As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 1996 Registration No. 33-59567 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to FORM S-3/A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 TRITON ENERGY LIMITED (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Cayman Islands None (State or other jurisdiction (I.R.S. Employer of incorporation or organization) Identification No.) Caledonian House Mary Street, P.O. Box 1043 George Town Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (809) 949-0050 (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices) ROBERT B. HOLLAND, III, ESQ. 6688 North Central Expressway Suite 1400 Dallas, Texas 75206 (214) 691-5200 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service) Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement. If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. [ ] If any securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X] If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ] If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box. [ ] PROSPECTUS ORDINARY SHARES TRITON ENERGY LIMITED This Prospectus relates to (a) the issuance by Triton Energy Limited (the "Company") of the Company's Ordinary Shares, par value $.01 per share ("Ordinary Shares"), upon (i) the exercise of options (the "Options") that have been or may be transferred by the grantee thereof and that were granted pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") and (ii) the conversion of the Company's Convertible Subordinated Debentures (the "Debentures") that have been or may be transferred by the purchaser thereof and that were purchased pursuant to the Company's Amended and Restated 1986 Convertible Debenture Plan (the "Debenture Plan") and (b) the subsequent offer and resale by certain holders of such Ordinary Shares (all such shares being referred to as the "Shares") who at the time of any such offer or sale are affiliates of the Company (the "Selling Shareholders"). The Shares may be issued upon the exercise of the Options or the conversion of the Debentures from time to time in accordance with the terms of the Option Plan and the Debenture Plan, as applicable. See "Description of the Plans." The Shares may be resold from time to time by the Selling Shareholders, or by pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest of the Selling Shareholders. Such resales may be made on one or more exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") or in the over the counter market, or in negotiated transactions, in each case at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price or at negotiated prices and terms. Upon any resale of the Shares, Selling Shareholders or such successors in interest and participating agents, brokers or dealers may be deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and commissions or discounts or any profit realized on the resale of such securities may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution." The Ordinary Shares are listed for trading on the NYSE under the symbol "OIL." On April 1, 1996, the closing price of the Ordinary Shares on the NYSE was $55 5/8 per share. The Company will pay all expenses incurred in connection with this offering, which are estimated to be approximately $65,700. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. The date of this Prospectus is __________, 1996. AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and, in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's Regional Offices in Chicago, Illinois (Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60604) and New York, New York (75 Park Place, Room 1228, New York, New York 10007). Copies of such material can also be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Company's Ordinary Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Reports, proxy statements and other information concerning the Company can also be inspected at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005. This Prospectus, which constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Company with the Commission under the Securities Act (the "Registration Statement"), omits certain of the information contained in the Registration Statement. Reference is made to the Registration Statement and to the exhibits thereto for further information with respect to the Company and the Ordinary Shares offered hereby. Copies of such Registration Statement are available from the Commission. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions of documents filed herewith as exhibits are necessarily summaries of such documents, and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the applicable document filed with the Commission. The Company's principal executive offices are located at Caledonian House, Mary Street, P.O. Box 1043, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, (809) 949-0050. INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE The Company hereby incorporates by reference in this Prospectus the following documents previously filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act: (i) Triton Energy Corporation's ("Triton Delaware") Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995, (ii) Triton Delaware's Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 9, 1996 and (iii) the description of the Ordinary Shares contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 25, 1996. Each document filed by the Company pursuant to Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent to the date of this Prospectus and prior to the termination of the offering of the Shares pursuant hereto shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and to be a part of this Prospectus from the date of filing of such document. Any statement contained in this Prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of the Registration Statement and this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this Prospectus or in any subsequently filed document that also is or is deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus modifies or supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the Registration Statement or this Prospectus. The Company will provide without charge to each person to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents that are incorporated by reference in this Prospectus, other than exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference into such documents). Requests should be directed to Investor Relations, 6688 North Central Expressway, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75206-9926, telephone (214) 691-5200. ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES AGAINST FOREIGN PERSONS Triton Cayman is a Cayman Islands company, certain of its officers and directors may be residents of various jurisdictions outside the United States and its Cayman Islands counsel, W.S. Walker & Company, are residents of the Cayman Islands. All or a substantial portion of the assets of the Company and of such persons may be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult for investors to effect service of process within the United States upon such persons or to enforce in United States courts judgments obtained against such persons in United States courts and predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Securities Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company has irrevocably agreed that it may be served with process with respect to actions based on offers and sales of securities made hereby in the United States by serving Robert B. Holland, III, c/o Triton Energy Corporation, 6688 North Central Expressway, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75206-9926, its United States agent appointed for that purpose. The Company has been advised by its Cayman Islands counsel, W. S. Walker & Company, that there is doubt as to whether Cayman Islands courts would enforce (a) judgments of United States courts obtained in actions against such person or the Company that are predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the Securities Act or (b) in original actions brought against the Company or such persons predicated upon the Securities Act. There is no treaty in effect between the United States and the Cayman Islands providing for such enforcement, and there are grounds upon which Cayman Islands courts may not enforce judgments of United States courts. Certain remedies available under the United States federal securities laws would not be allowed in Cayman Islands courts as contrary to that nation's policy. USE OF PROCEEDS The proceeds received by the Company upon exercise of the Options will be used for general corporate purposes, including, but not limited to, operating and working capital requirements. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Shares by the Selling Shareholders. SELLING SHAREHOLDERS This Prospectus relates to (a) the issuance by the Company of (i) up to 3,666,125 Ordinary Shares, in the aggregate, upon the exercise of Options that may be or have been transferred by the grantee thereof and that were granted pursuant to the Option Plan and (ii) up to 253,977 Ordinary Shares, in the aggregate, upon the conversion of Debentures that may be or have been transferred by the purchase thereof and that were purchased pursuant to the Debenture Plan, and (b) the subsequent offer and resale of such Ordinary Shares by the Selling Shareholders. The Board of Directors of the Company or an appropriate committee appointed by the Board, subject to the provisions of the Option Plan and the Debenture Plan, will determine from time to time (i) the individuals to whom Options will be granted and Debentures will be sold, (ii) the number of shares to be covered by each Option and (iii) the purchase price or conversion price, as applicable, of Ordinary Shares subject to each Option and Debenture. See "Description of the Plans." Set forth below, as of April 1, 1996, are the names of each Selling Shareholder that as of the date of this Prospectus has been transferred Options and/or Debentures, the number of Shares that may be offered for resale by such Selling Shareholder pursuant to the Prospectus, and the number of Ordinary Shares to be owned by such Selling Shareholder upon completion of the offering if all Shares are sold. To the extent required by the Securities Act, the information relating to the Selling Shareholders will be updated by Prospectus Supplement. Ordinary Shares Ownership Ownership of Offered for of Ordinary Ordinary Shares Selling Shares Prior to Shareholders After Name Offering Account Offering Thomas G. Finck International Trust 137,600(1) 137,600(1) 0 Robert B. Holland, III International Trust 87,600(1) 87,600(1) 0 __________________ (1) Represents all shares issuable upon exercise of options currently held by the Selling Shareholders, whether or not currently exercisable. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANS OPTION PLAN General The Option Plan provides for the grant of Options to acquire up to 3,700,000 Ordinary Shares, which Options may be "incentive shares options" ("Incentive Options") within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"), or nonqualified shares options ("Nonqualified Options") and no participant shall be eligible for more than 50% of such shares. The purpose of the Option Plan is to attract and retain highly qualified and competent employees, nonemployee members of the Board ("Nonemployee Directors") and advisors and to provide such persons with a proprietary interest in the Company through the granting of Options. The Option Plan is not subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA"). The statements contained herein concerning the terms and provisions of the Option Plan are summaries and are not necessarily complete; and while the Company believes the description of the material provisions of the plan are accurate summaries of such provisions, reference is made to the full text of the Option Plan filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. Administration of the Option Plan The Option Plan provides that it shall be administered by a committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee"). The Committee has, subject to the terms of the Option Plan, the power to determine from time to time the individuals to whom Options will be granted, to interpret the Option Plan, to prescribe, amend and rescind any rules and regulations necessary or appropriate for the administration of the Option Plan, to determine the details and provisions of each stock option agreement, to modify or amend any stock option agreement or waive any conditions or restrictions applicable to any Option or the exercise thereof and to make such other determinations and take such other actions as it deems necessary or advisable for administration of the Option Plan. The Option Plan provides for the automatic grant each year to each Nonemployee Director of Nonqualified Options ("Nondiscretionary Stock Options") to purchase 15,000 Ordinary Shares. The Committee may at any time amend or revise the terms of the Option Plan; provided that, certain amendments will require shareholder approval, Transferability The Committee may, in its discretion, agree that Nonqualified Options are transferable by the Optionholder, and may limit such transfers to members of the Optionholder's immediate family (e.g., parents, children, grandchildren or spouse), trusts for the benefit of such immediate family members and partnerships in which such immediate family members are the only partners and may provide that there cannot be any consideration for the transfer. Except as may be agreed upon by the Committee in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, an Option may not be transferred or assigned, other than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) pursuant to the terms of a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code or Title I of ERISA, provided that in the case of an Incentive Option, such transfer or assignment may occur only to the extent it will not result in disqualifying such Option as an incentive stock option under Section 422 of the Code, or any other successor provision. The designation by an Optionholder of a beneficiary will not constitute a transfer of the Option. Section 16 of the Exchange Act imposes certain reporting obligations and trading restrictions on directors, executive officers and beneficial owners of 10% or more of a class of the Company's equity securities ("Reporting Persons"). Reporting Persons may be required to report certain information concerning the Option Plan in Form 3, 4, or 5 reports filed pursuant to the Section 16 reporting requirements. Any profit made from purchases and sales of equity securities of the Company by the foregoing persons, their family members or by affiliated partnerships, corporations, trusts and other entities within a six-month time period may be subject to recovery by the Company or by any shareholder for the benefit of the Company. Each Reporting Person is responsible for complying with such reporting obligations and trading restrictions. Prior to any purchase, acquisition, Option exercise, conversion, trade, sale or other disposition of shares or other security of the Company by a Reporting Person, legal advice should be obtained. Purchase of Securities Pursuant to the Option Plan and Payment for Securities Offered Each Option is evidenced by a written agreement (an "Option Agreement") between the Company and the Optionholder. Options issued under the Option Plan generally become exercisable after one year following the date of grant with respect to 25% of Ordinary Shares covered thereby and vest 25% per year thereafter; provided that automatic Option grants to Nonemployee Directors become exercisable after one year following the date of grant with respect to 33 1/3% Ordinary Shares covered thereby and vest 33 1/3% per year thereafter. Notwithstanding the provisions of any Option Agreement, Options will become exercisable in the event of a change in control (as defined in the Option Plan) and in the event of certain mergers and reorganizations of the Company. No Option will remain exercisable later than ten years after the date of its grant (or five years in the case of Incentive Options granted to employees owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company). The exercise price of each Option granted under the Option Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Ordinary Shares on the date of grant of the Option (or 110% in the case of Incentive Options granted to employees owning more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of the Company). The maximum aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the Option is granted) of the Ordinary Shares with respect to which Incentive Options are exercisable for the first time by any employee during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. The issuance, delivery or exercise of any Option is subject to the satisfaction by the Optionholder of any withholding tax or other withholding liabilities under federal, state or local law. An Optionholder may satisfy a withholding obligation by any method permitted by the Committee pursuant to the Plan, which may include (i) having the Company withhold a portion of the Ordinary Shares acquired upon the exercise of the Option having a fair market value on the date the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined (the "Tax Date") equal to the amount required to be withheld or (ii) delivering to the Company Ordinary Shares already owned by the Optionholder having a fair market value on the Tax Date equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Option Plan and/or the Option Agreement limit the exercise of Options in the event of the termination of the Optionholder's employment of service as a director or advisor, subject to the ability of the Committee to modify the terms of the Option Agreement under certain circumstances. In general, in the event an Optionholder who is an employee of the Company ceases to be employed by the Company, or an Optionholder who is a director or advisor ceases to serve as a director or advisor, for any reason other than death, retirement, disability or for cause, (i) the Committee shall have the ability to accelerate the vesting of the Optionholder's Option (other than a Non-discretionary Stock Option) in its sole discretion, and (ii) such Optionholder's Option shall be exercisable (to the extent exercisable on the date of termination of employment or service as a director or advisor, or, if the Committee, in its discretion, has accelerated the vesting of such Option, to the extent exercisable following such acceleration) (a) if such Option is an Incentive Option at any time within three months after the date of termination of employment, unless by its terms the Option expires earlier; or (b) if such Option is a Nonqualified Option at any time within one year after the date of termination of employment or service as a director or advisor, unless by its terms the Option expires earlier or unless the Committee agrees, in its sole discretion, to further extend the term of such Nonqualified Option; provided that the term of any such Nonqualified Option shall not be extended beyond its initial term. In addition, an Optionholder's Option may be exercised as follows in the event such Optionholder ceases to serve as an employee, director or advisor due to death, disability, retirement or for cause: Death. Except as otherwise limited by the Committee at the time of the grant of a Option, if an Optionholder dies while employed by the Company or while serving as a director or advisor, or within three months after ceasing to be an employee, director or advisor, his Option will become fully exercisable on the date of his death and will expire 12 months thereafter, unless by its terms it expires sooner or the Committee agrees, in its sole discretion, to further extend the term of such Option (other than an Incentive Option or a Non-discretionary Stock Option); provided that the term of any such Option shall not be extended beyond its initial term. During such period, the Option may be fully exercised, to the extent that it remains unexercised on the date of death, by the Optionholder's personal representative or by the distributees to whom the Optionholder's rights under the Option shall pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Retirement. If an Optionholder ceases to be employed by the Company or ceases to serve as a director or advisor, as a result of retirement, (i) the Committee shall have the ability to accelerate the vesting of the Optionholder's Option (other than a Non-discretionary Stock Option, which shall automatically be accelerated) in its sole discretion, and (ii) the Optionholder's Option will be exercisable (to the extent exercisable on the effective date of such retirement or, if the vesting of such Option has been accelerated, to the extent exercisable following such acceleration) (a) if such Option is an Incentive Option at any time three months after the effective date of such retirement, unless by its terms the Option expires earlier, and (b) if such Option is a Nonqualified Option at any time within one year after the effective date of such retirement, unless by its terms the Option expires sooner or the Committee agrees, in its sole discretion, to further extend the term of such Nonqualified Option; provided that the term of any such Nonqualified Option shall not be extended beyond its initial term. Disability. If an Optionholder ceases to be employed by the Company or ceases to serve as a director or advisor, as a result of disability, the Optionholder's Option shall become fully exercisable and shall expire 12 months thereafter, unless by its terms it expires sooner or, unless the Committee agrees, in its sole discretion, to extend the term of such Option (other than an Incentive Option or Non-discretionary Stock Option); provided that the term of any Option shall not be extended beyond its initial term. Cause. If an Optionholder ceases to be employed by the Company or ceases to serve as a director or advisor, because the Optionholder is terminated for cause, the Optionholder's Option shall automatically expire. Full payment for the Ordinary Shares purchased upon the exercise of an Option may be made, (i) in cash, (ii) by certified or cashier's check, (iii) if permitted by the Committee, by Ordinary Shares, (iv) if permitted by the Committee, and if permitted under applicable law, by cash or certified or cashier's check for the par value of the shares plus a promissory note for the balance of the purchase price, which note shall provide for full personal liability of the maker and shall contain such other terms and provisions as the Committee may determine, including without limitation the right to repay the note partially or wholly with Ordinary Shares, or (v) by delivery of a copy of irrevocable instructions from the Optionholder to a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to sell certain of the shares purchased upon exercise of the Option or to pledge them as collateral for a loan and promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale or loan proceeds necessary to pay such purchase price. If any portion of the purchase price or a note given at the time of exercise is paid in Ordinary Shares, those shares shall be valued at the then fair market value. Tax Effects The following is only a summary of the more significant federal income tax considerations and does not purport to be a complete description of all applicable rules regarding the federal income tax treatment of Options. The discussion set forth herein is based on the federal tax laws as in force on the date of this Prospectus. In particular, the summary does not apply to dispositions by Optionholders of shares other than through sales (such as through gifts), and does not discuss in detail any potential consequences of modifications to Options that would otherwise qualify as Incentive Options, alternative minimum tax, state, local and foreign taxes and the effect of gift, estate and inheritance taxes. For more detailed information, reference should be made to the Code and the regulations relating thereto. Incentive Options. No taxable income is realized by an Optionholder and no tax deduction is available to the Company upon either the grant or exercise of an Incentive Option. If an Optionholder holds the shares acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Option for more than one year after the issuance of the shares upon exercise of the Incentive Option and more than two years after the date of the grant of the Incentive Option ("holding period"), the difference between the exercise price and the amount realized upon the sale of the shares will be treated as a long-term capital gain or loss and no deduction will be available to the Company. If the shares are transferred before the expiration of the holding period, the Optionholder will realize ordinary income and the Company will be entitled to a deduction on the portion of the gain, if any, equal to the difference between the Incentive Option exercise price and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise or, if less, the difference between the amount realized on the disposition and the adjusted basis of the shares; provided, however, that the deduction will not be allowed if such amount exceeds the annual one million dollar limitation on the deduction that an employer may claim for compensation of certain executives pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Code (the "Deduction Limitation") and does not satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. Any further gain or loss will be taxable as long-term or short-term capital gain or loss depending upon the holding period before disposition. Certain special rules apply if an Incentive Option is exercised by tendering shares. The difference between the Incentive Option exercise price and the fair market value, at the time of exercise, of the Ordinary Shares acquired upon the exercise of an Incentive Option may give rise to alternative minimum taxable income subject to an alternative minimum tax. Special rules also may apply in certain cases where there are subsequent sales of shares in disqualifying dispositions and to determine the basis of the shares for purposes of computing alternative minimum taxable income on a subsequent sale of the shares. Nonqualified Options. No taxable income is generally realized by an Optionholder upon the grant of a Nonqualified Option and no deduction generally is then available to the Company. Upon exercise of a Nonqualified Option, the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise over the exercise price will be taxable to the Optionholder as ordinary income. Such amount will be deductible by the Company unless such amount exceeds the Deduction Limitation and does not satisfy an exception to the Deduction Limitation. The tax basis of shares acquired by the Optionholder will be the fair market value on the date of exercise. When an Optionholder disposes of shares acquired upon exercise of a Nonqualified Option, any amount realized in excess of the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise generally will be treated as a capital gain and will be long-term or short-term, depending on the holding period of the shares. The holding period commences upon exercise of the Nonqualified Option. If the amount received is less than such fair market value, the loss will be treated as a long-term or short-term capital loss, depending on the holding period of the shares. The exercise of a Nonqualified Option will not trigger the alternative minimum tax consequences applicable to Incentive Options. DEBENTURE PLAN General The Debenture Plan is intended to promote the interests of the Company and its shareholders by allowing certain senior key executives (including directors who are employees) and consultants (individually, a "Purchaser" and collectively, the "Purchasers") of the Company and its subsidiaries the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in the Company by means of investing in the Debentures, thereby giving such senior key executives and consultants added incentive to work toward the continued growth and success of the Company. The Company's Board of Directors also contemplates that the Debenture Plan will enable the Company and its subsidiaries to continue to compete effectively for the services of management personnel needed for the continued growth and success of the Company. The Debenture Plan is not subject to the provisions of ERISA. The statements contained herein concerning the terms and provisions of the Debenture Plan, the Debentures and the Indentures (as defined below) are summaries and are not necessarily complete; and while the Company believes the descriptions of the material provisions of the plan are accurate summaries of such provisions, reference is made to the full text of the Debenture Plan filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, and each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference. Administration of the Debenture Plan The Plan is administered by the Committee. Committee members are appointed by the Board, and may be removed by the Board at any time. No Debentures may be sold to any member of the Committee during the term of his membership on the Committee. The Committee has full power and authority within the limits of the Debenture Plan to select employees and consultants to be sold Debentures under the Debenture Plan, as well as to determine the amounts, terms and conditions of the Debentures. The Committee has authority to sell Debentures to employees (which may include directors who are employees) of and consultants to the Company or any of its subsidiaries who have a material and direct effect upon the Company's operations. Subject to the provisions of the Debenture Plan and to the provisions of an indenture and any supplemental indenture thereto (the "Indenture") creating one or more series of Debentures, the Committee has authority to interpret and construe the Debenture Plan, to supervise the Debenture Plan's administration and to establish and amend the general rules and regulations for the administration of the Debenture Plan. The Committee may also, within the limits of the Debenture Plan, determine certain terms and provisions of any Indenture, including the aggregate principal amount, maturity date, interest rate and conversion price of each series. Description of Debentures The Company may issue an unlimited aggregate principal amount of Debentures pursuant to the Debenture Plan. However, the total number of Ordinary Shares into which Debentures may be converted may not exceed 1,000,000 shares (subject to appropriate adjustment in certain events). The Ordinary Shares issued upon conversion of the Debentures may be either authorized but unissued Ordinary Shares or treasury shares. The Debentures are issued in series; each series is either issued under a separate Indenture, or two or more series are issued under a single Indenture. Each series is due not earlier than seven years from the date of issuance or such earlier date as the Company redeems a series of Debentures or prepays an individual Debenture (with respect to such series or individual Debenture, the "Due Date"). The Committee may extend the term of a series for any period of time from seven years up to ten years as determined by the Committee without shareholder approval, as set forth in the Indenture for that series. The Debentures are issuable in such form and denominations as the Committee approves. The Debentures are subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of any senior indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture). Additionally, there is no limitation on the issuance of any such additional senior indebtedness. Debentures are convertible into fully paid and nonassessable Ordinary Shares at any time on or after a date set by the Committee (the "Conversion Date") from the date of issuance until the close of business on the Due Date at the conversion price in effect at the time of conversion. Individual Debentures have Conversion Dates which vary from one to three years from the date of issuance. Debentures become convertible in the event of a change in control (as defined in the Debenture Plan) and the Committee may accelerate (but not delay) the Conversion Date. The price at which Ordinary Shares are delivered upon conversion are set by the Committee. The conversion price, however, cannot be less than 100% of the last reported sales price of the Ordinary Shares on the NYSE on the date prior to the date the Committee authorizes the issuance of such Debentures. If a Purchaser's employment or association with the Company is terminated for any reason other than death, disability, retirement or for cause, the Purchaser's Debenture may be converted (to the extent convertible on the date of such termination or, if the Committee, in its discretion, has accelerated the Conversion Date, to the extent convertible following such acceleration) at any time within three months after such termination, unless the Committee agrees, in its sole discretion, to further extend the Conversion Date of such Debenture; provided that the term of any such Debenture is not extended beyond its initial term. If a Purchaser's employment or association with the Company is terminated due to death, disability or retirement, the Purchaser's Debenture may be converted (to the extent convertible on the date of death, disability or retirement or, if the convertibility of such Debenture has been accelerated, to the extent convertible following such acceleration) at any time within one year from the date of termination, unless the Committee agrees, in its sole discretion, to further extend the Conversion Date of such Debenture; provided that the term of any Debenture is not extended beyond its initial term. If the Purchaser is discharged from the Company for cause, he may not convert the Debenture after discharge. The Company will prepay any Debenture the conversion privilege of which so terminates. Default and Remedies The Indentures define an "Event of Default" as: (i) any default in the payment of interest which continues for 30 days after the due date; (ii) any default in the payment of principal when due; (iii) failure by the Company to comply with any of its other agreements with or for the benefit of holders of Debentures if such default continues for the period and after the notice specified below; and (iv) certain events of bankruptcy of the Company. A default under clause (iii) above is not an Event of Default until the trustee (the Committee) or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Debentures then outstanding notify the Company of the default and the Company does not cure the default within 60 days after receipt of the notice. If an Event of Default described in clauses (i) or (ii) above occurs and is continuing, the trustee by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Debentures then outstanding by notice to the Company and the trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all the Debentures of that series then outstanding to be due and payable. If an Event of Default described in clauses (iii) or (iv) above occurs and is continuing, the trustee by notice to the Company, or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the Debentures of all series then outstanding by notice to the Company and the trustee, may declare the principal of and accrued interest on all Debentures then outstanding to be due and payable. Upon any such declaration such principal and interest shall be due and payable immediately. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debentures of a series then outstanding (or of all series, as the case may be), by written notice to the Company and the trustee, may rescind an acceleration and its consequences if the rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing Events of Default with respect to that series (or to all series, as the case may be) have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration. The holders of a majority in principal amount of the Debentures of a series then outstanding (or of all series, as the case may be) by notice to the trustee, may waive an existing default and its consequences, except a default in the payment of the principal of or interest on any Debenture or a default pursuant to conversion of the Debentures. Transferability The Committee may, in its discretion, agree that Debentures are transferable by the Purchaser to members of his immediately family (e.g., parents, children, grandchildren or spouse), trusts for the benefit of such immediate family members and partnerships in which such immediate family members are the only partners, provided that there cannot be any consideration for the transfer. Except as may be agreed upon by the Committee in accordance with the immediately preceding paragraph, a Debenture may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged (except as provided below) or otherwise hypothecated other than (i) by will or the laws of descent and distribution or (ii) pursuant to the terms of a qualified domestic relations order as defined by the Code, or Title I of ERISA. Notwithstanding the provisions of the previous paragraph, in certain cases Purchasers may pledge Debentures as security for loans which will provide all or part of the financing necessary to purchase the Debentures, and such pledges may be made without the Company's consent by providing the Company with written notice of the pledge. The conversion right of any Debenture is exercisable only by the Purchaser, his estate or the beneficiaries of such estate. If a Purchaser pledges a Debenture in the permitted manner described above, the conversion privilege is not exercisable during such time as the Debenture is pledged. Upon notice from the Purchaser and the lender to which the Debenture was pledged that the obligation has been discharged, the conversion privilege is again exercisable. If a Purchaser sells, assigns, transfers, pledges (except pledges requiring only written notice to the Company) or otherwise hypothecates a Debenture without the Company's consent, the conversion right permanently ceases to exist. Should the conversion right of a Debenture so terminate, the Company has the option, but not the obligation, to prepay that Debenture. Sale and Purchase of the Debentures The Committee may authorize Purchasers to purchase Debentures by delivery of a promissory note to the Company in payment of all or a part of the purchase price of the Debentures. Such promissory notes shall have provisions for collateral, which may include the Debentures, payment of interest, repayment of principal and such other terms and conditions as the Committee deems advisable. The Debentures must be sold by the Company at face value plus any accrued interest to the date of sale. The Committee must make a good faith determination that the fair value of a Debenture at the time of sale is equal to its face value. In the event that the Internal Revenue Service determines that the value of a Debenture at the time of sale exceeded its face value and if (a) the Company receives a tax benefit as a result of that determination and (b) the Purchaser is taxed to the extent of the excess, then the Company must pay the Purchaser as compensation the lesser of the Company's tax benefit with respect to the Purchaser or the Purchaser's tax liability resulting from such determination, provided the Purchaser has contested the imposition of such liability in a manner which the Company determines to be appropriate under the circumstances. Notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Debenture Plan, the Indentures or of any written agreements evidencing Debentures issued under the Debenture Plan, the obligations of the Company to sell and deliver Debentures and Ordinary Shares upon conversion of the Debentures are subject to all applicable laws, rules and regulations and such approvals by any government agencies or national securities exchanges as may be required. The participants agree not to convert any Debentures and the Company is not obligated to issue any Ordinary Shares upon conversion of the Debentures, if the conversion of such Debentures or the issuance of Ordinary Shares upon conversion of the Debentures would constitute a violation by the participant or the Company of any provision of any law or regulation of any governmental authority. Expiration of Debenture Plan; Redemption and Termination of Debentures The Debenture Plan expires when all of the Company's obligations with respect to all of the outstanding Debentures have been discharged. The Indentures provide that the Debentures are redeemable at any time on or after three years from the date of issuance at the Company's option, at a redemption price equal to 120% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest. Reorganizations, Substitutions and Adjustments The Indentures provide that the conversion price for the Debentures will be adjusted appropriately in certain events, including, but not limited to: (i) the issuance of shares dividends; (ii) certain subdivisions, combinations and reclassifications; and (iii) the distribution to all holders of the Company's Ordinary Shares or evidences of indebtedness or certain assets or other rights. The Indentures reserve the right of the Board to accelerate (but not delay) the date on which each Debenture may be converted. Tax Effects Based upon current tax law and prior rulings issued by the Internal Revenue Service, the Company believes that (i) a purchaser of a Debenture will not realize taxable income upon the purchase of a Debenture unless, and to the extent, the fair market value of the Debenture exceeds the amount which the purchaser paid for the Debenture; (ii) a purchaser will recognize no income, gain or loss when the purchaser converts any part or all of a Debenture into Ordinary Shares; (iii) if a purchaser converts all or a part of a Debenture, the purchaser's basis in the Ordinary Shares so acquired will equal the purchaser's basis in the portion of the Debenture surrendered for conversion; and (iv) the purchaser's holding period with respect to the Ordinary Shares will include the combined holding period of the Debenture and the Ordinary Shares. However, noassurances can be given that the above consequences will apply. The Company intends that each Debenture sold under the Debenture Plan will have an interest rate at least equal to the applicable federal rate in effect on the date of sale. If the tax consequences described above apply to the transaction, the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction upon the conversion of Debentures into Ordinary Shares. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION This Prospectus relates to the issuance by the Company of Ordinary Shares upon the exercise of Options and conversion of the Debentures that may be or have been transferred by the grantee or purchaser thereof, as applicable. This Prospectus also relates to the subsequent offer and resale from time to time of the Shares by the Selling Shareholders, or by pledgees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest of the Selling Shareholders. Transferees of Options and Debentures who exercise such Options or convert such Debentures and who are not affiliates of the Company may resell the Ordinary Shares issuable upon such exercise or conversion without restriction. A Selling Shareholder may dispose of Shares from time to time in one or more transactions through any one or more of the following: (i) to purchasers directly, (ii) in ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker solicits purchasers, (iii) through underwriters or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of underwriting discounts, concessions or commissions from the Selling Shareholders or such successors in interest and/or from the purchasers of the Shares for whom they may act as agent, (iv) the writing of options on the Shares, (v) the pledge of the Shares as security for any loan or obligation, including pledges to brokers or dealers who may, from time to time, themselves effect distributions of the Shares or interests therein, (vi) purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker or dealer for its own account pursuant to this Prospectus, (vii) a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to sell the Shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction and (viii) an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of such exchange, including the NYSE, or in transactions in the over the counter market. Such sales may be made at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the then current market price or at negotiated prices and terms. In effecting sales, brokers or dealers may arrange for other brokers or dealers to participate. The Selling Shareholders or such successors in interest, and any underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents that participate in the distribution of the Shares, may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and any profit on the sale of the Shares by them and any discounts, commissions or concessions received by any such underwriters, brokers, dealers or agents may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. The Company will pay all of the expenses incident to the offering and sale of the Shares to the public other than underwriting discounts or commissions, brokers' fees and the fees and expenses of any counsel to the Selling Shareholders related thereto. In the event of a material change in the plan of distribution disclosed in this Prospectus, the Selling Shareholders will not be able to effect transactions in the Shares pursuant to this Prospectus until such time as a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement is filed with, and declared effective by, the Commission. At the time a particular offer of the Ordinary Shares is made, to the extent required, a Prospectus Supplement will be distributed which will set forth the number of Shares being offered and the terms of the offering, including the name or names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting compensation from the Selling Shareholders and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. LEGAL MATTERS Certain legal matters in connection with the validity of the securities offered hereby have been passed upon for the Company by W.S. Walker & Company, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. EXPERTS The consolidated financial statements of Triton Energy Corporation as of and for the year ended December 31, 1995, the seven months ended December 31, 1994 and the fiscal years ended May 31, 1994 and 1993, incorporated herein by reference to Triton Energy Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of Price Waterhouse LLP ("Price Waterhouse"), independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. Certain information with respect to the gas and oil reserves of Triton and its subsidiaries derived from the report of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, independent petroleum engineers, has been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon such firm as experts with respect to the matters contained therein. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Available Information . . . . . Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference . . . . Enforceability of Civil Liabilities against Foreign Persons . . . . . . . Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . Selling Shareholders. . . . . . Description of the Plans. . . . Plan of Distribution. . . . . . Legal Matters. . . . . . . . . Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . TRITON ENERGY LIMITED PROSPECTUS _________, 1996 No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representations other than those contained in this Prospectus, and if given or made, such information or representations must not be relied upon. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than registered securities to which it relates, or an offer to or a solicitation of any person in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unlawful. The delivery of this Prospectus at any time does not imply that the information herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date. PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS Item 14. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution. The estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Ordinary Shares covered by this Registration Statement, all of which will be paid by the Registrant, are as follows: Filing Fee $59,477.41* Printing and Engraving Expenses 100.00 Accounting Fees and Expenses 3,500 Legal Fees and Expenses 2,500 Miscellaneous 100.00 Total $65,677.41 * Previously paid. Item 15. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Triton Cayman is a Cayman Islands company. Article XXXIII of Triton Cayman's Articles of Association contains provisions with respect to indemnification of Triton Cayman's officers and directors. Such provisions provide that Triton Cayman shall indemnify, in accordance with and to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by law, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including, without limitation, an action by or in the right of Triton Cayman), by reason of his acting as a director, officer, employee or agent of, or his acting in any other capacity for or on behalf of, Triton Cayman, against any liability or expense actually and reasonably incurred by such person in respect thereof. Triton Cayman shall also advance the expenses of defending any such act, suit or proceeding in accordance with and to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by law. Such indemnification and advancement of expenses are not exclusive of any other right to indemnification or advancement of expenses provided by law or otherwise. The Articles of Association also provide that except under certain circumstances, directors of Triton Cayman shall not be personally liable to Triton Cayman or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director. The Companies Law (1995 Revision) of the Cayman Islands does not set out any specific restrictions on the ability of a company to indemnify officers or directors. However, the application of basic principles and certain Commonwealth case law which is likely to be persuasive in the Cayman Islands, would indicate that indemnification is generally permissible except in the event that there had been fraud or wilful default on the part of the officer or director or reckless disregard of his duties and obligations to Triton Cayman. Directors and officers of Triton Cayman are also provided with indemnification against certain liabilities pursuant to a directors and officers liability insurance policy. Subject to applicable policy terms, conditions and exclusions, coverage is afforded for any loss that the insureds become legally obligated to pay by reason of any claim or claims first made against the insureds or any of them during the policy period from any wrongful acts that are actually or allegedly caused, committed or attempted by the insureds prior to the end of the policy period. Wrongful acts are defined as any actual or alleged error, misstatement, misleading statement or act, omission, neglect or breach of duty by the insureds while acting in their individual or collective capacities as directors or officers of Triton Cayman. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable. Item 16. Exhibits. 4.1 Articles of Association. (1) 4.2 Memorandum of Association. (1) 4.3 Specimen Certificate of Ordinary Shares, par value $.01. (1) 4.4 Rights Agreement dated as of March 25, 1996 between Triton Cayman and Chemical Bank, as Rights Agent. (1) 5.1 Opinion of W.S. Walker & Company.(2) 23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse, LLP.(2) 23.2 Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton.(2) 23.3 Consent of W.S. Walker & Company (included in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).(2) 24 Power of Attorney.(2) 25 None 27 None 28 None ___________ (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 25, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Filed herewith. Item 17. Undertakings. (a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement; (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Dallas, State of Texas on March 29, 1996. TRITON ENERGY LIMITED By: /s/Robert B. Holland, III Title: Robert B. Holland, III Senior Vice President SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. Signatures Title Date President, Chief /s/ Thomas G. Finck* Executive Officer Thomas G. Finck and Director March 26, 1996 (Principal Executive Officer) Senior Vice President and /s/ Peter Rugg* Chief Peter Rugg Financial Officer March 26, 1996 (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Herbert L. Brewer* Director March 26, 1996 Herbert L. Brewer /s/ Ernest E. Cook* Director March 26, 1996 Ernest E. Cook /s/Sheldon R. Erickson* Director March 26, 1996 Sheldon R. Erickson /s/ Ray H. Eubank * Director March 26, 1996 Ray H. Eubank /s/ Jesse E. Hendricks* Director March 26, 1996 Jesse E. Hendricks /s/Fitzgerald S. Hudson* Director March 26, 1996 Fitzgerald S. Hudson /s/John R. Huff* Director March 26, 1996 John R. Huff . /s/ John P. Lewis* Director March 26, 1996 John P. Lewis /s/Michael E. McMahon* Director March 26, 1996 Michael E. McMahon /s/Wellslake D. Morse, Jr.* Director March 26, 1996 Wellslake D. Morse, Jr. /s/Edwin D. Williamson* Director March 26, 1996 Edwin D. Williamson /s/J. Otis Winters* Director March 26, 1996 J. Otis Winters *By: /s/ Robert B. Holland, III Robert B. Holland, III, Attorney-in-fact INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Description of Exhibit 4.1 Articles of Association. (1) 4.2 Memorandum of Association. (1) 4.3 Specimen Certificate of Ordinary Shares, par value $.01. (1) 4.4 Rights Agreement dated as of March 25, 1996 between Triton Cayman and Chemical Bank, as Rights Agent. (1) 5.1 Opinion of W.S. Walker & Company.(2) 23.1 Consent of Price Waterhouse, LLP.(2) 23.2 Consent of DeGolyer and MacNaughton.(2) 23.3 Consent of W.S. Walker & Company (included in its opinion filed as Exhibit 5.1 to this Registration Statement).(2) 24 Power of Attorney.(2) 25 None 27 None 28 None (1) Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated March 25, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Filed herewith.