Exhibit 4.33
BIMCO STANDARD BAREBOAT CHARTER
CODE NAME: "BARECON 2001
1. Shipbroker
Not applicable.
2. Place and date
Piraeus/New York, 4 April 2006
3. Owners/Place of business (Cl. 1)
Partankers III AS, Dronning Mauds gate 3, Norway
4. Bareboat Charterers/Place of business (Cl. 1)
Litochoro Shipping Company Limited, c/o Top Tanker Management Inc.,
109-111 Messogion Avenue, Athens, 115 26 Greece
5. Vessel's name, call sign and flag (Cl. 1 and 3)
MV "Endless", call sign V7FX6, The Marshall Islands flag
6. Type of Vessel
Suezmax Tanker
7. GT
80,914
8. When/Where built
1992, Ishika Wajima Do Brasil Estaleiros, Brazil
9. Total DWT (abt.) in metric tons on summer freeboard
135,915
10. Classification society (C1. 3)
ABS
11. Date of last special survey by the Vessel's classification society
26 November 2002
12. Further particulars of Vessel (also indicate minimum number of months'
validity of class certificates agreed acc. to Cl. 3)
As at the time of delivery
13. Port or Place of delivery (Cl. 3)
At sea or any safe berth in safe port or safe anchorage
14. Time for delivery (Cl. 4)
Same as MOA date, see also Clause 33
15. Cancelling date (Cl. 5)
Same as MOA date, see also Clause 34
16. Port or Place of redelivery (Cl. 15)
Safe berth in safe port worldwide, but subject clauses 20 and 50
17. No. of months' validity, of trading and class certificates upon redelivery
(Cl. 15 and Clause 50)
6 months
18. Running days' notice if other than stated In Cl. 4
19. Frequency of dry-docking (Cl. 10(g))
Not applicable.
20. Trading limits (Cl. 6)
World wide, always within Institute Warranty Limits
21. Charter period (Cl. 2)
See Clause 37
22. Charter hire (Cl. 11)
See Clause 38
23. New class and other safety requirements (state percentage of Vessel's
insurance value acc. to Box 29)(Cl. 10(a)(ii))
See Clause 45
24. Rate of interest payable acc. to Cl. 11(f) and, if applicable, acc. to PART
IV
See Clause 38.6
25. Currency and method of payment (Cl. 11)
See Clause 38
26. Place of payment; also slate beneficiary and bank account (Cl. 11)
See Clause 38
27. Bank guarantee/bond (sum and place)(Cl. 24)(optional)
See Clause 36.7
28. Mortgage(s), if any (state whether 12(a) or (b) applies; if 12(b) applies
state date of Financial Instrument and name of Mortgagee(s)/Place of
business)(Cl. 12)
Clause 12(b) applies. USD 196,600,000 first priority mortgage to Nordea
Bank Norge ASA, and Second Priority Mortgage in favour of the immediately
previous owners of the Vessel, see Clause 40
29. Insurance (hull and machinery and war risks)(state value acc. to Cl. 13(f)
or, if applicable, acc. to Cl. 14(k))(also state if Cl. 14 applies)
See Clause 45
MII and MAPI to be taken out by the Mortgagee, and premium to be paid 50/50
by Owners and Charterers
30. Additional insurance cover, if any, for Owners' account limited to (Cl,
13(b) or, if applicable, Cl. 14(g))
31. Additional insurance cover, if any, for Charterers' account limited to (Cl.
13(b) or, if applicable, Cl. 14(g))
Charterers Interest Insurance and Charterers Loss of Hire
32. Latent defects (only to be filled in if period other than stated in CI. 3)
33. Brokerage commission and to whom payable (Cl. 27)
34. Grace period (state number of clear banking days)(Cl. 28)
See Clause 46.1.1
35. Dispute Resolution (state 30(a), 30(b) or 30(c); if 30(c) agreed Place of
Arbitration must be stated (Cl. 30)
See Clause 30(a)
36. War cancellation (indicate countries agreed)(Cl. 26(f))
37. Newbuilding Vessel (indicate with "yes" or "no": whether PART III
applies)(optional)
NO
38. Name and place of Builders (only to be filled in if PART III applies)
39. Vessel's Yard Building No. (only to be filled in if PART III applies)
40. Date of Building Contract (only to be filled in if PART III applies)
41. Liquidated damages and costs shall accrue to (state party acc. to Cl. 1)
a)
b)
c)
42. Hire/Purchase agreement (indicate with "yes" or "no" whether PART IV
applies)(optional)
NO
43. Bareboat Charter Registry (indicate "yes" or "no" whether PART V
applies)(optional)
NO
44. Flag and Country of the Bareboat Charter Registry (only to be filled in if
PART V applies)
NO
45. Country of the Underlying Registry (only to be filled in if PART V applies)
46. Number of additional clauses covering special provisions, if agreed
32-52
PREAMBLE - It is mutually agreed that this Contract shall be performed subject
to the conditions contained in this Charter which shall include PART I and PART
II. In the event of a conflict of conditions, the provisions of PART I shall
prevail over those of PART II to the extent of such conflict but no further. It
is further mutually agreed that PART III and/or PART IV and/or PART V shall only
apply and only form part of this Charter if expressly agreed and stated in
Boxes 37, 42 and 43. If PART III and/or PART IV and/or PART V apply, it is
further agreed that in the event of a conflict of conditions, the provisions of
PART I and PART II shall prevail over those of PART III and/or PART IV and/or
PART V to the extent of such conflict but no further.
Signature (Owners) Signature (Charterers)
- ------------------- ------------------------
Peter W. Wallace Andreas Louka
Attorney-in-fact Attorney-in-fact
PART II
"BARECON 2001" Standard Bareboat Charter
1. Definitions
In this Charter, the following terms shall have the meanings hereby
assigned to them: "The Owners" shall mean the party identified in Box 3;
"The Charterers" shall mean the party identified in Box 4; "The Vessel"
shall mean the vessel named in Box 5 and with particulars as stated in
Boxes 6 to 12. "Financial Instrument" means the mortgage, deed of covenant
or other such financial security instrument as annexed to this Charter and
stated in Box 28.
2. Charter Period
In consideration of the hire detailed in Box 22, the Owners have agreed to
let and the Charterers have agreed to hire the Vessel for the period stated
in Box 21 ("The Charter Period").
3. Delivery See Clause 32
(not applicable when Part III applies, as indicated in Box 37)
(a) The Vessel shall be delivered by the Owners and taken over by the
Charterers at the port or place indicated in Box 13 in such ready safe
berth as the Charterers may direct.
(b) The Vessel shall be properly documented on delivery in accordance with
the laws of the flag State indicated in Box 5 and the requirements of
the classification society stated in Box 10. The Vessel upon delivery
shall have her survey cycles up to date and trading and class
certificates valid for at least the number of months agreed in Box 12.
(c) The delivery of the Vessel by the Owners and the taking over of the
Vessel by the Charterers shall constitute a full performance by the
Owners of all the Owners' obligations under this Clause 3 and
thereafter the Charterers shall not be entitled to make or assert any
claim against the Owners on account of any conditions, representations
or warranties expressed or implied with respect to the Vessel but the
Owners shall be liable for the cost of but not the time for repairs or
renewals occasioned by latent defects in the Vessel, her machinery or
appurtenances, existing at the time of delivery under this Charter,
provided such defects have manifested themselves within twelve (12)
months after delivery unless otherwise provided in Box 32.
4. Time for Delivery
(not applicable when Part III applies, as indicated in Box 37)
The Vessel shall not be delivered before the date indicated in Box 14
without the Charterers' consent. The Owners shall keep the Charterers
closely advised of possible changes in the Vessel's position.
5. Cancelling
(not applicable when Part III applies, as indicated in Box 37)
6. Trading Restrictions
The Vessel shall be employed in lawful trades for the carriage of suitable
lawful merchandise within the trading limits indicated in Box 20. The
Charterers undertake not to employ the Vessel or suffer the Vessel to be
employed otherwise than in conformity with the terms of the contracts of
insurance (including any warranties expressed or implied therein) without
first obtaining the consent of the insurers to such employment and
complying with such requirements as to extra premium or otherwise as the
insurers may prescribe. The Charterers also undertake not to employ the
Vessel or suffer her employment in any trade or business which is forbidden
by the law of any country to which the Vessel may sail or is otherwise
illicit or in carrying illicit or prohibited goods or in any manner
whatsoever which may render her liable to condemnation, destruction,
seizure or confiscation. Notwithstanding any other provisions contained in
this Charter it is agreed that nuclear fuels or radioactive products or
waste are specifically excluded from the cargo permitted to be loaded or
carried under this Charter. This exclusion does not apply to radio-isotopes
used or intended to be used for any industrial, commercial, agricultural,
medical or scientific purposes provided the Owners' prior approval has been
obtained to loading thereof.
7. Surveys on Delivery and Redelivery
(not applicable when Part III applies, as indicated in Box 37)
The Owners and Charterers shall each appoint surveyors for the purpose of
determining and agreeing in writing the condition of the Vessel at the time
of delivery and redelivery hereunder. The Owners and the Charterers shall
share equally all expenses of the On-hire Survey including loss of time, if
any, and of the Off-hire-Survey.
8. Inspection
The Owners and/or the Mortgagee shall have the right at any time after
giving reasonable notice to the Charterers to inspect or survey the Vessel
or instruct a duly authorised surveyor to carry out such survey on their
behalf:- (a) to ascertain the condition of the Vessel and satisfy
themselves that the Vessel is being properly repaired and maintained. The
costs and fees for such inspection or survey shall be paid by the Owners
unless the Vessel is found to require repairs or maintenance in order to
achieve the condition so provided; (b) in dry-dock if the Charterers have
not dry-docked Her in accordance with Clause 10(q). The costs and fees for
such inspection or survey shall be paid by the Charterers; and (c) for any
other commercial reason they consider necessary (provided it does not
unduly interfere with the commercial operation of the Vessel). The costs
and fees for such inspection and survey shall be paid by the government or
division or authority thereof. The Charterers shall make and maintain all
arrangements by bond or otherwise as may be necessary to satisfy such
requirements at the Charterers' sole expense and the Charterers shall
indemnify the Owners against all consequences whatsoever (including loss of
time) for any failure or inability to do so. (b) Operation of the Vessel -
The Charterers shall at their own expense and by their own procurement man,
victual, navigate, operate, supply, fuel and, whenever required, repair the
Vessel during the Charter Period and they shall pay all charges and
expenses of every kind and nature whatsoever incidental to their use and
operation of the Vessel under this Charter, including annual flag State
fees and any foreign general municipality and/or state taxes. The Master,
officers and crew of the Vessel shall be the servants of the Charterers for
all purposes whatsoever, even if for any reason appointed by the Owners.
Charterers shall comply with the regulations regarding officers and crew in
force in the country of the Vessel's flag or any other applicable law. (c)
The Charterers shall keep the Owners and the mortgagee(s) advised of the
intended employment, planned dry-docking and major repairs of the Vessel,
as reasonably required. (d) Flag and Name of Vessel - During the Charter
Period, the Charterers shall have the liberty to paint the Vessel in their
own colours, install and display their funnel insignia and fly their own
house flag. The Charterers shall also have the liberty, with the Owners'
and Mortgagee's consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, to
change the flag and/or the name of the Vessel during the Charter Period.
Painting and re-painting, instalment and re-instalment, registration and
re-registration, if required by the Owners, shall be at the Charterers'
expense and time. (e) Changes to the Vessel - Subject to Clause 10(a)(ii),
the Charterers shall make no structural changes in the Vessel or changes in
the machinery, boilers, appurtenances or spare parts thereof without in
each instance first securing the Owners' approval thereof. If the Owners so
agree, the Charterers shall, if the Owners so require, restore the Vessel
to its former condition before the termination of this Charter. (f) Use of
the Vessel's Outfit, Equipment and Appliances - The Charterers shall have
the use of all outfit, equipment, and appliances on board the Vessel at the
time of delivery, provided the same or their substantial equivalent shall
be returned to the Owners on redelivery in the same good order and
condition as when received, ordinary wear and tear excepted. The Charterers
shall from time to time during the Charter Period replace such items of
equipment as shall be so damaged or worn as to be unfit for use. The
Charterers are to procure that all repairs to or replacement of any
damaged, worn or lost parts or equipment be effected in such manner (both
as regards workmanship and quality of materials) as not to diminish the
value of the Vessel. The Charterers have the right to fit additional
equipment at their expense and risk but the Charterers shall remove such
equipment at the end of the period lf requested by the Owners. Any
equipment including radio equipment on hire on the Vessel at time of
delivery shall be kept and maintained by the Charterers and the Charterers
shall assume the obligations and liabilities of the Owners under any lease
contracts in connection therewith and shall reimburse the Owners for all
expenses incurred in connection therewith, also for any new equipment
required in order to comply with radio regulations. (g) Periodical
Dry-Docking - The Charterers shall dry-dock the Vessel and clean and paint
her underwater parts whenever the same may be necessary, but not Owners.
All time used in respect of inspection, survey or repairs shall be for the
Charterers' account and form part of the Charter Period. The Charterers
shall also permit the Owners (or their appointed representatives) to
inspect the Vessel's log books whenever requested and shall whenever
required by the Owners and/or as required under Clause 44 8 furnish them
with full information regarding any casualties or other accidents or damage
to the Vessel.
9. Inventories, Oil and Stores
A complete inventory of the Vessel's entire equipment, outfit including
spare parts, appliances and of all consumable stores on board the Vessel
shall be made by the Charterers in conjunction with the Owners on delivery
and again on redelivery of the Vessel. The Owners shall at the time of
redelivery take over and pay for all bunkers, lubricating oil, unbroached
provisions, paints, ropes and other consumable stores (excluding spare
parts) in the said Vessel at the then current market prices at the ports of
redelivery. The Charterers shall ensure that all spare parts listed in the
inventory and used during the Charter Period are replaced at their expense
prior to redelivery of the Vessel.
10. Maintenance and Operation
(a)(i) Maintenance and Repairs - During the Charter Period the Vessel shall
be in the full possession and at the absolute disposal for all
purposes of the Charterers and under their complete control in every
respect. The Charterers shall maintain the Vessel, her machinery,
boilers, appurtenances and spare parts in a good state of repair, in
efficient operating condition and in accordance with good commercial
maintenance practice and, except as provided for in Clause 14(i) if
applicable, at their own expense they shall at all times keep the
Vessel's Class fully up to date with the Classification Society
indicated in Box 10 and maintain all other necessary certificates in
force at all times.
(ii) New Class and Other Safety Requirements - In the event of any
improvement, structural changes or new equipment becoming
necessary for the continued operation of the Vessel by reason of
new class requirements or by compulsory legislation, the cost of
compliance shall be for the sole cost and account of the
Charterers.
(iii) Financial Security - The Charterers shall maintain financial
security or responsibility in respect of third party liabilities
as required by any government, including federal, state or
municipal or other division or authority thereof, to enable the
Vessel, without penalty or charge, lawfully to enter, remain at,
or leave any port, place, territorial or contiguous waters of any
country, state or municipality in performance of this Charter
without any delay. This obligation shall apply whether or not
such requirements have been lawfully imposed by such less than
once during the period stated in Box 19 or, if Box 19 has been
left blank, every sixty (60) calendar months after delivery or
such other period as may be required by the Classification
Society or flag State, see also Clause 51.7.
11. Hire See Clause 38
12. Mortgage
(only to apply if Box 28 has been appropriately filled in)
*) The Vessel chartered under this Charter Is financed by a mortgage according
to the Financial Instrument. The Charterers undertake to comply, and
provide such information and documents to enable the Owners to comply, with
all such instructions or directions in regard to the employment,
insurances, operation, repairs and maintenance of the Vessel as laid down
in the Financial Instrument or as may be directed from time to time during
the currency of the Charter by the mortgagee(s) in conformity with the
Financial Instrument The Charterers confirm that, for this purpose, they
have acquainted themselves with all relevant terms, conditions and
provisions of the Financial Instrument and agree to acknowledge this in
writing in any form that may be required by the mortgagee(s). The Owners
warrant that they have not effected any mortgage(s) other than stated in
Box 28 and that they shall not agree to any amendment of the mortgage(s)
referred to in Box 28 or effect any other mortgage(s) without the prior
consent of the Charterers, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. *)
13. Insurance and Repairs See Clause 45
(a) During the Charter Period the Vessel shall be kept insured by the
Charterers at their expense against hull and machinery, war and Protection
and Indemnity risks (and any risks against which it is compulsory to insure
for the operation of the Vessel, including maintaining financial security
in accordance with sub-clause 10(a)(iii)) in such form as the Owners shall
in writing approve, which approval shall not be un-reasonably withheld.
Such insurances shall be arranged by the Charterers to protect the
interests of both the Owners and the Charterers and the mortgagee(s) (if
any), and The Charterers shall be at liberty to protect under such
insurances the interests of any managers they may appoint. Insurance
policies shall cover the Owners and the Charterers according to their
respective interests. Subject to the provisions of the Financial
Instrument, if any, and the approval of the Owners and the insurers, the
Charterers shall effect all insured repairs and shall undertake settlement
and reimbursement from the insurers of all costs in connection with such
repairs as well as insured charges, expenses and liabilities to the extent
of coverage under the insurances herein provided for. The Charterers also
to remain responsible for and to effect repairs and settlement of costs and
expenses incurred thereby in respect of all other repairs not covered by
the insurances and/or not exceeding any possible franchise(s) or
deductibles provided for in the insurances. All time used for repairs under
the provisions of sub-clause 13(a) and for repairs of latent defects
according to Clause 3(c) above, including any deviation, shall be for the
Charterers' account (b) If the conditions of the above insurances permit
additional insurance to be placed by the parties, such cover shall be
limited to the amount for each party set out in Box 30 and Box 31
respectively. The Owners or the Charterers as the case may be shall
immediately furnish the other party with particulars of any additional
insurance effected, including copies of any cover notes or policies and the
written consent of the insurers of any such required insurance in any case
where the consent of such insurers is necessary. (c) The Charterers shall
upon the request of the Owners, provide Information and promptly execute
such documents as may be required to enable the Owners to comply with the
insurance provisions of the Financial Instrument. (d) Subject to the
provisions of the Financial Instrument, if any, should the Vessel become an
actual, constructive, compromised or agreed total loss under the insurances
required under sub-clause 13(a), all insurance payments for such loss shall
be paid to the Owners who shall distribute the moneys between the Owners
and the Charterers according to their respective interests. The Charterers
undertake to notify the Owners and the mortgagee(s), if any, of any
occurrences in consequence of which the Vessel is likely to become a total
loss as defined in this Clause. (e) The Owners shall upon the request of
the Charterers, promptly execute such documents as may be required to
enable the Charterers to abandon the Vessel to insurers and claim a
constructive total loss. (f) For the purpose of insurance coverage against
hull and machinery and war risks under the provisions of sub-clause 13(a),
the value of the Vessel is the sum indicated in Box 29.
14. Insurance, Repairs and Classification
15. Redelivery See also Clause 50
At the expiration of the Charter Period the Vessel shall be redelivered by
the Charterers to the Owners at a safe and ice-free port or place as
indicated in Box 16, in such ready safe berth as the Owners may direct The
Charterers shall give the Owners not less than thirty (30) running days'
preliminary notice of expected date, range of ports of redelivery or port
or place of redelivery and not less than fourteen (14) running days'
definite notice of expected date and port or place of redelivery. Any
changes thereafter in the Vessel's position shall be notified immediately
to the Owners. The Charterers warrant that they will not permit the Vessel
to commence a voyage (including any preceding ballast voyage) which cannot
reasonably be expected to be completed in time to allow redelivery of the
Vessel within the Charter Period. Notwithstanding the above, should the
Charterers fail to redeliver the Vessel within The Charter Period, the
Charterers shall pay the daily equivalent to the rate of hire stated in Box
22 plus 10 per cent, or to the market rate, whichever is the higher, for
the number of days by which the Charter Period is exceeded. All other
terms, conditions and provisions of this Charter shall continue to apply.
Subject to the provisions of Clause 10 the Vessel shall be redelivered to
the Owners in the same or as good structure, state, condition and class as
that in which she was delivered, fair wear and tear not affecting class
excepted. The Vessel upon redelivery shall have her survey cycles up to
date and trading and class certificates valid for at least the number of
months agreed in Box 17.
16. Non-Lien
The Charterers will not suffer, nor permit to be continued, any lien or
encumbrance incurred by them or their agents, which might have priority
over the title and interest of the Owners in the Vessel. The Charterers
further agree to fasten to the Vessel in a conspicuous place and to keep so
fastened during the Charter Period a notice reading as follows:
"This Vessel is the property of (name of Owners). It is under charter to
(name of Charterers) and by the terms of the Charter Party neither the
Charterers nor the Master have any right, power or authority to create,
incur or permit to be imposed on the Vessel any lien whatsoever."
17. Indemnity See Clause 39
(a) The Charterers shall indemnify the Owners against any loss, damage or
expense incurred by the Owners arising out of or in relation to the
operation of the Vessel by the Charterers, and against any lien of
whatsoever nature arising out of an event occurring during the Charter
Period. If the Vessel be arrested or otherwise detained by reason of claims
or liens arising out of her operation hereunder by the Charterers, the
Charterers shall at their own expense take all reasonable steps to secure
that within a reasonable time the Vessel is released, including the
provision of bail. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing,
the Charterers agree to indemnify the Owners against all consequences or
liabilities arising from the Master, officers or agents signing Bills of
Lading or other documents. (b) If the Vessel be arrested or otherwise
detained by reason of a claim or claims against the Owners, the Owners
shall at their own expense take all reasonable steps to secure that within
a reasonable time the Vessel is released, including the provision of bail.
In such circumstances the Owners shall indemnify the Charterers against any
loss, damage or expense incurred by the Charterers (including hire paid
under this Charter) as a direct consequence of such arrest or detention.
18. Lien
The Owners to have a lien upon all cargoes, sub-hires and sub-freights
belonging or due to the Charterers or any sub-charterers and any Bill of
Lading freight for all claims under this Charter, and the Charterers to
have a lien on the Vessel for all moneys paid in advance and not earned.
19. Salvage
All salvage and towage performed by the Vessel shall be for the Charterers'
benefit and the cost of repairing damage occasioned thereby shall be borne
by the Charterers.
20. Wreck Removal
In the event of the Vessel becoming a wreck or obstruction to navigation
the Charterers shall indemnify the Owners against any sums whatsoever which
the Owners shall become liable to pay and shall pay in consequence of the
Vessel becoming a wreck or obstruction to navigation.
21. General Average
The Owners shall not contribute to General Average.
22. Assignment, Sub-Charter and Sale See Clause 41
(a) The Charterers shall not assign this Charter nor sub-charter the Vessel on
a bareboat basis except with the prior consent in writing of the Owners,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld, and subject to such terms and
conditions as the Owners shall approve.
23. Contracts of Carriage
*) (a) The Charterers are to procure that all documents issued during the
Charter Period evidencing the terms and conditions agreed in respect of
carriage of goods shall contain a paramount clause incorporating any
legislation relating to carriers liability for cargo compulsorily
applicable in the trade; if no such legislation exists, the documents shall
incorporate the Hague-Visby Rules. The documents shall also contain the New
Jason Clause and the Both-to-Blame Collision Clause.
24. Bank Guarantee
(Optional, only to apply if Box 27 filled in)
25. Requisition/Acquisition
(a) In the event of the Requisition for Hire of the Vessel by any governmental
or other competent authority (hereinafter referred to as "Requisition for
Hire") irrespective of the date during the Charter Period when 'Requisition
for Hire' may occur and irrespective of the length thereof and whether or
not it be for an indefinite or a limited period of time, and irrespective
of whether it may or will remain in force for the remainder of the Charter
Period, this Charter shall not be deemed thereby or thereupon to be
frustrated or otherwise terminated and the Charterers shall continue to pay
the stipulated hire in the manner provided by this Charter until the time
when the Charter would have terminated pursuant to any of the provisions
hereof always provided however that in the event of "Requisition for Hire"
any Requisition Hire or compensation received or receivable by the Owners
shall be payable to the Charterers during the remainder of the Charter
Period or the period of the "Requisition for Hire" whichever be the
shorter. (b) In the event of the Owners being deprived of their ownership
in the Vessel by any Compulsory Acquisition of the Vessel or requisition
for title by any governmental or other competent authority (hereinafter
referred to as "Compulsory Acquisition"), then, irrespective of the date
during the Charter Period when "Compulsory Acquisition" may occur, this
Charter shall be deemed terminated as of the date of such "Compulsory
Acquisition". In such event Charter Hire to be considered as earned and to
be paid up to the date and time of such "Compulsory Acquisition".
26. War
(a) For the purpose of this Clause, the words "War Risks" shall include any war
(whether actual or threatened), act of war, civil war, hostilities,
revolution, rebellion, civil commotion, warlike operations, the laying of
mines (whether actual or reported), acts of piracy, acts of terrorists,
acts of hostility or malicious damage, blockades (whether imposed against
all vessels or imposed selectively against vessels of certain flags or
ownership, or against certain cargoes or crews or otherwise howsoever), by
any person, body, terrorist or political group, or the Government of any
state whatsoever, which may be dangerous or are likely to be or to become
dangerous to the Vessel, her cargo, crew or other persons on board the
Vessel.
(b) The Vessel, unless the written consent of the Owners be first obtained,
shall not continue to or go through any port, place, area or zone (whether
of land or sea), or any waterway or canal, where it reasonably appears that
the Vessel, her cargo, crew or other persons on board the Vessel, in the
reasonable judgement of the Owners, may be, or are likely to be, exposed to
War Risks. Should the Vessel be within any such place as aforesaid, which
only becomes dangerous, or is likely to be or to become dangerous, after
her entry into it, the Owners shall have the right to require the Vessel to
leave such area.
(c) The Vessel shall not load contraband cargo, or to pass through any
blockade, whether such blockade be imposed on all vessels, or is imposed
selectively in any way whatsoever against vessels of certain flags or
ownership, or against certain cargoes or crews or otherwise howsoever, or
to proceed to an area where she shall be subject, or is likely to be
subject to a belligerent's right of search and/or confiscation.
(d) If the insurers of the war risks insurance, when Clause 14 is applicable,
should require payment of premiums and/or calls because, pursuant to the
Charterers' orders, the Vessel is within, or is due to enter and remain
within, any area or areas which are specified by such insurers as being
subject to additional premiums because of War Risks, then such premiums
and/or calls shall be reimbursed by the Charterers to the Owners at the
same time as the next payment of hire is due.
(e) The Charterers shall have the liberty:
(i) to comply with all orders, directions, recommendations or advice as to
departure, arrival, routes, sailing in convoy, ports of call,
stoppages, destinations, discharge of cargo, delivery, or in any other
way whatsoever, which are given by the Government of the Nation under
whose flag the Vessel sails, or any other Government. body or group
whatsoever acting with the power to compel compliance with their
orders or directions;
(ii) to comply with the orders, directions or recommendations of any war
risks underwriters who have the authority to give the same under the
terms of the war risks insurance;
(iii) to comply with the terms of any resolution of the Security Council of
the United Nations, any directives of the European Community, the
effective orders of any other Supranational body which has the right
to issue and give the same, and with national laws aimed at enforcing
the same to which the Owners are subject, and to obey the orders and
directions of those who are charged with their enforcement.
27. Commission
28. Termination See also Clauses 46 and 47 (a) Charterers' Default
The Owners shall be entitled to withdraw the Vessel from the service of the
Charterers and terminate the Charter with immediate effect by written
notice to the Charterers if:
(i) the Charterers fail to pay hire in accordance with Clause 11. However,
where there is a failure to make punctual payment of hire due to
oversight, negligence, errors or omissions on the part of the
Charterers or their bankers, the Owners shall give the Charterers
written notice of the number of clear banking days stated in Box 34
(as recognised at the agreed place of payment) in which to rectify the
failure, and when so rectified within such number of days following
the Owners' notice, the payment shall stand as regular and punctual.
Failure by the Charterers to pay hire within the number of days stated
in Box 34 of their receiving the Owners' notice as provided herein,
shall entitle the Owners to withdraw the Vessel from the service of
the Charterers and terminate the Charter without further notice;
(ii) the Charterers fail to comply with the requirements of: (1) Clause 6
(Trading Restrictions) (2) Clause 13(a) (Insurance and Repairs)
provided that the Owners shall have the option, by written notice to
the Charterers, to give the Charterers a specified number of days
grace within which to rectify the failure without prejudice to the
Owners' right to withdraw and terminate under this Clause if the
Charterers fail to comply with such notice;
(iii) the Charterers fail to rectify any failure to comply with the
requirements of sub-clause 10(a)(i) (Maintenance and Repairs) as soon
as practically possible after the Owners have requested them in
writing so to do and in any event so that the Vessel's insurance cover
is not prejudiced.
(b) Owners' Default
If the Owners shall by any act or omission be in breach of their
obligations under this Charter to the extent that the Charterers are
deprived of the use of the Vessel and-such breach continues for a period of
fourteen (14) running days after written notice thereof has been given by
the Charterers to the Owners, the Charterers shall be entitled to terminate
this Charter with immediate effect by written notice to the Owners.
(c) Loss of Vessel
This Charter shall be deemed to be terminated if the Vessel becomes a total
loss or is declared as a constructive or compromised or arranged total
loss. For the purpose of this sub-clause, the Vessel shall not be deemed to
be lost unless she has either become an actual total loss or agreement has
been reached with her underwriters in respect of her constructive,
compromised or arranged total loss or if such agreement with her
underwriters is not reached it is adjudged by a competent tribunal that a
constructive loss of the Vessel has occurred.
(d) Either party shall be entitled to terminate this Charter with immediate
effect by written notice to the other party in the event of an order being
made or resolution passed for the winding up, dissolution. liquidation or
bankruptcy of the other party (otherwise than for the purpose of
reconstruction or amalgamation) or if a receiver is appointed, or if it
suspends payment, ceases to carry on business or makes any special
arrangement or composition with its creditors. (e) The termination of this
Charter shall be without prejudice to all rights accrued due between the
parties prior to the date of termination and to any claim that either party
might have.
29. Repossession
In the event of the termination of this Charter in accordance with the
applicable provisions of Clause 28, the Owners shall have the right to
repossess the Vessel from the Charterers at her current or next port of
call, or at a port or place convenient to them without hindrance or
interference by the Charterers, courts or local authorities. Pending
physical repossession of the Vessel in accordance with this Clause 29 the
Charterers shall hold the Vessel as gratuitous bailee only to the Owners.
The Owners shall arrange for an authorised representative to board the
Vessel as soon as reasonably practicable following the termination of the
Charter. The Vessel shall be deemed to be repossessed by the Owners from
the Charterers upon the boarding of the Vessel by the Owners'
representative. All arrangements and expenses relating to the settling of
wages, disembarkation and repatriation of the Charterers' Master, officers
and crew shall be the sole responsibility of the Charterers.
30. Dispute Resolution
*) (a) This Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
English law and any dispute arising out of or in connection with this
Contract shall be referred to arbitration in London in accordance with the
Arbitration Act 1996 or any statutory modification or re-enactment thereof
save to the extent necessary to give effect to the provisions of this
Clause. The arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the London
Maritime Arbitrators Association (LMAA) Terms current at the time when the
arbitration proceedings are commenced. The reference shall be to three
arbitrators. A party wishing to refer a dispute to arbitration shall
appoint its arbitrator and send notice of such appointment in writing to
the other party requiring the other party to appoint its own arbitrator
within 14 calendar days of that notice and stating that it will appoint its
arbitrator as sole arbitrator unless the other party appoints its own
arbitrator and gives notice that it has done so within the 14 days
specified. If the other party does not appoint its own arbitrator and give
notice that it has done so within the 14 days specified, the party
referring a dispute to arbitration may, without the requirement of any
further prior notice to the other party, appoint its arbitrator as sole
arbitrator and shall advise the other party accordingly. The award of a
sole arbitrator shall be binding on both parties as if he had been
appointed by agreement. Nothing herein shall prevent the parties agreeing
in writing to vary these provisions to provide for the appointment of a
sole arbitrator. In cases where neither the claim nor any counterclaim
exceeds the sum of US$50,000 (or such other sum as the parties may agree)
the arbitration shall be conducted in accordance with the LMAA Small Claims
Procedure current at the time when the arbitration proceedings are
commenced. (d) Notwithstanding (a), (b) or (c) above, the parties may agree
at any time to refer to mediation any difference and/or dispute arising out
of or in connection with this Contract. In the case of a dispute in respect
of which arbitration has been commenced under (a), (b) or (c) above, the
following shall apply:-
(i) Either party may at any time and from time to time elect to refer the
dispute or part of the dispute to mediation by service on the other
party of a written notice (the 'Mediation Notice") calling on the
other party to agree to mediation.
(ii) The other party shall thereupon within 14 calendar days of receipt of
the Mediation Notice confirm that they agree to mediation, in which
case the parties shall thereafter agree a mediator within a further 14
calendar days, failing which on the application of either party a
mediator will be appointed promptly by the Arbitration Tribunal ("the
Tribunal') or such person as the Tribunal may designate for that
purpose. The mediation shall be conducted in such place and in
accordance with such procedure and on such terms as the parties may
agree or, in the event of disagreement, as may be set by the mediator.
(iii) If the other party does not agree to mediate, that fact may be
brought to the attention of the Tribunal and may be taken into account
by the Tribunal when allocating the costs of the arbitration as
between the parties.
(iv) The mediation shall not affect the right of either party to seek such
relief or take such steps as it considers necessary to protect its
interest.
(v) Either party may advise the Tribunal that they have agreed to
mediation. The arbitration procedure shall continue during the conduct
of the mediation but the Tribunal may take the mediation timetable
into account when setting the timetable for steps in the arbitration.
(vi) Unless otherwise agreed or specified in the mediation terms, each
party shall bear its own costs incurred in the mediation and the
parties shall share equally the mediator's costs and expenses.
(vii) The mediation process shall be without prejudice and confidential and
no information or documents disclosed during it shall be revealed to
the Tribunal except to the extent that they are disclosable under the
law and procedure governing the arbitration.
(Note: The parties should be aware that the mediation process may not
necessarily interrupt time limits.) (e) If Box 35 in Part I is not
appropriately filled in, sub-clause 30(a) of this Clause shall apply.
Sub-clause 30(d) shall apply in all cases.
*) Sub-clauses 30(a) 30(b) and 30(c) are alternatives; indicate alternative
agreed in Box 35. 31. Notices See Clause 51
(a) Any notice to be given by either party to the other party shall be in
writing and may be sent by fax, telex, registered or recorded mail or by
personal service.
(b) The address of the Parties for service of such communication shall be as
stated in Boxes 3 and 4 respectively.
EXECUTION COPY
ADDITIONAL CLAUSES
to the Bareboat Charter dated 4 April 2006 between
Litochoro Shipping Company Limited (as Charterers)
and PARTANKERS III AS (as Owners)
in respect of
M/V "Endless"
32. DEFINITIONS
32.1 In this Charter, unless the context otherwise requires, the-following
expressions shall have the following meanings:
32.1.1 "Banking Day" means days on which banks are open for transaction
of business of the nature required by this Charter in London,
New York and Oslo;
32.1.2 "Charter Hire" has the meaning given to it in Clause 38 of this
Charter;
32.1.3 "Charter Period" has the meaning given to it in Clause 37.1 of
this Charter;
32.1.4 "Co-Ordination Agreement" means the agreement of even date
herewith between the Mortgagee, the Charterers and the other
Collateral Charterers acknowledged by the Owners whereby e.g.
the Sellers rights and obligations under the Sellers' Credit
Agreement will be subordinated and subject to the rights of the
Mortgagee under the Loan Agreement;
32.1.5 "Collateral Charters" means the bareboat charters of even date
herewith between the Collateral Charterers and the Owners in
respect of each of the Collateral Vessels;
32.1.6 "Collateral Charterers" means the charterers of the Collateral
Vessels (in each case as set out against the name of the
relevant Collateral Vessel in the definition of Collateral
Vessels herein);
32.1.7 "Collateral Vessels" means the vessels set out below, each owned
by the Owners and chartered to the Collateral Charterer set out
below opposite the vessel's name:
1. M/V "Faultless" - Parnasos Shipping Company Limited
2. M/V "Stainless" -- Parnis Shipping Company Limited
3. M/V "Noiseless" -- Imitos Shipping Company Limited
4. M/V "Limitless" -- Mytikas Shipping Company Limited
5. M/V "Endless" -- Litochoro Shipping Company Limited
32.1.8 "Compulsory Acquisition" has the meaning giving to it in Clause
25(b);
32.1.9 "Delivery Date" has the meaning given to it in Clause 33.2;
32.1.10 "Event of Default" has the meaning given to it in Clause 46.1 of
this Charter;
32.1.11 "Guarantee" means the guarantee issued by Guarantor in favour of
the Owners in the form enclosed as Exhibit 1 as security for the
due performance of this Charter and all other Collateral
Charters by the Collateral Charterers;
32.1.12 "Guarantor" means Top Tankers Inc., a Marshall Islands
corporation with registered office at Trust Company Complex,
Ajeltake Island, P.O.Box 1405 Majuro, Marshall Islands 96960,
having a branch office at 109-111 Messogion Av., Politia Centre,
Bldg CI, Athens 115 26, Greece;
32.1.13 "Loan Agreement" means the loan agreement between the Owner and
the Mortgagee in respect of the USD 180,600,000 loan provided
for the purpose of financing, in part, the Owners' purchase of
the Vessel and the "Collateral Vessels", together with the
security documents executed or to be executed in connection
therewith;
32.1.14 "Managers" means Top Tanker Management Inc,, a Marshall Islands
corporation with registered address at Trust Company Complex,
Ajeltake Road,, Majuro, Marshall Islands 96960, having a branch
office at 109-111 Messogion Av., Politia Centre, Bldg CI, Athens
115 26, Greece;
32.1.15 "MOA" means the memorandum of agreement of even date herewith
made between the Charterers as sellers and the Owners as buyers
in respect of the Vessel (as same may be amended from time to
time);
32.1.16 "Mortgage" means the first priority mortgage against the Vessel
executed or to be executed by the Owners in favour of the
Mortgagee as security for the Owners' obligations under the Loan
Agreement and the Swap Agreement;
32.1.17 "Mortgagee" means Nordea Bank Norge ASA, as agent on behalf of
the banks having financed the Owners' purchase of the Vessel and
the "other Collateral Vessels" and Nordea Bank Finland Plc as
swap bank;
32.1.18 "Multipartite Agreement" means the agreement between the Owners,
the Sellers and other Collateral Charterers, and the
Sub-Charterer providing for, inter alia, confirmation by the
Sub-Charterer that it accepts (1) the Owners as new owners of
the Vessel, (2) the Mortgagee and its security interest in the
Vessel and (3) the step-in rights and other arrangements set out
therein;
32.1.19 "Seller" means the Charterers as seller under the MOA;
32.1.20 "Sellers" means the Charterers and the other Collateral
Charterers as sellers under the relevant MOA relating to the
relevant Collateral Vessels;
32.1.21 "Sellers' Credit" means a retention in the amount of US$
25,800,000 provided by the Sellers to the Owners as security for
the Charterers' due and correct performance of all of its
obligations under this Charter and for the other Collateral
Charterers' obligations under the other Collateral Charters, or
such amount thereof as may be outstanding from time to time, to
be applied and reduced as more particularly set out in the
Sellers' Credit Agreement;
32.1.22 "Sellers' Credit Agreement" means the agreement entered into on
the date hereof among the Sellers, the Charterers and all other
Collateral Charterers and the Owners in respect of the Sellers'
Credit;
32.1.23 "Ship Management Agreement" means the ship management agreement
to be entered between the Charterers and the Managers in respect
of the Vessel;
32.1.24 "Sub-Charterer" means Petroleos De Venezuela S.A.;
32.1.25 "Swap Agreement" means an ISDA Master Agreement entered or to be
entered into between the Owners and Nordea Bank Finland PLC, as
amended from time to time, and confirmations of the transactions
relating to hedging of interest exposure under the Loan
Agreement made or to be made thereunder;
32.1.26 "Total Loss" means (i) actual or constructive or compromised or
arranged total loss of the Vessel or (ii) any Compulsory
Acquisition.
32.2 The headings in this Agreement do not affect its interpretation.
33. MOA AND DELIVERY
33.1 Subject to the Vessel being delivered to, and taken over by, the Owners
pursuant to the MOA, the Charterers shall forthwith be deemed to have
taken delivery of the Vessel under this Charter simultaneously with
delivery by the Seller to the Owners pursuant to the MOA.
33.2 The date of delivery for the purpose of this Charter shall be the date
(the "Delivery Date") when the Vessel is in fact delivered by the Seller
to the Owners pursuant to the MOA, whether that be before or after the
scheduled date under the MOA, and the Owners shall be under no
responsibility for any delay whatsoever in delivery of the Vessel to the
Charterers under this Charter.
33.3 The Charterers undertake that in the event the Vessel is not delivered
and accepted under the MOA for any reason which is not attributable to
any act or omission on part of the Owners, the Charterers will promptly
upon the Owners' written demand reimburse the Owners in full (without
set-off or counterclaim of any nature) for any cost or disbursement
reasonably incurred by the Owners in respect of the contemplated
transaction, including any costs incurred in respect of financing
arrangements made in connection therewith.
33.4 Without prejudice to the provisions of Clause 33.2 above, the Owners and
the Charterers shall on the Delivery Date sign a Protocol of Delivery
and Acceptance evidencing delivery of the Vessel hereunder.
The On-hire Survey referred to in Clause 7 hereof shall be for the
purposes of ascertaining the condition of the Vessel at the time of
delivery hereunder and shall not give rise to any right of the Owners to
refuse to deliver, or the Charterers to refuse to accept, the Vessel
hereunder, except that such On-hire Survey shall be of immediate
relevance in determining the condition of the Vessel upon commencement
of the Charter Period and, accordingly, in relation to the required
condition of the Vessel upon redelivery pursuant to Clauses 15 and 50.
The On-hire Survey shall include a list of mutually agreed spares and
inventory pertaining to the Vessel on board and on shore. In connection
with and as part of the On-hire Survey, the Owners shall be entitled to
conduct an underwater inspection and the provisions of NSF'93 Clause 6
(b) and (c) shall apply correspondingly.
34. CANCELLING
34.1 Should the MOA be cancelled or should the Vessel become a Total Loss
prior to its delivery under the MOA, this Charter shall be cancelled
forthwith without liability on the part of either party under this
Charter except as expressly stated in the MoA or this Charter.
35. TERMS OF DELIVERY
35.1 Subject to Clause 35.4 below, the Charterers - having owned and operated
the Vessel for a considerable time, and therefore possessing first-hand
knowledge about the Vessel and her specifications, performance and
conditions in all respects - acknowledge and agree that the Owners make
no condition, term, representation or warranty, express or implied (and
whether statutory or otherwise) as to the title passed to Owners from
the Seller, seaworthiness, merchantability, condition, design,
operation, performance, capacity or fitness for use of the Vessel or as
to the eligibility of the Vessel for any particular trade or operation
or any other condition, term, representation or warranty whatsoever,
express or implied, with respect to the Vessel. Delivery to the
Charterers or (as the case may be) deemed delivery of the Vessel under
this Charter shall be conclusive proof that, for the purposes of the
obligations and liabilities of the Owners hereunder or in connection
herewith, the Vessel is at that time seaworthy, in accordance with the
provisions of this Charter, and in good working order and repair and
without defect or inherent vice whether or not discoverable by the
Charterers.
35.2 Subject to Clause 35.4 hereof, the Charterers hereby waive all their
claims against the Owners howsoever and whensoever the same may arise at
any time in respect of the Vessel or the Owners' title thereto as passed
to the Owners from the Seller or rights therein or arising out of the
operation or performance of the Vessel and the chartering thereof under
this Charter (including in respect of the seaworthiness or otherwise of
the Vessel).
35.3 The Charterers agree that the Owners shall be under no liability to
supply any replacement vessel or any piece or part thereof during any
period when the Vessel is unusable and shall not be liable to the
Charterers or any other person as a result of the Vessel being unusable
(unless such unusability is due to the Owners' fault).
35.4 Nothing contained in this Clause 35 shall be construed as a waiver of
any rights or remedies of the Charterers at law or in equity against the
Owners in respect of (a) any fraudulent or wilful misconduct of the
Owners or (b) any failure on the part of the Owners to comply with any
of the terms of this Charter or the MoA.
36. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Charter, the obligations of the
Owners to charter the Vessel to the Charterers under this Charter are subject to
and conditional upon at the Delivery Date:-
36.1 delivery of the Vessel to the Owners by the Seller pursuant to the MOA;
and
36.2 no Event of Default having occurred and continuing unremedied or
unwaived, and no other event having occurred and continuing unremedied,
which with the giving of notice and/or lapse of time would, if not
remedied, constitute an Event of Default; and
36.3 each of the representations and warranties contained in Clause 43 of
this Charter being true and correct in all material respects on the
Delivery Date by a reference to the facts and circumstances then
existing; and
36.4 the Owners having received evidence that the appointment of the Managers
under the Ship Management Agreement has commenced; and
36.5 the Owners having received evidence that the Vessel is insured in
accordance with the provisions of this Charter and that all requirements
of Clauses 13 and 45 of this Charter in respect of such insurances have
been complied with; and
36.6 the Owner's having received evidence that the first instalment of the
Charter Hire (as defined in Clause 38.1) has been or will be paid as
required in Clause 38.2; and
36.7 the Owners having received, all in such form and substance reasonably
acceptable to the Owners and the Mortgagee:
36.7.1 the Multipartite Agreement duly signed by the parties thereto;
36.7.2 the Co-Ordination Agreement, duly signed by the parties thereto;
36.7.3 the Seller's Credit Agreement, duly signed by the parties
thereto;
36.7.4 the Ship Management Agreement, duly signed by the parties
thereto;
36.7.5 the Guarantee, duly executed by the Guarantor;
36.7.6 the Sub-Charter, duly executed by the parties thereto;
36.7.7 legal opinions from counsel in respect of the laws of England,
the Marshall Islands and Liberia in form and substance
satisfactory to the Owners and the Mortgagee;
36.7.8 a copy of the Document of Compliance of the Ship Manager, the
Safety Management Certificate of the Vessel and the ISPS Code
Ship Security Certificate for the Vessel; and
36.7.9 such further documentation as may be agreed between the parties.
37. CHARTER PERIOD
37.1 Subject to the terms of this Charter, the period of chartering of the
Vessel hereunder (the "Charter Period") shall commence on the Delivery
Date and shall terminate on the date which falls 84 months after the
Delivery Date.
38. CHARTER HIRE AND SECURITY
38.1 The Charterers shall, throughout the Charter Period, pay charter hire
(the "Charter Hire") to the Owners at a rate of USD 23,450 net per day,
365 days per year.
38.2 The Charterers shall pay Charter Hire due to the Owners punctually in
accordance with the terms of this Charter. The Charter Hire shall be
paid monthly in advance with the first instalment falling due on the
Delivery Date.
38.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Charter, all
payments by the Charterers hereunder (whether by way of hire or
otherwise) shall be made as follows:-
38.3.1 On the relevant Payment Date, or, if the Payment Date shall not
be a Banking Day, on the next following Banking Day unless, in
the case the Payment Date falls in the following calendar month,
the immediately preceding Banking Day; and
38.3.2 In USD in funds with the same day value to the Owners' account
no. 6012.04.43855 with the Mortgagee, under reference "Faultless
Charter Hire", or such other bank account as may be advised to
the Charterers by the Owners by not less than 10 Banking Days'
prior written notice.
38.3.3 Final payment of Charter Hire, if for a period of less than
thirty (30) running days, shall be calculated proportionally
according to the numbers of days and hours remaining before
redelivery and advance payment to be effected accordingly.
38.4 All payments under this Charter shall be made without any discount,
set-off or counterclaim whatsoever, and free and clear of any bank
charges and/or any withholding or deduction for, or on account of, any
present or future income, freight, stamp and other taxes, levies,
imposts, duties, fees, charges, restrictions or conditions of any
nature. All payments shall be made free and clear of, and without
deduction for or on account of any present or future taxes or duties of
any nature now or hereafter imposed. It the Charterers are required by
any authority in any country to make any withholding or deduction from
any such payment, the sum due from the Charterers in respect of such
payment will be increased to the extent necessary to ensure that, after
the making of such withholding or deduction the Owners receive a net sum
equal to the amount which it would have received had no such deduction
or withholding been required to be made.
38.5 The Charterers' obligation to pay Charter Hire in accordance with the
requirements of this Clause 38 shall, subject to Clauses 28 (d) and
45.3, be absolute, irrespective of any contingency or cause whatsoever,
which would or might, but for this provision, have the effect of
terminating or in any way affecting any obligation of the Charterers
under this Charter, including (but not limited to):
38.5.1 any set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defence or other right
which the Charterers may have against the Owners or any other
person; or
38.5.2 any unavailability of the Vessel for any reason, including (but
not limited to) any lack of or invalidity of title or any other
defect in the title passed on to them from the Sellers, the
condition, design, operation or fitness for use of the Vessel or
the ineligibility of the Vessel for any particular trade or for
documentation under the laws of any country (except if a defect
in any such documentation is due to the fault of the Owners and
the Charterers have notified the Owners of the defect in
documentation which has remained unremedied for a period of 15
days after notice was given) or any damage to the Vessel; or
38.5.3 any failure or delay on the part of the Owners whether with or
without fault on their part, in performing or complying with any
of the terms or covenants hereunder.
38.6 In the event of failure by the Charterers to pay on the due date for
payment thereof, or in the case of the sum payable on demand, the date
of demand therefore, any Charter Hire or other amount payable by them
under this Charter, the Charterers will pay to the Owners interest on
such Charter Hire or such other amount from the date of such failure to
the date of actual payment (both before and after any relevant judgment
or winding up of the Charterers) at the rate determined by the Owners
and certified by them to the Charterers (such certification to be
conclusive in the absence of manifest error) to be the aggregate of (i)
three per centum (3%) and (ii) the London Interbank Offered Rate for USD
deposits of not more than one (1) month's duration (as such rate is from
time to time quoted by leading banks in the London Interbank Market to
the Mortgagee). The interest payable by the Charterers as aforesaid
shall be compounded at such intervals as the Owners shall determine and
shall be payable on demand. Payment of interest due under this
sub-clause shall be made within seven (7) running days of the date of
the Owners' invoice specifying the amount payable or, in the absence of
an invoice, at the time of the next hire payment date.
Any interest payable under this Charter shall accrue from day to day and
shall be calculated on the actual number of days elapsed and a three
hundred and sixty (360) day year.
38.7 As security for the Charterers' performance of their obligations under
this Charter, the Charterers shall procure that the Guarantee be issued
by the Guarantor in favour of the Owners.
39. INDEMNITY
39.1 Subject to the terms of this Charter and in particular Clause 39.2
hereof, the Charterers agree at all times to indemnify and keep
indemnified the Owners against:-
39.1.1 any costs, charges, or expenses which the Charterers have agreed
to pay under this Charter and which shall be claimed or assessed
against or paid by the Owners; and
39.1.2 all losses, costs, charges, expenses, fees, payments,
liabilities, penalties, fines, damages or other sanctions of a
monetary nature (collectively, "Losses") suffered or incurred by
the Owners and arising during the tenure of the Charter or in
relation to the Charter in any manner out of the design,
manufacture, delivery, non delivery, purchase, importation,
registration, ownership, chartering, sub-chartering, possession,
control, use, operation, condition, maintenance, repair,
replacement, refurbishment, modification, overhaul, insurance,
sale or other disposal, return or storage of or loss of or
damage to the Vessel or otherwise in connection with the Vessel
(whether or not in the control or possession of the Charterers)
including but not limited to those Losses described in Clause 39
and including any and all claims in tort or in contract by any
sub-charterer -of 'the Vessel from the Charterers or by the
holders of any Bills of Lading issued by the Charterers, except
and to the extent directly caused by the default of the Owners;
and
39.1.3 all Losses suffered or incurred by the Owners which result from
claims which may be made during the tenure of the Charter or in
relation to the Charter on the ground that any design, article
or material of or in the Vessel or the operation or use thereof
constitutes or is alleged to constitute an infringement of
patent or copyright or registered design or other intellectual
property right or any other right whatsoever; and
39.1.4 all Losses suffered or incurred by the Owners and/or the
Mortgagee during the tenure of this Charter in preventing or
attempting to prevent the arrest, confiscation, seizure, taking
in execution, impounding, forfeiture or detention of the Vessel,
or in securing the release of the Vessel therefrom provided that
such events are not caused by Owners' default, and
39.1.5 all Losses suffered or incurred by the Owners with respect to or
as a result of the presence, escape, seepage, spillage, leaking,
discharge or migration from the Vessel of oil or any other
hazardous substance during the tenure of this Charter, including
without limitation, any claims asserted or arising under the US
Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (as same may be amended and/or
re-enacted from time to time hereafter) or similar legislation,
regardless of whether or not caused by or within the control of
the Charterer; and
39.1.6 all Losses suffered or incurred by the Owners and/or their
respective officers or members of management board and/or the
Mortgagee or any of the other financial institutions which are
party to the Loan Agreement, as a consequence of any violation
by the Charterers or any sub-charterer of U.S. law or any other
laws pursuant to which the Vessel and/or her trading or
operations shall be subject from time to time; and
39.1.7 any reasonable Losses incurred or suffered by the Owners in
liquidating, employing or prepaying funds acquired or borrowed
to purchase or finance or refinance the Vessel following any
default in payment hereunder or the occurrence of any Event of
Default.
39.2 If, under any applicable law, whether as a result of judgment against
the Charterers or the liquidation of the Charterers or for any other
reason, any payment to be made by the Charterers under or in connection
with this Charter is made or is recovered in a currency other than the
currency (the "currency of obligation") in which it is payable pursuant
to this Charter then, to the extent that the payment (when converted
into the currency of obligation at the rate of exchange on the date for
the determination of liabilities permitted by the applicable law) falls
short of the amount unpaid under this Charter, the Charterers shall as a
separate and independent obligation, fully indemnify the Owners against
the amount of the shortfall; and for the purposes of this sub-clause
"rate of exchange" means the best rate at which the Owners are able on
the relevant date to purchase the currency of obligation with the other
currency.
39.3 The indemnities contained in this Clause 39, and each other indemnity
contained in this Charter, shall survive any termination or other ending
of this Charter and any breach of, or repudiation or alleged repudiation
by, the Charterers or the Owners of this Charter but the indemnity
contained in this Clause 39 hereof shall not apply if and to the extent
that the relevant cost, charge, expense or Loss arises as a result of
(i) any act, neglect or default of or by any person (other than the
Charterers) subsequent to the redelivery of the Vessel to the Owners
pursuant to Clause 15 hereof or any other provision of this Charter or
(ii) any fraudulent or wilful misconduct or recklessness of the Owners,
or any failure on the part of the Owners to comply with any of the terms
of this Charter or the MOA which can reasonably be deemed to be of a
material nature in the context of the transaction and which the Owners
have failed to remedy within 14 days following the Charterers' written
notice thereof, or (iii) any encumbrance, mortgage, charge, lien or
other security interest whatsoever over the Vessel in respect of a debt,
liability or other obligation of the Owners (other than any such arising
from or in connection with the use or operation of the Vessel by the
Charterers).
39.4 All moneys payable by the Charterers under this Clause 39 shall be paid
on demand within five Banking Days from receiving the Owner's written
demand in relation thereto.
40. MORTGAGES
40.1 The Owners warrant that they have not effected any mortgage(s) other
than to the Mortgagee and to the Seller stated in Box 28 and that they
shall not effect any other mortgages(s) without the Charterers' prior
consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
40.2 The Charterers agree with the Owners that the Owners may assign this
Charter to the Mortgagee, and shall procure that the Charter Guarantors
agree that the Owners may assign its rights under the Charter Guarantees
to the Mortgagee.
41. OWNERS' TRANSFER OF VESSEL - CHARTERERS' SUB-CHARTERING
41.1 The Owner or the Mortgagee may change the registered ownership of the
Vessel by way of a sale or otherwise subject to the Charterers' prior
approval, which shall be granted provided that (i) this Charter is
continued on identical terms, and (ii) the change is not reasonably
likely to cause negative consequences for the Charterers as to economic
or competitive relationships. 41.2 The Charterers agree and undertake to
enter into any such usual documents as the Owners or the Mortgagee shall
reasonably require to complete or perfect the transfer of the Vessel
(with the benefit and burden of this Charter) pursuant to Clause 41.1
above, any costs or expenses whatsoever arising in relation thereto to
be borne by the Owners.
41.3 The Charterers shall, subject to (i) no Event of Default having occurred
and being continuing or (ii) any other restriction set out herein, be
entitled to let the Vessel by way of time or voyage charter to any
person other than the Sub-Charterer upon the expiry of the Sub-Charter
provided that;
(i) any such sub-charter shall not relieve or discharge the
Charterers from any of their obligations contained in this
Charter; and
(ii) any such sub-charter shall make reference to the fact that the
Charterers have chartered the Vessel from the Owners, and no
such charter shall be of a duration which expires, or which by
virtue of any optional extensions therein contained could expire
after the last day of the Charter Period; (iii) the Owners and
its financiers shall have afforded step-in rights to any
sub-charter with a duration (including options) of more than 12
months, which right shall be documented by way of an agreement
based on the format of the Multipartite Agreement; and (iv) the
Charterers will promptly notify the Owners of any such
sub-chartering.
In no event may the Charterers demise charter (sub-bareboat charter) the
Vessel to any party without the Owners' prior written consent, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.
41.4 Any registration of this Charter in any Ship Register shall require the
prior mutual agreement between the Owners and the Charterers and the
prior written consent of the Mortgagee.
42. FLAG
42.1 The Vessel shall upon the Delivery Date be registered in the name of the
Owners under Marshall Islands flag provided always that the Owners
shall, at any time following the Delivery Date, be entitled to transfer
the flag of the Vessel to such other registry as the Owners may select
(subject always to the Charterers' prior written consent, which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld considering consequences for the
Charterers as to economic or competitive relationships). The Charterers
may request the Owners to change flag at the Charterers' cost, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld by the Owners, subject to
acceptance thereto having been obtained from the Mortgagee.
42.2 All costs and expenses arising in connection with the initial
registration of the Vessel in the name of the Owners under the Marshall
Islands flag or in connection with the maintenance of such registration
shall be borne by the Owners and, if and to the extent from time to time
paid by the Charterers, shall be reimbursed by the Owners to the
Charterers upon demand.
43. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
43.1 The Charterers acknowledge that the Owners have entered into this
Charter in full reliance on representations by (i) the Guarantor as set
out in the Guarantee and (ii) the Charterers in the following terms; and
the Charterers now warrant to the Owners that the following statements
are, at the date hereof, and on the Delivery Date as if made with
reference to the facts and circumstances existing on such date, will be,
true and accurate:-
43.1.1 the Charterers are duly incorporated and validly existing under
the laws of Marshall Islands; and
43.1.2 the Charterers are the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Guarantor;
43.1.3 this. Charter constitute the legal, valid and _binding
obligations of the Charterers, enforceable in accordance with
its terms; and
43.1.4 the Charterers have the power to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Charter; and
43.1.5 all consents, licences, approvals and authorisations required in
connection with the Charterers' entry into, performance,
validity and enforceability of this Charter have been obtained
and are, or will prior to the Delivery Date be, in full force
and effect; and
43.1.6 no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is
taking place against the Charterers or against any of the assets
of, the Charterers which is likely to be adversely determined
and, if adversely determined, would have a material adverse
effect on the Charterers' ability to perform their obligations
under this Charter; and
43.1.7 no Event of Default (as defined in Clause 46.1 hereof) of which
they are aware, and no event of which they are aware which with
the giving of notice and/or lapse of time and/or relevant
determination would constitute an Event of Default, has occurred
and is continuing.
43.2 The Owners acknowledge that the Charterers have entered into this
Charter in full reliance on representations by the Owners in the
following terms; and the Owners now warrant to the Charterers that the
following statements are, at the date hereof, and on the Delivery Date
as if made with reference to the facts and circumstances existing on
such date, will be, true and accurate:-
43.2.1 the Owners are duly incorporated and validly existing under the
laws of Norway as a limited liability company; and
43.2.2 this Charter constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations
of the Owner enforceable in accordance with its terms; and the
Owners have the power to enter into and perform its obligations
under this Charter; and
43.2.3 all consents, licences, approvals and authorisations required in
connection with the Owners' entry into, performance, validity
and enforceability of this Charter have been obtained and are,
or will prior to the Delivery Date be, in full force and effect;
and
43.2.4 no litigation, arbitration or administrative proceeding is
taking place against the Owners or against any of the assets of,
the Owners which is likely to be adversely determined and, if
adversely determined, would have a material adverse effect on
the Owners' ability to perform their obligations under this
Charter.
44. UNDERTAKINGS
44.1 The Charterers undertake and agree that throughout the Charter Period
they will:- Provide to the Owners;
44.1.1 their audited annual financial statements as soon as available
and in no event later than 120 days after the end of their
financial year; and
44.1.2 copies of all class records, class certificates and survey
reports prepared by the classification society pertaining to the
Vessel as soon as practicable after their issue and in any event
updated copies every six months; and
44.1.3 at any relevant time, copies of any inspection and/or management
reports obtained or prepared by the Charterers or the Managers
in respect of the Vessel, which reports shall be prepared and
submitted at least twice per calendar year.
44.2 Not repudiate or terminate, nor permit the repudiation or termination
of, the Ship Management Agreement or the Sub-Charter nor, without the
prior written consent of the Owners (such consent not to be unreasonably
withheld), amend or vary the terms of, or permit or suffer any material
amendment or variation of the terms of, the Ship Management Agreement or
the Sub-Charter without the Owners' consent.
44.3 Procure that the Vessel is classified and maintained free of
recommendations or conditions of class with the classification society
indicated in Box 10, or with such other classification society as shall
be acceptable to the Owners and the Mortgagee, and at all times comply
with the rules and regulations of the classification society.
44.4 At all times ensure compliance in all material respects with all
applicable environmental laws and all other laws and regulations, in
each case as relating to the Vessel wherever the Vessel might be trading
and the operation and management thereof, and take all reasonable
precautions to ensure that the crews, employees, agents or
representatives of the Charterers at all times comply with such
environmental laws and other applicable laws. Also, the Charterers will
ensure that US Voyage Declarations, where applicable, are submitted in a
timely fashion in accordance with the P&I terms of cover and that a
Certificate of Financial Responsibility (COFR) is obtained before
trading in the United States.
44.5 At all times ensure compliance in all material respects with all
international conventions, codes and regulations, including the
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974 (as
adopted, amended or replaced from time to time), the STCW 95, the ISM
Code and the ISPS Code (as each such term is defined in the relevant
amendments to SOLAS), in each case as relating to the Vessel and the
operation and management thereof, and ensure such compliance by the
Manager and any other company (with the prior consent of the Owners)
performing ship management services in respect of the Vessel on behalf
of the Charterers.
44.6 Obtain and promptly renew from time to time, and, whenever so reasonably
required, promptly furnish certified copies to the Owners of, all such
authorisations, approvals, consents and licences as may be required
under any applicable law or regulation to enable the Charterers to
perform their obligations under this Charter or required for the
validity or enforceability of this Charter, and the Charterers shall in
all material respects comply with the terms of the same.
44.7 Ensure that any new charter arrangement entered into following the
expiry or termination of the Sub-Charter provides for step-in rights for
the currently envisaged in the Multipartite Agreement;
44.8 Notify the Owners forthwith by letter, or in case of urgency, by telefax
or e-mail of:
44.8.1 any accident to the Vessel involving repairs, the cost of which
is likely to exceed USD 250,000 (or the equivalent in any other
currency); or
44.8.2 any occurrence in consequence whereof the Vessel has become or
is likely to become a Total Loss; or
44.8.3 any arrest of the Vessel or the exercise or purported exercise
of any lien on the Vessel; or
44.8.4 details of any action, suit, proceeding, litigation or dispute
for an amount of USD 250,000 or more against itself before any
court, board of arbitration or other body, which, in either
case, could or might result in any material adverse change in
the business or condition (financial or otherwise) of the
Charterer, when the same is instituted or threatened; or
44.8.5 any breach of any applicable laws or regulations relevant to the
maintenance and operation of the Vessel.
44.9 Notify the Owners in writing of any Event of Default of which they are
aware (or an event of which they are aware which, with the giving of
notice and/or lapse of time, would constitute an Event of Default and
which is not likely to be remedied before becoming an Event of Default).
44.10 Upon the Owners' request provide information regarding the Vessel's
trading patterns and employment.
45. INSURANCES, TOTAL LOSS AND COMPULSORY ACQUISITION
45.1 The Charterers undertake to the Owners that throughout the Charter
Period:-
45.1.1 all insurances to be effected by the Charterers pursuant to this
Charter shall be effected and maintained by the Charterers;
(i) in the joint names of the Owners and the Charterers, or
otherwise as they may agree;
(ii) in an amount of hull and machinery and war risks cover set out
in Clause 45.2 (or such other amount as may be agreed from time
to time between the Charterers and the Owners, or the Mortgagee;
as their assignee);
(iii) so that the protection and indemnity risks include, in the case
of oil pollution liability risks, cover for an aggregate amount
equal to the highest level of cover available from time to time
under the basic P&I Club entry policy (currently one billion
United States Dollars);
(iv) upon standard UK or Norwegian terms and by policies and/or
entries in such forms as shall from time to time be approved in
writing by the Owners and the Mortgagee; and
(v) through first class/Lloyd's brokers and with such reliable and
first class security companies/underwriters, war risks and I.G.A
P&I Associations as shall, in each case, from time to time be
approved in writing by the Owners and the Mortgagee, such
approval not to be unreasonably withheld;
45.1.2 all such insurances shall be renewed by the Charterers at least
fourteen (14) days before the relevant policies or contracts
expire and the approved brokers and/or the approved insurers
shall promptly confirm in writing to the Owners and the
Mortgagee as and when each such renewal is effected and, in the
event of any renewal not being effected by the Charterers as
aforesaid, shall notify the Owners forthwith;
45.1.3 the Charterers shall pay punctually all premiums, calls,
contributions or other sums payable in respect of all such
insurances and produce all relevant receipts when so reasonably
required by the Owners or the Mortgagee provided there is no
genuine dispute and subject always to the Charterers' obligation
to maintain the Vessel insured at all times as required by this
Charter and/or the Multipartite Agreement;
45.1.4 the Charterers shall arrange for the execution of such
guarantees by any protection and indemnity or war risks
association as may from time to time be required;
45.1.5 the Charterers shall procure that the policies and/or entries in
respect of the insurances against marine and war risks are, in
each case, endorsed with the interest of the Owners and the
Mortgagee to the effect that:
(i) payment of a claim for a Total Loss of the Vessel will be made
to the Mortgagee as mortgagee and as the Owners' assignee (until
such Mortgage has been discharged, after which to the Owners)
and, if applicable, to the Charterers in respect of any
additional coverage taken out by him in accordance with box 31
above,; and
(ii) payment in respect of a claim which is not a Total Loss of the
Vessel shall, subject to the proviso hereto and subject to the
prior written consent of the Mortgagee, be made to the Owners
who shall apply the same by making payment to the Charterers as
reimbursement of costs and expenses incurred to make good the
loss and fully repair all damage and otherwise maintaining the
Vessel in accordance with their obligations hereunder as
evidenced by invoices or other evidence reasonably acceptable to
the Owner and the Mortgagee provided however (a) that such
claims as are payable in respect of a hull & machinery minor
casualty (that is to say a claim or the aggregate of the claims
does not exceed fivehundredthousand dollars (US$ 500,000)
inclusive of any deductible (or the equivalent in any other
currency)) shall be paid to the Charterers without the prior
written con-sent of the Mortgagee and (b) that all such sums
shall be payable as aforesaid only until such time as the Owners
may otherwise direct to the contrary following notice of
termination having been given under the Charter whereupon all
such sums shall be paid to the Owners or to the Mortgagee as the
Owners' assignee and loss payee;
45.1.6 the Charterers shall procure that the entries in respect of
protection and indemnity risks shall provide for moneys payable
thereunder to be paid either:
(i) to the person to whom was incurred the liability in respect of
which the relevant money was paid or, unless and until the
Owners or the Mortgagee shall direct (following the occurrence
of any Event of Default which continues unremedied and/or
unwaived) that they shall be paid to the Owners or to the
Mortgagee; or
(ii) to the Charterers in reimbursement for any payment properly made
by the Charterers to a third party;
45.1.7 the Charterers shall procure that copies of all cover notes,
conditions and certificates of entry are furnished to the Owners
and the Mortgagee for their custody;
45.1.8 the Charterers shall procure that the interest of the Owners as
owner of the Vessel and of the Mortgagee as mortgagee of the
Vessel and as assignee of the Owners' interest in the insurances
and loss payee of all insurance proceeds (other than under any
insurances taken out pursuant to box 31 above, if applicable)
shall be recorded on all policies and shall be confirmed to the
Owners and the Mortgagee in conformity with applicable market
practice and with the reasonable requirements of the Owners and
the Mortgagee;
45.1.9 the Charterers shall not do any act or permit or suffer any act
to be done whereby any insurance required as aforesaid shall or
may be suspended, invalidated, cancelled or become defective;
45.1.10 without prejudice to the Charterers' obligation to keep the
Vessel in repair regardless of whether insurance proceeds shall
have first been received, the Charterers shall apply all such
sums receivable in respect of the insurances as are paid to the
Charterers in accordance with the terms of Clause 45.1.5 for the
purpose of making good the loss and fully repairing all damage
in respect whereof the insurance moneys shall have been
received;
45.1.11 the Charterers shall not make any alteration to any of the
insurances referred to in this Clause without the prior written
approval by the Owners and the Mortgagee, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld, and shall not make, do, consent or agree
to any act or omission which might render any such instrument of
insurance invalid or unenforceable or render any sum payable
thereunder repayable in whole or in part; and
45.1.12 if the Owners or the Mortgagees receive payment of insurance
proceeds in respect of insured repairs that have already been
carried out at the Charterers' expense or in respect of insured
liabilities that the Charterers have duly paid to third parties
in agreement with this Charter, they shall without undue delay
pay the same to the Charterers, whether or not notice of
termination has been given under this Charter but subject always
to any right of set-off the Owners may have.
45.2 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Charter, the
Vessel shall be kept insured throughout the Charter Period in respect of
hull and machinery and war risks for an amount not less than the greater
of (A) 100% of the market value of the Vessel determined as the average
of valuations obtained from two of any of the following ship brokers
Clarksons, Fearnleys, Barry Rogliano Salles, Howe Robinson, and R.S.
Platou, one to be appointed by the Owners and the other to be appointed
by the Charterers, on the basis of the Vessel being charter-free, ready
for prompt delivery (the "Market Value") which Market Value shall be
determined annually and (B) the amounts specified in column (b) in the
table set out below in respect of the yearly period during the Charter
Period specified in columns (a) against such amount (which insurance
amount is hereinafter referred to as the "Minimum Insured Value"). The
hull and machinery basis of the insurance (as opposed to the hull
interest /increased value or total loss only basis for the insurance)
shall be not less than 80% of the Market Value or the Minimum Insured
Value as the case may be.
(a) (b)
Twelve-monthly Period Minimum Insured Value (USD)
--------------------- ---------------------------
0-12 51,600,000
12-24 48,051,500
24-36 41,923,000
36-48 35,794,500
48-60 29,666,000
60-72 23,537,500
72-84 17,409,000
45.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Charter, if
the Vessel shall become a Total Loss, or is missing (and a notice of
abandonment has been sent to insurers), Charter Hire shall cease from
the date when she was lost or, in the case where the Vessel is missing,
from the date when a notice of abandonment is sent to insurers provided
however that:
45.3.1 in circumstances where any moneys are due to the Owners under
this Charter, the Charterers' said obligation to pay Charter
Hire shall continue until the Owners (or the Mortgagee as their
assignee) shall have received a net amount equal to the
aggregate of
(i) all accrued and due Charter Hire which is then unpaid; and
(ii) other moneys (including, without limitation, any interest) owing
by the - Charterers to the Owners under this Charter as at the
date of-such-receipt, and
45.3.2 in circumstances where Charter Hire has been paid in advance,
such Charter Hire shall be adjusted accordingly.
45.3.3 if, in the event that, upon the occurrence of a Total Loss, or
circumstance giving rise to a notice of abandonment being sent
to insurers, the Owners (or the Mortgagee in its capacity as
loss payee) shall, for any reason, not have received out of the
insurance proceeds or compensation amounts (if any) the Minimum
Insured Value within one hundred and twenty (120) days (or such
longer period as the Mortgagee may agree) following the
occurrence of such Total Loss or the giving of such notice of
abandonment, the Charterers shall thereupon forthwith pay to the
Mortgagee (in its capacity as loss payee) such amount as the
Mortgagee shall specify in writing to the Charterers to be equal
to the amount whereby the Minimum Insured Value (calculated as
at the date for payment by the Charterers) exceeds the amount of
insurance proceeds or compensation moneys (if any) actually
received by the Owners (or the Mortgagee as their assignee or
loss payee) prior to such payment by the Charterers.
45.4 For the purposes of this Charter:
45.4.1 an actual total loss of the Vessel shall be deemed to have
occurred at the actual date and time the Vessel was lost but, in
the event of the date of the loss being unknown, then the actual
total loss shall be deemed to have occurred on the date on which
the Vessel was last reported;
45.4.2 a constructive total loss shall be deemed to have occurred at
the date and time notice of abandonment of the Vessel is given
to the insurers of the Vessel for the time being (hereinafter
called the "Insurers") (provided a claim for such constructive
total loss is admitted by the Insurers) or, if the Insurers do
not admit such a claim, at the date and time at which a
constructive total loss is subsequently adjudged by a competent
court of law or arbitration tribunal to have occurred and either
the Owners or the Charterers shall have the right to determine
whether or not a case has arisen for the giving of notice of
abandonment and the Charterers are hereby irrevocably authorised
by the Owners to give the same if it so determines. Each of the
Owners and the Charterers, upon the request of the other, shall
promptly execute such documents as may be required to enable the
other to abandon the Vessel to the Insurers and/or claim a
constructive total loss and shall give all possible assistance
in pursuing the said claim;
45.4.3 a compromised, agreed or arranged total loss shall be deemed to
have occurred on the date of the relevant compromise, agreement
or arrangement; and
45.4.4 a Total Loss (a) as the result of capture, taking, seizure,
restraint, detention, confiscation or expropriation occurring
under the conditions of the "War Risks" policy of the Vessel or
(b) Compulsory Acquisition shall be deemed to have occurred at
the time admitted by the Insurers.
46. EVENTS OF DEFAULT
46.1 Each of (i) the following events, (ii) the events referred to in Clause
28 as they may pertain to the Charterers, shall be a "Event of Default"
for the purposes of this Charter:-
46.1.1 if any instalment of Charter Hire or any other sum payable by
the Charterers under this Charter shall not be paid on its due
date or (in the case only of sums expressed to be payable by the
Charterers on demand within five (5) Banking Days following the
date of demand therefore) and such failure to pay is not
remedied within three (3) Banking Days of receipt by the
Charterers of written notice from the Owners notifying the
Charterers of such failure and requesting remedial action; or
46.1.2 if either (a) the Charterers fail at any time to effect or
maintain any insurances required to be effected and maintained
under this Charter, or any insurer shall avoid or cancel any
such insurances or the Charterers shall commit any breach of or
make any misrepresentation in respect of any such insurances the
result of which is to entitle the relevant insurer to avoid the
policy or otherwise to be excused or released from all or any of
its liability thereunder to the Owners (unless, prior to the
relevant insurer exercising any such right, he expressly and
irrevocably waives the breach or misrepresentation in question),
or (b) any of the said insurances shall cease for any reason
whatsoever to be in full force and effect for any reason not
attributable to or beyond the control of the Charterers (or
their representatives); or
46.1.3 if there is a breach of the Charterers' representations and
warranties in Clause 43; or
46.1.4 if the Charterers shall at any time fail to perform or observe
any of their obligations under (i) this Charter (including,
without limitation, the undertakings set out in Clause 44), and
such failure to perform or observe any such obligation is not
(if capable of being remedied) remedied within fourteen (14)
days of the occurrence of the relevant breach, or (ii) the
Multipartite Agreement, (iii) the Sellers Credit Agreement or
(iv) the Co-Ordination Agreement; or
46.1.5 if (i) the Guarantee shall cease to be valid and/or in full
force and effect, (ii) the Guarantor shall breach any of its
obligations, undertakings, covenants, representations and/or
warranties set out in the Guarantee or (iii) the Guarantor shall
be in breach of or in default under any other financing
agreement by which it is bound (provided that any payment
default shall be in respect of an amount greater than USD
5,000,000); or
46.1.6 if the Manager ceases to be the manager of the Vessel or the
Ship Management Agreement is repudiated, terminated or
substantially amended without the prior consent of the Owners;
or
46.1.7 if a petition shall be presented (and not withdrawn or stayed
within fourteen (14) days or not contested in good faith by
instigating appropriate legal action on a bona fide basis) or an
order shall be made or an effective resolution shall be passed
for the administration or winding-up of the Charterers (other
than for the purpose of a reconstruction of amalgamation during
and after which the Charterers remain solvent, the terms of
which have been previously approved in writing by the Owners
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld) or if an
encumbrance shall take possession or an administrative or other
receiver shall be appointed of the whole or any substantial part
of the property, undertaking or assets of the Charterers, or if
an administrator of the Charterers shall be appointed (and, in
any such case, such possession is not given up or such
appointment is not withdrawn within fourteen (14) days) or if
the Charterers shall otherwise have to abandon independent
control of any part of its business or operations; or
46.1.8 if the Charterers shall stop payments generally or shall be
unable to pay the debts, or shall admit in writing the inability
to pay their debts, as they become due or shall otherwise become
or be adjudicated insolvent; or
46.1.9 if the Charterers shall declare or apply to any court or other
tribunal for a moratorium or suspension of payments with respect
to all or a substantial part of their debts or liabilities and
which, in the Owners' reasonable opinion, makes it likely that
the Charterers will not be able to fulfil its obligations
hereunder in full; or
46.1.10 if any consent, authorization, licence or approval necessary for
this Charter to be or remain the valid and legally binding
obligation of the Charterers, or to enable the Charterers to
perform their obligations hereunder, shall be materially
adversely modified or is not granted or is revoked, suspended,
withdrawn or terminated or expires and is not renewed (provided
that the occurrence of such circumstances shall not give rise to
an Event of Default if the same are remedied within thirty (30)
days of the date of their occurrence); or
46.1.11 if the Charterers shall (in a single or a series of
transactions) dispose of a material part of its business or
assets or cease to be engaged in the chartering of the Vessel
and /or cease to conduct such business as is required in order
for the Charterers to fulfil their obligations under this
Charter or as otherwise contemplated herein; or
46.1.12 if any of the circumstances referred to in any of Clauses 46.1.7
-- 46.1.11 shall occur with respect to the Guarantor or
Guarantee (as the case may be) or in the respect to any of the
Collateral Charters or the Collateral Charterers (as the case
may be); or
46.1.13 if the Sellers' Credit ceases for any reason to be available to
the Owners (other than because the Seller's Credit has been
fully consumed) or the Seller's Credit Agreement ceases to be
valid and in full force.
47. OWNERS' RIGHTS ON TERMINATION
47.1 At any time after an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Owners may, -by notice to-the Charterers immediately, or
on such date as the Owners shall specify, terminate the chartering by
the Charterers of the Vessel under this Charter, whereupon the Vessel
shall no longer be in the possession of the Charterers with the consent
of the Owners, and the Charterers shall redeliver the Vessel to the
Owners in accordance with Clause 15.
47.2 On or at any time after termination of the chartering by the Charterers
of the Vessel pursuant to Clauses 46 and/or 47 hereof the Owners shall
be entitled (without prejudice to the Charterers obligations under
Clauses 15, 29 or 50 hereof) to retake possession of the Vessel.
47.3 If the Owners pursuant to Clause 47.1 hereof give notice to terminate
the chartering by the Charterers of the Vessel, the Charterers shall pay
to the Owners on the date of such termination (the "Termination Date")
or such later date as the Owners shall specify:
47.3.1 all Charter Hire due and payable, but unpaid, under this Charter
to (and including) the Termination Date together with interest
accrued thereon pursuant to Clause 38.6 hereof from the due date
for payment thereof to the Termination Date; and
47.3.2 any sums, other than Charter Hire, due and payable, but unpaid,
under this Charter together with interest accrued thereon
pursuant to Clause 38.6 to the Termination Date.
47.3.3 all costs, expenses, damages and losses incurred by the Owners
and recoverable by law as a consequence of this Charter having
terminated prior to the expiry of the agreed Charter Period
(including, but not limited to, loss of charter hire income, all
expenses incurred in recovering possession of, and in moving,
laying-up, insuring and maintaining the Vessel and in carrying
out any works or modifications required to cause the Vessel to
conform with the provisions of Clauses 15, 29 and 50 hereof and
all financing break funding costs incurred in relation to any
early termination of any interest rate swap transaction
enteredoo by the Owners in connection with the financing of the
Vessel).
47.4 Without prejudice to any other rights, claims or remedies of the Owners
whatsoever, in respect of any amount due to the Owners under Clause 47
hereof interest pursuant to Clause 38.6 hereof shall accrue before and
after any relevant judgment or any winding-up of the Charterers from the
Termination Date to the date of the Owners' actual receipt thereof.
47.5 Following termination of the chartering of the Vessel hereunder pursuant
to Clause 47.1 hereof the Charterers (i) shall continue to comply with
their obligations under this Charter until the Vessel is redelivered to
the Owners in accordance with Clauses 15 and 50 hereof and (ii) shall
pay, or reimburse, to the Owners on demand all Losses suffered by the
Owners in connection with such termination together with interest
thereon pursuant to Clause 38.6 hereof from the date on which the
relevant Loss was suffered by the Owners until the date of payment or
reimbursement thereof (both before and after any relevant judgment or
winding up of the Charterers) pursuant to this Clause 47.
48. REFERENCE TO EXPERT
48.1 In the event that the parties cannot agree on the scope or timing or
implementation of any repairs, maintenance to or of the Vessel necessary
to meet the requirements of this Charter, the matter shall be referred
to a mutually acceptable and independent ship operator with experience
from the product carrier operations and segments or, failing agreement
within a period of fourteen (14) days, such person as shall be nominated
from time to time by the President of Nordisk Skibsrederforening who,
acting as an expert, shall be asked to determine the scope or timing of
implementation of the works in question in accordance with the standards
herein defined. The decision shall be final and binding upon the
parties. The costs incurred to obtain the expert's decision, shall be
borne equally by the parties.
49. OWNERS' COVENANT
49.1 The Owners hereby covenant and undertake that so long as they shall not
have commenced exercising any of their rights under or pursuant to
Clause 47 hereof neither the Charterers nor any permitted sub-charterers
shall be disturbed or interfered with in their quiet and peaceful use,
possession and enjoyment of the Vessel (except as expressly provided for
herein).
50. REDELIVERY
50.1 The Off-hire Survey referred to in Clause 7 hereof shall take place at
the port of redelivery hereunder at or about the time of redelivery (the
"Redelivery Date"). Without prejudice to the provisions of Clause 15
hereof, the Vessel shall be redelivered by the Charterers:-
50.1.1 With her class with Det norske Veritas maintained without any
conditions or recommendations, free of average damage affecting
the Vessel's class, and with her classification, trading,
national and international certificates the Vessel had when she
was delivered under the Charter, valid and un-extended without
conditions or recommendation falling due for a minimum of six -
6 - months beyond the time of redelivery, and with minimum CAP 2
requirements, Hull Machinery and Equipment. The CAP certificates
issued are to be less than 18 months old at the time of
redelivery.
50.1.2 In the same or as good structure, state, condition and class as
that in which she was deemed delivered under Clause 6 above,
fair wear and tear not affecting class excepted.
50.1.3 With clean swept, washed down dried up holds free from residues
of previous cargoes.
50.1.4 With all such spare parts and other equipment (including,
without limitation, cargo handling equipment, fork lift truck,
if any, lashing equipment, etc.) she had at the time of delivery
under this Charter as per the mutually agreed list, fair wear
and tear excepted.
50.1.5 Immediately prior to redelivery a class surveyor shall have
surveyed the Vessel's bull and decide which damages and indents
that are not acceptable according to class regulation. If a
condition of class is given, this shall be remedied immediately
while the Vessel is still on hire or the parties shall agree to
a lump sum (to include applicable Charter Hire due to such
repair) to be paid by the Charterers to the Owners whereby the
responsibility is taken over by the Owners to repair the damage
unless the parties mutually agree to another solution.
50.1.6 Without prejudice to the foregoing, the Charterers shall, if
requested to do so by the Owners, assign to the Owners at the
redelivery all and any such rights as they may have under the
Charterers' insurances for the Vessel in respect of damage to
the Vessel, whether or not then known other than any rights to
be reimbursed by any insurers for costs previously incurred by
the Charterers.
50.1.7 The Charterers shall provide the Owners with reasonable, written
notice in advance so that the Owner may dispatch one or more
representatives to attend all dry dockings of the Vessel
throughout the Charter Period and upon request furnish the
Owners with relevant plans and programs for the ensuing dry
docking. In relation to the last dry docking prior to redelivery
the Owners shall be entitled to suggest remedies or actions in
respect of the dry docking and be consulted during the
preparatory stages. The under water hull shall be smooth, well
painted and have sufficient anti-fouling for the remainder of a
normal docking period (ref. box 18) from the date of such
docking.
50.1.8 The Owners shall, during a period of up to thirty (30) days
prior to the Redelivery Date, be entitled at their own risk and
expense, to place representatives on board the Vessel for
familiarisation purposes, subject to signing of standard
indemnity letter.
50.1.9 Without prejudice to the generality of the provisions of Clause
7, any inspection of the Vessel carried out pursuant thereto,
may include an under-water inspection of the Vessel provided
that the same shall be carried out during such time as she is in
port (such inspection not to interfere with or interrupt the
trading of the Vessel). Such under-water inspection shall be
carried out by a class-approved diver in liaison with a class
surveyor and the principles set out in Standard NSF 93 clause in
relation thereto.
50.1.10 Prior to redelivery of the Vessel to the Owners the Charterers
shall, upon the request of the Owners, and free of charge
deliver print-outs and data surveys of inventory, equipment and
consumables on board the Vessel. Upon the Owners' request the
Charterers shall deliver to the Owners all drawings and/or
specifications in their possession relating to the Vessel.
50.1.11 Upon redelivery the Charterers may, upon the request of the
Owners' or in the Charterers' option, take ashore equipment with
the Charterers' logo or name on it subject to substituting such
equipment with corresponding equipment of at least equal numbers
and quality, unless, in the Owners' option, a lump sum
compensation is agreed.
50.1.12 Prior to redelivery a Protocol of Redelivery shall be prepared
jointly by the parties addressing relevant issues of the
Off-hire Survey in comparison with the On-Hire Survey and
listing specifically any leased or hired equipments.
50.1.13 The Owners shall purchase unused fuel oils, lubricating oils and
unbroached chemicals as per the Charterers net contracts prices
evidenced by invoices.
50.1.14 As soon as practically possible after redelivery of the Vessel
hereunder, the Owners at its cost shall remove the Vessel's name
and the Charterers' funnel markings and logos on the hull (if
any).
51. COMMUNICATIONS
Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Charter, all notices
or other communications under or in respect of this Charter to either
party hereto shall be in writing and shall be made or given to such
party at the address, telex number or facsimile number appearing below
(or at such other address, telex number or facsimile number as such
party may hereafter specify for such purposes to the other by notice in
writing):-
51.1.1 In the case of the Owners:
Partankers III AS
c/o Pareto Management AS
Dronning Maudsgate 3
P.O. Box 1396 Vika
N-01 14 Oslo, Norway
Att: Mr. Peter Wallace
Telephone No.: + 47 22 87 87 00
Telefax No.: + 47 22 87 88 00
51.1.1 In the case of the Charterers
Litochoro Shipping Company Limited
c/o Top Tanker Management Inc.
109-111 Messogion Ave.
Athens, 115 26 Greece
Att: Mr Andreas Louka
Telephone No.: + 30 210 69 78000
Telefax No.: + 30 210 69 15668
A written notice includes a notice by facsimile and shall be deemed
given upon appropriate acknowledgement by the addressee's receiving
equipment, or by e-mail if actually replied to. A notice received on a
non-working day or after business hours in the place of receipt shall be
deemed to be served on the next following working day in such place.
51.2 All communications and documents delivered pursuant to or otherwise
relating to this Charter shall either be in English or accompanied by a
certified English translation.
52. MISCELLEANOUS
52.1 In case of any conflict or discrepancy between the printed part and the
rider clauses of this Charter, the latter shall prevail.
For and on behalf of the Owners For and on behalf of the Charterers
/s/ Peter W. Wallace /s/ Andreas Louka
- ------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Peter W. Wallace Andreas Louka
Attorney-in-fact Attorney-in-fact