KNOT Offshore Partners LP
Annual Report 2019

Plain-text annual report

Table of Contents (Mark One) UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 20-F o REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019 OR o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to OR o SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR Date of event requiring this shell company report…………… Commission file number 001-35866 KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter) Republic of the Marshall Islands (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 2 Queens Cross Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB15 4YB, United Kingdom (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Gary Chapman 2 Queens Cross Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB15 4YB, United Kingdom E-mail: gch@knotoffshorepartners.com Telephone: 44 (0) 1224 618420 Facsimile: 44 (0) 1224 624891 Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: (Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person) Title of Each Class Trading Symbol(s) Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered Common units representing limited partner interests KNOP New York Stock Exchange Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer's classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report. 32,694,094 common units representing limited partner interests 3,750,000 Series A Convertible Preferred Units Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. o Yes ý No o Yes ý No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ý Yes o No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ý Yes o No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or an emerging growth company. See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer ý Non-accelerated filer o Emerging growth company o If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards* provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o *The term "new or revised financial accounting standards" refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: U.S. GAAP ý International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board o Other o If "Other" has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). o Item 17 o Item 18 o Yes ý No Table of Contents KNOT Offshore Partners LP INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F Forward-Looking Statements Part I Item 1. Item 2. Item 3. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable Key Information A. B. C. D. Selected Financial Data Capitalization and Indebtedness Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds Risk Factors Item 4. Information on the Partnership Item 4A. Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 8. Item 9. Item 10. Operating Results Liquidity and Capital Resources Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc. Trend Information Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations Safe Harbor History and Development of the Partnership Business Overview Organizational Structure Property, Plants and Equipment A. B. C. D. Unresolved Staff Comments Operating and Financial Review and Prospects A. B. C. D. E. F. G. Directors, Senior Management and Employees Directors and Senior Management A. Compensation B. Board Practices C. Employees D. E. Unit Ownership Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions A. B. C. Financial Information A. B. The Offer and Listing A. B. C. D. E. F. Additional Information A. B. C. D. E. F. Share Capital Memorandum and Articles of Association Material Contracts Exchange Controls Taxation Dividends and Paying Agents Offer and Listing Details Plan of Distribution Markets Selling Shareholders Dilution Expenses of the Issue Major Unitholders Related Party Transactions Interests of Experts and Counsel Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information Significant Changes 1 3 3 3 3 3 7 7 7 40 40 42 62 63 63 63 72 74 88 88 88 88 88 89 89 90 92 93 94 94 94 96 106 106 106 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 109 110 110 112 112 120 Table of Contents G. H. I. Statement by Experts Documents on Display Subsidiary Information Item 11. Item 12. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities Part II Item 13. Item 14. Item 15. Item 16A. Item 16B. Item 16C. Item 16D. Item 16E. Item 16F. Item 16G. Item 16H. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies Material Modifications to the Rights of Securities Holders and Use of Proceeds Controls and Procedures Audit Committee Financial Expert Code of Ethics Principal Accountant Fees and Services Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers Change in Registrants' Certifying Accountant Corporate Governance Mine Safety Disclosure Part III Item 17. Item 18. Item 19. Financial Statements Financial Statements Exhibits Signature Index to Financial Statements of KNOT Offshore Partners LP 120 120 121 121 122 122 122 122 123 124 124 124 125 125 125 125 126 127 127 127 127 132 F-1 Table of Contents FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 (this "Annual Report") contains certain forward-looking statements concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or economic performance, or assumptions related thereto, including our financial forecast. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements that are also forward-looking statements. Such statements include, in particular, statements about our plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in our business, and the markets in which we operate as described in this Annual Report. In some cases, you can identify the forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "should," "would," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "forecast," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "propose," "potential," "continue" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views only as of the date of this Annual Report and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. As a result, unitholders are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this Annual Report and include statements with respect to, among other things: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • market trends in the shuttle tanker or general tanker industries, including hire rates, factors affecting supply and demand, and opportunities for the profitable operations of shuttle tankers; the ability of Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS ("KNOT") and KNOT Offshore Partners LP ("KNOT Offshore Partners") to build shuttle tankers and the timing of the delivery and acceptance of any such vessels by their respective charterers; forecasts of KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to make or increase distributions on its common units and to make distributions on its Series A Convertible Preferred Units (the "Series A Preferred Units") and the amount of any such distributions; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to integrate and realize the expected benefits from acquisitions; KNOT Offshore Partners' anticipated growth strategies; the effects of a worldwide or regional economic slowdown; turmoil in the global financial markets; fluctuations in currencies and interest rates; fluctuations in the price of oil; the effects of outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases, including the length and severity of the recent outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 ("Coronavirus"), including its impact on our business; general market conditions, including fluctuations in hire rates and vessel values; changes in KNOT Offshore Partners' operating expenses, including drydocking and insurance costs and bunker prices; KNOT Offshore Partners' future financial condition or results of operations and future revenues and expenses; the repayment of debt and settling of any interest rate swaps; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to make additional borrowings and to access debt and equity markets; planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures; 1 Table of Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to maintain long-term relationships with major users of shuttle tonnage; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to leverage KNOT's relationships and reputation in the shipping industry; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to purchase vessels from KNOT in the future; KNOT Offshore Partners' continued ability to enter into long-term charters, which KNOT Offshore Partners defines as charters of five years or more; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to maximize the use of its vessels, including the re-deployment or disposition of vessels no longer under long-term charter; the financial condition of KNOT Offshore Partners' existing or future customers and their ability to fulfill their charter obligations; timely purchases and deliveries of newbuilds; future purchase prices of newbuilds and secondhand vessels; any impairment of the value of KNOT Offshore Partners' vessels; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to compete successfully for future chartering and newbuild opportunities; acceptance of a vessel by its charterer; termination dates and extensions of charters; the expected cost of, and KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to, comply with governmental regulations, maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by its charterers applicable to KNOT Offshore Partners' business, including the availability and cost of low sulfur fuel oil compliant with the International Maritime Organization ("IMO") sulfur emission limit reductions generally referred to as "IMO 2020" that took effect January 1, 2020; availability of skilled labor, vessel crews and management, including possible disruptions caused by the Coronavirus outbreak; KNOT Offshore Partners' general and administrative expenses and its fees and expenses payable under the technical management agreements, the management and administration agreements and the administrative services agreement; the anticipated taxation of KNOT Offshore Partners and distributions to its unitholders; estimated future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures; Marshall Islands economic substance requirements; KNOT Offshore Partners' ability to retain key employees; customers' increasing emphasis on environmental and safety concerns; potential liability from any pending or future litigation; potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events, piracy or acts by terrorists; future sales of KNOT Offshore Partners' securities in the public market; and KNOT Offshore Partners' business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations. 2 Table of Contents Forward-looking statements in this Annual Report are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed in "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors." The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involve known and unknown risks and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond KNOT Offshore Partners' control. KNOT Offshore Partners cautions that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. KNOT Offshore Partners undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all of these factors. Further, KNOT Offshore Partners cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement. KNOT Offshore Partners makes no prediction or statement about the performance of its common units. The various disclosures included in this Annual Report and in KNOT Offshore Partners' other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect KNOT Offshore Partners' business, prospects and results of operations should be carefully reviewed and considered. PART I Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers Not applicable. Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable Not applicable. Item 3. Key Information A. Selected Financial Data The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to "KNOT Offshore Partners," "we," "our," "us" and "the Partnership" or similar terms refer to KNOT Offshore Partners LP, a Marshall Islands limited partnership, or any one or more of its subsidiaries, or to all such entities. References to "KNOT" refer, depending on the context, to Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS and to any one or more of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. References to "KNOT Management" refer to KNOT Management AS, the entity that provides us with crew, technical and commercial management services. References to "KNOT Management Denmark" refer to KNOT Management Denmark AS, a 100% owned subsidiary of KNOT which also provides us with management services. References to "our general partner" refer to KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership. References to "KNOT UK" refer to KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership. References to "TSSI" refer to TS Shipping Invest AS, and references to "NYK Europe" refer to NYK Logistics Holding (Europe) B.V, each of which holds a 50% interest in KNOT. References to NYK are to Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. References to "KOAS UK" refer to Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of TSSI. References to "KOAS" refer to Knutsen OAS Shipping AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of TSSI. 3 Table of Contents The following table presents, in each case for the periods and as of the dates indicated, our selected consolidated financial and operating data. In August 2013, June 2014, December 2014, June 2015, October 2015, December 2016, March 2017, June, 2017, September 2017, December 2017 and March 2018, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the companies that own and operate the shuttle tankers, the Carmen Knutsen , the Hilda Knutsen and Torill Knutsen, the Dan Cisne, the Dan Sabia, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen, the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen respectively, each of which we accounted for as an acquisition of a business, other than the Anna Knutsen, which was accounted for as an asset. The results of these acquisitions are included in our results from the dates of their respective acquisition. There has been no retroactive restatement of our financial statements to reflect the historical results of the Carmen Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Dan Cisne, the Dan Sabia, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen, the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen or the Anna Knutsen prior to their respective acquisition. The following financial data should be read in conjunction with "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report. 4 Table of Contents Our financial position, results of operations and cash flows presented below may not be indicative of our future operating results or financial performance. Year Ended December 31, 2019 2017 (U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts and fleet data) 2018 2016 2015 Statement of Operations Data: Total revenues Vessel operating expenses(1) Depreciation General and administrative expenses Goodwill impairment charge Operating income Interest income Interest expense Other finance expense Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments Net gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions Income before income taxes Income tax benefit (expense) Net income Earnings Per Unit (Basic and Diluted): Common units (Basic) Common units (Diluted) Subordinated units(2) General partner units Cash distributions declared and paid per unit Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): Cash and cash equivalents Vessels and equipment, net Total assets Long-term debt (including current portion and seller's credits) Series A Convertible Preferred Units Partners' capital Cash Flows Data: Net cash provided by operating activities Net cash used in investing activities Net cash used in financing activities Fleet Data: Number of shuttle tankers in operation at end of period Average age of shuttle tankers in operation at end of period (years) Total calendar days for fleet Total operating days for fleet(3) Other Financial Data: EBITDA(4) Adjusted EBITDA(4) 282,561 $ 60,129 89,844 4,858 — 127,730 865 (50,735) (845) (17,797) (252) 58,966 (9) 58,957 $ $ $ $ 279,456 $ 56,730 88,756 5,290 — 128,680 739 (49,956) (1,260) 219,203 $ 46,709 71,583 5,555 — 95,356 248 (30,714) (1,406) 173,671 $ 30,903 56,230 4,371 — 82,167 24 (20,867) (1,311) 155,024 27,543 48,844 4,290 6,217 68,130 8 (17,451) (504) 4,039 (79) 82,163 2 82,165 $ 4,831 (267) 68,048 16 68,064 $ 1,213 (139) 61,087 15 61,102 $ 1.554 $ 1.554 — 1.554 2.080 2.251 $ 2.217 — 2.251 2.080 2.050 $ 2.037 — 2.046 2.080 2.291 $ 2.291 1.542 2.248 2.080 (9,695) (105) 40,383 59 40,442 1.499 1.499 1.708 1.487 2.030 $ 43,525 $ 41,712 $ 46,104 $ 27,664 $ 1,677,488 1,738,007 1,767,080 1,836,824 1,723,023 1,793,168 1,256,889 1,292,275 23,573 1,192,927 1,219,902 995,396 89,264 622,396 1,077,291 89,264 642,775 1,026,615 89,264 639,950 741,646 — 521,712 667,722 — 520,770 $ 165,692 $ — (163,849) 148,646 $ (15,493) (137,376) 154,585 $ (94,857) (41,378) 108,445 $ (13,952) (90,345) 89,160 (46,488) (49,575) 16 16 15 11 10 6.5 5,840 5,810 5.5 5,781 5,657 4.7 4,643 4,400 4.7 3,691 3,668 4.1 3,197 3,193 $ 198,680 $ 217,574 220,136 $ 217,436 170,097 $ 166,939 138,160 $ 138,397 106,670 123,191 (1) (2) (3) Vessel operating expenses include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. On May 18, 2016 all of the subordinated units converted into common units on a one-for-one basis. The operating days for our fleet is the total number of days in a given period that the vessels were in our possession less the total number of days off-hire. We define days off-hire as days lost to, among other things, operational deficiencies, drydocking for repairs, maintenance or inspection, equipment breakdowns, special surveys and vessel upgrades, delays due to accidents, crewing strikes, certain vessel detentions or similar problems, our failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew, or periods of commercial waiting time during which we do not earn hire rates. 5 Table of Contents (4) Please read "—Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures" below. Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, depreciation and taxes. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, depreciation, taxes, goodwill impairment charges and other financial items (including other finance expense, realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments and net gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions). EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of financial statements, such as our lenders, to assess our financial and operating performance and our compliance with the financial covenants and restrictions contained in our financing agreements. Adjusted EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of financial statements, such as investors, to assess our financial and operating performance. We believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA assist our management and investors by increasing the comparability of our performance from period to period and against the performance of other companies in our industry that provide EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA information. This increased comparability is achieved by excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods or companies of interest, other financial items, taxes, goodwill impairment charges and depreciation, as applicable, which items are affected by various and possibly changing financing methods, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect net income between periods. We believe that including EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as financial measures benefits investors in (1) selecting between investing in us and other investment alternatives and (2) monitoring our ongoing financial and operational strength in assessing whether to continue to hold common units. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered alternatives to net income or any other indicator of our performance calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA exclude some, but not all, items that affect net income, and these measures may vary among other companies. Therefore, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The following table reconciles EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, for the periods presented. Year Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands) Net income Interest income Interest expense Depreciation Income tax (benefit) expense EBITDA Goodwill impairment charge Other financial items(a) Adjusted EBITDA $ 49,956 88,756 50,735 89,844 9 2018 82,165 $ (739) 2016 61,102 $ (24) 2019 58,957 $ (865) 2017 68,064 $ (248) 2015 40,442 (8) 17,451 48,844 (59) $ 198,680 $ 220,136 $ 170,097 $ 138,160 $ 106,670 6,217 10,304 $ 217,574 $ 217,436 $ 166,939 $ 138,397 $ 123,191 — (3,158) — (2,700) 20,867 56,230 — 18,894 30,714 71,583 — 237 (16) (15) (2) (a) Other financial items consist of other finance expense, realized and unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments, and net (gain) loss on foreign currency transactions. 6 Table of Contents B. Capitalization and Indebtedness Not applicable. C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds Not applicable. D. Risk Factors Some of the following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and to our business in general. Other risks relate principally to the securities market and to ownership of our common units. The occurrence of any of the events described in this section could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash available for distributions or the trading price of our common units. Risks Inherent in Our Business We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution on our common units. We may not have sufficient cash from operations to pay the minimum quarterly distribution on our common units. Furthermore, distributions to the holders of our common units are subject to the prior distribution rights of any holders of our preferred units outstanding. As of March 19, 2020, there were 3,750,000 Series A Preferred Units issued and outstanding. Under the terms of our partnership agreement, we are prohibited from declaring and paying distributions on our common units until we declare and pay (or set aside for payment) full distributions on the Series A Preferred Units. The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the risks described in this section, including, among other things: • • • • • • • • • • the charter rates we obtain from our customers; the number of off-hire days for our fleet and the timing of, and number of days required for, drydocking of vessels; the level of our operating costs, such as the cost of crews and insurance; currency exchange rate fluctuations; the supply of shuttle tankers; the demand for shuttle tankers; the price and level of production of, and demand for, crude oil; prevailing global and regional economic and political conditions; changes in local income tax rates; and the effect of governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards on the conduct of our business, including the availability and cost of low sulfur fuel oil compliant with IMO 2020. In addition, the actual amount of cash we have available for distribution depends on other factors, including: • the level of capital expenditures we make, including for maintaining or replacing vessels, building new vessels, acquiring existing vessels and complying with regulations; 7 Table of Contents • • • • the level of debt we will incur to fund future acquisitions; fluctuations in our working capital needs; our ability to make, and the level of, working capital borrowings; and the amount of any cash reserves, including reserves for future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, working capital and other matters, established by our board of directors. The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our profit or loss for the period, which is affected by non-cash items. As a result of this and the other factors mentioned above, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income. Outbreaks of epidemic and pandemic diseases, including the Coronavirus, and governmental responses thereto could adversely affect our business. Our operations are subject to risks related to outbreaks of infectious diseases. In December 2019, the Coronavirus, a virus causing potentially deadly respiratory tract infections, was first reported in Wuhan, China. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus to constitute a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" and subsequently, on March 11, 2020, declared the Coronavirus to constitute a "Pandemic." On March 13, 2020, the President of the United States declared a State of National Emergency due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Other countries affected by the outbreak took similar measures. The Coronavirus has negatively affected economic conditions and the price of oil has fallen significantly which may materially impact our operations and the operations of our customers and suppliers. Governments in affected countries are imposing travel bans, quarantines and other emergency public health measures. Those measures, though temporary in nature, may continue and increase depending on developments in the virus' outbreak. As a result of these measures, our vessels may not be able to call on ports, or crew members may be restricted from embarking and disembarking from ports, located in regions affected by Coronavirus. The ultimate severity of the Coronavirus outbreak is uncertain at this time and therefore we cannot predict the impact it may have on our operations, which could be material and adverse. In addition, trading prices of our units have recently declined significantly and may continue to decline due in part to the impact of the Coronavirus. The ongoing spreading of Coronavirus may negatively affect our business prospects, including the timely delivery of KNOT's newbuildings under construction in South Korea and China. Failure to control the continued spread of the virus could significantly impact economic activity and demand for shipping which could further negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution. Our ability to grow and to meet our financial needs may be adversely affected by our cash distribution policy. Our cash distribution policy, which is consistent with our partnership agreement, requires us to distribute all of our available cash (as defined in our partnership agreement) each quarter. Accordingly, our growth may not be as fast as businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations. In determining the amount of cash available for distribution, our board of directors approves the amount of cash reserves to set aside, including reserves for future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, working capital and other matters. We also rely upon external financing sources, including commercial borrowings, to fund our capital expenditures. Accordingly, to the extent we do not have sufficient cash reserves or are unable to obtain financing, our cash distribution policy may significantly impair our ability to meet our financial needs or to grow. 8 Table of Contents We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain the operating capacity of our fleet, which reduces cash available for distribution. In addition, each quarter we are required to deduct estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus, which may result in less cash available to unitholders than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted. We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and replace, over the long-term, the operating capacity of our fleet. Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with the removal of a vessel from the water for inspection, maintenance and/or repair of submerged parts (or drydocking) and modifying an existing vessel or acquiring a new vessel to the extent these expenditures are incurred to maintain or replace the operating capacity of our fleet. These expenditures could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and could increase as a result of changes in: • • • • • • • the cost of labor and materials; customer requirements; the size of our fleet; the cost of replacement vessels; length of charters; governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards relating to safety, security or the environment; and competitive standards. Our partnership agreement requires our board of directors to deduct estimated, rather than actual, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus each quarter in an effort to reduce fluctuations in operating surplus (as defined in our partnership agreement). The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by our board of directors and our conflicts committee at least once a year. In years when estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are higher than actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders may be lower than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted from operating surplus. If our board of directors underestimates the appropriate level of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, we may have less cash available for distribution in future periods when actual capital expenditures exceed our previous estimates. If capital expenditures are financed through cash from operations or by issuing debt or equity securities, our ability to make cash distributions may be diminished, our financial leverage could increase, or our unitholders may be diluted. Use of cash from operations to expand or maintain our fleet reduces cash available for distribution to unitholders. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future offerings may be limited by our financial condition at the time of any such financing or offering as well as by adverse market conditions resulting from, among other things, general economic conditions and contingencies and uncertainties that are beyond our control. Our failure to obtain the funds for future capital expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Even if we are successful in obtaining necessary funds, the terms of such financings could limit our ability to pay cash distributions to unitholders. In addition, incurring additional debt may significantly increase our interest expense and financial leverage, and issuing additional equity securities may result in significant unitholder dilution and would increase the aggregate amount of cash required to maintain our current level of quarterly 9 Table of Contents distributions to unitholders, both of which could have a material adverse effect on our ability to make cash distributions. Our debt levels may limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing, pursuing other business opportunities and paying distributions to our unitholders. As of December 31, 2019, we had consolidated debt of approximately $995.4 million. We have the ability to incur additional debt. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources." Our level of debt could have important consequences to us, including the following: • • • • • our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other purposes may be impaired, or such financing may not be available on favorable terms; we will need a substantial portion of our cash flows to make principal and interest payments on our debt, reducing the funds that would otherwise be available for operations, future business opportunities and distributions to unitholders; our debt level may make us more vulnerable than our competitors with less debt to competitive pressures or a downturn in our industry or the economy generally; our debt level may limit our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions; and if we are unable to satisfy the restrictions included in any of our financing agreements or are otherwise in default under any of those agreements, as a result of our debt levels or otherwise, we will not be able to make cash distributions to our unitholders, notwithstanding our stated cash distribution policy. Our ability to service our debt depends upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, which is affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which are beyond our control. If our operating results are not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take actions such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing our debt, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on satisfactory terms, or at all. In addition, the recent Coronavirus outbreak has negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, global economic activity, demand for energy and shipping and funds flows and sentiment in the global financial markets. Continued economic disruption caused by the continued failure to control the spread of the virus could significantly impact our ability to obtain additional debt financing. Financing agreements containing operating and financial restrictions may restrict our business and financing activities. The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our financing agreements and any future financing agreements could adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage, expand or pursue our business activities. For example, the financing agreements may restrict the ability of us and our subsidiaries to: • • • incur or guarantee indebtedness; change ownership or structure, including mergers, consolidations, liquidations and dissolutions; make dividends or distributions; 10 Table of Contents • • • • make certain negative pledges and grant certain liens; sell, transfer, assign or convey assets; make certain investments; and enter into a new line of business. In addition, our financing agreements require us to comply with certain financial ratios and tests, including, among others, maintaining a minimum liquidity, maintaining positive working capital, ensuring that EBITDA exceeds interest payable, maintaining a minimum collateral value, and maintaining a minimum book equity ratio. Our ability to comply with the restrictions and covenants, including financial ratios and tests, contained in our financing agreements is dependent on future performance and may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If we are unable to comply with the restrictions and covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness or in current or future debt financing agreements, there could be a default under the terms of those agreements. If a default occurs under these agreements, lenders could terminate their commitments to lend and/or accelerate the outstanding loans and declare all amounts borrowed due and payable. This could lead to cross-defaults under other financing agreements and result in obligations becoming due and commitments being terminated under such agreements. We have pledged our vessels as security for our outstanding indebtedness. If our lenders were to foreclose on our vessels in the event of a default, this may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs or to engage in, expand or pursue our business activities. If any of these events occur, we cannot guarantee that our assets will be sufficient to repay in full all of our outstanding indebtedness, and we may be unable to find alternative financing. Even if we could obtain alternative financing, that financing might not be on terms that are favorable or acceptable. Any of these events would adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders and cause a decline in the market price of our common units. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources." Restrictions in our debt agreements may prevent us or our subsidiaries from paying distributions. The payment of principal and interest on our debt reduces cash available for distribution to us and on our units. In addition, our and our subsidiaries' financing agreements prohibit the payment of distributions upon the occurrence of the following events, among others: • • • • • • • • • failure to pay any principal, interest, fees, expenses or other amounts when due; failure to notify the lenders of any material oil spill or discharge of hazardous material, or of any action or claim related thereto; breach or lapse of any insurance with respect to vessels securing the facilities; breach of certain financial covenants; failure to observe any other agreement, security instrument, obligation or covenant beyond specified cure periods in certain cases; default under other indebtedness; bankruptcy or insolvency events; failure of any representation or warranty to be correct; a change of ownership, as defined in the applicable agreement; and 11 Table of Contents • a material adverse change, as defined in the applicable agreement. For more information regarding our financing agreements, please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources." The failure to consummate or integrate acquisitions in a timely and cost-effective manner could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Acquisitions that expand our fleet are an important component of our strategy. We believe that acquisition opportunities may arise from time to time, and any such acquisition could be significant. Any acquisition of a vessel or business may not be profitable after the time of acquisition and may not generate cash flows sufficient to justify the investment. In addition, our acquisition growth strategy exposes us to risks that may harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders, including risks that we may: • • • • • • fail to realize anticipated benefits, such as new customer relationships, cost-savings or cash flow enhancements; be unable to attract, hire, train or retain qualified shore and seafaring personnel to manage and operate our growing business and fleet; decrease our liquidity by using a significant portion of available cash or borrowing capacity to finance acquisitions; significantly increase our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance acquisitions; incur or assume unanticipated liabilities, losses or costs associated with the business or vessels acquired; or incur other significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, asset devaluation or restructuring charges. In addition, unlike newbuilds, existing vessels typically do not carry warranties as to their condition. While we generally inspect existing vessels prior to purchase, such an inspection would normally not provide us with as much knowledge of a vessel's condition as we would possess if it had been built for us and operated by us during its life. Repairs and maintenance costs for existing vessels are difficult to predict and may be substantially higher than for vessels we have operated since they were built. These costs could decrease our cash flows and reduce our liquidity. Certain acquisition and investment opportunities may not result in the consummation of a transaction. In addition, we may not be able to obtain acceptable terms for the required financing for any such acquisition or investment that arises. We cannot predict the effect, if any, that any announcement or consummation of an acquisition would have on the trading price of our common units. Our future acquisitions could present a number of risks, including the risk of incorrect assumptions regarding the future results of acquired vessels or businesses or expected cost reductions or other synergies expected to be realized as a result of acquiring vessels or businesses, the risk of failing to successfully and timely integrate the operations or management of any acquired vessels or businesses and the risk of diverting management's attention from existing operations or other priorities. We may also be subject to additional costs related to compliance with various international laws in connection with such acquisition. If we fail to consummate and integrate our acquisitions in a timely and cost-effective manner, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution could be adversely affected. 12 Table of Contents Our charters are subject to early termination under certain circumstances and any such termination could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash available for distribution to unitholders. As of March 19, 2020, our fleet consists of sixteen shuttle tankers. If any of our vessels are unable to generate revenues as a result of the expiration or termination of its charter or sustained periods of off-hire time, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Each of our charters terminates automatically if the applicable vessel is lost or missing or damage to the vessel results in a constructive total loss. The customer, under certain circumstances, may also have an option to terminate a time charter if the vessel is requisitioned by any government for a period of time in excess of the time period specified in the time charter or if at any time we are in default under the time charter. In addition, either party may usually terminate a charter in the event of the outbreak of war between specified countries. Under our bareboat charters, the charter is deemed terminated as of the date of any compulsory acquisition of the vessel or requisition for title by any governmental or other competent authority. For more information regarding the termination of our charters, please read "Item 4. Information on the Partnership—Business Overview—Charters—Termination." We may experience operational problems with vessels that reduce revenue and increase costs. Shuttle tankers are complex and their operation is technically challenging. Marine transportation operations are subject to mechanical risks and problems. Operational problems may lead to loss of revenue or higher than anticipated operating expenses or require additional capital expenditures. Any of these results could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. We currently derive all of our time charter and bareboat revenues from eight customers, and the loss of any such customers could result in a significant loss of revenues and cash flow. We currently derive all of our time charter and bareboat revenues from eight customers. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Brazil Shipping I Limited, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell, formerly BG Group ("Shell"), Eni Trading and Shipping S.p.A. ("ENI"), Fronape International Company, a subsidiary of Petrobras Transporte S.A. ("Transpetro"), Galp Sinopec Brazil Services B.V ("Galp"), Repsol Sinopec Brasil, S.A. ("Repsol"), Equinor ASA ("Equinor"), Vår Energi Marine AS a Norwegian subsidiary of Vår Energi AS ("Vår") (a joint venture owned by ENI and a private equity investor), and Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS, a subsidiary of KNOT, accounted for approximately 23%, 16%, 16%, 13%, 13%, 7%, 6% and 6%, respectively, of our revenues. If we lose a key customer, we may be unable to obtain replacement long-term charters and may become subject to the volatile spot market, which is highly competitive and subject to significant price fluctuations. In addition, if a customer exercises its right to terminate a charter, we may be unable to re-charter such vessel on terms as favorable to us as those of the terminated charter. The loss of any of our key customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholder Oil prices can be volatile, and this could affect the equity value of many of our customers. The combination of a reduction of cash flow resulting from lower prices, a reduction in borrowing under related credit facilities and the limited or lack of availability of debt or equity financing could potentially reduce the ability of our customers to make charter payments, which in turn could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. We depend on subsidiaries of KNOT to assist us in operating our businesses and competing in our markets. We and our operating subsidiaries have entered into various services agreements with certain subsidiaries of KNOT, including KNOT Management. Under these agreements the subsidiaries provide us with certain administrative, financial and other services. Our operating subsidiaries are provided with 13 Table of Contents substantially all of their crew, technical and commercial management services (including vessel maintenance, periodic drydocking, cleaning and painting, performing work required by regulations and human resources and financial services) and other advisory and technical services, including the sourcing of new contracts and renewals of existing contracts. Our operational success and ability to execute our growth strategy depends significantly upon the satisfactory performance of these services by the KNOT subsidiaries. Our business will be harmed if such subsidiaries fail to perform these services satisfactorily or if they stop providing these services to us or our operating subsidiaries. Our ability to compete to enter into new charters and expand our customer relationships depends largely on our ability to leverage our relationship with KNOT and its reputation and relationships in the shipping industry. If KNOT suffers material damage to its reputation or relationships, it may harm the ability of us or our subsidiaries to: • • • • • renew existing charters upon their expiration; obtain new charters; successfully contract with shipyards; obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms; or maintain satisfactory relationships with suppliers and other third parties. If our ability to do any of the things described above is impaired, it could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Our growth depends on continued growth in demand for shuttle tanker transportation services. Our growth strategy focuses on expansion in the shuttle tanker sector. Accordingly, our growth depends on continued growth in the demand for offshore oil transportation services. Factors beyond our control that affect the offshore oil transportation industry may have a significant impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Fluctuations in the hire rate we can charge our customers result from changes in the supply of carrying capacity and demand for the crude oil carried. If a sustained period of reduced demand for crude oil and offshore oil transportation services were to occur it would have a material adverse effect on our future growth and could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. The factors affecting supply and demand for shuttle tankers and supply and demand for crude oil transported by shuttle tankers are outside of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable. The factors that influence the demand for shuttle tanker capacity include: • • • • • changes in the actual or projected price of oil, which could impact the exploration for or development of new offshore oil fields or the production of oil at certain fields we service; delayed production start on offshore fields under development; levels of demand for and production of oil, which, among other things, is affected by competition from alternative sources of energy, other factors making consumption of oil more or less attractive or energy conservation measures; changes in the production of oil in areas linked by pipelines to consuming areas, the extension of existing, or the development of new, pipeline systems in markets we may serve, or the conversion of existing non-oil pipelines to oil pipelines in those markets; changes in laws and regulations affecting the shuttle tanker industry; 14 Table of Contents • • global and regional economic and political conditions, particularly in oil-consuming regions, as well as environmental concerns and regulations, which could impact the supply of oil and gas as well as the demand for various types of vessels; and changes in trading patterns, including changes in the distances that cargoes are transported. The factors that influence the supply of shuttle tanker capacity include: • • • • the number of deliveries of new vessels under construction or on order; the scrapping rate of older vessels; oil and gas company policy with respect to technical vessel requirements; and the number of vessels that are off-hire. Declines in oil prices may adversely affect our growth prospects and results of operations. If the recent decline in oil prices persists, it may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions, as a result of, among other things: • • • • • a reduction in exploration for or development of new offshore oil fields, or the delay or cancelation of existing offshore projects as energy companies lower their capital expenditures budgets, which may reduce our growth opportunities; lower demand for shuttle tankers, which may reduce available charter rates and revenue to us upon redeployment of our vessels following expiration or termination of existing contracts or upon the initial chartering of vessels; customers potentially seeking to renegotiate or terminate existing vessel contracts, or failing to extend or renew contracts upon expiration; the inability or refusal of customers to make charter payments to us due to financial constraints or otherwise; or declines in vessel values, which may result in losses to us upon vessel sales or impairment charges against our earnings. Adverse conditions in the global economy or financial markets may impair our customers' and suppliers' ability to pay for our services and could have a material adverse effect on our revenue, profitability and financial position. We depend on our customers' willingness and ability to fund operating and capital expenditures to provide crude oil shuttle tankers for new or expanding offshore projects. Existing and future adverse economic conditions, including low oil prices, may lead to a decline in our customers' operations or ability to pay for our services, which could result in decreased demand for our vessels. There has historically been a strong link between the development of the world economy and demand for energy, including oil and natural gas. Particularly, an extended period of adverse development in the outlook for European countries or Brazil could reduce the overall demand for our vessels and have a negative impact on our customers. Potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our business, financial position, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Global financial markets and economic conditions have been, and continue to be, volatile. Credit markets and the debt and equity capital markets have been distressed and the uncertainty surrounding the future of the global credit markets has previously resulted in reduced access to credit worldwide. Any global financial or credit crisis or disruption may further reduce the availability of liquidity and credit to fund the continuation and expansion of industrial business operations worldwide. Such 15 Table of Contents deterioration of the worldwide economy could result in reduced demand for oil and natural gas, exploration and production activity and transportation of oil and natural gas that could lead to a decrease in the hire rate earned by our vessels and a decrease in new charter activity. In addition, any adverse development in the global financial markets or deterioration in economic conditions might adversely impact our ability to issue additional equity at prices that will not be dilutive to our existing unitholders or preclude us from issuing equity at all. We also cannot be certain that additional financing will be available if needed and to the extent required, on acceptable terms or at all. As a result of the disruptions in the credit markets and higher capital requirements, many lenders have increased margins on lending rates, enacted tighter lending standards, required more restrictive terms (including higher collateral ratios for advances, shorter maturities and smaller loan amounts), or have refused to refinance existing debt at all. Furthermore, certain banks that have historically been significant lenders to the shipping industry have reduced or ceased lending activities in the shipping industry. If additional financing is not available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our obligations as they come due or we may be unable to expand our existing business, complete shuttle tanker acquisitions or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities as they arise. Furthermore, any uncertainty in the financial markets could have an impact on our customers and/or suppliers including, among other things, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. Similarly, any shortage of credit could affect lenders participating in our financing agreements, making them unable to fulfill their commitments and obligations to us. Any reductions in activity owing to such conditions or failure by our customers, suppliers or lenders to meet their contractual obligations to us could adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operation and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. The United Kingdom's exit from the European Union could adversely impact us. On June 23, 2016, in a referendum vote commonly referred to as "Brexit," a majority of British voters voted to exit the European Union ("EU") and on January 31, 2020, the U.K. formally exited the EU. The British government is currently in negotiations with the EU to determine the terms of the U.K.'s exit. The withdrawal could potentially disrupt the free movement of goods, services and people between the U.K. and the EU, undermine bilateral cooperation in key geographic areas and significantly disrupt trade between the U.K. and the EU or other nations as the U.K. pursues independent trade relations. In addition, Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. The effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements the U.K. makes to retain access to EU or other markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. It is unclear what long-term economic, financial, trade and legal implications the withdrawal of the U.K. from the EU would have and how such withdrawal would affect our business. In addition, Brexit may lead other EU member countries to consider referendums regarding their EU membership. These developments, or the perception that any of them could occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Any of these factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our growth depends on our ability to expand relationships with existing customers and obtain new customers, for which we face substantial competition. One of our principal objectives is to enter into additional long-term, fixed-rate charters. The process of obtaining new long-term charters is highly competitive, usually involving an intensive 16 Table of Contents screening process and competitive bids and extending for several months. Shuttle tanker charters are awarded based upon a variety of factors relating to the vessel operator, including: • • • • • • • industry relationships and reputation for customer service and safety; experience and quality of ship operations; quality, experience and technical capability of the crew; relationships with shipyards and the ability to get suitable berths; construction management experience, including the ability to obtain on-time delivery of new vessels according to customer specifications; willingness to accept operational risks pursuant to the charter, among other things such as allowing termination of the charter for force majeure events; and competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price. Our ability to win new charters depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to: • • • • • leverage our relationship with KNOT and its reputation and relationships in the shipping industry; successfully manage our liquidity and obtain the necessary financing to fund our growth; attract, hire, train and retain qualified personnel and ship management companies to manage and operate our fleet; identify and consummate desirable acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic alliances; and identify and capitalize on opportunities in new markets. We expect substantial competition for providing services for potential shuttle tanker projects from a number of experienced companies. This increased competition may cause greater price competition for charters. As a result of these factors, we may be unable to expand our relationships with existing customers or to obtain new customers on a profitable basis, if at all, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. An increase in the global supply of shuttle tanker capacity without a commensurate increase in demand may have an adverse effect on hire rates and the values of our vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. The supply of shuttle tankers in the industry is affected by, among other things, assessments of the demand for these vessels by oil companies. Any over- estimation of demand for vessels may result in an excess supply of new shuttle tankers. This may, in the long term when existing contracts expire, result in lower hire rates and depress the values of our vessels. In such an event, our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders may be adversely affected. During periods of high utilization and high hire rates, industry participants may increase the supply of shuttle tankers by ordering the construction of new vessels. This may result in an over-supply of shuttle tankers and may cause a subsequent decline in utilization and hire rates when the vessels enter the market. Lower utilization and hire rates could adversely affect revenues and profitability. Prolonged periods of low utilization and hire rate could also result in the recognition of impairment charges on shuttle tankers if future cash flow estimates, based upon information available at the time, indicate that the carrying value of these shuttle tankers may not be recoverable. Such impairment charge may cause 17 Table of Contents lenders to accelerate loan payments under our financing agreements, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. The required drydocking of our vessels could be more expensive and time consuming than we anticipate, which could adversely affect our cash available for distribution to unitholders. We must periodically drydock each of our vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications required to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. Generally, we drydock each vessel every 60 months until the vessel is 15 years old and every 30 months thereafter. The required drydocking of our vessels could be more expensive and time consuming than we anticipate, which could adversely affect our cash available for distribution. The drydocking of our vessels requires significant capital expenditures and results in loss of revenue while our vessels are off-hire. Any significant increase in the number of days of off-hire due to such drydocking or in the costs of any repairs could have a material adverse effect on our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders. Although we do not anticipate that more than one of the vessels in our current fleet will be out of service at any given time, we may underestimate the time required to drydock any of our vessels or unanticipated problems may arise. If more than one of our vessels is required to be out of service at the same time, if a vessel is drydocked longer than expected or if the cost of repairs during drydocking is greater than budgeted, our cash available for distribution to unitholders could be adversely affected. We may be unable to re-charter our vessels upon termination or expiration of their existing charters. We are dependent upon charters for our vessels to generate revenues and we may be adversely affected if we fail to renew or are unsuccessful in winning new charters, or if our existing charters are terminated. Our ability to re-charter our shuttle tankers following expiration of existing charters and the rates payable upon any renewal or replacement charters depends upon, among other things, the state of the shuttle tanker market. For example, an oversupply of shuttle tankers can significantly reduce their charter rates. A termination or renegotiation of our existing charters or a failure to secure new employment at the expiration of our current charters may have a negative effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Compliance with safety and other vessel requirements imposed by classification societies may be very costly and may adversely affect our business. The hull and machinery of every large, oceangoing commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea ("SOLAS"). All our vessels are certified either by DNV GL Group AS ("DNV GL") or by the American Bureau of Shipping ("ABS"). As part of the certification process, a vessel must undergo annual surveys, intermediate surveys and special surveys. In lieu of a special survey, a vessel's machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year period. Each of the vessels in our existing fleet is on a planned maintenance system approval, and as such the classification society attends onboard once every year to verify that the maintenance of the equipment onboard is done correctly. Each of the vessels in our existing fleet is required to be qualified within its respective classification society for drydocking once every five years subject to an intermediate underwater survey done using an approved diving company in the presence of a surveyor from the classification society. If any vessel does not maintain its class or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between certain ports and will be unemployable. We would 18 Table of Contents lose revenue while the vessel was off-hire and incur costs of compliance. This would negatively impact our revenues and reduce our cash available for distribution to unitholders. The value of our vessels may decline, which could adversely affect our operating results. Vessel values for shuttle tankers can fluctuate substantially over time due to a number of different factors, including: • • • • • • the cost of newbuildings; prevailing economic conditions in oil and energy markets; a substantial or extended decline in demand for oil; increases in the supply of vessel capacity; the cost of retrofitting or modifying existing vessels, as a result of technological advances in vessel design or equipment, changes in applicable environmental or other regulations or standards, or otherwise; and a decrease in oil reserves in the fields and other fields in which our shuttle tankers might otherwise be deployed. If operation of a vessel is not profitable, or if we cannot redeploy a vessel at attractive rates upon termination of its charter, rather than continue to incur costs to maintain and finance the vessel, we may seek to dispose of it. Our inability to dispose of the vessel at a reasonable value could result in a loss on its sale and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Additionally, lenders may accelerate loan repayments should there be a loss in the market value of our vessels. Such repayment could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Further, if we determine at any time that a vessel's future useful life and earnings require us to impair its value on our financial statements, we may need to recognize a significant charge against our earnings. We review vessels and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, which occurs when the asset's carrying value is greater than the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate over its remaining useful life. Climate change and greenhouse gas restrictions may adversely impact our operations and markets. Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the International Maritime Organization (the "IMO"), the United Nations agency that regulates international shipping, have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vessels. These regulatory measures include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. The Paris Agreement, which was announced by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015, does not cover international shipping. However, in 2016, the IMO reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue to work to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships engaged in international trade. IMO is progressing on the implementation of an initial strategy it adopted in 2018 designed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from vessels, including short-term, mid-term and long-term candidate measures with a vision of reducing and phasing out greenhouse gas emissions from vessels as soon as possible in the 21st century. Compliance with changes in laws, regulations and obligations relating to climate change could increase our costs related to operating and maintaining our vessels and require us to install new emission controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions or administer and manage a 19 Table of Contents greenhouse gas emissions program. Revenue generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected. Adverse effects upon the oil industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental and other impacts of climate change, may also adversely affect demand for our shuttle tanker services. Although we do not expect that demand for oil will lessen dramatically over the short term, in the long term climate change may reduce the demand for oil or increased regulation of greenhouse gases may create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil industry could have a significant financial and operational adverse impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Our international operations expose us to political, governmental and economic instability, which could harm our operations. Our operations are conducted in various countries, and they may be affected by economic, political and governmental conditions in the countries where we engage in business or where our vessels are registered. Any disruption caused by these factors could harm our business, including by reducing the levels of oil exploration, development and production activities in these areas. We may derive some of our revenues from shipping oil from politically unstable regions. Conflicts in these regions have included attacks on ships and other efforts to disrupt shipping. Hostilities or other political instability in regions where we operate or where we may operate could have a material adverse effect on the growth of our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. In addition, tariffs, trade embargoes and other economic sanctions by the United States or other countries as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or otherwise may limit trading activities with those countries, which could also harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Finally, a government could requisition one or more of our vessels, which is most likely during war or national emergency. Any such requisition would cause a loss of the vessel and/or a termination of the charter and could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Marine transportation is inherently risky, particularly in the extreme conditions in which our vessels operate. An incident involving significant loss of product or environmental contamination by any of our vessels could harm our reputation and business. Vessels and their cargoes and the oil production facilities we service are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as: • • • • • • • marine disasters; bad weather; mechanical failures; grounding, capsizing, fire, explosions and collisions; piracy; human error; and war and terrorism. The Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen currently operate in the North Sea. Harsh weather conditions in this region and other regions in which our vessels operate may increase the risk of collisions, oil spills or mechanical failures. 20 Table of Contents An accident involving any of our vessels could result in any of the following: • • • • • • • death or injury to persons, loss of property or damage to the environment and natural resources; delays in the delivery of cargo; loss of revenues from charters; liabilities or costs to recover any spilled oil or other petroleum products and to restore the ecosystem affected by the spill; governmental fines, penalties or restrictions on conducting business; higher insurance rates; and damage to our reputation and customer relationships generally. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. In addition, any damage to, or environmental contamination involving, oil production facilities serviced could suspend that service and result in loss of revenues. Our insurance may not be sufficient to cover losses that may occur to our property or as a result of our operations. The operation of shuttle tankers is inherently risky. All risks may not be adequately insured against, and any particular claim may not be paid by insurance. Any claims relating to our operations covered by insurance would be subject to deductibles, and since it is possible that a large number of claims may be brought, the aggregate amount of these deductibles could be material. Certain insurance is maintained through mutual protection and indemnity associations ("P&I clubs"), and as a member of such associations we may be required to make additional payments over and above budgeted premiums if member claims exceed association reserves We may be unable to procure adequate insurance at commercially reasonable rates in the future. For example, more stringent environmental regulations have led in the past to increased costs for, and in the future may result in the lack of availability of, insurance against risks of environmental damage or pollution. A catastrophic oil spill or marine disaster could exceed the insurance, and any uninsured or underinsured loss could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. In addition, the insurance may be voidable by the insurers as a result of certain actions, such as vessels failing to maintain certification with applicable maritime self-regulatory organizations. Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks may also make certain types of insurance more difficult to obtain. In addition, the insurance that may be available may be significantly more expensive than existing coverage. Terrorist attacks, piracy, increased hostilities or war could lead to further economic instability, increased costs and disruption of business. Terrorist attacks, piracy and the current conflicts in the Middle East, and other current and future conflicts, may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to raise capital and future growth. Continuing hostilities in the Middle East may lead to additional armed conflicts or to further acts of terrorism and civil disturbance in the United States or elsewhere, which may contribute further to economic instability and disruption of oil production and distribution, which could result in reduced demand for our services. 21 Table of Contents In addition, oil production facilities, shipyards, vessels, pipelines, oil fields or other infrastructure could be targets of future terrorist attacks and our vessels could be targets of pirates or hijackers. Any such attacks could lead to, among other things, bodily injury or loss of life, vessel or other property damage, increased vessel operational costs, including insurance costs, and the inability to transport oil to or from certain locations. Terrorist attacks, war, piracy, hijacking or other events beyond our control that adversely affect the distribution, production or transportation of oil to be shipped by us could entitle customers to terminate their charters, which would harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels have recently increased in frequency, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia. If such piracy attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being named on the Joint War Committee Listed Areas, war-risk insurance premiums payable for such coverage could increase significantly and such insurance coverage might become more difficult to obtain. In addition, crew costs, including costs that may be incurred to the extent we employ onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or an increase in cost or unavailability of insurance for our vessels, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Vessels transporting oil are subject to substantial environmental and other regulations, which may significantly limit operations or increase expenses. Our operations are affected by extensive and changing international, national and local environmental protection laws, regulations, treaties and conventions in force in international waters and the jurisdictional waters of the countries in which our vessels operate, as well as the countries of our vessels' registration, including those governing oil spills, air emissions, discharges to water and the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. Many of these requirements are designed to reduce the risk of oil spills and other pollution. Additional requirements may take effect or be adopted in the future that could limit operations or further increase expenses. For example, under IMO's MARPOL Annex VI, effective January 1, 2020, absent the installation of expensive sulfur scrubbers to meet reduced emission requirements for sulfur, the maximum sulfur content in fuels used by the marine sector in all seas, including our vessels, was lowered from 3.5% to 0.5% sulfur. These new requirements are generally referred to as IMO 2020. The marine sector accounts for approximately half of the global fuel oil demand and the impact of the increased demand for compliant low sulfur fuels is expected to affect the availability and cost of such fuels and increase our costs of operation. In addition, we believe that the heightened environmental, safety and security concerns of insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers will generally lead to additional regulatory requirements, including enhanced risk assessment and security requirements and greater inspection and safety requirements on vessels. These requirements are likely to add incremental costs to our operations and the failure to comply with these requirements may affect the ability of our vessels to obtain the required certificates for entry into the different ports where we operate and could also impact our ability to obtain insurance. We expect to incur substantial expenses in complying with these laws and regulations, including expenses for vessel modifications and changes in operating procedures. These requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, require a reduction in cargo capacity, ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability 22 Table of Contents of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports or detention in certain ports. Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations, natural resource damage claims and fines and penalties in the event that there is a release of petroleum or hazardous substances from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations. We could also become subject to personal injury or property damage claims relating to the release of petroleum or hazardous substances associated with our operations. In addition, oil spills and failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of our operations, including, in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels. Please read "Item 4. Information on the Partnership—Business Overview—Environmental and Other Regulation." Exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations results in fluctuations in cash flows and operating results. Our reporting currency and the functional currency of our operating subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar. Certain of our operating subsidiaries are party to technical management agreements with KNOT Management, which govern the crew, technical and commercial management of the vessels in our fleet. Under the technical management agreements, KNOT Management is paid for reasonable direct and indirect expenses incurred in providing the services, including operating expenses relating to our fleet. A majority of the operating expenses are in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Fluctuating exchange rates may result in increased payments by us under the services agreements if the strength of the U.S. Dollar declines relative to such other currencies. Many seafaring employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and the failure to renew those agreements or any future labor agreements may disrupt operations and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. A significant portion of seafarers that crew certain of our vessels are employed under collective bargaining agreements. We and our operating subsidiaries may become subject to additional labor agreements in the future. We and our operating subsidiaries may suffer labor disruptions if relationships deteriorate with the seafarers or the unions that represent them. The collective bargaining agreements may not prevent labor disruptions, particularly when the agreements are being renegotiated. Salaries for seafarers are typically renegotiated annually or bi-annually, and higher compensation levels will increase our costs of operations. Although these negotiations have not caused labor disruptions in the past, any future labor disruptions could harm our operations and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. KNOT may on our behalf be unable to attract and retain qualified, skilled employees or crew necessary to operate our business or may have to pay substantially increased costs for its employees and crew, including due to disruptions caused by the Coronavirus. Our success depends in large part on KNOT's ability to attract, hire, train and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. In crewing our vessels, we require technically skilled employees with specialized training who can perform physically demanding work. Competition to attract, hire, train and retain qualified crew members is intense, and crew manning costs continue to increase. If we are not able to increase our hire rates to compensate for any crew cost increases, our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders may be adversely affected. Furthermore, should there be an outbreak of the Coronavirus on board, adequate crewing my not be available to fulfill the obligations under our contracts. Due to the Coronavirus, we could face (i) difficulty in finding healthy qualified replacement officers and crew; (ii) local or international transport or quarantine restrictions limiting the ability to transfer infected crew members 23 Table of Contents off the vessel or bring new crew on board, or (iii) restrictions in availability of supplies needed on board due to disruptions to third-party suppliers or transportation alternatives. Any inability we experience in the future to attract, hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees could impair our ability to manage, maintain and grow our business. Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flow. If we are in default on some kinds of obligations, such as those to our lenders, crew members, suppliers of goods and services to our vessels or shippers of cargo, these parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against one or more of our vessels. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien holder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. In a few jurisdictions, claimants could try to assert "sister ship" liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to another of our vessels. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flows and require us to pay to have the arrest lifted. Under some of our present charters, if the vessel is arrested or detained as a result of a claim against us, we may be in default of our charter and the charterer may terminate the charter. This would negatively impact our revenues and reduce our cash available for distribution to unitholders. Lack of diversification and adverse developments in the shuttle tanker market or the conventional oil tanker market would negatively impact our results. Although our vessels also are able to operate as conventional oil tankers, we are focused on dynamic positioning shuttle tankers. Due to our lack of diversification, any adverse development in the shuttle tanker market and/or the conventional oil tanker market could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. If in the future our business activities involve countries, entities and individuals that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. or other governments, we could be subject to enforcement action and our reputation and the market for our common units could be adversely affected. The tightening of U.S. sanctions in recent years has affected non-U.S. companies. In particular, sanctions against Iran have been significantly expanded. In 2012, for example, the U.S. signed into law the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 ("TRA"), which placed further restrictions on the ability of non-U.S. companies to do business or trade with Iran and Syria. A major provision in the TRA is that issuers of securities must disclose to the SEC in their annual and quarterly reports filed after February 6, 2013 if the issuer or "any affiliate" has "knowingly" engaged in certain activities involving Iran during the timeframe covered by the report. This disclosure obligation is broad in scope in that it requires the reporting of activity that would not be considered a violation of U.S. sanctions as well as violative conduct and is not subject to a materiality threshold. The SEC publishes these disclosures on its website and the President of the United States must initiate an investigation in response to all disclosures. In addition to the sanctions against Iran, the U.S. also has sanctions that target other countries, entities and individuals. These sanctions have certain extraterritorial effects that need to be considered by non-U.S. companies. It should also be noted that other governments have implemented versions of U.S. sanctions. We believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations imposed by the U.S., the United Nations or EU countries and intend to maintain such compliance. However, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our common units. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our common units simply because we may do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Investor perception of the value of our common units may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries. 24 Table of Contents Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, the anti-corruption provisions in the Norwegian Criminal Code and other anti-bribery legislation in other jurisdictions could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract termination and an adverse effect on our business. We may operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics. We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the Bribery Act 2010 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom and the anti-corruption provisions of the Norwegian Criminal Code of 1902. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties, curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and could consume significant time and attention of our senior management. A cyber-attack could materially disrupt our business We rely on information technology systems and networks, the majority of which are provided by KNOT Management, in our operations and the administration of our business. Our operations could be targeted by individuals or groups seeking to sabotage or disrupt our information technology systems and networks, or to steal data. A successful cyber-attack could materially disrupt our operations, including the safety of our operations, or lead to unauthorized release of information or alteration of information on our systems. Any such attack or other breach of our information technology systems could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, our reputation, or cash flows. We may be required to incur additional costs to modify or enhance our information technology systems or to prevent or remediate any such attacks. Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws, directives and regulations regarding privacy and data protection. We are subject to laws, directives, and regulations relating to the collection, use, retention, disclosure, security and transfer of personal data ("data protection laws"). These data protection laws, and their interpretation and enforcement, continue to evolve and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. For example, the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which regulates the use of personally identifiable information, went into effect in the EU ("EU") on May 25, 2018, applies globally to all of our activities conducted from an establishment in the EU, to related products and services that we offer to EU customers and to non-EU customers which offer services in the EU. Complying with the GDPR and similar emerging and changing data protection laws may cause us to incur substantial costs or require us to change our business practices. Noncompliance, or perceived noncompliance, with our legal obligations relating to data protection laws could result in penalties, fines, legal proceedings by governmental entities or others, loss of reputation, legal claims by individuals and customers and significant legal and financial exposure and could affect our ability to retain and attract customers. As noted above, we are also subject to the possibility of cyber attacks, which themselves may result in a violation of these laws. Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us KNOT and its affiliates may compete with us. Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, we entered into with KNOT at the time of our IPO (the "Omnibus Agreement"), KNOT and its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner and our 25 Table of Contents subsidiaries) generally have agreed not to acquire, own, operate or charter certain shuttle tankers operating under charters of five years or more. The Omnibus Agreement, however, contains significant exceptions that may allow KNOT or any of its controlled affiliates to compete with us, which could harm our business. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Omnibus Agreement—Noncompetition." Unitholders have limited voting rights, and our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of Norwegian Resident Holders and unitholders owning more than 4.9% of our common units. Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. We hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Common unitholders are entitled to elect only four of the seven members of our board of directors. The elected directors are elected on a staggered basis and generally serve for four-year terms. Our general partner in its sole discretion appoints the remaining three directors and sets the terms for which those directors serve. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting our unitholders' ability to influence the manner or direction of management. Unitholders have no right to elect our general partner, and our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding common units, including any units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class. Our partnership agreement further restricts unitholders' voting rights by providing that Norwegian Resident Holders are not eligible to vote in the election of elected directors. Further, if any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and are not considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law. The voting rights of any unitholders not entitled to vote on a specific matter are effectively redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquire common units with the prior approval of our board of directors are not subject to the 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. KNOT and its affiliates own a substantial interest in us and have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary and contractual duties to us and our common unitholders, which may permit them to favor their own interests to the detriment of our unitholders. As of March 19, 2020, KNOT owned 26.2% of our common units and owned and controlled our general partner, which owns a 1.85% general partner interest in us and 0.3% of our common units. Certain of our directors are directors of KNOT or its affiliates, and, as such, they have fiduciary duties to KNOT or its affiliates that may cause them to pursue business strategies that disproportionately benefit KNOT or its affiliates or which otherwise are not in the best interests of us or our unitholders. Conflicts of interest may arise between KNOT and its affiliates (including our general partner), on the one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, our general partner and its affiliates may favor their own interests over the interests of our unitholders. Please read "—Our partnership agreement limits our general partner's and our directors' fiduciary duties to our unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner or our directors." These conflicts include, among others, the following situations: • neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires our general partner or KNOT or its affiliates to pursue a business strategy that favors us or utilizes our assets, and 26 Table of Contents KNOT's officers and directors have a fiduciary duty to make decisions in the best interests of the shareholders of KNOT, which may be contrary to our interests; our partnership agreement permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner. Specifically, our general partner is considered to be acting in its individual capacity if it exercises its call right, pre-emptive rights or registration rights, consents or withholds consent to any merger or consolidation of the Partnership, appoints any directors or votes for the election of any director, votes or refrains from voting on amendments to our partnership agreement that require a vote of the outstanding units, voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership, transfers (to the extent permitted under our partnership agreement) or refrains from transferring its units or general partner interest or votes upon the dissolution of the Partnership; our general partner and our directors have limited their liabilities and reduced their fiduciary duties under the laws of the Marshall Islands, while also restricting the remedies available to our unitholders, and, as a result of purchasing common units, unitholders are treated as having agreed to the modified standard of fiduciary duties and to certain actions that may be taken by our general partner and our directors, all as set forth in our partnership agreement; our general partner is entitled to reimbursement of all reasonable costs incurred by it and its affiliates for our benefit; our partnership agreement does not restrict us from paying our general partner or its affiliates for any services rendered to us on terms that are fair and reasonable or entering into additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf; our general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase our common units if it and its affiliates own more than 80.0% of our common units; and our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the exercise of its limited call right. • • • • • • Although a majority of our directors have been elected by common unitholders, our general partner has substantial influence on decisions made by our board of directors. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions." Our partnership agreement limits our general partner's and our directors' fiduciary duties to our unitholders and restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner or our directors. Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner irrevocably delegates to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis, and such delegation is binding on any successor general partner of the Partnership. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions that reduce the standards to which our general partner and directors would otherwise be held by Marshall Islands law. For example, our partnership agreement: • permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner. Where our partnership agreement permits, our general partner may consider only the interests and factors that it desires, and in such cases it has no fiduciary duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting us, our affiliates or our unitholders. Decisions made by our general partner in its individual capacity are made by its board of directors, which is appointed by KNOT. Specifically, pursuant to our partnership agreement, our general partner is considered to be acting in its individual capacity if it exercises its call right, pre-emptive rights or registration rights, consents or withholds consent to any merger or consolidation of the Partnership, appoints any directors or votes for the 27 Table of Contents election of any director, votes or refrains from voting on amendments to our partnership agreement that require a vote of the outstanding units, voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership, transfers (to the extent permitted under our partnership agreement) or refrains from transferring its units or general partner interest or votes upon the dissolution of the Partnership; provides that our general partner and our directors are entitled to make other decisions in "good faith" if they reasonably believe that the decision is in our best interests; generally provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest not approved by the conflicts committee of our board of directors and not involving a vote of unitholders must be on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or be "fair and reasonable" to us and that, in determining whether a transaction or resolution is "fair and reasonable," our board of directors may consider the totality of the relationships between the parties involved, including other transactions that may be particularly advantageous or beneficial to us; and provides that neither our general partner nor our officers or our directors is liable for monetary damages to us, our limited partners or assignees for any acts or omissions unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that our general partner or our officers or directors or those other persons engaged in actual fraud or willful misconduct. • • • In order to become a limited partner of our partnership, a common unitholder is required to agree to be bound by the provisions in our partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above. Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner delegates all its management activities in relation to us to our board of directors, and arrangements are in place such that any activities that would otherwise constitute regulated activities under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Regulated Activities Order) 2001 were they to be performed in the United Kingdom (and that would not fall within a suitable exemption) are performed outside of the United Kingdom. However, there can be no assurance that this will not change (deliberately or otherwise) over time, and there is no current intention for our general partner, us or any of our subsidiaries to seek authorization from the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom, which would be required for any person to lawfully carry out such regulated activities in the United Kingdom. Fees and cost reimbursements, which affiliates of KNOT determine for services provided to us and our subsidiaries, are substantial, payable regardless of our profitability and reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Pursuant to technical management agreements, our subsidiaries that own vessels operating under time charters pay fees for services provided to them by KNOT Management and reimburse KNOT Management for all expenses incurred on their behalf. These fees and expenses include all costs and expenses incurred in providing the crew, technical and commercial management of the vessels in our fleet to our subsidiaries. Additionally our subsidiaries that own vessels operating under bareboat charters have entered into management and administration agreements with either KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark pursuant to which these companies provide general monitoring services for the vessels in exchange for an annual fee. In addition, pursuant to an administrative services agreement, KNOT UK provides us with certain administrative services. KNOT UK is permitted to subcontract certain of the administrative services provided to us under this agreement to KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management. We reimburse KNOT UK, and KNOT UK reimburses KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management, as applicable, for their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of the services 28 Table of Contents subcontracted to KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management under the administrative services agreement. In addition, KNOT UK pays to KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management, as applicable, a service fee in U.S. Dollars equal to 5% of the costs and expenses incurred in connection with providing services. For a description of the technical management agreements, management and administration agreements and the administrative services agreement, please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions." The fees and expenses payable pursuant to the technical management agreements, management and administration agreements and the administrative services agreement are payable without regard to our business, results of operation and financial condition. The payment of fees to and the reimbursement of expenses of affiliates of KNOT could adversely affect our ability to pay cash distributions to our unitholders. Our partnership agreement contains provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a person or group from attempting to remove our current management or our general partner, and even if public unitholders are dissatisfied, they are unable to remove our general partner without KNOT's consent, unless KNOT's ownership interest in us is decreased, all of which could diminish the trading price of our common units. Our partnership agreement contains provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a person or group from attempting to remove our current management or our general partner. • • • • • If our general partner is removed without "cause" and units held by our general partner and KNOT are not voted in favor of that removal, our general partner has the right to convert its general partner interest, and the holders of the incentive distribution rights have the right to convert such incentive distribution rights, into common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests based on the fair market value of those interests at the time. Any conversion of the general partner interest or incentive distribution rights would be dilutive to existing unitholders. Furthermore, any cash payment in lieu of such conversion could be prohibitively expensive. "Cause" is narrowly defined to mean that a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding our general partner liable for actual fraud or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as our general partner. Cause does not include most cases of charges of poor business decisions, such as charges of poor management of our business by the directors appointed by our general partner. Common unitholders are entitled to elect only four of the seven members of our board of directors. Our general partner in its sole discretion appoints the remaining three directors. Election of the four directors elected by common unitholders is staggered, meaning that the members of only one of four classes of our elected directors are selected each year. In addition, the directors appointed by our general partner serve for terms determined by our general partner. Our partnership agreement contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings of unitholders, to nominate directors and to acquire information about our operations as well as other provisions limiting our unitholders' ability to influence the manner or direction of management. Unitholders' voting rights are further restricted by our partnership agreement provision providing that if any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and are not considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law. The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 29 Table of Contents 4.9% effectively are redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquire common units with the prior approval of our board of directors are not subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. • There are no restrictions in our partnership agreement on our ability to issue equity securities. The effect of these provisions may be to diminish the price at which the common units trade. The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent. Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially all of its assets without the consent of our unitholders. In addition, our partnership agreement does not restrict the ability of the members of our general partner from transferring their respective membership interests in our general partner to a third party. Substantial future sales of our common units or the issuance of additional preferred units in the public market could cause the price of our common units to fall. The market price of our common units could decline due to sales of a large number of units, or the issuance of debt securities or warrants, in the market, or the perception that these sales could occur. These sales could also make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate to raise funds through future offerings of common units. We have granted registration rights to KNOT and certain of its affiliates. These unitholders have the right, subject to some conditions, to require us to file registration statements covering any of our common or other equity securities owned by them or to include those securities in registration statements that we may file for ourselves or other unitholders. As of March 19, 2020, KNOT and our general partner owned 26.5% of the common units and all of the incentive distribution rights. We have also entered into a registration rights agreement with the holders of the Series A Preferred Units, pursuant to which we filed a registration statement to register resales of the common units underlying the Series A Preferred Units. Following their sale, these securities will become freely tradable. By exercising their registration rights and selling a large number of common units or other securities, our securityholders with registration rights could cause the price of our common units to decline. Our common units are subordinated to our existing and future indebtedness and our Series A Preferred Units. Our common units are equity interests in us and do not constitute indebtedness. The common units rank junior to all indebtedness and other non-equity claims on us with respect to the assets available to satisfy claims, including a liquidation of the Partnership. Additionally, holders of the common units are subject to the prior distribution and liquidation rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and any other preferred units we may issue in the future. As long as our outstanding Series A Preferred Units remain outstanding, distribution payments relating to our common units are prohibited under our partnership agreement until all accrued and unpaid distributions are paid on the Series A Preferred Units. KNOT, as the holder of all of the incentive distribution rights, may elect to cause us to issue additional common units to it in connection with a resetting of the target distribution levels related to its incentive distribution rights without the approval of the conflicts committee of our board of directors or holders of our common units. This may result in lower distributions to holders of our common units in certain situations. KNOT, as the holder of all of the incentive distribution rights, has the right, at a time when it has received incentive distributions at the highest level to which it is entitled (48.0%) for each of the prior 30 Table of Contents four consecutive fiscal quarters, to reset the initial cash target distribution levels at higher levels based on the distribution at the time of the exercise of the reset election. Following a reset election by KNOT, the minimum quarterly distribution will be reset to an amount equal to the average cash distribution per common unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election (such amount is referred to as the "reset minimum quarterly distribution"), and the target distribution levels will be reset to correspondingly higher levels based on the same percentage increases above the reset minimum quarterly distribution. In connection with resetting these target distribution levels, KNOT will be entitled to receive a number of common units equal to that number of common units whose aggregate quarterly cash distributions equaled the average of the distributions to it on the incentive distribution rights in the prior two quarters. We anticipate that KNOT would exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or internal growth projects that would not be sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit without such conversion; however, it is possible that KNOT could exercise this reset election at a time when it is experiencing, or may be expected to experience, declines in the cash distributions it receives related to its incentive distribution rights and may therefore desire to be issued our common units, rather than retain the right to receive incentive distributions based on the initial target distribution levels. As a result, a reset election may cause our common unitholders to experience dilution in the amount of cash distributions that they would have otherwise received had we not issued additional common units to KNOT in connection with resetting the target distribution levels related to KNOT's incentive distribution rights. Please read "Item 8. Financial Information— Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Our Cash Distribution Policy—Incentive Distribution Rights." We may issue additional equity securities, including a limited amount of securities senior to the common units, without the approval of our unitholders, which would dilute their ownership interests. We may, without the approval of our unitholders, issue an unlimited number of additional common units. In addition, we may issue units that are senior to the common units in right of distribution, liquidation and voting, provided that the aggregate amount of our Series A Preferred Units and any other securities on parity with the Series A Preferred Units, pro forma for such issuance, does not exceed 33.33% of the book value of the sum of our then outstanding aggregate amount of parity securities and junior securities (including the common units). The consent of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units will be necessary for us to issue any parity securities (or securities senior to our Series A Preferred Units) in excess of such pro forma book value. The issuance by us of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects: • • • • our unitholders' proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease; the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; and the market price of the common units may decline. A substantial number of our common units may be issued upon conversion of our Series A Preferred Units or as redemption payments in respect of our Series A Preferred Units, which issuances could reduce the value of our common units. Our Series A Preferred Units will be convertible, under certain circumstances, at the then applicable conversion rate, which will be subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. The conversion rate will be redetermined on a quarterly basis, such that the conversion rate will be equal to $24.00 (the "Issue Price") divided by the product of (x) the book value per common unit at the end of 31 Table of Contents the immediately preceding quarter (pro-forma for per unit cash distributions payable with respect to such quarter) multiplied by (y) the quotient of (i) the Issue Price divided by (ii) the book value per common unit on the initial issuance date of the Series A Preferred Units. The Series A Preferred Units are generally convertible, at the option of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units, into common units at the then applicable conversion rate. In addition, we may redeem the Series A Preferred Units at any time before February 2, 2027 at the redemption price applicable on any such redemption date, provided, however, that upon notice from us to the holders of Series A Preferred Units or our intention to redeem, such holders may elect, instead, to convert their Series A Preferred Units into common units at the then applicable conversion rate. In addition, subject to certain conditions, we may convert the Series A Preferred Units into common units at the then applicable conversion rate. Upon a change of control of the Partnership, the holders of Series A Preferred Units may require us to redeem the Series A Preferred Units, in cash, at 100% of the Issue Price. Further, the holders of Series A Preferred Units may cause us to redeem the Series A Preferred Units on February 2, 2027 in, at our option, (i) cash at a price equal to 70% of the Issue Price or (ii) common units such that each Series A Preferred Unit receives common units worth 80% of the Issue Price. The value (and, therefore, the number) of the common units to be delivered pursuant thereto will be determined based on the volume-weighted average trading price, as adjusted for splits, combinations and other similar transactions, of our common units as reported on the NYSE for the 30-trading day period ending on the fifth trading day immediately prior to the redemption date. If a substantial portion of the Series A Preferred Units are converted into common units or redeemed under certain circumstances, common unitholders could experience significant dilution. Furthermore, if holders of such Series A Preferred Units were to dispose of a substantial portion of these common units in the public market following such a conversion, whether in a single transaction or series of transactions, it could adversely affect the market price for our common units. These sales, or the possibility that these sales may occur, could make it more difficult for us to sell our common units in the future. The number of our common units issuable upon conversion or redemption under certain circumstances of the Series A Preferred Units will be impacted by, among other things, the level of our quarterly cash distributions, as the conversion rate is redetermined each quarter, based on the pro forma per unit cash distributions we make on our common units (as described above) and the market price of our common units. Accordingly, the number of common units issuable upon conversion or redemption under certain circumstances could be substantial, especially during periods of significant declines in market prices of our common units or if we experience certain events, such as, among other things, a decline in the value of our vessels that results in an impairment or write-down of the value of our vessels or a write-off of any goodwill, decline in the fair value of our derivative instruments, change in accounting principle that results in a decline in our book value, or other event that results in a decline in our book value. The issuance of common units upon conversion or redemption under certain circumstances of our Series A Preferred Units may have the following effects: • • • • an existing unitholder's proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; the amount of cash available for distribution on each common unit may decrease; the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding common unit may be diminished; and the market price of our common units may decline. 32 Table of Contents The market price of our common units is likely to be influenced by the Series A Preferred Units. For example, the market price of our common units could become more volatile and could be depressed by: • • • investors' anticipation of the potential resale in the market of a substantial number of additional common units received upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Units; possible sales of our common units by investors who view the Series A Preferred Units as a more attractive means of equity participation in us than owning our common units; and hedging or arbitrage trading activity that may develop involving the Series A Preferred Units and our common units. Our Series A Preferred Units have rights, preferences and privileges that are not held by, and are preferential to the rights of, holders of our common units. Our Series A Preferred Units rank senior to all our common units with respect to distribution rights and liquidation preference. These preferences could adversely affect the market price for our common units or could make it more difficult for us to sell our common units in the future. In addition, distributions on the Series A Preferred Units accrue and are cumulative. Our obligation to pay distributions on our Series A Preferred Units, or on the common units issued following conversion of such Series A Preferred Units, could impact our liquidity and reduce the amount of cash flow available for working capital, capital expenditures, growth opportunities, acquisitions, and other general partnership purposes. Our obligations to the holders of Series A Preferred Units could also limit our ability to obtain additional financing or increase our borrowing costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition. In establishing cash reserves, our board of directors may reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Our partnership agreement requires our board of directors to deduct from operating surplus cash reserves that it determines are necessary to fund our future operating expenditures. These reserves also affect the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders. As described above in "—Risks Inherent in Our Business—We must make substantial capital expenditures to maintain the operating capacity of our fleet, which reduces cash available for distribution. In addition, each quarter we are required to deduct estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus, which may result in less cash available to unitholders than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted," our partnership agreement requires our board of directors each quarter to deduct from operating surplus estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, as opposed to actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, which could reduce the amount of available cash for distribution. The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by our board of directors at least once a year, provided that any change must be approved by the conflicts committee of our board of directors. Our general partner has a limited call right that may require our unitholders to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price. If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80.0% of the common units, our general partner has the right, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, but not the obligation, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less than the then- current market price of our common units. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it 33 Table of Contents upon the exercise of this limited call right. As a result, our unitholders may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return on their investment. Our unitholders may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of their units. As of March 19, 2020, KNOT and our general partner owned 26.5% of our common units. Our unitholders may not have limited liability if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of our business. As a limited partner in a partnership organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, our unitholders could be held liable for our obligations to the same extent as a general partner if our unitholders participate in the "control" of our business. Our general partner generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the Partnership, such as its debts and environmental liabilities, except for those contractual obligations of the Partnership that are expressly made without recourse to our general partner. In addition, the limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some jurisdictions in which we do business. We can borrow money to pay distributions, which would reduce the amount of credit available to operate our business. Our partnership agreement allows us to make working capital borrowings to pay distributions. Accordingly, if we have available borrowing capacity, we can make distributions on all our units even though cash generated by our operations may not be sufficient to pay such distributions. Any working capital borrowings by us to make distributions reduces the amount of working capital borrowings we can make for operating our business. For more information, please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources." Increases in interest rates may cause the market price of our common units to decline. An increase in interest rates may cause a corresponding decline in demand for equity investments in general, and in particular for yield-based equity investments such as our common units. Any such increase in interest rates or reduction in demand for our common units resulting from other relatively more attractive investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our common units to decline. We are exposed to market risks relating to the announced phase-out of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") We are exposed to a market risk relating to increases in interest rates because the amounts borrowed under our existing loan and credit facilities bear interest at rates based on LIBOR. On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR to the administrator of LIBOR after 2021 ("FCA Announcement"). The Alternative Reference Rate Committee, a committee convened by the Federal Reserve that includes major market participants, has proposed an alternative rate to replace U.S. Dollar LIBOR: the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or "SOFR." The FCA Announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis is not guaranteed after 2021. Significant increases in LIBOR or uncertainty surrounding its phase out after 2021 could adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. The outcome of reforms may result in increased interest expense to us, may affect our ability to incur debt on terms acceptable to us and may result in increased costs related to amending our existing debt instruments, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We use interest rate swaps to reduce our exposure to interest rate risk and hedge a portion of our outstanding indebtedness. There is no assurance that our derivative contracts 34 Table of Contents will provide adequate protection against adverse changes in interest rates or that our bank counterparties will be able to perform their obligations. We rely on the master limited partnership ("MLP") structure and its appeal to investors for accessing debt and equity markets to finance our growth and repay or refinance our debt. The volatility in energy prices over the past few years has, among other factors, caused increased volatility and contributed to a dislocation in pricing for MLPs. The volatility in energy prices and, in particular, the price of oil, among other factors, has contributed to increased volatility in the pricing of MLPs and the energy debt markets, as a number of MLPs and other energy companies may be adversely affected by a lower energy prices environment. A number of MLPs, including certain maritime MLPs, have reduced or eliminated their distributions to unitholders. We rely on our ability to obtain financing and to raise capital in the equity and debt markets to fund our capital replacement, growth and investment expenditures, and to refinance our debt. A protracted deterioration in the valuation of our common units would increase our cost of capital, make any equity issuance significantly dilutive and may affect our ability to access capital markets and, as a result, our capacity to pay distributions to our unitholders and service or refinance our debt. Unitholders may have liability to repay distributions. Under some circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully returned or distributed to them. Under the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act (the "Marshall Islands Act"), we may not make a distribution to our unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities, other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of ours, to exceed the fair value of our assets, except that the fair value of property that is subject to a liability for which the recourse of creditors is limited will be included in our assets only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds that liability. Marshall Islands law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Marshall Islands law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Assignees who become substituted limited partners are liable for the obligations of the assignor to make contributions to the limited partnership that are known to the assignee at the time it became a limited partner and for unknown obligations if the liabilities could be determined from our partnership agreement. We have been organized as a limited partnership under the laws of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of partnership law. Our partnership affairs are governed by our partnership agreement and by the Marshall Islands Act. The provisions of the Marshall Islands Act resemble provisions of the limited partnership laws of a number of states in the United States, most notably Delaware. The Marshall Islands Act also provides that it is to be applied and construed to make it, with respect to the subject matter thereof, uniform with the laws of the State of Delaware and, for non-resident limited partnerships such as ours, so long as it does not conflict with the Marshall Islands Act or decisions of the High and Supreme Courts of the Marshall Islands, the non-statutory law (or case law) of the State of Delaware is adopted as the law of the Marshall Islands. There have been, however, few, if any, court cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the Marshall Islands Act, in contrast to Delaware, which has a fairly well-developed body of case law interpreting its limited partnership statute. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as the courts in Delaware. For example, the rights of our unitholders and the fiduciary responsibilities of our general partner under Marshall Islands law are not as clearly established as under judicial precedent in existence in Delaware. As a result, unitholders 35 Table of Contents may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by our general partner and its officers and directors than would unitholders of a similarly organized limited partnership in the United States. Because we and KNOT UK are Marshall Islands entities, our operations may be subject to economic substance requirements of the EU, which could harm our business. On December 5, 2017, following an assessment of the tax policies of various countries by the Code of Conduct Group for Business Taxation of the EU (the "COCG"), the Council of the EU (the "Council") approved and published Council conclusions containing a list of "non-cooperative jurisdictions" for tax purposes (the "2017 Conclusions"). On March 12, 2019, the Council adopted a revised list of non-cooperative jurisdictions (the "2019 Conclusions"). In the 2019 Conclusions, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, among others, was placed by the EU on its list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes for failing to implement certain commitments previously made to the EU by the agreed deadline. The EU subsequently removed the Marshall Islands from that list in October 2019. EU member states have agreed upon a set of measures, which they can choose to apply against the listed countries, including increased monitoring and audits, withholding taxes, special documentation requirements and anti-abuse provisions. The European Commission has stated it will continue to support member states' efforts to develop a more coordinated approach to sanctions for the listed countries. EU legislation prohibits EU funds from being channeled or transited through entities in non-cooperative jurisdictions. We are a Marshall Islands partnership and KNOT UK is a Marshall Islands limited liability company. Regulations adopted in the Marshall Islands (which came into force on January 1, 2019) require certain entities that carry out particular activities to comply with an economic substance test whereby the entity must show that it (i) is directed and managed in the Marshall Islands in relation to that relevant activity, (ii) carries out core income-generating activity in relation to that relevant activity in the Marshall Islands (although it is being understood and acknowledged by the regulators that income-generated activities for shipping companies will generally occur in international waters) and (iii) having regard to the level of relevant activity carried out in the Marshall Islands has (a) an adequate amount of expenditures in the Marshall Islands, (b) adequate physical presence in the Marshall Islands and (c) an adequate number of qualified employees in the Marshall Islands. Based on our current business activities, we believe that we and KNOT UK are not required to comply with this economic substance test. In addition, certain jurisdictions have enacted or may enact economic substance laws and regulations with which we may be obligated to comply. If we fail to comply with our obligations under any such laws and regulations, including the Marshall Islands regulations, we could be subject to financial penalties and spontaneous disclosure of information to foreign tax officials, or could be struck from the register of companies. Any of the foregoing could be disruptive to our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and operating results. We do not know: if the EU will add the Marshall Islands to the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions; what actions the Marshall Islands may take, if any, to remove itself from the list if it is added; how quickly the EU would react to any changes in legislation of the Marshall Islands; or how EU banks or other counterparties will react while we or KNOT UK remain as entities organized and existing under the laws of the Marshall Islands. The effect of the EU list of non- cooperative jurisdictions, and any noncompliance by us with legislation adopted by the Marshall Islands to achieve removal from the list, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions and operating results. 36 Table of Contents Because we are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management. We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands, and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, our general partner is a Marshall Islands limited liability company, and our directors and officers generally are or will be non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for our unitholders to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States if our unitholders believe that their rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise. Even if our unitholders are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Marshall Islands and of other jurisdictions may prevent or restrict our unitholders from enforcing a judgment against our assets or the assets of our general partner or our directors or officers. Our partnership agreement designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our unitholders unless otherwise provided for under the laws of the Marshall Islands. This limits our unitholders' ability to choose the judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees. Our partnership agreement provides that, with certain limited exceptions, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the exclusive forum for any claims, suits, actions or proceedings (1) arising out of or relating in any way to our partnership agreement (including any claims, suits or actions to interpret, apply or enforce the provisions of our partnership agreement or the duties, obligations or liabilities among limited partners or of limited partners to us, or the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, our limited partners or us); (2) brought in a derivative manner on our behalf; (3) asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of us or our general partner, or owed by our general partner, to us or our limited partners; (4) asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Marshall Islands Act; and (5) asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This exclusive forum provision does not apply to actions arising under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in our units is deemed to have received notice of and consented to the foregoing provisions. Although we believe these provisions will benefit us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law for the specified types of actions and proceedings, the provisions may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors, officers, employees and agents. The enforceability of similar forum selection provisions in other companies' certificates of incorporation or similar governing documents have been challenged in legal proceedings, and it is possible that, in connection with one or more actions or proceedings described above, a court could find that the forum selection provision contained in our partnership agreement is inapplicable or unenforceable in such action or actions. Limited partners will not be deemed, by operation of the forum selection provision alone, to have waived claims arising under the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. If a court were to find this choice of forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Tax Risks In addition to the following risk factors, you should read "Item 4. Information on the Partnership—Business Overview—Taxation of the Partnership" and "Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation" for a more complete discussion of the expected material U.S. federal and non-U.S. income tax considerations relating to us and the ownership and disposition of our common units. 37 Table of Contents We are subject to taxes, which reduces our cash available for distribution to our unitholders. We and our subsidiaries may be subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which we are organized or operate, reducing the amount of cash available for distribution. In computing our tax obligations in these jurisdictions, we are required to take various tax accounting and reporting positions on matters that are not entirely free from doubt and for which we have not received rulings from the governing authorities. We cannot assure you that, upon review of these positions, the applicable authorities will agree with our positions. A successful challenge by a tax authority could result in additional tax imposed on us or our subsidiaries, further reducing the cash available for distribution. In addition, changes in our operations or ownership could result in additional tax being imposed on us or our subsidiaries in jurisdictions in which operations are conducted. A change in tax laws in any country in which we operate could adversely affect us. Tax laws and regulations are highly complex and subject to interpretation. Consequently, we and our subsidiaries are subject to changing tax laws, treaties and regulations in and between countries in which we operate. Our income tax expense is based on our interpretation of the tax laws in effect at the time the expense was incurred. A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof, could result in a materially higher tax expense or a higher effective tax rate on our earnings. Such changes may include measures enacted in response to the ongoing initiatives in relation to fiscal legislation at an international level, such as the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which would have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders. A non-U.S. entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company" (a "PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of "passive income" or at least 50% of the average value of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, "passive income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property, and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties that are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute "passive income." U.S. unitholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their interests in the PFIC. Based on our current and projected method of operation, we believe that we were not a PFIC for any prior taxable year, and we expect that we will not be treated as a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. We believe that more than 25% of our gross income for each taxable year was or will be non-passive income, and more than 50% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of non-passive income. This belief is based on certain valuations and projections regarding our income and assets, and its validity is based on the accuracy of such valuations and projections. While we believe these valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile, and no assurance can be given that they will continue to be accurate at any time in the future. Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from time-chartering activities constitutes rental income or income derived from the performance of services. In Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (the "Fifth Circuit") held that income derived from certain time-chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a provision of the 38 Table of Contents Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), relating to foreign sales corporations. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of this case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time-chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. In published guidance, the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") stated that it disagreed with the holding in Tidewater and specified that time charters similar to those at issue in the case should be treated as service contracts. We have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on the treatment of income generated from our time-chartering activities. As a result, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. No assurance can be given that this result will not occur. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we will not be a PFIC in the future. If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for any subsequent taxable year), our U.S. unitholders would face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. Please read "Item 10. Additional Information—Taxation —U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences" for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders if we are treated as a PFIC. We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our cash flow. Under the Code, U.S. source gross transportation income generally is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction of expenses, unless an exemption from tax applies under a tax treaty or Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. U.S. source gross transportation income consists of 50% of the gross shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States. We expect that our vessel-owning subsidiaries will qualify for an exemption from U.S. tax on any U.S. source gross transportation income under the Convention Between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Norway with Respect to Taxes on Income and Property (the "U.S.-Norway Tax Treaty"), and we intend to take this position for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, if we acquire interests in vessel-owning subsidiaries in the future that are not Norwegian residents for purposes of the U.S.-Norway Tax Treaty, U.S. source gross transportation income earned by those subsidiaries would generally be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax unless the exemption under Section 883 of the Code applied. In general, the Section 883 exemption provides that if a non-U.S. corporation satisfies the requirements of Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder, it will not be subject to the 4% U.S. federal income tax referenced above on its U.S. source gross transportation income. The Section 883 exemption does not apply to income attributable to transportation that begins and ends in the United States. The vessels in our fleet do not currently engage in transportation that begins and ends in the United States, and we do not expect that our subsidiaries will in the future earn income from such transportation. If, notwithstanding this expectation, our subsidiaries earn income in the future from transportation that begins and ends in the United States, that income would not be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code and may not be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under the U.S.-Norway Tax Treaty and therefore may be subject to net income tax in the United States (currently at a 21% rate, plus branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (unless reduced or eliminated under an income tax treaty)). The imposition of U.S. federal income tax on our income could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our unitholders. 39 Table of Contents Our unitholders may be subject to income tax in one or more non-U.S. jurisdictions as a result of owning our common units if, under the laws of any such jurisdiction, we are considered to be carrying on business there. Such laws may require our unitholders to file a tax return with, and pay taxes to, those jurisdictions. We conduct our affairs and cause each of our subsidiaries to operate its business in a manner that minimizes income taxes imposed upon us and our subsidiaries. Furthermore, we conduct our affairs and cause each of our subsidiaries to operate its business in a manner that minimizes the risk that unitholders may be treated as having a permanent establishment or taxable presence in a jurisdiction where we or our subsidiaries conduct activities simply by virtue of their ownership of our common units. However, because we are organized as a partnership, there is a risk in some jurisdictions, including Norway, that our activities or the activities of our subsidiaries may rise to the level of a taxable presence that is attributed to our unitholders for tax purposes. We have obtained confirmation from the United Kingdom HM Revenue & Customs that unitholders should not be treated as trading in the United Kingdom merely by virtue of their ownership of our common units. If our unitholders are attributed such a taxable presence in a jurisdiction, our unitholders may be required to file a tax return with, and to pay tax in, that jurisdiction based on our unitholders' allocable share of our income. In addition, we may be required to obtain information from our unitholders in the event a tax authority (including in the United Kingdom) requires such information to submit a tax return. We may be required to reduce distributions to our unitholders on account of any tax withholding obligations imposed upon us by that jurisdiction in respect of such allocation to our unitholders. The United States may not allow a tax credit for any foreign income taxes that our unitholders directly or indirectly incur by virtue of an investment in us. Item 4. Information on the Partnership A. History and Development of the Partnership General KNOT Offshore Partners LP is a publicly traded limited partnership formed on February 21, 2013 to own, operate and acquire shuttle tankers under long-term charters, which we define as charters of five years or more. On April 18, 2013, we completed our initial public offering ("IPO") of 8,567,500 common units. In connection with our IPO, through KNOT UK, a 100% owned limited liability company formed under the laws of the Marshall Islands, the Partnership acquired a 100% ownership interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, which owned (1) 100% of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, the owner of the Recife Knutsen and the Fortaleza Knutsen, (2) 100% of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII AS, the general partner of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, and (3) the Windsor Knutsen and the Bodil Knutsen and all of their related charters, inventory and long-term debt. In establishing the new KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS structure, KNOT formed three new Norwegian subsidiaries, which acquired 90% of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, 100% of the Windsor Knutsen and 100% of the Bodil Knutsen, respectively. On August 1, 2013, we acquired Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 13 AS, the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Carmen Knutsen, from KNOT. In June and July 2014, we sold an aggregate of 5,240,000 common units in an underwritten public offering and used a portion of the proceeds to fund the acquisition from KNOT of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS and Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS, the companies that own the Hilda Knutsen and the Torill Knutsen, respectively, which closed on June 30, 2014. On December 15, 2014, we acquired KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Dan Cisne, from KNOT. 40 Table of Contents On June 2, 2015, we sold 5,000,000 common units in an underwritten public offering and used a portion of the net proceeds to fund the acquisition from KNOT of KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Dan Sabia, which closed on June 15, 2015. On October 15, 2015, we acquired Knutsen NYK Shuttle Tankers 16 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Ingrid Knutsen, from KNOT. On December 1, 2016, we acquired Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Raquel Knutsen, from KNOT. On January 10, 2017, we sold 2,500,000 common units in an underwritten public offering, raising approximately $54.9 million in net proceeds. On February 2, 2017, we issued and sold in a private placement 2,083,333 Series A Preferred Units at a price of $24.00 per unit, raising approximately $48.6 million in net proceeds. On March 1, 2017, we acquired KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Tordis Knutsen, from KNOT. On June 1, 2017, we acquired KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Vigdis Knutsen, from KNOT. On June 30, 2017, we issued and sold in a second private placement 1,666,667 additional Series A Preferred Units at a price of $24.00 per unit, raising approximately $38.9 million in net proceeds. On September 30, 2017, we acquired KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Lena Knutsen, from KNOT. On November 9, 2017, we sold 3,000,000 common units in an underwritten public offering. In connection with the offering, our general partner contributed $1.2 million to us to maintain its 1.85% general partner interest. The total net proceeds from the offering and the general partner contribution were $66.0 million. On December 15, 2017, we acquired KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Brasil Knutsen, from KNOT. On March 1, 2018, we acquired KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, the Anna Knutsen, from KNOT. For more information regarding recent developments, please see "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Significant Developments in 2019" As of March 19, 2020, we had a fleet of sixteen shuttle tankers. We were formed under the law of the Marshall Islands and maintain our principal place of business at 2 Queen's Cross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB15 4YB, United Kingdom. Our telephone number at that address is +44 (0) 1224 618420. Our agent for service of process in the United States is Puglisi & Associates, and its address is 850 Library Avenue, Suite 204, Newark, Delaware 19711. Capital Expenditures We reserve cash from operations for future maintenance capital expenditures, working capital and other matters. Because of the substantial capital expenditures, we are required to make to maintain our fleet, our annual estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are currently $61.0 million per year, which is comprised of $52.3 million for replacing our current vessels at the end of their useful lives and $8.7 million for drydocking maintenance and classification surveys. 41 Table of Contents Access to Information The SEC maintains a website on the Internet that contains reports, proxy, information statements and other information electronically filed via the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system, which may be accessed at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. We maintain a website at www.knotoffshorepartners.com. The information on our website is not part of this Annual Report. B. Business Overview General We were formed to own and operate shuttle tankers under long-term charters. Our primary business objective is to increase quarterly distributions per unit over time by growing our business through accretive acquisitions of shuttle tankers and by chartering our vessels pursuant to long-term charters with high quality customers that generate long-term stable cash flows. The vessels in our current fleet are chartered to Equinor, Transpetro, Repsol, Shell, Vår, Galp, ENI and a subsidiary of KNOT. Our charters have an average remaining term of 2.6 years as of March 19, 2020. Since our IPO, we have increased our quarterly distribution from $0.375 per unit to $0.52 per unit for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. We intend to leverage the relationships, expertise and reputation of KNOT, a leading independent owner and operator of shuttle tankers, to pursue potential growth opportunities and to attract and retain high-quality, creditworthy customers. As of March 19, 2020, KNOT and our general partner owned our general partner interest, all of our incentive distribution rights and 26.5% of our common units. KNOT intends to utilize us as its primary growth vehicle to pursue the acquisition of long-term, stable cash-flow-generating shuttle tankers. Business Strategies Our primary business objective is to increase quarterly distributions per unit over time by executing the following strategies: • • • Pursue strategic and accretive acquisitions of shuttle tankers on long-term, fixed-rate charters. We seek to leverage our relationship with KNOT to make strategic and accretive acquisitions. During the term of the Omnibus Agreement, we have the opportunity to purchase from KNOT any newbuild under a long-term charter or existing shuttle tanker in the KNOT fleet that enters into a long-term charter. Expand global operations in high-growth regions. We seek to expand in proven areas of offshore production, such as the North Sea and Brazil, and in new production areas as they are developed. We believe that KNOT's leading market position, operational expertise and strong customer relationships will enable us to have early access to new production projects worldwide. Manage our fleet and deepen our customer relationships to continue to provide a stable base of cash flows. We intend to maintain and grow our cash flows by focusing on strong customer relationships and actively seeking the extension and renewal of existing charters in addition to new opportunities to serve our customers. KNOT charters its current fleet to a number of the world's leading energy companies. We believe the close relationships that KNOT has with these companies will provide attractive opportunities for us. We continue to incorporate safety, health, security and environmental stewardship into all aspects of vessel design and operation in order to satisfy our customers and comply with national and international rules and regulations. 42 Table of Contents We can provide no assurance, however, that we will be able to implement our business strategies described above. For further discussion of the risks that we face, please read "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors." Shuttle Tanker Market A shuttle tanker is a specialized vessel designed to transport crude oil and condensates from offshore oil field installations to onshore terminals and refineries. Shuttle tankers are equipped with sophisticated loading systems and dynamic positioning systems that allow the vessels to load cargo safely and reliably from oil field installations, even in harsh weather conditions. Shuttle tankers are often described as "floating pipelines," because these vessels typically shuttle oil from offshore installations to onshore facilities in much the same way a pipeline would transport oil along the ocean floor. Shuttle tankers can be either purpose-built or converted from existing conventional oil tankers. The advantages of shuttle tankers as compared to pipelines include: • • • • • the use of shuttle tankers is a more flexible option than pipelines for the transportation of oil from the oil field to onshore terminals and provides destination flexibility for the customers; shuttle tankers provide a more flexible solution to declining production profiles and abandonment as a pipeline has a fixed capacity, whereas shuttle tanker capacity may be adjusted through reduced frequency of calls or reduced number of vessels serving a field; shuttle tanker operators may provide back-up capacity during times when existing transportation infrastructure is closed for maintenance or otherwise unavailable, which would enable uninterrupted production; shuttle tankers require less significant up-front investment than pipelines; and shuttle tankers provide customers the benefit of purchasing unblended crude qualities, whereas pipelines usually provide a blend of different crude qualities as several oilfields may be connected to the same pipeline. A shuttle tanker may load at several fields during one single voyage, but oil from different fields may be kept separated in different compartments onboard. Shuttle tankers primarily differ from conventional oil tankers based on two significant features. First, shuttle tankers are fitted with position-keeping equipment enabling them to remain in a position without the assistance of tugs or mooring to installations. Second, shuttle tankers are equipped with bow-loading equipment and, in some cases, also fitted with equipment for submerged turret loading. Conventional oil tankers load from an offshore field installation usually through a taut hawser (mooring line onboard the discharging unit) operation and/or with tug assistance. In certain cases, dedicated shuttle tanker newbuilds are required to service the specific requirements of oil fields and installations. At times, conventional oil tankers can be converted to shuttle tankers after a substantial upgrade and investment in equipment. 43 Table of Contents Our Fleet The following table provides information about the sixteen shuttle tankers in our fleet as of March 19, 2020: Shuttle Tanker Fortaleza Knutsen Recife Knutsen Bodil Knutsen Windsor Knutsen Carmen Knutsen Hilda Knutsen Torill Knutsen Dan Cisne Dan Sabia Ingrid Knutsen Raquel Knutsen Tordis Knutsen Vigdis Knutsen Lena Knutsen Brasil Knutsen Anna Knutsen Capacity (dwt) 106,316 105,928 157,644 162,362 157,000 123,000 123,000 59,000 59,000 112,000 152,000 156,000 156,000 156,000 154,000 152,000 Built Current Operating Region Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil 2011 2011 2011 2007 2013 2013 North Sea 2013 North Sea 2011 2012 2013 North Sea 2015 2016 2017 2017 2013 2017 Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Brazil Charter Type Charterer Term Bareboat charter Transpetro Bareboat charter Transpetro Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Equinor Shell Repsol ENI ENI Bareboat charter Transpetro Bareboat charter Transpetro Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Time Charter Vår Repsol Shell Shell Shell Galp Galp 2023 2023 2021(1) 2020(2)(3) 2023(1) 2022(1) 2020(1) 2023 2024 2024(4) 2025(5) 2022(6) 2022(6) 2022(6) 2022(7) 2022(7) (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Customer has the option to extend the charter for up to three one-year periods. On December 17, 2018, the Partnership's subsidiary that owns the Windsor Knutsen and Shell agreed to suspend the vessel's time charter contract. The suspension period commenced March 4, 2019 and will end April 3, 2020, when the vessel is expected to be redelivered to Shell. During the suspension period, the Windsor Knutsen has been operating under a time charter contract with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS, on the same terms as the existing time charter contract with Shell Customer has the option to extend the charter for up to four one-year periods. Customer has the option to extend the charter for up to five one-year periods. Customer has the option to extend the charter for up to one three-year period and one two-year period. Customer has the option to extend the charter for up to two five-year periods. Customer has the option to extend the charter for up to two three-year periods. Customers For the year ended December 31, 2019, Shell, ENI, Transpetro, Galp, Repsol, Equinor, Vår and a subsidiary of KNOT accounted for approximately 23%, 16%, 16%, 13%, 13%, 7%, 6% and 6%, respectively, of our revenues. Charters We generate revenues by charging customers for the loading, transportation and storage of their crude oil using the vessels in our fleet. We provide all of these services under time charters and bareboat charters. 44 Table of Contents As of March 19, 2020, twelve of our shuttle tankers are chartered under time charters and four of our shuttle tankers are chartered under bareboat charters. A time charter is a contract for the use of a specified vessel for a fixed period of time at a specified daily rate. Under time charters, the shipowner is responsible for providing crewing and other vessel operating services, the cost of which is included in the daily rate, while the customer is responsible for substantially all of the voyage expenses. A bareboat charter is a contract for the use of a specified vessel for a fixed period of time at a specified daily or annual rate. Under bareboat charters, the shipowner is not responsible for providing crewing or other operational services, while the customer is responsible for all vessel operating expenses and voyage expenses. In addition, bareboat charters also provide that the shipowner is responsible for repairs or renewals occasioned by latent defects in the vessel existing at the time of delivery, provided such defects have manifested themselves within 18 months after delivery. However, under bareboat charters, the customer is responsible for ordinary repair and maintenance, including drydocking. Initial Term; Extensions The initial term for a time charter or bareboat charter commences upon the vessel's delivery to the customer. Our time charters include options, exercisable by the customer, to extend the charter's initial term. Under the time charters, the customer may also extend the term for periods in which the vessel is off-hire, as described below. Customers under each of our time charters and bareboat charters have rights to terminate the charter prior to expiration of the original or any extended term in specified circumstances. Hire Rate Hire rate refers to the basic payment from the customer for the use of the vessel. Under our time charters, the majority of hire rate is payable monthly in advance, in U.S. Dollars. The hire rate payable under our time charters is either a fixed amount for the firm period of the time charter with escalations to be made in case of option periods or increases annually based on a fixed percentage increase or fixed schedule, in order to enable us to offset expected increases in operating costs. Under our time charters, hire rate payments may be reduced if the vessel does not perform to certain of its specifications, such as if the average vessel speed falls below a guaranteed speed or the amount of fuel consumed to power the vessel under normal circumstances exceeds a guaranteed amount. The hire rate payable under our bareboat charters is fixed and payable monthly in advance, in U.S. Dollars. The customer is also required to maintain minimum levels of insurance to protect the interests of the customer, the shipowner and mortgagees, if any. Off-hire Under our time charters, when the vessel is off-hire, or not available for service, the customer generally is not required to pay the hire rate, and the shipowner is responsible for all costs. Prolonged off-hire may lead to a termination of the time charter. A vessel generally will be deemed off-hire if there is a loss of time due to, among other things: • • operational deficiencies; drydocking for repairs, maintenance or inspection; equipment breakdowns; or delays due to accidents, crewing strikes, certain vessel detentions or similar problems; or the shipowner's failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew. Our bareboat charters do not contain provisions for off-hire. 45 Table of Contents Ship Management and Maintenance Under our time charters, the shipowner is responsible for the technical management of the vessel and for maintaining the vessel, periodic drydocking, cleaning and painting and performing work required by regulations. KNOT Management and KNOT Management Denmark provide these services to our subsidiaries for all our vessels under time charters. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions." Under our bareboat charters, the shipowner is not responsible for providing crewing or other operational services and the customer is responsible for all vessel operating expenses and voyage expenses. However, Transpetro has elected to subcontract the technical operation and management of the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Dan Cisne and the Dan Sabia to an affiliate of KNOT. Termination Each of our time charters and bareboat charters terminates automatically if the applicable vessel is lost or missing. In addition, under certain circumstances, the customer may have an option to terminate the time charter if the vessel is requisitioned by any government for a period of time in excess of the time period specified in the time charter or if at any time the shipowner is in default under the time charter. Under the bareboat charters, the charter is deemed terminated as of the date of any compulsory acquisition of the vessel or requisition for title by any governmental or other competent authority. In addition, the shipowner is generally entitled to suspend performance (but with the continuing accrual to its benefit of hire rate payments and default interest) and terminate the charter if the customer defaults in its payment obligations. Under the time charters and bareboat charters, either party may also terminate the charter in the event of war in specified countries. However, under the bareboat charters, in the event of war, hire shall continue to be paid in accordance with the charter until redelivery. In addition, under the bareboat charters, the shipowner has the right to terminate the charter if the customer (1) does not take immediate steps to have the necessary repairs done within a reasonable time or (2) does not arrange and keep certain insurance. Competition The shuttle tanker industry is capital intensive and operational expertise is critical, which create high barriers to entry. The shuttle tanker industry is viewed as an integral part of offshore oil production creating a market with few alternative suppliers and therefore a low risk of substitution. A company with a solid track record, knowledge of the market and an experienced, well-trained crew is preferred to a new entrant since the cost and impact of vessel downtime is significant for the customer. Furthermore, the systems in place for operational procedures, such as offshore loading and vetting, have significant value when negotiating contracts with new and existing customers. According to Fearnresearch, as of March 1, 2020, there were approximately 94 vessels in the world shuttle tanker fleet (including 23 newbuilds on order). KNOT is the largest owner of shuttle tankers with 34 shuttle tankers (including our vessels and 6 newbuilds on order). Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. is the second largest owner in the shuttle tanker market with 29 shuttle tankers (including 5 newbuilds on order). American Eagle Tankers (AET) is the third largest owner of shuttle tankers with 17 vessels (including 12 newbuilds on order). Petrobras, which owns two vessels, employs a total of 27 shuttle tankers (including 7 newbuilds on order) through long-term bareboat and time charters. There are other shuttle tanker owners in the industry, but most of such owners have a limited fleet size and have chartered vessels out for the long term. Classification, Inspection and Maintenance Every large, commercial seagoing vessel must be "classed" by a classification society. The classification society certifies that the vessel is "in class," signifying that the vessel has been built and 46 Table of Contents maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society. In most cases, the classification society is authorized by the flag state to certify that the vessels also comply with applicable rules and regulations of the vessel's country of registry and the international conventions of which that country is a member. In addition, where surveys are required by international conventions and corresponding laws and ordinances of a flag state, the classification society may undertake them on application or by official order, acting on behalf of the authorities concerned. The classification society also undertakes on request other surveys and checks that are required by regulations and requirements of the flag state. These surveys are subject to agreements made in each individual case and/or to the regulations of the country concerned. For maintenance of the class, regular and extraordinary surveys of hull, machinery, including the electrical plant, and any special equipment classed are required to be performed by the classification society as follows: • • • Annual Surveys. For seagoing vessels, annual surveys are conducted for the hull and the machinery, including the electrical plant and where applicable for special equipment classed, at intervals of 12 months from the date of commencement of the class period indicated in the certificate. Intermediate Surveys. Extended annual surveys are referred to as intermediate surveys and typically are conducted two and one-half years after commissioning and each class renewal. Intermediate surveys may be carried out on the occasion of the second or third annual survey. Class Renewal Surveys. Class renewal surveys, also known as special surveys, are carried out for the ship's hull, machinery, including the electrical plant and for any special equipment classed, at the intervals indicated by the character of classification for the hull. At the special survey, the vessel is thoroughly examined, including ultrasonic gauging, in order to determine the thickness of the steel structures. Should the thickness be found to be less than class requirements, the classification society would require steel renewals. Substantial amounts of money may have to be spent for steel renewals to pass a special survey if the vessel experiences excessive wear and tear. In lieu of the special survey every five years, a shipowner has the option of arranging with the classification society for the vessel's hull or machinery to be on a continuous survey cycle, in which every part of the vessel would be surveyed within a five-year cycle. At an owner's application, the surveys required for class renewal may be split according to an agreed schedule to extend over the entire period of class. This process is referred to as continuous class renewal and though we have not exercised this option for our existing vessels, we may do so in the future. All of the vessel's areas subject to survey as defined by the classification society are required to be surveyed at least once per class period, unless shorter intervals between surveys are prescribed elsewhere. The period between two subsequent surveys of each area must not exceed five years. A vessel's underwater parts are required to be inspected every 24 to 36 months by the classification society. Drydocking of vessels is done, at the minimum, every 60 months until the vessel is 15 years old and every 30 months thereafter. If any defects are found, the classification surveyor will issue a condition of class that must be rectified by the shipowner. Most insurance underwriters make it a condition for insurance coverage that a vessel be certified as "in class" by a classification society that is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies. All of our vessels have been awarded International Safety Management certification and are certified as being "in class" by DNV GL or ABS, the Norwegian and American classification societies, respectively. All new and secondhand vessels that we purchase must be certified prior to their delivery under the standard purchase contracts and memoranda of agreement. If the vessel is not certified on the date of closing, we will have no obligation to take delivery of the vessel. 47 Table of Contents KNOT, through certain of its subsidiaries, operates as our ship manager, and carries out inspections of the ships on a regular basis, both at sea and while the vessels are in port, as well as carrying out inspections and ship audits to verify conformity with managers' reports. The results of these inspections result in a report containing recommendations for improvements to the overall condition of the vessel, maintenance, safety and crew welfare. Based in part on these evaluations, we create and implement a program of continual maintenance and improvement for our vessels and their systems. Safety, Management of Ship Operations and Administration Safety and environmental compliance is our top operational priority. Our vessels are operated in a manner intended to protect the safety and health of our employees, the general public and the environment. We actively manage the risks inherent in our business and are committed to eliminating incidents that threaten the safety and integrity of our vessels, such as groundings, fires, collisions and petroleum spills. We are also committed to reducing emissions and waste generation. We have established key performance indicators to facilitate regular monitoring of our operational performance. We set targets on an annual basis to drive continuous improvement, and we review performance indicators monthly to determine if remedial action is necessary to reach our targets. KNOT's shore staff performs a full range of technical, commercial and business development services for us. This staff also provides administrative support to our operations in finance, accounting and human resources. KNOT, through certain of its subsidiaries, assists us and our operating subsidiaries in managing our ship operations. DNV GL, a Norwegian classification society, has approved KNOT's safety management system, which has been implemented on all our ships, as complying with the IMO's International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention (the "ISM Code"), International Standards Organization ("ISO") 9001 for Quality Assurance, ISO 14001 for Environment Management Systems and OHSAS 18001, for Occupational Health and Safety Management System. As part of KNOT's ISM Code compliance, all the vessels' safety management certificates are being maintained through ongoing internal audits performed by KNOT's certified internal auditors and external audits performed by DNV GL or the respective flag state. Subject to satisfactory completion of these internal and external audits, certification is valid for five years. KNOT provides, through certain of its subsidiaries, expertise in various functions critical to the operations of our operating subsidiaries. We believe this arrangement affords a safe, efficient and cost-effective operation. KNOT's subsidiaries also provide to us access to human resources, financial and other administrative functions pursuant to technical management agreements. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Technical Management Agreements." Critical ship management functions that are provided by KNOT or its subsidiaries through various of its offices around the world include: • • • • • • • • technical management, maintenance and dockings; crew management; procurement, purchasing and forwarding logistics; marine operations; vetting, oil major and terminal approvals; shipyard supervision; insurance; and financial services. 48 Table of Contents These functions are supported by onboard and onshore systems for maintenance, inventory, purchasing and budget management. In addition, KNOT's day-to- day focus on cost control is applied to our operations. We believe that the adoption of common standards results in operational efficiencies, including with respect to crew training and vessel management, equipment operation and repair, and spare parts ordering. Risk of Loss, Insurance and Risk Management The operation of any vessel, including shuttle tankers, has inherent risks. These risks include mechanical failure, personal injury, collision, property loss, vessel or cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries or hostilities. In addition, there is always an inherent possibility of marine disaster, including explosion, spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade. We believe that our present insurance coverage is adequate to protect us against the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business and that we maintain appropriate levels of environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage consistent with standard industry practice. However, not all risks can be insured, and there can be no guarantee that any specific claim will be paid, or that we will always be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates. We have obtained hull and machinery insurance on all our vessels to insure against marine and war risks, which include the risks of damage to our vessels, salvage or towing costs, and also insure against actual or constructive total loss of any of our vessels. However, our insurance policies contain deductible amounts for which we are responsible. We have also arranged additional total loss coverage for each vessel. This coverage, which is called hull interest and freight interest coverage, provides us additional coverage in the event of the total loss or the constructive total loss of a vessel. We have also obtained loss of hire insurance to protect us against loss of income in the event one of our vessels cannot be employed due to damage that is covered under the terms of our hull and machinery insurance. Under our loss of hire policies, our insurer will pay us the hire rate agreed in respect of each vessel for each day, in excess of a certain number of deductible days, for the time that the vessel is out of service as a result of damage, for a maximum of 180 days. The number of deductible days for the vessels in our fleet is 14 days per vessel. All of our hull and machinery, hull interest and freight interest and loss of hire insurance policies are written on the Norwegian Marine Insurance Plan ("NMIP"), which through the hull and maintenance coverage also offers comprehensive collision liability coverage of up to the insured hull and maintenance value of the vessel. NMIP is based on an "all risk principle" and offers what is considered to be the most comprehensive insurance obtainable in any of the world's marine markets today. The agreed deductible on each vessel averages $150,000 for the shuttle tankers in our fleet. Protection and indemnity insurance, which covers our third-party legal liabilities in connection with our shipping activities, is provided by a P&I club. This includes third-party liability and other expenses related to the injury or death of crew members, passengers and other third-party persons, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels or from contact with jetties or wharves and other damage to other third-party property, including pollution arising from oil or other substances, and other related costs, including wreck removal. Subject to the capping discussed below, our coverage, except for pollution, is unlimited. Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is $1 billion per vessel per incident. The 13 P&I clubs that comprise the International Group of Protection and Indemnity Clubs insure approximately 90% of the world's commercial tonnage and have entered into a pooling agreement to reinsure each association's liabilities. Each P&I club has capped its exposure in this pooling agreement so that the maximum claim covered by the pool and its reinsurance would be approximately $1 billion per accident or occurrence. We are a member of Norwegian P&I Club Skuld. 49 Table of Contents As a member of these P&I clubs, we are subject to a call for additional premiums based on the clubs' claims record, as well as the claims record of all other members of the P&I clubs comprising the International Group. However, our P&I clubs have reinsured the risk of additional premium calls to limit our additional exposure. This reinsurance is subject to a cap, and there is the risk that the full amount of the additional call would not be covered by this reinsurance. The insurers providing the covers for hull and machinery, hull interest and freight interest, protection and indemnity and loss of hire insurances have confirmed that they will consider the shuttle tankers as vessels for the purpose of providing insurance. We use in our operations KNOT's risk management program that includes, among other things, risk analysis tools, maintenance and assessment programs, a seafarers competence training program, seafarers workshops and membership in emergency response organizations. We benefit from KNOT's commitment to safety and environmental protection as certain of its subsidiaries assist us in managing our vessel operations. KNOT has achieved certification under the standards reflected in ISO 9001 for quality assurance, ISO 14001 for environment management systems and the ISM Code on a fully integrated basis. Environmental and Other Regulation General Our business and the operation of our vessels are significantly affected by international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration. Because these conventions, laws and regulations change frequently, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of compliance or their impact on the resale price or useful life of our vessels. While we believe that we are in substantial compliance with the current environmental laws and regulations that apply to our operations, there is no assurance that such compliance or compliance with amended or newly adopted laws and regulations can be maintained in the future. Additional conventions, laws, and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and that may materially adversely affect our operations. We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to our operations. Subject to the discussion below and to the fact that the kinds of permits, licenses and certificates required for the operations of the vessels we own depend on a number of factors, we believe that we will be able to continue to obtain all permits, licenses and certificates material to the conduct of our operations. International Maritime Organization The IMO is the United Nations' agency responsible for developing measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent marine pollution from ships. IMO regulations relating to pollution prevention for oil tankers have been adopted by many of the jurisdictions in which our tanker fleet operates. Under IMO regulations and subject to limited exceptions, a tanker must be of double-hull construction, a mid-deck design with double-side construction or another approved design ensuring the same level of protection against oil pollution. All of our tankers are double-hulled. Many countries, but not the United States, have ratified and follow the liability regime adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as updated by the 1992 Protocol (the "CLC"). Under this convention, a vessel's registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil (e.g. crude oil, fuel oil, heavy diesel oil or lubricating oil), subject to certain defenses. The right to limit liability to specified amounts that are periodically revised is forfeited under the CLC when the spill is caused by the owner's actual fault or when the spill is caused by the owner's intentional or 50 Table of Contents reckless conduct. Vessels trading to contracting states must provide evidence of insurance covering the limited liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative regimes or common law governs, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or in a manner similar to the CLC. IMO regulations also include SOLAS, including amendments to SOLAS implementing the International Security Code for Ports and Ships (the "ISPS"), the ISM Code and the International Convention on Load Lines of 1966. The IMO Marine Safety Committee has also published guidelines for vessels with dynamic positioning systems, which would apply to shuttle tankers. SOLAS provides rules for the construction of and equipment required for commercial vessels and includes regulations for safe operation. Flag states that have ratified the CLC generally utilize the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance. SOLAS and other IMO regulations concerning safety, including those relating to treaties on training of shipboard personnel, lifesaving appliances, radio equipment and the global maritime distress and safety system, are applicable to our operations. Non-compliance with IMO regulations, including SOLAS, the ISM Code, and the ISPS, or the requirements for shuttle tankers under their flag regulations, may subject us to increased liability or penalties, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to or detention in some ports. For example, the U.S. Coast Guard and EU (the "EU") authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and EU ports. The requirements contained in the ISM Code govern our operations. Among other requirements, the ISM Code requires vessel operators to obtain a safety management certification for each vessel they manage, evidencing the shipowner's development and maintenance of an extensive safety management system. Each of the existing vessels in our fleet is currently ISM Code-certified, and we expect to obtain safety management certificates for each newbuild upon delivery. The International Labour Organization (the "ILO") is a specialized agency of the United Nations with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The ILO has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006 (the "MLC 2006") to improve safety onboard merchant vessels. A Maritime Labor Certificate and a Declaration of Maritime Labor Compliance is required to ensure compliance with the MLC 2006 for all ships above 500 gross tons in international trade. On August 20, 2012, the required number of countries ratified the MCL 2006 and it came into force on August 20, 2013. Each of the existing vessels in our fleet is currently MLC 2006- certified, and we expect to obtain MLC 2006 certificates for each newbuild upon delivery. The IMO has adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships ("MARPOL"), including Annex VI to MARPOL that sets limits on sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances. Annex VI applies to all ships and, among other things, imposes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for specialized areas to be established internationally with even more stringent controls on sulfur emissions. For vessels 400 gross tons and greater, platforms and drilling rigs, Annex VI imposes various survey and air pollution prevention certification requirements. Moreover, Annex VI regulations impose progressively stricter limitations on sulfur emissions from ships. As of January 2, 2015, these limitations required that fuels of vessels in covered Emission Control Areas ("ECAs") contain no more than 0.1% sulfur. For non-ECA areas, the capped sulfur limitations decreased progressively until they reached the global limit of 0.5% applicable on and after January 1, 2020 (generally referred to as IMO 2020). MARPOL Annex VI also establishes new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for new marine engines, depending on their date of installation. All of our vessels are in compliance with these requirements. However, the marine sector accounts for approximately half of the global fuel oil demand and the impact of the increased demand for compliant low sulfur fuels due to IMO 2020 is expected to affect the availability and cost of such fuels and increase our costs of operation. 51 Table of Contents In addition, there are several other regulatory requirements to use low sulfur fuel or restrict or regulate emissions from vessels. The EU Directive 33/2005 requiring the use of low sulfur fuel came into force on January 1, 2010. Under this legislation, vessels are required to burn fuel with sulfur content below 0.1% while berthed or anchored in an EU port. The California Air Resources Board requires vessels to burn fuel with 0.1% sulfur content or less within 24 nautical miles of California as of January 1, 2014. Currently, the only grade of fuel meeting 0.1% sulfur content requirement is low sulfur marine gas oil. All of our vessels are able to comply with applicable low sulfur fuel requirements. The IMO has negotiated international conventions that impose liability for oil pollution and other environmental harms in international waters and the territorial waters of the signatory to such conventions such as the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (the "BWM Convention"). The BWM Convention's implementing regulations call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements (which began in 2009), to be replaced in time with a requirement for mandatory ballast water treatment. The BWM Convention entered into force on September 8, 2017. As referenced below, the U.S. Coast Guard issued ballast water management rules on March 23, 2012. Under the requirements of the BWM Convention for units with ballast water capacity more than 5,000 cubic meters that were constructed in 2011 or before, ballast water management exchange or treatment were accepted until 2016. From 2016 (or not later than the first intermediate or renewal survey after 2016), only ballast water treatment will be accepted by the BWM Convention. Installation of ballast water treatment systems will be needed on our vessels. Although the cost to comply with IMO ballast water treatment regulations for our vessels is difficult to estimate, it is anticipated to be approximately $1.5-$2.0 million per vessel for the Fortaleza Knutsen, Recife Knutsen, Bodil Knutsen, Windsor Knutsen, Carmen Knutsen, Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia. The Anna Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen the Vigdis Knutsen and the Tordis Knutsen have all installed IMO approved ballast water treatment system. The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution 2001 (the "Bunker Convention") provides a liability, compensation and compulsory insurance system to protect and reimburse the victims of oil pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel. The Bunker Convention became effective in 2008 and imposes strict liability on shipowners for certain pollution damage. Registered owners of any seagoing vessel and seaborne craft over 1,000 gross tonnage, of any type whatsoever, and registered in a signatory state (a "State Party"), or entering or leaving a port in the territory of a State Party, will be required to maintain insurance that meets the requirements of the Bunker Convention and to obtain a certificate issued by a State Party attesting that such insurance is in force. The state-issued certificate must be carried onboard at all times. P&I clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunkers Convention "Blue Cards" to enable signatory states to issue certificates. All of our vessels have received "Blue Cards" from their P&I club and are in possession of a CLC State-issued certificate attesting that the required insurance coverage is in force. The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulation may have on our operations. European Union Environmental Regulation of Vessels In waters of the EU, our vessels are subject to regulation EU-level directives implemented by the various nations through laws and regulations adopting these requirements. These laws and regulations prescribe measures to prevent pollution, protect the environment, support maritime safety and set out civil and criminal penalties that are being progressively incorporated into domestic legislation. For instance, the EU has adopted legislation (EU Directive 2009/16/EC) that: bans from EU waters manifestly sub-standard vessels (defined as vessels that have been detained twice by EU port 52 Table of Contents authorities, in the preceding two years, after July 2003); creates obligations on the part of EU member port states to inspect at least 24% of vessels using these ports annually; provides for increased surveillance of vessels posing a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; and provides the EU with greater authority and control over classification societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of negligent societies. If deficiencies are found that are clearly hazardous to safety, health or the environment, the state is required to detain the vessel until the deficiencies are addressed. Member states are also required to implement a system of penalties for breaches of these standards. EU Directive 2009/16/EC introduced a harmonized and coordinated regime for port state control inspections and from January 1, 2011 an on-line register to make public both the poorly performing shipping companies (who will attract more intensive and coordinated inspections) and those with good records. Like the IMO, the EU has adopted regulations phasing out single-hull tankers. All of our tankers are double-hulled. Several regulatory requirements to use low sulfur fuel are in force. See discussion of "low sulfur fuel" regulations above. The EU is currently considering other proposals to further regulate vessel operations. We cannot predict what additional legislation or regulations, if any, may be promulgated by the EU or any other country or authority. The trend, however, is towards increasing regulation and our expectation is that requirements will become more extensive and more stringent over time. If more stringent requirements are put in effect in the future, they may require, individually or in the aggregate, significant expenditures and could increase our operating costs, potentially affecting financial performance. North Sea Environmental Regulation of Vessels Our shuttle tankers currently operate in the North Sea and Brazil. In addition to the regulations imposed by the IMO and the EU, countries having jurisdiction over North Sea areas impose further regulatory requirements on operations in those areas, including Maritime and Coastguard Agency regulations in the United Kingdom and Norwegian Maritime Directorate regulations in Norway. These regulatory requirements, together with additional requirements imposed by operators in North Sea oil fields, require that we make further expenditures for sophisticated equipment, reporting and redundancy systems on the shuttle tankers and for the training of seagoing staff. Additional regulations and requirements may be adopted or imposed that could limit our ability to do business or further increase the cost of doing business in the North Sea. In Norway, the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority requires the installation of volatile organic compound emissions ("VOC") control equipment, on most shuttle tankers serving the Norwegian continental shelf. The license holders of the oil field are responsible for the costs to ensure that shuttle tankers operating in the field are using appropriate VOC control equipment. In recent contracts, the charterers have requested owners to install such equipment against an increase in the hire rate. We have installed the VOC control equipment required to operate on the Norwegian continental shelf in each of the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Windsor Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen. Brazilian Environmental Regulation of Vessels In Brazil, the field operator and in most cases Petrobras where it is involved are required to establish internal procedures to manage pollution risks, which must be approved by the competent environmental authority. Brazilian environmental law includes international treaties and conventions to which Brazil is a party, as well as federal, state and local laws, regulations and permit requirements related to the protection of health and the environment. The petroleum industry in Brazil is subject to extensive regulations by several governmental agencies, including the National Agency of Petroleum, the Brazilian Navy and the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. 53 Table of Contents Legal obligations also include immediately notifying the competent authorities about any incident occurring in our vessels that may cause pollution in waters under the national jurisdiction of Brazil, in addition to the adoption of other required response actions. Failure to comply may subject us to administrative, criminal and civil liability, with strict and joint liability in civil cases. In Brazil, civil liability for environmental pollution aims for the complete recovery of the damage caused to the ecosystem and affected third parties, regardless of the cost involved. United States Environmental Regulation of Vessels In the United States, federal and state laws and regulations that require vessel owners and operators to obtain and maintain specified permits or governmental approvals; control the discharge of materials into the environment; remove and cleanup materials that may harm the environment; and otherwise comply with regulations intended to protect the environment. Vessel operations are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Interior, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, as well as classification societies such as the American Bureau of Shipping. The United States has enacted an extensive regulatory and liability regime for the protection and cleanup of the environment from oil spills, including discharges of oil cargoes, bunker fuels or lubricants, primarily through the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 ("OPA 90") and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA"). OPA 90 and CERCLA. CERCLA applies to the discharge of "hazardous substances" rather than "oil" and imposes strict joint and several liability upon the owners, operators or bareboat charterers of vessels for cleanup costs and damages arising from discharges of hazardous substances. We believe that petroleum products should not be considered hazardous substances under CERCLA, but additives to oil or lubricants used on vessels might fall within its scope. OPA 90 affects all owners, bareboat charterers and operators whose vessels trade to the United States or its territories or possessions or whose vessels operate in U.S. waters, which include the U.S. territorial sea and 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the United States. Under OPA 90, vessel owners, operators and bareboat charterers are "responsible parties" and are jointly, severally and strictly liable (unless the oil spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war and the responsible party reports the incident and reasonably cooperates with the appropriate authorities) for all containment and cleanup costs and other damages arising from discharges or threatened discharges of oil from their vessels. These other damages are defined broadly to include: • • • • • • natural resources damages and the related assessment costs; real and personal property damages; net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, fees and other lost revenues; lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to property or natural resources damage; net cost of public services necessitated by a spill response, such as protection from fire, safety or health hazards; and loss of subsistence use of natural resources. OPA 90 limits the liability of responsible parties in an amount it periodically updates. The liability limits do not apply if the incident was proximately caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations, including IMO conventions to which the United States is a signatory, or by the responsible party's gross negligence or willful misconduct, or if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with the oil 54 Table of Contents removal activities. Liability under CERCLA is also subject to limits unless the incident is caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct or a violation of certain regulations. We currently maintain for each of our vessel's pollution liability coverage in the maximum coverage amount of $1 billion per incident. A catastrophic spill could exceed the coverage available, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations. Under OPA 90, with limited exceptions, all newly built or converted tankers delivered after January 1, 1994 and operating in U.S. waters must be double- hulled. All of our tankers are double-hulled. OPA 90 also requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility in an amount at least equal to the relevant limitation amount for such vessels under the statute. The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented regulations requiring that an owner or operator of a fleet of vessels must demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility in an amount sufficient to cover the vessel in the fleet having the greatest maximum limited liability under OPA 90 and CERCLA. Evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance, guaranty or an alternate method subject to approval by the U.S. Coast Guard. Under the self-insurance provisions, the shipowner or operator must have a net worth and working capital, measured in assets located in the United States against liabilities located anywhere in the world, that exceeds the applicable amount of financial responsibility. We have complied with the U.S. Coast Guard regulations by using self-insurance for certain vessels and obtaining financial guaranties from a third party for the remaining vessels. If vessels in our fleet trade to the United States in the future, we expect to provide guaranties through self-insurance or obtain guaranties from third-party insurers. OPA 90 and CERCLA permit individual U.S. states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil or hazardous substance pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited strict liability for spills. Several coastal states, such as California, Washington and Alaska require state-specific evidence of financial responsibility and vessel response plans. We intend to comply with all applicable regulations in the ports where our vessels call. Owners or operators of vessels, including tankers operating in U.S. waters are required to file vessel response plans with the U.S. Coast Guard, and their tankers are required to operate in compliance with their U.S. Coast Guard approved plans. Such response plans must, among other things: • • • address a "worst case" scenario and identify and ensure, through contract or other approved means, the availability of necessary private response resources to respond to a "worst case discharge;" describe crew training and drills; and identify a qualified individual with full authority to implement removal actions. In addition, we conduct regular oil spill response drills in accordance with the guidelines set out in OPA 90. The U.S. Coast Guard has announced it intends to propose similar regulations requiring certain vessels to prepare response plans for the release of hazardous substances. OPA 90 and CERCLA do not preclude claimants from seeking damages resulting from the discharge of oil and hazardous substances under other applicable law, including maritime tort law. The application of this doctrine varies by jurisdiction. Clean Water Act. The United States Clean Water Act ("CWA") prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances in United States navigable waters unless authorized by a permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for unauthorized discharges. The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages and complements the remedies available under OPA 90 and CERCLA. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") has 55 Table of Contents enacted rules governing the regulation of ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels within U.S. waters. The EPA authorized these incidental discharges pursuant to a permit the EPA designated as the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels (the "VGP"), which incorporated the current U.S. Coast Guard requirements for ballast water management as well as supplemental ballast water requirements, and includes limits applicable to 26 specific discharge streams, such as deck runoff, bilge water and gray water. The EPA updated the VGP in 2013 to incorporate numeric effluent limits for ballast water expressed as the maximum concentration of living organisms in ballast water, as opposed to the prior non-numeric requirements. These requirements correspond with the IMO's requirements under the BWM Convention, as discussed above. The permit also contains maximum discharge limitations for biocides and residuals. The numeric effluent limits took effect under a staggered implementation schedule and do not apply to all vessels. Vessels with deferred deadlines for meeting the numeric standards are required to meet Best Management Practices, which are substantially similar to the requirements under the previous VGP. The VGP includes a tiered requirement for obtaining coverage based on the size of the vessel and the amount of ballast water carried. Vessels that are 300 gross tons or larger and have the capacity to carry more than eight cubic meters of ballast water must submit notices of intent ("NOIs") to receive permit coverage between six and nine months after the permit's issuance date. Vessels that do not need to submit NOIs are automatically authorized under the permit. In December 2018, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act ("VIDA") was signed into law and restructured the EPA and the U.S. Coast Guard programs for regulating incidental discharges from vessels. Rather than requiring CWA permits, the discharges will be regulated under a new CWA Section 312(p) establishing Uniform National Standards for Discharges Incidental to Normal Operation of Vessels. Under VIDA, VGP provisions and existing U.S. Coast Guard regulations will be phased out over a period of approximately four years and replaced with National Standards of Performance ("NSPs") to be developed by EPA and implemented and enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. VIDA requires EPA to develop NSPs for approximately 30 discharges by December 2020. The discharges to be covered are similar to those in 2013 VGP and the NSPs are generally required to be at least as stringent as the requirements of the 2013 VGP. The scheduled expiration date of the 2013 VGP was December 18, 2018, but under VIDA the provisions of the VGP will remain in place until the new regulations are in place. In addition to the requirements in the VGP (to be replaced by the NSPs established under VIDA), vessel owners and operators must meet 25 sets of state- specific requirements under the CWA's § 401 certification process. Because the CWA § 401 process allows tribes and states to impose their own requirements for vessels operating within their waters, vessels operating in multiple jurisdictions could face potentially conflicting conditions specific to each jurisdiction that they travel through. While we do not believe that the costs associated with complying with the existing VGP permits and the NSPs that will be promulgated, including meeting related treatment requirements, will be material, it is difficult to predict the overall impact of CWA requirements on our business at this stage. In addition, state- specific requirements under the CWA's § 401 and any similar restrictions enacted in the future could increase our costs of operating in the relevant waters. National Invasive Species Act ("NISA"). In March 2012, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a final rule establishing standards for the allowable concentration of living organisms in ballast water discharged in U.S. waters and requiring the phase-in of U.S. Coast Guard approved ballast water management systems. The rule went into effect in June 2012 and set ballast water discharge standards for vessels calling on U.S. ports and intending to discharge ballast water equivalent to those set in IMO's BWM Convention. The final rule requires that ballast water discharge have no more than ten living organisms per milliliter for organisms between ten and 50 micrometers in size. For organisms larger than 56 Table of Contents 50 micrometers, the discharge can have no more than ten living organisms per cubic meter of discharge. New ships constructed on or after December 1, 2013 were required to comply with these ballast water treatment standards, with existing ships required to comply by their first drydock after January 1, 2014 or January 1, 2016, depending on size. Clean Air Act. The United States Clean Air Act requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes in regulated port areas and emission standards for so-called "Category 3" marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters. The marine diesel engine emission standards are equivalent to those adopted set forth in Annex VI to MARPOL. Compliance with these standards may cause us to incur costs to install control equipment on our vessels in the future. Trends in Environmental Regulation in the United States. Numerous governmental agencies issue regulations to implement and enforce the laws of the applicable jurisdiction, which often involve lengthy permitting procedures, impose difficult and costly compliance measures, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas, and subject operators to substantial administrative, civil and criminal penalties or may result in injunctive relief for failure to comply. Some of these laws contain criminal sanctions in addition to civil penalties. Changes in environmental laws and regulations occur frequently, and any changes that result in more stringent and costly compliance or limit contract drilling opportunities, including changes in response to a serious marine incident that results in significant oil pollution or otherwise causes significant adverse environmental impact, such as the April 2010 Macondo well blowout incident, could adversely affect our financial results. Although significant capital expenditures may be required to comply with these governmental laws and regulations, such compliance has not materially adversely affected our earnings or competitive position. We believe that we are currently in compliance in all material respects with the environmental regulations to which we are subject. We may also be affected by or subject to permitting and other requirements under a variety of other environmental laws not discussed above, such as the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Greenhouse Gas Regulation In February 2005, the Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the "Kyoto Protocol") entered into force. Pursuant to the Kyoto Protocol, adopting countries are required to implement national programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases ("GHGs"). Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol or to the more recently announced Paris Agreement. On July 15, 2011, the IMO approved mandatory measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from international shipping. The amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL for the prevention of air pollution from ships add a new Chapter 4 to Annex VI on energy efficiency requiring the Energy Efficiency Design Index ("EEDI") for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan ("SEEMP") for all ships. The regulations apply to all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above and are entered into force on January 1, 2013. These rules will likely affect the operations of vessels that are registered in countries that are signatories to Annex VI to MARPOL or vessels that call upon ports located within such countries. The IMO also adopted a mandatory data collection system requirement in October 2016 ("IMO DCS") that requires ships of 5000 gross tonnage and above to record and report their fuel oil consumption, indirectly addressing carbon dioxide emissions data. The requirement was entered into force on March 1, 2018. These requirements could cause us to incur additional compliance costs. 57 Table of Contents The IMO is also considering the development of a market-based mechanism for greenhouse gas emissions from ships. At the October 2016 Marine Environmental Protection Committee ("MEPC") session, the IMO adopted a roadmap for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions. In April 2018, the MEPC adopted an initial strategy designed to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases from vessels, including short-term, mid-term and long-term candidate measures with a vision of reducing and phasing out greenhouse gas emissions from vessels as soon as possible in the 21st Century. The EU has indicated that it intends to implement regulation in an effort to limit emissions of greenhouse gases from vessels if such emissions are not regulated through the IMO. In the United States, the EPA issued an "endangerment finding" regarding greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. While this finding in itself does not impose any requirements on our industry, it authorizes the EPA to regulate directly greenhouse gas emissions through a rule-making process. In addition, climate change initiatives have been or are being considered in the United States Congress and by individual states. In June 2013, the European Commission developed a strategy to integrate maritime emissions into the overall EU strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In accordance with this strategy, in April 2015 the European Parliament and Council adopted regulations (EU Directive 2015/757 or EU MRV Regulation) requiring vessels exceeding 5,000 gross tons using EU ports to monitor, report and verify their carbon dioxide emissions beginning in January 2018, with the first reports due in June 2019. In February 2019, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend the EU MRV Regulation to harmonize the requirements of the EU MRV Regulation and the IMO DCS. Although, at present, the EU MRV Regulation is for monitoring, reporting and verification only, but it is anticipated that in the future the EU may move from requiring reporting of emissions to regulations aimed at reducing them. Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the United States, the EU, Norway, Brazil or other countries where we operate, that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could have a significant financial and operational impact on our business, including requiring us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. For example, the Paris Agreement could lead to increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change. In addition, even without such regulation, our business may be indirectly affected to the extent that climate change results in sea level changes or more intense weather events. Vessel Security Regulation Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there have been a variety of initiatives intended to enhance vessel security. On November 25, 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (the "MTSA"), came into effect in the United States. To implement certain portions of the MTSA, in July 2003, the U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Similarly, in December 2002, amendments to SOLAS created a new chapter of the convention dealing specifically with maritime security. The new chapter came into effect in July 2004 and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities, most of which are contained in the ISPS. The ISPS is designed to protect ports and international shipping against terrorism. After July 1, 2004, to trade internationally, a vessel must maintain an International Ship Security Certificate ("ISSC") from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel's flag state. Among the various requirements are: • onboard installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship's identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; 58 Table of Contents • • • • • onboard installation of ship security alert systems, which do not sound on the vessel but only alert the authorities on shore; the development of vessel security plans; a ship identification number to be permanently marked on a vessel's hull; a continuous synopsis record kept onboard showing a vessel's history, including the name of the ship and of the state whose flag the ship is entitled to fly, the date on which the ship was registered with that state, the ship's identification number, the port at which the ship is registered and the name of the registered owner(s) and their registered address; and compliance with flag state security certification requirements. The U.S. Coast Guard regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from the MTSA vessel security measures provided such vessels have onboard a valid ISSC that attests to the vessel's compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS. KNOT has implemented the various security measures addressed by the MTSA, SOLAS and the ISPS. Legal Proceedings From time to time we have been, and expect to continue to be, subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. These claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. We are not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on us. Taxation of the Partnership Certain of our subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the jurisdictions in which they are organized, conduct business or own assets. We intend that our business and the business of our subsidiaries will be conducted and operated in a manner designed to minimize the tax imposed on us and our subsidiaries. However, we cannot assure this result as tax laws in these or other jurisdictions may change or we may enter into new business transactions relating to such jurisdictions, which could affect our tax liability. Marshall Islands Because we and our subsidiaries do not conduct business, transactions or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, neither we nor our subsidiaries are subject to income, capital gains, profits or other taxation under current Marshall Islands law, other than taxes, fines or fees due to (i) the incorporation, dissolution, continued existence, merger, domestication (or similar concepts) of legal entities registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, (ii) filing certificates (such as certificates of incumbency, merger, or redomiciliation) with the Marshall Islands registrar, (iii) obtaining certificates of good standing from, or certified copies of documents filed with, the Marshall Islands registrar, (iv) compliance with Marshall Islands law concerning record keeping and vessel ownership, such as tonnage tax, or (v) non-compliance with requests made by the Marshall Islands Registrar of Corporations relating to economic substance regulations or our books and records and the books and records of our subsidiaries. As a result, distributions KNOT UK receives from its subsidiary, distributions that such subsidiary receives from the operating subsidiaries, and distributions we receive from KNOT UK, are not expected to be subject to Marshall Islands taxation. 59 Table of Contents United States We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, we are subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent we earn income from U.S. sources or income that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States unless such income is exempt from tax under an applicable treaty or Section 883 of the Code. Because our fleet is owned by subsidiaries resident in Norway, we expect that we qualify for an exemption from U.S. federal income tax on any U.S. source gross transportation income we earn by virtue of the application of the U.S.-Norway Tax Treaty, and we intend to take this position for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Norway We are treated as fiscally transparent for Norwegian tax purposes and expect to organize our affairs and conduct our business in a manner such that we, and our remaining subsidiaries that are not organized under the laws of the Kingdom of Norway, are not subject to a material amount of Norwegian taxes. Our vessel-owning subsidiaries have been organized under the laws of the Kingdom of Norway, and we have elected to be subject to the tonnage tax regime in Norway. Pursuant to this regime, our vessel-owning subsidiaries will be subject to Norwegian tax based upon the net tonnage of their owned vessels rather than income generated from operating the vessels (i.e., operating income), which is tax free. Based upon the net tonnage of our current vessels and the applicable rate of taxation, our Norwegian subsidiaries are liable for approximately $250,000 of Norwegian tonnage tax for the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, under the tonnage tax regime, other income such as net financial income and expense (i.e. income not generated from operating the vessels) is subject to the regular corporate income tax rate. On December 14, 2017, the Norwegian government concluded negotiations with the EFTA Surveillance Authority regarding the Norwegian tonnage tax regime, which has been approved for another ten years until 2027. Pursuant to the approval, Norway has introduced restrictions that eliminate the ability of companies that operate vessels under certain bareboat charters to qualify for the Norwegian tonnage tax regime. Companies that no longer qualify for the Norwegian tonnage tax regime will instead be subject to Norwegian corporate income tax. However, there are no limitations on intra-group bareboat chartering, as well as bareboat charters where crewing services are carried out by a related party. In order to constitute a related party, a minimum of 25% ownership/control is required according to the Norwegian General Taxation Act Section 8-13, paragraph 6. Because KNOT owns more than 25% of our partnership interests and owns 100% of KNOT Management and KNOT Management Denmark (which provide these crewing services to us), our bareboat charters are effectively seen as time charter services to the customer. If this related party situation is ended, other alternatives and possibly mitigating measures would need to be evaluated by the Partnership. The United Kingdom's withdrawal and exit from EU, commonly referred to as "Brexit", took place on January 31, 2020. Even though the U.K. has formally left the EU, it will continue to follow the EU rules and its trading relationship will remain the same during a transition period, which is due to end on December 31, 2020. When the transition period has ended, some of our existing U.K.-flagged vessels may have to be reflagged to a EU or European Economic Area ("EEA") flag in order to meet any future national flag requirements pursuant to the Norwegian tonnage tax regime. Further, when the transition period has ended, the domestic Norwegian legislation for exemption of withholding tax on outbound dividends from KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS to KNOT UK is no longer applicable, as this exemption rule only includes dividend distribution to corporate shareholders within the EEA. However, we expect that dividends from KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS to KNOT UK may still be exempt from withholding tax pursuant to the double tax treaty between Norway and the U.K. 60 Table of Contents United Kingdom Although we are managed and controlled in the United Kingdom, we have obtained confirmation from HM Revenue & Customs that we are treated as a transparent partnership for United Kingdom tax purposes. Accordingly, we are not subject to U.K. tax in our own name, but rather any partners subject to U.K. tax will be taxed on their share of our profits. Our general partner and KNOT UK expect to be a resident of the United Kingdom for taxation purposes subject to tax on ordinary income. Nonetheless, these companies are primarily expected to earn dividend income from our controlled affiliates, which should generally be exempt from United Kingdom taxation under applicable exemptions for distributions from subsidiaries. Employees We directly employ one onshore employee and no seagoing employees. As of December 31, 2019, KNOT employed (directly and through ship managers) approximately 534 seagoing staff to serve on our vessels. KNOT and its affiliates may employ additional seagoing staff to assist us as we grow. KNOT, through certain of its subsidiaries, provides onshore advisory, commercial, technical and operational support to our operating subsidiaries pursuant to the technical management agreements and management and administration agreements. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions." We and KNOT regard attracting and retaining motivated seagoing personnel as a top priority. KNOT offers seafarers competitive employment packages and opportunities for personal and career development, which relates to a philosophy of promoting internally. The officers operating our vessels are engaged on individual employment contracts, and we have entered into collective bargaining agreements that cover substantially all of the sailing personnel that operate the vessels in our current fleet, which are flagged in Norway, the Isle of Man, Malta, Denmark, United Kingdom or the Bahamas. We believe our relationships with these labor unions are good. Our commitment to training is fundamental to the development of the highest caliber of seafarers for our marine operations. KNOT's cadet training approach is designed to balance academic learning with hands-on training at sea. KNOT trains personnel mainly in Norway and the Philippines and at institutions that utilize ship handling, dynamic positioning and cargo handling simulators. After receiving formal instruction at one of these institutions, our seafarers' training continues onboard one of KNOT's vessels. Additional vessel and equipment training and courses are arranged in accordance with our training policies and the training requirements of our charterers. We believe that high-quality crewing and training policies will play an increasingly important role in distinguishing the larger, independent shipping companies with shuttle tanker experience from those that are newcomers and lack experienced, in-house staff and established expertise on which to base their customer service and safety operations. 61 Table of Contents C. Organizational Structure We are a publicly traded limited partnership formed on February 21, 2013. The diagram below depicts our simplified organizational and ownership structure as of March 19, 2020. (1) Each of our vessels are owned by certain vessel-owning subsidiaries. We listed our common units on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") in April 2013 under the ticker symbol "KNOP." We were formed under the law of the Marshall Islands and maintain our principal executive headquarters at 2 Queen's Cross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB15 4YB, United Kingdom. Our 62 Table of Contents telephone number at that address is +44 (0) 1224 618420. Our principal administrative offices are located at 2 Queen's Cross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, AB15 4YB, United Kingdom. A full list of our significant operating and vessel-owning subsidiaries is included in Exhibit 8.1. D. Property, Plants and Equipment Other than the vessels in our current fleet, we do not have any material property. Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments Not applicable. Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects The following should be read in conjunction with "Item 3. Key Information—Selected Financial Data," "Item 4. Information on the Partnership," "Forward- Looking Statements" and the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report. Among other things, those financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information. Our financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP") and are presented in U.S. Dollars. References in this Annual Report to our "initial fleet" refer to the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Windsor Knutsen and the Bodil Knutsen, all of which were contributed to us at or prior to our IPO on April 15, 2013. In August 2013, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Carmen Knutsen . In June 2014, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the companies that own and operate the shuttle tankers, the Hilda Knutsen and the Torill Knutsen . In December 2014, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Dan Cisne . In June 2015, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Dan Sabia . In October 2015, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Ingrid Knutsen . In December 2016, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Raquel Knutsen . In March 2017, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Tordis Knutsen. In June 2017, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Vigdis Knutsen. In September 2017, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Lena Knutsen . In December 2017, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Brasil Knutsen . In March 2018, we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker, the Anna Knutsen . 63 Table of Contents Overview We were formed in February 2013 as a limited partnership under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to own and operate shuttle tankers under long-term charters. Our initial fleet of shuttle tankers was contributed to us by KNOT, a leading independent owner and operator of shuttle tankers. Our current fleet consists of sixteen shuttle tankers. Under the Omnibus Agreement, we have the right to purchase from KNOT any shuttle tankers operating under charters of five or more years. On April 18, 2013, we completed our IPO. In connection with our IPO, we sold 8,567,500 common units to the public, through the underwriters, at a price of $21.00 per unit, and issued to KNOT 8,567,500 subordinated units and all of our incentive distribution rights. On May 18, 2016, all of the subordinated units converted into common units on a one for one basis. As of March 19, 2020, KNOT owned 26.2% of our common units, our general partner and our incentive distribution rights and our general partner owned a 1.85% general partner interest in us and 0.3% of our common units. Significant Developments in 2019 Revolving Credit Facility On June 28, 2019, the Partnership extended the maturity of its unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 million with NTT Finance Corporation. The facility matures in August 2021, bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.8% and has a commitment fee of 0.5% on the undrawn portion of the facility. The commercial terms of the facility are unchanged from the facility entered into in June 2017 with NTT Finance Corporation. Extension and Suspension of Windsor Knutsen Charter On December 17, 2018, the Partnership's subsidiary that owns the Windsor Knutsen and Shell agreed to suspend the vessel's time charter contract. The suspension period commenced March 4, 2019 and will end April 3, 2020, when the vessel is expected to be redelivered to Shell. During the suspension period, the Windsor Knutsen has been operating under a time charter contract with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS, a subsidiary of KNOT, on the same terms as the existing time charter contract with Shell. On July 16, 2019, Shell exercised its option to extend the time charter of the vessel Windsor Knutsen by one additional year until October 2020. Following the extension, Shell has four remaining one-year options to extend the time charter until October 2024. Extension of Bodil Knutsen Charter On October 4, 2019, Equinor exercised its option to extend the time charter of the Bodil Knutsen by one additional year until May 2021. Equinor has three one-year options to extend the time charter until May 2024. Extension of Torill Knutsen Charter On October 17, 2019, Eni exercised its option to extend the time charter of the Torill Knutsen by one additional year until November 2020. Eni has three one- year options to extend the time charter until November 2023. 64 Table of Contents Our Charters We generate revenues by charging customers for the transportation of their crude oil using our vessels. These services are provided under the following basic types of contractual relationships: • • Time charters , whereby the vessels that we operate and are responsible for the crewing of are chartered to customers for a fixed period of time at hire rates that are either fixed for the firm period of the time charter with escalations to be made in case of option periods or that increase annually based on a fixed percentage increase or fixed schedule in order to enable us to offset expected increases in operating costs. Under our time charters, hire rate payments may be reduced if the vessel does not perform to certain of its specifications, such as if the average vessel speed falls below a guaranteed speed or the amount of fuel consumed to power the vessel under normal circumstances exceeds a guaranteed amount, and the customer is generally responsible for any voyage expenses incurred; and Bareboat charters , whereby customers charter our vessels for a fixed period of time at hire rates that are generally fixed, but the customers are responsible for the vessel operation and bear the operating and voyage expenses, including crewing and other operational services. The table below compares the primary features of a time charter and a bareboat charter: Typical charter length Hire rate basis(1) Voyage expenses(2) Vessel operating expenses(2) Off-hire(3) Time Charter Bareboat Charter One year or more Daily Customer pays Owner pays Varies One year or more Daily Customer pays Customer pays Customer typically pays (1) (2) (3) "Hire rate" refers to the basic payment from the charterer for the use of the vessel. Defined below under "—Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts." "Off-hire" refers to the time a vessel is not available for service. Our time charters contain provisions whereby the customer is generally not required to pay the hire rate during off-hire. Our bareboat charters do not contain such provisions. 65 Table of Contents Employment of Our Fleet The following table describes the operations of the vessels in our fleet. Vessel Fortaleza Knutsen Delivered in March 2011. Has operated under a long-term bareboat charter with a subsidiary of Transpetro Description of Historical Operations since delivery. Included in the Partnership's initial fleet. Recife Knutsen Delivered in August 2011. Has operated under a long-term bareboat charter with a subsidiary of Transpetro since delivery. Included in the Partnership's initial fleet. Bodil Knutsen Delivered in February 2011. Completed an interim spot voyage and testing prior to commencing operations under a long-term time charter with Statoil (now Equinor) in May 2011. Included in the Partnership's initial fleet. Windsor Knutsen Delivered in May 2007. Following completion of its retrofitting as a shuttle tanker, operated under a long- term time charter with a subsidiary of Shell from April 2011 until July 2014. From July 2014 operated under a charter with KNOT until the vessel commenced on a long term time charter with a subsidiary of Shell in October 2015. In March 2019, the vessel began operating under a charter with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS that will end in April 2020, when it is expected to be redelivered to Shell. Carmen Knutsen Delivered in January 2013. Has operated under a long-term time charter with a subsidiary of Repsol since delivery. Acquired by the Partnership in August 2013. Hilda Knutsen Delivered in August 2013. Has operated under a long-term time charter with ENI, which commenced on delivery. Acquired by the Partnership in June 2014. Torill Knutsen Delivered in November 2013. Has operated under a long-term time charter with ENI, which commenced on delivery. Acquired by the Partnership in June 2014. Dan Cisne Dan Sabia Ingrid Knutsen Delivered in September 2011. Has operated under a long-term bareboat charter with a subsidiary of Transpetro, which commenced on delivery. Acquired by the Partnership in December 2014. Delivered in January 2012. Has operated under a long-term bareboat charter with a subsidiary of Transpetro, which commenced on delivery. Acquired by the Partnership in June 2015. Delivered in December 2013 and commenced on long-term time charter with Standard Marine Tonsberg, a subsidiary of ExxonMobil in February 2014. Acquired by the Partnership in October 2015. In 2019 Vår Energi AS acquired Standard Marine Tønsberg AS (now Vår Energi Marine AS). Raquel Knutsen Delivered in March 2015 and commenced on long-term time charter with Repsol in June 2015. Acquired by the Partnership in December 2016. Tordis Knutsen Delivered in November 2016 and commenced on long term time charter with a subsidiary of Shell in January 2017. Acquired by the Partnership in March 2017. Vigdis Knutsen Delivered in February 2017 and commenced on long-term time charter with a subsidiary of Shell in April 2017. Acquired by the Partnership in June 2017. Lena Knutsen Delivered in June 2017 and commenced on long term time charter with a subsidiary of Shell in September 2017. Acquired by the Partnership in September 2017. Brasil Knutsen Delivered in May 2013 and commenced on long-term time charter with Galp in June 2015. Acquired by the Partnership in December 2017. Anna Knutsen Delivered in March 2017 and commenced on long term time charter with Galp in May 2017. Acquired by the Partnership in March 2018. 66 Table of Contents Market Overview and Trends As of March 19, 2020, the shuttle tanker market consisted of approximately 94 vessels (including 23 newbuilds on order) characterized by long-term charters with offshore oil producers. Most shuttle tankers operate in the North Sea or offshore Brazil. Demand for shuttle tankers is based on offshore oilfield development and prior to mid-2014, higher oil prices and a positive long-term offshore oil outlook led to increased activity. During 2015-2018, oil companies delayed oil production start-ups in both the North Sea and Brazil. We have seen increased project startups in 2019, and the existing shuttle tanker fleet is aging. Due to the age structure of the fleet and the relatively high number of projects under development, we believe the medium to long-term outlook continues to be positive and tendering activity for new projects is expected in 2020. For 2019, three new shuttle tankers were ordered to operate in Brazil. Oil prices declined significantly in the latter part of 2014 and in 2015 due to an increase in US shale oil production, coupled with increased production from certain OPEC states. Oil prices recovered to a certain degree in 2016 and this continued throughout 2017 and 2018. In 2019, prices were relatively stable, although they have declined significantly in the first quarter of 2020. Although our operations have not yet been impacted by the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus or the recent decline in oil prices, the length and severity of the Coronavirus outbreak and the persistence of a low oil price environment cannot be estimated at this time. Such developments could affect the number of new offshore projects and the overall outlook for the production of oil, which could eventually and in turn impact the demand and pricing for shuttle tankers. The statements in this "Market Overview and Trends" section are forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations and certain material assumptions and, accordingly, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and outcomes to differ materially from those expressed herein. See "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors." Items You Should Consider When Evaluating Our Historical Financial Performance and Assessing Our Future Prospects You should consider the following facts when evaluating our historical results of operations and assessing our future prospects: • • • • The size of our fleet continues to change. Our historical results of operations reflect changes in the size and composition of our fleet due to our acquisitions of the Carmen Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen , the Dan Cisne , the Dan Sabia, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen, the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen . We may enter into different financing agreements. Our financing agreements currently in place may not be representative of the agreements we will enter into in the future. For example, we may amend our existing credit facilities or enter into new financing agreements. For descriptions of our current financing agreements, please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Borrowing Activities." Our results are affected by fluctuations in the fair value of our derivative instruments. The change in fair value of our derivative instruments is included in our net income as our derivative instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. These changes may fluctuate significantly as interest rates fluctuate. Please read Note 10—Derivative Instruments in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. The unrealized gain or losses related to the change in fair value of our derivatives do not impact our cash flows. Our historical results of operations are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. All of the vessels in our fleet are on time charters and bareboat charters with hire rates payable in U.S. 67 Table of Contents • • Dollars. Approximately 64%, 51% and 42% of the vessel operating expenses related to our vessels operating under time charters are denominated in U.S. Dollars and approximately 26%, 27% and 30% of such vessel operating expenses are denominated in Norwegian Kroner ("NOK"), for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The composition of our vessel operating expenses may vary over time depending upon the location of future charters and/or the composition of our crews. All of our financing and interest expenses are also denominated in U.S. Dollars. We anticipate that all of our future financing agreements will also be denominated in U.S. Dollars. We are subject to a one-time entrance tax into the Norwegian tonnage tax regime. Our Norwegian subsidiaries are subject to a one-time entrance tax into the tonnage tax regime due to our acquisition in 2013 of the shares in the subsidiary that owns the Fortaleza Knutsen and the Recife Knutsen and our acquisition in 2017 of the shares in the subsidiary that owns the Lena Knutsen.. The entrance tax arises when the related party seller is taxed under the ordinary tax regime, and the buyer is taxed under the tonnage tax regime. The tax is based on the difference between the market value of the shares and the seller's tax value of the shares as of the date of contribution. The entrance tax on this gain is payable over several years and is calculated by multiplying the Norwegian tax rate by the declining balance of the gain, which will decline by 20% each year. The Norwegian corporate tax rate has been reduced from 24% in 2017 to 23% in 2018 and 22% in 2019. Our historical results of operations reflect income taxes for part of the activities under the ordinary tax regime in Norway. Our Norwegian subsidiaries are subject only to Norwegian tonnage tax rather than a combination of ordinary taxation and tonnage taxation as reflected in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in this Annual Report. Under the tonnage tax regime, the tonnage tax is based on the tonnage of the vessel, and operating income is tax free. Tonnage tax is calculated based on the vessel's net tonnage (in thousands), according to its certificate, multiplied by the days in operation and the applicable dayrate. The net financial income and expense remains taxable as ordinary income tax at the regular corporate income tax rate of 22% for Norwegian subsidiaries subject to the tonnage tax regime. Factors Affecting Our Results of Operations We believe the principal factors that will affect our future results of operations include: • • • • • • • • • our ability to successfully employ our vessels at economically attractive hire rates as long-term charters expire or are otherwise terminated; our ability to maintain good relationships with our existing customers and to increase the number of customer relationships; whether our customers, exercise their options to extend their time charters; the number and availability of our vessels; the level of demand for shuttle tanker services; the hire rate earned by our vessels, unscheduled off-hire days and the level of our vessel operating expenses; the effective and efficient technical management of our vessels; our ability to obtain and maintain major oil and gas company approvals and to satisfy their technical, health, safety and compliance standards; economic, regulatory, political and governmental conditions that affect the offshore marine transportation industry; 68 Table of Contents • • • • • • • • fluctuations in the price of oil; interest rate changes; mark-to-market changes in interest rate swap contracts and foreign currency derivatives, if any; foreign currency exchange gains and losses; our access to capital required to acquire additional vessels and/or to implement our business strategy; increases in crewing and insurance costs; the level of debt and the related interest expense; and the level of any distribution on our common units. Please read "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain risks inherent in our business. Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts when analyzing our performance. These include the following: Time Charter and Bareboat Revenues. The Partnership's time charter contracts include both a lease component, consisting of the lease of the vessel, and non-lease component, consisting of operation of the vessel for the customers. The bareboat element is accounted for as an operating lease on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter, while the service element consisting of the operation of the vessel is recognized over time as the services are delivered. Revenue from time charters is recognized net of any commissions and is not recognized during days a vessel is off-hire. Revenue is recognized from delivery of a vessel to the charterer, until the end of the contract period. Under bareboat charters, the Partnership provides a specified vessel for a fixed period of time at a specified day rate and the Partnership recognizes revenues from bareboat charters as operating leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter, net of any commissions. Revenues are affected by hire rates and the number of days a vessel operates as well as the mix of business between time charters and bareboat charters. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls and agency fees. Voyage expenses are typically paid by the customer under time charters and bareboat charters. Voyage expenses are paid by the shipowner during spot contracts and periods of off-hire and are recognized when incurred. Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oil and communication expenses. Vessel operating expenses are generally paid by the shipowner under time charters and spot contracts and are recognized when incurred. Vessel operating expenses are paid by the customer under bareboat charters. Off-hire. Under our time charters, when the vessel is off-hire, or not available for service, the customer generally is not required to pay the hire rate, and the shipowner is responsible for all costs. Prolonged off-hire may lead to a termination of the time charter. A vessel generally will be deemed off-hire if there is a loss of time due to, among other things, operational deficiencies, drydocking for repairs, maintenance or inspection, equipment breakdowns, delays due to accidents, crewing strikes, certain vessel detentions or similar problems or the shipowner's failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew. Our bareboat charters do not contain provisions for off-hire. We have obtained loss of hire insurance to 69 Table of Contents protect us against loss of income in the event one of our vessels cannot be employed due to damage that is covered under the terms of our hull and machinery insurance. Under our loss of hire policies, our insurer generally will pay us the hire rate agreed in respect of each vessel for each day in excess of 14 days and with a maximum period of 180 days. Drydocking. We must periodically drydock each of our vessels for inspection, repairs and maintenance and any modifications required to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. In accordance with industry certification requirements, we drydock our vessels at least every 60 months until the vessel is 15 years old, after which drydocking takes place at least every 30 months thereafter as required for the renewal of certifications required by classification societies. For vessels operating on time charters, we capitalize the costs directly associated with the classification and regulatory requirements for inspection of the vessels and improvements incurred during drydocking that increase the earnings capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. We expense costs related to routine repairs and maintenance performed during drydocking or as otherwise incurred. For vessels operating on bareboat charters, the customer bears the cost of any drydocking. The number of drydockings undertaken in a given period and the nature of the work performed determine the level of drydocking expenditures. Depreciation. Depreciation on vessels and equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful life of 25 years for the hull and equipment, less an estimated residual value. Drydocking cost is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period until the next planned drydocking takes place. For vessels that are newly built or acquired, an element of the cost of the vessel is allocated initially to a drydock component and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period until the next planned drydocking. When significant drydocking expenditures occur prior to the expiration of this period, we expense the remaining balance of the original drydocking cost in the month of the subsequent drydocking. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Vessels and equipment, vessels under construction and intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long- lived asset or asset group to be tested for possible impairment, we first compare the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. Other Finance Expense. Other finance expense includes external bank fees, financing service fees paid to related parties and guarantee commissions paid to external parties in connection with our debt and other bank services. Revenue Days. Revenue days are the total number of calendar days our vessels were in our possession during a period, less the total number of off-hire days during the period associated with major repairs, or drydockings. Consequently, revenue days represent the total number of days available for the vessel to earn revenue. Idle days, which are days when the vessel is available to earn revenue, yet is not employed, are included in revenue days. We use revenue days to highlight changes in net voyage revenues between periods. Average Number of Vessels. The historical average number of vessels consists of the average number of owned vessels that are in our possession during the periods presented. We use average number of vessels primarily to highlight changes in vessel operating expenses, hire rate expense and depreciation and amortization. 70 Table of Contents Insurance Hull and Machinery Insurance. We have obtained hull and machinery insurance on all our vessels to insure against marine and war risks, which include the risks of damage to our vessels, salvage and towing costs, and also insures against actual or constructive total loss of any of our vessels. However, our insurance policies contain deductible amounts for which we are responsible. We have also arranged additional total loss coverage for each vessel. This coverage, which is called hull interest and freight interest coverage, provides us additional coverage in the event of the total loss or the constructive total loss of a vessel. Loss of Hire Insurance. We have obtained loss of hire insurance to protect us against loss of income in the event one of our vessels cannot be employed due to damage that is covered under the terms of our hull and machinery insurance. Under our loss of hire policies, our insurer will pay us the hire rate agreed in respect of each vessel for each day, in excess of a certain number of deductible days, for the time that the vessel is out of service as a result of damage, for a maximum of 180 days. The number of deductible days for the vessels in our fleet is 14 days per vessel. All of our hull and machinery, hull interest and freight interest and loss of hire insurance policies are written on the NMIP, which through the hull and maintenance coverage also offers comprehensive collision liability coverage of up to the insured hull and maintenance value of the vessel. NMIP is based on an "all risk principle" and offers what is considered to be the most comprehensive insurance obtainable in any of the world's marine markets today. The agreed deductible on each vessel averages $150,000. Protection and Indemnity Insurance. Protection and indemnity insurance, which covers our third-party legal liabilities in connection with our shipping activities, is provided by a P&I club. This includes third-party liability and other expenses related to the injury or death of crew members, passengers and other third-party persons, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels or from contact with jetties or wharves and other damage to other third-party property, including pollution arising from oil or other substances, and other related costs, including wreck removal. Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage is unlimited, except for pollution, which is limited to $1 billion per vessel per incident. Customers In the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, revenues from the following customers accounted for over 10% of our revenues: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Eni Trading and Shipping S.p.A. Fronape International Company, a subsidiary of Petrobras Transporte S.A. Equinor Shipping Inc, a subsidiary of Equinor ASA Repsol Sinopec Brasil, B.V., a subsidiary of Repsol Sinopec Brasil, S.A. Brazil Shipping I Limited, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Galp Sinopec Brasil Services BV 2019 $ 44,610 Year Ended December 31, 2018 16% $ 43,955 2017 16% $ 46,441 45,116 20,728 36,346 66,199 35,541 16% 7% 45,115 23,426 17% 8% 45,115 23,189 13% 23% 13% 36,978 81,816 30,029 13% 29% 11% 28,129 51,259 734 22% 21% 11% 13% 24% 1% 71 Table of Contents A. Operating Results Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2018 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Time charter and bareboat revenues Loss of hire insurance recoveries Other income Vessel operating expenses Depreciation General and administrative expenses Interest income Interest expense Other finance expense Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments Net gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions Income tax benefit (expense) Net income Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 Change % Change $ 282,502 $ 278,191 $ — 59 60,129 89,844 4,858 865 50,735 845 (17,797) (252) (9) 58,957 450 815 56,730 88,756 5,290 739 49,956 1,260 4,039 (79) 2 82,165 4,311 (450) (756) 3,399 1,088 (432) 126 779 (415) (21,836) 173 (11) (23,208) 2% –100% –93% 6% 1% –8% 17% 2% –33% –541% 219% –550% –28% Time Charter and Bareboat Revenues. Time charter and bareboat revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $282.5 million, an increase of $4.3 million compared to $278.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was mainly due to increased revenues of $3.0 million resulting from the Anna Knutsen being included in our results of operations from March 1, 2018, and full earnings from the Brasil Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen due to planned drydocking in 2018. The increase was partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in time charter revenues from the Bodil Knutsen due to its reduced daily rate from May 2019 when the vessel began operating under its new time charter option and by decrease in time charter revenues for the Raquel Knutsen due to 18 days of off-hire in the fourth quarter of 2019 due to her mobilization to Europe for scheduled drydocking in the first quarter of 2020. Loss of hire insurance recoveries. Loss of hire insurance recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $nil compared to $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The recoveries were related to a technical default with Carmen Knutsen's controllable pitch propeller which was found when the vessel undertook her 5-years special survey drydocking during the fourth quarter of 2017. As a result, the vessel went to a different yard to complete the repair. Repairs were completed, and the vessel was back on hire on January 1, 2018. Under our loss of hire polices, our insurer paid us the hire rate under the time charter in respect of the vessel for each day, in excess of 14 deductible days, for the time that the vessel was of service as a result of the damage. Other Income. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $59,000, a decrease of $0.8 million compared to $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to guarantee income from KNOT related to the Windsor Knutsen, which ended in April 2018. Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $60.1 million, an increase of $3.4 million from $56.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was primarily due to (i) an increase of $0.8 million from the Anna Knutsen being included in the results of operations for a full year in 2019 compared to ten months in 2018 and (ii) an increase of $2.1 million related to the insurance claim and drydocking of the Carmen Knutsen in 2018. The increase was partially offset by reduced operating expenses related to bunkers consumption in connection with the drydocking of the Brasil Knutsen in the end of the first quarter of 2018. 72 Table of Contents Depreciation. Depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $89.8 million, an increase of $1.0 million from $88.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was mainly due to the Anna Knutsen being included in results of operations from March 1, 2018 and increased depreciation for the Ingrid Knutsen due to drydock additions. General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 were $4.9 million, compared to $5.3 million for 2018. The decrease is mainly due to lower activity in 2019 compared to 2018, when we incurred additional incremental expenses in connection with the acquisition of the Anna Knutsen. Interest Income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.9 million compared to $0.7 million for 2018. Interest Expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $50.7 million, an increase of $0.8 million from $50.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was mainly due to additional debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of the Anna Knutsen in March 2018 and higher LIBOR rate on average for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018. Other Finance Expense. Other finance expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.8 million, a decrease of $0.5 million from $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Other finance expenses are primarily related to bank fees and guarantee commissions. Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments. Realized and unrealized loss on derivative instruments for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $18.7 million, compared to a gain of $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as set forth in the table below: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Realized gain (loss): Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Total realized gain (loss): Unrealized gain (loss): Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Total unrealized gain (loss): Total realized and unrealized gain (loss) on deriviative instruments: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 $ Change $ 3,812 $ (2,933) 879 1,180 $ 1,084 2,264 2,632 (4,017) (1,385) (20,663) 1,987 (18,676) $ (17,797) $ (25,092) 4,429 4,641 (2,654) 1,775 (20,451) 4,039 $ (21,836) The unrealized non-cash element of the mark-to-market loss was $18.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the unrealized non-cash element of the mark-to-market gain of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Of the unrealized loss for the year ended December 31, 2019, $20.7 million is related to mark-to-market loss on interest rate swaps due to an increase in swap rates during the year, and an unrealized gain of $2.0 million related to foreign exchange contracts due to strength of the U.S Dollar against the Norwegian Kroner (NOK). Net Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Transactions. Net loss on foreign currency transactions for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $0.3 million, compared to $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. 73 Table of Contents Income Tax Benefit (Expense) Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2019 was $9,000 compared to an income tax benefit of $2,000 for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we earned net income of $59.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to net income of $82.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2017 See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2017" in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2018 (our "2018 20-F") for a discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to the year ended December 31, 2017 and other financial information related to the year ended December 31, 2017. B. Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity and Cash Needs We operate in a capital-intensive industry, and we expect to finance the purchase of additional vessels and other capital expenditures through a combination of borrowings from commercial banks, cash generated from operations and debt and equity financings. In addition to paying distributions, our other liquidity requirements relate to servicing our debt, funding investments (including the equity portion of investments in vessels), funding working capital and maintaining cash reserves against fluctuations in operating cash flows. We believe our current resources are sufficient to meet our working capital requirements for our current business. Generally, our long-term sources of funds are cash from operations, long-term bank borrowings and other debt and equity financings. Because we distribute our available cash, we expect to rely upon external financing sources, including bank borrowings and the issuance of debt and equity securities, to fund acquisitions and other expansion capital expenditures. Our funding and treasury activities are intended to maximize investment returns while maintaining appropriate liquidity. Cash and cash equivalents are held primarily in U.S. Dollars with some balances held in NOK, British Pounds and Euros. We have not made use of derivative instruments other than for interest rate and currency risk management purposes, and we expect to continue to economically hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations in the future by entering into new interest rate swap contracts. We estimate that we will spend in total approximately $47.2 million for drydocking and classification surveys for the twelve vessels under time charters in our fleet as of December 31, 2019 between 2020 and 2024. As our fleet matures and expands, our drydocking expenses will likely increase. Ongoing costs for compliance with environmental regulations are primarily included as part of our drydocking and society classification survey costs or are a component of our vessel operating expenses. We are not aware of any regulatory changes or environmental liabilities that we anticipate will have a material impact on our current or future operations. There will be further costs related to voyages to and from the drydocking yard that will depend on the distance from the vessel's ordinary trading area to the drydocking yard. On June 28, 2019, the Partnership extended the maturity of its unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 million with NTT Finance Corporation. The facility matures in August 2021, bears interest at LIBOR plus 1.8% and has a commitment fee of 0.5% on the undrawn portion of the facility. The commercial terms of the facility are unchanged from the facility entered into in June 2017 with NTT Finance Corporation. 74 Table of Contents As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership had available liquidity of $72.2 million, which consisted of cash and cash equivalents of $43.5 million and availability under the revolving credit facilities of $28.7 million. As of March 19, 2020, the revolving credit facilities had an aggregate undrawn capacity of $28.7 million. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Partnership will continue as a going concern. As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership's net current liabilities were $51.2 million. Included in current liabilities are short term loan obligations that mature before December 31, 2020 and are therefore, presented as current debt. The Partnership expects that its primary future sources of funds will be available cash, cash from operations, borrowings under any new loan agreements and the proceeds of any equity financings. The Partnership believes that these sources of funds (assuming the current rates earned from existing charters) will be sufficient to cover operational cash outflows and ongoing obligations under the Partnership's financing commitments to pay loan interest and make scheduled loan repayments and to make distributions on its outstanding units. Accordingly, the Partnership believes that its current resources, including amounts available to be drawn under the revolving credit facilities of $28.7 million, are sufficient to meet working capital requirements for its current business for at least the next twelve months. Capital Expenditures We reserve cash from operations for future maintenance capital expenditures, working capital and other matters. Because of the substantial capital expenditures we are required to make to maintain our fleet, our annual estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are $61.0 million, which is comprised of $52.3 million for replacing our current vessels at the end of their useful lives and $8.7 million for drydocking maintenance and classification surveys. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our net cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities and our cash and cash equivalents for the periods presented: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period Year Ended December 31, 2019 165,692 $ $ — (163,849) (30) 1,813 41,712 43,525 2017 2018 148,646 $ 154,585 (94,857) (15,493) (41,378) (137,376) 90 (169) 18,440 (4,392) 27,664 46,104 46,104 41,712 Year Ended December 31, 2019 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2018 Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $17.0 million to $165.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $148.6 million for year ended December 31, 2018. The increase was mainly due to higher earnings from the Anna Knutsen being included in the results of operations 75 Table of Contents from March 1, 2018, reduced drydocking expenditures in 2019 compared to 2018 and increase in working capital elements. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities was $0 for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Net cash used in investing activities per year ended December 31, 2019 decreased compared to the year ended December 31, 2018 because we had no vessel acquisitions during 2019. Net Cash Used in Financing Activities Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019 was $163.8 million and mainly related to the following: • • Repayment of long-term debt of $84.5 million; and Payment of cash distributions to unitholders of $79.3 million, of which $7.2 million was distributions to Series A Preferred Units. Net cash used in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $137.4 million and mainly related to the following: • • • Proceeds of $100 million from the refinancing of the Torill Knutsen ; Proceeds of $320 million from the multi-vessel refinancing of the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen, the Windsor Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen; and Proceeds from drawdowns under the two revolving credit facilities of $77.8 million, of which $22 million was repaid during 2018. The total limit of $80 million on the two credit facilities was drawn down and repaid several times during 2018. This was offset by the following: • • • • Repayment of long-term debt of $528.0 million, of which $73.2 million was repaid in connection with refinancing of the Torill Knutsen and $341.9 was repaid in connection with the multi-vessel refinancing of the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen, the Windsor Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen; Payments of $5.3 million in debt issuance costs in relation to the refinancing of the Torill Knutsen and the multi-vessel refinancing of the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen, the Windsor Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen ; Repayments of long-term debt from related parties of $22.5 million; and Payment of cash distributions to unitholders of $79.3 million, of which $7.2 million was distributions to Series A Preferred Units. Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared with the Year Ended December 31, 2017 See "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows" in our 2018 20-F for a discussion of changes in our cash flows from 2017 to 2018 and other financial information related to 2017. 76 Table of Contents Borrowing Activities Long-Term Debt. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our long-term debt consisted of the following: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) $320 million loan facility $55 million revolving credit facility Hilda loan facility Torill loan facility $172.5 million loan facility Raquel loan facility Tordis loan facility Vigdis loan facility Lena loan facility Brasil loan facility Anna loan facility $25 million revolving credit facility Total long-term debt Less: current installments Less: unamortized deferred loan issuance costs Current portion of long-term debt Amounts due after one year Less: unamortized deferred loan issuance costs Long-term debt, less current installments, and unamortized deferred loan issuance costs Vessel Windsor Knutsen, Bodil Knutsen, Carmen Knutsen, Fortaleza Knutsen, Recife Knutsen, Ingrid Knutsen Hilda Knutsen Torill Knutsen Dan Cisne, Dan Sabia Raquel Knutsen Tordis Knutsen Vigdis Knutsen Lena Knutsen Brasil Knutsen Anna Knutsen December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 282,360 26,279 84,615 88,333 70,739 57,955 80,931 82,196 80,850 57,281 66,274 25,000 1,002,813 85,945 2,492 83,453 916,868 4,925 312,472 26,279 90,769 95,000 81,839 63,184 85,991 87,256 85,750 63,454 70,353 25,000 1,087,347 109,534 2,608 106,926 977,813 7,448 $ 911,943 $ 970,365 The Partnership's outstanding debt of $1,002.8 million as of December 31, 2019 is repayable as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 and thereafter Total Period repayment Balloon repayment 85,945 86,545 71,210 55,535 13,873 1,307 314,415 $ — 95,811 236,509 202,185 123,393 30,500 688,398 $ As of December 31, 2019, the interest rates on the Partnership's loan agreements were LIBOR plus a fixed margin ranging from 1.8% to 2.4%. See Note 2(f) —Financial Income (Expense) in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. 77 ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Table of Contents $320 Million Term Loan Facility and $55 Million Revolving Credit Facility In September 2018, the Partnership's subsidiaries which own the Windsor Knutsen , the Bodil Knutsen , the Fortaleza Knutsen , the Recife Knutsen , the Carmen Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen ("the Vessels"), entered into new senior secured credit facilities (the "Multi-vessels Facility") in order to refinance their existing long term bank debt. The Multi-vessels Facility consists of a term loan of $320 million and a $55 million revolving credit facility. The term loan is repayable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments, with a final payment at maturity in September 2023 of $177 million, which includes the balloon payment and last quarterly installment. The term loan bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.125%. The revolving credit facility will mature in September 2023, and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.125%. There is a commitment fee of 0.85% payable on the undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility. The loans are guaranteed by the Partnership and secured by mortgages on the Vessels. The Vessels, assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Multi-vessel facility. The Partnership and the borrowers (except for the Partnership subsidiary that owns the Recife Knutsen and the Fortaleza Knutsen) are guarantors, and the Multi-vessels Facility is secured by vessel mortgages on the Windsor Knutsen , the Bodil Knutsen , the Fortaleza Knutsen , the Recife Knutsen , the Carmen Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen. The Multi-vessels Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • The aggregate market value of the Vessels shall not be less than 125% of the outstanding balance under the Multi-vessels Facility; Positive working capital of the borrowers and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 12 additional vessels in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Multi-vessels Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrowers and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Hilda Loan Facility In May 2017, the Partnership's subsidiary, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS, which owns the vessel Hilda Knutsen , entered into a new $100 million senior secured term loan facility with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (Hong Kong) Limited (the "New Hilda Facility"). The New Hilda Facility replaced the $117 million loan facility, which was due to be paid in full in August 2018. The New Hilda Facility is repayable in 28 consecutive quarterly installments with a final payment at maturity of $58.5 million, which includes the balloon payment and last quarterly installment. The New Hilda Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.2%. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The facility matures in May 2024. 78 Table of Contents The Hilda Facility contains the following primary financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Hilda Knutsen shall not be less than 110% of the outstanding balance under the Hilda Facility for the first two years, 120% for the third and fourth year, and 125% thereafter; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1 million for each additional vessel acquired by the Partnership in excess of eight vessels and $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Hilda Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Torill Loan Facility In January 2018, the Partnership's subsidiary, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS, which owns the vessel Torill Knutsen , entered into a new $100 million senior secured term loan facility (the "Torill Facility") with a consortium of banks, in which The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ acted as agent. The Torill Facility replaced a $117 million secured loan facility, which was due to be paid in full in October 2018. The Torill Facility is repayable in 24 consecutive quarterly installments with a balloon payment of $60.0 million due at maturity. The Torill Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.1%. The facility will mature in January 2024 and is guaranteed by the Partnership. The Torill Facility contains the following primary financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Torill Knutsen shall not be less than 110% of the outstanding balance under the Torill Facility for the first two years, 120% for the third and fourth years, and 125% thereafter; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Torill Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantor were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. $172.5 Million Secured Loan Facility In April 2014, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS, the subsidiaries owning the Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia , as the borrowers, entered into a $172.5 million senior secured loan facility. In connection with the Partnership's acquisition of the Dan Cisne , in December 2014, the 79 Table of Contents $172.5 million senior secured loan facility was split into a tranche related to the Dan Cisne (the "Dan Cisne Facility") and a tranche related to Dan Sabia (the "Dan Sabia Facility"). The Dan Cisne Facility and the Dan Sabia Facility are guaranteed by the Partnership and secured by a vessel mortgage on the Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia . The Dan Cisne Facility and the Dan Sabia Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.4% and are repayable in semiannual installments with a final balloon payment due at maturity in September 2023 and January 2024, respectively. The Dan Cisne Facility and Dan Sabia Facility contain the following financial covenants: • • • Market value of each of the Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia shall not be less than 100% of the outstanding balance under the Dan Cisne Facility and Dan Sabia Facility, respectively, for the first three years, and 125% thereafter; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1 million for each additional vessel acquired by the Partnership in excess of eight vessels and $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract; and Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%. The facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrowers and the guarantor were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Raquel Loan Facility In December 2014, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS, the subsidiary owning the Raquel Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility in an aggregate amount of $90.0 million (the "Raquel Facility"). The Raquel Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $30.5 million due at maturity in March 2025. The Raquel Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Raquel Knutsen . The Raquel Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Raquel Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Raquel Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • Market value of the Raquel Knutsen shall not be less than 100% of the of the outstanding balance under the Raquel Facility for the first three years, and 125% thereafter; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1 million for each additional vessel acquired by the Partnership in excess of eight vessels and $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract; and Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%. The Raquel Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Tordis Loan Facility In April 2015, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, the subsidiary owning the Tordis Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Tordis Facility"). As of the time of the acquisition of the Tordis Knutsen on March 1, 2017, the aggregate amount outstanding under the facility was 80 Table of Contents $114.4 million. The Tordis Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $70.8 million due at maturity in November 2021. The Tordis Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.9%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Tordis Knutsen . The Tordis Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Tordis Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Tordis Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Aggregate market value of the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen and the Lena Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Tordis Facility, the Vigdis Facility and the Lena Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Tordis Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Vigdis Loan Facility In April 2015, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, the subsidiary owning the Vigdis Knutsen, as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Vigdis Facility"). The Vigdis Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $70.8 million due at maturity in February 2022. The Vigdis Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.9%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Vigdis Knutsen . The Vigdis Knutsen, assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Vigdis Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Vigdis Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Aggregate market value of the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen and the Lena Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Tordis Facility, the Vigdis Facility and the Lena Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Vigdis Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. 81 Table of Contents As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Lena Loan Facility In April 2015, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, the subsidiary owning the Lena Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Lena Facility"). The Lena Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $68.6 million due at maturity in June 2022. The Lena Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.9%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Lena Knutsen . The Lena Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Lena Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Lena Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Aggregate market value of the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen and the Lena Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Tordis Facility, the Vigdis Facility and the Lena Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Lena Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Brasil Loan Facility In June 2017, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS, the subsidiary owning the Brasil Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Brasil Facility"). The Brasil Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $40.0 million due at maturity in July 2022. The Brasil Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Brasil Knutsen . The Brasil Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Brasil Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Brasil Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • Market value of the Brasil Knutsen shall not be less than 125% of the of the outstanding balance under the Brasil Facility for the first four years, and 135% thereafter; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to a total of eight (8) vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to a total of twelve (12) vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and 82 Table of Contents • Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Brasil Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Anna Loan Facility In September 2016, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS, the subsidiary owning the Anna Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Anna Facility"). The Anna Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $57.1 million due at maturity in March 2022. The Anna Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Anna Knutsen . The Anna Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Anna Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Anna Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Anna Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Anna Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Anna Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. $25 Million Revolving Credit Facility In June, 2019, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS extended the maturity of its unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 million with NTT Finance Corporation. The facility matures in August 2021, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.8% and has a commitment fee of 0.5% on the undrawn portion of the facility. The commercial terms of the facility are unchanged from the facility entered into in June 2017 with NTT Finance Corporation. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities We use derivative instruments to reduce the risks associated with fluctuations in interest rates. We have a portfolio of interest rate swap contracts that exchange or swap floating rate interest to fixed rates, which, from a financial perspective, hedges our obligations to make payments based on floating interest rates. As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership's net exposure to floating interest rate fluctuations on its outstanding debt was approximately $397.5 million based on total interest-bearing debt outstanding of $1,002.8 million, less interest rate swaps of $561.8 million, less cash and cash equivalents of $43.5 million. Our interest rate swap contracts mature between July 2020 and August 2027. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, we will receive from the counterparty 83 Table of Contents interest on the notional amount based on three-month and six-month LIBOR and will pay to the counterparty a fixed rate. For the interest rate swap agreements above, we will pay to the counterparty a weighted average interest rate of 1.87%. We enter into foreign exchange forward contracts in order to manage our exposure to the risk of movements in foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. As of December 31, 2019, the total contract amount in foreign currency of our outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts that were entered into to economically hedge our outstanding future payments in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar was NOK 46.1 million. We do not apply hedge accounting for derivative instruments. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the Partnership's consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities. We base these estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on various other information and assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. Our critical accounting estimates are important to the portrayal of both our financial condition and results of operations and require us to make subjective or complex assumptions or estimates about matters that are uncertain. Significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. We believe that the following are the critical accounting estimates used in the preparation of our Partnership's consolidated financial statements. In addition, there are other items within the Partnership's consolidated financial statements that require estimation. Vessel Lives and Impairment Description. The carrying value of vessels and equipment represent its historical acquisition or construction cost, including capitalized interest, supervision and technical and delivery cost, net of accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. Expenditures for subsequent conversions and major improvements are capitalized, provided that such costs increase the earnings capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. We depreciate the original cost, less an estimated residual value, of our vessels on a straight-line basis over each vessel's estimated useful life. Depreciation on our shuttle tankers is calculated using an estimated useful life of 25 years, commencing at the date the vessel was originally delivered from the shipyard. However, the actual life of a vessel may be different than the estimated useful life, with a shorter actual useful life resulting in an increase in the depreciation and potentially resulting in an impairment loss. The estimated useful life of our vessels takes into account design life, commercial considerations and regulatory restrictions. The carrying value of our vessels may not represent their market value at any point in time, because the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in hire rates and the cost of newbuilds. We review vessels and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, which occurs when the asset's carrying value is greater than the future undiscounted cash flows the asset is expected to generate over its remaining useful life. For a vessel under charter, the discounted cash flows from that vessel may exceed its market value, as market values may assume the vessel is not employed on an existing charter. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of an asset exceed the asset's carrying value, no impairment is recognized even though the fair value of the asset may be lower than its carrying value. If the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of an asset are less than the asset's carrying value and the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying value, the asset is written down to its fair value. Fair value may be determined through various valuation techniques but is generally calculated as the net present value of estimated future cash flows. 84 Table of Contents Our business model is to employ our vessels on fixed-rate charters with major energy companies. These charters typically have original terms between five to ten years in length. Consequently, while the market value of a vessel may decline below its carrying value, the carrying value of a vessel may still be recoverable based on the future undiscounted cash flows the vessel is expected to obtain from servicing its existing and future charters. Judgments and Uncertainties. Our estimates of future cash flows involve assumptions about future hire rates, vessel utilization, operating expenses, drydocking expenditures, vessel residual values and the remaining estimated life of our vessels. Our estimated hire rates are based on rates under existing vessel charters and market rates at which we expect we can re-charter our vessels. Our estimates of vessel utilization, including estimated off-hire time and the estimated amount of time our shuttle tankers may spend operating in the spot market when not being used in their capacity as shuttle tankers, are based on historical experience of KNOT and our projections of future shuttle tanker voyages. Our estimates of operating expenses and drydocking expenditures are based on historical operating and drydocking costs of KNOT and our expectations of future cost and operating requirements. Vessel residual values are a product of a vessel's lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate. The remaining estimated lives of our vessels used in our estimates of future cash flows are consistent with those used in the calculation of depreciation. Certain assumptions relating to our estimates of future cash flows are more predictable by their nature in our experience, including estimated revenue under existing charter terms, ongoing operating costs and remaining vessel lives. Certain assumptions relating to our estimates of future cash flows require more discretion and are inherently less predictable, such as future hire rates beyond the firm period of existing charters and vessel residual values, due to factors such as the volatility in hire rates and vessel residual values. We believe that the assumptions used to estimate future cash flows of our vessels are reasonable at the time they are made. We can make no assurances, however, as to whether our estimates of future cash flows, particularly future hire rates or vessel residual values, will be accurate. Effect If Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. If we conclude that a vessel or equipment is impaired, we recognize a loss in an amount equal to the excess of the carrying value of the asset over its fair value at the date of impairment. The fair value at the date of the impairment becomes the new cost basis and will result in a lower depreciation expense than for periods before the vessel or equipment impairment. Vessel Market Values In "—Vessel Lives and Impairment" above, we discuss our policy for assessing impairment of the carrying value of our vessels. During the past few years, the market values of certain vessels in the worldwide fleet have experienced particular volatility, with substantial declines in many vessel classes. There is a future risk that the sale value of certain of our vessels could decline below those vessels' carrying value, even though we would not impair those vessels' carrying value under our accounting impairment policy, due to our belief that future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by such vessels over their operating lives would exceed such vessels' carrying value. In connection with monitoring compliance with our credit facilities and as a general business matter, we periodically monitor the market value of our vessels, including obtaining various broker valuations as of specific dates. We generally do not include the impact of market fluctuations in vessel prices in our financial statements. We do, however, monitor our business and assets on a regular basis for potential asset impairment as described above. The total carrying value of our vessels was $1,677 million as of December 31, 2019. With respect to the vessels, based on broker valuations as of December 31, 2019 on a charter free basis, we believe the aggregate market value of these vessels was less than their aggregate carrying value as of that date. We believe the aggregate amount of this deficit as of December 31, 2019 for the vessels was approximately $130 million. These vessels do, however, have fixed rate charter contracts. We did not identify any impairment indicators for our vessels as of 85 Table of Contents December 31, 2019, and accordingly, we have not performed an undiscounted cash flow test or recorded impairment charges. Drydocking Description. We drydock each of our vessels periodically for inspection, repairs and maintenance and for any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. For vessels operating on time charters, we capitalize the costs directly associated with the classification and regulatory requirements for inspection of the vessels, major repairs and improvements incurred during drydocking that increase the earnings capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. Drydocking cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the period until the next planned drydocking. We expense costs related to routine repairs and maintenance performed during drydocking or as otherwise incurred. For vessels that are newly built or acquired, an element of the cost of the vessel is allocated initially to a drydock component and amortized on a straight-line basis over the period until the next planned drydocking. When significant drydocking expenditures occur prior to the expiration of this period, we expense the remaining unamortized balance of the original drydocking cost in the month of the subsequent drydocking. For vessels operating on bareboat charters, the charterer bears the cost of any drydocking. Judgments and Uncertainties. Amortization of capitalized drydock expenditures requires us to estimate the period of the next drydocking or estimated useful life of drydock expenditures. While we typically drydock our vessels every 60 months until the vessel is 15 years old and every 30 months thereafter, we may drydock the vessels at an earlier date. Effect if Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. A change in our estimate of the useful life of a drydock will have a direct effect on our amortization of drydocking expenditures. Purchase Price Allocation, Including Goodwill and Intangible Assets Description. We allocate the cost of acquired companies to the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired, with the remaining amount being classified as goodwill. Certain intangible assets, such as above-market contracts, are being amortized over time. Our future operating performance will be affected by the amortization of intangible assets and potential impairment charges related to goodwill or intangible assets. Accordingly, the allocation of purchase price to intangible assets and goodwill may significantly affect our future operating results. Judgments and Uncertainties. The allocation of the purchase price of acquired companies requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated by the acquired assets and the appropriate discount rate to value these cash flows. In addition, the process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill and intangible assets is highly subjective and requires significant judgment at many points during the analysis. Taxes Description. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. 86 Table of Contents Judgments and Uncertainties. We record a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The future realization of deferred tax assets depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character in the carry forward period. This analysis requires, among other things, the use of estimates and projections in determining future reversals of temporary differences and forecasts of future profitability and evaluating potential tax-planning strategies. The valuation allowances as of December 31, 2019 were related to the financial loss carry forwards and other net deferred tax assets for Norwegian tonnage tax. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we considered all the positive and negative evidence available. Given our cumulative loss position for tonnage tax, we determined it was more likely than not that some of the benefit from the deferred tax assets would not be realized based on the weight of available evidence. As of December 31, 2019, we determined that the deferred tax assets are likely to not be realized, and the booked value was, therefore, zero. Effect If Actual Results Differ from Assumptions. If we determined that we were able to realize a net deferred tax asset in the future, in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to decrease the valuation allowance related to the deferred tax assets would typically increase our net income (or decrease our loss) in the period such determination was made. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $17.3 million and $17.0 million, respectively. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842), that amends the accounting guidance on leases for both lessors and lessees. On January 1, 2019, the Partnership adopted the new standard using the optional transition method to apply the new standard at the transition date of January 1, 2019 with no retrospective adjustments to prior periods. Consequently, the accounting and disclosures for the prior periods continue to be presented in accordance with the previous standard for leases The Partnership elected the package of practical expedients and has not reassessed whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain leases, not reassessed lease classifications, and not reassessed initial direct costs for any existing leases. Additionally, the practical expedient of disregarding short-term leases for agreements with lease terms of 12 months or less and the practical expedient of not separating lease components from nonlease components for all leases where the Partnership is the lessee were adopted as accounting policies for all underlying assets. The practical expedient of not separating lease components from nonlease components has not been adopted for leases where the Partnership is the lessor. There were no changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognized, and therefore, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of initially applying the standard related to the lessor accounting. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required and have been implemented for reporting periods beginning as of January 1, 2019, while prior periods are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the previous accounting standards. See Note 6—Operating Leases. Adoption of the new standard resulted in recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet for operating leases of $2.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of initially applying the standard related to the lessee accounting. The right-of-use asset and lease liability for operating leases are presented in separate lines on the balance sheets. See Note 6— Operating Leases. There are no other recent accounting pronouncements, whose adoption had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements in the current year. 87 Table of Contents New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (or ASU 2016- 13). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This update is effective for the Partnership from January 1, 2020, with a modified-retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recently issued accounting pronouncements are not expected to materially impact the Partnership. C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, Etc. Not applicable. D. Trend Information Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Market Overview and Trends." E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements At December 31, 2019, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations The following table summarizes our long-term contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Long-term debt Interest commitments on long-term debt(1) Interest rate swaps(2) Operating lease commitments Total Payments Due by Period Less than 1 Year 1 - 3 Years 4 - 5 Years More than 5 Years Total $ 1,002,813 $ 114,844 1,921 1,932 85,945 $ 490,076 $ 394,985 $ 38,307 58,295 880 1,288 17,622 723 — (203) 644 $ 1,121,510 $ 124,693 $ 550,539 $ 413,330 $ 31,807 620 521 — 32,948 (1) (2) The interest commitments on long-term debt have been calculated assuming interest rates based on the 6-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2019, plus the applicable margin for all periods presented. We have entered into interest rate swap contracts and under the terms of the interest rate swap contracts, we receive LIBOR-based variable interest and payments and make fixed interest rate payments. The interest commitments on interest rate swaps have been calculated assuming interest rates based on the 6-month LIBOR as of December 31, 2019. G. Safe Harbor Please read "Forward-Looking Statements." 88 Table of Contents Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees A. Directors and Senior Management The following table provides information about our directors and executive officer. The business address for each of our directors and executive officer is 2 Queen's Cross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB15 4YB, United Kingdom. Name Trygve Seglem Gary Chapman Hans Petter Aas Edward A. Waryas, Jr. Andrew Beveridge Richard Beyer Takuji Banno Simon Bird Position Age 69 Chairman of the Board of Directors 45 Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer 74 Director, Chairman of the Audit Committee and Member of the Conflicts Committee 72 Director and Chairman of the Conflicts Committee and Member of the Audit Committee 72 Director and Member of the Audit Committee 50 Director 53 Director 60 Director and Member of the Conflicts Committee Trygve Seglem has served as Chairman of our board of directors since 2013. Mr. Seglem is the owner of TSSI, which is a 50% owner of KNOT. In addition, Mr. Seglem served as President of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association from 2006 through 2008. Mr. Seglem began his career at Statoil at its inception and has been involved in the development of offshore loading tankers since 1975. In 1984, Mr. Seglem became the project director and a part owner, through TSSI, of the Knutsen Group. In September 2008, Mr. Seglem became the sole owner of the shuttle tanker operations of the Knutsen Companies. Mr. Seglem has a degree from Newcastle University. Hans Petter Aas has served on our board of directors since 2013. Mr. Aas has had a long career as a banker in the international shipping and offshore markets and retired from his position as Global Head of the Shipping, Offshore and Logistics Division of DnB NOR Bank ASA in August 2008. Mr. Aas joined DnB NOR Bank ASA (then Bergen Bank) in 1989 and has previously worked for the Petroleum Division of the Norwegian Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Energy, as well as for Vesta Insurance and Nevi Finance. Mr. Aas is currently a member of the board of directors of Gearbulk Holding Ltd. Mr. Aas has a degree from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration. Edward A. Waryas, Jr. has served on our board of directors since 2013. He was Vice President—Marine Business Development for Lloyd's Register North America, Inc. where he was responsible for marine business development, account management, marketing and product development in North America. Prior to joining Lloyd's Register North America, Inc. in 2000, Mr. Waryas was President of the marine division of Clay Marketing & Public Relations, Inc., as well as President of Windward Maritime, LLC, a maritime consultancy company. In the 1990s, Mr. Waryas was Director, Business Development for Newport News Shipbuilding and Vice President of the Tenneco Foreign Sales Corporation. Prior to these positions, Mr. Waryas was a U.S. Coast Guard licensed engineer for Mobil Shipping & Transportation Company. While at Mobil Shipping & Transportation Company, Mr. Waryas served as chairman of the bow-loading coordination committee that developed the offshore loading system for the Statfjord Field off the coast of Norway. Mr. Waryas is a member of the North American panel for Intertanko and a former member of American Petroleum Institute's Marine Committee. Mr. Waryas has a Bachelor of Science, Marine Engineering, from the United States Merchant Marine Academy and a Master of Science, Transportation Management, from the State University of New York. 89 Table of Contents Andrew Beveridge has served on our board of directors since 2013. Mr. Beveridge also serves as a director of KNOT UK, a position he has held since 2013. He is an entrepreneur with a track record of running capital-intensive businesses in the offshore service and shipping industries. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Beveridge was the Deputy Managing Director and Business Development Manager of Fugro Rovtech Ltd, a shipping and remotely operated vehicle ("ROV") company. From 1996 to 2006, Mr. Beveridge was the Managing Director of Rovtech Ltd., a company that specializes in the operation of underwater ROVs and the ships they deploy in the oil service and underwater cable-burial industries. Prior to 1996, Mr. Beveridge held various positions as the Managing Director, commercial director or manager of Slinsgby Engineering Ltd, HMB Subwork Ltd, Star Offshore Services Ltd, Cunard Steamship Co Ltd and Offshore Marine Ltd. Mr. Beveridge has an engineering degree from Trinity College, Cambridge. Richard Beyer has served on our board of directors since April 2017 when he was appointed by our general partner to replace Mr. Hiroaki Nishiyama as an appointed director. Mr. Beyer has been a member of the board of directors of the Partnership's general partner and KNOT UK since 2013 and is a director of NYK Group Europe Limited and NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Limited. Before joining NYK Group in 2007, Mr. Beyer was a Senior Legal Adviser to BP Shipping Limited. Mr. Beyer was admitted as an English solicitor in 1995. Takuji Banno has served on our board of directors since April 2016. Mr. Banno has served as the Senior General Manager, Offshore Business Group, Energy Division of NYK since April 2012. From April 2011 to April 2012, he served as Director of Yusen Logistics (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. From October 2006 to April 2011, he was Director of NYK Logistics (Asia) Pte. Ltd. From June 2002 to October 2006, he was Manager of NYK's LNG Group. Mr. Banno joined NYK in April 1990 and has a master's degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Simon Bird has served on our board of directors since May 2015. Mr. Bird is currently Director Humber for Associated British Ports, a board role, having taken up this position in September 2015. Mr. Bird previously served as the Chief Executive of Bristol Port Company from 2000 until August 2015. From 1997 to 1999, Mr. Bird served as Commercial Director at Mersey Docks & Harbour Company plc. From 1995 to 1997 he was Joint Managing Director and Executive Director at International Water Ltd. Prior to 1995, Mr. Bird held senior positions at British Aerospace plc, Thorn EMI plc, Philips, the Royal Navy and Her Majesty's Diplomatic Service. Mr. Bird is also a director of Humber, a U.K. Local Enterprise Partnership. Gary Chapman has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer since June 2019. From July 2017 to December 2019, Mr. Chapman served as the Chief Financial Officer of Biggin Hill Airport Ltd, a private business aviation airport in London, serving in that role concurrently with his role with the Partnership until December 2019. From 2008 to July 2017, Mr. Chapman served as the finance director of NYK Energy Transport (Atlantic) Ltd, a role which encompassed a wide range of ship finance, strategy, accounting, joint venture and investment matters, and from 2003 to 2008 as the European Head of Tax for the NYK group in Europe. Prior to 2003, Mr. Chapman served in various roles for KPMG, including as a member of the Oil and Gas group. Mr. Chapman is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and holds a bachelor of science degree in Economics from Loughborough University. B. Compensation Reimbursement of Expenses of Our General Partner Our general partner does not receive compensation from us for any services it provides on our behalf, although it is entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred on our behalf. In addition, we pay certain fees to KNOT Management and KNOT Management Denmark pursuant to technical management agreements and management and administration agreements with our operating 90 Table of Contents subsidiaries, and we reimburse KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management for their reasonable costs and expenses (plus a 5% service fee) incurred in connection with provision of services pursuant to an administrative services agreement. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions." Executive Compensation Pursuant to the administrative services agreement, Gary Chapman, as an officer of KNOT UK, provides executive officer functions for our benefit. From June 2015 until May 2019, John Costain provided these same services under the administrative services agreement. Mr. Chapman is responsible for our day-to-day management subject to the direction of our board of directors. Under the administrative services agreement, we reimburse KNOT UK for its reasonable costs and expenses in connection with the provision of an executive officer and other administrative services to us. In addition, we pay KNOT UK a management fee equal to 5% of its costs and expenses incurred on our behalf. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we incurred total costs, expenses and fees under this agreement of approximately $1.4 million (which includes $1.1 million that was paid to KOAS, KOAS UK and KNOT Management for services they provided for us as subcontractors under the administrative services agreement). Our officers and employees and officers and employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates of KNOT and our general partner may participate in employee benefit plans and arrangements sponsored by KNOT, our general partner or their affiliates, including plans that may be established in the future. Mr. Costain entered into an employment agreement with KNOT UK effective June 1, 2015. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Costain served as KNOT UK's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and was based in London. His annualized base salary was 213,000 British Pounds. In addition, the employment agreement also provides for a discretionary annual bonus (as determined by the board of directors of KNOT UK), 30 working days of paid vacation per year (plus public holidays) and up to 13 weeks of paid sick leave per year. The employment agreement includes post-termination restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Costain from competing or soliciting customers or employees for a period of 12 months after the termination of his employment. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Mr. Costain received $114,892 in total compensation. In addition, an accrual of $0 for 2019 was made to cover insurance and pension expenses for Mr. Costain. Mr. Chapman entered into an employment agreement with KNOT UK effective June 1, 2019. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Chapman serves as KNOT UK's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and is based in London. His annualized base salary is 240,000 British Pounds. In addition, the employment agreement also provides for a discretionary annual bonus (as determined by the board of directors of KNOT UK), 30 working days of paid vacation per year (plus public holidays) and up to 13 weeks of paid sick leave per year. Mr. Chapman's employment may be terminated on 6 months' prior written notice by either Mr. Chapman or KNOT UK. In addition, Mr. Chapman's employment agreement provides KNOT UK with the option to make a payment in lieu of notice or to place Mr. Chapman on garden leave during his notice period. KNOT UK may also terminate the employment agreement with immediate effect upon certain specified "cause" events. The employment agreement includes post-termination restrictive covenants prohibiting Mr. Chapman from competing or soliciting customers or employees for a period of 12 months after the termination of his employment. The employment agreement also provided for a transition period, whereby Mr. Chapman split his work time between the Partnership and Biggin Hill Airport Ltd. until November 30, 2019 and received a pro rata reduced salary during that period. For the year ended December 31, 2019, Mr. Chapman received $102,198 in total compensation. In addition, an accrual of $0 for 2019 was made to cover insurance and pension expenses for Mr. Chapman. 91 Table of Contents Compensation of Directors Each director receives compensation for attending meetings of our board of directors, as well as committee meetings. During the year ended December 31, 2019 each of our directors and our Chairman received aggregate compensation of $50,000. Members of the audit and conflicts committees each received a committee fee of $12,000 and the Chairman of each such committee received a fee of $15,000 per year. In addition, each director is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings of our board of directors or committees. Each director is fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Marshall Islands law. C. Board Practices General Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner irrevocably delegates to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis, and such delegation is binding on any successor general partner of the Partnership. Our general partner, KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC, is wholly owned by KNOT. Our officers manage our day-to-day activities consistent with the policies and procedures adopted by our board of directors. Our current board of directors consists of seven members, Trygve Seglem, Richard Beyer, Takuji Banno, Hans Petter Aas, Edward A. Waryas, Jr., Andrew Beveridge and Simon Bird. Mr. Seglem, Mr. Beyer and Mr. Bannno and have been appointed by our general partner. Mr. Aas, Mr. Waryas, Mr. Beveridge and Mr. Bird were elected by our common unitholders. Directors appointed by our general partner serve as directors for terms determined by our general partner. Directors elected by our common unitholders are divided into four classes serving staggered four-year terms. Mr. Bird is designated as our Class III elected director and will serve until our annual meeting of unitholders in 2020, Mr. Aas is designated as our Class IV elected director and will serve until our annual meeting of unitholders in 2021. Mr. Waryas is designated as the Class I elected director and will serve until our annual meeting of unitholders in 2022. Mr. Beveridge is designated as our Class II elected director and will serve until our annual meeting of unitholders in 2023. At each annual meeting of unitholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of director whose term has expired by a plurality of the votes of the common unitholders. Directors elected by our common unitholders will be nominated by our board of directors or by any limited partner or group of limited partners that holds at least 10% of the outstanding common units. Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders. However, if at any time, any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% or more of any class of units then outstanding (excluding units held by Norwegian Resident Holders in the election of the elected directors as discussed below), any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors). The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of such class of units. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquire common units with the prior approval of our board of directors are not subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. In addition, common unitholders that are Norwegian Resident Holders will not be eligible to vote in the election of the elected directors. The voting rights of any Norwegian Resident Holders will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the remaining common unitholders (subject to the limitation described above for 4.9% common unitholders) in these elections. The Series A Preferred Units do not have any right to nominate, appoint or elect any member of our board of directors unless distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units have not been 92 Table of Contents declared and paid for four consecutive quarters (a "Trigger Event"). Upon a Trigger Event, holders of Series A Preferred Units together with the holders of any other series of preferred units upon which like rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will have the right to replace one of the board members appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders, such nominee to serve until all accrued and unpaid distributions on the preferred units have been paid. Committees We have an audit committee that, among other things, reviews our external financial reporting, engages our external auditors and oversees our internal audit activities and procedures and the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. Our audit committee is comprised of Hans Petter Aas, Andrew Beveridge and Edward A. Waryas, Jr. Our board of directors has determined that each of Mr. Aas, Mr. Beveridge and Mr. Waryas satisfies the independence standards established by the NYSE. Mr. Aas qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" for purposes of SEC rules and regulations. We also have a conflicts committee comprised of Mr. Waryas, Mr. Aas and Mr. Bird. The conflicts committee is available at our board of directors' discretion to review specific matters that our board of directors believes may involve conflicts of interest. The conflicts committee may determine if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us. The members of the conflicts committee may not be officers or employees of us or directors, officers or employees of our general partner or its affiliates and must meet the independence standards established by the NYSE to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors and certain other requirements. Any matters approved by the conflicts committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to us, approved by all of our partners and not a breach by our directors, our general partner or its affiliates of any duties any of them may owe us or our unitholders. Exemptions from NYSE Corporate Governance Rules Because we qualify as a foreign private issuer under SEC rules, we are permitted to follow the corporate governance practices of the Marshall Islands (the jurisdiction in which we are organized) in lieu of certain of the NYSE corporate governance requirements that would otherwise be applicable to us. The NYSE rules do not require a listed company that is a foreign private issuer to have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a board of directors comprised of a majority of directors meeting the independence standards described in the NYSE rules. In addition, the NYSE rules do not require limited partnerships like us to have boards of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. The NYSE rules do not require foreign private issuers or limited partnerships like us to establish a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. Similarly, under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. Accordingly, we do not have a compensation committee or a nominating/corporate governance committee. For a listing and further discussion of how our corporate governance practices differ from those required of U.S. companies listed on the NYSE, please read "Item 16G. Corporate Governance." D. Employees Employees of affiliates of KNOT provide services to our subsidiaries pursuant to the technical management agreements, the management and administration agreements and the administrative services agreement. As of December 31, 2019, we directly employed one onshore employee and no seagoing employees. As of December 31, 2019, KNOT, through subsidiaries and affiliated companies, employed approximately 534 seagoing staff to serve on our vessels. Certain affiliates of KNOT, including KNOT Management, provide commercial and technical management services, including all 93 Table of Contents necessary crew-related services, to our subsidiaries pursuant to the technical management agreements and the management and administration agreements. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions" and "Item 4. Information on the Partnership—Business Overview— Employees." E. Unit Ownership Other than those common units in which Trygve Seglem may be deemed to share beneficial ownership, as of March 19, 2020, there were no common units beneficially owned by our current directors or executive officer. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Unitholders." Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions A. Major Unitholders The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our common units as of March 19, 2020 by each person that we know to beneficially own more than 5.0% of our common units. The number of units beneficially owned by each person is determined under SEC rules and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose: Name of Beneficial Owner KNOT(1) Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. and Richard A. Kayne(2) Offshore Merchant Partners Asset Yield Fund L.P.(3) Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C.(4) Invesco Ltd.(5) Percent Common Units Beneficially Owned Number 8,657,868 2,475,263 2,146,457 2,037,438 1,837,025 26.5% 7.6% 6.2% 6.2% 5.6% (1) (2) (3) KNOT is a joint venture between TSSI and NYK Europe, each of which owns a 50% interest in KNOT. Excludes the general partner interest held by our general partner, a wholly owned subsidiary of KNOT. Includes common units held by our general partner. NYK Europe is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYK, a broadly owned Japanese public company. TSSI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Seglem Holding AS ("Seglem Holding"), of which 70% is owned by Trygve Seglem with the remainder owned by members of his immediate family. Accordingly, each of NYK Europe, NYK, TSSI, Seglem Holding and Trygve Seglem may be deemed to share beneficial ownership of the 8,657,868 common units held by KNOT and our general partner. Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. and Richard A. Kayne have shared voting power as to 1,602,011 common units and shared dispositive power as to 2,475,263 common units. This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P. and Richard A. Kayne on February 6, 2020. Offshore Merchant Partners Asset Yield Fund L.P. has shared voting power as to 2,146,457 common units and shared dispositive power as to 2,146,457 common units. Represents 2,146,457 common units into which the Series A Preferred Units owned by OMP AY Preferred Limited were convertible as of September 30, 2019, which common units are included in both the numerator and denominator in calculating the percentage beneficially owned. This information is based on the Schedule 13G/A filed by Offshore Merchant Partners Asset Yield Fund L.P. on February 11, 2020. 94 Table of Contents (4) (5) Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. has shared voting power as to 1,622,726 common units and shared dispositive power as to 2,037,438 common units. Includes 414,712 common units into which the Series A Preferred Units owned by Tortoise Direct Opportunities Fund, LP. were convertible as of December 31, 2019, which common units are included in both the numerator and denominator in calculating the percentage beneficially owned. This information is based on the Schedule 13G filed by Tortoise Capital Advisors, L.L.C. on February 14, 2020. Invesco Ltd. has sole voting power and dispositive power as to 1,837,025 common units. This information is based on the Schedule 13G filed by Invesco Ltd. on February 12, 2020. Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders. However, if at any time, any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% or more of any class of units then outstanding (excluding units held by Norwegian Resident Holders in the election of the elected directors as discussed below), any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors). The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of such class of units. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquire common units with the prior approval of our board of directors are not subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. In addition, common unitholders that are Norwegian Resident Holders will not be eligible to vote in the election of the elected directors. The voting rights of any Norwegian Resident Holders will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the remaining common unitholders (subject to the limitation described above for 4.9% common unitholders) in these elections. As of March 19, 2020, we had 3,750,000 Series A Preferred Units issued and outstanding, of which 2,083,333 units, 1,250,000 units and 416,677 units are held by OMP AY Preferred Limited, Pierfront Capital Mezzanine Fund Pte. Ltd. and Tortoise Direct Opportunities Fund, LP., respectively. The Series A Preferred Units have voting rights that are identical to the voting rights of our common units, except they do not have any right to nominate, appoint or elect any member of our board of directors, except upon a Trigger Event. Upon a Trigger Event, holders of Series A Preferred Units together with the holders of any other series of preferred units upon which like rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will have the right to replace one of the board members appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders, such nominee to serve until all accrued and unpaid distributions on the preferred units have been paid. The Series A Preferred Units are entitled to vote with our common units as a single class, so that the Series A Preferred Units are entitled to one vote for each common unit into which the Series A Preferred Units are convertible at the time of voting. The 4.9% limitation described above applies to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units with respect to the voting of the Series A Preferred Units on an as-converted basis with the common units. KNOT exercises influence over the Partnership through our general partner, a wholly owned subsidiary of KNOT, which in its sole discretion appoints three directors to our board of directors. Please read "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices." KNOT also exercises influence over the Partnership through its ownership of 26.5% of our common units as of March 19, 2020. 95 Table of Contents B. Related Party Transactions From time to time we have entered into agreements and have consummated transactions with certain related parties. We may enter into related party transactions from time to time in the future. In connection with our IPO, we established a conflicts committee, comprised entirely of independent directors, which must approve all proposed material related party transactions. The related party transactions that we have entered into or were party to since January 1, 2017 are discussed below. Omnibus Agreement Upon the closing of our IPO, we entered into an Omnibus Agreement with KNOT, our general partner and certain of our other subsidiaries. The following discussion describes certain provisions of the Omnibus Agreement. Noncompetition Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, KNOT agreed, and caused its controlled affiliates (other than us, our general partner and our subsidiaries) to agree, not to acquire, own, operate or charter any shuttle tanker operating under a charter for five or more years. For purposes of this section, we refer to these vessels, together with any related charters, as "Five-Year Vessels" and to all other shuttle tankers, together with any related charters, as "Non-Five-Year Vessels." The restrictions in this paragraph do not prevent KNOT or any of its controlled affiliates (other than us and our subsidiaries) from: (1) acquiring, owning, operating or chartering Non-Five-Year Vessels; (2) acquiring one or more Five-Year Vessels if KNOT promptly offers to sell the vessel to us for the acquisition price plus any administrative costs (including re-flagging and reasonable legal costs) associated with the transfer to us at the time of the acquisition; (3) putting a Non-Five-Year Vessel under charter for five or more years if KNOT offers to sell the vessel to us for fair market value (x) promptly after the time it becomes a Five-Year Vessel and (y) at each renewal or extension of that charter for five or more years; (4) acquiring one or more Five-Year Vessels as part of the acquisition of a controlling interest in a business or package of assets and owning, operating or chartering those vessels; provided, however, that: (a) if less than a majority of the value of the business or assets acquired is attributable to Five-Year Vessels, as determined in good faith by KNOT's board of directors, KNOT must offer to sell such vessels to us for their fair market value plus any additional tax or other similar costs that KNOT incurs in connection with the acquisition and the transfer of such vessels to us separate from the acquired business; and (b) if a majority or more of the value of the business or assets acquired is attributable to Five-Year Vessels, as determined in good faith by KNOT's board of directors, KNOT must notify us of the proposed acquisition in advance. Not later than 30 days following receipt of such notice, we will notify KNOT if we wish to acquire such vessels in cooperation and simultaneously with KNOT acquiring the Non-Five-Year Vessels. If we do not notify KNOT of our intent to pursue the acquisition within 30 days, KNOT may proceed with the acquisition and then offer to sell such vessels to us as provided in paragraph (1)(a) above; (5) acquiring up to a 9.9% equity ownership, voting or profit participation interest in any company, business or pool of assets; 96 Table of Contents (6) acquiring, owning, operating or chartering any Five-Year Vessel if we do not fulfill our obligation to purchase such vessel in accordance with the terms of any existing or future agreement; (7) acquiring, owning, operating or chartering a Five-Year Vessel subject to the offers to us described in paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) above pending our determination whether to accept such offers and pending the closing of any offers we accept; (8) providing ship management services relating to any vessel; (9) owning or operating any Five-Year Vessel that KNOT owned as of April 15, 2013 and that was not part of our initial fleet as of such date; or (10) acquiring, owning, operating or chartering a Five-Year Vessel if we have previously advised KNOT that we consent to such acquisition, ownership, operation or charter. If KNOT or any of its controlled affiliates (other than us or our subsidiaries) acquires, owns, operates or charters Five-Year Vessels pursuant to any of the exceptions described above, it may not subsequently expand that portion of its business other than pursuant to those exceptions. However, such Five-Year Vessels could eventually compete with our vessels upon their re-chartering. In addition, pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, we agree, and cause our subsidiaries to agree, to acquire, own, operate or charter Five-Year Vessels only. The restrictions in this paragraph do not: (1) prevent us from owning, operating or chartering any Non-Five-Year Vessel that was previously a Five-Year Vessel while owned by us; (2) prevent us or any of our subsidiaries from acquiring Non-Five-Year Vessels as part of the acquisition of a controlling interest in a business or package of assets and owning, operating or chartering those vessels; provided, however, that: (a) if less than a majority of the value of the business or assets acquired is attributable to Non-Five-Year Vessels, as determined in good faith by us, we must offer to sell such vessels to KNOT for their fair market value plus any additional tax or other similar costs that we incur in connection with the acquisition and the transfer of such vessels to KNOT separate from the acquired business; and (b) if a majority or more of the value of the business or assets acquired is attributable to Non-Five-Year Vessels, as determined in good faith by us, we must notify KNOT of the proposed acquisition in advance. Not later than 30 days following receipt of such notice, KNOT must notify us if it wishes to acquire the Non-Five-Year Vessels in cooperation and simultaneously with us acquiring the Five-Year Vessels. If KNOT does not notify us of its intent to pursue the acquisition within 30 days, we may proceed with the acquisition and then offer to sell such vessels to KNOT as provided in paragraph (2)(a) above; (3) prevent us or any of our subsidiaries from acquiring, owning, operating or chartering any Non-Five-Year Vessels subject to the offer to KNOT described in paragraph (2) above, pending its determination whether to accept such offer and pending the closing of any offer it accepts; or (4) prevent us or any of our subsidiaries from acquiring, owning, operating or chartering Non-Five-Year Vessels if KNOT has previously advised us that it consents to such acquisition, ownership, operation or charter. If we or any of our subsidiaries acquires, owns, operates or charters Non-Five-Year Vessels pursuant to any of the exceptions described above, neither we nor such subsidiary may subsequently expand that portion of our business other than pursuant to those exceptions. 97 Table of Contents Upon a change of control of us or our general partner, the noncompetition provisions of the Omnibus Agreement terminate immediately. Upon a change of control of KNOT, the noncompetition provisions of the Omnibus Agreement applicable to KNOT terminate at the time of the change of control. On the date on which a majority of our directors ceases to consist of directors that were (1) appointed by our general partner prior to our first annual meeting of unitholders and (2) recommended for election by a majority of our appointed directors, the noncompetition provisions applicable to KNOT terminate immediately. Rights of First Offer on Shuttle Tankers Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, we and our subsidiaries granted to KNOT a right of first offer on any proposed sale, transfer or other disposition of any Five-Year Vessels or Non-Five-Year Vessels owned by us. Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, KNOT agreed, and caused its subsidiaries to agree, to grant a similar right of first offer to us for any Five-Year Vessels they might own. These rights of first offer do not apply to a (1) sale, transfer or other disposition of vessels between any affiliated subsidiaries or pursuant to the terms of any current or future charter or other agreement with a charterparty or (2) merger with or into, or sale of substantially all of the assets to, an unaffiliated third party. Prior to engaging in any negotiation regarding any vessel disposition with respect to a Five-Year Vessel with an unaffiliated third party or any Non-Five-Year Vessel, we or KNOT, as the case may be, will deliver a written notice to the other relevant party setting forth the material terms and conditions of the proposed transaction. During the 30-day period after the delivery of such notice, we and KNOT, as the case may be, will negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement on the transaction. If we do not reach an agreement within such 30-day period, we or KNOT, as the case may be, will be able within the next 180 calendar days to sell, transfer, dispose or re-charter the vessel to a third party (or to agree in writing to undertake such transaction with a third party) on terms generally no less favorable to us or KNOT, as the case may be, than those offered pursuant to the written notice. Upon a change of control of us or our general partner, the right-of-first-offer provisions of the Omnibus Agreement terminate immediately. Upon a change of control of KNOT, the right-of-first-offer provisions applicable to KNOT pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement terminate at the time of the change of control. On the date on which a majority of our directors ceases to consist of directors that were (1) appointed by our general partner prior to our first annual meeting of unitholders and (2) recommended for election by a majority of our appointed directors, the provisions related to the rights of first offer granted to us by KNOT terminate immediately. Indemnification Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, KNOT indemnified us until April 15, 2018 (and KNOT indemnified us for a period of at least three years after our purchase of the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Ingrid Knutsen and the Raquel Knutsen, as applicable) against certain environmental and toxic tort liabilities with respect to the assets contributed or sold to us to the extent arising prior to the time they were contributed or sold to us. Liabilities resulting from a change in law after the closing of our IPO were excluded from the environmental indemnity. There was an aggregate cap of $5 million on the amount of indemnity coverage provided by KNOT for environmental and toxic tort liabilities. KNOT also indemnifies us for liabilities related to: • certain defects in title to the assets contributed or sold to us and any failure to obtain, prior to the time they were contributed to us, certain consents and permits necessary to conduct our business, which liabilities arose before April 15, 2018 (or, in the case of the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Ingrid Knutsen and the Raquel Knutsen, within three years after our purchase of the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Ingrid Knutsen and the Raquel Knutsen, as applicable); and 98 Table of Contents • certain tax liabilities attributable to the operation of the assets contributed or sold to us prior to the time they were contributed or sold. Amendments The Omnibus Agreement may not be amended without the prior approval of the conflicts committee of our board of directors if the proposed amendment will, in the reasonable discretion of our board of directors, adversely affect holders of our common units. Guarantees Relating to the Bodil Knutsen and the Windsor Knutsen If at any time until April 15, 2018, the Bodil Knutsen was not receiving from any charterer a hire rate equal to or greater than the hire rate payable under the initial Bodil Knutsen charter, then KNOT was required to pay us such hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Bodil Knutsen charter; provided, however, that in the event that, if at any time until April 15, 2018, the Bodil Knutsen was chartered under a charter other than the initial Bodil Knutsen charter and the hire rate being paid under such charter was lower than the hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Bodil Knutsen charter during any such period, then KNOT was required to pay us the difference between the hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Bodil Knutsen charter during such period and the hire rate then in effect and payable under such other charter. If at any time until April 15, 2018, the Windsor Knutsen was not receiving from any charterer a hire rate that is equal to or greater than the hire rate payable under the initial Windsor Knutsen charter, then KNOT was required to pay us such hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Windsor Knutsen charter; provided, however, that in the event that, if at any time until April 15, 2018, the Windsor Knutsen was chartered under a charter other than the initial Windsor Knutsen charter and the hire rate being paid under such charter was lower than the hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Windsor Knutsen charter during any such period, then KNOT was required to pay us the difference between the hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Windsor Knutsen charter during such period and the hire rate then in effect and payable under such other charter; provided, further, that the hire rate that would have been in effect and payable under the initial Windsor Knutsen charter during the period between the final termination date of the initial Windsor Knutsen charter (assuming that all extension options thereunder would have been exercised) and the last day of the five-year period following the closing date of our IPO was be deemed to have been the hire rate that would have been in effect and payable during the last option extension period under the initial Windsor Knutsen charter (assuming that all extension options thereunder would have been exercised). Windsor Knutsen Charter with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS On December 17, 2018, our subsidiary that owns the Windsor Knutsen, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS, entered into a time charter contract with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS, a wholly owned subsidiary of KNOT. Under the time charter contract with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS, the Windsor Knutsen has been operating on the same terms as its existing time charter contract with Shell during the suspension period of the time charter contract. The suspension period commenced March 4, 2019 and will end April 3, 2020, when the vessel is expected to be redelivered to Shell. Administrative Services Agreement Effective as of February 26, 2013, in connection with our IPO, we entered into an administrative services agreement with KNOT UK, pursuant to which KNOT UK provides certain management and administrative services to us. The agreement had an initial term of five years. The services provided 99 Table of Contents under the administrative services agreement are provided in a diligent manner, as we may reasonably direct. KNOT UK is permitted to subcontract certain of the administrative services provided under this agreement to KOAS UK and KOAS, each of which is a wholly owned subsidiary of TSSI and KNOT Management. On May 7, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the administrative services agreement, which allows KNOT UK to also subcontract administrative services to KNOT Management. Effective as of February 26, 2018, we entered into a second amendment to the administrative services agreement extending the term of the agreement indefinitely. The administrative services agreement may be terminated by any party upon 90 days' notice for any reason. Under the administrative services agreement, Gary Chapman, as an officer of KNOT UK, provides executive officer functions for our benefit. Mr. Chapman is responsible for our day-to-day management subject to the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors has the ability to terminate the arrangement with KNOT UK regarding the provision of executive officer services to us with respect to Mr. Chapman at any time in its sole discretion. The administrative services provided by KNOT UK include: • • • • • • • • commercial management services: assistance with our commercial management and the execution of our business strategies, although KNOT UK does not make any strategic decisions; bookkeeping, audit and accounting services: assistance with the maintenance of our corporate books and records, assistance with the preparation of our tax returns and arranging for the provision of audit and accounting services; legal and insurance services: arranging for the provision of legal, insurance and other professional services and maintaining our existence and good standing in necessary jurisdictions; administrative and clerical services: assistance with office space, arranging meetings for our common unitholders pursuant to our partnership agreement, arranging the provision of IT services, providing all administrative services required for subsequent debt and equity financings and attending to all other administrative matters necessary to ensure the professional management of our business; banking and financial services: providing cash management including assistance with preparation of budgets, overseeing banking services and bank accounts, arranging for the deposit of funds and monitoring and maintaining compliance therewith; advisory services: assistance in complying with United States and other relevant securities laws; client and investor relations: arranging for the provision of, advisory, clerical and investor relations services to assist and support us in our communications with our common unitholders; and assistance with the integration of any acquired businesses. Each month, we reimburse KNOT UK, and KNOT UK reimburses KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management, as applicable, for their reasonable costs and expenses incurred in connection with the provision of the services under the administrative services agreement. In addition, KNOT UK, KOAS UK, KOAS and KNOT Management, as applicable, receives a service fee in U.S. Dollars equal to 5% of the costs and expenses incurred by them in connection with providing services. Amounts payable by us under the administrative services agreement must be paid on a monthly basis within 30 days after receipt of an invoice for such costs and expenses, together with any supporting detail that may be reasonably required. Under the administrative services agreement, we indemnify KNOT UK's subcontractors against all actions which may be brought against them as a result of their performance of the administrative services including, without limitation, all actions brought under the environmental laws of any 100 Table of Contents jurisdiction, and against and in respect of all costs and expenses they may suffer or incur due to defending or settling such actions; provided, however, that such indemnity excludes any or all losses to the extent that they are caused by or due to the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the subcontractor or its officers, employees and agents. Technical Management Agreements Each of the Bodil Knutsen, the Windsor Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen, the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen, which operate under time charters, is subject to technical management agreements pursuant to which certain crew, technical and commercial management services are provided by KNOT Management. Under these technical management agreements, our operating subsidiaries pay fees to and reimburse the costs and expenses of the managers as described below. The Recife Knutsen, the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Dan Sabia and the Dan Cisne operate under bareboat charters and, as a result, the customer is responsible with providing for the crew, technical and commercial management of the vessel. However, each of these vessels are subject to management and administration agreements with either KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark pursuant to which these companies provide general monitoring services for the vessels in exchange for an annual fee. Please read "—Management and Administration Agreements". Management services. Each of the technical management agreements requires that KNOT Management and its subcontractors use their best endeavors to perform the following management services: • • • • • • • • • • • the provision of suitably qualified crew in accordance with International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended, and the attendance to all matters pertaining to discipline, labor relations, welfare and amenities of the crew; the provision of technical management, including arranging and supervising drydockings, maintenance and repairs of the vessel, arranging for the supply of stores, spares and lubricating oil, appointing surveyors and technical consultants and developing, implementing and maintaining a Safety Management System in accordance with the ISM Code; the provision of applicable documentation and compliance with applicable regulations; the establishment of an accounting system that meets the requirements of the owner, provides regular accounting services and supplies reports and records and the maintenance of records of costs and expenditures incurred, as well as data necessary for the settlement of accounts between the parties; the arrangement for the supply of provisions and necessary stores; the handling and settlement of claims arising out of the management services; the arrangement for the provision of bunker; the arrangement of the loading and discharging and all related matters, subject to the provisions of the time charters; the arrangement of all insurances; the giving of instructions to the master and officers, subject to the provisions of the time charters; and the arrangement of the lay-up of each vessel. 101 Table of Contents With respect to the technical management agreements, KNOT Management and its subcontractors use their best endeavors to also provide the commercial operations, including arranging payment to the owner's account of all hire and/or freight revenues, calculating hire, freight and other money due from or to the charterer, issuing voyage instructions, appointing agents and stevedores and arranging surveys associated with the commercial operations. Annual management fee. Pursuant to each of the technical management agreements, each of KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 13 AS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS, Knutsen NYK Shuttle Tankers 16 AS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS as owners, paid a fee of $0.58 million per year for 2019 to KNOT Management, as manager, payable in equal monthly installments. This annual rate is subject to an adjustment on January 1 of each year pursuant to a procedure set forth in the agreements. The annual management fee for 2020 has been set at $0.62 million per vessel. Any dispute relating to the annual rate adjustment would be settled by dispute resolution provisions set forth in the applicable technical management agreement. Term. Each of the technical management agreements for the Windsor Knutsen and the Bodil Knutsen continues indefinitely until terminated by either party after giving three months' written notice. Each of the technical management agreements for the Carmen Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen, the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen continues indefinitely until terminated by either party after giving six months' notice. Automatic termination and termination by either party. Each technical management agreement terminates or is deemed to be terminated if: • • the vessel is sold, requisitioned, declared a constructive, compromised or arranged total loss or becomes a total loss; or an order is made or a resolution is passed for the winding up, dissolution, liquidation or bankruptcy of either party (otherwise than for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation), a receiver is appointed or either party suspends payment, ceases to carry on business or makes any special arrangement or composition with its creditors. Termination by the manager. Under each technical management agreement, the manager may terminate the agreement with immediate effect by written notice if: • • any money payable to the manager pursuant to the agreement has not been paid within a specified period of days after demand by the manager for payment or the vessel is repossessed by the mortgagees; or the owner proceeds with the employment of or continues to employ the vessel (1) in the carriage of contraband, blockade running or an unlawful trade or (2) on a voyage that in the reasonable opinion of the applicable manager is unduly hazardous or improper. The manager may only terminate if the owner is given notice of such default and fails to cure within a reasonable time to the satisfaction of the manager. KNOT Management also may terminate each technical management agreement if the applicable owner elects to provide officers and, for any reason within its control, fails to (1) procure that all officers and ratings supplied by it or on its behalf comply with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, as amended in 1995, or (2) instruct such officers and ratings to obey all reasonable orders of KNOT Management in connection with the operation of KNOT Management's safety management system. The manager may 102 Table of Contents only terminate if the owner is given notice of such default and fails to cure within a reasonable time to the satisfaction of the manager. Termination by the owner. Under each technical management agreement, the owner may terminate the applicable agreement with immediate effect by written notice to the manager if the manager, for any reason, is in default and fails to cure within a reasonable time. Additional fees and provisions. In addition to the fees payable under each technical management agreement, the agreement also provides that the owner must make available to the manager each month within 60 days of a demand by the manager for payment an amount equal to the working capital required to run the vessel for the ensuing quarter. Further, under each technical management agreement, the manager and its employees, agents and subcontractors are indemnified by the owner against all actions that may be brought against them or incurred or suffered by them arising out of or in connection with their performance under such agreement in an amount not to exceed ten times the annual management fee payable under such agreement; provided, however, that such indemnity excludes any or all losses that may be caused by or due to the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of the manager or its employees, agents and subcontractors. Management and Administration Agreements The Recife Knutsen, the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Dan Sabia and the Dan Cisne operate under bareboat charters and, as a result, the customer is responsible with providing for the crew, technical and commercial management of the vessel. However, each of these vessels are subject to management and administration agreements pursuant to which the subsidiaries that own and operate these vessels paid an annual fee in 2019 of $0.06 million for the Recife Knutsen and the Fortaleza Knutsen and an annual fee in 2019 of $0.02 million for the Dan Sabia and the Dan Cisne to either KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark, as manager, in exchange for general monitoring services. This annual fee is subject to an adjustment on January 1 of each year pursuant to a procedure set forth in the agreements. The annual fee for 2020 has been set at $0.06 million for the Recife Knutsen and the Fortaleza Knutsen and $0.02 million for the Dan Sabia and the Dan Cisne. Any dispute relating to the annual fee adjustment would be settled by dispute resolution provisions set forth in the agreements. The management and administration agreements continue indefinitely until terminated by either party after giving two months' written notice, in the case of the Dan Sabia and Dan Cisne agreements or three months' written notice, in the case of the Recife Knutsen and Fortaleza Knutsen agreements. The management and administration agreements also may be terminated by the owner or manager on terms similar to the technical management agreements. Courses for Crew and Crewing Services Simsea Real Operations AS, a company jointly owned by Trygve Seglem and by other shipping companies in Haugesund, provides simulation, operational training assessment and other certified maritime courses for seafarers, and as part of the seafarers competence training program the Partnership has purchased courses for seafarers on the vessels on time charter contracts. The cost is course fees for seafarers. Knutsen OAS Crewing AS, a subsidiary of TSSI, provides administrative services related to East European crew on our vessels operating on time charter contracts. The cost is a fixed fee per month per East European crew onboard the vessel. We paid approximately $0.5 million in total fees with respect to these arrangements for the year ended December 31, 2019. 103 Table of Contents Acquisition of the Tordis Knutsen In February 2017, we entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT 24, the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker the Tordis Knutsen for consideration of $147.0 million, less approximately $137.7 million of outstanding indebtedness related to the vessel, plus approximately $21.1 million for a receivable owed by KNOT to KNOT 24, plus approximately $0.8 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Tordis Knutsen and other purchase price adjustments of $1.7 million. On the closing of the acquisition on March 1, 2017, KNOT 24 repaid approximately $42.8 million of the indebtedness and KNOT repaid the receivable. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with the proceeds from our sale and issuance of 2,083,333 Series A Preferred Units which closed on February 2, 2017. The Conflicts Committee approved the acquisition of the Tordis Knutsen. Acquisition of the Vigdis Knutsen In May 2017, we entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT 25, the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker the Vigdis Knutsen for consideration of $147.0 million, less approximately $137.7 million of outstanding indebtedness related to the vessel, plus approximately $17.9 million for a receivable owed by KNOT to KNOT 25, plus approximately $0.9 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Vigdis Knutsen and plus other purchase price adjustments of $.3.7 million for working capital and interest rate swaps. On the closing of the acquisition on June 1, 2017, KNOT 25 repaid approximately $42.9 million of the indebtedness and KNOT repaid the receivable. The purchase price was settled by way of a cash payment financed by cash on hand. The Conflicts Committee approved the acquisition of the Vigdis Knutsen. Acquisition of the Lena Knutsen In August 2017, we entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT 26, the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker the Lena Knutsen for consideration of $142.0 million, less approximately $133.8 million of outstanding indebtedness related to the vessel, plus approximately $24.1 million for a receivable owed by KNOT to KNOT 26, plus approximately $1.0 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Lena Knutsen and less other purchase price adjustments of $0.1 million. On the closing of the acquisition on September 30, 2017, KNOT 26 repaid approximately $41.9 million of the indebtedness and KNOT repaid the receivable. The purchase price was settled by way of a cash payment financed by cash on hand. The Conflicts Committee approved the acquisition of the Lena Knutsen. Acquisition of the Brasil Knutsen In December 2017, we entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT 32, the company that owns and operates the shuttle tanker the Brasil Knutsen for consideration of $96.0 million, less $59.0 million of outstanding indebtedness related to the vessel, less approximately $35.2 million for a loan owed by KNOT 32 to KNOT (the "Company Liquidity Loan"), plus approximately $0.6 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Brasil Knutsen and other purchase price adjustments of $3.4 million. On the closing of the acquisition on December 15, 2017, KNOT 32 paid the Company Liquidity Loan in full. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with the proceeds from our public offering of 3,000,000 common units which closed on November 9, 2017. See Note 22—Equity Offerings and Sale of Series Preferred Units—Equity Offerings in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. The Conflicts Committee approved the acquisition. The Conflicts Committee approved the acquisition of the Brasil Knutsen. 104 Table of Contents Acquisition of the Anna Knutsen In February 2018, we entered into a share purchase agreement pursuant to which we acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT 30, the company that owns the shuttle tanker, Anna Knutsen , for a purchase price of $120.0 million, less approximately $106.8 million of outstanding indebtedness related to the Anna Knutsen, plus approximately $1.4 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Anna Knutsen and other purchase price adjustments of $5.3 million. On the closing of the acquisition on March 1, 2018, KNOT 30 repaid approximately $32.3 million of the indebtedness, leaving an aggregate of approximately $74.4 million of debt outstanding under the secured credit facility related to the vessel. The purchase price was settled by way of a cash payment financed by cash on hand. The Conflicts Committee approved the acquisition of the Anna Knutsen. Please read Note 21—Acquisitions in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. Other Related Party Transactions The following table summarizes related party expenses charged or allocated to us for the year ended December 31, 2019 and included in the consolidated financial statements. Please read Note 18—Related Party Transactions in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. Statement of Operations Data: Time charter and bareboat revenues Other income Operating expenses(1) General and administrative expenses Finance income (expense) Total income (expense) Year Ended December 31, 2019 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) $ $ 15,910 — (7,441) (2,229) — 6,240 (1) Includes fees paid pursuant to the management and administration agreements, the technical management agreements, courses for crew and crewing services. Payables to KNOT and KOAS were $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, included in trade accounts payable, trading balances due to KOAS were $0.2 million and trading balances due to KNOT were $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Outstanding balances are settled on a monthly basis. As a result of our relationships with KNOT and its affiliates, we, our general partner and our subsidiaries have entered into various agreements that were not the result of arm's length negotiations. We generally refer to these agreements and the transactions that they provide for as "affiliated transactions" or "related party transactions." Our partnership agreement sets forth procedures by which future related party transactions may be approved or resolved by our board of directors. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, our board of directors may, but is not required to, seek the approval of a related party transaction from the conflicts committee of our board of directors or from the common unitholders. Affiliated transactions that are not approved by the conflicts committee of our board of directors and that do not involve a vote of unitholders must be on terms no less favorable to us than those generally provided to or available from unrelated third parties or be "fair and reasonable" to us. In determining whether a transaction or resolution is "fair and reasonable," our board of directors may consider the totality of the relationships 105 Table of Contents between the parties involved, including other transactions that may be particularly advantageous or beneficial to us. If the above procedures are followed, it will be presumed that, in making its decision, our board of directors acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the Partnership, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. When our partnership agreement requires someone to act in good faith, it requires that person to reasonably believe that he is acting in the best interests of the Partnership, unless the context otherwise requires. Our conflicts committee is comprised of at least two members of our board of directors. The conflicts committee is available at our board of directors' discretion to review specific matters that our board of directors believes may involve conflicts of interest. The conflicts committee may determine if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us. The members of the conflicts committee may not be officers or employees of us or directors, officers or employees of our general partner or its affiliates, and must meet the independence standards established by the NYSE to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors and certain other requirements. Distributions to KNOT We have declared and paid aggregate quarterly distributions of $22.1 million to KNOT for each of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. C. Interests of Experts and Counsel Not applicable. Item 8. Financial Information A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information Please read "Item 18. Financial Statements" for additional information required to be disclosed under this item. Legal Proceedings From time to time we have been, and expect to continue to be, subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. These claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. We are not aware of any legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on us. Our Cash Distribution Policy Rationale for Our Cash Distribution Policy Our cash distribution policy reflects a judgment that our unitholders will be better served by our distributing our available cash (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves) rather than retaining it. Because we believe we will generally finance any expansion capital expenditures from external financing sources, we believe that our investors are best served by our distributing all of our available cash. Our cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms of our partnership agreement, which requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves). 106 Table of Contents Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy There is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from us. Our distribution policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time, including: • • • • • • • • Our unitholders have no contractual or other legal right to receive distributions other than the obligation under our partnership agreement to distribute available cash on a quarterly basis, which is subject to the broad discretion of our board of directors to establish reserves and other limitations. We are subject to restrictions on distributions under our financing agreements. Our financing agreements contain material financial tests and covenants that must be satisfied in order to pay distributions. If we are unable to satisfy the restrictions included in any of our financing agreements or are otherwise in default under any of those agreements, as a result of our debt levels or otherwise, we will not be able to make cash distributions to our unitholders, notwithstanding our stated cash distribution policy. These financial tests and covenants are described in this Annual Report in "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources." We are required to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and replace our fleet. These expenditures may fluctuate significantly over time, particularly as our vessels near the end of their useful lives. In order to minimize these fluctuations, our partnership agreement requires us to deduct estimated, as opposed to actual, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from the amount of cash that we would otherwise have available for distribution to our unitholders. In years when estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are higher than actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders will be lower than if actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures were deducted. Although our partnership agreement requires us to distribute all of our available cash, our partnership agreement, including provisions contained therein requiring us to make cash distributions, may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding common units. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions we pay under our cash distribution policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our board of directors, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement. Under Section 51 of the Marshall Islands Act, we may not make a distribution to our unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities, other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of ours, to exceed the fair value of our assets, except that the fair value of property that is subject to a liability for which the recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in our assets only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds that liability. Our common units are subject to the prior distribution rights of any holders of preferred units then outstanding. As of March 19, 2020, there were 3,750,000 Series A Preferred Units issued and outstanding. Under the terms of our partnership agreement, we are prohibited from declaring and paying distributions on our common units until we declare and pay (or set aside for payment) full distributions on the Series A Preferred Units. We may lack sufficient cash to pay distributions to our unitholders due to decreases in total operating revenues, decreases in hire rates, the loss of a vessel, increases in operating or general and administrative expenses, principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, taxes, working capital requirements, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures or anticipated cash needs. Please read "Item 3. Key Information—Risk Factors" for a discussion of these factors. 107 Table of Contents Our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute cash to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us may be restricted by, among other things, the provisions of existing and future indebtedness, applicable limited partnership and limited liability company laws in the Marshall Islands and Norway and other laws and regulations. Series A Convertible Preferred Units The Series A Preferred Units rank senior to the common units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Series A Preferred Units have a liquidation preference of $24.00 per unit, plus any unpaid Series A cash distributions, plus all accrued but unpaid distributions on such Series A Preferred Unit with respect to the quarter in which the liquidation occurs to the date fixed for the payment of any amount upon liquidation. The Series A Preferred Units are entitled to cumulative distributions from their initial issuance date, with distributions being calculated at an annual rate of 8.0% on the stated liquidation preference and payable quarterly in arrears within 45 days after the end of each quarter, when, as and if declared by the board of directors of the Partnership. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of cash distributions paid to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units was $7.2 million. Minimum Quarterly Distribution Common unitholders are entitled under our partnership agreement to receive a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.375 per unit to the extent we have sufficient cash on hand to pay the distribution, after establishment of cash reserves, distribution payments on the Series A Preferred Units and payment of fees and expenses. There is no guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our board of directors, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement. We are prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default is then existing, under our financing agreements. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources" for a discussion of the restrictions contained in our credit facilities and lease arrangements that may restrict our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the aggregate amount of cash distributions paid to common unitholders was $70.8 million. Incentive Distribution Rights Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. KNOT currently holds the incentive distribution rights. The incentive distribution rights may be transferred separately from any other interest, subject to restrictions in our partnership agreement. Any transfer by KNOT of the incentive distribution rights would not change the percentage allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such rights. The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional available cash from operating surplus among our unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights up to the various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under "Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions" are the percentage interests of our unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column "Total Quarterly 108 Table of Contents Distribution Target," until available cash from operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for our unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distributions that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests set forth in the table below assume that our general partner owns a 1.85% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities. Minimum Quarterly Distribution First Target Distribution Second Target Distribution Third Target Distribution Thereafter B. Significant Changes Total Quarterly Distribution Target $0.375 up to $0.43125 above $0.43125 up to $0.46875 above $0.46875 up to $0.5625 above $0.5625 Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions Unitholders General Partner Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights 98.15% 98.15% 85.15% 75.15% 50.15% 1.85% 1.85% 1.85% 1.85% 1.85% 0% 0% 13.0% 23.0% 48.0% Please read Note 23—Subsequent Events in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. Item 9. The Offer and Listing A. Offer and Listing Details Our common units are traded on the NYSE under the symbol "KNOP". B. Plan of Distribution Not applicable. C. Markets Our common units started trading on the NYSE on April 9, 2013. D. Selling Shareholders Not applicable. E. Dilution Not applicable. F. Expenses of the Issue Not applicable. Item 10. Additional Information A. Share Capital Not applicable. 109 Table of Contents B. Memorandum and Articles of Association The information required to be disclosed under Item 10B is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to this Annual Report. C. Material Contracts The following is a summary of each material contract, other than material contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, to which we or any of our subsidiaries is a party, for the two years immediately preceding the date of this Annual Report, each of which is included in the list of exhibits in "Item 19. Exhibits": (1) Omnibus Agreement, dated April 15, 2013, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions —Related Party Transactions—Omnibus Agreement." (2) Administrative Services Agreement, dated February 26, 2013, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC, Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd., Knutsen OAS Shipping AS and KNOT Management AS, as amended by Amendment No. 1, dated May 7, 2015, Amendment No. 2, dated November 28, 2018, and Amendment No. 3, dated March 13, 2019. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Administrative Services Agreement." (3) Management and Administration Agreements with respect to each of the Fortaleza Knutsen, Recife Knutsen, Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia and Technical Management Agreements with respect to each of the other vessels in our fleet. Please read "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Management and Administration Agreements" and "Item 7. Major Unitholders and Related Party Transactions —Related Party Transactions—Technical Management Agreements", respectively. (4) Loan Agreement, dated March 31, 2017, among Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS, as borrower, and Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (Hong Kong) Limited, as lender. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long- Term Debt—Hilda Loan Facility." (5) Facility Agreement, dated November 8, 2017, among Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Torill Loan Facility." (6) Senior Secured Credit Facilities Agreement, dated April 3, 2014, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS, as borrowers, and the other parties thereto. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—$172.5 Million Secured Loan Facility." (7) Accession Letter, dated December 15, 2014, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited, pursuant to which the Partnership guaranteed all amounts outstanding with respect to the Dan Cisne Facility. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—$172.5 Million Secured Loan Facility." 110 Table of Contents (8) Letter Agreement, dated June 15, 2015, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited, relating to the Accession Letter, dated December 15, 2014, pursuant to which the Partnership guaranteed all amounts outstanding with respect to the Dan Sabia Facility. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—$172.5 Million Secured Loan Facility." (9) Facility Agreement, dated December 17, 2014, among Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto, as amended by Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated November 29, 2016. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Raquel Loan Facility." (10) Accession Letter, dated November 30, 2016, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Raquel Loan Facility." (11) Facilities Agreement, dated April 27, 2015, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, as borrowers, and the other parties thereto, as amended and restated on October 23, 2015. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Tordis Loan Facility", "—Vigdis Loan Facility" and "—Lena Loan Facility" (12) Accession Letter, dated February 28, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS and DNB Bank ASA. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Tordis Loan Facility." (13) Accession Letter, dated June 1, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS and DNB Bank ASA. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Vigdis Loan Facility." (14) Accession Letter, dated September 29, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS and DNB Bank ASA. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Lena Loan Facility." (15) Term Loan Facility Agreement, dated June 27, 2017, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto, as amended by Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated December 15, 2017. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Brasil Loan Facility." (16) Accession Letter, dated December 15, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Brasil Loan Facility." (17) Term Loan Facility Agreement, dated September 30, 2016, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Anna Loan Facility." 111 Table of Contents (18) Accession Letter, dated March 1, 2018, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS and Nordea Bank AB. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources —Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—Anna Loan Facility." (19) Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement, dated September 4, 2018, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 13 AS, Knutsen NYK Shuttle Tankers 16 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS, as borrowers, the other parties thereto. Please read "Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Borrowing Activities—Long-Term Debt—$320 Million Term Loan Facility and $55 Million Revolving Credit Facility." (20) Employment Agreement, dated May 7, 2015, between KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC and John Costain. Please read "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Executive Compensation." (21) Employment Agreement, dated March 12, 2019, between KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC and Gary Chapman. Please read "Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Executive Compensation." (22) Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated December 6, 2016, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP and the Purchasers party thereto, as amended pursuant to the Assignment and Novation Agreement, dated December 20, 2016, the First Amendment to Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2017 and the Second Amendment to Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated May 16, 2017. Please read Note 22 —Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units in the consolidated financial statements. (23) Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 2, 2017, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP and the Purchasers party thereto. Please read Note 22—Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units in the consolidated financial statements. (24) Joinder Agreement, dated June 30, 2017, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP, OMP AY Preferred Limited, Pierfront Capital Mezzanine Fund Pte. Ltd. and Tortoise Direct Opportunities Fund, LP. Please read Note 22—Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units in the consolidated financial statements. D. Exchange Controls We are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees, regulations or other legislation, including foreign exchange controls, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands that may affect the import or export of capital, including the availability of cash and cash equivalents for use by the Partnership, or the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident and non-citizen holders of our securities. E. Taxation The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to current and prospective unitholders. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect or existence on the date of this Annual Report and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of unit ownership to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to KNOT Offshore Partners LP. 112 Table of Contents The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of common units that own the common units as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally, for investment purposes) and is not intended to be applicable to all categories of investors, such as unitholders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans, individual retirement accounts, persons who own (actually or constructively) 10% or more of the vote or value of our equity or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), persons who hold the units as part of a straddle, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar, each of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common units, the tax treatment of its partners generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units. No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or current and prospective unitholders. The statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in a court. This discussion does not contain information regarding any U.S. state or local, estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations concerning the ownership or disposition of common units. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular unitholders in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective unitholder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of common units. Election to be Treated as a Corporation We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, U.S. Holders (as defined below) will not be directly subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income, but rather will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on distributions received from us and dispositions of units as described below. U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common units that is: • • • • an individual U.S. citizen or resident (as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes), a corporation (or other entity that is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) organized under the laws of the United States or any of its political subdivisions, an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source, or a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions Subject to the discussion below of the rules applicable to PFICs, any distributions to a U.S. Holder made by us with respect to our common units generally will constitute dividends to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. 113 Table of Contents If we make distributions to U.S. Holders in excess of our earnings and profits, the excess portion of those distributions will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in its common units and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends-received deduction with respect to distributions that they receive from us. Dividends received with respect to our common units generally will be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Dividends received with respect to our common units by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate (a "U.S. Individual Holder") generally will be treated as "qualified dividend income," which is taxable to such U.S. Individual Holder at preferential tax rates provided that: (1) our common units are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE, on which our common units are traded); (2) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below under "—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences"); (3) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common units for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common units become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common units); and (4) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Because of the uncertainty of these matters, including whether we are or will be a PFIC, there is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common units will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on our common units that are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder. Special rules may apply to any amounts received in respect of our common units that are treated as "extraordinary dividends." In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a common unit that is equal to or in excess of 10% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the unitholder's election) in such common unit. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our common units that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such common units will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend. Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Units Subject to the discussion of PFIC status below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other taxable disposition of our units in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other taxable disposition and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such units. The U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in its units generally will be the U.S. Holder's purchase price for the units and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the units that are treated as non-taxable returns of capital (as discussed above under "—Distributions"). Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other taxable disposition. Certain U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible for preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of long-term capital gains. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Any such capital gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. 114 Table of Contents Medicare Tax on Net Investment Income Certain U.S. Holders, including individuals, estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of equity interests. For individuals, the additional Medicare tax applies to the lesser of (1) "net investment income" or (2) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly or $125,000 if married and filing separately). "Net investment income" generally equals the taxpayer's gross investment income reduced by deductions that are allocable to such income. Unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from their ownership and disposition of our common units. PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences Adverse U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-U.S. corporation that is classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the holder held our units, either: • • at least 75% of our gross income (including the gross income of our vessel-owning subsidiaries) for such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by us (including the assets of our vessel-owning subsidiaries) during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income. Income earned, or treated as earned (for U.S. federal income tax purposes), by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income generally would constitute "passive income" unless we were treated as deriving that rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business under the applicable rules. Based on our current and projected methods of operation, we believe that we were not a PFIC for any prior taxable year, and we expect that we will not be treated as a PFIC for the current or any future taxable year. We believe that more than 25% of our gross income for each taxable year was or will be non-passive income, and more than 50% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of non-passive income. This belief is based on certain valuations and projections regarding our income and assets, and its validity is based on the accuracy of such valuations and projections. While we believe these valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that they will continue to be accurate at any time in the future. Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from time-chartering activities constitutes rental income or income derived from the performance of services. In Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), the Fifth Circuit held that income derived from certain time-chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a provision of the Code relating to foreign sales corporations. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of the case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive from our time-chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. In published guidance, the IRS stated that it disagreed with the holding in Tidewater and specified that time charters similar to those at issue in this case should be treated as service contracts. 115 Table of Contents Distinguishing between arrangements treated as generating rental income and those treated as generating services income involves weighing and balancing competing factual considerations, and there is no legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our specific method of operation. Conclusions in this area therefore remain matters of interpretation. We are not seeking a ruling from the IRS on the treatment of income generated from our time-chartering operations. Thus, it is possible that the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure unitholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in any future taxable year. As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC over the subsequent taxable years), a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a "Qualified Electing Fund," which we refer to as a "QEF election." As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units, as discussed below. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common units during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such holder must file an annual report with the IRS. Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election (or an Electing Holder), then, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that holder must report as income for its taxable year its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end with or within the taxable year for which that holder is reporting, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in common units and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with its U.S. federal income tax return. If contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will provide each U.S. Holder with the information necessary to make the QEF election described above. Although the QEF election is available with respect to subsidiaries, in the event we acquire or own a subsidiary in the future that is treated as a PFIC, no assurances can be made that we will be able to provide U.S. Holders with the necessary information to make the QEF election with respect to such subsidiary. Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a "Mark-to-Market" Election If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. Holder holds our common units and, as we anticipate, our units were treated as "marketable stock," then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the U.S. Holder's common units at the end of the taxable year over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units. The U.S. Holder also would be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units over the fair market value thereof at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in its common units would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss 116 Table of Contents recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common units would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. The mark-to-market election generally will not be available with respect to subsidiaries. Accordingly, in the event we acquire or own a subsidiary in the future that is treated as a PFIC, the mark-to-market election generally will not be available with respect to such subsidiary. Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year in which a U.S. Holder holds our common units, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF election or a "mark-to-market" election for that year (or a Non-Electing Holder) would be subject to special rules resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common units in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common units) and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the units. Under these special rules: • • • the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's aggregate holding period for the common units; the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the taxable year we were first treated as a PFIC with respect to the Non-Electing Holder would be taxed as ordinary income; and the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect for the applicable class of taxpayers for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning our common units, such holder's successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such units. U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders A beneficial owner of our common units (other than a partnership or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to as a Non-U.S. Holder. If you are a partner in a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our common units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units. Distributions Distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, our distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent such distributions constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, such distributions also are attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment). The after-tax amount of any effectively connected distributions received by a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to an additional U.S. branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate). 117 Table of Contents Disposition of Units In general, a Non-U.S. Holder is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain resulting from the disposition of our common units provided the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. A Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the event the gain from the disposition of units is effectively connected with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, such gain also is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment). The after-tax amount of any effectively connected gain of a Non-U.S. Holder that is a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may also be subject to an additional U.S. branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate). However, even if not engaged in a U.S. trade or business, individual Non- U.S. Holders may be subject to tax on gain resulting from the disposition of our common units if they are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those units are disposed and they meet certain other requirements. Backup Withholding and Information Reporting In general, payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder of distributions or the proceeds of a disposition of common units will be subject to information reporting. These payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder also may be subject to backup withholding if the non-corporate U.S. Holder: • • • fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number; is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report all interest or corporate distributions required to be reported on its U.S. federal income tax returns; or in certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements. Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a unitholder generally may obtain a credit for any amount withheld against its liability for U.S. federal income tax (and obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such liability) by timely filing a U.S. federal income tax return with the IRS. In addition, individual citizens or residents of the United States holding certain "foreign financial assets" (which generally includes stock and other securities issued by a foreign person unless held in an account maintained by a financial institution) that exceed certain thresholds (the lowest being holding foreign financial assets with an aggregate value in excess of: (1) $50,000 on the last day of the tax year or (2) $75,000 at any time during the tax year) are required to report information relating to such assets. Significant penalties may apply for failure to satisfy the reporting obligations described above. Unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations, if any, that would result from their purchase, ownership or disposition of our units. Non-United States Tax Considerations Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to KNOT Offshore Partners LP. 118 Table of Contents Marshall Islands Tax Consequences Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business, transactions or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law, unitholders that are neither citizens nor residents of the Marshall Islands and do not maintain offices in nor engage in business, transactions or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distribution treated as a return of capital, we make to them as unitholders. In addition, such unitholders will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of common units, and they will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file Marshall Islands tax returns relating to their ownership of common units. Norwegian Tax Consequences Current and prospective unitholders who are resident in Norway for taxation purposes are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential Norwegian tax consequences to them of an investment in our common units. For this purpose, a company incorporated outside of Norway will be treated as resident in Norway in the event its central management and control is carried out in Norway. The discussion that follows is based upon existing Norwegian legislation and current Norwegian Tax Administration practice. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences of unit ownership described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to KNOT Offshore Partners LP. Under the Norwegian General Taxation Act, persons not resident in Norway for taxation purposes ("Non-Norwegian Holders") will not be subject to any taxes in Norway on income or profits in respect of the acquisition, holding, disposition or redemption of the common units, provided that: • • • • we are not treated as carrying on business in Norway; and neither of the following conditions are met: if such holders are resident in a country that does not have an income tax treaty with Norway, such holders are not engaged in a Norwegian trade or business to which the common units are effectively connected; or if such holders are resident in a country that has an income tax treaty with Norway, such holders do not have a permanent establishment in Norway to which the common units are effectively connected. A Non-Norwegian Holder that carries on a business in Norway through a partnership is subject to Norwegian tax on income derived from the business if managed from Norway or carried on by the Partnership in Norway. While we expect to conduct our affairs in such a manner that our business will not be treated as managed from or carried on in Norway at any time in the future, this determination is dependent upon the facts existing at such time, including (but not limited to) the place where our board of directors meets and the place where our management makes decisions or takes certain actions affecting our business. Our Norwegian tax counsel has advised us regarding certain measures we can take to limit the risk that our business may be treated as managed from or carried on in Norway and has concluded that, provided we adopt these measures and otherwise conduct our affairs in a manner consistent with our Norwegian tax counsel's advice, which we intend to do, our business should not be treated as managed from or carried on in Norway for taxation purposes, and consequently, Non-Norwegian Holders should not be subject to tax in Norway solely by reason of the acquisition, holding, disposition or redemption of their common units. Nonetheless, there is no legal authority addressing our specific 119 Table of Contents circumstances, and conclusions in this area remain matters of interpretation. Thus, it is possible that the Norwegian taxation authority could challenge, or a court could disagree with, our position. While we do not expect it to be the case, if the arrangements we propose to enter into result in our being considered to carry on business in Norway for the purposes of the Norwegian General Taxation Act, unitholders would be considered to be carrying on business in Norway and would be required to file tax returns with the Norwegian Tax Administration and, subject to any relief provided in any relevant double taxation treaty (including, in the case of holders resident in the United States, the U.S.-Norway Tax Treaty), would be subject to taxation in Norway on any income considered to be attributable to the business carried on in Norway. United Kingdom Tax Consequences The following is a discussion of the material United Kingdom tax consequences that may be relevant to prospective unitholders who are persons not resident in the United Kingdom for taxation purposes and who do not acquire their units as part of a trade, profession or vocation carried on in the United Kingdom, which we refer to as "Non-UK Holders." Prospective unitholders who are resident or domiciled in the United Kingdom for taxation purposes, or who hold their units through a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential United Kingdom tax consequences to them of an investment in our common units and are responsible for filing their own U.K. tax returns and paying any applicable U.K. taxes (which may be due on amounts received by us but not distributed). The discussion that follows is based upon current United Kingdom tax law and what is understood to be the current practice of HMRC as at the date of this document, both of which are subject to change, possibly with retrospective effect. Taxation of income and disposals. We expect to conduct our affairs so that Non-UK Holders should not be subject to United Kingdom income tax, capital gains tax or corporation tax on income or gains arising from our partnership. Distributions may be made to Non-UK Holders without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom income tax. Stamp taxes. No liability to United Kingdom stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax should arise in connection with the issue of units to unitholders or the transfer of units in our partnership. EACH PROSPECTIVE UNITHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT ITS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF UNIT OWNERSHIP UNDER ITS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. F. Dividends and Paying Agents Not applicable. G. Statement by Experts Not applicable. H. Documents on Display Documents concerning us that are referred to in this Annual Report may be inspected at our principal executive headquarters at 2 Queen's Cross, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire AB15 4YB, United Kingdom, and may also be obtained from our website at www.knotoffshorepartners.com. Those documents electronically filed via the SEC's Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system may also be obtained from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. 120 Table of Contents I. Subsidiary Information Not applicable. Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk We are exposed to various market risks, including interest rate, foreign currency exchange rate and concentration of credit risks. Historically, we have entered into certain derivative instruments and contracts to maintain the desired level of exposure arising from interest rate and certain foreign currency exchange rate risks. Our policy is to economically hedge our exposure to risks, where possible, within boundaries deemed appropriate by management. Interest Rate Risk A portion of our debt obligations and surplus funds placed with financial institutions are subject to movements in interest rates. It is our policy to obtain the most favorable interest rates available without increasing our foreign currency exposure. In keeping with this, our surplus funds may in the future be placed in fixed deposits with reputable financial institutions that yield better returns than bank deposits. The deposits generally have short-term maturities so as to provide us with the flexibility to meet working capital and capital investments. We have historically used interest rate swap contracts to manage our exposure to interest rate risks. Interest rate swap contracts were used to convert floating rate debt obligations based on LIBOR to a fixed rate in order to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rate debt. The extent to which interest rate swap contracts are used is determined by reference to our net debt exposure and our views regarding future interest rates. Our interest rate swap contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting, and movements in their fair values are reflected in the statements of operations under "Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments." Interest rate swap contracts that have a positive fair value are recorded as "Other current assets," while swaps with a negative fair value are recorded as "Derivative liabilities." As of December 31, 2019, we were party to interest rate swap contracts with a combined notional amount of approximately $561.8 million. Under the terms of the interest rate swap contracts, we receive LIBOR-based variable interest rate payments and make fixed interest rate payments at fixed rates between 1.38% per annum and 2.90% per annum for all periods. The interest rate swap contracts mature between July 2020 and August 2027. The notional amount and fair value of our interest rate swap contracts recognized as net derivative liabilities as of December 31, 2019 are as follows: December 31, 2019 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Interest rate swap contracts Notional Amount $ 561,846 $ Fair Value (asset) 4,721 As of December 31, 2019, our net exposure to floating interest rate fluctuations on our outstanding debt was approximately $397.5 million, based on our total interest-bearing debt of approximately $1,002.8 million, less the notional amount of our floating to fixed interest rate swap contracts of approximately $561.8 million, less cash and cash equivalents of $43.5 million. A 1% change in short-term interest rates would result in an increase or decrease to our interest expense of approximately $4.0 million on an annual basis as of December 31, 2019. Please read Note 10—Derivative Instruments—Interest Rate Risk Management in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report. 121 Table of Contents Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk We and our subsidiaries have the U.S. Dollar as our functional and reporting currency, because all of our revenues and the majority of our expenditures, including the majority of our investments in vessels and our financing transactions, are denominated in U.S. Dollars. We could, however, earn revenue in other currencies, and we currently incur a portion of our expenses in other currencies. Therefore, there is a risk that currency fluctuations could have an adverse effect on the value of our cash flows. Our foreign currency risk arises from: • • the measurement of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies converted to U.S. Dollars, with the resulting gain or loss recorded as "Net loss on foreign currency transactions;" and the impact of fluctuations in exchange rates on the reported amounts of our revenues, if any, and expenses that are denominated in foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2019, we had entered into foreign exchange forward contract, selling a total notional amount of $5.0 million against NOK at an exchange rate of NOK 9.22 per 1 U.S. Dollar, which are economic hedges for certain vessel operating expenses and general expenses in NOK. We did not apply hedge accounting to our foreign exchange forward contracts. Concentration of Credit Risk The market for our services is the offshore oil transportation industry, and our customers consist primarily of major oil and gas companies, independent oil and gas producers and government-owned oil companies. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, eight and seven customers, respectively, accounted for substantially all of our revenues. Ongoing credit evaluations of our customers are performed and generally do not require collateral in our business agreements. Typically, under our time charters and bareboat charters, the customer pays for the month's charter the first day of each month, which reduces our level of credit risk. Provisions for potential credit losses are maintained when necessary. We have bank deposits that expose us to credit risk arising from possible default by the counterparty. We manage the risk by using credit-worthy financial institutions. Retained Risk For a description of our insurance coverage, including the risks retained by us related to our insurance policies, please read "Item 4. Information on the Partnership—Business Overview—Risk of Loss, Insurance and Risk Management." Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities Not applicable. PART II Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all covenants under our debt agreements. Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Securities Holders and Use of Proceeds Not applicable. 122 Table of Contents Item 15. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act that are designed to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed in our reports that are filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and (ii) information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of December 31, 2019. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer does not expect that our disclosure controls or internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. Although our disclosure controls and procedures were designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Partnership have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based partly on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining for us adequate internal controls over financial reporting. Our internal controls were designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Our internal controls over financial reporting include those policies and procedures that: 1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; 2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors; and 3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based upon the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). This 123 Table of Contents evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Because of its inherent limitations, internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements even when determined to be effective and can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies and procedures may deteriorate. However, based on the evaluation, management has concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting were effective as of December 31, 2019. There were no changes in our internal controls that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2019. Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm The effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by Ernst & Young AS, an independent registered public accouting firm, as stated in its report which appears on page F-3 of our consolidated financial statements. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Annual Report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert Our board of directors has determined that Hans Petter Aas qualifies as an audit committee financial expert and is independent under applicable NYSE and SEC standards. Item 16B. Code of Ethics We have adopted the KNOT Offshore Partners LP Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors. This document is available under the "Corporate Governance" tab in the "Investor Relations" section of our website www.knotoffshorepartners.com . We intend to disclose, under this tab of our website, any waivers to or amendments of the KNOT Offshore Partners LP Corporate Code of Business Ethics and Conduct for the benefit of any of our directors and executive officers. Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Our principal accountant for 2019 was Ernst & Young AS. The audit committee of our board of directors has the authority to pre-approve permissible audit-related and non-audit services not prohibited by law to be performed by our independent auditors and associated fees. Engagements for proposed services either may be separately pre-approved by the audit committee or entered into pursuant to detailed pre-approval policies and procedures established by the audit committee, as long as the audit committee is informed on a timely basis of any engagement entered into on that basis. The audit committee separately pre-approved all engagements and fees paid to our principal accountant in 2019 and 2018. 124 Table of Contents Fees Incurred by the Partnership for Ernst & Young AS' Services: Audit Fees Audit-Related Fees Tax Fees Audit Fees 2019 2018 $ 718,698 $ 803,994 43,858 — 3,399 2,978 $ 721,676 $ 851,252 Audit fees for 2019 and 2018 are the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Partnership's annual financial statements and services normally provided by the principal accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements, including services related to comfort letters, consents and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC. Audit-Related Fees Audit-related fees for 2019 and 2018 are the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant related primarily to assurance work in connection with accounting consultations and acquisitions. Tax Fees Tax fees for 2019 and 2018 are the aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant related primarily to tax compliance services. Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Not applicable. Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers Not applicable. Item 16F. Change in Registrants' Certifying Accountant Not applicable. Item 16G. Corporate Governance Overview Pursuant to an exemption under the NYSE listing standards for foreign private issuers, the Partnership is not required to comply with the corporate governance practices followed by U.S. companies under the NYSE listing standards. However, pursuant to Section 303A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, we are required to state any significant differences between our governance practices and the practices required by the NYSE for U.S. companies. We believe that our established practices in the area of corporate governance are in line with the spirit of the NYSE standards and provide adequate protection to our unitholders. The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE standards applicable to listed U.S. companies are set forth below. 125 Table of Contents Independence of Directors The NYSE rules do not require a listed company that is a foreign private issuer to have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Under Marshall Islands law, we are not required to have a board of directors comprised of a majority of directors meeting the independence standards described in the NYSE rules. In addition, the NYSE rules do not require limited partnerships like us to have boards of directors comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, our board of directors has determined that each of Hans Petter Aas, Edward A. Waryas, Jr., Simon Bird and Andrew Beveridge satisfies the independence standards established by the NYSE as applicable to us. Executive Sessions The NYSE requires that non-management directors of a listed U.S. company meet regularly in executive sessions without management. The NYSE also requires that all independent directors of a listed U.S. company meet in an executive session at least once a year. As permitted under Marshall Islands law and our partnership agreement, our non-management directors do not regularly hold executive sessions without management and we do not expect them to do so in the future. Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee The NYSE requires that a listed U.S. company have a nominating/corporate governance committee of independent directors and a committee charter specifying the purpose, duties and evaluation procedures of the committee. As permitted under Marshall Islands law and our partnership agreement, we do not currently have a nominating or corporate governance committee. Compensation Committee The NYSE requires that a listed U.S. company have a compensation committee of independent directors and a committee charter specifying the purpose, duties and evaluation procedures of the committee. As permitted under Marshall Islands law and our partnership agreement, we do not currently have a compensation committee. Corporate Governance Guidelines The NYSE requires listed U.S. companies to adopt and disclose corporate governance guidelines. The guidelines must address, among other things: director qualification standards, director responsibilities, director access to management and independent advisers, director compensation, director orientation and continuing education, management succession and an annual performance evaluation. We are not required to adopt such guidelines under Marshall Islands law, and we have not adopted such guidelines. We make available a statement of significant differences on our website, www.knotoffshorepartners.com. We believe that our established corporate governance practices satisfy the NYSE listing standards. Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure Not applicable. 126 Table of Contents Item 17. Financial Statements Not applicable. Item 18. Financial Statements PART III The following financial statements listed below and set forth on pages F-1 through F-62, together with the related reports of Ernst & Young AS, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, are filed as part of this Annual Report: Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-9 All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required, are inapplicable or have been disclosed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and therefore have been omitted. Item 19. Exhibits The following exhibits are filed as part of this Annual Report: Exhibit Number Description 1.1 Certificate of Limited Partnership of KNOT Offshore Partners LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant's Form F-1 Registration Statement (333-186947), filed on February 28, 2013) 1.2 Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of KNOT Offshore Partners LP, dated as of June 30, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the registrant's Report on Form 8-A/A filed on June 30, 2017) 2.1* Description of Securities Registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act 4.1 Omnibus Agreement, dated April 15, 2013, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 filed on April 15, 2014) 4.2 Administrative Services Agreement, dated February 26, 2013, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC, Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd. and Knutsen OAS Shipping AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant's Amendment No. 1 to Form F-1 Registration Statement (333-186947), filed on March 19, 2013) 4.3 Amendment No. 1 to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated May 7, 2015, between KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC, Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd., Knutsen OAS Shipping AS and KNOT Management AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on June 2, 2015) 127 Table of Contents Exhibit Number Description 4.4 Amendment No. 2 to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated November 28, 2018, between KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC, Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd., Knutsen OAS Shipping AS and KNOT Management AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 filed on April 10, 2019) 4.5 Amendment No. 3 to the Administrative Services Agreement, dated March 13, 2019, between KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC, Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd., Knutsen OAS Shipping AS and KNOT Management AS (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 filed on April 10, 2019) 4.6 Form of Ship Management Agreement, dated October 28, 2010, between KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS and KNOT Management AS, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant's Form F-1 Registration Statement (333-186947), filed on February 28, 2013) 4.7 Form of Ship Management Agreement, dated May 13, 2014, between KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and KNOT Management Denmark AS, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed on March 25, 2015) 4.8 Loan Agreement, dated March 31, 2017, among Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS, as borrower, and Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (Hong Kong) Limited, as lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on August 10, 2017) 4.9 Facility Agreement, dated November 8, 2017, among Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed on April 25, 2018) 4.10 Senior Secured Credit Facilities Agreement, dated April 3, 2014, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS, as borrowers, and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed on March 25, 2015) 4.11 Accession Letter, dated December 15, 2014, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 filed on March 25, 2015) 4.12 Letter Agreement, dated June 15, 2015, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited, relating to the Accession Letter, dated December 15, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on June 29, 2015) 4.13 Facility Agreement, dated December 17, 2014, among Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto, as amended by Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated November 29, 2016 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on December 5, 2016) 128 Table of Contents Exhibit Number Description 4.14 Accession Letter, dated November 30, 2016, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Europe Limited (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on December 5, 2016) 4.15 Facilities Agreement, dated April 27, 2015, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, as borrowers, and the other parties thereto, as amended and restated on October 23, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed on March 17, 2017) 4.16 Accession Letter, dated February 28, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS and DNB Bank ASA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.28 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed on March 17, 2017) 4.17 Accession Letter, dated June 1, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS and DNB Bank ASA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on August 10, 2017) 4.18 Accession Letter, dated September 29, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS and DNB Bank ASA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on November 6, 2017) 4.19 Term Loan Facility Agreement, dated June 27, 2017, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto, as amended by Amendment Agreement No. 1, dated December 15, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.21 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed on April 25, 2018) 4.20 Accession Letter, dated December 15, 2017, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS and ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.22 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed on April 25, 2018) 4.21 Term Loan Facility Agreement, dated September 30, 2016, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS, as borrower, and the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.23 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed on April 25, 2018) 4.22 Accession Letter, dated March 1, 2018, among Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS, KNOT Offshore Partners LP, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS and Nordea Bank AB (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.24 to the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 filed on April 25, 2018) 129 Table of Contents Exhibit Number Description 4.23 Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facilities Agreement, dated September 4, 2018, among KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 13 AS, Knutsen NYK Shuttle Tankers 16 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS, as borrowers, the other parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on September 4, 2018) 4.24 Employment Agreement, dated May 7, 2015, between KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC and John Costain (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on June 2, 2015) 4.25 Employment Agreement, dated March 12, 2019, between KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC and Gary Chapman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.25 of the registrant's Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 filed on April 10, 2019) 4.26 Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated December 6, 2016, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on December 6, 2016) 4.27 Assignment and Novation Agreement, dated December 20, 2016, among Offshore Merchant Partners Asset Yield Fund, L.P., OMP AY Preferred Limited and KNOT Offshore Partners LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on February 2, 2017) 4.28 First Amendment to Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated February 2, 2017, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on February 2, 2017) 4.29 Second Amendment to Series A Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated May 16, 2017, between KNOT Offshore Partners LP and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on May 17, 2017) 4.30 Joinder Agreement, dated June 30, 2017, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP, OMP AY Preferred Limited, Pierfront Capital Mezzanine Fund Pte. Ltd. and Tortoise Direct Opportunities Fund, LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on June 30, 2017) 4.31 Registration Rights Agreement, dated February 2, 2017, among KNOT Offshore Partners LP and the Purchasers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant's report on Form 6-K filed on February 2, 2017) 8.1* Subsidiaries of KNOT Offshore Partners LP 12.1* Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer 13.1* Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Executive Officer and the Principal Financial Officer 15.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 101.INS XBRL Instance Document 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Calculation Linkbase 130 Table of Contents Exhibit Number Description 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Definition Linkbase 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Label Linkbase 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Presentation Linkbase * Filed herewith. 131 Table of Contents The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this Annual Report on its behalf. SIGNATURE KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP By: /s/ GARY CHAPMAN Name: Gary Chapman Title: Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Date: March 19, 2020 132 Table of Contents INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-2 F-4 F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-9 F-1 Table of Contents To the Unitholders and the Board of Directors of KNOT Offshore Partners LP Opinion on the Financial Statements Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of KNOT Offshore Partners LP (the Partnership) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in partners' capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership at December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 19, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ Ernst & Young AS We have served as the Partnership's auditor since 2013. Oslo, Norway March 19, 2020 F-2 Table of Contents To the Unitholders and the Board of Directors of KNOT Offshore Partners LP Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm We have audited KNOT Offshore Partners LP's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, KNOT Offshore Partners LP (the Partnership) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on the COSO criteria. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the 2019 consolidated financial statements of the Partnership and our report dated March 19, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon. Basis for Opinion The Partnership's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. /s/ Ernst & Young AS Oslo, Norway March 19, 2020 F-3 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 Operating revenues: (Notes 2(e), 5 and 18) Time charter and bareboat revenues Loss of hire insurance recoveries (Notes 2(t) and 8) Other income Total revenues (Notes 2(e), 5, 6, 7 and 18) Operating expenses: (Note 18) Vessel operating expenses (Note 2(e) and 6) Depreciation (Note 13) General and administrative expenses Total operating expenses Operating income Finance income (expense): (Notes 2(f) and 18) Interest income Interest expense (Note 9(a)) Other finance expense (Note 9(b)) Realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments (Note 10) Net gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions Total finance expense Income before income taxes Income tax benefit (expense) (Notes 2(r) and 17) Net income Series A Preferred unitholders' interest in net income General Partner's interest in net income Limited Partners' interest in net income Earnings per unit (Basic): (Note 20) Common unit (basic) General Partner unit (basic) Earnings per unit (Diluted): (Note 20) Common unit (diluted) General Partner unit (diluted) $ 282,502 $ 278,191 $ 212,501 5,176 1,526 219,203 — 59 282,561 450 815 279,456 60,129 89,844 4,858 154,831 127,730 56,730 88,756 5,290 150,776 128,680 46,709 71,583 5,555 123,847 95,356 865 (50,735) (845) (17,797) (252) (68,764) 58,966 (9) 58,957 $ 7,200 $ 956 50,801 739 (49,956) (1,260) 4,039 (79) (46,517) 82,163 2 82,165 $ 7,200 $ 1,384 73,581 1.554 $ 1.554 $ 2.251 $ 2.251 $ 1.554 $ 1.554 $ 2.217 $ 2.251 $ 248 (30,714) (1,406) 4,831 (267) (27,308) 68,048 16 68,064 5,253 1,160 61,651 2.050 2.046 2.037 2.046 $ $ $ $ $ $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-4 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Year Ended December 31, Net income Other comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive income 2019 2018 $ 58,957 $ 82,165 $ 68,064 — $ 58,957 $ 82,165 $ 68,064 — — 2017 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-5 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Consolidated Balance Sheets As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents (Notes 2(g) and 11) Trade accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $0 in, 2019 and $0 in At December 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 $ 43,525 $ 41,712 2018 (Notes 2(h) and 12(a)) Amounts due from related parties (Note 18(d))) Inventories (Note 2(i)) Derivative assets (Notes 2(q), 10 and 11) Other current assets (Notes 2(j) and 12(b)) Total current assets Long-term assets: Vessels, net of accumulated depreciation (Notes 2(k), 2(m), 2(n), 13 and 18(f)) Right-of-use assets (Notes 2(l) and 6) Intangible assets, net (Notes 2(o) and 14(a)) Derivative assets (Notes 2(q), 10 and 11) Accrued income Total long term assets Total assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities: Trade accounts payable (Note 18(e)) Accrued expenses (Note 15) Current portion of long-term debt (Notes 11 and 16) Current lease liabilities (Notes 2(l) and and 6) Current portion of derivative liabilities (Notes 2(q), 10 and 11) Income taxes payable (Notes 2(r) and 17) Current portion of contract liabilities (Notes 2(o) and 14(b)) Prepaid charter (Note 2(s)) Amount due to related parties (Note 18(d)) Total current liabilities Long-term liabilities: Long-term debt (Notes 2(p), 11 and 16) Lease liabilities (Notes 2(l) and 6) Derivative liabilities (Notes 2(q), 10 and 11) Contract liabilities (Notes 2(o) and 14(b)) Deferred tax liabilities (Notes 2(r) and 17) Total long-term liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Notes 2(t) and 19) Series A Convertible Preferred Units (Note 22) Equity: Partners' capital: Common unitholders: 32,694,094 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018. General partner interest: 615,117 units issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Total partners' capital Total liabilities and equity $ $ — 2,687 2,292 920 3,386 52,810 1,677,488 1,799 1,286 648 3,976 1,685,197 1,738,007 $ 2,730 $ 6,617 83,453 572 910 98 1,518 6,892 1,212 104,002 911,943 1,227 5,133 3,685 357 922,345 1,026,347 — 1,141 2,443 4,621 2,462 52,379 1,767,080 — 1,891 11,667 3,807 1,784,445 1,836,824 4,800 6,464 106,926 — 1,740 130 1,518 5,771 1,070 128,419 970,365 — 345 5,203 453 976,366 1,104,785 89,264 89,264 611,241 631,244 11,155 622,396 1,738,007 $ 11,531 642,775 1,836,824 $ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-6 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Consolidated Statements of Changes in Partners' Capital For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Partners' Capital Common Units General Partner Units Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Series A Convertible Preferred Units (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Consolidated balance at December 31, 2016 Net income Other comprehensive income Cash distributions Net proceeds from issuance of common units Net proceeds from sale of Series A Convertible Preferred Units Consolidated balance at December 31, 2017 Net income Other comprehensive income Cash distributions Net proceeds from issuance of common units Consolidated balance at December 31, 2018 Net income Other comprehensive income Cash distributions Consolidated balance at December 31, 2019 $ 511,413 $ 10,297 $ 61,651 — (64,307) 119,714 1,160 — (1,210) 1,232 — — $ 628,471 $ 11,479 $ 73,581 — (70,804) (4) 631,244 50,801 — (70,804) $ 611,241 1,384 — (1,332) — 11,531 956 — (1,332) 11,155 Total Partners' Capital — $ 521,710 $ — — — — 62,811 — 120,946 (65,517) — 74,965 — (72,136) (4) — — $ 639,950 $ — — — — — — — — — 642,775 51,757 — 622,396 (72,136) — 5,253 — (3,453) — 87,464 89,264 7,200 — (7,200) — 89,264 7,200 — (7,200) 89,264 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-7 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) (U.S. Dollars in thousands) OPERATING ACTIVITIES 2019 2018 2017 Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: $ 58,957 $ 82,165 $ 68,064 Depreciation Amortization of contract intangibles / liabilities Amortization of deferred revenue Amortization of deferred debt issuance cost Drydocking expenditure Income tax expense Income taxes paid Unrealized (gain) loss on derivative instruments Unrealized (gain) loss on foreign currency transactions Changes in operating assets and liabilities Decrease (increase) in amounts due from related parties Decrease (increase) in inventories Decrease (increase) in other current assets Decrease (increase) in accrued revenue Increase (decrease) in trade accounts payable Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses Increase (decrease) prepaid charter Increase (decrease) in amounts due to related parties Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Disposals (additions) to vessel and equipment Acquisition of Anna Knutsen (net of cash acquired) Acquisition of Brasil Knutsen (net of cash acquired) Acquisition of Lena Knutsen (net of cash acquired) Acquisition of Vigdis Knutsen (net of cash acquired) Acquisition of Tordis Knutsen (net of cash acquired) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Proceeds from long-term debt (Note 16) Repayment of long-term debt (Note 16) Repayment of long-term debt from related parties Payment of debt issuance cost Cash distribution Net proceeds from issuance of common units (Note 22) Net proceeds from sale of Convertible Preferred Units (Note 22) Net cash used in financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period 89,844 (912) — 2,617 (252) 9 (132) 18,676 44 (1,547) 152 (912) (168) (2,100) 153 1,121 142 165,692 — — — — — — — — (84,534) — 21 (79,336) — — (163,849) (30) 1,813 41,712 43,525 $ $ 88,756 (912) (1,056) 3,188 (12,421) (2) (190) (2,076) 45 (49) 55 3,256 (2,114) (1,297) (1,052) (3,154) (4,496) 148,646 (117) (15,376) — — — — (15,493) 497,779 (527,979) (22,535) (5,301) (79,336) (4) — (137,376) (169) (4,392) 46,104 41,712 $ 71,583 (1,089) (1,487) 1,737 (6,885) (16) (219) (7,391) 45 62,391 (358) (1,724) (540) 2,195 142 1,435 (33,298) 154,585 (849) — (547) (32,766) (28,321) (32,374) (94,857) 211,500 (297,708) (93,369) (1,241) (68,970) 120,946 87,464 (41,378) 90 18,440 27,664 46,104 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. F-8 Table of Contents 1) Description of Business KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements KNOT Offshore Partners LP (the "Partnership") was formed as a limited partnership under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Partnership was formed for the purpose of acquiring 100% ownership interests in four shuttle tankers owned by Knutsen NYK Offshore Tankers AS ("KNOT") in connection with the Partnership's initial public offering of its common units (the "IPO"), which was completed on April 15, 2013. Pursuant to the Partnership's Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (the "Partnership Agreement"), KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of KNOT, and the general partner of the Partnership (the "General Partner"), has irrevocably delegated to the Partnership's board of directors the power to oversee and direct the operations of, manage and determine the strategies and policies of the Partnership. During the period from the Partnership's IPO until the time of the Partnership's first annual general meeting ("AGM") on June 25, 2013, the General Partner retained the sole power to appoint, remove and replace all members of the Partnership's board of directors. From the first AGM, four of the seven board members became electable by the common unitholders and accordingly, from this date, KNOT, as the owner of the General Partner, no longer retained the power to control the Partnership's board of directors and, hence, the Partnership. As a result, the Partnership is no longer considered to be under common control with KNOT and as a consequence, the Partnership accounts for acquisitions of businesses and assets under the purchase method of accounting and not as transfers of equity interests between entities under common control. All acquisitions have been consolidated into the Partnership's results as of the date of acquisition. Please read Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 21—Acquisitions. As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership had a fleet of sixteen shuttle tankers, the Windsor Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen, the Torill Knutsen, the Dan Cisne, the Dan Sabia, the Ingrid Knutsen, the Raquel Knutsen, the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen, the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen, each referred to as a "Vessel" and, collectively, as the "Vessels". The Vessels operate under fixed long-term charter contracts to charterers, with expiration dates between 2020 and 2025. Please see Note 6—Operating Leases. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Partnership will continue as a going concern. The Partnership expects that its primary future sources of funds will be available cash, cash from operations, borrowings under any new loan agreements and the proceeds of any equity financings. The Partnership believes that these sources of funds (assuming the current rates earned from existing charters) will be sufficient to cover operational cash outflows and ongoing obligations under the Partnership's financing commitments to pay loan interest and make scheduled loan repayments and to make distributions on its outstanding units. Accordingly, as of March 19, 2020, the Partnership believes that its current resources, including the undrawn portion of its revolving credit facilities of $28.7 million, are sufficient to meet working capital requirements for its current business for at least the next twelve months. F-9 Table of Contents 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Preparation KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). All intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated. The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the entities listed in Note 4—Subsidiaries. (b) Business Combinations and Asset Acquisitions Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. On acquisition, the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are measured at their fair values at the date of acquisition. Any excess of the cost of acquisition over the fair values of the identifiable net assets acquired is recognized as goodwill. The consideration transferred for an acquisition is measured at fair value of the consideration given. Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred. The results of operations of the acquired businesses are included in the consolidated results as of the date of the applicable acquisition. Dependent on the facts and circumstances, the assessment of a transaction may be considered the acquisition of an asset, when substantially all of the fair value of assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset, rather than a business combination. Asset acquisitions are accounted for by allocating the cost of the acquisition to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. Acquisition related costs are capitalized as a component of the assets acquired. (c) Reporting Currency The consolidated financial statements are prepared in the reporting currency of U.S. Dollars. The functional currency of the vessel-owning Partnership subsidiaries is the U.S. Dollar, because the subsidiaries operate in the international shipping market, in which all revenues are U.S. Dollar-denominated and the majority of expenditures are made in U.S. Dollars. Transactions involving other currencies during the year are converted into U.S. Dollars using the exchange rates in effect at the time of the transactions. As of the balance sheet dates, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar are translated to reflect the year-end exchange rates. Resulting gains or losses are reflected separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. (d) Use of Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the useful lives and impairment of Vessels, drydocking, purchase price allocation and income taxes. (e) Revenues and Operating Expenses The Partnership's time charter contracts include both a lease component, consisting of the lease of the vessel, and non-lease component, consisting of operation of the vessel for the customers. The F-10 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) bareboat element is accounted for as an operating lease on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter, while the service element consisting of the operation of the vessel is recognized over time as the services are delivered. Revenue from time charters is recognized net of any commissions and is not recognized during days the Vessel is off-hire. Revenue is recognized from delivery of the Vessel to the charterer, until the end of the contract period. Under bareboat charters, the Partnership provides a specified Vessel for a fixed period of time at a specified day rate and the Partnership recognizes revenues from bareboat charters as operating leases on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter, net of any commissions. Where the term of the contract is based on the duration of a single voyage, the partnership evaluates whether the voyage contain leases and, if so, recognizes lease revenue as described above, and if not, recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC 606 upon the satisfaction of the performance obligations in the contract, i.e, when the underlying transportation service is provided to the customer. Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including bunker fuel expenses, port fees, cargo loading and unloading expenses, canal tolls and agency fees. Voyage expenses are paid by the customer under time charter and bareboat charters. Voyage expenses are paid by the Partnership for spot contracts and during periods of off-hire and are recognized when incurred. Vessel operating expenses include crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses. Vessel operating expenses are paid by the Partnership for time charters, spot contracts and during off-hire and are recognized when incurred. The Partnership directly employs one onshore employee and no seagoing employees. Related parties have provided the management services for the Vessels and employ the crews that work on the Vessels. The Partnership is not liable for any pension or post-retirement benefits. See Note 18—Related Party Transactions. (f) Financial Income (Expense) Other finance expense includes external bank fees, commitment fees paid on undrawn revolving credit facility, financing service fees paid to related parties and guarantee commissions paid to external parties in connection with the Partnership's debt and other bank services. (g) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Partnership considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. (h) Trade Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. Under terms of the current time charters and bareboat charters, the customers are committed to pay for the full month's charter the first day of each month. See Note 2(s)—Prepaid Charter. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the Partnership's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in existing accounts receivable. The Partnership establishes provisions for doubtful accounts on a case-by-case basis when it is unlikely that required payments of specific amounts will occur. In establishing these provisions, the Partnership considers the financial condition of the customer as well as specific circumstances related to the receivable. Receivable amounts determined to be unrecoverable are F-11 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) written-off. There were no allowances for doubtful accounts or amounts written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. The Partnership does not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to its customers. (i) Inventories Inventories, which are comprised principally of lubricating oils, are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. For vessels on time charters or bareboat charters, there are no bunkers, as the charterer supplies the bunkers, which principally consist of fuel oil. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method for all inventories. (j) Other Current Assets Other current assets principally consist of prepaid expenses and other receivables. (k) Vessels and Equipment Vessels and equipment are stated at the historical acquisition or construction cost, including capitalized interest, supervision and technical and delivery cost, net of accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. Expenditures for subsequent conversions and major improvements are capitalized, provided that such costs increase the earnings capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. Generally, the Partnership drydocks each vessel every 60 months until the vessel is 15 years old and every 30 months thereafter, as required for the renewal of certifications issued by classification societies. For vessels operating on time charters, the Partnership capitalizes the costs directly associated with the classification and regulatory requirements for inspection of the vessels and improvements incurred during drydocking. Drydock cost is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period until the next planned drydocking takes place. The Partnership expenses costs related to routine repairs and maintenance performed during drydocking or as otherwise incurred. For vessels that are newly built or acquired, an element of the cost of the vessel is initially allocated to a drydock component and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the period until the next planned drydocking. When significant dry-docking expenditures occur prior to the expiration of this period, the Partnership expenses the remaining balance of the original drydocking cost in the month of the subsequent drydocking. For vessels operating on bareboat charters, the charter-party bears the cost of any drydocking. Depreciation on vessels and equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis over the asset's estimated useful life, less an estimated residual value, as follows: Hull Anchor-handling, loading and unloading equipment Main/auxiliary engine Thruster, dynamic positioning systems, cranes and other equipment Drydock costs Useful Life 25 years 25 years 25 years 25 years 2.5 - 5 years A Vessel is depreciated to its estimated residual value, which is calculated based on the weight of the ship and estimated steel price. Any cost related to the disposal is deducted from the residual value. F-12 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (l) Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities The Partnership assesses whether a contract contains a lease at inception of the contract. The assessment involves the exercise of judgement about whether it depends on a specified asset, whether the Partnership obtains substantially all the economic benefits from the use of that asset, and whether the Partnership has the right to direct the use of the asset. The Partnership does not separate lease components from non-lease components as lessee. The Partnership recognizes a right-of- use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date, except for short-term leases of 12 months or less, which are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. (m) Capitalized Interest Interest expense incurred on the Partnership's debt during the construction of the Vessels exceeding one year is capitalized during the construction period. (n) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Vessels and equipment, vessels under construction and intangible assets subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset or asset group to be tested for possible impairment, the Partnership first compares undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset or asset group to its carrying value. If the carrying value of the long-lived asset or asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third- party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. (o) Intangibles Intangible assets represent contractual rights for charters obtained in connection with business and asset acquisitions that have favorable contractual terms relative to market as of the acquisition dates. Contract liabilities represent contractual rights obtained in connection with business acquisitions that have unfavorable contractual terms relative to market as of the acquisition dates. The favorable and unfavorable contract rights have definite lives and are amortized to revenues over the period of the related contracts. Intangible assets with a definite life are tested for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount exceeds the estimated fair value of the asset. The contract related intangible assets and liabilities and their amortization periods at acquisition dates are as follows: Intangible category Above market time charter—Tordis Knutsen Above market time charter—Vigdis Knutsen Unfavorable contractual rights—Fortaleza Knutsen Unfavorable contractual rights—Recife Knutsen F-13 Amortization Period 4.8 years 4.9 years 12 years 12 years Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) The intangible for the above market value of the time charter contract associated with the Tordis Knutsen is amortized to time charter revenue on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the contract of approximately 4.8 years as of the acquisition date. The intangible for the above market value of the time charter contract associated with the Vigdis Knutsen is amortized to time charter revenue on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the contract of approximately 4.9 years as of the acquisition date. See Note 21—Acquisitions. The unfavorable contractual rights for charters associated with Foraleza Knutsen and Recife Knutsen were obtained in connection with a step acquisition in 2008 that had unfavorable contractual terms relative to market as of acquisition date. The Fortaleza Knutsen and the Recife Knutsen commenced on their 12 years' fixed bareboat charters in March 2011 and August 2011, respectively. The unfavorable contract rights related to Fortaleza Knutsen and Recife Knutsen are amortized to bareboat revenues on a straight line basis over the 12 years' contract period that expires in March 2023 and August 2023, respectively. (p) Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs, including fees, commissions and legal expenses, are deferred and presented net of debt. Debt issuance costs of term loans are amortized over the term of the relevant loan. Amortization of debt issuance costs is included in interest expense. These costs are presented as a deduction from the corresponding liability, consistent with debt discount. (q) Derivative Instruments The Partnership uses derivatives to reduce market risks associated with its operations. The Partnership uses interest rate swaps for the management of interest risk exposure. The interest rate swaps effectively convert a portion of the Partnership's debt from a floating to a fixed rate over the life of the transactions without an exchange of underlying principal. The Partnership seeks to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates through the use of foreign currency forward contracts. All derivative instruments are initially recorded at fair value as either assets or liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and subsequently measured to fair value. The Partnership does not apply hedge accounting to its derivative instruments. Changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments are recognized in earnings. Gains and losses from the interest rate swap contracts of the Partnership related to long-term mortgage debt and foreign exchange forward contracts are recorded in realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the consolidated statements of operations. Cash flows related to interest rate swap contracts are presented as cash flows provided by operating activities. Cash flows related to foreign exchange forward contracts entered into to economically hedge operating expenses in currencies other than U.S. Dollars are presented as cash flows provided by operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, while cash flows related to foreign exchange forward contracts entered into to hedge contractual obligations to pay the shipyard in currencies other than functional currency of U.S. Dollars are presented as cash flows used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. F-14 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (r) Income Taxes Historically, part of the Partnership's activities were subject to ordinary taxation and taxes were paid on taxable income (including operating income and net financial income and expense), while part of the activities were subject to the Norwegian Tonnage Tax Regime (the "tonnage tax regime"). Under the tonnage tax regime, the tax is based on the tonnage of the vessel, and operating income is tax free. The net financial income and expense remains taxable as ordinary income tax for entities subject to the tonnage tax regime. Income taxes arising from the part of activities subject to ordinary taxation are included in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. For the portion of activities subject to the tonnage tax regime, tonnage taxes are classified as vessel operating expenses while the current and deferred taxes arising on net financial income and expense are reflected as income tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note 17—Income Taxes. The Partnership accounts for deferred income taxes using the liability method. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the anticipated future tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement basis and the tax basis of the Partnership's assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Recognition of uncertain tax positions is dependent upon whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. If a tax position meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, it is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements based on U.S. GAAP guidance. The Partnership recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. (s) Prepaid Charter Under terms of the time charters and bareboat charters, the customer pays for the month's charter the first day of each month that is recorded as prepaid charter revenues. (t) Commitments, Contingencies and Insurance Proceeds Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Legal costs incurred in connection with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred. See Note 19—Commitments and Contingencies. Insurance claims for property damage for recoveries up to the amount of loss recognized are recorded when the claims submitted to insurance carriers are probable of recovery. Claims for property damage in excess of the loss recognized and for loss of hire are considered gain contingencies, which are generally recognized when the proceeds are received. F-15 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) (u) Fair Value Measurements The Partnership utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. The Partnership determines fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which are categorized in one of the following levels: • • • Level 1 Inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date. Level 2 Inputs: Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Level 3 Inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. (v) Recently Adopted Accounting Standards In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (ASC 842), that amends the accounting guidance on leases for both lessors and lessees. On January 1, 2019, the Partnership adopted the new standard using the optional transition method to apply the new standard at the transition date of January 1, 2019 with no retrospective adjustments to prior periods. Consequently, the accounting and disclosures for the prior periods continue to be presented in accordance with the previous standard for leases The Partnership elected the package of practical expedients and has not reassessed whether any expired or existing contracts are, or contain leases, not reassessed lease classifications, and not reassessed initial direct costs for any existing leases. Additionally, the practical expedient of disregarding short-term leases for agreements with lease terms of 12 months or less and the practical expedient of not separating lease components from nonlease components for all leases where the Partnership is the lessee were adopted as accounting policies for all underlying assets. The practical expedient of not separating lease components from nonlease components has not been adopted for leases where the Partnership is the lessor. There were no changes to the timing or amount of revenue recognized, and therefore, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of initially applying the standard related to the lessor accounting. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures are required and have been implemented for reporting periods beginning as of January 1, 2019, while prior periods are not adjusted and continue to be reported under the previous accounting standards. See Note 6—Operating Leases. Adoption of the new standard resulted in recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet for operating leases of $2.3 million and $2.3 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of initially applying the standard related to the lessee accounting. The right-of-use asset and lease liability for operating leases are presented in separate lines on the balance sheets. See Note 6— Operating Leases. F-16 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued) There are no other recent accounting pronouncements, whose adoption had a material impact on the consolidated financial statements in the current year. (w) New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (or ASU 2016- 13). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. This update is effective for the Partnership from January 1, 2020, with a modified-retrospective approach. The adoption of ASU 2016-13 is not expected to have material impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recently issued accounting pronouncements are not expected to materially impact the Partnership. 3) Formation Transactions and Initial Public Offering During April 2013, the following transactions occurred in connection with KNOT's transfer of the interests in KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS and the subsequent IPO: Capital Contribution (i) KNOT contributed to the Partnership's subsidiary KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC ("KNOT UK") its 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, which directly or indirectly owned (1) Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, the owner of the Recife Knutsen and the Fortaleza Knutsen , (2) Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII AS, the general partner of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS, and (3) the Windsor Knutsen and the Bodil Knutsen and all of their related charters, inventory and long-term debt. This was accounted for as a capital contribution by KNOT to the Partnership. Recapitalization of the Partnership (ii) (iii) The Partnership issued to KNOT 8,567,500 subordinated units, representing a 49.0% limited partner interest in the Partnership, and 100% of the incentive distribution rights ("IDRs"), which entitle KNOT to increasing percentages of the cash the Partnership distributes in excess of $0.43125 per unit per quarter. The Partnership issued 349,694 general partner units to the General Partner representing a 2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership. F-17 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 3) Formation Transactions and Initial Public Offering (Continued) Initial Public Offering (iv) In connection with the IPO, the Partnership issued and sold to the public, through the underwriters, 8,567,500 common units (including 1,117,500 common units sold pursuant to the full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional units), representing a 49.0% limited partner interest in the Partnership. The price per common unit in the IPO was $21.00. The Partnership received gross proceeds of approximately $179.9 million in connection with the IPO. Expenses relating to the IPO, including, among other things, incremental costs directly attributable to the IPO, were deferred and charged against the gross proceeds of the IPO, whereas other costs were expensed as incurred. The net proceeds of the IPO (approximately $160.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and structuring fees and offering expenses payable by the Partnership) were used by the Partnership to make a cash distribution to KNOT of approximately $21.95 million (which equals net proceeds from the underwriters' option exercised in full after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions), to repay approximately $118.9 million of outstanding debt and pre-fund approximately $3.0 million of the Partnership's one-time entrance tax into the Norwegian tonnage tax regime. The remainder of the net proceeds was made available for general partnership purposes. Agreements In connection with the IPO, at or prior to the closing of the IPO, the Partnership entered into several agreements, including: • • • • • An Administrative Services Agreement with KNOT UK, pursuant to which: • • KNOT UK agreed to provide to the Partnership administrative services; and KNOT UK is permitted to subcontract certain of the administrative services provided under the administrative services agreement to Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd. ("KOAS UK") and Knutsen OAS Shipping AS ("KOAS"), both wholly owned subsidiaries of TS Shipping Invest AS ("TSSI"); Amended Technical Management Agreements with KNOT Management AS ("KNOT Management"), a wholly owned subsidiary of KNOT, that govern the crew, technical and commercial management of the vessels in the fleet; A Contribution and Sale Agreement with KNOT pursuant to which the Partnership acquired the entities that comprised its initial fleet; Amendments to certain of the Partnership's existing vessel financing agreements to permit the transactions pursuant to which the Partnership acquired its initial fleet in connection with the IPO and to include a $20.0 million revolving credit facility; and An Omnibus Agreement with KNOT, the General Partner and the other parties thereto governing, among other things: • • To what extent the Partnership and KNOT may compete with each other; The Partnership's option to purchase the Carmen Knutsen, the Hilda Knutsen , the Torill Knutsen , the Ingrid Knutsen and the Raquel Knutsen from KNOT; F-18 Table of Contents 3) Formation Transactions and Initial Public Offering (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) • • • 4) Subsidiaries Certain rights of first offer on shuttle tankers operating under charters of five or more years; The provision of certain indemnities to the Partnership by KNOT; and KNOT's guarantee of the payment of the hire rate under the existing Bodil Knutsen and Windsor Knutsen charters for a period of five years following the closing date of the IPO. The following table lists the Partnership's subsidiaries and their purpose as of December 31, 2019. Company Name KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 12 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 13 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS Knutsen NYK Shuttle Tankers 16 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS Jurisdiction of Formation Purpose Marshall Islands Holding Company Holding Company Norway Majority owner of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS Norway Owner of the Bodil Knutsen Norway Owner of the Windsor Knutsen Norway Owner of the Fortaleza Knutsen and the Recife Knutsen Norway General partner of Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS Norway Owner of the Carmen Knutsen Norway Owner of the Hilda Knutsen Norway Owner of the Torill Knutsen Norway Owner of the Dan Cisne Norway Owner of the Dan Sabia Norway Owner of the Ingrid Knutsen Norway Owner of the Raquel Knutsen Norway Owner of the Tordis Knutsen Norway Owner of the Vigdis Knutsen Norway Owner of the Lena Knutsen Norway Owner of the Brasil Knutsen Norway Owner of the Anna Knutsen Norway 5) Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations Each of the Vessels is employed under long-term fixed rate charters, which mitigates earnings risk. The Partnership's operational results are dependent on the worldwide market for shuttle tankers and timing of entrance into long-term charters. Market conditions for shipping activities are typically volatile, and, as a consequence, the hire rates may vary from year to year. The market is mainly dependent upon two factors: the supply of vessels and the overall growth in the world economy. The general supply of vessels is impacted by the combination of newbuilds, demolition activity of older vessels and legislation that limits the use of older vessels or new standards for vessels used in specific trades. F-19 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 5) Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations (Continued) As of December 31, 2019, all of the Partnership's Vessel crews, which are employed through KOAS were represented by collective bargaining agreements that are renegotiated annually, or bi-annually. The Partnership did not incur any loss relating to its customers during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. The following table presents time charter and bareboat revenues and percentage of revenues for customers that accounted for more than 10% of the Partnership's revenues during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. All of these customers are subsidiaries of major international oil companies. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Eni Trading and Shipping S.p.A. Fronape International Company, a subsidiary of Petrobras Transporte S.A. Equinor Shipping Inc, a subsidiary of Equinor ASA Repsol Sinopec Brasil, B.V., a subsidiary of Repsol Sinopec Brasil, S.A. Brazil Shipping I Limited, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Galp Sinopec Brasil Services BV 2019 $ 44,610 Year Ended December 31, 2018 16% $ 43,955 2017 16% $ 46,441 22% 45,116 20,728 16% 7% 45,115 23,426 17% 8% 45,115 23,189 21% 11% 36,346 66,199 35,541 13% 23% 13% 36,978 81,816 30,029 13% 29% 11% 28,129 51,259 734 13% 24% 1% The Partnership has financial assets that expose it to credit risk arising from possible default by a counterparty. The Partnership considers its counterparties to be creditworthy banking and financial institutions and does not expect any significant loss to result from non-performance by such counterparties. The maximum loss due to credit risk that the Partnership would incur if counterparties failed completely to perform would be the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, and derivative assets. The Partnership, in the normal course of business, does not demand collateral from its counterparties. 6) Operating Leases Revenues The Partnership's primary source of revenues is chartering its shuttle tankers to its customers. The Partnership uses two types of contracts, time charter contracts and bareboat charter contracts. The Partnership's time-charter contracts include both a lease component, consisting of the bareboat element of the contract, and non-lease component, consisting of operation of the vessel for the customers, which includes providing the crewing and other services related to the Vessel's operations, the cost of which is included in the daily hire rate, except when off hire. F-20 Table of Contents 6) Operating Leases (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The following table presents the Partnership's revenues by time charter and bareboat charters and other revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Time charter revenues (service element included) Bareboat revenues Other revenues (loss of hire insurance recoveries and other income) Total revenues 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 237,387 $ 233,076 $ 167,386 45,115 6,702 $ 282,561 $ 279,456 $ 219,203 45,115 1,265 45,115 59 2017 As a result of the revised guidance on leasing, the lessor accounting did not change. See Note 2(l)—Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. As of December 31, 2019, the minimum contractual future revenues to be received from time charters and bareboat charters during the next five years and thereafter are as follows (service element of the time charter included): (U.S. Dollars in thousands) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total $ 272,166 226,557 149,350 63,918 20,093 8,581 $ 740,665 The minimum contractual future revenues should not be construed to reflect total charter hire revenues for any of the years. Minimum contractual future revenues are calculated based on certain assumptions such as operating days per year. In addition, minimum contractual future revenues presented in the table above have not been reduced by estimated off-hire time for periodic maintenance. The amounts may vary given unscheduled future events such as vessel maintenance. The Partnership's fleet as of December 31, 2019 consisted of: • • • the Fortaleza Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2011 that is currently operating under a bareboat charter that expires in March 2023 with Fronape International Company, a subsidiary of Petrobras Transporte S.A. ("Transpetro"); the Recife Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2011 that is currently operating under a bareboat charter that expires in August 2023 with Transpetro; the Bodil Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2011 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in May 2021 with Equinor Shipping Inc. A subsidiary of Equinor ASA, with options to extend until May 2024; F-21 Table of Contents 6) Operating Leases (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) • • • • • • • • • • • • • the Windsor Knutsen, a conventional oil tanker built in 2007 and retrofitted to a shuttle tanker in 2011. The vessel operated under a time charter with Brazil Shipping I Limited, a subsidiary of Shell, until July 2014. From July 2014 until October 2015, the vessel was employed under a time charter with KNOT. Beginning in October 2015, the vessel commenced operations under a two-year time charter with Brazil Shipping I Limited, with options to extend until 2023. In March 2019, the time charter contract was suspended until April 2020. During the suspension period, the Windsor Knutsen is operating under a time charter contract with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS on the same terms as the existing contract with Shell. As a result of the suspension period, Shell has options to extend the time charter until October 2024. On July 16, 2019, Shell exercised its option to extend the time charter of the Windsor Knutsen by one additional year until October 2020; the Carmen Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2013 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in January 2023, with Repsol Sinopec Brasil, B.V. a subsidiary of Repsol Sinopec Brasil, S.A. ("Repsol"), with options to extend until January 2026; the Hilda Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2013 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in August 2022 with Eni Trading and Shipping S.p.A. ("ENI"), with options to extend until August 2025; the Torill Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2013 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in November 2020 with ENI, with options to extend until November 2023; the Dan Cisne, a shuttle tanker built in 2011 that is currently operating under a bareboat charter that expires in September 2023 with Transpetro; the Dan Sabia, a shuttle tanker built in 2012 that is currently operating under a bareboat charter that expires in January 2024 with Transpetro; the Ingrid Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2013 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in February 2024 with Vår Energi Marine AS, a Norwegian subsidiary of Vår Energi ("Vår"), with options to extend until February 2029; the Raquel Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2015 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in June 2025 with Repsol, with options to extend until June 2030; the Tordis Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2016 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in January 2022 with a subsidiary of Shell, with options to extend until January 2032; the Vigdis Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2017 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in the second quarter of 2022 with a subsidiary of Shell, with options to extend until the second quarter of 2032; the Lena Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2017 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in the third quarter of 2022 with a subsidiary of Shell, with options to extend until the third quarter of 2032; the Brasil Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2013 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in the third quarter of 2022 with Galp Sinopec Brazil Services B.V. ("Galp"), with options to extend until the third quarter of 2028; and The Anna Knutsen, a shuttle tanker built in 2017 that is currently operating under a time charter that expires in the first quarter of 2022 with Galp, with options to extend until the first quarter of 2028. F-22 Table of Contents 6) Operating Leases (Continued) Lease obligations KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The Partnership does not have any material leased assets but has some leased equipment on operational leases on the various ships operating on time charter contracts. Consequently, adoption of the new standard resulted in recording a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet for operating leases of $2.3 million as of January 1, 2019. There was no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of initially applying the standard related to the lessee accounting. As of December 31, 2019, the right-of-use asset and lease liability for operating leases was $1.8 million and are presented as separate line items on the balance sheets. The operating lease cost and corresponding cash flow effect for 2019 was $0.6 million. As of December 31, 2019, the weighted average discount rate for the operating leases was 4.8% and was determined using the expected incremental borrowing rate for a loan facility of similar term. As of December 31, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term is 3.0 years. A maturity analysis of the Partnership's lease liabilities from leased-in equipment as of December 31, 2019 is as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) 2020 2021 2022 Total Less imputed interest Carrying value of operating lease liabilities $ 644 644 644 $ 1,932 133 $ 1,799 7) Segment Information The Partnership has not presented segment information as it considers its operations to occur in one reportable segment, the shuttle tanker market. At December 31, 2018 and 2019, the Partnership's fleet operated under twelve time charters and four bareboat charters and at December 31, 2017, the Partnership's fleet operated under eleven time charters and four bareboat charters. See Note 5—Significant Risks and Uncertainties Including Business and Credit Concentrations for revenues from customers accounting for over 10% of the Partnership's consolidated revenue. In both time charters and bareboat charters, the charterer, not the Partnership, controls the choice of which trading areas the Vessels will serve. Accordingly, the Partnership's management, including the chief operating decision makers, does not evaluate performance according to geographical region. 8) Insurance Proceeds Raquel Knutsen In February 2017, the Raquel Knutsen damaged its propeller hub. As a result, the Vessel was off-hire from February 22, 2017 to May 15, 2017 for repairs. Under the Partnership's loss of hire policies, its insurer will pay the Partnership the hire rate agreed in respect of each vessel for each day, in excess of 14 deductible days, for the time that the Vessel is out of service as a result of damage, for a maximum of 180 days. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership received payments for F-23 Table of Contents 8) Insurance Proceeds (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) loss of hire insurance of $3.4 million which was recorded as a component of total revenues since day rates are recovered under terms of the policy. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership recorded $3.9 million for recoveries up to the amount of loss under hull and machinery insurance for the repairs as a result of the propeller hub damage to the Raquel Knutsen . This is classified under vessel operating expense along with cost of the repairs of $4.2 million for the period, resulting in a net expense of $0.3 million. See Note 19—Commitments and Contingencies. Carmen Knutsen During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Carmen Knutsen undertook her 5-year special drydocking survey. During dismantling for overhaul, a technical default with her controllable pitch propeller was found. As a result, the Vessel went to a different yard to complete the repair. Repairs were completed and the Vessel was back on hire on January 1, 2018. The additional off-hire and technical costs were subject to an insurance claim. Under its loss of hire insurance policies, the Partnership's insurer is expected to pay the hire rate agreed in respect of the Carmen Knutsen for each day in excess of 14 deductible days while the Vessel was off- hire as a result of the repairs of the controllable pitch propeller. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Partnership recorded $0.45 million and $1.75 million, respectively, for loss of hire which were recorded as a component of total revenues since day rates are recovered under the terms of the policy. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership recorded $2.40 million to vessel operating expense as an estimate of the cost of repairs of the controllable pitch propeller. During 2018, an additional repair cost of $0.15 million was recorded to vessel operating expenses. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership had received payments and recorded $2.25 million for hull and machinery repairs, resulting in a net expense of $0.30 million. See Note 19— Commitments and Contingencies. 9) Other Finance Expenses (a) Interest Expense The following table presents the components of interest cost as reported in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Interest expense Amortization of debt issuance cost and fair value of debt assumed Total interest cost F-24 2019 Year Ended December 31, 2018 $ 48,118 $ 46,768 $ 28,977 1,737 $ 50,735 $ 49,956 $ 30,714 3,188 2,617 2017 Table of Contents 9) Other Finance Expenses (Continued) (b) Other Finance Expense KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The following table presents the components of other finance expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Bank fees, charges Guarantee costs Commitment fees Total other finance expense 10) Derivative Instruments Interest Rate Risk Management 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2018 2019 $ 597 $ — 248 516 621 269 $ 845 $ 1,260 $ 1,406 551 $ 403 306 The consolidated financial statements include the results of interest rate swap contracts to manage the Partnership's exposure related to changes in interest rates on its variable rate debt instruments and the results of foreign exchange forward contracts to manage its exposure related to changes in currency exchange rates on its operating expenses, mainly crew expenses, in currency other than the U.S. Dollar and on its contract obligations. The Partnership does not apply hedge accounting for derivative instruments. The Partnership does not speculate using derivative instruments. By using derivative financial instruments to economically hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the Partnership exposes itself to credit risk and market risk. Derivative instruments that economically hedge exposures are used for risk management purposes, but these instruments are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes. Credit risk is the failure of the counterparty to perform under the terms of the derivative instrument. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is positive, the counterparty owes the Partnership, which creates credit risk for the Partnership. When the fair value of a derivative instrument is negative, the Partnership owes the counterparty, and, therefore, the Partnership is not exposed to the counterparty's credit risk in those circumstances. The Partnership minimizes counterparty credit risk in derivative instruments by entering into transactions with major banking and financial institutions. The derivative instruments entered into by the Partnership do not contain credit risk-related contingent features. The Partnership has not entered into master netting agreements with the counterparties to its derivative financial instrument contracts. Market risk is the adverse effect on the value of a derivative instrument that results from a change in interest rates, currency exchange rates or commodity prices. The market risk associated with interest rate contracts is managed by establishing and monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken. The Partnership assesses interest rate risk by monitoring changes in interest rate exposures that may adversely impact expected future cash flows and by evaluating economical hedging opportunities. The Partnership has historically used variable interest rate mortgage debt to finance its vessels. The variable interest rate mortgage debt obligations expose the Partnership to variability in interest payments due to changes in interest rates. The Partnership believes that it is prudent to limit the variability of a portion of its interest payments. To meet this objective, the Partnership entered into F-25 Table of Contents 10) Derivative Instruments (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") based interest rate swap contracts to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in the benchmark interest rate of LIBOR. These swaps change the variable rate cash flow exposure on the mortgage debt obligations to fixed cash flows. Under the terms of the interest rate swap contracts, the Partnership receives LIBOR-based variable interest rate payments and makes fixed interest rate payments, thereby creating the equivalent of fixed rate debt for the notional amount of its debt hedged. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the total notional amount of the Partnership's outstanding interest rate swap contracts that were entered into in order to hedge outstanding or forecasted debt obligations were $561.8 million and $555.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 the carrying amount of the interest rate swaps contracts were net liability of $4.7 million and net assets of $15.9 million, respectively. See Note 11—Fair Value Measurements. Changes in the fair value of interest rate swap contracts are reported in realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments in the same period in which the related interest affects earnings. The Partnership and its subsidiaries utilize the U.S. Dollar as their functional and reporting currency, because all of their revenues and the majority of their expenditures, including the majority of their investments in vessels and their financing transactions, are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Payment obligations in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, and in particular operating expenses in NOK, expose the Partnership to variability in currency exchange rates. The Partnership believes that it is prudent to limit the variability of a portion of its currency exchange exposure. To meet this objective, the Partnership entered into foreign exchange forward contracts to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from changes in the exchange rates towards the U.S. Dollar. The agreements change the variable exchange rate to fixed exchange rates at agreed dates. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the total contract amount in foreign currency of the Partnership's outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts that were entered into to economically hedge outstanding future payments in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar were NOK 46.1 million and NOK 244.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the carrying amount of the Partnership's foreign exchange forward contracts was a net asset of $0.2 million and a net liability of $1.7 million, respectively. See Note 11—Fair Value Measurements. F-26 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 10) Derivative Instruments (Continued) The following table presents the realized and unrealized gains and losses that are recognized in earnings as net gain (loss) on derivative instruments for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Realized gain (loss): Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Total realized gain (loss): Unrealized gain (loss): Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Total unrealized gain (loss): Total realized and unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments: 11) Fair Value Measurements (a) Fair Value of Financial Instruments Year Ended December 31, 2018 2019 2017 $ 3,812 $ (2,933) 879 1,180 $ (2,840) 280 1,084 (2,560) 2,264 (20,663) 1,987 (18,676) $ (17,797) $ 4,429 (2,654) 1,775 4,039 $ 5,514 1,877 7,391 4,831 The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Partnership's financial instruments as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. Fair value is defined as the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Current derivative assets: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Non-current derivative assets: Interest rate swap contracts Financial liabilities: Current derivative liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Non-current derivative liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Long-term debt, current and non-current December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value $ 43,525 $ 43,525 $ 41,712 $ 41,712 674 246 648 910 — 674 246 648 910 — 4,621 — 4,621 — 11,667 11,667 — 1,740 — 1,740 5,133 1,002,813 5,133 1,002,813 345 1,087,347 345 1,087,347 F-27 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 11) Fair Value Measurements (Continued) The carrying amounts shown in the table above are included in the consolidated balance sheets under the indicated captions. Carrying amount of long-term debt, current and non-current, above excludes capitalized debt issuance cost of $7.4 million and $10.1 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The carrying value of trade accounts receivable, trade accounts payable and receivables/payables to owners and affiliates approximate their fair value. The fair values of the financial instruments shown in the above table as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 represent the amounts that would be received to sell those assets or that would be paid to transfer those liabilities in an orderly transaction between market participants at that date. Those fair value measurements maximize the use of observable inputs. However, in situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date, the fair value measurement reflects the Partnership's own judgment about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Those judgments are developed by the Partnership based on the best information available in the circumstances, including expected cash flows, appropriately risk- adjusted discount rates and available observable and unobservable inputs. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments: • • • • Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash: The fair value of the Partnership's cash balances approximates the carrying amounts due to the current nature of the amounts. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018 there is no restricted cash. Foreign exchange forward contracts: The fair value is calculated using mid-rates (excluding margins) as determined by counterparties based on available market rates as of the balance sheet date. The fair value is discounted from the value at expiration to the current value of the contracts. Interest rate swap contracts: The fair value of interest rate swap contracts is determined using an income approach using the following significant inputs: (1) the term of the swap contract (weighted average of 4.0 years and 4.9 years, as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively), (2) the notional amount of the swap contract (ranging from $8.5 million to $50.0 million as of December 31, 2019 and ranging from $10.0 million to $50.0 million as of December 31, 2018), discount rates interpolated based on relevant LIBOR swap curves; and (3) the rate on the fixed leg of the swap contract (rates ranging from 1.38% to 2.90% for the contracts as of December 31, 2019 and rates ranging from 1.38% to 2.90% for the contracts as of December 31, 2018). Long-term debt: With respect to long-term debt measurements, the Partnership uses market interest rates and adjusts for risks such as its own credit risk. In determining an appropriate spread to reflect its credit standing, the Partnership considered interest rates currently offered to KNOT for similar debt instruments of comparable maturities by KNOT's and the Partnership's bankers as well as other banks that regularly compete to provide financing to the Partnership. F-28 Table of Contents 11) Fair Value Measurements (Continued) (b) Fair Value Hierarchy KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The following table presents the placement in the fair value hierarchy of assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (including items that are required to be measured at fair value or for which fair value is required to be disclosed) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Current derivative assets: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Non-current derivative assets: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Financial liabilities: Current derivative liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Non-current derivative liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Long-term debt, current and non-current Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Carrying Value December 31, 2019 $ 43,525 $ 43,525 $ — $ 674 246 648 — 910 — 5,133 — 1,002,813 F-29 — — — — — — — — — 674 246 648 — 910 — 5,133 — 1,002,813 — — — — — — — — — — Table of Contents 11) Fair Value Measurements (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Current derivative assets: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Non-current derivative assets: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Financial liabilities: Current derivative liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Non-current derivative liabilities: Interest rate swap contracts Foreign exchange forward contracts Long-term debt, current and non-current Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using Quoted Price in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Carrying Value December 31, 2018 $ 41,712 $ 41,712 $ — $ 4,621 — 11,667 — — 1,740 345 — 1,087,347 — — — — — — — — — 4,621 — 11,667 — — 1,740 345 — 1,087,347 — — — — — — — — — — The Partnership's accounting policy is to recognize transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy on the date of the event or change in circumstances that caused the transfer. There were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018. 12) Trade Accounts Receivables and Other Current Assets (a) Trade Accounts Receivables Trade accounts receivable are presented net of provisions for doubtful accounts. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, there was no provision for doubtful accounts. (b) Other Current Assets Other current assets consist of the following: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Refund of value added tax Prepaid expenses Other receivables Total other current assets F-30 Year Ended December 31, 2018 2019 $ 1,429 $ 899 810 753 $ 3,386 $ 2,462 1,014 943 Table of Contents 13) Vessels and Equipment KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Vessels with a book value of $1,677 million and $1,767 million, respectively, are pledged as security for the Partnership's long-term debt. See Note 16—Long-Term Debt. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Vessels, December 31, 2017 Additions Drydock costs Disposals Depreciation for the year Vessels, December 31, 2018 Additions Drydock costs Disposals Depreciation for the period Vessels, December 31, 2019 Vessels & equipment $ 2,003,341 $ 118,063 14,750 (5,731) — $ 2,130,423 $ — 252 (1,663) — $ 2,129,012 $ Accumulated depreciation Net Vessels (280,318) $ 1,723,023 118,063 — 14,750 — — 5,731 (88,756) (88,756) (363,343) $ 1,767,080 — — 252 — — 1,663 (89,844) (89,844) (451,524) $ 1,677,488 Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 $ 25,568 $ 17,748 12,421 2,329 (6,930) $ 18,523 $ 25,568 252 — (7,297) Drydocking activity for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 is summarized as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Balance at the beginning of the year Costs incurred for dry docking Costs allocated to drydocking as part of acquistion of business Drydock amortization Balance at the end of the year 14) Intangible Assets and Contract Liabilities (a) Intangible Assets (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Intangibles, December 31, 2017 Additions Amortization for the year Intangibles, December 31, 2018 Additions Amortization for the period Intangibles, December 31, 2019 Above market time charter Tordis Knutsen Above market time charter Vigdis Knutsen Total intangibles $ $ $ 1,215 $ — (304) 911 $ — (303) 608 $ 1,282 $ — (302) 980 $ — (302) 678 $ 2,497 — (606) 1,891 — (605) 1,286 F-31 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 14) Intangible Assets and Contract Liabilities (Continued) The intangible for the above market value of time charter contract associated with the Tordis Knutsen is amortized to time charter revenue on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the contract of approximately 4.8 years as of the acquisition date. The intangible for the above market value of time charter contract associated with the Vigdis Knutsen is amortized to time charter revenue on a straight line basis over the remaining term of the contract of approximately 4.9 years as of the acquisition date. Also see Note 21—Acquisitions. The estimated future amortization of intangible assets at December 31, 2019 is as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) 2020 2021 2022 Total (b) Contract Liabilities $ 605 605 75 $ 1,286 The unfavorable contractual rights for charters associated with Fortaleza Knutsen and Recife Knutsen were obtained in connection with a step acquisition in 2008 that had unfavorable contractual terms relative to market as of acquisition date. The Fortaleza Knutsen and the Recife Knutsen commenced on their 12 years' fixed bareboat charters in March 2011 and August 2011, respectively. The unfavorable contract rights related to Fortaleza Knutsen and Recife Knutsen are amortized to bareboat revenues on a straight line basis over the 12 years' contract period that expires in March 2023 and August 2023, respectively. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Contract liabilities: Unfavourable contract rights Total amortization income Balance of December 31, 2017 Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2018 Balance of December 31, 2018 Amortization for the year ended December 31, 2019 Balance of December 31, 2019 $ (8,239) $ $ 1,518 $ 1,518 (6,721) $ $ 1,518 $ 1,518 (5,203) Accumulated amortization for contract liabilities was $13,012 and $11,494 as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The amortization of contract liabilities that is classified under time charter and bareboat revenues for the next five years is expected to be as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Contract liabilities: Unfavourable contract rights 2020 2021 2022 2023 $ (1,518) $ (1,518) $ (1,518) $ (649) F-32 Table of Contents 15) Accrued Expenses KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The following table presents accrued expenses as of December 31, 2019 and 2018: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Operating expenses Interest expenses Other expenses Total accrued expenses 16) Long-Term Debt Long-term debt as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 $ 855 $ 832 4,968 664 $ 6,617 $ 6,464 4,049 1,713 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) $320 million loan facility $55 million revolving credit facility Hilda loan facility Torill loan facility $172.5 million loan facility Raquel loan facility Tordis loan facility Vigdis loan facility Lena loan facility Brasil loan facility Anna loan facility $25 million revolving credit facility Total long-term debt Less: current installments Less: unamortized deferred loan issuance costs Current portion of long-term debt Amounts due after one year Less: unamortized deferred loan issuance costs Long-term debt, less current installments, and unamortized deferred loan issuance costs Vessel Windsor Knutsen, Bodil Knutsen, Carmen Knutsen, Fortaleza Knutsen, Recife Knutsen, Ingrid Knutsen Hilda Knutsen Torill Knutsen Dan Cisne, Dan Sabia Raquel Knutsen Tordis Knutsen Vigdis Knutsen Lena Knutsen Brasil Knutsen Anna Knutsen December 31, 2019 282,360 $ December 31, 2018 312,472 $ 26,279 84,615 88,333 70,739 57,955 80,931 82,196 80,850 57,281 66,274 25,000 26,279 90,769 95,000 81,839 63,184 85,991 87,256 85,750 63,454 70,353 25,000 $ 1,002,813 $ 1,087,347 109,534 85,945 2,492 83,453 916,868 2,608 106,926 977,813 4,925 7,448 $ 911,943 $ 970,365 F-33 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) The Partnership's outstanding debt of $1,002.8 million as of December 31, 2019 is repayable as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 and thereafter Total Period repayment Balloon repayment $ 85,945 $ 86,545 71,210 55,535 13,873 1,307 — 95,811 236,509 202,185 123,393 30,500 $ 314,415 $ 688,398 As of December 31, 2019, the interest rates on the Partnership's loan agreements were LIBOR plus a fixed margin ranging from 1.8% to 2.4%. $320 Million Term Loan Facility and $55 Million Revolving Credit Facility In September 2018, the Partnership's subsidiaries which own the Windsor Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen ("the Vessels"), entered into new senior secured credit facilities (the "Multi-vessels Facility") in order to refinance their existing long term bank debt. The Multi-vessels Facility consists of a term loan of $320 million and a $55 million revolving credit facility. The term loan is repayable in 20 consecutive quarterly installments, with a final payment at maturity in September 2023 of $177 million, which includes the balloon payment and last quarterly installment. The term loan bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.125%. The revolving credit facility will mature in September 2023, and bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.125%. There is a commitment fee of 0.85% payable on the undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility. The loans are guaranteed by the Partnership and secured by mortgages on the Vessels. The Multi-vessels Facility refinanced the $220 million facility, the $35 million revolving credit facility, the Fortaleza and Recife loan facility and the Ingrid loan facility. The Vessels, assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Multi-vessel facility. The Partnership and the borrowers (except for the Partnership subsidiary that owns the Recife Knutsen and the Fortaleza Knutsen) are guarantors, and the Multi-vessels Facility is secured by vessel mortgages on the Windsor Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen, the Fortaleza Knutsen, the Recife Knutsen, the Carmen Knutsen and the Ingrid Knutsen. The Multi-vessels Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • The aggregate market value of the Vessels shall not be less than 125% of the outstanding balance under the Multi-vessels Facility; Positive working capital of the borrowers and the Partnership; F-34 Table of Contents 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) • • • Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 12 additional vessels in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Multi-vessels Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrowers and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Hilda Loan Facility In May 2017, the Partnership's subsidiary, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS, which owns the vessel Hilda Knutsen, entered into a new $100 million senior secured term loan facility with Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance (Hong Kong) Limited (the "New Hilda Facility"). The New Hilda Facility replaced the $117 million loan facility, which was due to be paid in full in August 2018. The New Hilda Facility is repayable in 28 consecutive quarterly installments with a final payment at maturity of $58.5 million, which includes the balloon payment and last quarterly installment. The New Hilda Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.2%. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The facility matures in May 2024. The Hilda Facility contains the following primary financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Hilda Knutsen shall not be less than 110% of the outstanding balance under the Hilda Facility for the first two years, 120% for the third and fourth year, and 125% thereafter; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1 million for each additional vessel acquired by the Partnership in excess of eight vessels and $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Hilda Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Torill Loan Facility In January 2018, the Partnership's subsidiary, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS, which owns the vessel Torill Knutsen , entered into a new $100 million senior secured term loan facility (the "Torill Facility") with a consortium of banks, in which The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ acted as agent. The F-35 Table of Contents 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Torill Facility replaced a $117 million secured loan facility, which was due to be paid in full in October 2018. The Torill Facility is repayable in 24 consecutive quarterly installments with a balloon payment of $60.0 million due at maturity. The Torill Facility bears interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.1%. The facility will mature in January 2024 and is guaranteed by the Partnership. The Torill Facility contains the following primary financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Torill Knutsen shall not be less than 110% of the outstanding balance under the Torill Facility for the first two years, 120% for the third and fourth years, and 125% thereafter; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Torill Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantor were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. $172.5 Million Secured Loan Facility In April 2014, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS and KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS, the subsidiaries owning the Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia , as the borrowers, entered into a $172.5 million senior secured loan facility. In connection with the Partnership's acquisition of the Dan Cisne , in December 2014, the $172.5 million senior secured loan facility was split into a tranche related to the Dan Cisne (the "Dan Cisne Facility") and a tranche related to Dan Sabia (the "Dan Sabia Facility"). The Dan Cisne Facility and the Dan Sabia Facility are guaranteed by the Partnership and secured by a vessel mortgage on the Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia . The Dan Cisne Facility and the Dan Sabia Facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 2.4% and are repayable in semiannual installments with a final balloon payment due at maturity in September 2023 and January 2024, respectively. The Dan Cisne Facility and Dan Sabia Facility contain the following financial covenants: • • • Market value of each of the Dan Cisne and Dan Sabia shall not be less than 100% of the outstanding balance under the Dan Cisne Facility and Dan Sabia Facility, respectively, for the first three years, and 125% thereafter; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1 million for each additional vessel acquired by the Partnership in excess of eight vessels and $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract; and Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%. The facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrowers and the guarantor were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. F-36 Table of Contents 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) Raquel Loan Facility KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) In December 2014, Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS, the subsidiary owning the Raquel Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility in an aggregate amount of $90.0 million (the "Raquel Facility"). The Raquel Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $30.5 million due at maturity in March 2025. The Raquel Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Raquel Knutsen . The Raquel Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Raquel Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Raquel Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • Market value of the Raquel Knutsen shall not be less than 100% of the of the outstanding balance under the Raquel Facility for the first three years, and 125% thereafter; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1 million for each additional vessel acquired by the Partnership in excess of eight vessels and $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract; and Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%. The Raquel Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Tordis Loan Facility In April 2015, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, the subsidiary owning the Tordis Knutsen, as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Tordis Facility"). As of the time of the acquisition of the Tordis Knutsen on March 1, 2017, the aggregate amount outstanding under the facility was $114.4 million. The Tordis Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $70.8 million due at maturity in November 2021. The Tordis Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.9%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Tordis Knutsen. The Tordis Knutsen, assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Tordis Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Tordis Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • Aggregate market value of the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen and the Lena Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Tordis Facility, the Vigdis Facility and the Lena Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; F-37 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) • • Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Tordis Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Vigdis Loan Facility In April 2015, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, the subsidiary owning the Vigdis Knutsen, as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Vigdis Facility"). The Vigdis Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $70.8 million due at maturity in February 2022. The Vigdis Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.9%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Vigdis Knutsen . The Vigdis Knutsen, assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Vigdis Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Vigdis Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Aggregate market value of the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen and the Lena Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Tordis Facility, the Vigdis Facility and the Lena Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Vigdis Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Lena Loan Facility In April 2015, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, the subsidiary owning the Lena Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Lena Facility"). The Lena Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $68.6 million due at maturity in June 2022. The Lena Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 1.9%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Lena Knutsen . The Lena Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Lena Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. F-38 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) The Lena Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Aggregate market value of the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen and the Lena Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Tordis Facility, the Vigdis Facility and the Lena Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Lena Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. Brasil Loan Facility In June 2017, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS, the subsidiary owning the Brasil Knutsen , as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Brasil Facility"). The Brasil Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $40.0 million due at maturity in July 2022. The Brasil Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Brasil Knutsen . The Brasil Knutsen , assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Brasil Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Brasil Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Brasil Knutsen shall not be less than 125% of the of the outstanding balance under the Brasil Facility for the first four years, and 135% thereafter; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to a total of eight (8) vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to a total of twelve (12) vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Brasil Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. F-39 Table of Contents 16) Long-Term Debt (Continued) Anna Loan Facility KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) In September 2016, KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS, the subsidiary owning the Anna Knutsen, as the borrower, entered into a secured loan facility (the "Anna Facility"). The Anna Facility is repayable in quarterly installments with a final balloon payment of $57.1 million due at maturity in March 2022. The Anna Facility bears interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.0%. The facility is secured by a vessel mortgage on the Anna Knutsen. The Anna Knutsen, assignments of earnings, charterparty contracts and insurance proceeds are pledged as collateral for the Anna Facility. The Partnership and KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS are the sole guarantors. The Anna Facility contains the following financial covenants: • • • • • Market value of the Anna Knutsen shall not be less than 130% of the aggregate outstanding balance under the Anna Facility at any time; Positive working capital of the borrower and the Partnership; Minimum liquidity of the Partnership of $15 million plus increments of $1.5 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract up to 8 vessels and $1 million for each owned vessel with less than 12 months remaining tenor on its employment contract in excess of 8 vessels; Minimum book equity ratio for the Partnership of 30%; and Minimum EBITDA to interest ratio for the Partnership of 2.50. The Anna Facility also identifies various events that may trigger mandatory reduction, prepayment and cancellation of the facility, including total loss or sale of a vessel and customary events of default. As of December 31, 2019, the borrower and the guarantors were in compliance with all covenants under this facility. $25 Million Revolving Credit Facility In June 2019, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS extended the maturity of its unsecured revolving credit facility of $25 million with NTT Finance Corporation. The facility will mature in August 2021, bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 1.8% and has a commitment fee of 0.5% on the undrawn portion of the facility. 17) Income Taxes (a) Components of Current and Deferred Tax Expense All of the income from continuing operations before income taxes was taxable to Norway and UK for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. The entities and activities taxable to Norway are subject to the Norwegian tonnage tax regime. Under the Norwegian tonnage tax regime, the tax is based on the tonnage of the vessel, and the operating income is tax free. The amount of tonnage tax included in operating expenses for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $0.2 million. The net financial income and expense remains taxable as ordinary income tax for entities subject to the tonnage tax regime. See Note 2(r)—Income Taxes. The activities taxable to UK relates to KNOT UK and is based on the operating income for the entity. F-40 Table of Contents 17) Income Taxes (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The significant components of current and deferred income tax expense attributable to income from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Current tax benefit (expense) Deferred tax benefit (expense) Income tax benefit (expense) (b) Taxation Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $ $ — (9) $ (18) $ (12) 28 20 16 2 $ (9) $ Income taxes attributable to income from continuing operations was an income tax expense of $9,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019 and an income tax benefit of $2,000 and $16,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, respectively, and differed from the amounts computed by applying the Norwegian and the UK ordinary income tax rate of 22% and 20% in 2019, respectively, by applying the Norwegian and the UK ordinary income tax rate of 23% and 20% in 2018, respectively, and by applying the Norwegian and the UK ordinary income tax rate of 24% and 20% in 2017, respectively, to pretax net income as a result of the following: Year Ended December 31, (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Income tax benefit (expense) at Norwegian tonnage tax regime Income tax benefit (expense) within UK Income tax benefit (expense) Effective tax rate F-41 $ 2019 $ — (9) (9) $ 0% $ 2018 2017 $ 20 (18) 2 $ 0% 28 (12) 16 0% Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 17) Income Taxes (Continued) (c) Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Financial derivatives Financial loss carry forwards for tonnage tax Total deferred tax asset Less valuation allowance Net deferred tax asset Deferred tax liabilities: Entrance tax Total deferred tax liabilities The net deferred tax liability is classified in the consolidated balance sheets as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Current deferred tax asset Non-current deferred tax liabilities Net deferred tax liabilities Changes in the net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are presented below: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Net deferred tax liabilities at January 1, Change in temporary differences Translation differences Net deferred tax liabilities at December 31, As of December 31, 2019 2018 $ (3) $ 17,331 17,328 (17,328) — 24 16,946 16,970 (16,970) — 357 357 $ 453 453 $ As of December 31, 2019 2018 $ — $ — 453 $ 357 $ 453 357 As of December 31, 2019 $ 453 $ (90) (6) $ 357 $ 2018 624 (142) (29) 453 The Partnership records a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The valuation allowances were $17.3 million and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The valuation allowances relate to the financial loss carry forwards and other deferred tax assets for tonnage tax that, in the judgment of the Partnership, are more-likely-than not to be realized reflecting the Partnership's cumulative loss position for tonnage tax. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Partnership considers whether it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized taking into account all the positive and negative evidence F-42 Table of Contents 17) Income Taxes (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) available. As of December 31, 2019, the Partnership determined that the deferred tax assets are likely to not be realized, and the booked value was, therefore, zero. There is no expiration date for losses carried forward. After the reorganization of the Partnership's predecessor's activities into the new group structure in February 2013, all profit from continuing operations in Norway is taxable within the tonnage tax regime. The consequence of the reorganization is a one-time entrance tax into the Norwegian tonnage tax regime due to the Partnership's acquisition of the shares in the subsidiary that owns the Fortaleza Knutsen and the Recife Knutsen. The total amount of the entrance tax was estimated to be approximately $3.0 million, which was recognized in the three months ended March 31, 2013. At September 30, 2017 the Partnership acquired the shares in the subsidiary that owns the Lena Knutsen, and recognized an additional entrance tax of $0.1 million. The entrance tax on this gain is payable over several years and is calculated by multiplying the Norwegian tax rate by the declining balance of the gain, which will decline by 20% each year. At December 31, 2018 the entrance tax had declined to approximately $0.6 million due to paid entrance tax, change in tax rate and translation effects. At December 31, 2019 the entrance tax had declined to approximately $0.4 million due to paid entrance tax, change in tax rate and translation effects. The taxes payable, mainly related to the entrance tax, are calculated based on the Norwegian corporate tax rate of 22% for 2019 and 23% for 2018, and the deferred tax liabilities, also mainly related to the entrance tax, are calculated based on a tax rate of 22% effective as from January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2019, respectively. Income tax expense within the UK of $8,754 and $18,331 for 2019 and 2018, respectively, was calculated by multiplying the tax basis with the UK tax rate of 20%. As of December 31, 2019, the total income taxes payable are estimated to be $0.1 million and consist of payable entrance tax and ordinary UK corporation tax. As of December 31, 2018, the total income taxes payable were estimated to be $0.1 million and consisted of payable entrance tax and ordinary UK corporation tax. As of December 31, 2019, approximately $0.09 million of the estimated entrance tax of $0.45 million is estimated to be payable in the first and second quarter of 2020 and is presented as income taxes payable, while $0.36 million is presented as non-current deferred taxes payable. As of December 31, 2018, approximately $0.1 million of the estimated entrance tax of $0.6 million is estimated to be payable in the first and second quarter of 2018 and is presented as income taxes payable, while $0.5 million is presented as non-current deferred taxes payable. The tax loss carry forward from ordinary taxation and financial loss carry forwards for tonnage tax have no expiration dates. The Partnership's Norwegian income tax returns are subject to examination by Norwegian tax authorities going back ten years from 2014. The Partnership had no unrecognized tax benefits as December 31, 2019 and 2018. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Partnership did not incur any interest or penalties on its tax returns. On December 14, 2017, the Norwegian government concluded the negotiations with the EFTA Surveillance Authority regarding the Norwegian tonnage tax regime, which has been approved for another ten years, until 2027. Pursuant to the approval, Norway has introduced restrictions that eliminates the ability of companies that own vessels under certain bareboat charters to qualify for the Norwegian tonnage tax regime. Companies that no longer qualify for the Norwegian tonnage tax F-43 Table of Contents 17) Income Taxes (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) regime will instead be subject to Norwegian corporate income tax. However, there are no limitations on intra-group bareboat chartering, as well as bareboat charters where crewing services are carried out by a related party. In order to constitute a related party, a minimum of 25% ownership/control is required, according to the "associated enterprise" definition in the ATAD directive (Council Directive EU 2016/1164.) Due to the fact that KNOT has an ownership interest in the Partnership that exceeds 25% as well as an ownership interest of 100% in KNOT Management and KNOT Management Denmark AS which provide services to the Vessels owned by the Partnership which operate on bareboat charters, the Vessels operating on bareboat charters are effectively seen as time charter services to the customer. The services are provided to the charterer. If this related party situation is ended, other alternatives and possibly mitigating measures must be evaluated. 18) Related Party Transactions (a) Related Parties Prior to the IPO, the Partnership's predecessor operated as an integrated part of KNOT. KNOT is owned 50% by TSSI and 50% by Nippon Yusen Kaisha ("NYK"). The Windsor Knutsen, the Bodil Knutsen , the Carmen Knutsen , the Hilda Knutsen , the Torill Knutsen , the Ingrid Knutsen , the Raquel Knutsen , the Tordis Knutsen , the Vigdis Knutsen , the Lena Knutsen , the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen , all of which operate under time charters, are subject to technical management agreements pursuant to which certain crew, technical and commercial management services are provided by KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark. Under these technical management agreements, the Partnership's subsidiaries pay fees to and reimburse the costs and expenses of KNOT Management. The Fortaleza Knutsen , the Recife Knutsen , the Dan Cisne and the Dan Sabia operate under bareboat charters and, as a result, the customer is responsible for providing the crew, technical and commercial management of the vessel. However, each of these vessels are subject to management and administration agreements with either KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark, a 100% owned subsidiary of KNOT, pursuant to which these companies provide general monitoring services for the vessels in exchange for an annual fee. The Partnership is a party to an administrative services agreement with KNOT UK, pursuant to which KNOT UK provides administrative services, and KNOT UK is permitted to subcontract certain of the administrative services provided under the administrative services agreement to KOAS UK and KOAS. On May 7, 2015, the Partnership entered into an amendment to the administrative services agreement, which allows KNOT UK to also subcontract administrative services to KNOT Management. Effective as of February 26, 2018, the Partnership entered into a second amendment to the administrative services agreement extending the term of the agreement indefinitely, subject to termination by any party upon 90 days' notice for any reason. F-44 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 18) Related Party Transactions (Continued) The amounts of such costs and expenses included in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Statements of operations: Time charter and bareboat revenues: Time charter income from KNOT(1) Other income: Guarantee income from KNOT(2) Operating expenses: Technical and operational management fee from KNOT to Vessels(3) Operating expenses from other related parties(4) General and administrative expenses: Administration fee from KNOT Management(5) Administration fee from KOAS(5) Administration fee from KOAS UK(5) Administration and management fee from KNOT(6) Finance income (expense): Interest expense charged from KNOT(7) Total income (expenses) Year Ended December 31, 2019 2018 2017 $ 15,910 $ — $ — — 749 1,499 6,954 487 1,280 663 116 170 6,491 — 1,434 583 123 161 4,617 — 1,457 461 122 149 — (52) 6,240 $ (8,043) $ (5,359) — $ (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Balance Sheet: Vessels: Drydocking supervision fee from KNOT(8) Drydocking supervision fee from KOAS(8) Total At December 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 At December 31, 2017 $ $ — $ — — $ 187 $ 24 211 $ 89 8 97 (1) Time charter income from KNOT: On December 17, 2018, the Partnership's subsidiary that owns the Windsor Knutsen and Royal Dutch Shell ("Shell") agreed to suspend the vessel's time charter contract. The suspension period commenced March 4, 2019 and will end April 3, 2020, when the vessel is expected to be redelivered to Shell. During the suspension period, the Windsor Knutsen has been operating under a time charter contract with Knutsen Shuttle Tankers Pool AS on the same terms as the existing time charter contract with Shell. F-45 Table of Contents 18) Related Party Transactions (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Guarantee income from KNOT: Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, KNOT agreed to guarantee the payments of the hire rate under the initial charter of the Bodil Knutsen and Windsor Knutsen for a period of five years from the closing date of the IPO (until April 15, 2018). In October 2015, the Windsor Knutsen commenced on a new Shell time charter with a hire rate below the hire rate in the initial charter. The difference between the new hire rate and the initial rate was paid by KNOT until April 15, 2018. The Vigdis Knutsen suffered damages to its hull in connection with a ship-to-ship loading on May 24, 2017 and the vessel went off-hire 6 days in June 2017 due to repairs of the damage. In connection with the Vigdis Knutsen acquisition, KNOT agreed to pay for the repair cost and charter hire lost in connection with the incident. The reimbursement from KNOT for lost charter hire is accounted for as guarantee income. See Note 18(b)—Related Party Transactions—Guarantees and Indemnifications. Technical and operational management fee from KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark to Vessels: KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark provides technical and operational management of the vessels on time charter including crewing, purchasing, maintenance and other operational service. In addition, there is also a charge for 24-hour emergency response services provided by KNOT Management for all vessels managed by KNOT Management. Operating expenses from other related parties: Simsea Real Operations AS, a company jointly owned by Trygve Seglem and by other shipping companies in Haugesund, provides simulation, operational training assessment and other certified maritime courses for seafarers. The cost is course fees for seafarers. Knutsen OAS Crewing AS, a subsidiary of TSSI, provides administrative services related to East European crew on vessels operating on time charter contracts. The cost is a fixed fee per month per East European crew onboard the vessel. Administration fee from KNOT Management and Knutsen OAS Shipping AS ("KOAS") and Knutsen OAS (UK) Ltd. ("KOAS UK"): Administration costs include the compensation and benefits of KNOT Management's management and administrative staff as well as other general and administration expenses. Some benefits are also provided by KOAS and KOAS UK. Net administration costs are total administration cost plus a 5% margin, reduced for the total fees for services delivered by the administration staffs and the estimated shareholder costs for KNOT that have not been allocated. As such, the level of net administration costs as a basis for the allocation can vary from year to year based on the administration and financing services offered by KNOT to all the vessels in its fleet each year. KNOT Management also charges each subsidiary a fixed annual fee for the preparation of the statutory financial statement. Administration and management fee from KNOT Management and KNOT Management Denmark: For bareboat charters, the shipowner is not responsible for providing crewing or other operational services and the customer is responsible for all vessel operating expenses and voyage expenses. However, each of the vessels under bareboat charters is subject to a management and administration agreement with either KNOT Management or KNOT Management Denmark, pursuant to which these companies provide general monitoring services for the vessels in exchange for an annual fee. F-46 Table of Contents 18) Related Party Transactions (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) (7) (8) Interest expense charged from KNOT: KNOT invoiced interest (expense) income for any outstanding payables to (receivable from) owners and affiliates to the vessel-owning subsidiaries. Drydocking supervision fee from KNOT and KOAS: KNOT and KOAS provide supervision and hire out service personnel during drydocking of the vessels. The fee is calculated as a daily fixed fee. In addition, the Partnership reimburses costs related to crew and other related costs according to the technical management agreements with KNOT Management and KNOT Management Denmark. (b) Guarantees and Indemnifications Pursuant to the Omnibus Agreement, KNOT agreed to guarantee the payments of the hire rate under the initial charters of each of the Windsor Knutsen and the Bodil Knutsen for a period of five years from the closing date of the IPO (until April 15, 2018). In April 2014, the Partnership was notified that Shell would not exercise its option to extend the Windsor Knutsen time charter after the expiration of its initial term. The vessel was re-delivered on July 28, 2014. In order to comply with its obligations under the Omnibus Agreement, on July 29, 2014, KNOT and the Partnership entered into a time charter for the vessel at a rate of hire that would have been in effect during the option period under the previous Shell time charter. This charter was effective until the new Shell time charter commenced in October 2015. The new Shell charter has a hire rate that is lower than the hire rate in the initial charter. The difference between the new hire rate and the initial rate was paid by KNOT until April 15, 2018. On June 1, 2017, the Partnership acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, the company that owns and operate the Vigdis Knutsen . Shortly before the closing of the acquisition and on May 24, 2017, the Vigdis Knutsen suffered damages to its hull in connection with a ship-to-ship loading and the vessel went off-hire 6 days in June 2017 due to repairs of the damage. In connection with the Vigdis Knutsen acquisition, KNOT agreed to pay for the repair cost and charter hire lost in connection with the incident. Under the Omnibus Agreement, KNOT agreed to indemnify the Partnership until April 15, 2018 (or for a period of at least three years after the purchase of the Hilda Knutsen , the Torill Knutsen , the Ingrid Knutsen and the Raquel Knutsen , as applicable), against certain environmental and toxic tort liabilities with respect to certain assets that KNOT contributed or sold to the Partnership to the extent arising prior to the time they were contributed or sold. However, claims are subject to a deductible of $0.5 million and an aggregate cap of $5 million. (c) Transactions with Management and Directors Trygve Seglem, the Chairman of the Partnership's board of directors and the President and CEO of KNOT, controls Seglem Holding AS, which owns 100% of the equity interest in TSSI, which controls KOAS. TSSI owns 50% of the equity interest in KNOT. NYK, which owns 50% of the equity interest in KNOT, has management and administrative personnel on secondment to KNOT. F-47 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 18) Related Party Transactions (Continued) See the footnotes to Note 18(a)—Related Party Transactions—Related Parties for a discussion of the allocation principles for KNOT's administrative costs, including management and administrative staff, included in the consolidated statements of operations. Directors each receive a director fee of $50,000 per year. Members of the audit and conflicts committees each receive a committee fee of $12,000 and the Chairman of such committees receive an additional fee of $3,000 per year. Andrew Beveridge and Richard Beyer also each receive a fee of $10,000 as directors of KNOT UK. John Costain and Gary Chapman received total compensation of $114,892 and $102,198 respectively for the year ended December 31, 2019 under the employment agreements in KNOT UK. (d) Amounts Due from and Due to Related Parties Balances with related parties consisted of the following: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Balance Sheet: Trading balances due from KOAS Trading balances due from KNOT and affiliates Amount due from related parties Trading balances due to KOAS Trading balances due to KNOT and affiliates Amount due to related parties At December 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 $ $ $ $ 687 $ 2,000 2,687 $ 840 $ 372 1,212 $ 466 675 1,141 629 441 1,070 Amounts due from and due to related parties are unsecured and intended to be settled in the ordinary course of business. The majority of these related party transactions relate to vessel management and other fees due to KNOT, KNOT Management, KOAS UK and KOAS. e) Trade accounts payables and other currents assets Trade accounts payables to related parties are included in total trade accounts payables in the balance sheet. The balances to related parties consisted of the following: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Balance Sheet: Trading balances due to KOAS Trading balances due to KNOT and affiliates Trade accounts payables to related parties F-48 At December 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 $ $ 216 $ 685 901 $ 381 411 792 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 18) Related Party Transactions (Continued) Trading balances from KNOT and affiliates are included in other current assets in the balance sheet. The balances from related parties consisted of the following: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Balance Sheet: Trading balances due from KNOT and affiliates Other current assets from related parties At December 31, 2019 At December 31, 2018 $ $ 105 $ 105 $ — — (f) Acquisitions from KNOT On March 1, 2017, the Partnership acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS, the company that owns and operates the Tordis Knutsen . This acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business. On June 1, 2017, the Partnership acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS, the company that owns and operates the Vigdis Knutsen . This acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business. On September 30, 2017, the Partnership acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS, the company that owns and operates the Lena Knutsen . This acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business. On December 15, 2017, the Partnership acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS, the company that owns and operates the Brasil Knutsen . This acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of a business. On March 1, 2018, the Partnership acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS, the company that owns and operates the Anna Knutsen . This acquisition was accounted for as an acquisition of assets. The board of directors of the Partnership and the Conflicts Committee of the board approved the purchase price for each transaction described above. The Conflicts Committee retained a financial advisor to assist with its evaluation of each of the transactions. See Note 21—Acquisitions. 19) Commitments and Contingencies Assets Pledged As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Vessels with a book value of $1,677 million and $1,767 million, respectively, were pledged as security held as guarantee for the Partnership's long-term debt and interest rate swap obligations. See Note 10—Derivative Instruments, Note 13—Vessels and Equipment and Note 16— Long-Term Debt. Claims and Legal Proceedings Under the Partnership's time charters, claims to reduce the hire rate payments can be made if the Vessel does not perform to certain specifications in the agreements. An accrual of $0.4 million for a probable claim was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2017. No accrual for possible claim was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018. F-49 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 19) Commitments and Contingencies (Continued) From time to time, the Partnership is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Insurance The Partnership maintains insurance on all the Vessels to insure against marine and war risks, which include damage to or total loss of the Vessels, subject to deductible amounts that average $0.15 million per Vessel, and loss of hire. Under the loss of hire policies, the insurer will pay a compensation for the lost hire rate agreed in respect of each Vessel for each day, in excess of 14 deductible days, for the time that the Vessel is out of service as a result of damage, for a maximum of 180 days. In addition, the Partnership maintains protection and indemnity insurance, which covers third-party legal liabilities arising in connection with the Vessels' activities, including, among other things, the injury or death of third-party persons, loss or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels and other damage to other third-party property, including pollution arising from oil or other substances. This insurance is unlimited, except for pollution, which is limited to $1 billion per vessel per incident. The protection and indemnity insurance is maintained through a protection and indemnity association, and as a member of the association, the Partnership may be required to pay amounts above budgeted premiums if the member claims exceed association reserves, subject to certain reinsured amounts. If the Partnership experiences multiple claims each with individual deductibles, losses due to risks that are not insured or claims for insured risks that are not paid, it could have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's results of operations and financial condition. Raquel Knutsen In February 2017, the Raquel Knutsen damaged its propeller hub. As a result, the Vessel was off-hire from February 22, 2017 to May 15, 2017 for repairs. Under the Partnership's loss of hire policies, its insurer will pay the Partnership the hire rate agreed in respect of each vessel for each day, in excess of 14 deductible days, for the time that the Vessel is out of service as a result of damage, for a maximum of 180 days. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership received payments for loss of hire insurance of $3.4 million which was recorded as a component of total revenues since day rates are recovered under terms of the policy. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership recorded $3.9 million for recoveries up to the amount of loss under hull and machinery insurance for the repairs as a result of the propeller hub damage to the Raquel Knutsen. This is classified under vessel operating expense along with cost of the repairs of $4.2 million for the period, resulting in a net expense of $0.3 million. See Note 8—Insurance Proceeds. Carmen Knutsen During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Carmen Knutsen undertook her 5-year special drydocking survey. During dismantling for overhaul, a technical default with her controllable pitch propeller was found. As a result, the Vessel went to a different yard to complete the repair. Repairs were completed and the Vessel was back on hire on January 1, 2018. The additional off-hire and technical costs were F-50 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 19) Commitments and Contingencies (Continued) subject to an insurance claim. Under its loss of hire insurance policies, the Partnership's insurer is expected to pay the hire rate agreed in respect of the Carmen Knutsen for each day in excess of 14 deductible days while the Vessel was off-hire as a result of the repairs of the controllable pitch propeller. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Partnership recorded $0.45 million and $1.75 million, respectively, for loss of hire which were recorded as a component of total revenues since day rates are recovered under the terms of the policy. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Partnership recorded $2.40 million to vessel operating expense as an estimate of the cost of repairs of the controllable pitch propeller. During 2018, an additional repair cost of $0.15 million was recorded to vessel operating expenses. As of December 31, 2018, the Partnership had received payments and recorded $2.25 million for hull and machinery repairs, resulting in a net expense of $0.30 million. See Note 8—Insurance Proceeds. F-51 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 20) Earnings per Unit and Cash Distributions The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per unit(1) are presented below: (U.S. Dollars in thousands, except per unit data) Net income Less: Series A Preferred unitholders' interest in net income Net income attributable to the unitholders of KNOT Offshore Partners LP $ Less: Distributions(2) Under (over) distributed earnings Under (over) distributed earnings attributable to: Common unitholders(3) General Partner Weighted average units outstanding (basic) (in thousands): Common unitholders Subordinated unitholders General Partner Weighted average units outstanding (diluted) (in thousands): Common unitholders(4) General Partner Earnings per unit (basic) Common unitholders General Partner Earnings per unit (diluted): Common unitholders(4) General Partner Cash distributions declared and paid in the period per unit(5) Subsequent event: Cash distributions declared and paid per unit relating to the period(6) Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2019 58,957 $ 82,165 $ 68,064 5,253 7,200 7,200 62,811 74,965 51,757 67,171 72,136 72,136 (4,360) 2,829 (20,379) (20,003) (376) 2,777 52 (4,280) (80) 32,694 — 615 32,694 — 615 30,068 — 567 32,694 615 36,370 615 32,804 567 $ $ $ $ 1.554 $ 1.554 2.251 $ 2.251 2.050 2.046 1.554 $ 1.554 2.080 $ 0.520 $ 2.217 $ 2.251 2.080 $ 0.520 $ 2.037 2.046 2.080 0.520 (1) (2) (3) (4) Earnings per unit have been calculated in accordance with the cash distribution provisions set forth in the Partnership Agreement. This refers to distributions made or to be made in relation to the period irrespective of the declaration and payment dates and based on the numbers of units outstanding at the record date. This includes cash distributions to the IDR holder (KNOT) for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 of $2.8 million, $2.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively. This includes the net income attributable to the IDR holder. The net income attributable to IDRs for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $2.8 million, $2.8 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Diluted weighted average units outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2019 excludes 3.8 million potential common shares relating to the convertible preferred units since the assumed issuance had an anti-dilutive effect on the calculation of diluted earnings per unit. F-52 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 20) Earnings per Unit and Cash Distributions (Continued) (5) (6) Refers to cash distributions declared and paid during the period. Refers to cash distributions declared and paid subsequent to December 31, 2019. As of December 31, 2019, 73.5% of the Partnership's total number of common units outstanding representing limited partner interests were held by the public (in the form of 24,036,226 common units) and 26.2% of such units were held directly by KNOT (in the form of 8,567,500 common units). In addition, KNOT, through its ownership of the General Partner, held a 1.85% general partner interest (in the form of 615,117 general partner units) and a 0.3% limited partner interest (in the form of 90,368 common units). Earnings per unit—basic is determined by dividing net income, after deducting the amount of net income attributable to the Series A Preferred Units and the distribution paid or to be made in relation to the period by the weighted-average number of units outstanding during the applicable period. The computation of limited partners' interest in net income per common unit—diluted assumes the issuance of common units for all potentially dilutive securities consisting of the Series A Preferred Units. Consequently, the net income attributable to limited partners' interest is exclusive of any distributions on the Series A Preferred Units. In addition, the weighted average number of common units outstanding has been increased assuming the Series A Preferred Units have been converted to common units using the if-converted method. The computation of limited partners' interest in net income per common unit—diluted does not assume the issuance of Series A Preferred Units if the effect would be anti-dilutive. The General Partner's, common unitholders' and subordinated unitholders' interest in net income was calculated as if all net income was distributed according to the terms of the Partnership Agreement, regardless of whether those earnings would or could be distributed. The Partnership Agreement does not provide for the distribution of net income. Rather, it provides for the distribution of available cash, which is a contractually defined term that generally means all cash on hand at the end of each quarter less the amount of cash reserves established by the Partnership's board of directors (the "Board") to provide for the proper conduct of the Partnership's business, including reserves for maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, anticipated credit needs and capital requirements and any accumulated distributions on, or redemptions of, the Series A Preferred Units. In addition, KNOT, as the initial holder of all IDRs, has the right, at the time when there are no subordinated units outstanding and it has received incentive distributions at the highest level to which it is entitled (48.0% for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters), to reset the initial cash target distribution levels at higher levels based on the distribution at the time of the exercise of the reset election. Unlike available cash, net income is affected by non-cash items, such as depreciation and amortization, unrealized gains and losses on derivative instruments and unrealized foreign currency gains and losses. Distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter are required to be made in the following manner: • first, 98.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to the General Partner, until each outstanding common unit has received an amount equal to $0.375 (the "MQD") for that quarter; F-53 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 20) Earnings per Unit and Cash Distributions (Continued) • • • • second, 98.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to the General Partner, until each outstanding common unit has received a total of $0.43125 (the "first target distribution") for that quarter; third, 85.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to the General Partner, and 13% to the IDR holders, pro rata, until each outstanding common unit has received a total of $0.46875 (the "second target distribution") for that quarter; fourth, 75.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to the General Partner, and 23% to the IDR holders, pro rata, until each outstanding common unit has received a total of $0.5625 (the "third target distribution") for that quarter; and thereafter, 50.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to the General Partner, and 48% to the IDR holders, pro rata. The percentage interests set forth above assumed that the General Partner continues to own a 1.85% general partner interest and that the Partnership has not issued additional classes of equity securities. 21) Acquisitions During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2018, the Partnership acquired from KNOT equity interests in certain subsidiaries which own and operate the Tordis Knutsen, the Vigdis Knutsen, the Lena Knutsen , the Brasil Knutsen and the Anna Knutsen. The Partnership did not make any acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2019. The board of directors of the Partnership and the Conflicts Committee approved the purchase price for each transaction. The Conflicts Committee retained a financial advisor to assist with its evaluation of the transactions. The cost of the fee paid to the financial advisor was divided equally between the Partnership and KNOT. Acquisition related costs of $nil million, $0.1 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, were expensed as incurred under general and administrative expenses. The allocation of the purchase price to acquired identifiable assets was based on their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The purchase price of each F-54 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 21) Acquisitions (Continued) acquisition has been allocated to the identifiable assets acquired. The details of each transaction are as follows: (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Purchase consideration(1) Less: Fair value of net assets acquired: Vessels and equipment(2) Cash Inventories Derivatives assets Others current assets Amounts due from related parties Long-term debt Long-term debt from related parties Deferred debt issuance costs Trade accounts payable Accrued expenses Prepaid charter and deferred revenue Amounts due to related parties Income tax payable Subtotal Difference between the purchase price and fair value of net assets acquired F-55 Final Anna Knutsen March 1, 2018 Final Brasil Knutsen December 15, 2017 Final Lena Knutsen September 30, 2017 $ 19,913 $ 5,764 $ 33,235 120,274 4,537 257 1,839 111 520 (84,217) (22,535) 1,228 (971) (1,013) — (117) — 19,913 96,000 5,217 146 — 125 2 (59,000) — 618 (154) (1,185) — (36,005) — 5,764 $ — $ — $ 142,457 470 243 1,729 193 23,599 (111,068) (22,706) 867 (256) (224) (1,758) (186) (125) 33,235 — Table of Contents 21) Acquisitions (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Purchase consideration(1) Less: Fair value of net assets acquired: Vessels and equipment(2) Intangibles: Above market time charter Cash Inventories Derivatives assets Others current assets Amounts due from related parties Long-term debt Long-term debt from related parties Deferred debt issuance costs Trade accounts payable Accrued expenses Amounts due to related parties Income tax payable Subtotal Difference between the purchase price and fair value of net assets acquired (1) The purchase consideration comprises the following: Final Vigdis Knutsen June 1, 2017 Final Tordis Knutsen March 1, 2017 $ 31,759 $ 32,983 145,772 1,458 3,438 190 226 128 18,374 (114,411) (22,703) 928 (187) (1,082) (372) — 31,759 $ — $ 145,754 1,468 609 129 1,377 1,348 20,834 (114,411) (22,960) 795 (106) (503) (1,351) — 32,983 — (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Cash consideration paid to KNOT (from KNOT) Purchase price adjustments Purchase price Final Anna Knutsen March 1, 2018 Final Brasil Knutsen December 15, 2017 Final Lena Knutsen September 30, 2017 $ $ 14,637 $ 5,276 19,913 $ 2,383 $ 3,381 5,764 $ 33,343 (108) 33,235 (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Cash consideration paid to KNOT (from KNOT) Purchase price adjustments Purchase price Final Vigdis Knutsen June 1, 2017 Final Tordis Knutsen March 1, 2017 $ $ 28,109 $ 3,650 31,759 $ 31,242 1,741 32,983 (2) Vessel and equipment includes allocation to drydocking for the following vessels (in thousands): Anna Knutsen of $2,329, Brasil Knutsen of $260, Lena Knutsen of $2,741, Vigdis Knutsen of $2,709, Tordis Knutsen of $2,753 and Raquel Knutsen of $1,663. F-56 Table of Contents 21) Acquisitions (Continued) Anna Knutsen KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) On March 1, 2018, the Partnership's wholly owned subsidiary, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS ("KNOT 30"), the company that owns and operates the Anna Knutsen. The purchase price for the vessel was $120.0 million, less $106.8 million of outstanding indebtedness, plus approximately $1.4 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the vessel and plus other purchase price adjustments of $5.3 million. Following of adoption of ASU 2017-01, effective from January 1, 2018, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business, the Partnership accounted for this acquisition as an acquisition of an asset. The cost of the group of assets acquired in the asset acquisition has been allocated to the individual assets acquired or liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values. Brasil Knutsen On December 15, 2017, the Partnership's wholly owned subsidiary, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS ("KNOT 32"), the company that owns and operates the Brasil Knutsen. The purchase price was $96.0 million, less $59.0 million of outstanding indebtedness, less approximately $35.2 million for a loan owed by KNOT 32 to KNOT (the "Company Liquidity Loan"), plus approximately $0.6 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Brasil Knutsen , and plus $3.4 million of post-closing adjustments for working capital. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with the proceeds from the Partnership's public offering of 3,000,000 common units which closed on November 9, 2017. See Note 22—Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units—Equity Offerings. The Partnership accounted for this acquisition as an acquisition of a business. The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated to the identifiable assets acquired. The allocation of the purchase price to acquired identifiable assets was based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Revenue and profit contributions The Brasil Knutsen business contributed revenues of $0.7 million and net income of $0.3 million to the Partnership for the period from December 15, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Pro forma financial information The table below shows comparative summarized consolidated pro forma financial information for the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2017, giving effect to the Partnership's acquisition and financing of the Brasil Knutsen as if this acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. KNOT acquired the Brasil Knutsen from Chevron in July 2017 and the vessel was not operating on any contract at the time KNOT bought the vessel. From July 2017, the Brasil Knutsen operated on short term contracts until it commenced its time charter contract with Galp in November 2017. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Revenue Net income F-57 Unaudited Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 223,220 64,034 Table of Contents 21) Acquisitions (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) Included in the pro forma adjustments is depreciation related to the purchase price allocations performed on the acquired identifiable assets as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. In addition, the pro forma adjustments reflect changes in guarantors. Lena Knutsen On September 30, 2017, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS ("KNOT 26"), the company that owns and operates the Lena Knutsen. The purchase price was $142.0 million, less approximately $133.8 million of outstanding indebtedness, plus approximately $24.1 million for a receivable owed by KNOT to KNOT 26, plus approximately $1.0 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Lena Knutsen and less $0.1 million of post-closing adjustments for working capital and interest rate swaps. The Partnership accounted for this acquisition as an acquisition of a business. The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated to the identifiable assets acquired. The allocation of the purchase price to acquired identifiable assets was based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Revenue and profit contributions The Lena Knutsen business contributed revenues of $5.2 million and net loss of $0.1 million to the Partnership for the period from September 30, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Pro forma financial information The table below shows comparative summarized consolidated pro forma financial information for the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2017, giving effect to the Partnership's acquisition and financing of the Lena Knutsen as if this acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Revenue Net income Unaudited Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 220,904 62,999 Included in the pro forma adjustments is depreciation related to the purchase price allocations performed on the acquired identifiable assets as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. In addition, the pro forma adjustments reflect changes in guarantors as if the acquisition had taken place from the date of delivery of the vessel. Vigdis Knutsen On June 1, 2017, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS ("KNOT 25"), the company that owns and operates the Vigdis Knutsen . The purchase price was $147.0 million, less approximately $137.7 million of outstanding indebtedness, plus approximately $17.9 million for a receivable owed by KNOT to KNOT 25, plus approximately $0.9 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Vigdis Knutsen and plus $3.7 million of post-closing adjustments for working capital and interest rate swaps. The Partnership accounted for this acquisition as an acquisition of a business. The purchase price of the acquisition has F-58 Table of Contents 21) Acquisitions (Continued) KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) been allocated to the identifiable assets acquired. The allocation of the purchase price to acquired identifiable assets was based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Revenue and profit contributions The Vigdis Knutsen business contributed revenues of $11.8 million and net income of $2.6 million to the Partnership for the period from June 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Pro forma financial information The table below shows comparative summarized consolidated pro forma financial information for the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2017, giving effect to the Partnership's acquisition and financing of the Vigdis Knutsen as if this acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Revenue Net income Unaudited Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 222,354 63,225 Included in the pro forma adjustments is depreciation related to the purchase price allocations performed on the acquired identifiable assets as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. In addition, the pro forma adjustments reflect changes in guarantors and amortization of the above market time charter as if the acquisition had taken place from the date of delivery of the vessel. Tordis Knutsen On March 1, 2017, the Partnership's wholly owned subsidiary, KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS, acquired KNOT's 100% interest in KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS ("KNOT 24"), the company that owns and operates the Tordis Knutsen. The purchase price was $147.0 million, less approximately $137.7 million of outstanding indebtedness, plus approximately $21.1 million for a receivable owed by KNOT to KNOT 24, plus approximately $0.8 million for certain capitalized fees related to the financing of the Tordis Knutsen and plus $1.7 million of post-closing adjustments for working capital and interest rate swaps. The cash portion of the purchase price was financed with the proceeds from the Partnership's sale and issuance of 2,083,333 Series A Preferred Units which closed on February 2, 2017. See Note 22 —Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units—Sale of Series A Preferred Units. The Partnership accounted for this acquisition as an acquisition of a business. The purchase price of the acquisition has been allocated to the identifiable assets acquired. The allocation of the purchase price to acquired identifiable assets was based on their fair values at the date of acquisition. Revenue and profit contributions The Tordis Knutsen business contributed revenues of $17.2 million and net income of $3.2 million to the Partnership for the period from March 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. F-59 Table of Contents 21) Acquisitions (Continued) Pro forma financial information KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) The table below shows comparative summarized consolidated pro forma financial information for the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2017, giving effect to the Partnership's acquisition and financing of the Tordis Knutsen as if this acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Revenue Net income Unaudited Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ 221,198 66,584 Included in the pro forma adjustments is depreciation related to the purchase price allocations performed on the acquired identifiable assets as if the acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2017. In addition, the pro forma adjustments reflect changes in guarantors and amortization of the above market time charter as if the acquisition had taken place from the date of delivery of the vessel. 22) Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units Equity Offerings (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Gross proceeds received Less: Underwriters' discount Less: Offering expenses Net proceeds received 2019 Offering 2018 Offering January 2017 Offering November 2017 Offering $ $ — $ — — — $ — $ — — — $ 56,125 $ 925 300 54,900 $ 66,936(1) 660 230 66,046 Total 2017 Offering $ 123,061 1,585 530 $ 120,946 (1) Includes the General Partner's 1.85% proportional capital contribution. On November 9, 2017, the Partnership sold 3,000,000 common units in a public offering. In connection with the offering, the General Partner contributed a total of $1.2 million in order to maintain its 1.85% general partner interest in the Partnership. The total net proceeds from the offering and the related General Partner's contribution were $66.0 million. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the offering to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Brasil Knutsen and to repay $43.5 million of borrowings under the revolving credit facility. On January 10, 2017, the Partnership sold 2,500,000 common units, representing limited partner interests, in an underwritten public offering. The Partnership's total net proceeds from the offering were $54.9 million. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the offering to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Tordis Knutsen and to repay debt and for general partnership purposes. F-60 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 22) Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units (Continued) Sale of Series A Preferred units (U.S. Dollars in thousands) Gross proceeds received Less: Fee Less: Expenses Net proceeds received February 2017 Series A Preferred Units June 2017 Series A Preferred Units Total Series A Preferred Units $ $ 50,000 $ 1,000 386 48,614 $ 40,000 $ 1,000 150 38,850 $ 90,000 2,000 536 87,464 On February 2, 2017, the Partnership issued and sold in a private placement 2,083,333 Series A Preferred Units at a price of $24.00 per unit. After deducting fees and expenses, the net proceeds from the sale were $48.6 million. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the sale to fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Tordis Knutsen and to repay debt and for general partnership purposes. On June 30, 2017, the Partnership (i) issued and sold in a second private placement 1,666,667 additional Series A Preferred Units at a price of $24.00 per unit and (ii) amended and restated its Partnership Agreement to make certain amendments to the terms of the Series A Preferred Units, including the 2,083,333 Series A Preferred Units issued on February 2, 2017. After deducting estimated fees and expenses, the net proceeds of the sale were $38.9 million. The Partnership used $30.0 million of the net proceeds to repay the revolving credit facility, which was drawn in connection with acquisition of the Vigdis Knutsen. The Series A Preferred Units rank senior to the common units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The Series A Preferred Units have a liquidation preference of $24.00 per unit, plus any Series A unpaid cash distributions, plus all accrued but unpaid distributions on such Series A Preferred Unit with respect to the quarter in which the liquidation occurs to the date fixed for the payment of any amount upon liquidation. The Series A Preferred Units are entitled to cumulative distributions from their initial issuance date, with distributions being calculated at an annual rate of 8.0% on the stated liquidation preference and payable quarterly in arrears within 45 days after the end of each quarter, when, as and if declared by the Board. The Series A Preferred Units are generally convertible, at the option of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units, into common units commencing on February 2, 2019 at the then applicable conversion rate. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. In addition, the conversion rate will be redetermined on a quarterly basis, such that the conversion rate will be equal to $24.00 (the "Issue Price") divided by the product of (x) the book value per common unit at the end of the immediately preceding quarter (pro-forma for per unit cash distributions payable with respect to such quarter) multiplied by (y) the quotient of (i) the Issue Price divided by (ii) the book value per common unit on February 2, 2017. In addition, the Partnership may redeem the Series A Preferred Units at any time between February 2, 2019 and February 2, 2027 at the redemption price specified in the Partnership Agreement, provided, however, that upon notice from the Partnership to the holders of Series A Preferred Units of its intent to redeem, such holders may elect, instead, to convert their Series A Preferred Units into common units at the then applicable conversion rate. For F-61 Table of Contents KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued) 22) Equity Offerings and Sale of Series A Preferred Units (Continued) the year ended December 31, 2019, the calculated possible conversion of the Series A Preferred Units into common units are included in Note 20—Earnings per Unit and Cash Distributions. Upon a change of control of the Partnership, the holders of Series A Preferred Units will have the right to require cash redemption at 100% of the Issue Price. In addition, the holders of Series A Preferred Units will have the right to cause the Partnership to redeem the Series A Preferred Units on February 2, 2027 in, at the option of the Partnership, (i) cash at a price equal to 70% of the Issue Price or (ii) common units such that each Series A Preferred Unit receives common units worth 80% of the Issue Price (based on the volume-weighted average trading price, as adjusted for splits, combinations and other similar transactions, of the common units as reported on the NYSE for the 30 trading day period ending on the fifth trading day immediately prior to the redemption date) plus any accrued and unpaid distributions. In addition, at any time following February 2, 2019 and subject to certain conditions, the Partnership will have the right to convert the Series A Preferred Units into common units at the then applicable conversion rate if the aggregate market value (calculated as set forth in the partnership agreement) of the common units into which the then outstanding Series A Preferred Units are convertible, based on the then applicable conversion rate, is greater than 130% of the aggregate Issue Price of the then outstanding Series A Preferred Units. The Series A Preferred Units have voting rights that are identical to the voting rights of the common units, except they do not have any right to nominate, appoint or elect any of the directors of the Board, except whenever distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units have not been declared and paid for four consecutive quarters (a "Trigger Event"). Upon a Trigger Event, holders of Series A Preferred Units, together with the holders of any other series of preferred units upon which like rights have been conferred and are exercisable, may replace one of the members of the Board appointed by the General Partner with a person nominated by such holders, such nominee to serve until all accrued and unpaid distributions on the preferred units have been paid. The Series A Preferred Units are entitled to vote with the common units as a single class so that the Series A Preferred Units are entitled to one vote for each common unit into which the Series A Preferred Units are convertible at the time of voting. For additional information about the Series A Preferred Units, please read the Partnership's Report on Form 8-A/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2017. 23) Subsequent Events The Partnership has evaluated subsequent events from the balance sheet date through March 19, 2020, the date at which the audited consolidated financial statements were available to be issued, and determined that there are no other items to disclose, except as follows: On February 13, 2020, the Partnership paid a quarterly cash distribution of $0.52 per common unit with respect to the quarter ended December 31, 2019. The aggregate amount of the distribution was $18.0 million. On February 13, 2020, the Partnership also paid a cash distribution to holders of Series A Preferred Units with respect to the quarter ended December 31, 2019 in an aggregate amount equal to $1.8 million. After the balance sheet date, we have seen significant macro-economic uncertainty as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The scale and duration of this development remains uncertain and could materially impact our earnings and cash flow. F-62 Description of Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Exhibit 2.1 KNOT Offshore Partners LP has one class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) and trades under the symbol “KNOP”. The following description of the common units of KNOT Offshore Partners LP does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the complete text of the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (referred to herein as our “partnership agreement”), a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Report on Form 8-A/A filed on June 30, 2017, and which is incorporated by herein.  As used herein, “the partnership,” “we,” “our,” “us” or similar terms refer, depending upon the context, to KNOT Offshore Partners LP and/or any one or more of its subsidiaries. General DESCRIPTION OF OUR COMMON UNITS Our common units represent limited partner interests in us.  The holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Units (our “Series A Preferred Units”) and the holders of our common units are holders of separate classes of limited partner interests in us.  The holders of common units are entitled to participate in partnership distributions and exercise the rights and privileges available to limited partners under our partnership agreement.  Please read the sections entitled “Our Partnership Agreement” and “Cash Distributions” below. Voting Rights Each holder of common units is entitled to one vote for each unit on all matters submitted to a vote of the common unitholders, subject to any limitations contained in our partnership agreement. See “Our Partnership Agreement—Voting Rights” below. Cash Distributions; Liquidation The holders of our common units are entitled to receive, to the extent permitted by law, such distributions as may from time to time be declared by our board of directors.  Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of our common units are entitled to receive distributions of our assets, after we have satisfied or made provision for our debts and other obligations and for payment to the holders any class or series of limited partner interests (including the Series A Preferred Units) having preferential rights to receive distributions of our assets.  See “Our Partnership Agreement” and “Cash Distributions” below. Transfer Agent and Registrar The transfer agent and registrar for our common units is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.                           Organization and Duration OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT We were organized on February 21, 2013 under the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act (the “Marshall Islands Act”) and have perpetual existence. Purpose Our purpose under the partnership agreement is to engage in any business activities that may lawfully be engaged in by a limited partnership pursuant to the Marshall Islands Act. Cash Distributions Our partnership agreement specifies the manner in which we make cash distributions to holders of our common units and other partnership interests, including to the holders of our Series A Preferred Units and our incentive distribution rights, as well as to our general partner in respect of its general partner interest. For a description of these cash distribution provisions, please read “Cash Distributions.” Capital Contributions No holder of common units or Series A Preferred Units is obligated to make additional capital contributions, except as described below under “—Limited Liability.” For a discussion of our general partner’s right to contribute capital to maintain its general partner interest if we issue additional units, please read “— Issuance of Additional Interests.” Transfer of Common Units and Series A Preferred Units By transfer of common units or Series A Preferred Units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of common units or Series A Preferred Units will be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units or Series A Preferred Units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records. Each transferee: (1)         represents that the transferee has the capacity, power and authority to become bound by our partnership agreement; (2)         automatically agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of, and is deemed to have executed, our partnership agreement; and (3)         gives the consents and approvals contained in our partnership agreement. A transferee will become a substituted limited partner of our partnership for the transferred common units or Series A Preferred Units automatically upon the recording of the transfer on our books and records. We may, at our discretion, treat the nominee holder of a common unit or Series A Preferred Unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holder’s rights are limited solely to those 2                               that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder. Common units and Series A Preferred Units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee the right to become a limited partner in our partnership for the transferred units. Until a unit has been transferred on our books, we and the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations. Voting Rights Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. We hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Common unitholders are entitled to elect only four of the seven members of our board of directors. The elected directors are elected on a staggered basis and serve for four-year terms. Our general partner in its sole discretion appoints the remaining three directors and sets the terms for which those directors serve. Our partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting our unitholders’ ability to influence the manner or direction of management. Unitholders have no right to elect our general partner, and our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding common units, including any common units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class. Our partnership agreement further restricts unitholders’ voting rights by providing that all persons (including individuals, entities, partnerships, trusts and estates) that are residents of Norway for purposes of the Norwegian Tax Act (“Norwegian Resident Holders”) are not eligible to vote in the election of elected directors. No holder of Series A Preferred Units that is a Norwegian Resident Holder is eligible to vote on any matter. Further, if any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding (excluding Norwegian Resident Holders in the election of elected directors), any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and are not considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law. The voting rights of any unitholders not entitled to vote on a specific matter are effectively redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquire common units with the prior approval of our board of directors are not subject to the 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. The Series A Preferred Units have voting rights that are identical to the voting rights of the common units, except they do not have any right to nominate, appoint or elect any of our directors, 3                 except whenever distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units have not been declared and paid for four consecutive quarters (a “Trigger Event”). Upon a Trigger Event, holders of Series A Preferred Units, together with the holders of any other series of preferred units upon which like rights have been conferred and are exercisable, will have the right to replace one of the members of our board appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders, such nominee to serve until all accrued and unpaid distributions on the preferred units have been paid. Please read “—Board of Directors.” The Series A Preferred Units shall be entitled to vote with the common units as a single class so that the Series A Preferred Units shall be entitled to one vote for each common unit into which the Series A Preferred Units are then convertible. The 4.9% limitation described above applies to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units with respect to the voting of the Series A Preferred Units on an as-converted basis together with the common units. The following is a summary of the unitholder vote required for the approval of the matters specified below. Matters that require the approval of a “unit majority” require the approval of a majority of the common units (which include the Series A Preferred Units voting on an as-converted basis) voting as a single class. All references herein to voting of the common units, other than references to voting for the election of the elected directors, shall include voting of the Series A Preferred Units together with the common units as a single class on an as-converted basis. In voting their common units or any Series A Preferred Units they may hold, our general partner and its affiliates have no fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or our unitholders, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us and our unitholders. Action Issuance of additional common units or other limited partner interests Unitholder Approval Required No common unitholder approval required; general partner approval required for all issuances not reasonably expected to be accretive within 12 months of issuance or which would otherwise have a material adverse impact on our general partner or its interest in the partnership. We will have the right to issue securities that with respect to distributions on such securities or distributions upon liquidation of the partnership rank pari passu with the Series A Preferred Units (“parity securities”), provided that the aggregate amount of the Series A Preferred Units and the parity securities pro-forma for such issuance, does not exceed 33.33% of the book value of the sum of our then outstanding aggregate amount of parity securities and junior securities (including common units). The consent of at least 67% of the holders of Series A Preferred Units will be necessary for us to issue (i) any securities that with respect to distributions on such securities or distributions upon liquidation of the partnership rank senior to the Series A Preferred Units (“senior securities”) and (ii) any parity securities in excess of such pro-forma book value. In addition, the consent of at least 67% of the holders of 4             Amendment of our partnership agreement Series A Preferred Units will be necessary for us to incur or assume additional indebtedness that would result in our total consolidated indebtedness exceeding 70% of our total capitalization. Certain amendments may be made by our board of directors without the approval of our unitholders. Other amendments generally require the approval of a unit majority. Any amendment that (i) adversely affects the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A Preferred Units or (ii) amends or modifies any of the terms of the Series A Preferred Units requires the approval of at least 67% of the Series A Preferred Units, voting separately as a class. Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets Unit majority and approval of our general partner and our board of directors. Dissolution of our partnership Unit majority and approval of our general partner and our board of directors. Reconstitution of our partnership upon dissolution Unit majority. Election of four of the seven members of our board of directors Withdrawal of our general partner A plurality of the votes of the holders of the common units. Under most circumstances, the approval of a majority of our common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required for the withdrawal of our general partner prior to March 31, 2023 in a manner which would cause a dissolution of our partnership. Removal of our general partner Not less than 66 2/3% of our outstanding common units, voting as a single class, including common units held by our general partner and its affiliates. Transfer of the general partner interest in us Our general partner may transfer all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest in us without a vote of our common unitholders or other limited partners to an affiliate or another person in connection with its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to such person. The approval of a majority of our common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required in other circumstances for a transfer of the general partner interest to a third party prior to March 31, 2023. 5                                                                       Transfer of incentive distribution rights No approval required at any time. Transfer of ownership interests in our general partner No approval required at any time. Applicable Law; Forum, Venue and Jurisdiction Our partnership agreement is governed by Marshall Islands law. Our partnership agreement requires that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings: ·             arising out of or relating in any way to the partnership agreement (including any claims, suits or actions to interpret, apply or enforce the provisions of the partnership agreement or the duties, obligations or liabilities among limited partners or of limited partners to us, or the rights or powers of, or restrictions on, the limited partners or us); ·             brought in a derivative manner on our behalf; ·             asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of us or our general partner, or owed by our general partner, to us or the limited partners; ·             asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Marshall Islands Act; and ·             asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine; shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, unless otherwise provided for by Marshall Islands law, regardless of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings arise under laws relating to contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or are derivative or direct claims. By purchasing a common unit or Series A Preferred Unit, a limited partner is irrevocably consenting to these limitations and provisions regarding claims, suits, actions or proceedings and submitting to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, unless otherwise provided for by Marshall Islands law, in connection with any such claims, suits, actions or proceedings; however, a court could rule that such provisions are inapplicable or unenforceable. Limited Liability Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the control of our business within the meaning of the Marshall Islands Act and that the limited partner otherwise acts in conformity with the provisions of our partnership agreement, the limited partner’s liability under the Marshall Islands Act will be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount of capital the limited partner is obligated to contribute to us for the limited partner’s units plus the limited partner’s share of any undistributed profits and assets. If it were determined, however, that the right, or exercise of the right, by our limited partners as a group: 6                                   ·             to remove or replace our general partner; ·             to elect four of our seven directors; ·             to approve some amendments to our partnership agreement; or ·             to take other action under our partnership agreement; constituted “participation in the control” of our business for the purposes of the Marshall Islands Act, then our limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the laws of the Marshall Islands, to the same extent as our general partner. This liability would extend to persons who transact business with us and reasonably believe, based on the limited partner’s conduct, that the limited partner is a general partner. Neither our partnership agreement nor the Marshall Islands Act specifically provides for legal recourse against our general partner if a limited partner were to lose limited liability through any fault of our general partner. While this does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in Marshall Islands case law. Under the Marshall Islands Act, a limited partnership may not make a distribution to a partner if, after giving effect to the distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specific property of the limited partnership, would exceed the fair value of the assets of the limited partnership. For the purpose of determining the fair value of the assets of a limited partnership, the Marshall Islands Act provides that the fair value of property subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in the assets of the limited partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds that liability. The Marshall Islands Act provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution was in violation of the Marshall Islands Act shall be liable to the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years. Under the Marshall Islands Act, an assignee of partnership interests who becomes a limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations of the assignor to make contributions to the limited partnership, except the assignee is not obligated for liabilities unknown to the assignee at the time the assignee became a limited partner and that could not be ascertained from the partnership agreement. Maintenance of limited liability may require compliance with legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries conduct business, which may include qualifying to do business in those jurisdictions. Limitations on the liability of limited partners for the obligations of a limited partner have not been clearly established in many jurisdictions. If, by virtue of our ownership or control of operating subsidiaries or otherwise, it were determined that we were conducting business in any jurisdiction without compliance with the applicable limited partnership or limited liability company statute, or that the right or exercise of the right by our limited partners as a group to remove or replace our general partner, to approve some amendments to our partnership agreement, or to take other action under our partnership agreement constituted “participation in the control” of our business for purposes of the statutes of any relevant jurisdiction, then our limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that jurisdiction to the same extent as our general partner under the circumstances. We 7                 intend to operate in a manner that our board of directors considers reasonable and necessary or appropriate to preserve the limited liability of our limited partners. Issuance of Additional Securities Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of additional partnership securities and rights to buy partnership securities for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our board of directors, without the approval of our unitholders, other than the limited approval rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units with regard to the issuance of parity securities and senior securities described above under “—Voting Rights.” Our general partner will be required to approve all issuances of additional partnership interests that are not reasonably expected to be accretive within 12 months of issuance or which would otherwise have a material adverse impact on the general partner or its interest in us. In accordance with Marshall Islands law and the provisions of our partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership securities interests that, as determined by our board of directors, have special voting or other rights to which our common units or Series A Preferred Units are not entitled. Upon issuance of certain additional partnership securities (other than the issuance of common units in connection with a reset of our incentive distribution target levels or the issuance of partnership interests upon conversion of outstanding partnership interests), our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its general partner interest in us at the same percentage level as before the issuance. Our general partner’s interest in us will thus be reduced if we issue certain additional partnership securities and our general partner does not elect to maintain its general partner interest. Our general partner’s interest does not entitle it to receive any portion of distributions made in respect of the Series A Preferred Units and our general partner’s interest will not be affected by the issuance of any additional preferred units. Our general partner and its affiliates also have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units or other equity securities whenever, and on the same terms that, we issue those securities to persons other than our general partner and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain its and its affiliates’ percentage interest in us, including its interest represented by common units, that existed immediately prior to each issuance. Other holders of common units will not have similar preemptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership securities. Tax Status The Partnership has elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. 8                 Amendment of Our Partnership Agreement General Amendments to our partnership agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent of our board of directors. However, our board of directors has no duty or obligation to propose any amendment and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or our limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or our limited partners. In order to adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed below, approval of our board of directors is required, as well as written approval of the holders of the number of units required to approve the amendment or call a meeting of our limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment. In addition, holders of Series A Preferred Units must approve certain amendments as described above under “—Voting Rights.” Except as we describe below, an amendment must be approved by a “unit majority.” Prohibited Amendments No amendment may be made that would: (1)         increase the obligations of any limited partner without its consent, unless approved by at least a majority of the type or class or series of limited partner interests so affected; (2)         increase the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to our general partner or any of its affiliates without the consent of our general partner, which may be given or withheld at its option; (3)         change the term of our partnership; (4)         provide that our partnership is not dissolved upon an election to dissolve our partnership by our general partner that is approved by the holders of a unit majority; or (5)         give any person the right to dissolve our partnership other than the right of our general partner and our board of directors to dissolve our partnership with the approval of the holders of a unit majority. The provision of our partnership agreement preventing the amendments having the effects described in clauses (1) through (5) above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the outstanding units voting together as a single class (including units owned by our general partner and its affiliates). No Unitholder Approval Our board of directors may generally make amendments to our partnership agreement without the approval of any limited partner to reflect: (1)                                 a change in our name or the location of our principal place of business, registered agent or registered office; (2)                                 the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with our partnership agreement; 9                     (3)                                 a change that our board of directors determines to be necessary or appropriate for us to qualify or to continue our qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability under the Marshall Islands Act; (4)                                 an amendment that is necessary, upon the advice of our counsel, to prevent us or our officers or directors or our general partner or their or its agents, or trustees from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of 1940, or plan asset regulations adopted under the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, whether or not substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed; (5)                                 an amendment that our board of directors determines to be necessary or appropriate for the authorization of additional partnership securities (subject to the limited approval rights of holders of Series A Preferred Units described above under “—Voting Rights”) or rights to acquire partnership interests, including any amendment that our board of directors determines is necessary or appropriate in connection with: ·                  the adjustments of the minimum quarterly distribution, first target distribution, second target distribution and third target distribution in connection with the reset of our incentive distribution rights; ·                  the implementation of the provisions relating to KNOT’s right to reset the incentive distribution rights in exchange for common units; ·                  any modification of the incentive distribution rights made in connection with the issuance of additional partnership interests or rights to acquire partnership interests, provided that, any such modifications and related issuance of partnership interests have received approval by a majority of the members of the conflicts committee of our board of directors; or ·                  any amendment expressly permitted in our partnership agreement to be made by our board of directors acting alone; (6)                                 an amendment effected, necessitated, or contemplated by a merger agreement that has been approved under the terms of our partnership agreement; (7)                                 any amendment that our board of directors determines to be necessary or appropriate for the formation by us of, or our investment in, any corporation, partnership or other entity, as otherwise permitted by our partnership agreement; (8)                                 a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes; (9)                                 certain mergers or conveyances as set forth in our partnership agreement; or (10)                          any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters described in (1) through (9) above. In addition, our board of directors may make amendments to our partnership agreement without the approval of any limited partner (subject to the limited approval rights of holders of Series A Preferred Units described above under “—Voting Rights”) or our general partner if our board of directors determines that those amendments: (1)         do not adversely affect our limited partners (or any particular class or series of limited partners) in any material respect; 10 (2)         are necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements, conditions, or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any Marshall Islands authority; (3)         are necessary or appropriate to facilitate the trading of limited partner interests or to comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any securities exchange on which our limited partner interests are or will be listed for trading; (4)         are necessary or appropriate for any action taken by our board of directors relating to splits or combinations of our limited partner interests under the provisions of our partnership agreement; or (5)         are required to effect the intent of the provisions of our partnership agreement or are otherwise contemplated by our partnership agreement. Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder Approval Our board of directors will not be required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will not result in a loss of limited liability to our limited partners if one of the amendments described above under “—No Unitholder Approval” should occur. No other amendments to our partnership agreement will become effective without the approval of holders of at least 90% of our outstanding units voting as a single class unless we obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will not affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of our limited partners. In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or privileges of any type or class or series of outstanding in relation to other classes or series of limited partner interests will require the approval of at least a majority of the type or class or series of units so affected, provided, however, that any amendment that (i) adversely affects the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series A Preferred Units or (ii) amends or modifies any of the terms of the Series A Preferred Units requires the approval of at least 67% of the Series A Preferred Units. Any amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take any action must be approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners whose aggregate outstanding interests constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced. Merger, Sale, or Other Disposition of Assets A merger or consolidation of us requires the approval of our board of directors and the prior consent of our general partner and the approval of holders representing a unit majority. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, our board of directors and our general partner will have no duty or obligation to consent to any merger or consolidation and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners; provided, however, that our board of directors and general partner owe a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing to holders of the Series A Preferred Units pursuant to our partnership agreement. In addition, our partnership agreement generally prohibits our board of directors without the prior approval of our general partner and, without approval of a unit majority, from causing us to, among other things, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination,                               11   or approving on our behalf the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of our subsidiaries taken as a whole. Our board of directors may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate, or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of our assets without unitholder approval. Our general partner and our board of directors may also determine to sell all or substantially all of our assets under a foreclosure or other realization upon those encumbrances without unitholder approval. If conditions specified in our partnership agreement are satisfied, our board of directors with the consent of our general partner may convert us or any of our subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity or merge us or any of our subsidiaries into, or convey some or all of our assets to, a newly formed entity if the sole purpose of that merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in our legal form into another limited liability entity. Our unitholders are not entitled to dissenters’ rights of appraisal under our partnership agreement or applicable law in the event of a conversion, merger or consolidation, a sale of substantially all of our assets, or any other transaction or event. Termination and Dissolution We will continue as a limited partnership until terminated under our partnership agreement. We will dissolve upon: (1)         the election of our general partner and our board of directors to dissolve us, if approved by the holders of units representing a unit majority; (2)         at any time there are no limited partners, unless the partnership is continued without dissolution in accordance with the Marshall Islands Act; (3)         the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of us; or (4)         the withdrawal or removal of our general partner or any other event that results in its ceasing to be our general partner other than by reason of a transfer of its general partner interest in accordance with our partnership agreement or withdrawal or removal following approval and admission of a successor. Upon a dissolution under clause (4), the holders of a majority of outstanding common units may also elect, within specific time limitations, to continue our business on the same terms and conditions described in our partnership agreement by appointing as general partner an entity approved by the holders of a majority of outstanding common units, subject to our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the action would not result in the loss of limited liability of any limited partner. Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds Upon our dissolution, unless we are continued as a new limited partnership, the liquidator authorized to wind up our affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our board of directors that are necessary or appropriate, liquidate our assets and apply the proceeds of the liquidation as described in our partnership agreement. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have the right to receive an amount equal to the liquidation preference of $24.00 per unit, plus any Series A Unpaid Cash Distributions (as defined in the partnership agreement) plus an amount equal to all 12                     accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment, whether or not declared, before any payments are made to holders of our common units or any other securities ranking junior to the Series A Preferred Units with respect to payments of distributions and amounts payable upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up. The liquidator may defer liquidation or distribution of our assets for a reasonable period or distribute assets to partners in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to our partners. Withdrawal or Removal of Our General Partner Except as described below, our general partner has agreed not to withdraw voluntarily as our general partner prior to March 31, 2023 without obtaining the approval of the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability. On or after March 31, 2023, our general partner may withdraw as general partner without first obtaining approval of any common unitholder by giving 90 days’ written notice, and that withdrawal will not constitute a violation of our partnership agreement. Notwithstanding the information above, our general partner may withdraw without unitholder approval upon 90 days’ notice to our limited partners if at least 50% of our outstanding common units are held or controlled by one person and its affiliates other than our general partner and its affiliates. In addition, our partnership agreement permits our general partner in some instances to sell or otherwise transfer all of its general partner interest in us without the approval of the common unitholders. Please read “—Transfer of General Partner Interest” and “—Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights.” Upon withdrawal of our general partner under any circumstances, other than as a result of a transfer by our general partner of all or a part of its general partner interest in us, the holders of a majority of our outstanding common units may select a successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability cannot be obtained, we will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within a specified period of time after that withdrawal, the holders of a unit majority agree in writing to continue our business and to appoint a successor general partner. Please read “—Termination and Dissolution.” Our general partner may not be removed unless that removal is approved by the vote of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% of our outstanding common units, including units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and we receive an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability. Any removal of our general partner is also subject to the approval of a successor general partner by the vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common units. The ownership of more than 33 1/3% of our outstanding common units by our general partner and its affiliates would give them the practical ability to prevent our general partner’s removal. Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general partner is removed as our general partner under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, our general partner will have the right to convert its general partner interest and the holder of the incentive distribution rights will have the right to convert such incentive distribution rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests based on the fair market value of the interests at the time. 13               In the event of removal of our general partner under circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of our general partner where that withdrawal violates our partnership agreement, a successor general partner will have the option to purchase the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights owned by the departing general partner for a cash payment equal to the fair market value of those interests. Under all other circumstances where our general partner withdraws or is removed by our limited partners, the departing general partner will have the option to require the successor general partner to purchase the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights of the departing general partner for their fair market value and the holders of the incentive distribution rights will have the option to require the successor general partner to purchase such incentive distribution rights for their fair market value. In each case, this fair market value will be determined by agreement between the departing general partner and the successor general partner. If no agreement is reached, an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the departing general partner and the successor general partner will determine the fair market value. Or, if the departing general partner and the successor general partner cannot agree upon an expert, then an expert chosen by agreement of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair market value. If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing general partner or the successor general partner, the departing general partner’s general partner interest and incentive distribution rights will automatically convert into common units equal to the fair market value of those interests as determined by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner described in the preceding paragraph. In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing general partner for all amounts due the departing general partner, including, without limitation, any employee-related liabilities, including severance liabilities, incurred for the termination of any employees employed by the departing general partner or its affiliates for our benefit. Transfer of General Partner Interest Except for the transfer by our general partner of all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest in us to: ·      an affiliate of our general partner (other than an individual); or ·                  another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of our general partner with or into another entity or the transfer by our general partner of all or substantially all of its assets to another entity; our general partner may not transfer all or any part of its general partner interest in us to another person prior to March 31, 2023 without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of our outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this transfer, the transferee must, among other things, assume the rights and duties of our general partner, agree to be bound by the provisions of our partnership agreement and furnish an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability. 14                   Our general partner and its affiliates may at any time transfer units to one or more persons, without limited partner approval. Transfer of Ownership Interests in General Partner At any time, the members of our general partner may sell or transfer all or part of their respective membership interests in our general partner to an affiliate or a third party without the approval of our unitholders. Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights The incentive distribution rights are freely transferable. Change of Management Provisions Our partnership agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to discourage a person or group from attempting to remove KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC as our general partner or otherwise change management. If any person or group other than our general partner and its affiliates acquires beneficial ownership of 4.9% or more of any class of units then outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units in excess of 4.9% of all such units. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of elected directors. The 4.9% limitation applies to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units with respect to the voting of the Series A Preferred Units on an as-converted basis together with the common units. Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general partner is removed under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, our general partner will have the right to convert its general partner interest into common units or to receive cash in exchange for that interest. Limited Call Right If at any time our general partner and its affiliates hold more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding partnership interests of any class, except for the Series A Preferred Units, our general partner will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the remaining partnership interests of the class held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by our general partner, on at least 10 but not more than 60 days’ written notice at a price equal to the greater of (x) the average of the daily closing prices of the partnership interests of such class over the 20 trading days preceding the date three days before notice of exercise of the call right is first mailed and (y) the highest price paid by our general partner or any of its affiliates for partnership interests of such class during the 90-day period preceding the date such notice is first mailed. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the 15                       exercise of this limited call right and has no fiduciary duty in determining whether to exercise this limited call right. As a result of our general partner’s right to purchase outstanding partnership interests, a holder of partnership securities (except for the Series A Preferred Units) may have the holder’s partnership interests purchased at an undesirable time or price. Board of Directors Under our partnership agreement, our general partner has irrevocably delegated to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, policies and management on an exclusive basis, and such delegation will be binding on any successor general partner of the partnership. Our board of directors consists of seven members, three of whom are appointed by our general partner in its sole discretion and four of whom are elected by our common unitholders. Our board of directors nominates individuals to stand for election as elected board members on a staggered basis at an annual meeting of our limited partners. In addition, any limited partner or group of limited partners that holds beneficially 10% or more of the outstanding common units is entitled to nominate one or more individuals to stand for election as elected board members at the annual meeting by providing written notice to our board of directors not more than 120 days nor less than 90 days prior to the meeting. However, if the date of the annual meeting is not publicly announced by us at least 100 days prior to the date of the meeting, the notice must be delivered to our board of directors not later than ten days following the public announcement of the meeting date. The notice must set forth: ·                  the name and address of the limited partner or limited partners making the nomination or nominations; ·                  the number of common units beneficially owned by the limited partner or limited partners; ·                  the information regarding the nominee(s) proposed by the limited partner or limited partners as required to be included in a proxy statement relating to the solicitation of proxies for the election of directors filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission; ·                  the written consent of the nominee(s) to serve as a member of our board of directors if so elected; and ·                  a certification that the nominee(s) qualify as elected board members. Upon a Trigger Event (as defined under “—Voting Rights” above), the holders of Series A Preferred Units (together with holders of all other classes or series of preferred units upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will have the right to replace one of the members of our board of directors appointed by our general partner with a member nominated by such holders (the “Holders’ Nominee”), such nominee to serve until the payment of all accrued 16                         and unpaid distributions in respect of the preferred units has been made. Unless our general partner consents, the Holders’ Nominee cannot be a resident of Norway for purposes of the Norwegian Tax Act. Upon payment of all accrued and unpaid distributions then outstanding in respect of the preferred units, the Holders’ Nominee will agree to resign from the board, effective immediately, unless and until a subsequent Trigger Event, if any, occurs. Subject to the preceding sentence, any Holders’ Nominee may be removed at any time without cause only by the holders of 67% of the Series A Preferred Units and the holders of any other series of preferred units upon which such rights have been conferred and are exercisable, voting together as a class. If any Holders’ Nominee is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve as a member of the board of directors, the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units and, if applicable, any other preferred units, voting together as a class, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy. Subject to the rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units with regard to the Holders’ Nominee, our general partner may remove an appointed board member with or without cause at any time. “Cause” generally means a court’s finding a person liable for actual fraud or willful misconduct in his or its capacity as a director. Any and all of the board members may be removed at any time for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the other board members. Any and all of the board members appointed by our general partner may be removed for cause at a properly called meeting of the limited partners by a majority vote of the outstanding units, voting as a single class. If any appointed board member is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve as a board member, our general partner may fill the vacancy other than with respect to a Holders’ Nominee. Any and all of the board members elected by the common unitholders may be removed for cause at a properly called meeting of the limited partners by a majority vote of the outstanding common units. If any elected board member is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve as a board member, the vacancy may be filled by a majority of the other elected board members then serving. Meetings; Voting Except as described under “—Voting Rights” regarding a person or group owning more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, unitholders who are record holders of units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may be solicited. We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the unitholders may be taken either at a meeting of the unitholders or without a meeting if consents in writing describing the action so taken are signed by holders of the number of units necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting. Meetings of the unitholders may be called by our board of directors or by unitholders owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the class for which a meeting is proposed. Unitholders may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of 33 1/3% of the outstanding units of the class or classes for which a meeting has been called, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum unless any action by the unitholders requires approval by holders of a greater percentage of the units, in which case the quorum will be the greater percentage. 17             Units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise. For additional information concerning voting rights of the common units and the Series A Preferred Units, please read “—Voting Rights.” Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required or permitted to be given or made to record holders of units under the partnership agreement will be delivered to the record holder by us or by the transfer agent. Status as Limited Partner Except as described above under “—Limited Liability,” our common units and Series A Preferred Units will be fully paid, and our unitholders will not be required to make additional contributions. By transfer of common units or Series A Preferred Units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of common units and Series A Preferred Units shall be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units or Series A Preferred Units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records. Indemnification Under our partnership agreement, in most circumstances, we will indemnify the following persons, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar events: (1)         our general partner; (2)         any departing general partner; (3)         any person who is or was an affiliate of our general partner or any departing general partner; (4)         any person who is or was an officer, director, member, fiduciary or trustee of any entity described in (1), (2) or (3) above; (5)         any person who is or was serving as a director, officer, member, fiduciary or trustee of another person at the request of our board of directors, our general partner or any departing general partner; (6)         our officers; (7)         any person designated by our board of directors; and (8)         the members of our board of directors. Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of our assets. We may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by persons for our activities, regardless of whether we would have the power to indemnify the person against liabilities under our partnership agreement. 18                     Reimbursement of Expenses Our partnership agreement requires us to reimburse the members of our board of directors for their out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in the course of their service to us. Our partnership agreement also requires us to reimburse our general partner for all expenses it incurs or payments it makes on our behalf and all other expenses allocable to us or otherwise incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These expenses include salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons who perform services for us or on our behalf, and expenses allocated to us or our general partner by our board of directors. Books and Reports We are required to keep appropriate books of our business at our principal offices. The books will be maintained for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual basis. For tax and fiscal reporting purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year. We will furnish or make available to record holders of our common units and Series A Preferred Units, within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, an annual report containing audited financial statements and a report on those financial statements by our independent registered public accounting firm. Except for our fourth quarter, we also will furnish or make available summary financial information within 90 days after the close of each quarter. Right to Inspect Our Books and Records Our partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can, for a purpose reasonably related to the limited partner’s interest as a limited partner, upon reasonable demand and at the limited partner’s own expense, have furnished to the limited partner: (1)         a current list of the name and last known address of each partner; (2)         information as to the amount of cash, and a description and statement of the agreed value of any other property or services, contributed or to be contributed by each partner and the date on which each became a partner; (3)         copies of our partnership agreement, the certificate of limited partnership of our partnership and related amendments; (4)         information regarding the status of our business and financial position; and (5)         any other information regarding our affairs as is just and reasonable. Our board of directors may, and intends to, keep confidential from the limited partners trade secrets or other information the disclosure of which our board of directors believes in good faith is not in our best interests or that we are required by law or by agreements with third parties to keep confidential. Registration Rights Under our partnership agreement, we have agreed to register for resale under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws any common units or other partnership interests proposed to be sold by our general partner or any of its affiliates or their assignees if an exemption from the 19                         registration requirements is not otherwise available or advisable. These registration rights continue for two years following any withdrawal or removal of KNOT Offshore Partners GP LLC as our general partner. We are obligated to pay all expenses incidental to the registration, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions. In connection with these registration rights, we will not be required to pay any damages or penalties related to any delay or failure to file a registration statement or to cause a registration statement to become effective. In certain circumstances, the holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have piggyback registration rights on offerings initiated by other holders of common units, and will have rights to request an underwritten offering. CASH DISTRIBUTIONS Distribution of Available Cash General Within approximately 45 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to common unitholders of record on the applicable record date. Available Cash Available cash generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash on hand at the end of the quarter (including our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own): ·                  less the amount of cash reserves (including our proportionate share of cash reserves of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) established by our board of directors and our subsidiaries to: · provide for the proper conduct of our business (including reserves for future capital expenditures and for our anticipated credit needs); · comply with applicable law, any debt instruments, or other agreements; · provide funds to pay quarterly distributions on, and to make any redemption payments relating to, the Series A Preferred Units; or · provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and to our general partner for any one or more of the next four quarters; ·                  plus all cash on hand (including our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter resulting from (1) working capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter and (2) cash distributions received after the end of the quarter from any equity interest in any person (other than a subsidiary of us), which distributions are paid by such person in respect of operations conducted by such person during such quarter. Working capital 20 borrowings are generally borrowings that are made under our credit agreements and in all cases are used solely for working capital purposes or to pay distributions to partners. Series A Preferred Units Our Series A Preferred Units rank senior to our common units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up. Our Series A Preferred Units have a liquidation preference of $24.00 per unit, plus any Series A Unpaid Cash Distributions, plus all accrued but unpaid distributions on such Series A Preferred Unit with respect to the quarter in which the liquidation occurs to the date fixed for the payment of any amount upon liquidation. Our Series A Preferred Units are entitled to cumulative distributions from their initial issuance date, with distributions being calculated at an annual rate of 8.0% on the stated liquidation preference and payable quarterly in arrears within 45 days after the end of each quarter, when, as and if declared by our board of directors. The Series A Preferred Units are generally convertible, at the option of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units, into common units at the applicable conversion rate. The conversion rate will be subject to adjustment under certain circumstances. In addition, the conversion rate will be redetermined on a quarterly basis, such that the conversion rate will be equal to $24.00 (the “Issue Price”) divided by the product of (x) the book value per common unit at the end of the immediately preceding quarter (pro-forma for per unit cash distributions payable with respect to such quarter) multiplied by (y) the quotient of (i) the Issue Price divided by (ii) the book value per common unit on February 2, 2017. In addition, the Partnership may redeem the Series A Preferred Units at any time until February 2, 2027 at the redemption price specified in our partnership agreement, provided, however, that upon notice from us to the holders of Series A Preferred Units of our intent to redeem, such holders may elect, instead, to convert their Series A Preferred Units into common units at the applicable conversion rate. Upon a change of control of the Partnership, the holders of Series A Preferred Units will have the right to require cash redemption at 100% of the Issue Price. In addition, the holders of Series A Preferred Units will have the right to cause the Partnership to redeem the Series A Preferred Units on February 2, 2027 in, at the option of the Partnership, (i) cash at a price equal to 70% of the Issue Price or (ii) common units such that each Series A Preferred Unit receives common units worth 80% of the Issue Price (based on the volume-weighted average trading price, as adjusted for splits, combinations and other similar transactions, of our common units as reported on the NYSE for the 30 trading day period ending on the fifth trading day immediately prior to the redemption date) plus any accrued and unpaid distributions. In addition, subject to certain conditions, we have the right to convert the Series A Preferred Units into common units at the applicable conversion rate if the aggregate market value (calculated as set forth in the partnership agreement) of the common units into which the outstanding Series A Preferred Units are convertible, based on the applicable conversion rate, is greater than 130% of the aggregate Issue Price of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units.                                       Minimum Quarterly Distribution Common unitholders are entitled under our partnership agreement to receive a quarterly distribution of $0.375 per unit to the extent we have sufficient cash on hand to pay the distribution after establishment of cash reserves and the payment of fees and expenses. There is no guarantee 21       that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on our common units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our board of directors, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement. We are prohibited from making any distributions to our common unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default is existing, under our credit facilities, or if full cumulative distributions have not been paid or are not contemporaneously being paid or provided for on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units through the most recent distribution payment date for the Series A Preferred Units. Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus General All cash distributed to common unitholders is characterized as either “operating surplus” or “capital surplus.” We treat distributions of available cash from operating surplus differently than distributions of available cash from capital surplus. Definition of Operating Surplus Operating surplus, for any period, generally means: ·                  $17.0 million; plus ·                  all of our cash receipts (including our proportionate share of cash receipts of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) (provided that cash receipts from the termination of an interest rate, currency or commodity hedge contract prior to its specified termination date will be included in operating surplus in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such hedge contract), excluding cash from (1) borrowings, other than working capital borrowings, (2) sales of equity and debt securities, (3) sales or other dispositions of assets outside the ordinary course of business, (4) capital contributions or (5) corporate reorganizations or restructurings; plus ·                  working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of working capital borrowings for certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) made after the end of a quarter but before the date of determination of operating surplus for the quarter; plus · interest paid on debt incurred (including periodic net payments under related hedge contracts) and cash distributions paid on equity securities issued (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of our incentive distribution rights and our proportionate share of such interest and cash distributions paid by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own), in each case, to finance all or any portion of the construction, replacement or improvement of a capital asset (such as a vessel) in respect of the period from such financing until the earlier to occur of the date the capital asset is put into service or the date that it is abandoned or disposed of; plus ·                  interest paid on debt incurred (including periodic net payments under related hedge contracts) and cash distributions paid on equity securities issued (including the amount of 22                         any incremental distributions made to the holders of our incentive distribution rights and our proportionate share of such interest and cash distributions paid by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own), in each case, to pay the construction period interest on debt incurred (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements), or to pay construction period distributions on equity issued, to finance the construction projects described in the immediately preceding bullet; less ·                  all of our “operating expenditures” (which includes estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and is further described below) of us and our subsidiaries (including our proportionate share of operating expenditures by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own); less ·                  the amount of cash reserves (including our proportionate share of cash reserves for certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) established by our board of directors to provide funds for future operating expenditures; less ·                  any cash loss realized on dispositions of assets acquired using investment capital expenditures; less ·                  all working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of working capital borrowings by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) not repaid within twelve months after having been incurred. If a working capital borrowing, which increases operating surplus, is not repaid during the 12-month period following the borrowing, it is deemed repaid at the end of such period, thus decreasing operating surplus at such time. When such working capital borrowing is in fact repaid, it is not treated as a reduction in operating surplus because operating surplus has been previously reduced by the deemed repayment. As described above, operating surplus includes a provision that enables us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus up to $17.0 million of cash we receive from non-operating sources, such as asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term borrowings, that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. In addition, the effect of including, as described above, certain cash distributions on equity securities or interest payments on debt in operating surplus is to increase operating surplus by the amount of any such cash distributions or interest payments. As a result, we may distribute as operating surplus up to the amount of any such cash distributions or interest payments of cash we receive from non-operating sources. Operating expenditures generally means all of our cash expenditures, including but not limited to taxes, employee and director compensation, reimbursement of expenses to our general partner, repayment of working capital borrowings, debt service payments, distributions on the Series A Preferred Units and payments made under any interest rate, currency or commodity hedge contracts (provided that payments made in connection with the termination of any hedge contract prior to the expiration of its specified termination date be included in operating expenditures in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such hedge contract), provided that operating expenditures will not include: 23                   ·                  deemed repayments of working capital borrowings deducted from operating surplus pursuant to the last bullet point of the definition of operating surplus above when such repayment actually occurs; ·                  payments (including prepayments and payment penalties) of principal of and premium on indebtedness, other than working capital borrowings; ·                  expansion capital expenditures, investment capital expenditures or actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures (which are discussed in further detail under “—Capital Expenditures” below); ·                  payment of transaction expenses (including taxes) relating to interim capital transactions; ·                  payments made to Series A Preferred Unitholders to redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire Series A Preferred Units; or ·                  distributions to partners other than distributions on the Series A Preferred Units. Capital Expenditures For purposes of determining operating surplus, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are those capital expenditures required to maintain over the long term the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our capital assets, and expansion capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that increase the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our capital assets. To the extent, however, that capital expenditures associated with acquiring a new vessel or improving an existing vessel increase the revenues or the operating capacity of our fleet, those capital expenditures would be classified as expansion capital expenditures. Investment capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that are neither maintenance and replacement capital expenditures nor expansion capital expenditures. Investment capital expenditures largely consist of capital expenditures made for investment purposes. Examples of investment capital expenditures include traditional capital expenditures for investment purposes, such as purchases of securities, as well as other capital expenditures that might be made in lieu of such traditional investment capital expenditures, such as the acquisition of a capital asset for investment purposes. Examples of maintenance and replacement capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with drydocking a vessel, modifying an existing vessel or acquiring a new vessel to the extent such expenditures are incurred to maintain the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our fleet. Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures also include interest (and related fees) on debt incurred and distributions on equity issued (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of our incentive distribution rights) to finance the construction of a replacement vessel and paid in respect of the construction period, which we define as the period beginning on the date that we enter into a binding construction contract and ending on the earlier of the date that the replacement vessel commences commercial service or the 24                       date that the replacement vessel is abandoned or disposed of. Debt incurred to pay or equity issued to fund construction period interest payments, and distributions on such equity (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of our incentive distribution rights), are also considered maintenance and replacement capital expenditures. Because maintenance and replacement capital expenditures can be very large and vary significantly in timing, the amount of our actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures may differ substantially from period to period, which could cause similar fluctuations in the amounts of operating surplus, adjusted operating surplus, and available cash for distribution to our common unitholders than if we subtracted actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus each quarter. Accordingly, to eliminate the effect on operating surplus of these fluctuations, our partnership agreement requires that an amount equal to an estimate of the average quarterly maintenance and replacement capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our capital assets over the long term be subtracted from operating surplus each quarter, as opposed to the actual amounts spent. The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by our board of directors at least once a year, provided that any change must be approved by our board’s conflicts committee. The estimate is made at least annually and whenever an event occurs that is likely to result in a material adjustment to the amount of our maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, such as a major acquisition or the introduction of new governmental regulations that will affect our fleet. For purposes of calculating operating surplus, any adjustment to this estimate is prospective only. Definition of Capital Surplus Capital surplus generally is generated only by: ·                  borrowings other than working capital borrowings; ·                  sales of debt and equity securities; and ·                  sales or other dispositions of assets for cash, other than inventory, accounts receivable and other current assets sold in the ordinary course of business or non-current assets sold as part of normal retirements or replacements of assets. Characterization of Common Unit Cash Distributions We treat all available cash distributed on our common units as coming from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since we began operations equals the operating surplus as of the most recent date of determination of available cash. We treat any amount distributed on our common units in excess of operating surplus, regardless of its source, as capital surplus. As described above, operating surplus does not reflect actual cash on hand that is available for distribution to our common unitholders. For example, it includes a provision that enables us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus up to $17.0 million of cash we have received from non-operating sources, such as asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term 25                     borrowings that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. We do not anticipate that we will make any distributions from capital surplus. Definition of Adjusted Operating Surplus Adjusted operating surplus for any period generally means: ·                  operating surplus generated with respect to that period (excluding any amounts attributable to the item described in the first bullet point under “— Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus—Definition of Operating Surplus” above); less ·                  the amount of any net increase in working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of any changes in working capital borrowings of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) with respect to that period; less ·                  the amount of any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures (including our proportionate share of cash reserves of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) over that period not relating to an operating expenditure made during that period; plus ·                  the amount of any net decrease in working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of any changes in working capital borrowings of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) with respect to that period; plus ·                  the amount of any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures (including our proportionate share of cash reserves of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) over that period required by (A) any debt instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium or (B) any payments made on the Series A Preferred Units; plus ·                  the amount of any net decrease made in subsequent periods to cash reserves for operating expenditures initially established with respect to such period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction in adjusted operating surplus in subsequent periods. Adjusted operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from operations during a particular period and therefore excludes net increases in working capital borrowings and net drawdowns of reserves of cash generated in prior periods. Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus We make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter in the following manner: ·                  first, 98.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and 26                             ·                  thereafter, in the manner described in “Incentive Distribution Rights” below. The percentage interests set forth above assume that our general partner maintains its current 1.85% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities. General Partner Interest Our partnership agreement initially provided that our general partner was entitled to 2.0% of all distributions that we make prior to our liquidation. Our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its general partner interest if we issue additional units. Our general partner’s general partner interest, and the percentage of our cash distributions to which it is entitled, is proportionately reduced if we issue additional units (other than Series A Preferred Units) and our general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us in order to maintain its general partner interest. As of the date hereof, our general partner’s general partner interest had been reduced to 1.85%. Incentive Distribution Rights Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution for our common units and the target distribution levels have been achieved. KNOT currently holds the incentive distribution rights. Our incentive distribution rights may be transferred separately from any other interest, subject to restrictions and our partnership agreement. Any transfer by KNOT of our incentive distribution rights would not change the percentage allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such rights. If for any quarter we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution, then we will distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the common unitholders, our general partner and the holders of our incentive distribution rights in the following manner: ·                  first, 98.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to our general partner, until each common unitholder receives a total of $0.43215 per unit for that quarter (the “first target distribution”); ·                  second, 85.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to our general partner and 13.0% of the holders of our incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each common unitholder receives a total of $0.46875 per unit for that quarter (the “second target distribution”); ·                  third, 75.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to our general partner and 23.0% of the holders of our incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each common unitholder receives a total of $0.5625 per unit for that quarter (the “third target distribution”); and 27                       ·                  thereafter, 50.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to our general partner and 48.0% of the holders of our incentive distribution rights, pro rata. The percentage interests set forth above assume that our general partner maintains its current 1.85% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities. KNOT’s Right to Reset Incentive Distribution Levels KNOT, as the holder of our incentive distribution rights, has the right under our partnership agreement to elect to relinquish the right to receive incentive distributions based on the initial target distribution levels and to reset, at higher levels, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and target distribution levels upon which the incentive distributions to KNOT would be set. KNOT’s right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels upon which the incentive distributions are based may be exercised, without approval of our unitholders or the conflicts committee of our board of directors, at any time when we have made cash distributions to the holders of the incentive distribution rights at the highest level of incentive distribution for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters. If at the time of any election to reset the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels KNOT and its affiliates are not the holders of a majority of the incentive distribution rights, then any such election to reset shall be subject to the prior written concurrence of our board of directors that the conditions described in the immediately preceding sentence have been satisfied. The reset minimum quarterly distribution amount and target distribution levels will be higher than the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels prior to the reset such that there will be no incentive distributions paid under the reset target distribution levels until cash distributions per unit following this event increase as described below. In connection with the resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels and the corresponding relinquishment by KNOT of incentive distributions based on the target distribution levels prior to the reset, KNOT will be entitled to receive a number of newly issued common units based on a predetermined formula described below that takes into account the “cash parity” value of the average cash distributions related to the incentive distribution rights received by KNOT for the two quarters prior to the reset event as compared to the average cash distributions per common unit during this period. We will also issue an additional amount of general partner units in order to maintain the general partner’s ownership interest in us relative to the issuance of the additional common units. The number of common units that KNOT would be entitled to receive from us in connection with a resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels then in effect would be equal to (x) the average amount of cash distributions received by KNOT in respect of its incentive distribution rights during the two consecutive fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the date of such reset election divided by (y) the average of the amount of cash distributed per common unit during each of these two quarters. The issuance of the additional common units will be conditioned upon approval of the listing or admission for trading of such common units by the national securities exchange on which the common units are then listed or admitted for trading. 28               Following a reset election, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal to the average cash distribution amount per unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election (such amount is referred to as the “reset minimum quarterly distribution”) and the target distribution levels will be reset to be correspondingly higher such that we would distribute all of our available cash from operating surplus for each quarter thereafter as follows: ·                  first, 98.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to our general partner, until each common unitholder receives an amount equal to 115.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; ·                  second, 85.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to our general partner and 13.0% to the holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each common unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 125.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; ·                  third, 75.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to our general partner and 23.0% to the holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each common unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 150.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and ·                  thereafter, 50.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 1.85% to our general partner and 48.0% to the holders of the incentive distribution rights, pro rata. Distributions From Capital Surplus How Distributions From Capital Surplus Are Made We make distributions of available cash from capital surplus, if any, in the following manner: ·                  first, 98.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to our general partner, until the minimum quarterly distribution is reduced to zero as described below; and ·                  thereafter, we will make all distributions of available cash from capital surplus as if they were from operating surplus. The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our general partner maintains its current 1.85% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities. Effect of a Distribution From Capital Surplus Our partnership agreement treats a distribution of capital surplus on our common units as the repayment of the consideration for the issuance of the units, which is a return of capital. Each time a distribution of capital surplus is made, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target 29                             distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as the distribution had to the fair market value of the common units prior to the announcement of the distribution. Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the minimum quarterly distribution, after any of these distributions are made, it may be easier for KNOT to receive incentive distributions. However, any distribution of capital surplus before the minimum quarterly distribution is reduced to zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution. Once we reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels to zero, we will then make all future distributions, with 50.15% to the holders of common units, 1.85% to our general partner and 48% to the holder of our incentive distribution rights. The percentage interest shown for our general partner assumes the general partner maintains its current 1.85% general partner interest. Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels for our common units to reflect a distribution of capital surplus, if we combine our common units into fewer units or subdivide our common units into a greater number of units, we will proportionately adjust: ·                  the minimum quarterly distribution; ·                  the target distribution levels; and ·                  the initial unit price. For example, if a two-for-one split of the common units should occur, the minimum quarterly distribution, the target distribution levels and the initial unit price would each be reduced to 50% of its initial level. We will not make any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional common units for cash or property. Distributions of Cash Upon Liquidation If we dissolve in accordance with our partnership agreement, we will sell or otherwise dispose of our assets in a process called liquidation. Neither the sale of all or substantially all of our property or business, nor the consolidation or merger of us with or into any other entity, individually or in a series of transactions, will be deemed a liquidation. We will apply any proceeds of liquidation available for distribution to our general and limited partners in the manner set forth below. First, holders of our Series A Preferred Units will have the right to receive the liquidation preference of $24.00 per unit, plus any Series A unpaid cash distributions, plus all accrued but unpaid distributions on such Series A Preferred Units with respect to the quarter in which the liquidation occurs to the date fixed for the payment of any amount upon liquidation. After such Series A Preferred Unit distributions, if, as of the date three trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed liquidation, the average closing price of our common units 30                           for the preceding 20 trading days (the “current market price”) is greater than the initial public offering common unit price (less any prior capital surplus distributions and any prior cash distributions made on our common units in connection with a partial liquidation), then the proceeds of the liquidation will be applied as follows: ·                  first, 98.15% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the current market price of our common units; and ·                  thereafter, 50.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 48.0% to holders of incentive distribution rights and 1.85% to our general partner. If, as of the date three trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed liquidation, the current market price of our common units is equal to or less than the initial public offering common unit price (less any prior capital surplus distributions and any prior cash distributions made on our common units in connection with a partial liquidation), then the proceeds of the liquidation will be applied as follows: ·                  first, 98.15% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.85% to our general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the initial public offering unit price (less any prior capital surplus distributions and any prior cash distributions made on our common units in connection with a partial liquidation); and ·                  thereafter, 50.15% to all common unitholders, pro rata, 48.0% to holders of incentive distribution rights and 1.85% to our general partner. The immediately preceding two paragraphs are based on the assumption that our general partner maintains its current 1.85% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities. 31                 Subsidiary KNOT Offshore Partners UK LLC KNOT Shuttle Tankers AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 12 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 17 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 18 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 20 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 21 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 24 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 25 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 26 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 30 AS KNOT Shuttle Tankers 32 AS Knutsen NYK Shuttle Tankers 16 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 13 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 14 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 15 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers 19 AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII AS Knutsen Shuttle Tankers XII KS SUBSIDIARIES OF KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP Exhibit 8.1 Jurisdiction of Formation Marshall Islands Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway Norway                                                                                 Exhibit 12.1 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A) OR RULE 15D-14(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED I, Gary Chapman, certify that: 1.              I have reviewed this annual report on Form 20-F of KNOT Offshore Partners LP (the “registrant”); 2.              Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3.              Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4.              I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a)         Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under my supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to me by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; (b)         Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under my supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; (c)          Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report my conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and (d)         Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by the annual report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5.              I have disclosed, based on my most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a)         All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and (b)         Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 19, 2020 KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP By: Name: Title: /s/ Gary Chapman Gary Chapman Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer                                     CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. 1350 Exhibit 13.1 Pursuant to Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (18 U.S.C. 1350), as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of KNOT Offshore Partners LP, a Marshall Islands limited partnership (the “Partnership”), certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that: The annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2019 of the Partnership (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Partnership. Date: March 19, 2020 KNOT OFFSHORE PARTNERS LP By: Name: Title: /s/ Gary Chapman Gary Chapman Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer                   Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Exhibit 15.1 We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements (Form F-3 No. 333-227942 and Form F-3 No. 333-218254) of KNOT Offshore Partners LP and in the related Prospectuses of our reports dated March 19, 2020, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of KNOT Offshore Partners LP, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of KNOT Offshore Partners LP, included in this Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2019. /s/ Ernst & Young AS Oslo, Norway March 19, 2020             

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