1
EXHIBIT 10.b
LA DORADA PIPELINE AND GUADUAS
FIELD PRODUCTION FACILITIES AGREEMENT
GHK Company Colombia ("GHK"), Sociedad Internacional Petrolera S.A.
("Sipetrol"), Cimarrona, L.L.C. ("Cimarrona"), Seven Seas Petroleum Colombia,
Inc. ("Seven Colombia") and Petrolinson S.A. ("Petrolinson") own interests in
the Dindal and Rio Seco Areas, Republic of Colombia, which are covered by those
certain Operating Agreements effective August 1, 1994 and October 1, 1996, each
as amended, respectively (the "Operating Agreements"), as follows (the
"Interests"):
GHK 10.944%
Sipetrol 32.900%
Cimarrona 9.400%
Seven Colombia 40.756%
Petrolinson 6.00%
By AFEs (the "AFEs") dated July 2000 and August 22, 2000 (copies of which are
attached hereto as Exhibit A), GHK proposed the construction of the La Dorada
Pipeline and the Guaduas Field production facilities (the "Pipeline and
Facilities") under the Operating Agreements. In consideration of the premises,
and the mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:
1. Approval of AFEs and Agreement to Participate. Sipetrol, Cimarrona, Seven
Colombia and Petrolinson hereby agree to the AFEs and agree to participate in
the construction of the Pipeline and Facilities as set forth therein, under
the terms of the Operating Agreements and the further provisions hereof.
2. Approval of Prior Commitments. Attached hereto as Exhibit A is a description
of expenditures and commitments (the "Prior Commitments") which GHK has made
pursuant to the AFEs. Sipetrol, Cimarrona, Seven Colombia and Petrolinson
hereby approve of the Prior Commitments made by GHK in connection with the
construction of the Pipeline and Facilities.
3. Payment of Share of AFE Payments. The AFEs Total Twenty-Three Million, Two
Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($23,290,000). GHK has, as of the date
hereof, paid the sum of Four Million, Seven Hundred Sixty-Nine Thousand, One
Hundred Thirteen Dollars ($4,769,113) under the AFEs (the "AFE Payments"),
Sipetrol, Cimarrona, Seven Colombia and Petrolinson agree to pay to GHK their
Interest share of the AFE Payments upon the execution hereof.
1
2
4. Escrow Agreements. The difference between the total of all AFEs and the AFE
Payments, or Eighteen Million, Five Hundred Twenty Thousand, Eight Hundred
Eighty-Seven Dollars ($18,520,887) (the "Remaining Costs") shall be paid by
the parties as follows:
GHK, Seven Colombia, and Petrolinson shall execute an Escrow Agreement, in
the form attached hereto as Exhibit "B" and Sipetrol and Cimarrona shall
execute individual Escrow Agreements in similar forms. Under their respective
Escrow Agreements the parties shall escrow the following portions of the
Remaining Costs, with a United States federally insured financial institution
of their choice:
GHK, Seven Colombia, Petrolinson $ 10,686,552
Sipetrol $ 6,093,372
Cimarrona $ 1,740,963
Each party agrees with the others that it shall draw upon its Escrow
Agreement only in the following circumstances:
(a) For the payment of such party's Remaining Costs associated with
the construction of the Pipeline and Facilities; or
(b) For reimbursement of an equal amount paid by such party for such
purpose from other sources; or
(c) For such party's own account when the construction of the Pipeline
and Facilities is completed and all of such party's costs associated
therewith have been paid by such party.
No party shall have an obligation to increase the amounts escrowed above the
amount for such party as set forth herein.
Each time a party draws upon its Escrow Agreement it shall provide to the
other parties, within twenty-four (24) hours, by mail or facsimile, a
certificate, executed by an officer of the party, stating that "a withdrawal
under [party's name's] Escrow Agreement was made this date in the amount of
$______, which relates directly to and is for the purpose of payment of
Pipeline and Facility Costs as defined in and contemplated by our Agreement
of January 25, 2001."
Prior to its call for funds to the other Parties, GHK shall send out a
certificate in the form of Exhibit "C" attached hereto to all parties along
with invoices and other documents relating to the Pipeline and Facilities
that need to be paid. GHK shall represent and warrant that said sums that it
is withdrawing from the Escrow Account shall be used by GHK solely for the
purpose of paying the outstanding invoices of the vendors which provided
goods and/or services directly to the La Dorada Pipeline Project, or that the
withdrawal is pursuant to Articles 4 (b) or (c) hereof. GHK shall pay these
said charges within five (5) days after its receipt of funds due from
Sipetrol and Cimarrona attributable to their Participating Interest and GHK
shall pay one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of said invoices at that
time. Once the requirements of the preceding sentence have been completed,
Sipetrol and Cimarrona shall authorize the Escrow Agents under their Escrow
Agreements to release
2
3
funds to Sipetrol and Cimarrona respectively. Sipetrol and Cimarrona shall
then satisfy cash calls provided by the Operator in accordance with the
relevant Operating Agreement.
5. Liquidated Damages. The parties agree that the purpose of this Agreement is
to provide limited assurances to each other that each party shall maintain
available funds for the payment of its proportionate Interest share of the
Remaining Costs for the construction of the Pipeline and Facilities, and that
the breach by any party of the provisions hereof would result in damages to
the other parties which are incapable of precise calculation. Therefore, the
parties agree that, upon a final unappealable judicial determination that
there has been an unauthorized withdrawal of funds under an Escrow Agreement
by a party or the failure of a party to fulfill its other obligations
hereunder in connection with an unauthorized withdrawal (an "Unauthorized
Withdrawal"), in addition to (and not in lieu of) remedies provided in the
Operating Agreement which may be available to the other parties, such party
shall owe and shall immediately pay to the other parties, in the ratio which
each of such other party's Interest bears to the total of such other parties'
Interests, an amount equaling three (3) times the Unauthorized Withdrawal, as
liquidated damages. Such party shall also pay the other parties an amount
equaling all litigation costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, incurred by the other parties in securing such determination.
6. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each
of which shall constitute an original for all purposes and all such
counterparts, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement.
7. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be construed under and governed by the
laws of the State of Texas, and the parties hereto agree that the forum for
resolution of any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be Houston,
Texas, with each party consenting and submitting itself to the jurisdiction
of any state or federal court setting in such city and state. For such
purposes, each party acknowledges and agrees that it has no direct or
indirect interest in any funds escrowed by the other parties; that it is not
a third party beneficiary under either of the other Escrow Agreements and
that it has no other claims thereunder; and that it waives all rights, if
any, of specific performance, under this agreement or under either of the
other Escrow Agreements; the rights of such party being limited to those set
forth herein.
8. Other Covenants. Each party hereby covenants and agrees that it will not in
any manner interfere with the relationships of the other parties and their
respective Escrow Agents under their Escrow Agreements, and that it will not
take any action against any such other Escrow Agent or otherwise to influence
or prohibit any such Escrow Agent from distributing funds to such other
parties.
9. Termination. This Agreement shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of:
(a) The completion of construction of the Pipeline and Facility and the
payment by each party of its share of all of the Remaining Costs, or
(b) The withdrawal of all funds escrowed by the parties pursuant to the
terms hereof.
3
4
EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE
[GHK LOGO] GHK COMPANY COLOMBIA
PREPARED BY DATE
C.MONTEJO JULY 2000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT TYPE OF WORK PLAY/PROSPECT CODE
FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EST. START DATE EST. FINISH DATE TOTAL DEPTH TOTAL COST $21,000,000 AFE NO.
2000 2001 01.001.09
AUGUST - 2000 JUNE - 2001 $7,000,000 $14,000,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well/Project Name (Print Desired Computer Printout Name) E & P PROJECT CATEGORY NON - E&P
- ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
PIPELINE (GUADUAS- LA DORADA) Lease [ ] Expense [ ] Environm. [ ] Energy [ ]
- ------------------------------------------------------- G&G [ ] [ ] Cost Sav. [ ] Other [ ]
FIELD, PLAY, PROSPECT OR PLANT NAME: Explor.[ ] [ ] [ ] GGE [ ]
LOCATION: UADUAS TO LA DORADA-64.5 K Devel. [X]
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT, PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE, BENEFITS, BASIS OF ESTIMATE:
This supplementary AFE is a revision to the approved pipeline AFE as the
pipeline diameter has been changed from a 16" & 12" with a capacity of
100,000 bpd to a 10" with a capacity of 40,000 bpd. These capacities are
maximum capacities that can be obtained with future modifications at La
Dorada station. The change in line size matches the current field production
forecast.
Additionally, the estimate for the construction activities was revised to
reflect current market conditions and bids for major equipment have been
received providing a more current cost estimate.
The technical characteristics of the 10" pipeline are now:
PIPELINE : GUADUAS - LA DORADA
LENGTH AND SIZE: 10"(64.5 Km)
DESIGN CODE ANSI/ASME B31.4
CAPACITY: 40,000 BPD (with La Dorada modifications)
DESIGN PRESSURE: 2160 PSIG
STEEL GRADE: API 5LX -60
WALL THICKNESS: 0.365" and 0.500" at Magdalena river crossing
The main factors that could affect the cost estimate are:
Geotechnical protection works required to protect the pipeline ROW could
affect the final cost of the project.
The ROW acquisition cost could be more than expected. Rainy season affecting
the work progress.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTNERS (*OPERATOR) INTEREST (%) FOR SUPPLEMENTAL AFE USE ONLY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COST
GHK COMPANY COLOMBIA (OPERATOR) 55.00% 1. Cumulative Amount
Sipetrol 35.00% Previously Authorized $21,300,000
Cimarrona 10.00% 2. This Supplement $21,000,000
--------------
Total (1) + (2) (300,000)
'(2) as a % of (1) -1%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESTIMATED COST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW DRILLING WELLS AND/OR
CAPITAL WORKOVERS ONLY PRODUCTIVE DRY HOLE TOTAL COST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TANGIBLE EQUIPMENT
INTANGIBLE COSTS CAPITAL BUDGET $21,000,000
TOTAL COST OPERATING EXPENSE $
OTHER $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $21,000,000
====================================================================================================================================
GHK STAFF REVIEWS BUDGET STATUS
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL Date OPER. Date APPROVED BUDGET
ACCOUNTING CONTROL LESS PRIOR AFE'S PROCESSED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRON Date EXPLOR. Date LESS THIS AFE REQUEST
SUBJECT TO BALANCE REMAINING
CORPORATE APPROVAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] YES [X] NO FIN/ADMIN Date HSE Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------
1999 BUDGET STATUS --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] NOT INCLUDED [ ] FUNDED BY TRANSFER FAC/CONST. Date
[X] INCLUDED [ ] FUNDED BY SUBSTITUTION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITY Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GHKCC Approval Date Partner Approval Date Partner Approval Date
MTV Sipetrol
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5
GUADUAS PIPELINE A.F.E.
AFE 01.001.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPROVED COMMENTS
Code 1999 BUDGET BUDGET
(USD)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENGINEERING
50200 DIRECT GHK $340,000
50201 INDIRECT $158,000
EQUIPMENT & MATERIALS PURCHASE
50210 PIPE/VALVES/FITTINGS $ 3,335,200
50215 LACT/PRESS. RED./TRAPS $ 1,003,200
50212 SUMP TANK $ 137,000
50214 MAIN SHIPPING PUMPS (1600 HP FOR 25,000 BPD) $ 1,150,000
50216 OTHER EQUIPMENT(INST & CTRL & SUPPORT) $ 200,000
ROW & LAND PURCHASE
50207 ROW ACQUISITION $ 1,500,000
50206 LA DORADA LAND ACQUISITION $ 15,000
CONSTRUCTION WORKS
50220 CONSTRUCTION $ 10,235,000
SUPERVISION
50225 DIRECT GHK $ 100,000
50226 INDIRECT $ 500,000
SOFT COSTS
50242 SECURITY $ 135,000
50241 COMMUNICATIONS $ 25,000
50247 INSURANCE $ 50,000
50243 HSE $ 200,000
50244 COMMUNITY RELATIONS $ 100,000
50248 VAT $ 1,227,600
50240 TRANSPORT $ 339,000
50212 MISCELANEOUS $ 250,000
TOTAL PIPELINE $21,000,000
================================================================================
6
EXHIBIT A
AUTHORIZATION FOR EXPENDITURE
[GHK LOGO] GHK COMPANY COLOMBIA
PREPARED BY DATE
J. E. PICO AUG. 22, 2000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT TYPE OF WORK PLAY/PROSPECT CODE
FACILITIES & CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTION FACILITY CONSTRUCTION
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EST. START DATE EST. FINISH DATE TOTAL DEPTH TOTAL COST 2,290,000 AFE NO.
2000 2001 01.001.11
AUG. 2000 APRIL 2001 500,000 1,790,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well/Project Name (Print Desired Computer Printout Name) E & P PROJECT CATEGORY NON - E&P
- ------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
PRODUCTION FACILITY (PF-1) Lease [ ] Expense [ ] Environm. [ ] Energy [ ]
- ------------------------------------------------------- G&G [ ] [ ] Cost Sav. [ ] Other [ ]
FIELD, PLAY, PROSPECT OR PLANT NAME: Explor.[ ] [ ] [ ] GGE [ ]
LOCATION: GUADUAS FIELD-TP-1 LOCATION Devel. [X] [ ] [ ] [ ]
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT, PURPOSE OF EXPENDITURE, BENEFITS, BASIS OF ESTIMATE:
Description of project:
-----------------------
This AFE covers the investment required to install a Production Facility
(PF-1) at well pad TP-1 with a capacity for handling 25 MBPD of crude oil and
5 MMSCFD of associated gas.
It is proposed to buy and install one (1) production and one (1) test
separator, one (1) heater treater, two (2) additional bolted 5 MBbls storage
tanks, transfer pumps, associated pipe, valves and fittings, a flare system,
an Emergency Shutdown System,etc.
The breakdown of the required funds is attached.
Justification:
--------------
Economic justification: funds for this facility are included into the total
investment required to develop the Guaduas project which is economically
justified.
Environmental impact:
---------------------
The environmental impact is negligible considering:
-The gas separated from the oil will be used as fuel for the power generation
and shipping pumps drives. The remaining gas will be burned at the flare.
-The reservoir is not expected to produce water, no water disposal problems
are expected.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTNERS (*OPERATOR) INTEREST (%) FOR SUPPLEMENTAL AFE USE ONLY
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COST
----------------------------------------
$
GHK COMPANY COLOMBIA (OPERATOR) 57.70% 1. Cumulative Amount ----------------------------------------
SIPETROL 32.90% Previously Authorized $
MTV INVESTMENT 9.40% 2. This Supplement ----------------------------------------
$
Total (1) + (2) ----------------------------------------
'(2) as a % of (1) %
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ESTIMATED COST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW DRILLING WELLS AND/OR
CAPITAL WORKOVERS ONLY PRODUCTIVE DRY HOLE TOTAL COST
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TANGIBLE EQUIPMENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTANGIBLE COSTS CAPITAL BUDGET $2,290,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL COST OPERATING EXPENSE $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER $
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL $2,290,000
====================================================================================================================================
GHK STAFF REVIEWS BUDGET STATUS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGAL Date OPER. Date APPROVED BUDGET
- ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------
ACCOUNTING CONTROL LESS PRIOR AFE'S PROCESSED
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENVIRON Date EXPLOR. Date LESS THIS AFE REQUEST
------------------------------
SUBJECT TO BALANCE REMAINING
CORPORATE APPROVAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] YES [X] NO FIN/ADMIN Date HSE Date
- ----------------------------------------------------------
2000 BUDGET STATUS
[ ] NOT INCLUDED [ ] FUNDED BY TRANSFER --------------------------------------------------------------------------
[X] INCLUDED [ ] FUNDED BY SUBSTITUTION FAC/CONST. Date
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECURITY Date
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
GHKCC Approval Date Partner Approval Date Partner Approval Date
MTV Sipetrol
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7
================================================================================
GHK COMPANY COLOMBIA
CAPITAL A.F.E
Production Facility ( PF 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODE DESCRIPTION TOTAL COMMENTS
USD
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ENGINEERING $326,000
50100 DIRECT GHK $310,000
50101 INDIRECT $16,000
MATERIAL $320,000
50105 PIPING/VALVES/FITTINGS $278,000
50106 ELECTRICAL/INSTRUMENTATION $26,000
50107 MISCELANEOUS $16,000
EQUIPMENT $907,000
50110 SEPARATORS $303,000
50111 HEATER TREATER $171,000
50112 TANKS $169,000
50113 OTHER $264,000
50115 CONSTRUCTION WORKS $453,000
SUPERVISION $42,000
50120 DIRECT GHK $21,000
50121 INDIRECT $21,000
SOFT COSTS $242,000
50125 SECURITY $11,000
50126 COMMUNICATIONS $6,000
50127 INSURANCE $6,000
50128 HSE $16,000
50129 COMMUNITY RELATIONS $11,000
50130 VAT $166,000
50131 MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION $26,000
TOTAL PROJECT COST $2,290,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST = $2,290,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8
EXHIBIT "B" to that certain La Dorada Pipeline and Guaduas Field Production
Facilities Letter Agreement dated the 25th day of January, 2001, by and between
GHK Company Colombia, Seven Seas Petroleum Colombia, Inc., Petrolinson S. A.,
Sociedad Internacional Petrolera S.A., and Cimarrona L.L.C.
[Seven Seas Petroleum Colombia, Inc., Petrolinson S.A. and GHK Company
Colombia shall execute one Escrow Agreement]
ESCROW AGREEMENT
THIS ESCROW AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended or modified from
time to time and including any and all written instructions given to "Escrow
Agent" (hereinafter defined) pursuant hereto, this "Escrow Agreement") is made
and entered into as of January __, 2001 by and between Seven Seas Petroleum
Columbia, Inc., Petrolinson S.A. and GHK Company Colombia ("GHK") and
______________________________, a national banking association with its
principal offices in ___________________________ (the "Bank"). GHK, as operator
of the Guaduas Field and an Affiliate of Seven Seas Petroleum Colombia, Inc. and
Petrolinson S.A., shall act agent for Seven Seas Petroleum Columbia, Inc. and
Petrolinson S.A. agent for purposes of this Escrow Agreement.
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, GHK has requested Bank to act in the capacity of Escrow Agent
under this Escrow Agreement, and Bank, subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, has agreed so to do.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants
and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
1. Appointment of Escrow Agent. GHK hereby appoints the Bank as the
escrow agent under this Escrow Agreement (the Bank in such capacity, the "Escrow
Agent"), and Escrow Agent hereby accepts such appointment.
2. Deposit. Upon execution of this Escrow Agreement, GHK will deliver
to the Escrow Agent the sum of _______________ dollars ($_________) (as said
amount may increase or decrease as a result of the investment and reinvestment
thereof and as said amount may be reduced by charges thereto and payments and
setoffs therefrom to compensate or reimburse Escrow Agent for amounts owing to
it pursuant hereto, the "Deposit") to be held by Escrow Agent in accordance with
the terms hereof. Subject to and in accordance with the terms and conditions
hereof, Escrow Agent agrees that it shall receive, hold in escrow, invest and
reinvest and release or distribute the Deposit. It is hereby expressly
stipulated and agreed that all interest and other earnings on the Deposit shall
become a part of the Deposit for all purposes, and that all losses resulting
from the investment or reinvestment thereof from time to time and all amounts
charged thereto to compensate or reimburse the Escrow Agent from time to time
for amounts
9
owing to it hereunder shall from the time of such loss or charge no longer
constitute part of the Deposit.
3. Investment of the Deposit. Escrow Agent shall invest and reinvest
the Deposit in the _________________________________, unless otherwise
instructed in writing by GHK. Such written instructions, if any, referred to in
the foregoing sentence shall specify the type and identity of the investments to
be purchased and/or sold and shall also include the name of the broker-dealer,
if any, which GHK directs the Escrow Agent to use in respect of such investment,
any particular settlement procedures required, if any (which settlement
procedures shall be consistent with industry standards and practices), and such
other information as Escrow Agent may require. Escrow Agent shall not be liable
for failure to invest or reinvest funds absent sufficient written direction.
Unless Escrow Agent is otherwise directed in such written instructions, Escrow
Agent may use a broker-dealer of its own selection, including a broker-dealer
owned by or affiliated with Escrow Agent or any of its affiliates. It is
expressly agreed and understood by the parties hereto that Escrow Agent shall
not in any way whatsoever be liable for losses on any investments, including,
but not limited to, losses from market risks due to premature liquidation or
resulting from other actions taken pursuant to this Escrow Agreement.
Receipt, investment and reinvestment of the Deposit shall be confirmed
by Escrow Agent as soon as practicable by account statement, and any
discrepancies in any such account statement shall be noted by GHK to Escrow
Agent within thirty (30) calendar days after receipt thereof. Failure to inform
Escrow Agent in writing of any discrepancies in any such account statement
within said 30-day period shall conclusively be deemed confirmation of such
account statement in its entirety. For purposes of this paragraph, (a) each
account statement shall be deemed to have been received by the party to whom
directed on the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt thereof and (ii) three
(3) "Business Days" (hereinafter defined) after the deposit thereof in the
United States Mail, postage prepaid and (b) the term "Business Day" shall mean
any day of the year, excluding Saturday, Sunday and any other day on which
national banks are required or authorized to close in the United States.
4. Disbursement of Deposit. Escrow Agent is hereby authorized to
make disbursements of the Deposit only as follows:
(a) Upon receipt of written instructions signed by an authorized
representative of GHK upon a certificate (the "Certificate")
that states, "GHK Company Colombia hereby directs that you
release to it the sum of $______________ [to be completed by
GHK]," the Escrow Agent shall be authorized and directed to
pay to GHK the stated amount.
(b) As permitted by this Escrow Agreement, to Escrow Agent; and
(c) Into the registry of the court in accordance with Sections 8
or 15 hereof.
Notwithstanding anything contained herein or elsewhere to the contrary, GHK
hereby expressly agrees that the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to charge the
Deposit for, and pay and set-off from the Deposit, any and all amounts, if any,
then owing to it pursuant to this Escrow Agreement prior to the disbursement of
the Deposit in accordance with clauses (a) through (c) (both inclusive) of this
Section 4.
2
10
Any payments of income shall be subject to applicable withholding regulations
then in force in the United States or any other jurisdiction, as applicable. 5.
Tax Matters. GHK shall provide Escrow Agent with its taxpayer identification
number documented by an appropriate Form W 8 or Form W 9 upon execution of this
Escrow Agreement. Failure so to provide such forms may prevent or delay
disbursements from the Deposit and may also result in the assessment of a
penalty and Escrow Agent's being required to withhold tax on any interest or
other income earned on the Deposit.
6. Scope of Undertaking. Escrow Agent's duties and responsibilities in
connection with this Escrow Agreement shall be purely ministerial and shall be
limited to those expressly set forth in this Escrow Agreement. Escrow Agent is
not a principal, participant or beneficiary in any transaction underlying this
Escrow Agreement and shall have no duty to inquire beyond the terms and
provisions hereof. Escrow Agent shall have no responsibility or obligation of
any kind in connection with this Escrow Agreement or the Deposit and shall not
be required to deliver the Deposit or any part thereof or take any action with
respect to any matters that might arise in connection therewith, other than to
receive, hold, invest, reinvest and deliver the Deposit as herein provided.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is hereby expressly agreed
and stipulated by the parties hereto that Escrow Agent shall not be required to
exercise any discretion hereunder and shall have no investment or management
responsibility and, accordingly, shall have no duty to, or liability for its
failure to, provide investment recommendations or investment advice to the Other
Parties or either of them. Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any error in
judgment, any act or omission, any mistake of law or fact, or for anything it
may do or refrain from doing in connection herewith, except for, subject to
Section 7 hereinbelow, its own willful misconduct or gross negligence. It is the
intention of the parties hereto that Escrow Agent shall never be required to
use, advance or risk its own funds or otherwise incur financial liability in the
performance of any of its duties or the exercise of any of its rights and powers
hereunder.
7. Reliance; Liability. Escrow Agent may rely on, and shall not be
liable for acting or refraining from acting in accordance with, any written
notice, instruction or request or other paper furnished to it hereunder or
pursuant hereto and believed by it to have been signed or presented by the
proper party or parties. Escrow Agent shall be responsible for holding,
investing, reinvesting and disbursing the Deposit pursuant to this Escrow
Agreement; provided, however, that in no event shall Escrow Agent be liable for
any lost profits, lost savings or other special, exemplary, consequential or
incidental damages in excess of Escrow Agent's fee hereunder and provided,
further, that Escrow Agent shall have no liability for any loss arising from any
cause beyond its control, including, but not limited to, the following: (a) acts
of God, force majeure, including, without limitation, war (whether or not
declared or existing), revolution, insurrection, riot, civil commotion,
accident, fire, explosion, stoppage of labor, strikes and other differences with
employees; (b) the act, failure or neglect of GHK or any agent or correspondent
or any other person selected by Escrow Agent; (c) any delay, error, omission or
default of any mail, courier, telegraph, cable or wireless agency or operator;
or (d) the acts or edicts of any government or governmental agency or other
group or entity exercising governmental powers. Escrow Agent is not responsible
or liable in any manner whatsoever for the sufficiency, correctness, genuineness
or validity of the subject matter of this Escrow Agreement or any part hereof or
for the transaction or transactions requiring or underlying the execution of
this Escrow Agreement, the form or execution hereof or for the identity or
authority of any person executing this Escrow Agreement or any part hereof or
depositing the Deposit.
8. Right of Interpleader. Should any controversy arise involving the
parties hereto with respect to this Escrow Agreement or the Deposit, or should a
substitute escrow agent fail to be designated as provided in Section 15 hereof,
or if Escrow Agent should be in doubt as
3
11
to what action to take, Escrow Agent shall have the right, but not the
obligation, either to (a) withhold delivery of the Deposit until the controversy
is resolved, the conflicting demands are withdrawn or its doubt is resolved or
(b) institute a petition for interpleader in any court of competent jurisdiction
to determine the rights of the parties hereto. In the event Escrow Agent is a
party to any dispute, Escrow Agent shall have the additional right to refer such
controversy to binding arbitration. Should a petition for interpleader be
instituted, or should Escrow Agent be threatened with litigation or become
involved in litigation or binding arbitration in any manner whatsoever in
connection with this Escrow Agreement or the Deposit, GHK hereby agrees to
reimburse Escrow Agent for its attorneys' fees and any and all other expenses,
losses, costs and damages incurred by Escrow Agent in connection with or
resulting from such threatened or actual litigation or arbitration prior to any
disbursement hereunder.
9. Indemnification. GHK hereby indemnifies Escrow Agent, its officers,
directors, partners, employees and agents (each herein called an "Indemnified
Party") against, and hold each Indemnified Party harmless from, any and all
expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and court costs,
losses, costs, damages and claims, including, but not limited to, costs of
investigation, litigation and arbitration, tax liability and loss on investments
suffered or incurred by any Indemnified Party in connection with or arising from
or out of this Escrow Agreement, except such acts or omissions as may result
from the willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Party. IT IS
THE EXPRESS INTENT OF GHK TO INDEMNIFY EACH OF THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES FOR, AND
HOLD THEM HARMLESS AGAINST, THEIR OWN NEGLIGENT ACTS OR OMISSIONS.
10. Compensation and Reimbursement of Expenses. GHK hereby agrees to
pay Escrow Agent for its services hereunder in accordance with Escrow Agent's
fee schedule as in effect from time to time and to pay all expenses incurred by
Escrow Agent in connection with the performance of its duties and enforcement of
its rights hereunder and otherwise in connection with the preparation,
operation, administration and enforcement of this Escrow Agreement, including,
without limitation, attorneys' fees, brokerage costs and related expenses
incurred by Escrow Agent. The foregoing notwithstanding, GHK shall be liable to
Escrow Agent for the payment of all such fees and expenses. In the event GHK for
any reason fails to pay any such fees and expenses as and when the same are due,
such unpaid fees and expenses shall be charged to and set-off and paid from the
Deposit by Escrow Agent without any further notice.
11. Lien. GHK hereby grants to Escrow Agent a lien upon, and security
interest in, all its right, title and interest in and to all of the Deposit as
security for the payment and performance of its obligations owing to Escrow
Agent hereunder, including, without limitation, its obligations of payment,
indemnity and reimbursement provided for hereunder, which lien and security
interest may be enforced by Escrow Agent without notice by charging and
setting-off and paying from, the Deposit any and all amounts then owing to it
pursuant to this Escrow Agreement or by appropriate foreclosure proceedings.
12. Notices. Any notice or other communication required or permitted
to be given under this Escrow Agreement by any party hereto to any other party
hereto shall be considered as properly given if in writing and (a) delivered
against receipt therefor, (b) mailed by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested and postage prepaid or (c) sent by telefax machine, in each
case to the address or telefax number, as the case may be, set forth below:
4
12
If to Escrow Agent:
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Telefax No.:
---------------------------
If to GHK:
GHK
------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
[ATTN:]
-------------------------------
Telefax No.:
----------------------------
Except to the extent otherwise provided in the second paragraph of Section 3
hereinabove, delivery of any communication given in accordance herewith shall be
effective only upon actual receipt thereof by the party to whom such
communication is directed. Either party to this Escrow Agreement may change the
address to which communications hereunder are to be directed by giving written
notice to the other party hereto in the manner provided in this section.
13. Consultation with Legal Counsel. Escrow Agent may consult with its
counsel or other counsel satisfactory to it concerning any question relating to
its duties or responsibilities hereunder or otherwise in connection herewith and
shall not be liable for any action taken, suffered or omitted by it in good
faith upon the advice of such counsel.
14. Choice of Laws; Cumulative Rights. This Escrow Agreement shall be
construed under, and governed by, the laws of the State of Texas, excluding,
however, (a) its choice of law rules and (b) the portions of the Texas Trust
Code Sec. 111.001, et seq. of the Texas Property Code concerning fiduciary
duties and liabilities of trustees. All of Escrow Agent's rights hereunder are
cumulative of any other rights it may have at law, in equity or otherwise. The
parties hereto agree that the forum for resolution of any dispute arising under
this Escrow Agreement shall be ______________________and each of the parties
hereby consents, and submits itself, to the jurisdiction of any state or federal
court sitting in ________________________.
15. Resignation. Escrow Agent may resign hereunder upon ten (10) days'
prior notice to GHK. Upon the effective date of such resignation, Escrow Agent
shall deliver the Deposit to any substitute escrow agent designated by GHK in
writing. If GHK fails to designate a substitute escrow agent within ten (10)
days after the giving of such notice, Escrow Agent may institute a petition for
interpleader. Escrow Agent's sole responsibility after such 10-day notice period
expires shall be to hold the Deposit (without any obligation to reinvest the
same) and to deliver the same to a designated substitute escrow agent, if any,
or in accordance with the directions of a final order or judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction, at which time of delivery Escrow Agent's obligations
hereunder shall cease and terminate.
16. Assignment. This Escrow Agreement shall not be assigned by either
party without the prior written consent of the other (such assigns to which the
other party consents, if any, being hereinafter referred to collectively as
"Permitted Assigns").
5
13
17. Severability. If one or more of the provisions hereof shall for
any reason be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under
applicable law, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provisions hereof, and this Escrow Agreement shall be construed as if
such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained
herein, and the remaining provisions hereof shall be given full force and
effect.
18. Termination. This Escrow Agreement shall terminate upon the
disbursement, in accordance with Sections 4 or 15 hereof, of the Deposit in
full; provided, however, that in the event all fee, expenses, costs and other
amounts required to be paid to Escrow Agent hereunder are not fully and finally
paid prior to termination, the provisions of Section 10 hereof shall survive the
termination hereof and, provided further, that the last two sentences of Section
8 hereof and the provisions of Section 9 hereof shall, in any event, survive the
termination hereof.
19. General. The section headings contained in this Escrow Agreement
are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Escrow Agreement. This Escrow Agreement and any
affidavit, certificate, instrument, agreement or other document required to be
provided hereunder may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which
shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute
but one and the same instrument. Unless the context shall otherwise require, the
singular shall include the plural and vice-versa, and each pronoun in any gender
shall include all other genders. The terms and provisions of this Escrow
Agreement constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto in respect
of the subject matter hereof, and neither GHK nor Escrow Agent has relied on any
representations or agreements of the other, except as specifically set forth in
this Escrow Agreement. This Escrow Agreement or any provision hereof may be
amended, modified, waived or terminated only by written instrument duly signed
by the parties hereto. This Escrow Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and
be binding upon, the parties hereto and their respective successors, trustees,
receivers and Permitted Assigns. This Escrow Agreement is for the sole and
exclusive benefit of GHK and the Escrow Agent, and nothing in this Escrow
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer or shall be construed as
conferring upon any other person any rights, remedies or any other type or types
of benefits.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Escrow
Agreement to be effective as of the date first above written.
GHK COMPANY COLOMBIA (Insert name of Bank), Escrow Agent
By: __________________________ By: ______________________________
Its: _________________________ Its: _____________________________
Date: ________________________ Date: ____________________________
6
14
EXHIBIT "C" to that certain La Dorada Pipeline and Guaduas Field Production
Facilities Letter Agreement dated the 25th day of January, 2001, by and between
GHK Company Colombia, Seven Seas Petroleum Colombia, Inc., Petrolinson S. A.,
Sociedad Internacional Petrolera S.A., and Cimarrona L.L.C.
CERTIFICATE OF GHK
GHK Company Colombia ("GHK"), in its capacity as Operator under the Rio Seco and
Dindal Operating Agreements ("JOAs"), hereby notifies all Parties under the JOAs
that the attached invoices and other documents for goods and services and their
corresponding charges relate to the La Dorada Pipeline and the Guaduas Field
Production Facilities ("Pipeline and Facilities"). Such invoices are due and
payable within the next thirty (30) days. GHK represents and warrants that it is
in the process of withdrawing the sum of $_________________ from its Escrow
Account and the Escrow Accounts of its Affiliates and that said sums shall used
by GHK, as Operator, solely for:
(check one of the following)
_____ (A) the purpose of paying the outstanding invoices of the vendors which
provided these goods and/or services directly toward the construction of
the Pipeline and Facilities, or,
_____ (B) reimbursement to GHK of an equal amount which has already been paid by
GHK toward the outstanding invoices of the vendors which provided these
goods and/or services directly toward the construction of the Pipeline and
Facilities, and that such amount has not been previously reimbursed to
GHK, or,
_____ (C) GHK's own account or for the account of its Affiliates, and that the
construction of the Pipeline and Facilities has been completed and all
vendors who provided goods and services toward the construction of the
Pipeline and Facilities have been fully paid.
Further, GHK, in its capacity as Operator, represents and warrants that it shall
pay one hundred percent (100%) of any and all such Pipeline and Facilities
charges within five (5) days after its receipt of funds due from Sociedad
Internacional Petrolera S.A. and Cimarrona L.L.C. attributable to their
Participating Interest.
GHK Company Colombia
By: __________________________
Its: _________________________
Date: ________________________
7