Senior Notes due 2022 (the “Convertible Notes due 2022”), the terms of which are described below. These exchanges were executed with certain holders of the Convertible Notes due 2019 via separate, privately negotiated agreements.
The carrying values of the debt component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 that were part of exchanges were $180.4 million and $14.5 million on the dates of the exchanges, respectively. These values were also determined to approximate the fair value (including the debt and equity components) on the dates of the exchanges. As these transactions were accounted for as extinguishments of debt, an aggregate loss of $17.8 million ($17.0 million in May 2018 and $0.8 million in July 2018) was recorded representing the difference between the carrying values on the dates of exchanges and (i) the aggregate consideration exchanged of $188.5 million in May 2018 and $15.0 million in July 2018 of newly issued Convertible Notes due 2022 and (ii) all transaction costs incurred.
The carrying values of the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $142.2 million and $328.7 million, respectively. We incurred $5.3 million of coupon interest and $8.3 million of non-cash accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 during the year ended December 31, 2018. We incurred $8.3 million of coupon interest and $12.2 million of non-cash accretion of our Convertible Notes due 2019 during the year ended December 31, 2017.
We were in compliance with the covenants related to the Convertible Notes as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Convertible Senior Notes due 2022
As discussed above, in May 2018 and July 2018, we exchanged $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of our Convertible Notes due 2019 for $188.5 million and $15.0 million, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of newly issued Convertible Notes due 2022. The Convertible Notes due 2022 issued in July 2018 have identical terms, are fungible with and are part of the series of Convertible Notes due 2022 issued in May 2018. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on November 15 and May 15 of each year, beginning on November 15, 2018. The Convertible Notes due 2022 will mature on May 15, 2022, unless earlier converted or repurchased in accordance with their terms.
The conversion rate of the Convertible Notes due 2022 was initially 25 common shares per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes due 2022 (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $40.00 per share of the Company’s common stock), and is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the Convertible Notes due 2022 (such as the payment of dividends).
The table below details the dividends issued during the year ended December 31, 2018 and the corresponding effect on the conversion rate of the Convertible Notes due 2022:
Record Date
 
Dividends per share
 
Share Adjusted Conversion Rate (1)
June 6, 2018
 
$
0.10

 
25.08

September 20, 2018
 
$
0.10

 
25.21

December 5, 2018
 
$
0.10

 
25.34


(1) Per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes.

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The Convertible Notes due 2022 are freely convertible at the option of the holder on or after January 1, 2019 and prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding the maturity date, and could be converted at any time prior to the close of business on the business day immediately preceding January 1, 2019 only under the following circumstances:
•
during any calendar quarter commencing after the calendar quarter ending on March 31, 2018 (and only during such calendar quarter), if the last reported sale price of the common stock for at least 15 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 25 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the immediately preceding calendar quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the conversion price on each applicable trading day;
•
during the five-business day period after any five consecutive trading day period, or the Measurement Period, in which the trading price (as defined in the indenture) per $1,000 principal amount of Convertible Notes for each trading day of the Measurement Period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of our common stock and the conversion rate on each such trading day; or
•
upon the occurrence of specified corporate events as defined in the indenture (e.g. consolidations, mergers, a binding share exchange or the transfer or lease of all or substantially all of our assets).
Upon conversion of the Convertible Notes due 2022, holders will receive shares of the Company’s common stock. The Convertible Notes due 2022 are not redeemable by the Company.
The Convertible Notes due 2022 require us to comply with certain covenants such as restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets. Additionally, if we undergo a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture), holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date.
Upon the May and July 2018 issuances, we determined the initial carrying values of the liability components of the Convertible Notes due 2022 to be $154.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, based on the fair value of a similar liability that does not have any associated conversion feature. We utilized recent pricing (with adjustments made to align the tenor) on (i) our Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019, (ii) Senior Unsecured Notes due 2020 and (iii) the pricing on recently issued unsecured bonds in the shipping sector as the basis for this determination. The difference between the fair value of the liability component and the face value of the Convertible Notes due 2022 is being amortized over the term of the Convertible Notes due 2022 under the effective interest method and recorded as part of financial expenses. The residual value (the conversion feature) of $34.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively, were recorded to Additional paid-in capital upon issuance.
The carrying value of the liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2022 (consisting of both the May 2018 and July 2018 issuances) as of December 31, 2018 was $171.5 million, and we incurred $3.8 million of coupon interest and $4.9 million of non-cash accretion during the year ended December 31, 2018. We were in compliance with the covenants related to the Convertible Notes due 2022 as of December 31, 2018.
Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019
In March 2017, we issued $50.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Notes due June 2019, or our Senior Notes Due 2019, in an underwritten public offering and in April 2017, we issued an additional $7.5 million of Senior Notes due 2019 when the underwriters fully exercised their option to purchase additional notes under the same terms and conditions. The net proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes Due 2019 were $55.3 million after deducting the underwriters’ discounts, commissions and estimated offering expenses. Interest payments, which commenced on June 1, 2017, are payable quarterly in arrears on the 1st day of March, June, September and December of each year.
The Senior Notes Due 2019 are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after December 1, 2018 at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The Senior Notes Due 2019 are our senior unsecured obligations and rank equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated debt and are effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured debt, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt, and will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future debt and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. No sinking fund is provided for the Senior Notes Due 2019. The Senior Notes Due 2019 were issued in minimum denominations of $25.00 and integral multiples of $25.00 in excess thereof and are listed on the NYSE under the symbol SBBC.
The Senior Notes Due 2019 require us to comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants, restrictions on consolidations, mergers or sales of assets and prohibitions on paying dividends or returning capital to equity holders if a covenant breach or an event of default has occurred or would occur as a result of such payment. If we undergo a change of control, holders may require us to repurchase for cash all or any portion of their notes at a change of control repurchase price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the change of control purchase date.
The financial covenants under our Senior Notes Due 2019 include:

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•
Net borrowings shall not equal or exceed 70% of total assets.
•
Net worth shall always exceed $650.0 million.
The amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018 was $57.5 million, and we were in compliance with the financial covenants relating to this facility as of that date. On March 18, 2019 ("the Redemption Date"), we redeemed the entire outstanding balance of our Senior Notes Due 2019.  The redemption price of the Senior Notes Due 2019 was equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.
14.
Derivative financial instruments
Profit or loss sharing agreements
In February 2015, we took delivery of an LR2 product tanker, Densa Crocodile, on a time charter-in arrangement for one year at $21,050 per day with an option to extend the charter for an additional year at $22,600 per day. We also entered into a profit and loss sharing agreement whereby 50% of the profits and losses relating to this vessel above or below the charterhire rate were shared with a third party who neither owns nor operates this vessel. The option to extend the charter was declared in February 2016, and the profit and loss agreement was also extended for the optional period. This agreement was settled in January 2017.
This profit and loss agreement was recorded as a derivative, recorded at fair value through profit or loss, with any resultant gain or loss recognized in the consolidated statement of income or loss. Changes in fair value were recorded as unrealized gains or losses and actual earnings were recorded as realized gains or losses on derivative financial instruments within the consolidated statement of income or loss. The fair value of this instrument was determined by comparing published time charter rates to the charter rate in the agreement and discounting these cash flows to their present value.
The following has been recorded as realized and unrealized gains or losses on our derivative financial instruments during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 Fair value adjustments
 
 Statement of income
 
 
 Amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars
 Realized (loss) / gain
 
 Unrealized gain / (loss)
 
 Recognized in equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Profit and loss agreement
$
(116
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total year ended December 31, 2017
$
(116
)
 
$
—

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Profit and loss agreement
$
—

 
$
1,371

 
$
—

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Total year ended December 31, 2016
$
—

 
$
1,371

 
$
—


There was no derivative activity during the year ended and as of December 31, 2018.

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15.
Segment reporting

Information about our reportable segments for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is as follows:

For the year ended December 31, 2018
 In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
LR1/Panamax
 
 Handymax
 
LR2
 
 MR
 
 Reportable segments subtotal
 
 Corporate and eliminations
 
 Total
 Vessel revenue
 
$
47,722

 
$
95,188

 
$
203,414

 
$
238,723

 
$
585,047

 
$
—

 
$
585,047

 Vessel operating costs
 
(28,942
)
 
(48,249
)
 
(91,975
)
 
(111,294
)
 
(280,460
)
 
—

 
(280,460
)
 Voyage expenses
 
(591
)
 
(440
)
 
(3,225
)
 
(890
)
 
(5,146
)
 
—

 
(5,146
)
 Charterhire
 
—

 
(19,223
)
 
(7,883
)
 
(32,526
)
 
(59,632
)
 
—

 
(59,632
)
 Depreciation
 
(19,290
)
 
(18,190
)
 
(72,610
)
 
(66,633
)
 
(176,723
)
 
—

 
(176,723
)
 General and administrative expenses
 
(1,173
)
 
(2,195
)
 
(3,790
)
 
(4,771
)
 
(11,929
)
 
(40,343
)
 
(52,272
)
 Merger transaction related costs
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(272
)
 
(272
)
 Financial expenses
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(186,628
)
 
(186,628
)
 Loss on exchange of convertible notes
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(17,838
)
 
(17,838
)
 Financial income
 
111

 
16

 
22

 
515

 
664

 
3,794

 
4,458

 Other expenses, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(605
)
 
(605
)
 Segment income or loss
 
$
(2,163
)
 
$
6,907

 
$
23,953

 
$
23,124

 
$
51,821

 
$
(241,892
)
 
$
(190,071
)

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For the year ended December 31, 2017

 In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
LR1/Panamax
 
 Handymax
 
LR2
 
 MR
 
 Reportable segments subtotal
 
 Corporate and eliminations
 
 Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Vessel revenue
 
$
22,573

 
$
95,098

 
$
157,123

 
$
237,938

 
$
512,732

 
$
—

 
$
512,732

 Vessel operating costs
 
(12,561
)
 
(50,145
)
 
(67,254
)
 
(101,267
)
 
(231,227
)
 
—

 
(231,227
)
 Voyage expenses
 
(1,018
)
 
(3,087
)
 
(2,642
)
 
(986
)
 
(7,733
)
 
—

 
(7,733
)
 Charterhire
 
(2,230
)
 
(24,560
)
 
(6,258
)
 
(42,702
)
 
(75,750
)
 
—

 
(75,750
)
 Depreciation
 
(7,828
)
 
(18,159
)
 
(54,922
)
 
(60,509
)
 
(141,418
)
 
—

 
(141,418
)
 General and administrative expenses
 
(479
)
 
(2,170
)
 
(2,805
)
 
(4,569
)
 
(10,023
)
 
(37,488
)
 
(47,511
)
 Loss on sales of vessels
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(23,345
)
 
(23,345
)
 
—

 
(23,345
)
 Merger transaction related costs
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(36,114
)
 
(36,114
)
 Bargain purchase gain
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
5,417

 
5,417

 Financial expenses
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(116,240
)
 
(116,240
)
 Realized loss on derivative financial instruments
 
—

 
—

 
(116
)
 
—

 
(116
)
 
—

 
(116
)
 Financial income
 
26

 
214

 
15

 
338

 
593

 
945

 
1,538

 Other expenses, net
 
—

 
1,876

 
—

 
—

 
1,876

 
(349
)
 
1,527

 Segment income or loss
 
$
(1,517
)
 
$
(933
)
 
$
23,141

 
$
4,898

 
$
25,589

 
$
(183,829
)
 
$
(158,240
)






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For the year ended December 31, 2016

 In thousands of U.S. dollars
LR1/Panamax
 
 Handymax
 
LR2
 
 MR
 
 Reportable segments subtotal
 
 Corporate and eliminations
 
 Total
 Vessel revenue
$
5,843

 
$
85,578

 
$
165,256

 
$
265,020

 
$
521,697

 
$
1,050

 
$
522,747

 Vessel operating costs
(33
)
 
(32,817
)
 
(50,028
)
 
(104,242
)
 
(187,120
)
 
—

 
(187,120
)
 Voyage expenses
(19
)
 
(479
)
 
(375
)
 
(705
)
 
(1,578
)
 
—

 
(1,578
)
 Charterhire
(5,657
)
 
(26,292
)
 
(16,025
)
 
(30,888
)
 
(78,862
)
 
—

 
(78,862
)
 Depreciation
—

 
(18,014
)
 
(41,900
)
 
(61,547
)
 
(121,461
)
 
—

 
(121,461
)
 General and administrative expenses
(7
)
 
(1,410
)
 
(1,983
)
 
(4,485
)
 
(7,885
)
 
(47,014
)
 
(54,899
)
 Loss on sales of vessels
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,078
)
 
(2,078
)
 
—

 
(2,078
)
 Financial expenses
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(104,048
)
 
(104,048
)
 Unrealized gain on derivative financial instruments
—

 
—

 
1,371

 
—

 
1,371

 
—

 
1,371

 Financial income
—

 
6

 
37

 
47

 
90

 
1,123

 
1,213

 Other expenses, net
—

 
—

 
—

 
(9
)
 
(9
)
 
(179
)
 
(188
)
 Segment income or loss
$
127

 
$
6,572

 
$
56,353

 
$
61,113

 
$
124,165

 
$
(149,068
)
 
$
(24,903
)





 








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Revenue from customers representing greater than 10% of total revenue during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, within their respective segments was as follows:
 
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
 
 
For the year ended December 31,
 Segment
 
 Customer
 
2018
 
2017
 
2016
 MR
 
Scorpio MR Pool Limited (1)
 
$
225,181

 
$
217,141

 
$
248,974

 LR2
 
Scorpio LR2 Pool Limited (1)
 
188,890

 
136,514

 
156,503

 Handymax
 
Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Limited (1)
 
82,782

 
78,510

 
73,683

 Panamax
 
Scorpio Panamax Tanker Pool Limited (1)
 
—

 
1,515

 
5,843

 
 
 
 
$
496,853

 
$
433,680

 
$
485,003


(1)
These customers are related parties as described in Note 17.

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16.
Common shares
 
Follow-on Offerings of Common Shares
In October 2018, we closed on the sale of 18.2 million newly issued shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $18.50 per share. We received aggregate net proceeds of $319.6 million after deducting underwriters' discounts and offering expenses. Of the 18.2 million common shares issued, 5.4 million and 0.54 million shares were issued to Scorpio Bulkers Inc., and SSH, each a related party affiliate, respectively, at the offering price.
In December 2017, we closed on the sale of 3.45 million newly issued shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $30.00 per share. We received aggregate net proceeds of $99.6 million after deducting underwriters' discounts and offering expenses. Of the 3.45 million common shares issued, 0.67 million shares were issued to SSH, a related party affiliate, at the offering price.
In May 2017, we closed on the sale of 5.0 million newly issued shares of our common stock in an underwritten public offering at an offering price of $40.00 per share. We received aggregate net proceeds of $188.7 million, after deducting underwriters' discounts and offering expenses. The completion of this offering was a condition to closing the Merger with NPTI.
Merger with NPTI
On September 1, 2017, we issued a total of 5,499,999 common shares to NPTI's shareholders as consideration for the Merger.
Additionally, as a part of the Merger, we issued 0.2 million of warrants to the NPTI pool manager (a former related party affiliate of NPTI), exercisable into our common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per warrant, upon the delivery of the vessels acquired from NPTI to the Scorpio Pools. The first warrant was issued in June 2017 as part of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition for an aggregate of 22,222 of the Company's common shares, and the second warrant was issued on similar terms to the first warrant on September 1, 2017 for an aggregate of 127,778 of the Company's common shares at an exercise price of $0.10 per share upon the delivery of each of the 23 remaining vessels to the Scorpio Pools. This transaction is further described in Note 2. All of the warrants had been exercised as of December 31, 2017.
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
In April 2013, we adopted an equity incentive plan, which was amended in March 2014 and which we refer to as the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, under which directors, officers, employees, consultants and service providers of us and our subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to receive incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and unrestricted common stock. We initially reserved a total of 500,000 common shares for issuance under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan which was increased by an aggregate of 1,286,971 common shares through December 31, 2016 and subsequently revised as follows:
•
In October 2017, we reserved an additional 950,180 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In February 2018, we reserved an additional 512,244 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In June 2018, we reserved an additional 210,140 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged.
•
In December 2018, we reserved an additional 1,383,248 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. All other terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan remained unchanged
Under the terms of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan, stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan will have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant, unless otherwise determined by the plan administrator, but in no event will the exercise price be less than the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant. Options and stock appreciation rights will be exercisable at times and under conditions as determined by the plan administrator, but in no event will they be exercisable later than ten years from the date of grant.
The plan administrator may grant shares of restricted stock and awards of restricted stock units subject to vesting, forfeiture and other terms and conditions as determined by the plan administrator. Following the vesting of a restricted stock unit, the award recipient will be paid an amount equal to the number of vested restricted stock units multiplied by the fair market value of a common share on the date of vesting, which payment may be paid in the form of cash or common shares or a combination of both, as determined by the plan administrator. The plan administrator may grant dividend equivalents with respect to grants of restricted stock units.
Adjustments may be made to outstanding awards in the event of a corporate transaction or change in capitalization or other extraordinary event. In the event of a “change in control” (as defined in the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan), unless otherwise

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provided by the plan administrator in an award agreement, awards then outstanding will become fully vested and exercisable in full.
Our Board of Directors may amend or terminate the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and may amend outstanding awards, provided that no such amendment or termination may be made that would materially impair any rights, or materially increase any obligations, of a grantee under an outstanding award. Shareholder approval of plan amendments will be required under certain circumstances. Unless terminated earlier by our board of directors, the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan will expire ten years from the date the plan was adopted.
In December 2017, we issued 997,380 shares of restricted stock to our employees, 60,000 shares to our independent directors and 34,900 shares to SSH employees for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $30.90 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is as follows:
 Number of restricted shares
 Vesting date
36,043

September 5, 2019
67,026

March 2, 2020
125,857

June 1, 2020
139,576

September 4, 2020
67,026

March 1, 2021
125,858

June 1, 2021
139,577

September 3, 2021
67,026

March 1, 2022
125,858

June 1, 2022
103,533

September 2, 2022
997,380

 
The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to SSH employees is (i) one-third of the shares vest on June 1, 2020, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on June 1, 2021, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on June 1, 2022. The vesting schedule of the restricted shares issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vested on September 5, 2018, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on September 5, 2019, and (iii) one-third shares vest on September 4, 2020.
In March 2018, we issued 500,245 shares of restricted stock to our employees and 12,000 shares to our independent directors for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $22.15 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is as follows:
 Number of restricted shares
 Vesting date
123,518

September 4, 2020
21,750

November 4, 2020
21,479

March 1, 2021
123,518

September 3, 2021
21,750

November 5, 2021
21,480

March 1, 2022
123,519

September 2, 2022
21,751

November 4, 2022
21,480

March 1, 2023
500,245

 
The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our independent directors is: (i) one-third of the shares vested on March 1, 2019, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on March 2, 2020, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on March 1, 2021.

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In September 2018, we issued 198,141 shares of restricted stock to our employees and 12,000 shares to our independent directors for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $19.75 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is (i) one-third of the shares vest on June 9, 2021, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on June 9, 2022, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on June 8, 2023. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vest on June 10, 2019, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on June 10, 2020, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on June 9, 2021.
In December 2018, we issued 1,103,248 shares of restricted stock to our employees and 60,000 shares to our independent directors for no cash consideration. The share price on the issuance date was $19.55 per share. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our employees is (i) one-third of the shares vest on September 23, 2021, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on September 26, 2022, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on September 25, 2023. The vesting schedule of the restricted stock issued to our independent directors is (i) one-third of the shares vest on September 25, 2019, (ii) one-third of the shares vest on September 24, 2020, and (iii) one-third of the shares vest on September 23, 2021.
There were 226,107 shares eligible for issuance under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2018.
The following is a summary of activity for awards of restricted stock during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
 
 
 
 Number of Shares
 
 Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
 Outstanding and non-vested, December 31, 2016
 
1,261,358

 
$
85.21

 
 Granted
 
1,092,280

 
30.90

 
 Vested
 
(423,697
)
 
89.92

 
 Forfeited
 
(4,500
)
 
75.87

 Outstanding and non-vested, December 31, 2017
 
1,925,441

 
53.39

 
 Granted
 
1,885,633

 
20.28

 
 Vested
 
(447,380
)
 
89.13

 
 Forfeited
 
(3,807
)
 
52.59

 Outstanding and non-vested, December 31, 2018
 
3,359,887

 
$
30.05

Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the vesting periods for each tranche using the straight-line method.
Assuming that all the restricted stock will vest, the stock compensation expense in future periods, including that related to restricted stock issued in prior periods will be:
In thousands of U.S. dollars
 
Employees
 
Directors
 
Total
 For the year ending December 31, 2019
 
24,440

 
1,393

 
25,833

 For the year ending December 31, 2020
 
18,554

 
539

 
19,093

 For the year ending December 31, 2021
 
11,465

 
119

 
11,584

 For the year ending December 31, 2022
 
4,858

 
—

 
4,858

 For the year ending December 31, 2023
 
1,235

 
—

 
1,235

 
 
$
60,552

 
$
2,051

 
$
62,603


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 Dividend Payments
The following dividends were paid during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
Dividends
 
Date
per share
 
Paid
$1.250
 
March 30, 2016
$1.250
 
June 24, 2016
$1.250
 
September 29, 2016
$1.250
 
December 22, 2016
$0.100
 
March 30, 2017
$0.100
 
June 14, 2017
$0.100
 
September 29, 2017
$0.100
 
December 28, 2017
$0.100
 
March 27, 2018
$0.100
 
June 28, 2018
$0.100
 
September 27, 2018
$0.100
 
December 13, 2018
2015 Securities Repurchase Program
In May 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a new Securities Repurchase Program to purchase up to an aggregate of $250 million of our common stock and bonds, the latter of which currently consists of our (i) Convertible Notes due 2019, (ii) Senior Notes Due 2020 (NYSE: SBNA), and (iii) Convertible Notes due 2022.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we purchased an aggregate of 1,351,235 of our common shares that are being held as treasury shares at an average price of $17.20 per share.
We had $123.8 million remaining under our Securities Repurchase Program as of December 31, 2018. We expect to repurchase any securities in the open market, at times and prices that are considered to be appropriate, but we are not obligated under the terms of the program to repurchase any securities.
There were 6,349,294 and 4,998,059 common shares held in treasury at each of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
Shares outstanding 
We currently have 175,000,000 registered shares of which 150,000,000 are designated as common shares with a par value of $0.01 and 25,000,000 designated as preferred shares with a par value of $0.01.
As of December 31, 2018, we had 51,397,562 common shares outstanding. These shares provide the holders with rights to dividends and voting rights.

17.
Related party transactions
On September 29, 2016, we agreed to amend our master agreement, or the Master Agreement, with SCM and SSM under a deed of amendment, or the Deed of Amendment. Pursuant to the terms of the Deed of Amendment, on November 15, 2016, we entered into definitive documentation to memorialize the agreed amendments to the Master Agreement, or the Amended and Restated Master Agreement.
On February 22, 2018, we entered into definitive documentation to memorialize agreed amendments to the Amended and Restated Master Agreement under a deed of amendment, or the Amendment Agreement. The Amended and Restated Master Agreement as amended by the Amendment Agreement, or the Revised Master Agreement, is effective as from January 1, 2018.
Pursuant to the Revised Master Agreement, the fixed annual technical management fee was reduced from $250,000 per vessel to $175,000 per vessel, and certain services previously provided as part of the fixed fee are now itemized.  The aggregate cost, including the costs that are now itemized, for the services provided under the technical management agreement, did not materially differ from the annual technical management fee charged prior to the amendment.

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Transactions with entities controlled by the Lolli-Ghetti family (herein referred to as related party affiliates) in the consolidated statements of income or loss and balance sheets are as follows:    
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
2017
2016
Pool revenue(1)
 

 

 

Scorpio MR Pool Limited
$
225,181

$
217,141

$
248,974

Scorpio LR2 Pool Limited
188,890

136,514

156,503

Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool Limited
82,782

78,510

73,683

Scorpio LR1 Pool Limited
46,823

13,895

—

Scorpio Panamax Tanker Pool Limited
—

1,515

5,843

Scorpio Aframax Pool Limited
—

1,170

—

Voyage expenses(2)
(1,290
)
(1,786
)
(1,128
)
Vessel operating costs(3)
(34,272
)
(27,601
)
(22,526
)
Administrative expenses(4)
(12,475
)
(10,744
)
(9,462
)
 
(1)
These transactions relate to revenue earned in the Scorpio Pools. The Scorpio Pools are related party affiliates. When our vessels are in the Scorpio Pools, SCM, the pool manager, charges fees of $300 per vessel per day with respect to our LR1/Panamax and Aframax vessels, $250 per vessel per day with respect to our LR2 vessels, and $325 per vessel per day with respect to each of our Handymax and MR vessels, plus a commission of 1.50% on gross revenue per charter fixture.  These are the same fees that SCM charges other vessels in these pools, including third party owned vessels. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges the Company’s vessels to effectively reduce such to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.

(2)
Related party expenditures included within voyage expenses in the consolidated statements of income or loss consist of the following:
◦
Expenses due to SCM, a related party affiliate, for commissions related to the commercial management services provided by SCM under the commercial management agreement for vessels that are not in one of the Scorpio Pools. SCM’s services include securing employment, in the spot market and on time charters, for our vessels. When not in one of the Scorpio Pools, each vessel pays (i) flat fees of $250 per day for LR1/Panamax and LR2/Aframax vessels and $300 per day for Handymax and MR vessels and (ii) commissions of 1.25% of their gross revenue per charter fixture.  These expenses are included in voyage expenses in the consolidated statements of income or loss. In September 2018, we entered into an agreement with SCM whereby SCM will reimburse a portion of the commissions that SCM charges the Company’s vessels to effectively reduce such to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture, effective from September 1, 2018 and ending on June 1, 2019.
•
Voyage expenses of $25,747 charged by a related party port agent during the year ended December 31, 2018. SSH has a majority equity interest in a port agent that provides supply and logistical services for vessels operating in its regions. No voyage expenses were charged by this port agent during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. The fees and rates charged by this port agent are based on the prevailing market rates for such services in each respective region.
(3)
Related party expenditures included within vessel operating costs in the consolidated statements of income or loss consist of the following:
•
Technical management fees of $30.1 million, $22.9 million, and $19.5 million charged by SSM, a related party affiliate, during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively. SSM’s services include day-to-day vessel operations, performing general maintenance, monitoring regulatory and classification society compliance, customer vetting procedures, supervising the maintenance and general efficiency of vessels, arranging the hiring of qualified officers and crew, arranging and supervising drydocking and repairs, purchasing supplies, spare parts and new equipment for vessels, appointing supervisors and technical consultants, and providing technical support.

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•
Insurance related expenses of $2.6 million, $4.3 million and $3.0 million incurred through a related party insurance broker during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In 2016, an Executive Officer of the Company acquired a minority interest, which in 2018 increased to a majority interest, in an insurance broker which arranges hull and machinery and war risk insurance for certain of our owned and finance leased vessels. This broker has arranged such policies for the Company since 2010 and the extent of the coverage and the manner in which the policies are priced did not change as a result of this transaction. In September 2018, the Executive Officer disposed of his interest in the insurance broker in its entirety to a third party not affiliated with the Company. The amounts recorded reflect the amortization of the policy premiums through September 2018, which are paid directly to the broker, who then remits the premiums to the underwriters.
•
Vessel operating expenses of $1.6 million and $0.4 million charged by a related party port agent during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. SSH has a majority equity interest in a port agent that provides supply and logistical services for vessels operating in its regions. The fees and rates charged by this port agent are based on the prevailing market rates for such services in each respective region.
(4)
We have an Amended Administrative Services Agreement with SSH for the provision of administrative staff and office space, and administrative services, including accounting, legal compliance, financial and information technology services. SSH is a related party to us. We reimburse SSH for the reasonable direct or indirect expenses that are incurred on our behalf. SSH also arranges vessel sales and purchases for us. The services provided to us by SSH may be sub-contracted to other entities within Scorpio.  The expenses incurred under this agreement were as follows, and were recorded in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of income or loss.
•
The expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 of $12.5 million included (i) administrative fees of $11.1 million charged by SSH, (ii) restricted stock amortization of $1.3 million, which relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 114,400 shares of restricted stock to SSH employees for no cash consideration in May 2014, September 2014, July 2015, July 2016 and December 2017, and (iii) the reimbursement of expenses of $46,535.
•
The expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 of $10.7 million included (i) administrative fees of $9.0 million charged by SSH, (ii) restricted stock amortization of $1.2 million, which relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 114,400 shares of restricted stock to SSH employees for no cash consideration in May 2014, September 2014, July 2015, July 2016 and December 2017 and (iii) the reimbursement of expenses of $0.5 million.
•
The expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $9.5 million included (i) administrative fees of $7.3 million charged by SSH, (ii) restricted stock amortization of $1.6 million, which relates to the issuance of an aggregate of 79,500 shares of restricted stock to SSH employees for no cash consideration in May and September 2014, July 2015 and July 2016 and (iii) the reimbursement of expenses of $0.6 million.

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We had the following balances with related party affiliates, which have been included in the consolidated balance sheets:
 
 
As of December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Assets:
 

 
 

Accounts receivable (due from the Scorpio Pools) (1)
$
66,178

 
$
44,880

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (SSM) (2)
2,461

 
6,391

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (SCM) (3)
2,511

 
—

Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses (related party insurance broker) (4)
—

 
2,428

Other assets (pool working capital contributions) (5)
42,973

 
41,401

Liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (SSM)
832

 
766

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related party port agent)
459

 
95

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (SSH)
409

 
190

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (SCM)
389

 
191

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (owed to the Scorpio Pools)
66

 
462

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (related party insurance broker)
—

 
2,190


(1)
Accounts receivable due from the Scorpio Pools relate to hire receivables for revenues earned and receivables from working capital contributions. The amounts as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 include $22.9 million and $25.7 million, respectively, of working capital contributions made on behalf of our vessels to the Scorpio Pools. Upon entrance into such pools, all vessels are required to make working capital contributions of both cash and bunkers. Additional working capital contributions can be made from time to time based on the operating needs of the pools. These amounts are accounted for and repaid as follows:
•
For vessels in the Scorpio Handymax Tanker Pool, the initial contribution amount is repaid, without interest, upon a vessel’s exit from the pool no later than six months after the exit date. Bunkers on board a vessel exiting the pool are credited against such repayment at the actual invoice price of the bunkers. For all owned or finance leased vessels we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For time or bareboat chartered-in vessels we classify the initial contributions as current (within accounts receivable) or non-current (within other assets) according to the expiration of the contract. Any additional working capital contributions are repaid when sufficient net revenues become available to cover such amounts.
•
For vessels in the Scorpio MR Pool and Scorpio Panamax Tanker Pool, any contributions are repaid, without interest, when such vessel has earned sufficient net revenues to cover the value of such working capital contributed.  Accordingly, we classify such amounts as current (within accounts receivable).
•
For vessels in the Scorpio LR2 Pool, Scorpio Aframax Pool and Scorpio LR1 Pool, the initial contribution amount is repaid, without interest, upon a vessel’s exit from each pool. Bunkers on board a vessel exiting the pool are credited against such repayment at the actual invoice price of the bunkers. For all owned or finance leased vessels we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For time or bareboat chartered-in vessels we classify the initial contributions as current (within accounts receivable) or non-current (within other assets) according to the expiration of the contract. Any additional working capital contributions are repaid when sufficient net revenues become available to cover such amounts and are therefore classified as current.
(2)
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses from SSM relate to advances made for vessel operating expenses (such as crew wages) that will either be reimbursed or applied against future costs.
(3)
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses from SCM primarily relate to the reduction of commission rebate to 0.85% of gross revenue per charter fixture as described above.
(4) Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses from related-party insurance brokerage firm (as discussed above) relate to premiums which have been prepaid and are being amortized over the term of the respective policy. In September 2018, the Executive Officer who had an ownership interest in this firm disposed of their interest in its entirety to a third party not affiliated with the Company.

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(5)
Represents the non-current portion of working capital receivables as described above.
Prior to September 29, 2016, we paid SSH a fee for arranging vessel purchases and sales, on our behalf, equal to 1% of the gross purchase or sale price, payable upon the consummation of any such purchase or sale. This fee was eliminated for all vessel purchase or sale agreements entered into after September 29, 2016. These fees are capitalized as part of the carrying value of the related vessel for a vessel purchase and are included as part of the gain or loss on sale for a vessel disposal.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $0.7 million in connection with the purchase and delivery of STI Esles II and STI Jardins. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Administrative Services Agreement.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $2.2 million in connection with the purchase and delivery of STI Galata, STI Bosphorus, STI Leblon, STI La Boca, STI San Telmo and STI Donald C. Trauscht. Additionally, we paid SCM an aggregate termination fee of $0.2 million that was due under the commercial management agreements and we paid SSM an aggregate termination fee of $0.2 million that was due under the technical management agreements as a result of the sales of STI Emerald and STI Sapphire which have been recorded within loss on sales of vessels within the consolidated statement of income or loss. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Master Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement.
•
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we paid SSH an aggregate fee of $1.7 million in connection with the sales of STI Lexington, STI Mythos, STI Chelsea, STI Powai, and STI Olivia and a fee of $0.6 million for the purchase and delivery of STI Lombard. Additionally, we paid SCM an aggregate termination fee of $2.7 million that was due under the commercial management agreements and we paid SSM an aggregate termination fee of $2.5 million that was due under the technical management agreements as a result of the aforementioned vessel sales. The agreements to acquire the aforementioned vessels were entered into prior to the September 29, 2016 amendments to the Master Agreement and Administrative Services Agreement. The aggregate fees paid to SCM, SSH and SSM as they relate to the aforementioned vessel sales, are recorded within loss on sales of vessels within the consolidated statement of income or loss.
In 2011, we entered into an agreement to reimburse costs to SSM as part of its supervision agreement for newbuilding vessels. There were no costs incurred under this agreement during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. We also have an agreement with SSM to supervise the eight MR product tankers that were under construction at HMD and delivered throughout 2017 and in January 2018. We paid SSM $0.7 million under this agreement during the year ended December 31, 2017. There were no costs incurred under this agreement during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016.
 Key management remuneration
The table below shows key management remuneration for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Short-term employee benefits (salaries)
$
5,436

 
$
6,614

 
$
8,786

Share-based compensation (1)
20,316

 
19,113

 
25,575

Total
$
25,752

 
$
25,727

 
$
34,361


(1) 
Represents the amortization of restricted stock issued under our equity incentive plans as described in Note 16.
For the purpose of the table above, key management are those persons who have authority and responsibility for making strategic decisions, and managing operating, financial and legal activities.
There are no material post-employment benefits for our executive officers or directors. By law, our employees in Monaco are entitled to a one-time payment of up to two months salary upon retirement if they meet certain minimum service requirements.

18.
Vessel revenue
 
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we had five, five, and six vessels that earned revenue through long-term time-charter contracts (with initial terms of one year or greater), respectively. The remaining vessels earned revenue from the Scorpio Pools or in the spot market.
 

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Revenue Sources
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Pool revenue
$
543,784

 
$
458,730

 
$
485,003

Time charter revenue
34,015

 
37,411

 
36,694

Voyage revenue (spot market)
7,248

 
16,591

 
—

Other revenue
—

 
—

 
1,050

 
$
585,047

 
$
512,732

 
$
522,747



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19.
Operating Leases

Time and Bareboat Chartered-In Vessels
 
The following table depicts our time or bareboat chartered-in vessel commitments during the year ended December 31, 2018:
 
Name
 
Year built
 
Vessel class
 
Charter type
 
Delivery (1)
 
Charter Expiration
 
Rate ($/ day)
 
 
Active as of December 31, 2018
 
1

Silent
 
2007
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
7,500


2

Single
 
2007
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
7,500


3

Star I
 
2007
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
7,500


4

Steel
 
2008
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
6,000


5

Sky
 
2008
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
6,000


6

Stone I
 
2008
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
6,000


7

Style
 
2008
 
Handymax
 
Bareboat
 
January-17
 
March-19
 
6,000


8

Miss Benedetta
 
2012
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
March-18
 
January-19
 
14,000


9

STI Beryl
 
2013
 
MR
 
Bareboat
 
April-17
 
April-25
 
8,800

(2) 
10

STI Le Rocher
 
2013
 
MR
 
Bareboat
 
April-17
 
April-25
 
8,800

(2) 
11

STI Larvotto
 
2013
 
MR
 
Bareboat
 
April-17
 
April-25
 
8,800

(2) 
 
Time or bareboat charters that expired in 2018
 
1

Krisjanis Valdemars
 
2007
 
Handymax
 
Time Charter
 
February-11
 
March-18
 
11,250

 
2

Vukovar
 
2015
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
May-15
 
April-18
 
17,034

 
3

Kraslava
 
2007
 
Handymax
 
Time Charter
 
January-11
 
May-18
 
11,250

 
4

Zefyros
 
2013
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
July-16
 
May-18
 
13,250


5

CPO New Zealand
 
2011
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
September-16
 
August-18
 
15,250

 
6

CPO Australia
 
2011
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
September-16
 
August-18
 
15,250

 
7

Densa Alligator
 
2013
 
LR2
 
Time Charter
 
February-18
 
August-18
 
14,300

 
8

Ance
 
2006
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
October-16
 
September-18
 
13,500

 
9

Gan-Trust
 
2013
 
MR
 
Time Charter
 
January-13
 
December-18
 
13,950

 
10

Densa Crocodile
 
2015
 
LR2
 
Time Charter
 
June-18
 
December-18
 
14,800

 
(1)
Represents delivery date or estimated delivery date.
(2)
In April 2017, we sold and leased back this vessel, on a bareboat basis, for a period of up to eight years for $8,800 per day. The sales price was $29.0 million, and we have the option to purchase this vessel beginning at the end of the fifth year of the agreement through the end of the eighth year of the agreement, at market-based prices. Additionally, a deposit of $4.35 million was retained by the buyer and will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement.

The undiscounted remaining future minimum lease payments under these arrangements as of December 31, 2018 are $65.4 million. The obligations under these agreements will be repaid as follows:

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As of December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Less than 1 year
$
14,241

 
$
52,532

1 - 5 years
38,570

 
42,839

5+ years
12,628

 
22,264

Total
$
65,439

 
$
117,635

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, our charterhire expense was $59.6 million, $75.8 million and $78.9 million, respectively. These lease payments include payments for the non-lease elements in our time chartered-in arrangement that expired in January 2019. Moreover, the accounting for the bareboat charter-in arrangements for STI Beryl, STI Larvotto and STI Le Rocher will change in future periods as a result of the transition to IFRS 16, Leases, the impact of which is described in Note 1.
Time Chartered-Out Vessels

The following table summarizes the terms of our time chartered-out vessels that were in place during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
 
Name
 
Year built
 
Type
 
Delivery Date to the Charterer
 
Charter Expiration
 
Rate ($/ day)
 
1

STI Pimlico
 
2014
 
Handymax
 
February-16
 
March-19
 
$
18,000

 
2

STI Poplar
 
2014
 
Handymax
 
January-16
 
February-19
 
$
18,000

 
3

STI Notting Hill
 
2015
 
MR
 
November-15
 
October-18
 
$
20,500

 
4

STI Westminster
 
2015
 
MR
 
December-15
 
October-18
 
$
20,500

 
5

STI Rose
 
2015
 
LR2
 
February-16
 
February-19
 
$
28,000

 


Payments received include payments for the non-lease elements in these time chartered-out arrangements.
The future minimum payments due to us under these non-cancellable leases are set forth below. These minimum payments are shown net of address commissions, which are deducted upon payment.
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Less than 1 year
$
2,581

 
$
35,992

1 - 5 years
—

 
2,176

5+ years
—

 
—

Total
$
2,581

 
$
38,168


20.
General and administrative expenses
General and administrative expenses primarily represent employee benefit expenses, professional fees and administrative fees payable to SSH under our administrative services agreement (as described in Note 17).
Employee benefit expenses consist of:

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For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Short term employee benefits (salaries)
$
9,605

 
$
9,196

 
$
12,330

Share based compensation (see Note 16)
25,547

 
22,385

 
30,207

 
$
35,152

 
$
31,581

 
$
42,537

 
21.
Financial expenses
 
Financial expenses consist of:
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Interest expense on debt (1)
$
145,871

 
$
86,703

 
$
63,858

Amortization of deferred financing fees
10,541

 
13,381

 
14,149

Write-off of deferred financing fees (2)
13,212

 
2,467

 
14,479

Accretion of convertible notes (as described in Note 13)
13,225

 
12,211

 
11,562

Accretion of premiums and discounts on assumed debt(3)
3,779

 
1,478

 
—

Total financial expenses
$
186,628

 
$
116,240

 
$
104,048

 
(1)
The increase in interest expense is primarily attributable to increases in the Company’s average carrying value of debt balance in addition to increases in LIBOR rates throughout 2018. Average carrying value of our debt outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $2,806.9 million, $2,265.7 million and $1,986.6 million, respectively. The increase in average carrying value of our debt balance during the year ended December 31, 2018 was primarily the result of the Merger and the assumption of NPTI's indebtedness of $907.4 million in aggregate in addition to a series of initiatives to refinance the existing indebtedness on certain of the vessels in our fleet (as described in Note 13). Interest payable during those periods was offset by interest capitalized from vessels under construction (as described in Note 7) of $0.2 million, $4.2 million and $6.3 million, during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

(2)
The write-off of deferred financing fees in the year ended December 31, 2018 include (i) $1.2 million related to the exchange of our Convertible Notes due 2019 in May and July 2018 (as described in Note 11), and (ii) $12.0 million related to the initiatives to refinance the existing indebtedness on certain of the vessels in our fleet (as described in Note 13). The write-off of deferred financing fees in the year ended December 31, 2017 includes (i) $0.5 million related to the repayment of debt as a result of the sales of two vessels (as described in Note 6), (ii) $0.1 million related to the repayment of debt as a result of the sale and operating leasebacks of three vessels (as described in Note 19), (iii) $1.1 million related to the repayment of debt as a result of the finance lease arrangements for five vessels (as described in Note 13), and (iv) $0.8 million related to the refinancing and repayment of various secured and unsecured borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2017. The write-off of deferred financing fees in the year ended December 31, 2016 includes (i) $3.2 million related to the repayment of debt as a result of the sales of five vessels, and (ii) $11.2 million related to the refinancing of outstanding borrowings under various credit facilities and the repurchase of our Convertible Notes due 2019 as described in Note 13.

(3)
The accretion of premiums and discounts represent the accretion or amortization of the fair value adjustments relating to the indebtedness assumed from NPTI that have been recorded since the closing dates of the NPTI Vessel Acquisition and the September Closing.
 
22.
Tax
Scorpio Tankers Inc. and its subsidiaries are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and in accordance with the income tax laws of the Marshall Islands, are not subject to Marshall Islands’ income tax. Based upon review of applicable laws and regulations, and after consultation with counsel, we do not believe we are subject to material income taxes in any jurisdiction, including the United States of America. Therefore, we did not have any income tax charges, benefits, or balances as of or for the periods ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.


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23.
(Loss) / earnings per share
The calculation of both basic and diluted (loss) / earnings per share is based on net income or loss attributable to equity holders of the parent and weighted average outstanding shares of:
 
For the year ended December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars except for share data
2018
 
2017
 
2016
Net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent - basic
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
    Convertible notes interest expense
—

 
—

 
—

    Convertible notes deferred financing amortization
—

 
—

 
—

 Net loss attributable to equity holders of the parent - diluted
$
(190,071
)
 
$
(158,240
)
 
$
(24,903
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average number of shares
34,824,311

 
21,533,340

 
16,111,865

Effect of dilutive potential basic shares:
 
 
 

 
 

Restricted stock
—

 
—

 
—

Convertible notes
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Diluted weighted average number of shares
34,824,311

 
21,533,340

 
16,111,865

 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss Per Share:
 
 
 
 
 
    Basic
$
(5.46
)
 
$
(7.35
)
 
$
(1.55
)
    Diluted
$
(5.46
)
 
$
(7.35
)
 
$
(1.55
)
 
During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we incurred net losses and as a result, the inclusion of potentially dilutive shares relating to unvested shares of restricted stock and our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.  Accordingly, interest expense, deferred financing amortization and the potentially dilutive securities relating to the conversion of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 (representing 6,613,733, 3,442,282, and 3,404,979 shares of common stock for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively) along with the potentially dilutive impact of 3,359,887 and 1,925,441 and 1,261,358 unvested shares of restricted stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
24.
Financial instruments - financial and other risks
Funding and capital risk management
We manage our funding and capital resources to ensure our ability to continue as a going concern while maximizing the return to the shareholder through optimization of the debt and equity balance.
IFRS 13 requires classifications of fair value measures into Levels 1, 2 and 3. Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices). Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
The fair values and carrying values of our financial instruments at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, are shown in the table below.

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Categories of Financial Instruments
 
 
 As of December 31, 2018
 
 As of December 31, 2017
 Amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars
 
Fair value
Carrying Value
 
Fair value
Carrying Value
Financial assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (1)
 
$
593,652

$
593,652

 
$
186,462

$
186,462

Restricted cash (2)
 
12,285

12,285

 
11,387

11,387

Accounts receivable (3)
 
69,718

69,718

 
65,458

65,458

Investment in ballast water treatment supplier (4)
 
1,751

1,751

 
—

—

Working capital contributions to Scorpio Pools (5)
 
42,973

42,973

 
41,401

41,401

Seller's credit on sale leaseback vessels (6)
 
9,087

9,087

 
8,581

8,581

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable (7)
 
$
11,865

$
11,865

 
$
13,044

$
13,044

Accrued expenses (7)
 
22,972

22,972

 
32,838

32,838

Secured bank loans (8)
 
1,066,452

1,066,452

 
1,615,248

1,615,248

Finance lease liability (9)
 
1,420,381

1,420,381

 
717,139

717,139

Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2020 (10)
 
52,584

53,750

 
53,449

53,750

Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2019 (10)
 
58,029

57,500

 
58,466

57,500

Convertible Notes due 2019 (11)
 
140,267

145,000

 
316,184

348,500

Convertible Notes due 2022 (11)
 
163,842

203,500

 
—

—

(1)
Cash and cash equivalents are considered Level 1 items as they represent liquid assets with short-term maturities.
(2)
Restricted cash are considered Level 1 items due to the liquid nature of these assets.
(3)
We consider that the carrying amount of accounts receivable approximate their fair value due to the relative short maturity of these instruments.
(4)
We consider the value of our minority interest in our ballast water treatment system supplier (as described in Note 9) to be a Level 3 fair value measurement, as this supplier is a private company and the value has been determined based on unobservable market data (i.e. the proceeds that we would receive if we exercised the put option set forth in the agreement in full). Moreover, we consider that its carrying value approximates fair value given that the value of this investment is contractually limited to the strike prices set forth in the put and call options prescribed in the agreement and the difference between the two prices is not significant. The difference in the aggregate value of the investment, based on the spread between the exercise prices of the put and call options is $0.6 million.
(5) Non-current working capital contributions to the Scorpio Pools are repaid, without interest, upon a vessel’s exit from the pool. For all owned vessels, we assume that these contributions will not be repaid within 12 months and are thus classified as non-current within Other Assets on the consolidated balance sheets.  We consider that their carrying values approximate fair value given that the amounts due are contractually fixed based on the terms of each pool agreement. 
(6) The seller's credit on lease financed vessels represents the present value of the deposits of $4.35 million per vessel ($13.1 million in aggregate) that was retained by the buyer as part of the sale and operating leasebacks of STI Beryl, STI Le Rocher and STI Larvotto, which is described in Note 13.  This deposit will either be applied to the purchase price of the vessel if a purchase option is exercised, or refunded to us at the expiration of the agreement.  This deposit has been recorded as a financial asset measured at amortized cost.  The present value of this deposit has been calculated based on the interest rate that is implied in the lease, and the carrying value will accrete over the life of the lease using the effective interest method, through interest income, until expiration.  We consider that its carrying value approximates fair value given that its value is contractually fixed based on the terms of each lease. 
(7)
We consider that the carrying amounts of accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate the fair value due to the relative short maturity of these instruments.
(8)
The carrying value of our secured bank loans are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. We consider that their carrying value approximates fair value because the interest rates on these instruments change with, or approximate, market interest rates. Accordingly, we consider their fair value to be a Level 2 measurement. These amounts are shown net of $12.6 million and $29.9 million of unamortized deferred financing fees as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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(9)
The carrying value of our obligations due under finance lease arrangements are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. We consider that their carrying value approximates fair value because the interest rates on these instruments change with, or approximate, market interest rates. These amounts are shown net of $9.5 million and $1.2 million of unamortized deferred financing fees as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(10) The carrying value of our Unsecured Senior Notes Due 2020 and 2019 are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. The carrying values shown in the table are the face value of the notes. These notes are shown net of $0.5 million and $0.5 million of unamortized deferred financing fees, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018. These notes are shown net of $0.8 million and $1.5 million of unamortized deferred financing fees, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017. Our Senior Notes Due 2020 and 2019 are quoted on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols 'SBNA' and 'SBBC', respectively. We consider their fair values to be Level 1 measurements due to their quotation on an active exchange.
(11) The carrying value of our Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes 2022 shown in the table above are their face value. The liability component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 has been recorded within Long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, net of $0.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of unamortized deferred financing fees. The equity component of the Convertible Notes due 2019 has been recorded within Additional paid-in capital on the consolidated balance sheet, net of $1.9 million, of unamortized deferred financing fees. These instruments are traded in inactive markets and are valued based on quoted prices on the recent trading activity. Accordingly, we consider its fair value to be a Level 2 measurement.
Financial risk management objectives
We identify and evaluate significant risks on an ongoing basis with the objective of managing the sensitivity of our results and financial position to those risks. These risks include market risk, credit risk, liquidity risk and foreign exchange risk.
The use of financial derivatives is governed by our policies as approved by the Board of Directors.
Market risk
Our activities expose us to the risks inherent with the tanker industry, which has historically been volatile, and financial risks of changes in interest rates.
Spot market rate risk
The cyclical nature of the tanker industry causes significant increases or decreases in the revenue that we earn from our vessels, particularly those vessels that operate in the spot market or participate in pools that are concentrated in the spot market such as the Scorpio Pools. Additionally, we have the ability to remove our vessels from the pools on relatively short notice if attractive time charter opportunities arise. A $1,000 per day increase or decrease in spot rates for all of our vessel classes would have increased or decreased our operating income by $43.7 million, $36.6 million and $31.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Interest rate risk
The sensitivity analyses below have been determined based on the exposure to interest rates for non-derivative instruments at the balance sheet date. For floating rate liabilities, the analysis is prepared assuming the amount of liability outstanding at the balance sheet date was outstanding for the entire year.
If interest rates had been 1% higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 would have decreased/increased by $22.8 million. This is mainly attributable to our exposure to interest rate movements on our variable interest rate credit facilities and lease financing arrangements as described in Note 13.
If interest rates had been 1% higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, our net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 would have decreased/increased by $17.9 million. This is mainly attributable to our exposure to interest rate movements on our variable interest rate credit facilities and lease financing arrangements as described in Note 13.
If interest rates had been 1% higher/lower and all other variables were held constant, our net income for the year ended December 31, 2016 would have decreased/increased by $14.8 million. This is mainly attributable to our exposure to interest rate movements on our variable interest rate credit facilities that were in place during that year.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the potential exposure of loss in the event of non-performance by customers and derivative instrument counterparties.
We only place cash deposits with major banks covered with strong and acceptable credit ratings.

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Accounts receivable are generally not collateralized; however, we believe that the credit risk is partially offset by the creditworthiness of our counterparties including the commercial manager. We did not experience any credit losses on our accounts receivables portfolio in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
The carrying amount of financial assets recognized on our consolidated financial statements represents the maximum exposure to credit risk without taking into account the value of any collateral obtained. We did not experience any impairment losses on financial assets in the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016.
We monitor exposure to credit risk, and believe that there is no substantial credit risk arising from counterparties.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that an entity will encounter difficulty in raising funds to meet commitments associated with financial instruments.
We manage liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and borrowing facilities and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows.
Economic conditions in the product tanker market were challenging during the year ended December 31, 2018, with freight rates at their lowest levels since 2009, resulting in the incurrence of significant losses during that period. In the month of December 2018 and into the first quarter of 2019, economic conditions in the product tanker market have improved, and, as described in Note 16, we have also raised $319.6 million in additional liquidity in an underwritten offering of our common shares. Our Senior Unsecured Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2019 are scheduled to mature in June and July of 2019, respectively. While we believe our current financial position is adequate to address the maturity of these instruments, a deterioration in economic conditions could cause us to pursue other means to raise liquidity, such as through the sale of vessels, to meet these obligations. Moreover, a deterioration in economic conditions could cause us to breach our debt covenants, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition
Based on internal forecasts and projections, which take into account reasonably possible changes in our trading performance, we believe that we have adequate financial resources to continue in operation and meet our financial commitments (including but not limited to newbuilding installments, debt service obligations and charterhire commitments) for a period of at least twelve months from the date of approval of these consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, we continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing our financial statements.
Remaining contractual maturity on secured and unsecured credit facilities
The following table details our remaining contractual maturity for our secured and unsecured credit facilities and lease financing arrangements. The amounts represent the future undiscounted cash flows of the financial liability based on the earliest date on which we can be required to pay. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows.
As the interest cash flows are not fixed, the interest amount included has been determined by reference to the projected interest rates as illustrated by the yield curves existing at the reporting date.
 
As of December 31,
In thousands of U.S. dollars
2018
 
2017
Less than 1 month
$
18,994

 
$
24,868

1-3 months
140,710

 
65,294

3 months to 1 year
419,070

 
219,144

1-3 years
1,049,739

 
1,215,144

3-5 years
1,095,717

 
1,222,889

5+ years
910,050

 
684,330

Total
$
3,634,280

 
$
3,431,669

All other current liabilities fall due within less than one month.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
Our primary economic environment is the international shipping market. This market utilizes the U.S. Dollar as its functional currency. Consequently, virtually all of our revenues and the majority of our operating expenses are in U.S. Dollars. However, we incur some of our combined expenses in other currencies, particularly the Euro. The amount and frequency of some of these expenses (such as vessel repairs, supplies and stores) may fluctuate from period to period. Depreciation in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies will increase the U.S. dollar cost of us paying such expenses. The portion of our business conducted in other currencies could increase in the future, which could expand our exposure to losses arising from currency fluctuations.

F-76


There is a risk that currency fluctuations will have a negative effect on our cash flows. We have not entered into any hedging contracts to protect against currency fluctuations. However, we have some ability to shift the purchase of goods and services from one country to another and, thus, from one currency to another, on relatively short notice. We may seek to hedge this currency fluctuation risk in the future.

25.
Subsequent events
January 2019 Reverse Stock Split
On January 18, 2019, the Company effected a one-for-ten reverse stock split. The Company's shareholders approved the reverse stock split including the change in authorized common shares at the Company's special meeting of shareholders held on January 15, 2019. Pursuant to this reverse stock split, the total number of authorized common shares was reduced to 150,000,000 shares and the number of common shares outstanding was reduced from 513,975,324 shares to 51,397,470 shares (which reflects adjustments for fractional share settlements). The par value of the common shares was not adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. All share and per share information contained in these consolidated financial statements has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.
Declaration of Dividend
On February 13, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.10 per common share payable on or about March 28, 2019 to all shareholders of record as of March 13, 2019 (the record date). As of March 15, 2019, there were 51,396,970 common shares outstanding.
Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022
On March 13, 2019, the conversion rates of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 were adjusted to reflect the Company's expected payment of a cash dividend on or about March 28, 2019 to all shareholders of record as of March 13, 2019. The new conversion rates for the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022 are 10.1110 and 25.4799 shares, respectively, of the Company's common shares representing an increase of the prior conversion rate of 0.0570 and 0.1437 shares, respectively, for each $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes due 2019 and Convertible Notes due 2022.
2013 Equity Incentive Plan
On February 28, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved the reloading of the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and reserved an additional 86,977 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, for issuance pursuant to the plan.
Securities Repurchase Program
In March 2019, the Company repurchased $2.3 million face value of its Convertible Notes due 2019 at an average price of $990.00 per $1,000 principal amount, or $2.3 million. The Company had $121.6 million remaining under the Securities Repurchase Program as of March 15, 2019.  The Company expects to repurchase any securities in the open market, at times and prices that are considered to be appropriate, but it is not obligated under the terms of the program to repurchase any securities.
Redemption of Senior Notes due 2019
On March 18, 2019 ("the Redemption Date"), the Company redeemed the entire outstanding balance of the Senior Notes Due 2019.  The redemption price of the Senior Notes Due 2019 was equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.


F-77