Navigator Holdings Ltd 2017 Annual Report Delivering value together Our world-class fleet Ethylene capable fleet Aurora (37.3k cbm) Eclipse (37.3k cbm) Nova (37.3k cbm) Prominence (37.3k cbm) Neptune (22.1k cbm) Pluto (22.1k cbm) Saturn (22.1k cbm) Venus (22.1k cbm) Orion (22.1k cbm) Atlas (21k cbm) Europa (21k cbm) Oberon (21k cbm) Triton (21k cbm) Umbrio (21k cbm) Semi refrigerated fleet Magellan (20.9k cbm) Pegasus (22k cbm) Phoenix (22k cbm) Aries (20.5k cbm) Capricorn (20.5k cbm) Gemini (20.5k cbm) Scorpio (20.5k cbm) Taurus (20.5k cbm) Virgo (20.5k cbm) Leo (20.5k cbm) Libra (20.5k cbm) Centauri (22k cbm) Ceres (22k cbm) Ceto (22k cbm) Copernico (22k cbm) Luga (22k cbm) Yauza (22k cbm) Fully refrigerated fleet Jorf (38k cbm) Glory (22.5k cbm) Grace (22.5k cbm) Gusto (22.5k cbm) Genesis (22.5k cbm) Galaxy (22.5k cbm) Global (22.5k cbm) Vessels in the fleet technically managed in-house by Navigator Gas Shipmanagement Limited. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 20-F ‘ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) or (g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 OR ‘ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from to OR ‘ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 Date of event requiring this shell company report Commission file number: 001-36202 NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Republic of the Marshall Islands (Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) c/o NGT Services (UK) Ltd 10 Bressenden Place London, SW1E 5DH, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 7340 4850 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) Niall Nolan Chief Financial Officer 10 Bressenden Place London, SW1E 5DH, United Kingdom Telephone: +44 20 7340 4850 Facsimile: +44 20 7340 4858 (Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile Number and Address of Company Contact Person) Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Common Stock Name of Each Exchange on which Registered 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. 55,529,762 Shares of Common Stock Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ‘ No È If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Yes ‘ No È Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes È No ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer ‘ Accelerated filer È Non-accelerated filer ‘ Emerging growth company ‘ If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ‘ † The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012. Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing: International Financial Reporting Standards as Issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ‘ U.S. GAAP È Other ‘ If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow. If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ‘ No È Item 17 ‘ Item 18 ‘ NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F PART I PART I Item 1. Item 1. Item 2. Item 2. Item 3. Item 3. Item 4. Item 4. Item 4A. Item 4A. Item 5. Item 5. Item 6. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7. Item 8. Item 8. Item 9. Item 9. Item 10. Item 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Capitalization and Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Capitalization and Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information on the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information on the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. History and Development of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. History and Development of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Business Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Business Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Property, Plant and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Property, Plant and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating and Financial Review and Prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating and Financial Review and Prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Operating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Operating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Liquidity and Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Liquidity and Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Research and Development Patents and Licenses etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Research and Development Patents and Licenses etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Trend Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Trend Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Safe Harbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Safe Harbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Critical Accounting Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Critical Accounting Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directors, Senior Management and Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directors, Senior Management and Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Directors and Senior Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Directors and Senior Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Board Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Board Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Share Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Share Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Major Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Major Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interests of Experts and Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interests of Experts and Counsel C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Significant Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Significant Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Offer and Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Offer and Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Offer and Listing Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Offer and Listing Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Plan of distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Plan of distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Share Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Share Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Memorandum and Articles of Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Memorandum and Articles of Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Material Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Material Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exchange Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exchange Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Dividends and Paying Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Dividends and Paying Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Statements by Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Statements by Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Documents on Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Documents on Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subsidiary Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. Subsidiary Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 28 28 28 28 28 28 53 53 53 53 54 54 54 54 54 54 65 65 71 71 71 71 71 71 72 72 72 72 72 72 75 75 75 75 77 77 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 Item 11. Item 12. PART II Item 13. Item 14. Item 15. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Mine Safety Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 17. Item 18. Item 19. Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 94 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 98 98 98 98 Presentation of Information in this Annual Report This annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, or the “annual report,” should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report. All references in this annual report to “Navigator Holdings,” “our,” “we,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Navigator Holdings Ltd., a Marshall Islands corporation. All references in this annual report to our wholly- owned subsidiary “Navigator Gas L.L.C.” refer to Navigator Gas L.L.C., a Marshall Islands limited liability company. As used in this annual report, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, references to “our fleet” or “our vessels” include 38 vessels we owned and operated as of December 31, 2017. As used in the annual report, (i) “WLR” refers to WL Ross & Co. LLC and (ii) the “WLR Group” refers to WLR and certain of its affiliated investment funds owning shares of our common stock, collectively. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this annual report concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or economic performance, or assumptions related thereto, including our financial forecast, contain forward-looking statements. 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. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this annual report. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: future operating or financial results; • • • • • pending acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending; operating expenses, availability of crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking requirements and insurance costs; fluctuations in currencies and interest rates; general market conditions and shipping market trends, including charter rates and factors affecting supply and demand; ii NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F INDEX TO REPORT ON FORM 20-F PART I PART I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 1. Item 1. Item 2. Item 2. Item 3. Item 3. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Capitalization and Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Capitalization and Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 4. Item 4. Information on the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Information on the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. History and Development of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. History and Development of the Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Business Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Business Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Organizational Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Property, Plant and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Property, Plant and Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 4A. Item 4A. Item 5. Item 5. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating and Financial Review and Prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating and Financial Review and Prospects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Operating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Operating Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Liquidity and Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Liquidity and Capital Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Research and Development Patents and Licenses etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Research and Development Patents and Licenses etc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Trend Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Trend Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Safe Harbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Safe Harbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Critical Accounting Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Critical Accounting Estimates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 6. Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Directors, Senior Management and Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Directors and Senior Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Directors and Senior Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Board Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Board Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Share Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Share Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 7. Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Major Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Major Shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Related Party Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. C. Interests of Experts and Counsel Interests of Experts and Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 8. Item 8. Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Significant Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Significant Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 9. Item 9. The Offer and Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Offer and Listing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Offer and Listing Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Offer and Listing Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Plan of distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Plan of distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 10. Item 10. Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Share Capital A. Share Capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Memorandum and Articles of Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Memorandum and Articles of Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Material Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Material Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exchange Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exchange Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Dividends and Paying Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Dividends and Paying Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Statements by Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Statements by Experts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Documents on Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Documents on Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I. I. Subsidiary Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Subsidiary Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4 4 4 4 4 4 28 28 28 28 28 28 53 53 53 53 54 54 54 54 54 54 65 65 71 71 71 71 71 71 72 72 72 72 72 72 75 75 75 75 77 77 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 81 82 82 83 83 83 83 83 83 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 84 85 85 85 85 86 86 86 86 92 92 92 92 92 92 93 93 Item 11. Item 11. Item 12. Item 12. PART II PART II Item 13. Item 13. Item 14. Item 14. Item 15. Item 15. Item 16A. Item 16A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audit Committee Financial Expert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audit Committee Financial Expert B. Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B. Code of Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G. Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Mine Safety Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. Mine Safety Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PART III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 17. Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 17. Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 18. Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 18. Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 19. Exhibits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Item 19. 93 93 94 94 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 95 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 96 97 97 97 97 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 98 Presentation of Information in this Annual Report Presentation of Information in this Annual Report This annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, or the “annual report,” should be read in This annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, or the “annual report,” should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report. All conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this annual report. All references in this annual report to “Navigator Holdings,” “our,” “we,” “us” and the “Company” refer to references in this annual report to “Navigator Holdings,” “our,” “we,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Navigator Holdings Ltd., a Marshall Islands corporation. All references in this annual report to our wholly- Navigator Holdings Ltd., a Marshall Islands corporation. All references in this annual report to our wholly- owned subsidiary “Navigator Gas L.L.C.” refer to Navigator Gas L.L.C., a Marshall Islands limited liability owned subsidiary “Navigator Gas L.L.C.” refer to Navigator Gas L.L.C., a Marshall Islands limited liability company. As used in this annual report, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, references to “our company. As used in this annual report, unless the context indicates or otherwise requires, references to “our fleet” or “our vessels” include 38 vessels we owned and operated as of December 31, 2017. As used in the annual fleet” or “our vessels” include 38 vessels we owned and operated as of December 31, 2017. As used in the annual report, (i) “WLR” refers to WL Ross & Co. LLC and (ii) the “WLR Group” refers to WLR and certain of its report, (i) “WLR” refers to WL Ross & Co. LLC and (ii) the “WLR Group” refers to WLR and certain of its affiliated investment funds owning shares of our common stock, collectively. affiliated investment funds owning shares of our common stock, collectively. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this annual report concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or Statements included in this annual report concerning plans and objectives of management for future operations or economic performance, or assumptions related thereto, including our financial forecast, contain forward-looking economic performance, or assumptions related thereto, including our financial forecast, contain forward-looking statements. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements statements. 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, 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 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 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,” 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 “estimate,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this annual report. These risks and terminology. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this annual report. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: uncertainties include, but are not limited to: • • • • • • • • • • future operating or financial results; future operating or financial results; pending acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending; pending acquisitions, business strategy and expected capital spending; operating expenses, availability of crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking requirements and operating expenses, availability of crew, number of off-hire days, drydocking requirements and insurance costs; insurance costs; fluctuations in currencies and interest rates; fluctuations in currencies and interest rates; general market conditions and shipping market trends, including charter rates and factors affecting general market conditions and shipping market trends, including charter rates and factors affecting supply and demand; supply and demand; ii ii • • • • • • • • • • our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to refinance our indebtedness as it matures or obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate activities; estimated future capital expenditures needed to preserve our capital base; our expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase, the time that it may take to construct new vessels, or the useful lives of our vessels; our continued ability to enter into long-term, fixed-rate time charters with our customers; changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities; potential liability from future litigation; our expectations relating to the payment of dividends; our expectation regarding providing in-house technical management for certain vessels in our fleet and our success in providing such in-house technical management; our ability to meet our expectations regarding the construction and financing of our proposed investment in an ethylene marine terminal in the U.S. Gulf and our expectations regarding the financial success of such terminal; and other factors discussed in Item 3—Risk Factors of this annual report. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in our views or expectations, or otherwise. We make no prediction or statement about the performance of our common stock. Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers PART I Not applicable. Not applicable. Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable Item 3. Key Information A. Selected Financial Data The following table presents selected historical financial data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 which has been derived in part from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, and should be read together with and qualified in its entirety by reference to such audited consolidated financial statements. The following table should be read together with “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Navigator Holdings Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands, except per share data, fleet data and average daily results) Income Statement Data: Operating expenses: Operating Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 238,338 $ 304,875 $ 315,223 $ 294,112 $ 298,595 Brokerage commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Costs of cargo sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charter-in costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative costs . . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Profit on sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following collision . . . . . . Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs . . . 5,473 49,336 4,255 6,834 56,030 36,608 6,147 3,496 — — — 6,697 45,003 — 9,111 70,198 45,809 10,335 2,260 — — — 6,995 33,687 — — 78,842 53,453 11,011 2,553 (550) 10,500 (9,892) 5,812 42,201 — — 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 — — 504 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . 168,179 189,413 186,599 216,155 251,413 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 70,159 $ 115,462 $ 128,624 $ 77,957 $ Net interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,464 26,821 29,730 32,142 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,695 $ 88,641 $ 98,894 $ 45,815 $ Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 506 904 800 1,177 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,189 $ 87,737 $ 98,094 $ 44,638 $ Earnings per share: Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.92 $ 0.92 $ 1.59 $ 1.58 $ 1.77 $ 1.76 $ 0.81 $ 0.80 $ 0.10 0.10 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,031,386 46,031,386 55,336,402 55,483,478 55,360,004 55,706,104 55,418,626 55,794,481 55,508,974 55,881,454 5,368 55,542 — — 100,968 73,588 13,816 2,131 — — — 47,182 41,475 5,707 397 5,310 iii 1 • • • • • • • • • • our expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase, the time that it may take to construct new vessels, or the useful lives of our vessels; our continued ability to enter into long-term, fixed-rate time charters with our customers; changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities; potential liability from future litigation; our expectations relating to the payment of dividends; our expectation regarding providing in-house technical management for certain vessels in our fleet and our success in providing such in-house technical management; our ability to meet our expectations regarding the construction and financing of our proposed investment in an ethylene marine terminal in the U.S. Gulf and our expectations regarding the financial success of such terminal; and other factors discussed in Item 3—Risk Factors of this annual report. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether because of future events, new information, a change in our views or expectations, or otherwise. We make no prediction or statement about the performance of our common stock. our financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to refinance our indebtedness as it matures or obtain additional financing in the future to fund capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate activities; Item 1. Identity of Directors, Senior Management and Advisers PART I estimated future capital expenditures needed to preserve our capital base; Not applicable. Item 2. Offer Statistics and Expected Timetable Not applicable. Item 3. Key Information A. Selected Financial Data The following table presents selected historical financial data for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 which has been derived in part from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report, and should be read together with and qualified in its entirety by reference to such audited consolidated financial statements. The following table should be read together with “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Income Statement Data: Operating Revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Operating expenses: Navigator Holdings Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands, except per share data, fleet data and average daily results) 238,338 $ 304,875 $ 315,223 $ 294,112 $ 298,595 Brokerage commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Costs of cargo sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charter-in costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative costs . . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Profit on sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following collision . . . . . . Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs . . . 5,473 49,336 4,255 6,834 56,030 36,608 6,147 3,496 — — — 6,697 45,003 — 9,111 70,198 45,809 10,335 2,260 — — — 6,995 33,687 — — 78,842 53,453 11,011 2,553 (550) 10,500 (9,892) 5,812 42,201 — — 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 — — 504 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . 168,179 189,413 186,599 216,155 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 70,159 $ 115,462 $ 128,624 $ 77,957 $ Net interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,464 26,821 29,730 32,142 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42,695 $ 506 88,641 $ 904 98,894 $ 800 45,815 $ 1,177 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,189 $ 87,737 $ 98,094 $ 44,638 $ Earnings per share: Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0.92 $ 0.92 $ 1.59 $ 1.58 $ 1.77 $ 1.76 $ 0.81 $ 0.80 $ Weighted average number of shares outstanding: 5,368 55,542 — — 100,968 73,588 13,816 2,131 — — — 251,413 47,182 41,475 5,707 397 5,310 0.10 0.10 Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46,031,386 46,031,386 55,336,402 55,483,478 55,360,004 55,706,104 55,418,626 55,794,481 55,508,974 55,881,454 iii 1 EBITDA(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash Flows Data: Net cash provided by operating activities . . . Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . Fleet Data: Weighted average number of vessels(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ownership days(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available days(4) Operating days(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet utilization(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average Daily Results: Time charter equivalent rate(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . $ Daily vessel operating expenses(8) . . . . . . . . . $ $ Navigator Holdings Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands, except per share data, fleet data and average daily results) $ 182,077 $ 161,271 $ 140,237 $ 120,770 $ 62,526 1,375,290 564,726 810,564 $ 87,779 1,560,505 650,414 910,091 $ 57,272 1,724,843 768,363 956,480 $ 62,109 1,853,887 890,674 963,213 $ 106,767 $ 194,740 1,326,790 604,574 722,216 80,015 (457,503) 431,358 $ 133,114 (231,874) (33,454) $ 149,554 (205,856) 81,555 $ 86,748 (238,153) 120,898 $ 75,921 (183,025) 111,941 19.6 7,168 7,044 6,544 92.9% 24.8 9,051 8,906 8,666 97.3% 27.8 10,135 9,865 9,298 94.3% 31.3 11,463 11,255 9,888 87.9% 36.2 13,228 13,195 11,564 87.6% 28,262 8,115 $ $ 29,988 8,068 $ $ 30,280 7,779 $ $ 25,476 7,925 $ $ 21,018 7,635 (1) EBITDA represents net income before net interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to consolidated net income or cash generated from operations, as determined by U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. GAAP. EBITDA is included herein because it is a basis upon which we assess our financial performance and because we believe that it presents useful information to investors regarding a company’s ability to service and/or incur indebtedness and it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are: • EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; • EBITDA does not recognize the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt; • EBITDA ignores changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and • other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, EBITDA should not be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. 2 3 The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA for the periods presented: 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Navigator Holdings Year Ended December 31, (in thousands) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,189 $ 87,737 $ 98,094 $ 44,638 $ 5,310 Net interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27,464 506 36,608 26,821 904 45,809 29,730 800 53,453 32,142 1,177 62,280 41,475 397 73,588 EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $106,767 $161,271 $182,077 $140,237 $120,770 (2) We calculate the weighted average number of vessels during a period by dividing the number of total ownership days during that period by the number of calendar days during that period. (3) We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period that each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and the potential amount of revenue that we record during a period. (4) We define available days as ownership days less aggregate off-hire days associated with scheduled maintenance, which includes drydockings, vessel upgrades or special or intermediate surveys. We use available days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels should be capable of generating revenues. (5) We define operating days as available days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire for any reason other than scheduled maintenance. We use operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels are servicing our customers. (6) We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of operating days during a period by the number of available days during that period. An increase in non-scheduled off-hire days would reduce our operating days, and therefore, our fleet utilization. We use fleet utilization to measure our ability to efficiently find suitable employment for our vessels. (7) Time charter equivalent rate, or “TCE rate,” is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE rate is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. TCE rate is a shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., time charters, voyage charters and contracts of affreightment, or “COAs”) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our method of calculating TCE rate is to divide operating revenue (net of voyage expenses) by operating days for the relevant time period. The following table represents a reconciliation of TCE rate to operating revenue, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Fleet Data: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $238,338 $304,875 $315,223 $294,112 $298,595 Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49,336 45,003 33,687 42,201 55,542 Operating revenue less Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . 189,002 259,872 281,536 251,911 Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,544 8,666 9,298 9,888 243,053 11,564 Average daily time charter equivalent rate . . . . . . . . . $ 28,262 $ 29,988 $ 30,280 $ 25,476 $ 21,018 (8) Daily vessel operating expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by ownership days for the relevant time period. Navigator Holdings Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands, except per share data, fleet data and average daily results) EBITDA(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 106,767 $ 161,271 $ 182,077 $ 140,237 $ 120,770 Balance Sheet Data (at end of period): Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 194,740 $ 62,526 $ 87,779 $ 57,272 $ 62,109 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,326,790 1,375,290 1,560,505 1,724,843 1,853,887 Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 604,574 722,216 564,726 810,564 650,414 910,091 768,363 956,480 890,674 963,213 Cash Flows Data: Net cash provided by operating activities . . . $ 80,015 $ 133,114 $ 149,554 $ 86,748 $ 75,921 Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . (457,503) 431,358 (231,874) (33,454) (205,856) 81,555 (238,153) 120,898 (183,025) 111,941 Fleet Data: Weighted average number of vessels(2) . . . . . Ownership days(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available days(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating days(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet utilization(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average Daily Results: 19.6 7,168 7,044 6,544 24.8 9,051 8,906 8,666 27.8 10,135 9,865 9,298 31.3 11,463 11,255 9,888 36.2 13,228 13,195 11,564 92.9% 97.3% 94.3% 87.9% 87.6% Time charter equivalent rate(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . Daily vessel operating expenses(8) . . . . . . . . . $ $ 28,262 8,115 $ $ 29,988 8,068 $ $ 30,280 7,779 $ $ 25,476 7,925 $ $ 21,018 7,635 (1) EBITDA represents net income before net interest expense, income taxes and depreciation and amortization. EBITDA does not represent and should not be considered as an alternative to consolidated net income or cash generated from operations, as determined by U.S. GAAP, and our calculation of EBITDA may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. GAAP. EBITDA is included herein because it is a basis upon which we assess our financial performance and because we believe that it presents useful information to investors regarding a company’s ability to service and/or incur indebtedness and it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under U.S. GAAP. Some of these limitations are: • EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; or principal payments on our debt; • EBITDA does not recognize the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest • EBITDA ignores changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and • other companies in our industry may calculate EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure. Because of these limitations, EBITDA should not be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA for the periods presented: Navigator Holdings Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 42,189 27,464 506 36,608 $ 87,737 26,821 904 45,809 $ 98,094 29,730 800 53,453 $ 44,638 32,142 1,177 62,280 $ 5,310 41,475 397 73,588 EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $106,767 $161,271 $182,077 $140,237 $120,770 (2) We calculate the weighted average number of vessels during a period by dividing the number of total ownership days during that period by the number of calendar days during that period. (3) We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period that each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and the potential amount of revenue that we record during a period. (4) We define available days as ownership days less aggregate off-hire days associated with scheduled maintenance, which includes drydockings, vessel upgrades or special or intermediate surveys. We use available days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels should be capable of generating revenues. (5) We define operating days as available days less the aggregate number of days that our vessels are off-hire for any reason other than scheduled maintenance. We use operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our vessels are servicing our customers. (6) We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of operating days during a period by the number of available days during that period. An increase in non-scheduled off-hire days would reduce our operating days, and therefore, our fleet utilization. We use fleet utilization to measure our ability to efficiently find suitable employment for our vessels. (7) Time charter equivalent rate, or “TCE rate,” is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE rate is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. TCE rate is a shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a shipping company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., time charters, voyage charters and contracts of affreightment, or “COAs”) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our method of calculating TCE rate is to divide operating revenue (net of voyage expenses) by operating days for the relevant time period. The following table represents a reconciliation of TCE rate to operating revenue, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Fleet Data: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $238,338 49,336 $304,875 45,003 $315,223 33,687 $294,112 42,201 $298,595 55,542 Operating revenue less Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent rate . . . . . . . . . 189,002 6,544 $ 28,262 259,872 8,666 $ 29,988 281,536 9,298 $ 30,280 251,911 9,888 $ 25,476 243,053 11,564 $ 21,018 (8) Daily vessel operating expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by ownership days for the relevant time period. 2 3 B. Capitalization and Indebtedness Not applicable. C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds Not applicable. D. Risk Factors You should carefully consider the following risk factors together with all of the other information included in this annual report in evaluating an investment in our common stock. If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Risks Related to Our Business Charter rates for liquefied gas carriers are cyclical in nature. The international liquefied gas carrier market is cyclical with attendant volatility in terms of profitability, charter rates and vessel values. The degree of charter rate volatility among different types of liquefied gas carriers has varied widely. Because many factors influencing the supply of, and demand for, vessel capacity are unpredictable, the timing, direction and degree of changes in the international liquefied gas carrier market are also unpredictable. Future growth in the demand for our services will depend on changes in supply and demand, economic growth in the world economy and demand for liquefied gas product transportation relative to changes in worldwide fleet capacity. Adverse economic, political, social or other developments, including the return of the turmoil in the global financial system and economic crisis, could have a material adverse effect on world economic growth and thus on our business and results of operations. The charter rates we receive will be dependent upon, among other things: • changes in the supply of vessel capacity for the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases, which is influenced by the following factors: • • • the number of newbuilding deliveries and the ability of shipyards to deliver newbuildings by contracted delivery dates and capacity levels of shipyards; the scrapping rate of older vessels; and the number of vessels that are out of service, as a result of vessel casualties, repairs and drydockings. • changes in the level of demand for seaborne transportation of liquefied gases, which is influenced by the following factors: • • • the level of production of liquefied gases in net export regions such as North America, the Middle East, Asia and Africa; the level of demand for liquefied gases in net import regions such as Asia, Europe, Latin America and India; the level of internal demand for petrochemicals to supply integrated petrochemical facilities in net export regions; a reduction in global or general industrial activity specifically in the plastics and chemical industry; the price of oil and other alternative fuels; changes in the cost of petroleum and natural gas from which liquefied gases are derived; prevailing global and regional economic conditions; political changes and armed conflicts in the regions traveled by our vessels and the regions where the cargoes we carry are produced or consumed that interrupt production, trade routes or consumption of liquefied gases and the products made therefrom; developments in international trade; by sea; the distances between exporting and importing regions over which liquefied gases are to be moved infrastructure to support seaborne liquefied gases, including pipelines, railways and terminals; the availability of alternative transportation means; changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns; changes in liquefied gas carrier prices; and • • • • • • • • • • • • changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the production or consumption of liquefied gases or the useful lives of vessels. Adverse changes in any of the foregoing factors could have an adverse effect on our revenues, profitability, liquidity, cash flow and financial position. We are partially dependent on voyage charters in the spot market, and any decrease in spot charter rates in the future may adversely affect our earnings. We currently own and operate a fleet of 38 vessels. Of those, 12 vessels are employed in the spot market, exposing us to fluctuations in spot market charter rates. Although spot chartering is common in our industry, the spot market may fluctuate significantly. The successful operation of our vessels in the competitive spot market depends upon, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling in ballast and to pick up cargo. If future spot charter rates decline, we may be unable to operate our vessels trading in the spot market profitably or meet our obligations, including payments on indebtedness. Furthermore, as charter rates for spot charters are fixed for a single voyage or multiple voyages which may last up to several weeks or months, during periods in which spot charter rates are rising, we will generally experience delays in realizing the benefits from such increases. We may be unable to charter our vessels at attractive rates, which would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Payments under our charters represent substantially all of our operating cash flow. Our time charters expire on a regular basis. If demand for liquefied gas carriers has declined at the time that our charters expire, we may not be able to charter our vessels at favorable rates or at all. If more vessels are added to the overall fleet through newbuilding programs, charter rates may reduce. In addition, while longer-term charters would become more attractive to us at a time when charter rates are declining, our customers may not want to enter into longer-term charters in such an environment. As a result, if our charters expire or newbuild vessels are delivered at a time when charter rates are declining, we may have to accept charters with lower rates or shorter terms than would be 4 5 B. Capitalization and Indebtedness C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds Not applicable. Not applicable. D. Risk Factors You should carefully consider the following risk factors together with all of the other information included in this annual report in evaluating an investment in our common stock. If any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Risks Related to Our Business Charter rates for liquefied gas carriers are cyclical in nature. The international liquefied gas carrier market is cyclical with attendant volatility in terms of profitability, charter rates and vessel values. The degree of charter rate volatility among different types of liquefied gas carriers has varied widely. Because many factors influencing the supply of, and demand for, vessel capacity are unpredictable, the timing, direction and degree of changes in the international liquefied gas carrier market are also unpredictable. Future growth in the demand for our services will depend on changes in supply and demand, economic growth in the world economy and demand for liquefied gas product transportation relative to changes in worldwide fleet capacity. Adverse economic, political, social or other developments, including the return of the turmoil in the global financial system and economic crisis, could have a material adverse effect on world economic growth and thus on our business and results of operations. The charter rates we receive will be dependent upon, among other things: • changes in the supply of vessel capacity for the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases, which is influenced by the following factors: the number of newbuilding deliveries and the ability of shipyards to deliver newbuildings by contracted delivery dates and capacity levels of shipyards; the scrapping rate of older vessels; and the number of vessels that are out of service, as a result of vessel casualties, repairs and • changes in the level of demand for seaborne transportation of liquefied gases, which is influenced by the level of production of liquefied gases in net export regions such as North America, the Middle the level of demand for liquefied gases in net import regions such as Asia, Europe, Latin America the level of internal demand for petrochemicals to supply integrated petrochemical facilities in net • • • • • • drydockings. the following factors: East, Asia and Africa; and India; export regions; • • • • • • • • • • • • a reduction in global or general industrial activity specifically in the plastics and chemical industry; the price of oil and other alternative fuels; changes in the cost of petroleum and natural gas from which liquefied gases are derived; prevailing global and regional economic conditions; political changes and armed conflicts in the regions traveled by our vessels and the regions where the cargoes we carry are produced or consumed that interrupt production, trade routes or consumption of liquefied gases and the products made therefrom; developments in international trade; the distances between exporting and importing regions over which liquefied gases are to be moved by sea; infrastructure to support seaborne liquefied gases, including pipelines, railways and terminals; the availability of alternative transportation means; changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns; changes in liquefied gas carrier prices; and changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the production or consumption of liquefied gases or the useful lives of vessels. Adverse changes in any of the foregoing factors could have an adverse effect on our revenues, profitability, liquidity, cash flow and financial position. We are partially dependent on voyage charters in the spot market, and any decrease in spot charter rates in the future may adversely affect our earnings. We currently own and operate a fleet of 38 vessels. Of those, 12 vessels are employed in the spot market, exposing us to fluctuations in spot market charter rates. Although spot chartering is common in our industry, the spot market may fluctuate significantly. The successful operation of our vessels in the competitive spot market depends upon, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling in ballast and to pick up cargo. If future spot charter rates decline, we may be unable to operate our vessels trading in the spot market profitably or meet our obligations, including payments on indebtedness. Furthermore, as charter rates for spot charters are fixed for a single voyage or multiple voyages which may last up to several weeks or months, during periods in which spot charter rates are rising, we will generally experience delays in realizing the benefits from such increases. We may be unable to charter our vessels at attractive rates, which would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Payments under our charters represent substantially all of our operating cash flow. Our time charters expire on a regular basis. If demand for liquefied gas carriers has declined at the time that our charters expire, we may not be able to charter our vessels at favorable rates or at all. If more vessels are added to the overall fleet through newbuilding programs, charter rates may reduce. In addition, while longer-term charters would become more attractive to us at a time when charter rates are declining, our customers may not want to enter into longer-term charters in such an environment. As a result, if our charters expire or newbuild vessels are delivered at a time when charter rates are declining, we may have to accept charters with lower rates or shorter terms than would be 4 5 desirable. Furthermore, we may be unable to charter our vessels immediately after the expiration of their charters resulting in periods of non-utilization for our vessels. Our inability to charter our vessels at favorable rates or terms or at all would adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Our Fleet.” If the demand for liquefied gases and the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases does not continue to grow, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. Our growth depends on continued growth in world and regional demand for liquefied gases and the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases, each of which could be adversely affected by a number of factors, such as: • • • • • • • • • • • increases in the demand for industrial and residential natural gas in areas linked by pipelines to producing areas, or the conversion of existing non-gas pipelines to natural gas pipelines in those markets; increases in demand for chemical feedstocks in net exporting regions; decreases in the consumption of petrochemical gases; decreases in the consumption of liquefied petroleum gas, or “LPG,” due to increases in its price relative to other energy sources or other factors making consumption of liquefied gas less attractive; the availability of competing, alternative energy sources, transportation fuels or propulsion systems; decreases in demand for liquefied gases resulting from changes in feedstock capabilities of petrochemical plants in net importing regions; changes in the relative values of hydrocarbon and liquefied gases; a reduction in global industrial activity, especially in the plastics and petrochemical industries, particularly in regions with high demand growth for liquefied gas, such as Asia; adverse global or regional economic or political conditions, particularly in liquefied gas exporting or importing regions, which could reduce liquefied gas shipping or energy consumption; changes in governmental regulations, such as the elimination of economic incentives or initiatives designed to encourage the use of liquefied gases over other fuel sources; or decreases in the capacity of petrochemical plants and crude oil refineries worldwide or the failure of anticipated new capacity to come online. Reduced demand for liquefied gases and the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases would have a material adverse effect on our future growth and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The expected growth in the supply of petrochemical gases, including ethane and ethylene, available for seaborne transport may not materialize, which would deprive us of the opportunity to obtain premium charters for petrochemical cargoes. Charter rates for petrochemical gas cargoes can be higher than those for LPG, with charter rates for ethylene historically commanding an additional premium. While we believe that growth in production at petrochemical production facilities and regional supply and pricing imbalances will create opportunities for us to transport petrochemical gas cargoes, including ethane and ethylene, factors that are beyond our control may cause the supply of petrochemical gases available for seaborne transport to remain constant or even decline. For example, a significant portion of any increased production of petrochemicals in export regions may be used to supply local facilities that use petrochemicals as a feedstock rather than exported via seaborne trade. If the supply of petrochemical gases available for seaborne transport does not increase, we will not have the opportunity to obtain the premium charter rates associated with petrochemical gas cargoes, including ethane and ethylene, and our expectations regarding the growth of our business may not be met. The market values of our vessels may fluctuate significantly. This could cause us to incur a loss, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The market value of liquefied gas carriers fluctuates. While the market values of our vessels have declined as a result of the recent market slowdown, they still remain subject to a potential significant further decline depending on a number of factors including, among other things: shipyard capacity and the cost of newbuildings, general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry, prevailing charter rates, competition from other shipping companies, other modes of transportation, other types, sizes and age of vessels and applicable governmental regulations. In addition, when vessel prices are considered to be low, companies not usually involved in shipping may make speculative vessel orders, thereby increasing the supply of vessel capacity, satisfying demand sooner and potentially suppressing charter rates. Also, if the book value of a vessel is impaired due to unfavorable market conditions or a vessel is sold at a price below its book value, we would incur a loss that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore each of our loan agreements and bond agreement have covenants relating to asset values, whereby if vessel values were to reduce to below those set out in the covenants, a breach would occur and cause the loan amounts to be immediately repayable. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Over the long term, we will be required to make substantial capital expenditures to preserve the operating capacity of, and to grow, our fleet. We must make substantial capital expenditures over the long term to maintain the operating capacity and expansion of our fleet in order to preserve our capital base. We estimate that drydocking expenditures can cost up to $2.0 million per vessel per drydocking, although these expenditures could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year and could increase as a result of changes in: the location and required repositioning of the vessel; • • • • • • • • • the cost of labor and materials; customer requirements; the types of vessels in our fleet; the cost of replacement vessels; the age of our fleet; security or the environment; competitive standards; and high demand for drydock usage. governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards relating to safety, Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future debt or equity offerings in order to finance the expansion of our fleet 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 limit our ability to expand our fleet. Even if we are successful in obtaining 6 7 desirable. Furthermore, we may be unable to charter our vessels immediately after the expiration of their charters resulting in periods of non-utilization for our vessels. Our inability to charter our vessels at favorable rates or terms or at all would adversely impact our business, financial condition and operating results. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Our Fleet.” If the demand for liquefied gases and the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases does not continue to grow, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. Our growth depends on continued growth in world and regional demand for liquefied gases and the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases, each of which could be adversely affected by a number of factors, such as: increases in the demand for industrial and residential natural gas in areas linked by pipelines to producing areas, or the conversion of existing non-gas pipelines to natural gas pipelines in those markets; increases in demand for chemical feedstocks in net exporting regions; decreases in the consumption of petrochemical gases; decreases in the consumption of liquefied petroleum gas, or “LPG,” due to increases in its price relative to other energy sources or other factors making consumption of liquefied gas less attractive; the availability of competing, alternative energy sources, transportation fuels or propulsion systems; decreases in demand for liquefied gases resulting from changes in feedstock capabilities of petrochemical plants in net importing regions; changes in the relative values of hydrocarbon and liquefied gases; a reduction in global industrial activity, especially in the plastics and petrochemical industries, particularly in regions with high demand growth for liquefied gas, such as Asia; adverse global or regional economic or political conditions, particularly in liquefied gas exporting or importing regions, which could reduce liquefied gas shipping or energy consumption; changes in governmental regulations, such as the elimination of economic incentives or initiatives designed to encourage the use of liquefied gases over other fuel sources; or decreases in the capacity of petrochemical plants and crude oil refineries worldwide or the failure of anticipated new capacity to come online. • • • • • • • • • • • Reduced demand for liquefied gases and the seaborne transportation of liquefied gases would have a material adverse effect on our future growth and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The expected growth in the supply of petrochemical gases, including ethane and ethylene, available for seaborne transport may not materialize, which would deprive us of the opportunity to obtain premium charters for petrochemical cargoes. Charter rates for petrochemical gas cargoes can be higher than those for LPG, with charter rates for ethylene historically commanding an additional premium. While we believe that growth in production at petrochemical production facilities and regional supply and pricing imbalances will create opportunities for us to transport petrochemical gas cargoes, including ethane and ethylene, factors that are beyond our control may cause the supply of petrochemical gases available for seaborne transport to remain constant or even decline. For example, a significant portion of any increased production of petrochemicals in export regions may be used to supply local facilities that use petrochemicals as a feedstock rather than exported via seaborne trade. If the supply of petrochemical gases available for seaborne transport does not increase, we will not have the opportunity to obtain the premium charter rates associated with petrochemical gas cargoes, including ethane and ethylene, and our expectations regarding the growth of our business may not be met. The market values of our vessels may fluctuate significantly. This could cause us to incur a loss, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The market value of liquefied gas carriers fluctuates. While the market values of our vessels have declined as a result of the recent market slowdown, they still remain subject to a potential significant further decline depending on a number of factors including, among other things: shipyard capacity and the cost of newbuildings, general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry, prevailing charter rates, competition from other shipping companies, other modes of transportation, other types, sizes and age of vessels and applicable governmental regulations. In addition, when vessel prices are considered to be low, companies not usually involved in shipping may make speculative vessel orders, thereby increasing the supply of vessel capacity, satisfying demand sooner and potentially suppressing charter rates. Also, if the book value of a vessel is impaired due to unfavorable market conditions or a vessel is sold at a price below its book value, we would incur a loss that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore each of our loan agreements and bond agreement have covenants relating to asset values, whereby if vessel values were to reduce to below those set out in the covenants, a breach would occur and cause the loan amounts to be immediately repayable. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Over the long term, we will be required to make substantial capital expenditures to preserve the operating capacity of, and to grow, our fleet. We must make substantial capital expenditures over the long term to maintain the operating capacity and expansion of our fleet in order to preserve our capital base. We estimate that drydocking expenditures can cost up to $2.0 million per vessel per drydocking, although these expenditures could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year and could increase as a result of changes in: • • • • • • • • • the location and required repositioning of the vessel; the cost of labor and materials; customer requirements; the types of vessels in our fleet; the cost of replacement vessels; the age of our fleet; governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards relating to safety, security or the environment; competitive standards; and high demand for drydock usage. Our ability to obtain bank financing or to access the capital markets for future debt or equity offerings in order to finance the expansion of our fleet 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 limit our ability to expand our fleet. Even if we are successful in obtaining 6 7 necessary funds, the terms of such financings may significantly increase our interest expense and financial leverage and issuing additional equity securities may result in significant shareholder dilution. Please read “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity and Cash Needs.” We may be unable to make, or realize the expected benefits from, acquisitions and the failure to successfully implement our growth strategy through acquisitions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our growth strategy includes newbuildings or selectively acquiring existing liquefied gas carriers and investing in complementary assets. Factors such as competition from other companies, many of which have significantly greater financial resources than we do, could reduce our acquisition and investment opportunities or cause us to pay higher prices. Any existing vessel or newbuilding we acquire may not be profitable at or after the time of acquisition or delivery and may not generate cash flow sufficient to cover the cost of acquisition. Market conditions at the time of delivery of any newbuildings may be such that charter rates are not favorable and the revenue generated by such vessels is not sufficient to cover their purchase prices. In addition, our acquisition and investment growth strategy exposes us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results, including risks that we may: • • • • • • • • • fail to realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions, such as new customer relationships, cost savings or increased cash flow; not be able to obtain charters at favorable rates or at all; unforeseen engineering, design or environmental problems. be unable to hire, train or retain qualified shore and seafaring personnel to manage and operate our growing business and fleet or engage a third-party technical manager to do the same; fail to integrate investments of complementary assets or vessels in capacity ranges outside our current operations in a profitable manner; not have adequate operating and financial systems in place as we implement our expansion plan; decrease our liquidity through the use of 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 impairment or restructuring charges. Unlike newbuildings, existing vessels typically do not carry warranties as to their condition. While we 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 flow and reduce our liquidity. 8 9 From time to time, we may selectively pursue new strategic acquisitions or ventures we believe to be complementary to our seaborne transportation services and any strategic transactions that are a departure from our historical operations could present unforeseen challenges and result in a competitive disadvantage relative to our more-established competitors. We may pursue strategic acquisitions or investment opportunities we believe to be complementary to our core business of owning and operating handysize liquefied gas carriers and the transportation of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia. Such ventures may include, but are not limited to operating liquefied gas carriers in different size categories, expanding the types of cargo we carry and/or ventures or facilities involved in the export, distribution, mixing and/or storage of liquefied gas cargoes. While we have general knowledge and experience in the seaborne transportation services industry, we have no meaningful operating history outside of the ownership and operation of liquefied gas carriers and the transportation of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia. Any investments we pursue outside of our historical provision of seaborne transportation services could result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing operation and growth of our fleet. We may face several factors that could impair our ability to successfully execute these acquisitions or investments including, among others, the following: delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, licenses or permits from different governmental or regulatory authorities, including environmental permits; unexpected cost increases or shortages in the equipment, materials or labor required for the venture, which could cause the venture to become economically unfeasible; and • • • Any of these factors could delay any such acquisitions or investment opportunities and could increase our projected capital costs. If we are unable to successfully integrate acquisitions or investments into our historical business, any costs incurred in connection with these projects may not be recoverable. If we experience delays, cost overruns, or changes in market circumstances, we may not be able to demonstrate the commercial viability of such acquisitions or investment opportunities or achieve the intended economic benefits, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may be unable to realize the expected benefits from our proposed investment in an ethylene marine export terminal in the U.S. Gulf. There are a number of contingencies that could impact the ability to complete the ethylene marine terminal on a timely basis or at all, including but not limited to the ability to receive on a timely basis regulatory approval to construct and operate the marine terminal. We do not have committed financing for our investment in the marine terminal. If our expectations with respect to the construction of the terminal or the financing of our investment in the terminal are not realized, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Operations outside of the United States expose us to political, governmental and economic instability, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our operations are primarily conducted outside of the United States, and 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 conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We derive some of our revenues from transporting gas cargoes from, to and within politically unstable regions. Conflicts in these regions have included attacks on ships and other efforts to disrupt shipping. In addition, vessels operating in some of these regions have been subject to piracy. Hostilities or other political necessary funds, the terms of such financings may significantly increase our interest expense and financial leverage and issuing additional equity securities may result in significant shareholder dilution. Please read “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Liquidity and Cash Needs.” and operating results. pay higher prices. We may be unable to make, or realize the expected benefits from, acquisitions and the failure to successfully implement our growth strategy through acquisitions could adversely affect our business, financial condition Our growth strategy includes newbuildings or selectively acquiring existing liquefied gas carriers and investing in complementary assets. Factors such as competition from other companies, many of which have significantly greater financial resources than we do, could reduce our acquisition and investment opportunities or cause us to Any existing vessel or newbuilding we acquire may not be profitable at or after the time of acquisition or delivery and may not generate cash flow sufficient to cover the cost of acquisition. Market conditions at the time of delivery of any newbuildings may be such that charter rates are not favorable and the revenue generated by such vessels is not sufficient to cover their purchase prices. In addition, our acquisition and investment growth strategy exposes us to risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results, including risks that we may: fail to realize anticipated benefits of acquisitions, such as new customer relationships, cost savings or increased cash flow; not be able to obtain charters at favorable rates or at all; be unable to hire, train or retain qualified shore and seafaring personnel to manage and operate our growing business and fleet or engage a third-party technical manager to do the same; fail to integrate investments of complementary assets or vessels in capacity ranges outside our current operations in a profitable manner; not have adequate operating and financial systems in place as we implement our expansion plan; decrease our liquidity through the use of a significant portion of available cash or borrowing capacity to finance acquisitions; acquisitions; acquired; or significantly increase our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to finance incur or assume unanticipated liabilities, losses or costs associated with the business or vessels incur other significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or other intangible assets, asset impairment or restructuring charges. • • • • • • • • • Unlike newbuildings, existing vessels typically do not carry warranties as to their condition. While we 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 flow and reduce our liquidity. From time to time, we may selectively pursue new strategic acquisitions or ventures we believe to be complementary to our seaborne transportation services and any strategic transactions that are a departure from our historical operations could present unforeseen challenges and result in a competitive disadvantage relative to our more-established competitors. We may pursue strategic acquisitions or investment opportunities we believe to be complementary to our core business of owning and operating handysize liquefied gas carriers and the transportation of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia. Such ventures may include, but are not limited to operating liquefied gas carriers in different size categories, expanding the types of cargo we carry and/or ventures or facilities involved in the export, distribution, mixing and/or storage of liquefied gas cargoes. While we have general knowledge and experience in the seaborne transportation services industry, we have no meaningful operating history outside of the ownership and operation of liquefied gas carriers and the transportation of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia. Any investments we pursue outside of our historical provision of seaborne transportation services could result in unforeseen operating difficulties and may require significant financial and managerial resources that would otherwise be available for the ongoing operation and growth of our fleet. We may face several factors that could impair our ability to successfully execute these acquisitions or investments including, among others, the following: • • • delays in obtaining regulatory approvals, licenses or permits from different governmental or regulatory authorities, including environmental permits; unexpected cost increases or shortages in the equipment, materials or labor required for the venture, which could cause the venture to become economically unfeasible; and unforeseen engineering, design or environmental problems. Any of these factors could delay any such acquisitions or investment opportunities and could increase our projected capital costs. If we are unable to successfully integrate acquisitions or investments into our historical business, any costs incurred in connection with these projects may not be recoverable. If we experience delays, cost overruns, or changes in market circumstances, we may not be able to demonstrate the commercial viability of such acquisitions or investment opportunities or achieve the intended economic benefits, which would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may be unable to realize the expected benefits from our proposed investment in an ethylene marine export terminal in the U.S. Gulf. There are a number of contingencies that could impact the ability to complete the ethylene marine terminal on a timely basis or at all, including but not limited to the ability to receive on a timely basis regulatory approval to construct and operate the marine terminal. We do not have committed financing for our investment in the marine terminal. If our expectations with respect to the construction of the terminal or the financing of our investment in the terminal are not realized, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Operations outside of the United States expose us to political, governmental and economic instability, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our operations are primarily conducted outside of the United States, and 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 conditions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We derive some of our revenues from transporting gas cargoes from, to and within politically unstable regions. Conflicts in these regions have included attacks on ships and other efforts to disrupt shipping. In addition, vessels operating in some of these regions have been subject to piracy. Hostilities or other political 8 9 instability in regions where we operate or may operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, tariffs, trade embargoes and other economic sanctions by the United States or other countries against countries where we engage in business as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or other events may limit trading activities with those countries, which could also harm our business. Finally, a government could requisition one or more of our vessels, which is most likely during a war or national emergency. Any such requisition would cause a loss of the vessel and would harm our business, financial condition and operating results. If our vessels call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, our reputation and the market for our securities could be adversely affected. Although no vessels owned or operated by us have called on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and other authorities or countries identified by the U.S. government or other authorities as state sponsors of terrorism, such as Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria, in the future our vessels may call on ports in these countries from time to time on charterers’ instructions in violation of contractual provisions that prohibit them from doing so. Sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time. Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact the market for our common shares, our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. Our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation or the ability of our charters to meet their obligations to us or result in fines, penalties or sanctions. The geopolitical risks associated with chartering vessels to state-owned corporations are significant and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., or “PDVSA,” is a state-owned corporation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. PDVSA currently employs two of our vessels. PT Pertamina (Persero), or “Pertamina,” is a state- owned corporation of the Republic of Indonesia. Pertamina currently employs three of our vessels. Collectively, our charters with PDVSA and Pertamina generated more than 10% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our vessels that are chartered to Pertamina and PDVSA are subject to various risks, including (i) loss of revenue, property or equipment as a result of expropriation, nationalization, changes in laws, exchange controls, war, insurrection, civil unrest, strikes or other political risks, (ii) being subject to foreign laws and legal systems and the exclusive jurisdiction of Venezuelan or Indonesian courts or tribunals and (iii) the unilateral renegotiation of contracts and changes in laws and policies governing the operations of foreign companies in Venezuela or Indonesia. In addition, if a contract dispute arises it may be difficult for us to enforce our contractual rights against either Pertamina or PDVSA, as it may claim sovereign immunity against judgments from foreign courts. As a result, we are subject to significant economic uncertainty associated with doing business with state-owned corporations. We cannot predict how government policies may change under the current or any future Venezuelan or Indonesian administration, and future government policies could have a substantial adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Operating our vessels in sanctioned areas or chartering our vessels to sanctioned individuals or entities would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We have obligations and believe we comply fully with the various sanctions regimes around the world, not just the sanctions authorities of the United States, but also the relevant departments within the United Nations, European Union and other individual countries, as well as governmental institutions and agencies of those countries. Our current 38 vessels transport LPG and other liquefied petrochemical gases throughout the globe and we are vigilant in ensuring our vessels do not call to countries or ports or trade with persons that may be on any lists which restrict or inhibit such trade or relationship. Any actual or alleged violations could materially damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, if any of our customers were to become a sanctioned entity, the charterparty would end immediately and become void which could lead to one or more vessels being redelivered to us, ending what may be a long-term charter commitment. We depend to a significant degree upon third-party managers to provide technical management services for our fleet. We subcontract the majority of the technical management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair, to third-party technical managers, Northern Marine Management Ltd., or “NMM,” and Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd, or “Thome.” Our technical managers, in turn, contract with one or more manning agents for the provision of crews for our vessels. Although we have subcontracted the technical management of portions of our fleet to NMM since 2009 and Thome since 2015, our agreements with them are subject to annual renewal and may be terminated by us or our technical managers with three months’ notice. The loss of services of either or both of our technical managers or a failure to perform their obligations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Although we may have rights against our technical managers if they were to default on their obligations, shareholders will have no recourse against our technical managers. In addition, if we were to lose the services of one or all of our technical managers, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find replacement technical managers on terms as favorable as those currently in place. The ability of our technical managers to continue providing services for our benefit will depend in part on their financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair our technical managers’ financial strength. Because our technical managers are privately held, it is unlikely that information about their financial strength will be available. As a result, we might have little advance warning of problems that affect our technical managers, even though those problems could have a material adverse effect on us. Our inability to replace our technical managers or to successfully take over and perform the technical management of the vessels being managed by our technical managers would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In 2016, we began providing in-house technical management, for the first time, for certain vessels in our fleet. We currently provide in-house technical management for nine of our vessels. Providing in-house technical management for any vessel in our fleet may impose significant additional responsibilities on our management and staff. Further, because we had no experience providing technical management in-house prior to 2016, our management may encounter challenges as we develop and refine our technical management system. Some charterers may not accept our in-house technical managers and, consequently, may not charter our vessels. Furthermore, some charterers and port terminals may require the crew of our fleet to have a minimum of two years of experience with our vessel’s on-board safety management systems. We provide in-house technical management for a vessel in our fleet only if the charterer so agrees, but charterers may change and a new charterer may refuse to charter a vessel in our fleet if it is managed by our in-house technical managers. Similarly, certain ports may not allow our vessels that are managed by technical in-house managers into their terminals to load or discharge cargoes. If we are not successful with respect to any vessel for which we may provide technical management in-house, our reputation and ability to charter vessels may be negatively impacted, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. 10 11 instability in regions where we operate or may operate could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. In addition, tariffs, trade embargoes and other economic sanctions by the United States or other countries against countries where we engage in business as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or other events may limit trading activities with those countries, which could also harm our business. Finally, a government could requisition one or more of our vessels, which is most likely during a war or national emergency. Any such requisition would cause a loss of the vessel and would harm our business, financial condition and operating results. If our vessels call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the U.S. government, our reputation and the market for our securities could be adversely affected. Although no vessels owned or operated by us have called on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government and other authorities or countries identified by the U.S. government or other authorities as state sponsors of terrorism, such as Cuba, Iran, Sudan and Syria, in the future our vessels may call on ports in these countries from time to time on charterers’ instructions in violation of contractual provisions that prohibit them from doing so. Sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or strengthened over time. Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations. Any such violation could result in fines, penalties or other sanctions that could severely impact the market for our common shares, our ability to access U.S. capital markets and conduct our business and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. Our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation or the ability of our charters to meet their obligations to us or result in fines, penalties or sanctions. The geopolitical risks associated with chartering vessels to state-owned corporations are significant and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., or “PDVSA,” is a state-owned corporation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. PDVSA currently employs two of our vessels. PT Pertamina (Persero), or “Pertamina,” is a state- owned corporation of the Republic of Indonesia. Pertamina currently employs three of our vessels. Collectively, our charters with PDVSA and Pertamina generated more than 10% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our vessels that are chartered to Pertamina and PDVSA are subject to various risks, including (i) loss of revenue, property or equipment as a result of expropriation, nationalization, changes in laws, exchange controls, war, insurrection, civil unrest, strikes or other political risks, (ii) being subject to foreign laws and legal systems and the exclusive jurisdiction of Venezuelan or Indonesian courts or tribunals and (iii) the unilateral renegotiation of contracts and changes in laws and policies governing the operations of foreign companies in Venezuela or Indonesia. In addition, if a contract dispute arises it may be difficult for us to enforce our contractual rights against either Pertamina or PDVSA, as it may claim sovereign immunity against judgments from foreign courts. As a result, we are subject to significant economic uncertainty associated with doing business with state-owned corporations. We cannot predict how government policies may change under the current or any future Venezuelan or Indonesian administration, and future government policies could have a substantial adverse impact on our business, financial condition and operating results. Operating our vessels in sanctioned areas or chartering our vessels to sanctioned individuals or entities would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We have obligations and believe we comply fully with the various sanctions regimes around the world, not just the sanctions authorities of the United States, but also the relevant departments within the United Nations, European Union and other individual countries, as well as governmental institutions and agencies of those countries. Our current 38 vessels transport LPG and other liquefied petrochemical gases throughout the globe and we are vigilant in ensuring our vessels do not call to countries or ports or trade with persons that may be on any lists which restrict or inhibit such trade or relationship. Any actual or alleged violations could materially damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, if any of our customers were to become a sanctioned entity, the charterparty would end immediately and become void which could lead to one or more vessels being redelivered to us, ending what may be a long-term charter commitment. We depend to a significant degree upon third-party managers to provide technical management services for our fleet. We subcontract the majority of the technical management of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance and repair, to third-party technical managers, Northern Marine Management Ltd., or “NMM,” and Thome Ship Management Pte Ltd, or “Thome.” Our technical managers, in turn, contract with one or more manning agents for the provision of crews for our vessels. Although we have subcontracted the technical management of portions of our fleet to NMM since 2009 and Thome since 2015, our agreements with them are subject to annual renewal and may be terminated by us or our technical managers with three months’ notice. The loss of services of either or both of our technical managers or a failure to perform their obligations could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Although we may have rights against our technical managers if they were to default on their obligations, shareholders will have no recourse against our technical managers. In addition, if we were to lose the services of one or all of our technical managers, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find replacement technical managers on terms as favorable as those currently in place. The ability of our technical managers to continue providing services for our benefit will depend in part on their financial strength. Circumstances beyond our control could impair our technical managers’ financial strength. Because our technical managers are privately held, it is unlikely that information about their financial strength will be available. As a result, we might have little advance warning of problems that affect our technical managers, even though those problems could have a material adverse effect on us. Our inability to replace our technical managers or to successfully take over and perform the technical management of the vessels being managed by our technical managers would materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In 2016, we began providing in-house technical management, for the first time, for certain vessels in our fleet. We currently provide in-house technical management for nine of our vessels. Providing in-house technical management for any vessel in our fleet may impose significant additional responsibilities on our management and staff. Further, because we had no experience providing technical management in-house prior to 2016, our management may encounter challenges as we develop and refine our technical management system. Some charterers may not accept our in-house technical managers and, consequently, may not charter our vessels. Furthermore, some charterers and port terminals may require the crew of our fleet to have a minimum of two years of experience with our vessel’s on-board safety management systems. We provide in-house technical management for a vessel in our fleet only if the charterer so agrees, but charterers may change and a new charterer may refuse to charter a vessel in our fleet if it is managed by our in-house technical managers. Similarly, certain ports may not allow our vessels that are managed by technical in-house managers into their terminals to load or discharge cargoes. If we are not successful with respect to any vessel for which we may provide technical management in-house, our reputation and ability to charter vessels may be negatively impacted, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. 10 11 A fluctuation in fuel prices may adversely affect our charter rates for time charters and our cost structure for voyage charters and COAs. The loss of or inability to operate any of our vessels would result in a significant loss of revenues and cash flow which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The price and supply of bunker fuel are unpredictable and fluctuate based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil, actions by members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns and regulations. A significant portion of our revenues are generated by time charters, the terms of which require our customers to incur the cost of bunker fuel. Bunker fuel prices have remained significantly below the highs of a few years ago and if the fuel price increases our customers may be less willing in the future to enter into charters under which they bear the full risk of price increases or may shorten the periods for which they are willing to make such commitments. Under voyage charters and COAs, we bear the cost of bunker fuel used to power our vessels. In the future, we may experience an increase in bunker fuel prices that would correspondingly increase our voyage expenses under each of our voyages charters and COAs, which would adversely affect our profitability. Changes in fuel, or bunkers, prices may adversely affect our results of operation. Fuel, or bunkers, is a significant expense for our vessels employed in the spot market and can have a significant impact on earnings. For our vessels employed on time charters, the charterer is generally responsible for the cost and supply of fuel; however, such cost may affect the charter rates we are able to negotiate for our vessels. Changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. In addition, the high sulphur fuel type we currently use on our vessels is subject to change as a consequence of International Maritime Organisation regulations in January 2020 and prices of the new lower sulphur fuel or any alternative may increase significantly which may reduce our profitability and adversely affect our results of operation. The required drydocking of our vessels could have a more significant adverse impact on our revenues than we anticipate, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. 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 financial condition. Although we attempt to ensure that no more than one vessel will be out of service at any given time, this may not always be possible because we may underestimate the time required to drydock our vessels, or unanticipated problems may arise. Our operating costs are likely to increase in the future as our vessels age, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As our vessels age, we will incur increased costs. Older vessels are typically less fuel-efficient and more costly to maintain than newer vessels due to improvements in engine technology. If equipment on board becomes obsolete and it is not cost effective to repair it, such equipment would have to be replaced. Cargo insurance rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, including environmental, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may also require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels to comply. These laws or regulations may also restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage or limit their operation in certain geographic regions. We cannot assure you that, as our vessels age, market conditions will justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their expected useful lives. We do not carry loss of hire insurance. If, at any time, we cannot operate any of our vessels due to mechanical problems, lack of seafarers to crew a vessel, prolonged drydocking periods, loss of certification, the loss of any charter or otherwise, our business, financial condition and operating results will be materially adversely affected. In the worst case, we may not receive any revenues because of the inability to operate any of our vessels, but we may be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition. An economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Future adverse economic conditions 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 liquefied gases. The world economy is currently facing a number of challenges. An extended period of adverse development in the outlook for European countries could reduce the overall demand for liquefied gases and have a negative impact on our customers. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, a future economic slowdown 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, a future economic slowdown could affect lenders participating in our secured term loan and revolving credit facilities, 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 condition and operating results. Due to our lack of diversification, adverse developments in the seaborne liquefied gas transportation business could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We rely exclusively on the cash flow generated from vessels that operate in the seaborne liquefied gas transportation business. Unlike many other shipping companies, which have vessels that can carry drybulk, crude oil and oil products, we depend exclusively on the transport of LPG, petrochemicals and ammonia. Due to our lack of diversification, an adverse development in the international liquefied gas shipping industry would have a significantly greater impact on our business, financial condition and operating results than it would if we maintained more diverse assets or lines of business. 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 stock 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 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. It should be noted that the U.S. and various other nations entered into a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”) with Iran that provides for phased sanctions relief. On January 16, 12 13 A fluctuation in fuel prices may adversely affect our charter rates for time charters and our cost structure for voyage charters and COAs. The price and supply of bunker fuel are unpredictable and fluctuate based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil, actions by members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns and regulations. A significant portion of our revenues are generated by time charters, the terms of which require our customers to incur the cost of bunker fuel. Bunker fuel prices have remained significantly below the highs of a few years ago and if the fuel price increases our customers may be less willing in the future to enter into charters under which they bear the full risk of price increases or may shorten the periods for which they are willing to make such commitments. Under voyage charters and COAs, we bear the cost of bunker fuel used to power our vessels. In the future, we may experience an increase in bunker fuel prices that would correspondingly increase our voyage expenses under each of our voyages charters and COAs, which would adversely affect our profitability. Changes in fuel, or bunkers, prices may adversely affect our results of operation. Fuel, or bunkers, is a significant expense for our vessels employed in the spot market and can have a significant impact on earnings. For our vessels employed on time charters, the charterer is generally responsible for the cost and supply of fuel; however, such cost may affect the charter rates we are able to negotiate for our vessels. Changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns. In addition, the high sulphur fuel type we currently use on our vessels is subject to change as a consequence of International Maritime Organisation regulations in January 2020 and prices of the new lower sulphur fuel or any alternative may increase significantly which may reduce our profitability and adversely affect our results of operation. The required drydocking of our vessels could have a more significant adverse impact on our revenues than we anticipate, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. 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 financial condition. Although we attempt to ensure that no more than one vessel will be out of service at any given time, this may not always be possible because we may underestimate the time required to drydock our vessels, or unanticipated problems may arise. Our operating costs are likely to increase in the future as our vessels age, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As our vessels age, we will incur increased costs. Older vessels are typically less fuel-efficient and more costly to maintain than newer vessels due to improvements in engine technology. If equipment on board becomes obsolete and it is not cost effective to repair it, such equipment would have to be replaced. Cargo insurance rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations, including environmental, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may also require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels to comply. These laws or regulations may also restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage or limit their operation in certain geographic regions. We cannot assure you that, as our vessels age, market conditions will justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their expected useful lives. The loss of or inability to operate any of our vessels would result in a significant loss of revenues and cash flow which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We do not carry loss of hire insurance. If, at any time, we cannot operate any of our vessels due to mechanical problems, lack of seafarers to crew a vessel, prolonged drydocking periods, loss of certification, the loss of any charter or otherwise, our business, financial condition and operating results will be materially adversely affected. In the worst case, we may not receive any revenues because of the inability to operate any of our vessels, but we may be required to pay expenses necessary to maintain the vessel in proper operating condition. An economic downturn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Future adverse economic conditions 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 liquefied gases. The world economy is currently facing a number of challenges. An extended period of adverse development in the outlook for European countries could reduce the overall demand for liquefied gases and have a negative impact on our customers. These potential developments, or market perceptions concerning these and related issues, could affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Furthermore, a future economic slowdown 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, a future economic slowdown could affect lenders participating in our secured term loan and revolving credit facilities, 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 condition and operating results. Due to our lack of diversification, adverse developments in the seaborne liquefied gas transportation business could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We rely exclusively on the cash flow generated from vessels that operate in the seaborne liquefied gas transportation business. Unlike many other shipping companies, which have vessels that can carry drybulk, crude oil and oil products, we depend exclusively on the transport of LPG, petrochemicals and ammonia. Due to our lack of diversification, an adverse development in the international liquefied gas shipping industry would have a significantly greater impact on our business, financial condition and operating results than it would if we maintained more diverse assets or lines of business. 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 stock 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 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. It should be noted that the U.S. and various other nations entered into a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”) with Iran that provides for phased sanctions relief. On January 16, 12 13 2016, following verification that Iran had satisfied its commitments under the JCPOA, the U.S. lifted its nuclear- related “secondary” sanctions and the European Union also took action to lift its sanctions. As a result of sanctions relief, non-U.S. persons will be able to engage in business with Iran. Sanctions relief will not impact the SEC reporting requirements discussed above. 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 European Union 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 stock. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our common stock simply because we may do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Investor perception of the value of our common stock may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries. Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 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 and the Bribery Act 2010 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. 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 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 and results of operations. Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flow. Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, cargo receivers and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay large sums to have the arrest lifted. vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. Claimants could try to assert “sister ship” liability against all of the vessels in our fleet for claims relating to only one of our ships. The arrest of any of our vessels would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We may experience operational problems with vessels that reduce revenue and increase costs. Liquefied gas carriers are complex vessels 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 adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. A shortage of qualified officers makes it more difficult to crew our vessels and increases our operating costs. If a shortage were to develop, it could impair our ability to operate and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our liquefied gas carriers require technically skilled officer staff with specialized training. As the world liquefied gas carrier fleet and the liquefied natural gas, or “LNG,” carrier fleet continue to grow, the demand for such technically skilled officers has increased and could lead to a shortage of such personnel. If our crewing managers were to be unable to employ such technically skilled officers, they would not be able to adequately staff our vessels and effectively train crews. The development of a deficit in the supply of technically skilled officers or an inability of our crewing managers to attract and retain such qualified officers could impair our ability to operate and increase the cost of crewing our vessels and, thus, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview— Crewing and Staff.” Compliance with safety and other vessel requirements imposed by classification societies may be very costly and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. Our vessels are currently enrolled with, Lloyd’s Register, DNV GL Group AS or the American Bureau of Shipping. All of our vessels have been awarded International Safety Management certification. 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. Eight of the vessels in our existing fleet are on a planned maintenance system, or “PMS,” approval, and as such the classification society attends on-board once every year to verify that the maintenance of the on-board equipment is done correctly. The remaining ships are operating continuous machinery surveys. All of the vessels in our fleet have been 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. When gas carriers reach an age of 15 years, they must undergo hull / bottom surveys twice in each five-year cycle, with a maximum of 30 months between each underwater survey. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable. This would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our fleet includes sets of sister ships, which have identical specifications. As a result, any latent design or equipment defect discovered in one of our sister ships will likely affect all of the other vessels. In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the “sister ship” theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any Our vessels consist of a number of sets of sister ships, ranging from two vessels to six vessels. The vessels in each set of sister ships were built based on standard designs and are uniform in all material respects. Any latent 14 15 2016, following verification that Iran had satisfied its commitments under the JCPOA, the U.S. lifted its nuclear- related “secondary” sanctions and the European Union also took action to lift its sanctions. As a result of sanctions relief, non-U.S. persons will be able to engage in business with Iran. Sanctions relief will not impact the SEC reporting requirements discussed above. 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 European Union 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 stock. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our common stock simply because we may do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Investor perception of the value of our common stock may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries. Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 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 and the Bribery Act 2010 of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. 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 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 and results of operations. Maritime claimants could arrest our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flow. Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, cargo receivers and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages. In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings. The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay large sums to have the arrest lifted. vessel owned or controlled by the same owner. Claimants could try to assert “sister ship” liability against all of the vessels in our fleet for claims relating to only one of our ships. The arrest of any of our vessels would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. We may experience operational problems with vessels that reduce revenue and increase costs. Liquefied gas carriers are complex vessels 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 adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. A shortage of qualified officers makes it more difficult to crew our vessels and increases our operating costs. If a shortage were to develop, it could impair our ability to operate and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Our liquefied gas carriers require technically skilled officer staff with specialized training. As the world liquefied gas carrier fleet and the liquefied natural gas, or “LNG,” carrier fleet continue to grow, the demand for such technically skilled officers has increased and could lead to a shortage of such personnel. If our crewing managers were to be unable to employ such technically skilled officers, they would not be able to adequately staff our vessels and effectively train crews. The development of a deficit in the supply of technically skilled officers or an inability of our crewing managers to attract and retain such qualified officers could impair our ability to operate and increase the cost of crewing our vessels and, thus, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview— Crewing and Staff.” Compliance with safety and other vessel requirements imposed by classification societies may be very costly and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. The hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel and the Safety of Life at Sea Convention. Our vessels are currently enrolled with, Lloyd’s Register, DNV GL Group AS or the American Bureau of Shipping. All of our vessels have been awarded International Safety Management certification. 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. Eight of the vessels in our existing fleet are on a planned maintenance system, or “PMS,” approval, and as such the classification society attends on-board once every year to verify that the maintenance of the on-board equipment is done correctly. The remaining ships are operating continuous machinery surveys. All of the vessels in our fleet have been 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. When gas carriers reach an age of 15 years, they must undergo hull / bottom surveys twice in each five-year cycle, with a maximum of 30 months between each underwater survey. If any vessel does not maintain its class and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable. This would adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our fleet includes sets of sister ships, which have identical specifications. As a result, any latent design or equipment defect discovered in one of our sister ships will likely affect all of the other vessels. In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the “sister ship” theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any Our vessels consist of a number of sets of sister ships, ranging from two vessels to six vessels. The vessels in each set of sister ships were built based on standard designs and are uniform in all material respects. Any latent 14 15 design defects in one of the sister ships would likely affect all of its respective sister ships. We cannot assure you that latent defects will not be discovered in any of these vessels. In addition, all vessels that are sister ships have the same or similar equipment as all other such vessels. As a result, any equipment defect discovered in one vessel may affect one or all of the vessels that are sister ships with that vessel. Any disruptions in the operation of the vessels in our fleet, resulting from any such defects could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Delays in deliveries of newbuildings or acquired vessels, or deliveries of vessels with significant defects, could harm our operating results and lead to the termination of any related charters that may be entered into prior to their delivery. The delivery of any newbuildings we may order or of any vessels we agree to acquire in the future could be delayed, which would delay our receipt of revenues under any future charters we enter into for the vessels. In addition, under some of the charters we may enter into for newbuildings, if our delivery of a vessel to the customer is delayed, we may be required to pay liquidated damages in amounts equal to or, under some charters, almost double the hire rate during the delay. For prolonged delays, the customer may terminate the time charter, resulting in loss of revenues. The delivery of any newbuilding with substantial defects could have similar consequences. Our receipt of newbuildings could be delayed because of many factors, including: • • quality or engineering problems; changes in governmental regulations or maritime self-regulatory organization standards; • work stoppages or other labor disturbances at the shipyard; • • • bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipbuilder; a backlog of orders at the shipyard; political or economic disturbances in the locations where the vessels are being built; • weather interference or catastrophic event, such as a major earthquake or fire; • • • • our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications; shortages of, or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel; our inability to finance the purchase of the vessels; or our inability to obtain requisite permits or approvals. We do not carry delay of delivery insurance to cover any losses that are not covered by delay penalties in our construction contracts. As a result, if delivery of a vessel is materially delayed, it could adversely affect 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 will face substantial competition. The process of obtaining new charters is highly competitive, generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. Contracts are awarded based upon a variety of factors, including: • • the operator’s industry relationships, experience and reputation for customer service, quality operations and safety; the quality, experience and technical capability of the crew; • • • • • • • • the operator’s relationships with shipyards and the ability to get suitable berths; the operator’s construction management experience, including the ability to obtain on-time delivery of new vessels according to customer specifications; the operator’s willingness to accept operational risks pursuant to the charter, such as allowing termination of the charter for force majeure events; and the competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price. Our ability to obtain new customers will depend upon a number of factors, including our ability to: 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 transportation services from a number of experienced companies. As a result, 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 and operating results. The marine transportation industry is subject to substantial environmental and other regulations, which may limit our operations and increase our expenses. Our operations are affected by extensive and changing environmental protection laws and other regulations and international treaties and conventions, including those relating to equipping and operating vessels and vessel safety. These regulations include the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or “OPA 90,” the U.S. Clean Water Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and regulations of the International Maritime Organization, or “IMO,” including the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as the CLC, the IMO International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1975, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution of 1973, the IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as SOLAS, the IMO International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, as from time to time amended, the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or the “ISM Code,” the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, generally referred to as the Bunker Convention, and the European Union 2015 Regulation on the monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, substantial expenses in complying with these laws and regulations, including expenses for vessel modifications and changes in operating procedures. Additional laws and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do business or further increase costs, which could harm our business. For example, under MARPOL Annex VI, fuels used by vessels in all seas may contain no more than 0.5% sulfur effective January 1, 2020. In addition, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of operations. We may become subject to additional laws and regulations if we enter into new markets or trades. In addition, we believe that the heightened environmental, quality and security concerns of the public, regulators, insurance underwriters and charterers will generally lead to additional regulatory requirements, including enhanced risk assessment and security requirements, greater inspection and safety requirements on all vessels in the marine transportation markets and possibly restrictions on the emissions of greenhouse gases from the 16 17 design defects in one of the sister ships would likely affect all of its respective sister ships. We cannot assure you that latent defects will not be discovered in any of these vessels. In addition, all vessels that are sister ships have the same or similar equipment as all other such vessels. As a result, any equipment defect discovered in one vessel may affect one or all of the vessels that are sister ships with that vessel. Any disruptions in the operation of the vessels in our fleet, resulting from any such defects could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. to their delivery. Delays in deliveries of newbuildings or acquired vessels, or deliveries of vessels with significant defects, could harm our operating results and lead to the termination of any related charters that may be entered into prior The delivery of any newbuildings we may order or of any vessels we agree to acquire in the future could be delayed, which would delay our receipt of revenues under any future charters we enter into for the vessels. In addition, under some of the charters we may enter into for newbuildings, if our delivery of a vessel to the customer is delayed, we may be required to pay liquidated damages in amounts equal to or, under some charters, almost double the hire rate during the delay. For prolonged delays, the customer may terminate the time charter, resulting in loss of revenues. The delivery of any newbuilding with substantial defects could have similar consequences. Our receipt of newbuildings could be delayed because of many factors, including: quality or engineering problems; changes in governmental regulations or maritime self-regulatory organization standards; • work stoppages or other labor disturbances at the shipyard; bankruptcy or other financial crisis of the shipbuilder; a backlog of orders at the shipyard; political or economic disturbances in the locations where the vessels are being built; • weather interference or catastrophic event, such as a major earthquake or fire; our requests for changes to the original vessel specifications; shortages of, or delays in the receipt of necessary construction materials, such as steel; our inability to finance the purchase of the vessels; or our inability to obtain requisite permits or approvals. We do not carry delay of delivery insurance to cover any losses that are not covered by delay penalties in our construction contracts. As a result, if delivery of a vessel is materially delayed, it could adversely affect 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 will face substantial competition. The process of obtaining new charters is highly competitive, generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. Contracts are awarded based upon a variety of the operator’s industry relationships, experience and reputation for customer service, quality operations factors, including: and safety; the quality, experience and technical capability of the crew; 16 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • the operator’s relationships with shipyards and the ability to get suitable berths; the operator’s construction management experience, including the ability to obtain on-time delivery of new vessels according to customer specifications; the operator’s willingness to accept operational risks pursuant to the charter, such as allowing termination of the charter for force majeure events; and the competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price. Our ability to obtain new customers will depend upon a number of factors, including our ability to: • • • • 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 transportation services from a number of experienced companies. As a result, 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 and operating results. The marine transportation industry is subject to substantial environmental and other regulations, which may limit our operations and increase our expenses. Our operations are affected by extensive and changing environmental protection laws and other regulations and international treaties and conventions, including those relating to equipping and operating vessels and vessel safety. These regulations include the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or “OPA 90,” the U.S. Clean Water Act, the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and regulations of the International Maritime Organization, or “IMO,” including the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as the CLC, the IMO International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1975, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as MARPOL, the International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution of 1973, the IMO International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea of 1974, as from time to time amended and generally referred to as SOLAS, the IMO International Convention on Load Lines of 1966, as from time to time amended, the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, or the “ISM Code,” the International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, generally referred to as the Bunker Convention, and the European Union 2015 Regulation on the monitoring, reporting, and verification of carbon dioxide emissions from maritime transport. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, substantial expenses in complying with these laws and regulations, including expenses for vessel modifications and changes in operating procedures. Additional laws and regulations may be adopted that could limit our ability to do business or further increase costs, which could harm our business. For example, under MARPOL Annex VI, fuels used by vessels in all seas may contain no more than 0.5% sulfur effective January 1, 2020. In addition, failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions or the suspension or termination of operations. We may become subject to additional laws and regulations if we enter into new markets or trades. In addition, we believe that the heightened environmental, quality and security concerns of the public, regulators, insurance underwriters and charterers will generally lead to additional regulatory requirements, including enhanced risk assessment and security requirements, greater inspection and safety requirements on all vessels in the marine transportation markets and possibly restrictions on the emissions of greenhouse gases from the 17 operation of 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 and, possibly, collect on insurance or to obtain the required certificates for entry into the different ports where we operate. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Environmental and Other Regulation” for a more detailed discussion on these topics. 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 IMO have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emission from vessel emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Additionally, a treaty may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in laws and regulations relating to climate change could increase our costs of operating and maintaining our vessels and could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental impact of climate change, may also have an effect on demand for our services. For example, increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas in the future or create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could have a significant financial and operational adverse impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Marine transportation is inherently risky. An incident involving significant loss of product or environmental contamination by any of our vessels could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and operating results. Our vessels and their cargoes and the LPG and petrochemical production and terminal facilities that 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. 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 time charters; liabilities or costs to recover any spilled cargo and to restore the ecosystem where the spill occurred; 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 and operating results. Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We operate our vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charter rates. The liquefied gas carrier market is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of propane and butane for heating during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months tend to disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. While our time charters typically provide a uniform monthly fee over the term of the charter, to the extent any of our time charters expires during the relatively weaker fiscal quarters ending June 30 and September 30, we may have difficultly re-chartering those vessels at similar rates or at all. Competition from more technologically advanced liquefied gas carriers could reduce our charter hire income and the value of our vessels. The charter rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes fuel economy, speed and the ability to be loaded and unloaded quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter ports, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. Physical life is related to the original design and construction, maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new liquefied gas carriers are built that are more efficient or flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced liquefied gas carriers could adversely affect the charter rates we receive for our vessels once their current charters are terminated and the resale value of our vessels. As a result, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. Acts of piracy on any of our vessels or on ocean going vessels could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, and West Africa. 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 on-board 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 and results of operations. Terrorist attacks, increased hostilities, piracy or war could lead to further economic instability, increased costs and disruption of business. Terrorist attacks may adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, 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 production and distribution of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia, which could result in reduced demand for our services. In addition, petrochemical production and terminal facilities and vessels that transport petrochemical products could be targets of future terrorist attacks. 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 gases to or from certain locations. Terrorist attacks, piracy, war or other events beyond 18 19 operation of 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 and, possibly, collect on insurance or to obtain the required certificates for entry into the different ports where we operate. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Environmental and Other Regulation” for a more detailed discussion on these topics. 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 IMO have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emission from vessel emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Additionally, a treaty may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in laws and regulations relating to climate change could increase our costs of operating and maintaining our vessels and could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Adverse effects upon the oil and gas industry relating to climate change, including growing public concern about the environmental impact of climate change, may also have an effect on demand for our services. For example, increased regulation of greenhouse gases or other concerns relating to climate change may reduce the demand for oil and gas in the future or create greater incentives for use of alternative energy sources. Any long-term material adverse effect on the oil and gas industry could have a significant financial and operational adverse impact on our business that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Marine transportation is inherently risky. An incident involving significant loss of product or environmental contamination by any of our vessels could adversely affect our reputation, business, financial condition and operating results. Our vessels and their cargoes and the LPG and petrochemical production and terminal facilities that we service are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as: • marine disasters; bad weather; • mechanical failures; piracy; human error; and • war and terrorism. grounding, capsizing, fire, explosions and collisions; 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 time charters; liabilities or costs to recover any spilled cargo and to restore the ecosystem where the spill occurred; 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 and operating results. Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations. We operate our vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charter rates. The liquefied gas carrier market is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of propane and butane for heating during the winter months in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months tend to disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. While our time charters typically provide a uniform monthly fee over the term of the charter, to the extent any of our time charters expires during the relatively weaker fiscal quarters ending June 30 and September 30, we may have difficultly re-chartering those vessels at similar rates or at all. Competition from more technologically advanced liquefied gas carriers could reduce our charter hire income and the value of our vessels. The charter rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are determined by a number of factors including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes fuel economy, speed and the ability to be loaded and unloaded quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter ports, utilize related docking facilities and pass through canals and straits. Physical life is related to the original design and construction, maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. If new liquefied gas carriers are built that are more efficient or flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced liquefied gas carriers could adversely affect the charter rates we receive for our vessels once their current charters are terminated and the resale value of our vessels. As a result, our business, financial condition and operating results could be adversely affected. Acts of piracy on any of our vessels or on ocean going vessels could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, and West Africa. 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 on-board 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 and results of operations. Terrorist attacks, increased hostilities, piracy or war could lead to further economic instability, increased costs and disruption of business. Terrorist attacks may adversely affect our business, operating results, financial condition, 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 production and distribution of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia, which could result in reduced demand for our services. In addition, petrochemical production and terminal facilities and vessels that transport petrochemical products could be targets of future terrorist attacks. 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 gases to or from certain locations. Terrorist attacks, piracy, war or other events beyond 18 19 our control that adversely affect the distribution, production or transportation of gases to be shipped by us could entitle customers to terminate our charters, which would harm our cash flow and business. In addition, the loss of a vessel as a result of terrorism or piracy would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations results in fluctuations in cash flows and operating results. Substantially all of our cash receipts are in U.S. Dollars. Our disbursements, however, are in the currency invoiced by the supplier. We remit funds in the various currencies invoiced. We convert the non-U.S. Dollar invoices received and their subsequent payments into U.S. Dollars when the transactions occur. Fluctuating exchange rates may result in increased payments by us if the strength of the U.S. Dollar declines relative to such other currencies. Our insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our vessels or result from our operations. The operation of liquefied gas carriers is inherently risky. We may not be able to adequately insure against all risks, and any particular claim may not be paid by insurance. None of our vessels are insured against loss of revenues resulting from vessel off-hire time. Certain insurance coverage is maintained through mutual protection and indemnity associations, and as a member of such associations we may be required to make additional payments over and above budgeted premiums if members claims exceed association reserves. We may be unable to procure adequate insurance coverage 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. The costs arising from a catastrophic spill or marine disaster could exceed the insurance coverage. Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks or piracy may also make certain types of insurance more expensive or more difficult to obtain. 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. Any uninsured or underinsured loss could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Restrictive covenants in our secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility impose, and any future debt facilities will impose, financial and other restrictions on us. The secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility impose, and any future debt facility will impose, operating and financial restrictions on us. The restrictions in the existing secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility may limit our ability to, among other things: • • • • pay dividends out of operating revenues generated by the vessels securing indebtedness under the facility, redeem any shares or make any other payment to our equity holders, if there is a default under any secured term loan facility, revolving credit facility or secured term loan and revolving credit facility; incur additional indebtedness, including through the issuance of guarantees; create liens on our assets; sell our vessels; • merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all our assets to, another person; • • change the flag, class or management of our vessels; and enter into a new line of business. 20 The secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility require us to maintain various financial ratios. These include requirements that we maintain specified maximum ratios of net debt to total capitalization, that we maintain specified minimum levels of cash and cash equivalents (including undrawn lines of credit with maturities greater than 12 months), that we maintain specified minimum ratios of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (consolidated EBITDA), to consolidated interest expense and that we maintain specified minimum levels of collateral coverage. Under our secured term loan facilities, if at any time the aggregate fair market value of (i) the vessels subject to a mortgage in favor of our lenders and (ii) the value of any additional collateral we grant to the lenders is less than 125% to 135%, as applicable, of the outstanding principal amount under the secured term loan facilities and any commitments to borrow additional funds, our lenders may require us to provide additional collateral. Upon notice from our lenders that additional collateral is required, we will have 30 days to either provide collateral that is acceptable to the lenders, cancel remaining commitments to lend and/or prepay outstanding debt in an amount to maintain the minimum collateral coverage ratio. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility—Financial Covenants.” The failure to comply with such covenants would cause an event of default that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Because of these covenants, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some corporate actions. Our lenders’ interests may be different from ours, and we may not be able to obtain our lenders’ permission when needed. This may limit our ability to finance our future operations and make acquisitions or pursue business opportunities. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects— Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility.” The secured term loan facilities are reducing facilities. The required repayments under the secured term loan facilities may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Loans under the secured term loan facilities are subject to quarterly repayments. If at such time we have not made alternative financing arrangements or generate substantial cash flows, any such repayments and our declining borrowing availability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. results of operations. If interest rates increase, it will affect the interest rates under our credit facilities, which could affect our Amounts borrowed under our existing credit facilities bear interest at an annual rate ranging from 2.10% to 2.70% above LIBOR. Interest rates have recently been at historic lows and any normalization in interest rates would lead to an increase in LIBOR, which would affect the amount of interest payable on amounts that we borrow under our credit facilities, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. The derivative contracts we may enter into to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates could result in higher than market interest rates and reductions in our shareholders’ equity, as well as charges against our income. We may enter into interest rate swaps for purposes of managing our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates applicable to indebtedness under our secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility which were advanced at floating rates based on LIBOR. Our hedging strategies, however, may not be effective and we may incur substantial losses if interest rates move materially differently from our expectations. To the extent our future derivative contracts may not qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes, we will recognize fluctuations in the fair value of such contracts in our statement of income. In addition, changes in the fair value of future derivative contracts, even those that qualify for treatment as hedges, will be recognized in “Other Comprehensive Income” on our balance sheet, and can affect compliance with the net worth covenant 21 our control that adversely affect the distribution, production or transportation of gases to be shipped by us could entitle customers to terminate our charters, which would harm our cash flow and business. In addition, the loss of a vessel as a result of terrorism or piracy would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Exposure to currency exchange rate fluctuations results in fluctuations in cash flows and operating results. Substantially all of our cash receipts are in U.S. Dollars. Our disbursements, however, are in the currency invoiced by the supplier. We remit funds in the various currencies invoiced. We convert the non-U.S. Dollar invoices received and their subsequent payments into U.S. Dollars when the transactions occur. Fluctuating exchange rates may result in increased payments by us if the strength of the U.S. Dollar declines relative to such other currencies. Our insurance may be insufficient to cover losses that may occur to our vessels or result from our operations. The operation of liquefied gas carriers is inherently risky. We may not be able to adequately insure against all risks, and any particular claim may not be paid by insurance. None of our vessels are insured against loss of revenues resulting from vessel off-hire time. Certain insurance coverage is maintained through mutual protection and indemnity associations, and as a member of such associations we may be required to make additional payments over and above budgeted premiums if members claims exceed association reserves. We may be unable to procure adequate insurance coverage 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. The costs arising from a catastrophic spill or marine disaster could exceed the insurance coverage. Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks or piracy may also make certain types of insurance more expensive or more difficult to obtain. 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. Any uninsured or underinsured loss could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. Restrictive covenants in our secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility impose, and any future debt facilities will impose, financial and other restrictions on us. The secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility impose, and any future debt facility will impose, operating and financial restrictions on us. The restrictions in the existing secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility may limit our ability to, among other things: • pay dividends out of operating revenues generated by the vessels securing indebtedness under the facility, redeem any shares or make any other payment to our equity holders, if there is a default under any secured term loan facility, revolving credit facility or secured term loan and revolving credit incur additional indebtedness, including through the issuance of guarantees; facility; create liens on our assets; sell our vessels; • • • • • change the flag, class or management of our vessels; and enter into a new line of business. 20 • merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all our assets to, another person; The secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility require us to maintain various financial ratios. These include requirements that we maintain specified maximum ratios of net debt to total capitalization, that we maintain specified minimum levels of cash and cash equivalents (including undrawn lines of credit with maturities greater than 12 months), that we maintain specified minimum ratios of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (consolidated EBITDA), to consolidated interest expense and that we maintain specified minimum levels of collateral coverage. Under our secured term loan facilities, if at any time the aggregate fair market value of (i) the vessels subject to a mortgage in favor of our lenders and (ii) the value of any additional collateral we grant to the lenders is less than 125% to 135%, as applicable, of the outstanding principal amount under the secured term loan facilities and any commitments to borrow additional funds, our lenders may require us to provide additional collateral. Upon notice from our lenders that additional collateral is required, we will have 30 days to either provide collateral that is acceptable to the lenders, cancel remaining commitments to lend and/or prepay outstanding debt in an amount to maintain the minimum collateral coverage ratio. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility—Financial Covenants.” The failure to comply with such covenants would cause an event of default that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Because of these covenants, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some corporate actions. Our lenders’ interests may be different from ours, and we may not be able to obtain our lenders’ permission when needed. This may limit our ability to finance our future operations and make acquisitions or pursue business opportunities. See “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects— Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility.” The secured term loan facilities are reducing facilities. The required repayments under the secured term loan facilities may adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Loans under the secured term loan facilities are subject to quarterly repayments. If at such time we have not made alternative financing arrangements or generate substantial cash flows, any such repayments and our declining borrowing availability could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. If interest rates increase, it will affect the interest rates under our credit facilities, which could affect our results of operations. Amounts borrowed under our existing credit facilities bear interest at an annual rate ranging from 2.10% to 2.70% above LIBOR. Interest rates have recently been at historic lows and any normalization in interest rates would lead to an increase in LIBOR, which would affect the amount of interest payable on amounts that we borrow under our credit facilities, which in turn could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. The derivative contracts we may enter into to hedge our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates could result in higher than market interest rates and reductions in our shareholders’ equity, as well as charges against our income. We may enter into interest rate swaps for purposes of managing our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates applicable to indebtedness under our secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility which were advanced at floating rates based on LIBOR. Our hedging strategies, however, may not be effective and we may incur substantial losses if interest rates move materially differently from our expectations. To the extent our future derivative contracts may not qualify for treatment as hedges for accounting purposes, we will recognize fluctuations in the fair value of such contracts in our statement of income. In addition, changes in the fair value of future derivative contracts, even those that qualify for treatment as hedges, will be recognized in “Other Comprehensive Income” on our balance sheet, and can affect compliance with the net worth covenant 21 requirements in our secured term loan facilities. Our financial condition could also be materially adversely affected to the extent we do not hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations under our financing arrangements under which loans have been advanced at a floating rate based on LIBOR. Any hedging activities we engage in may not effectively manage our interest rate exposure or have the desired impact on our financial conditions or results of operations. Our business depends upon certain key employees. Our future success depends to a significant extent upon our senior management, including our chairman, president and chief executive officer. Our senior management have substantial experience in the shipping industry and our chairman, president and chief executive officer and other members of the management team and others are crucial to the development of our business strategy and to the growth and development of our business. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our major shareholder may exert considerable influence on the outcome of matters on which our shareholders will be entitled to vote, and its interests may be different from yours. The WLR Group, our principal shareholder, owned approximately 39.4% of our common stock, as of December 31, 2017. The WLR Group may exert considerable influence on the outcome of matters on which our shareholders are entitled to vote, including the election of our directors to our board of directors and other significant corporate actions. The interests of the WLR Group may be different from your interests. We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations. We are a holding company and our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to satisfy our financial obligations depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of a subsidiary to make these distributions could be affected by a claim or other action by a third party, including a creditor, or by the Republic of the Marshall Islands law, which regulates the payment of dividends by companies. In addition, under the secured term loan facilities, Navigator Gas L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and our vessel-owning subsidiaries that are parties to the secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility may not make distributions to us out of operating revenues from vessels securing indebtedness thereunder, redeem any shares or make any other payment to our shareholders if an event of default has occurred and is continuing. Please read “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility.” The inability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. The vote by the United Kingdom to leave the EU could adversely affect us. The 2016 United Kingdom referendum on its membership in the European Union (the “EU”) resulted in a majority of U.K. voters voting to exit the EU (“Brexit”). As a result, we face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates as well as our ability to employ or retain employees in our UK Representative Office. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Risks Relating to Our Common Stock We may issue additional equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests. We may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity or equity-linked securities without the approval of our shareholders, subject to certain limited approval requirements of the NYSE. In particular, we may finance all or a portion of the acquisition price of future vessels, including newbuildings, that we agree to purchase through the issuance of additional shares of common stock. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation, which became effective on November 5, 2013, authorize us to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock, of which 55,531,831 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2017. The issuance by us of additional shares of common stock or other equity or equity-linked securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects: • • • our shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding share may be diminished; and the market price of the common stock may decline. Future sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Sales of a substantial number of our shares of common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common stock. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future. The WLR Group, our principal shareholder, owned approximately 39.4% of our common stock, as of December 31, 2017. In the future, the WLR Group may elect to sell large numbers of shares from time to time. We have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our common stock appreciates. We have no current plans to declare dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in us will be if you sell your shares of common stock at a price greater than you paid for it. There is no guarantee that the market price of our common stock will ever exceed the price that you pay. The obligations associated with being a public company requires significant resources and management attention. As a public company in the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act,” the listing requirements of the NYSE and other applicable securities rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual and current reports with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. However, the measures we continue to take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance 22 23 requirements in our secured term loan facilities. Our financial condition could also be materially adversely affected to the extent we do not hedge our exposure to interest rate fluctuations under our financing arrangements under which loans have been advanced at a floating rate based on LIBOR. Any hedging activities we engage in may not effectively manage our interest rate exposure or have the desired impact on our financial conditions or results of operations. Our business depends upon certain key employees. Our future success depends to a significant extent upon our senior management, including our chairman, president and chief executive officer. Our senior management have substantial experience in the shipping industry and our chairman, president and chief executive officer and other members of the management team and others are crucial to the development of our business strategy and to the growth and development of our business. The loss of any of these individuals could adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our major shareholder may exert considerable influence on the outcome of matters on which our shareholders will be entitled to vote, and its interests may be different from yours. The WLR Group, our principal shareholder, owned approximately 39.4% of our common stock, as of December 31, 2017. The WLR Group may exert considerable influence on the outcome of matters on which our shareholders are entitled to vote, including the election of our directors to our board of directors and other significant corporate actions. The interests of the WLR Group may be different from your interests. We are a holding company, and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations. We are a holding company and our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our subsidiaries. As a result, our ability to satisfy our financial obligations depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us. The ability of a subsidiary to make these distributions could be affected by a claim or other action by a third party, including a creditor, or by the Republic of the Marshall Islands law, which regulates the payment of dividends by companies. In addition, under the secured term loan facilities, Navigator Gas L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and our vessel-owning subsidiaries that are parties to the secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility may not make distributions to us out of operating revenues from vessels securing indebtedness thereunder, redeem any shares or make any other payment to our shareholders if an event of default has occurred and is continuing. Please read “Item 5—Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility.” The inability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results. The vote by the United Kingdom to leave the EU could adversely affect us. The 2016 United Kingdom referendum on its membership in the European Union (the “EU”) resulted in a majority of U.K. voters voting to exit the EU (“Brexit”). As a result, we face risks associated with the potential uncertainty and consequences that may follow Brexit, including with respect to volatility in exchange rates and interest rates as well as our ability to employ or retain employees in our UK Representative Office. Brexit could adversely affect European or worldwide political, regulatory, economic or market conditions and could contribute to instability in global political institutions, regulatory agencies and financial markets. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Risks Relating to Our Common Stock We may issue additional equity securities without your approval, which would dilute your ownership interests. We may issue additional shares of common stock or other equity or equity-linked securities without the approval of our shareholders, subject to certain limited approval requirements of the NYSE. In particular, we may finance all or a portion of the acquisition price of future vessels, including newbuildings, that we agree to purchase through the issuance of additional shares of common stock. Our amended and restated articles of incorporation, which became effective on November 5, 2013, authorize us to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock, of which 55,531,831 shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2017. The issuance by us of additional shares of common stock or other equity or equity-linked securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects: • • • our shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease; the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding share may be diminished; and the market price of the common stock may decline. Future sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Sales of a substantial number of our shares of common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common stock. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future. The WLR Group, our principal shareholder, owned approximately 39.4% of our common stock, as of December 31, 2017. In the future, the WLR Group may elect to sell large numbers of shares from time to time. We have no current plans to pay dividends on our common stock. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment is if the price of our common stock appreciates. We have no current plans to declare dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. Consequently, your only opportunity to achieve a return on your investment in us will be if you sell your shares of common stock at a price greater than you paid for it. There is no guarantee that the market price of our common stock will ever exceed the price that you pay. The obligations associated with being a public company requires significant resources and management attention. As a public company in the United States, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act,” the listing requirements of the NYSE and other applicable securities rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires that we file annual and current reports with respect to our business, financial condition and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we establish and maintain effective internal controls and procedures for financial reporting. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a public company. However, the measures we continue to take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance 22 23 practices. We intend to continue to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative costs and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected. Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue an adverse report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Failure to comply with Section 404 could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and sanctions, impair our ability to raise capital, cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and negatively affect our share price. We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses. We are a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore, we are not required to comply with all the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and related rules and regulations. Under Rule 405, the determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on June 30, 2018. In the future, we would lose our foreign private issuer status if a majority of our shareholders, directors or management are U.S. citizens or residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly higher. If we are not a foreign private issuer, we will be required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. For example, the annual report on Form 10-K requires domestic issuers to disclose executive compensation information on an individual basis with specific disclosure regarding the domestic compensation philosophy, objectives, annual total compensation (base salary, bonus, equity compensation) and potential payments in connection with change in control, retirement, death or disability, while the annual report on Form 20-F, including this annual report, permits foreign private issuers to disclose compensation information on an aggregate basis. We would also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders would become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications would involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers. We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law. Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation and bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the “BCA.” The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the Republic of the Marshall Islands law are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Shareholder rights may differ as well. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction. Because we are a Marshall Islands corporation, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management. We are a Marshall Islands corporation, and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. A majority of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States if you believe that your rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and of other jurisdictions may prevent or restrict you from enforcing a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There is substantial doubt that the courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands would (1) enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws; or (2) recognize or enforce against us or any of our officers, directors or experts, judgments of courts of the United States predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws. We are a Marshall Islands corporation, have limited operations in the United States and maintain limited assets in the United States. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have a bankruptcy statute or general statutory mechanism for insolvency proceedings. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction. These factors may delay or prevent us from entering bankruptcy in the United States and may affect the ability of our shareholders to receive any recovery following our bankruptcy. Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may have anti-takeover effects. Several provisions of our articles of incorporation, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire our company. However, these anti-takeover provisions could also discourage, delay or prevent the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and the removal of incumbent officers and directors. Blank Check Preferred Stock. Under the terms of our articles of incorporation our board of directors has the authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 40,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock. Our board could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could dilute the voting power or rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us or the removal of our management and may harm the market price of our common stock. Election of Directors. Our articles of incorporation provide that directors will be elected at each annual meeting of shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his or her death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his or her term of office. Our articles of incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the 24 25 practices. We intend to continue to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative costs and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected. Our independent registered public accounting firm is required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may issue an adverse report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Failure to comply with Section 404 could subject us to regulatory scrutiny and sanctions, impair our ability to raise capital, cause investors to lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and negatively affect our share price. and expenses. We may lose our foreign private issuer status in the future, which could result in significant additional costs We are a “foreign private issuer,” as such term is defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore, we are not required to comply with all the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and related rules and regulations. Under Rule 405, the determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on June 30, 2018. In the future, we would lose our foreign private issuer status if a majority of our shareholders, directors or management are U.S. citizens or residents and we fail to meet additional requirements necessary to avoid loss of foreign private issuer status. The regulatory and compliance costs to us under U.S. securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly higher. If we are not a foreign private issuer, we will be required to file periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer. For example, the annual report on Form 10-K requires domestic issuers to disclose executive compensation information on an individual basis with specific disclosure regarding the domestic compensation philosophy, objectives, annual total compensation (base salary, bonus, equity compensation) and potential payments in connection with change in control, retirement, death or disability, while the annual report on Form 20-F, including this annual report, permits foreign private issuers to disclose compensation information on an aggregate basis. We would also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders would become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act. We may also be required to modify certain of our policies to comply with good governance practices associated with U.S. domestic issuers. Such conversion and modifications would involve additional costs. In addition, we may lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements on U.S. stock exchanges that are available to foreign private issuers. We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law. Our corporate affairs are governed by our articles of incorporation and bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the “BCA.” The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the Republic of the Marshall Islands law are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Shareholder rights may differ as well. While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction. Because we are a Marshall Islands corporation, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management. We are a Marshall Islands corporation, and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. A majority of our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States if you believe that your rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise. Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and of other jurisdictions may prevent or restrict you from enforcing a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers. There is substantial doubt that the courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands would (1) enter judgments in original actions brought in those courts predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws; or (2) recognize or enforce against us or any of our officers, directors or experts, judgments of courts of the United States predicated on U.S. federal or state securities laws. We are a Marshall Islands corporation, have limited operations in the United States and maintain limited assets in the United States. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding involving us, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. The Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have a bankruptcy statute or general statutory mechanism for insolvency proceedings. If we become a debtor under U.S. bankruptcy law, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States, or that a U.S. bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such a bankruptcy case, or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a U.S. bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction. These factors may delay or prevent us from entering bankruptcy in the United States and may affect the ability of our shareholders to receive any recovery following our bankruptcy. Provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may have anti-takeover effects. Several provisions of our articles of incorporation, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects. These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize shareholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire our company. However, these anti-takeover provisions could also discourage, delay or prevent the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a shareholder may consider in its best interest and the removal of incumbent officers and directors. Blank Check Preferred Stock. Under the terms of our articles of incorporation our board of directors has the authority, without any further vote or action by our shareholders, to issue up to 40,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock. Our board could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could dilute the voting power or rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us or the removal of our management and may harm the market price of our common stock. Election of Directors. Our articles of incorporation provide that directors will be elected at each annual meeting of shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his or her death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his or her term of office. Our articles of incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the 24 25 election of directors. Our bylaws require shareholders to provide advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors. Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Our bylaws provide that, with a few exceptions, shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive office not less than 90 days or more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder’s notice. These provisions may impede a shareholder’s ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders. Limited Actions by Shareholders. Our bylaws provide that only the board of directors may call special meetings of our shareholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Tax Risks In addition to the following risk factors, please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Taxation of the Company” 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 stock. We will be subject to taxes. We and our subsidiaries will be subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which we are organized or operate. 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. Upon review of these positions the applicable authorities may disagree with our positions. A successful challenge by a tax authority could result in additional tax imposed on us or our subsidiaries. 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. U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders. 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,” or “PFIC,” for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75.0% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of “passive income” or at least 50.0% 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. shareholders 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 25.0% of our gross income for each taxable year was or will be non-passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of such non-passive income. This belief is based on certain valuations and projections regarding our assets, income and charters, and its validity is conditioned on the accuracy of such valuations and projections. While we believe such valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that our assumptions and conclusions will continue to be accurate at any time in the future. Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from our 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, or 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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or 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 Internal Revenue Service, or “IRS,” stated that it disagreed with the holding in Tidewater, and specified that time charters similar to those at issue in that 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 being classified as a PFIC with respect to each taxable year, we cannot assure shareholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in the future. If the IRS were to determine that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for subsequent taxable years), our U.S. shareholders would face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. Please read “Item 10—Additional Information—Taxation—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—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. shareholders if we are treated as a PFIC. We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income with respect to the operation of our vessels, which would reduce our cash flow. Under the Code, “U.S. source gross transportation income” (as defined below) generally is subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deductions, 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 50.0% of the gross transportation income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as ourselves that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States. 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 4.0% 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 both begins and ends in the United States. We believe that with respect to the operation of our vessels, we satisfied the requirements to qualify for an exemption from U.S. tax on our U.S. source gross transportation income imposed by Section 883 of the Code for 2016 and 2017, and that we will be able to satisfy those requirements for 2018 and future taxable years provided that our common stock satisfies certain listing and trading requirements and not more than 50.0% of our common stock is owned, or is deemed to be owned by operation of certain attribution rules, for more than half of the days of such year, by 5.0% shareholders. The composition of owners of our common stock, including the quantity a shareholder may purchase in a given year, and the trading volumes of our common stock, are beyond our control. As a result, there can be no assurance that we can satisfy this stock ownership requirement for the current or any future year. If we did not satisfy the stock ownership requirement, we would likely not qualify for an exemption 26 27 election of directors. Our bylaws require shareholders to provide advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors. These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors. Advance Notice Requirements for Shareholder Proposals and Director Nominations. Our bylaws provide that, with a few exceptions, shareholders seeking to nominate candidates for election as directors or to bring business before an annual meeting of shareholders must provide timely notice of their proposal in writing to the corporate secretary. Generally, to be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be received at our principal executive office not less than 90 days or more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of shareholders. Our bylaws also specify requirements as to the form and content of a shareholder’s notice. These provisions may impede a shareholder’s ability to bring matters before an annual meeting of shareholders or make nominations for directors at an annual meeting of shareholders. Limited Actions by Shareholders. Our bylaws provide that only the board of directors may call special meetings of our shareholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice. Tax Risks In addition to the following risk factors, please read “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview—Taxation of the Company” 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 stock. We will be subject to taxes. We and our subsidiaries will be subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which we are organized or operate. 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. Upon review of these positions the applicable authorities may disagree with our positions. A successful challenge by a tax authority could result in additional tax imposed on us or our subsidiaries. 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. U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders. 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,” or “PFIC,” for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75.0% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of “passive income” or at least 50.0% 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. shareholders 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 25.0% of our gross income for each taxable year was or will be non-passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of such non-passive income. This belief is based on certain valuations and projections regarding our assets, income and charters, and its validity is conditioned on the accuracy of such valuations and projections. While we believe such valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that our assumptions and conclusions will continue to be accurate at any time in the future. Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from our 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, or 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 Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or 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 Internal Revenue Service, or “IRS,” stated that it disagreed with the holding in Tidewater, and specified that time charters similar to those at issue in that 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 being classified as a PFIC with respect to each taxable year, we cannot assure shareholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in the future. If the IRS were to determine that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for subsequent taxable years), our U.S. shareholders would face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. Please read “Item 10—Additional Information—Taxation—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences—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. shareholders if we are treated as a PFIC. We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income with respect to the operation of our vessels, which would reduce our cash flow. Under the Code, “U.S. source gross transportation income” (as defined below) generally is subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deductions, 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 50.0% of the gross transportation income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as ourselves that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States. 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 4.0% 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 both begins and ends in the United States. We believe that with respect to the operation of our vessels, we satisfied the requirements to qualify for an exemption from U.S. tax on our U.S. source gross transportation income imposed by Section 883 of the Code for 2016 and 2017, and that we will be able to satisfy those requirements for 2018 and future taxable years provided that our common stock satisfies certain listing and trading requirements and not more than 50.0% of our common stock is owned, or is deemed to be owned by operation of certain attribution rules, for more than half of the days of such year, by 5.0% shareholders. The composition of owners of our common stock, including the quantity a shareholder may purchase in a given year, and the trading volumes of our common stock, are beyond our control. As a result, there can be no assurance that we can satisfy this stock ownership requirement for the current or any future year. If we did not satisfy the stock ownership requirement, we would likely not qualify for an exemption 26 27 under Section 883 for such year. If we fail to qualify for this exemption in any taxable year, U.S. source gross transportation income earned by us and our subsidiaries will generally be subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax. For a more detailed discussion of Section 883 of the Code, the rules relating to exemptions under Section 883 and our ability to qualify for an exemption, please read Item 4B “Business—Taxation of the Company—U.S. Taxation.” 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 we or 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 be subject to a net income tax in the United States (currently at a 21% rate). Item 4. Information on the Company A. History and Development of the Company General Navigator Holdings Ltd. was formed in 1997 as an Isle of Man public limited company for the purpose of building and operating a fleet of five semi-refrigerated, ethylene-capable liquefied gas carriers. In January 2003, the previous owners and managers filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 9, 2006, the Company emerged from bankruptcy. As part of the plan of reorganization, the bondholders received all of the equity interests in the Company. Lehman Brothers Inc. became our principal shareholder, holding an approximate 44.1% ownership interest (subsequently reduced to 33.0% following the issue of additional shares). In October 2012, the ownership interests held by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. were acquired by our principal shareholder, the WLR Group, which currently owns 39.4% of our common stock. Please see “Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.” In November 2013, we completed our initial public offering of 13,800,000 shares of our common stock at $19.00 per share, including the full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase an additional 1,800,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders. We offered 9,030,000 shares of common stock and certain selling shareholders offered 4,770,000 shares of common stock. We received net proceeds of approximately $156.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses, from our sale of 9,030,000 shares in the offering. Our shares of common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “NVGS.” In March 2008, we redomiciled in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and maintain our principal executive offices at 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. Our telephone number at that address is +44 20 7340 4850. Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System and its address is 650 Madison Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022. B. Business Overview We are the owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers. We provide international and regional seaborne transportation services of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users and commodity traders. These gases are transported in liquefied form, by applying cooling and/or pressure, reducing volume by up to 900 times depending on the cargo, making their transportation more efficient and economical. Vessels in our fleet are capable of loading, discharging and carrying cargoes across a range of temperatures from ambient to minus 104° Celsius and pressures from 1 bar to 6.4 bar. with capabilities between 15,000 and 24,999 cbm. Our handysize liquefied gas carriers can accommodate medium- and long-haul routes that may be uneconomical for smaller vessels and can call at ports that are unable to support larger vessels due to limited onshore capacity, absence of fully-refrigerated loading infrastructure and/ or vessel size restrictions. In addition, we have four midsize 37,300 cbm ethylene/ethane-capable semi-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers. Our midsize ethylene/ethane-capable semi-refrigerated gas carriers enable long-haul transportation of ethylene/ ethane that may be uneconomical for smaller vessels. We have one 38,000 cbm fully-refrigerated gas carrier which trades predominately from North West Europe and the Mediterranean to Morocco, carrying Ammonia. We play a vital role in the liquefied gas supply chain for energy companies, industrial consumers and commodity traders, with our sophisticated vessels providing an efficient and reliable ‘floating pipeline’ between the parties. We continue to build strong, long-term partnerships based on mutual trust, our deep technical expertise and a modern versatile fleet We also carry LPG for major international energy companies, state-owned utilities and reputable commodities traders. LPG, which consists of propane and butane, is a relatively clean alternative energy source with more than 1,000 applications, including as a heating, cooking and transportation fuel and as a petrochemical and refinery feedstock. LPG is a by-product of oil refining and LNG extraction, and shale gas, principally from the U.S. We also carry petrochemical gases for numerous industrial users. Petrochemical gases, including ethylene, propylene, butadiene and vinyl chloride monomer, are derived from the cracking of petroleum feedstocks such as ethane, LPG and naphtha and are primarily used as raw materials in various industrial processes, like the manufacture of plastics, vinyl and rubber, with a wide application of end uses. Our vessels also carry ammonia for the producers of fertilizers, a main use of ammonia for the agricultural industry, and for ammonia traders. We and Enterprise Partners L.P. announced on January 31, 2018 the execution of definitive agreements creating a 50/50 joint venture to build a new ethylene export terminal in the U.S. Gulf that will have the capacity to export approximately one million tons of ethylene per year. Refrigerated storage for 30,000 tons of ethylene will be constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 1,000 tons per hour. The project is supported by long-term contracts with customers that include ethylene producer Flint Hills Resources and a major polymer trading company. Construction remains conditioned on receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The target for the completion of the facility is the first quarter of 2020. The Company is contemplating a financing of up to $200 million to cover, in large part, its investment in the joint venture, although this may be altered as additional cost information is obtained. Our Business Strategies Our objective is to enhance shareholder value by executing the following business strategies: • Maintain a customer-driven chartering strategy. We will continue to seek and build strong partnerships through open collaboration and by continually meeting our clients’ specialist requirements, and in doing so enhance our returns through a flexible vessel employment strategy that includes a base of long term time charter commitments. In addition, we will seek to further strengthen our existing relationships with customers based on mutual trust, our depth of technical expertise and a modern versatile fleet. Our fleet consists of 38 vessels. We have 33 semi- or fully-refrigerated handy size liquefied gas carriers, of which ten are ethylene/ethane capable. We define handysize liquefied gas carriers as those liquefied gas carriers • Capitalize on the increasing demand for seaborne transportation of petrochemicals, including ethane and ethylene. We intend to use our ethane and ethylene capable vessels to pursue long term 28 29 under Section 883 for such year. If we fail to qualify for this exemption in any taxable year, U.S. source gross transportation income earned by us and our subsidiaries will generally be subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax. For a more detailed discussion of Section 883 of the Code, the rules relating to exemptions under Section 883 and our ability to qualify for an exemption, please read Item 4B “Business—Taxation of the Company—U.S. Taxation.” 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 we or 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 be subject to a net income tax in the United States (currently at a 21% rate). General Item 4. Information on the Company A. History and Development of the Company Navigator Holdings Ltd. was formed in 1997 as an Isle of Man public limited company for the purpose of building and operating a fleet of five semi-refrigerated, ethylene-capable liquefied gas carriers. In January 2003, the previous owners and managers filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. On August 9, 2006, the Company emerged from bankruptcy. As part of the plan of reorganization, the bondholders received all of the equity interests in the Company. Lehman Brothers Inc. became our principal shareholder, holding an approximate 44.1% ownership interest (subsequently reduced to 33.0% following the issue of additional shares). In October 2012, the ownership interests held by Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. were acquired by our principal shareholder, the WLR Group, which currently owns 39.4% of our common stock. Please see “Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions.” In November 2013, we completed our initial public offering of 13,800,000 shares of our common stock at $19.00 per share, including the full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase an additional 1,800,000 shares of common stock from the selling stockholders. We offered 9,030,000 shares of common stock and certain selling shareholders offered 4,770,000 shares of common stock. We received net proceeds of approximately $156.4 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses, from our sale of 9,030,000 shares in the offering. Our shares of common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “NVGS.” In March 2008, we redomiciled in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and maintain our principal executive offices at 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH. Our telephone number at that address is +44 20 7340 4850. Our agent for service of process in the United States is CT Corporation System and its address is 650 Madison Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022. B. Business Overview We are the owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers. We provide international and regional seaborne transportation services of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users and commodity traders. These gases are transported in liquefied form, by applying cooling and/or pressure, reducing volume by up to 900 times depending on the cargo, making their transportation more efficient and economical. Vessels in our fleet are capable of loading, discharging and carrying cargoes across a range of temperatures from ambient to minus 104° Celsius and pressures from 1 bar to 6.4 bar. Our fleet consists of 38 vessels. We have 33 semi- or fully-refrigerated handy size liquefied gas carriers, of which ten are ethylene/ethane capable. We define handysize liquefied gas carriers as those liquefied gas carriers with capabilities between 15,000 and 24,999 cbm. Our handysize liquefied gas carriers can accommodate medium- and long-haul routes that may be uneconomical for smaller vessels and can call at ports that are unable to support larger vessels due to limited onshore capacity, absence of fully-refrigerated loading infrastructure and/ or vessel size restrictions. In addition, we have four midsize 37,300 cbm ethylene/ethane-capable semi-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers. Our midsize ethylene/ethane-capable semi-refrigerated gas carriers enable long-haul transportation of ethylene/ ethane that may be uneconomical for smaller vessels. We have one 38,000 cbm fully-refrigerated gas carrier which trades predominately from North West Europe and the Mediterranean to Morocco, carrying Ammonia. We play a vital role in the liquefied gas supply chain for energy companies, industrial consumers and commodity traders, with our sophisticated vessels providing an efficient and reliable ‘floating pipeline’ between the parties. We continue to build strong, long-term partnerships based on mutual trust, our deep technical expertise and a modern versatile fleet We also carry LPG for major international energy companies, state-owned utilities and reputable commodities traders. LPG, which consists of propane and butane, is a relatively clean alternative energy source with more than 1,000 applications, including as a heating, cooking and transportation fuel and as a petrochemical and refinery feedstock. LPG is a by-product of oil refining and LNG extraction, and shale gas, principally from the U.S. We also carry petrochemical gases for numerous industrial users. Petrochemical gases, including ethylene, propylene, butadiene and vinyl chloride monomer, are derived from the cracking of petroleum feedstocks such as ethane, LPG and naphtha and are primarily used as raw materials in various industrial processes, like the manufacture of plastics, vinyl and rubber, with a wide application of end uses. Our vessels also carry ammonia for the producers of fertilizers, a main use of ammonia for the agricultural industry, and for ammonia traders. We and Enterprise Partners L.P. announced on January 31, 2018 the execution of definitive agreements creating a 50/50 joint venture to build a new ethylene export terminal in the U.S. Gulf that will have the capacity to export approximately one million tons of ethylene per year. Refrigerated storage for 30,000 tons of ethylene will be constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 1,000 tons per hour. The project is supported by long-term contracts with customers that include ethylene producer Flint Hills Resources and a major polymer trading company. Construction remains conditioned on receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The target for the completion of the facility is the first quarter of 2020. The Company is contemplating a financing of up to $200 million to cover, in large part, its investment in the joint venture, although this may be altered as additional cost information is obtained. Our Business Strategies Our objective is to enhance shareholder value by executing the following business strategies: • Maintain a customer-driven chartering strategy. We will continue to seek and build strong partnerships through open collaboration and by continually meeting our clients’ specialist requirements, and in doing so enhance our returns through a flexible vessel employment strategy that includes a base of long term time charter commitments. In addition, we will seek to further strengthen our existing relationships with customers based on mutual trust, our depth of technical expertise and a modern versatile fleet. • Capitalize on the increasing demand for seaborne transportation of petrochemicals, including ethane and ethylene. We intend to use our ethane and ethylene capable vessels to pursue long term 28 29 charter commitments from the anticipated increases in transportation opportunities globally for ethane and ethylene that we expect will result directly and indirectly from the growth in U.S. shale oil and gas production and associated hydro-carbons. • Assist in the development of global petrochemical infrastructure projects. We intend to use our knowledge and expertise in supporting the growth of petrochemical infrastructure projects around the world to provide stable returns and to provide incremental demand for our fleet of versatile liquefied gas carriers. We seek to assist in enabling the global flow of these petrochemical gases by providing an efficient and reliable ‘floating pipeline’ between the producers and consumers. • Become a leading participant in the seaborne transportation of the increasing U.S. petrochemicals production. We intend to take a leading role in the transportation of the sizeable volumes of additional petrochemical cargos expected to originate from the U.S. following the recent extensive investments in petrochemical production by producers and oil majors. • Maintain reputation for operational excellence. We believe we have established a track record in the industry of operational excellence based on our significant experience in the operation and ownership of highly sophisticated liquefied gas carriers. We will endeavor to maintain and improve these high standards with regard to cargo handling, vessel performance and reliability and operational excellence. • Create a strong in-house technical management function. We plan to increase the number of vessels from our fleet that we technically manage in-house, enabling us to sustain and improve the first-rate quality of our vessels’ capabilities. We now provide in-house technical management for nine of our 38 vessels, as we continue to refine and improve our systems, whilst understanding the importance of complying with health, safety and environmental regulations and well as operating to the highest standards transporting cargoes safely, efficiently and securely around the globe. • Maintain a strong balance sheet with moderate debt levels. We will seek to maintain our moderate leverage in the future by financing our growth, or refinancing our expiring debt facilities with a balanced mix of cash from operations, bank, bond and equity financings. 30 Our Fleet The following table sets forth our vessels as of March 5, 2018: Year Built Vessel Size (CBM) Employment Status Charter Expiration Date 21,000 Contract of affreightment 21,000 Contract of affreightment 21,000 Contract of affreightment December 2018 December 2018 December 2018 Operating Vessel Ethylene/ethane capable semi- refrigerated Navigator Orion (formerly known as Navigator Mars) . . . Navigator Neptune . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pluto . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Venus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Atlas . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Europa . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Oberon . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Triton . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Umbrio . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Aurora . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Eclipse . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Nova . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Prominence . . . . . . . . Semi-refrigerated Navigator Magellan . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Aries . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Capricorn . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gemini . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pegasus . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Scorpio . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Taurus . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Virgo . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Leo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Libra . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Centauri . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceres . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Copernico . . . . . . . . . Navigator Luga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Yauza . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fully-refrigerated Navigator Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Galaxy . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Genesis . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Global . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gusto . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Jorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 1998 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2011 2012 2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2017 22,085 Time charter 22,085 Spot market 22,085 Time charter 22,085 Spot market 22,085 Spot market 21,000 Spot market 21,000 Spot market 37,300 Time charter 37,300 Time charter 37,300 Time charter 37,300 Time charter 20,700 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,750 Spot market 20,750 Spot market 22,200 Spot market 22,200 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,600 Time charter 20,600 Time charter 21,000 Spot market 21,000 Time charter 21,000 Time charter 21,000 Time charter 22,000 Time charter 22,000 Time charter 22,500 Spot market 22,500 Spot market 22,500 Time charter 22,500 Spot market 22,500 Time charter 22,500 Time charter 38,000 Time charter 31 October 2020 May 2018 — — — — — — — — December 2026 November 2020 February 2019 June 2018 May 2018 March 2018 March 2018 April 2018 April 2018 April 2018 December 2023 December 2023 — April 2018 April 2018 June 2018 February 2022 April 2022 — — — March 2019 November 2018 September 2018 August 2026 charter commitments from the anticipated increases in transportation opportunities globally for ethane and ethylene that we expect will result directly and indirectly from the growth in U.S. shale oil and gas production and associated hydro-carbons. • Assist in the development of global petrochemical infrastructure projects. We intend to use our knowledge and expertise in supporting the growth of petrochemical infrastructure projects around the world to provide stable returns and to provide incremental demand for our fleet of versatile liquefied gas carriers. We seek to assist in enabling the global flow of these petrochemical gases by providing an efficient and reliable ‘floating pipeline’ between the producers and consumers. • Become a leading participant in the seaborne transportation of the increasing U.S. petrochemicals production. We intend to take a leading role in the transportation of the sizeable volumes of additional petrochemical cargos expected to originate from the U.S. following the recent extensive investments in petrochemical production by producers and oil majors. • Maintain reputation for operational excellence. We believe we have established a track record in the industry of operational excellence based on our significant experience in the operation and ownership of highly sophisticated liquefied gas carriers. We will endeavor to maintain and improve these high standards with regard to cargo handling, vessel performance and reliability and operational excellence. • Create a strong in-house technical management function. We plan to increase the number of vessels from our fleet that we technically manage in-house, enabling us to sustain and improve the first-rate quality of our vessels’ capabilities. We now provide in-house technical management for nine of our 38 vessels, as we continue to refine and improve our systems, whilst understanding the importance of complying with health, safety and environmental regulations and well as operating to the highest standards transporting cargoes safely, efficiently and securely around the globe. • Maintain a strong balance sheet with moderate debt levels. We will seek to maintain our moderate leverage in the future by financing our growth, or refinancing our expiring debt facilities with a balanced mix of cash from operations, bank, bond and equity financings. 30 Our Fleet The following table sets forth our vessels as of March 5, 2018: Operating Vessel Ethylene/ethane capable semi- refrigerated Navigator Orion (formerly known as Navigator Mars) . . . Navigator Neptune . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pluto . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Venus . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Atlas . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Europa . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Oberon . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Triton . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Umbrio . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Aurora . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Eclipse . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Nova . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Prominence . . . . . . . . Semi-refrigerated Navigator Magellan . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Aries . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Capricorn . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gemini . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pegasus . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Scorpio . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Taurus . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Virgo . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Leo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Libra . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Centauri . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceres . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Copernico . . . . . . . . . Navigator Luga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Yauza . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fully-refrigerated Navigator Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Galaxy . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Genesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Global Navigator Gusto . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Jorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year Built Vessel Size (CBM) Employment Status Charter Expiration Date 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2014 2014 2014 2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 1998 2008 2008 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2009 2011 2012 2015 2015 2016 2016 2017 2017 2010 2010 2011 2011 2011 2011 2017 22,085 Time charter 22,085 Spot market 22,085 Time charter 22,085 Spot market 22,085 Spot market 21,000 Contract of affreightment 21,000 Contract of affreightment 21,000 Contract of affreightment 21,000 Spot market 21,000 Spot market 37,300 Time charter 37,300 Time charter 37,300 Time charter 37,300 Time charter 20,700 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,750 Spot market 20,750 Spot market 22,200 Spot market 22,200 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,750 Time charter 20,600 Time charter 20,600 Time charter 21,000 Spot market 21,000 Time charter 21,000 Time charter 21,000 Time charter 22,000 Time charter 22,000 Time charter 22,500 Spot market 22,500 Spot market 22,500 Time charter 22,500 Spot market 22,500 Time charter 22,500 Time charter 38,000 Time charter 31 October 2020 — May 2018 — — December 2018 December 2018 December 2018 — — December 2026 November 2020 February 2019 June 2018 May 2018 March 2018 — — — March 2018 April 2018 April 2018 April 2018 December 2023 December 2023 — April 2018 April 2018 June 2018 February 2022 April 2022 — — March 2019 — November 2018 September 2018 August 2026 Navigator Pluto, Navigator Aries and Navigator Global, which are chartered to Pertamina, the Indonesian state- owned producer of hydrocarbons, are owned by PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, an Indonesian limited liability company, or “PTNK.” Operations in Indonesia are subject, among other things, to the Indonesian Shipping Act. That law generally provides that in order for certain vessels involved in Indonesian cabotage to obtain the requested licenses, the owners must either be wholly Indonesian owned or have a majority Indonesian shareholding. PTNK is a joint venture of which 49% of the voting and dividend rights are owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of Navigator Holdings, and 51% of such rights are owned by Indonesian limited liability companies. The joint venture agreement for PTNK provides that certain actions relating to the joint venture or the vessels require the prior written approval of Navigator Holdings’ subsidiary, which may be withheld only on reasonable grounds and in good faith. PTNK is accounted for as a fully consolidated VIE in our financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, the average monthly time charter rate for our 21 vessels operating under time charters was approximately $658,430 ($21,647 per day) per calendar month. Our current monthly charter rates range from approximately $320,000 to approximately $1,095,000. These time charter rates are the gross monthly charter rates before payment of address and brokerage commissions to charterers and their shipbrokers. Address and brokerage commissions typically range between 1.0% and 5.0% of the gross monthly charter rate. On average, we pay a 2.3% address and brokerage commission with respect to our current time charters. Our Customers We provide seaborne transportation and distribution services for LPG, ethylene, petrochemical gases and ammonia to: Time Charter • Oil and Gas Companies, such as ExxonMobil, ENI, Repsol, ENAP, Aygaz, PEMEX, BPCL, Shell, and Total SA, leading oil and gas companies; Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., or “PDVSA,” the Venezuelan state-owned integrated oil and petrochemical company; PT Pertamina (Persero), or “Pertamina,” the Indonesian state-owned producer of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals; Sibur, a Russian gas processing and petrochemicals company and Sonatrach, the national oil and gas company of Algeria; • Chemical Companies, such as SABIC, a multi-national chemicals manufacturing corporation; OCP a world leading fertilizer producer and ammonia importer; Borealis, a leading multi-national chemical corporation; Muntajat, a Qatari state-owned chemical producer; and Braskem, a Brazilian petrochemical manufacturer; • Energy Trading Companies, such as Mitsubishi International Corporation, a leading trade, commodities, finance and investment company; Kolmar and BGN, both international commodity trading companies; Geogas, a leading LPG trading company; Trafigura Limited, an international commodities trading and logistics company; SHV, a multi-national energy trader and leading LPG distributor; Vitol Group, an independent energy trading company; and Glencore PLC, a multi-national commodity trading and mining company. In 2017, an aggregate of 55.1% of our revenues were derived from a combination of a contract of affreightments and time charters with Braskem, Mitsubishi, Sibur and Pertamina. The following table sets forth the percentage of our total revenues derived from our customers for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017: Customer Braskem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitsubishi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sibur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pertamina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kolmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Percentage of Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2016 18.2% 16.4% 7.9% 9.4% 6.1% 52.0% 2017 16.5% 16.3% 11.9% 10.4% 9.5% 35.4% Vessel Employment Our chartering strategy is to combine a base of time charters and COAs with voyage charters. We currently operate a total of 38 vessels, of which 23 are employed under time charters, 12 are employed in the spot market and three under contracts of affreightment. As of December 31, 2017, 21 were employed under time charters, 12 were employed in the spot market and five were employed under contracts of affreightment. Our voyage charters during 2017 included significant seaborne transportation of petrochemicals. Our semi- refrigerated vessels are highly versatile in that they, unlike fully-refrigerated vessels, can accommodate petrochemicals, LPG and ammonia at ambient as well as fully-refrigerated temperatures. Petrochemicals (such as ethylene, ethane, propylene and butadiene) transported on spot voyage contracts during the 12 months of 2017 continued to rise accounting for 84% of all voyage days, against 77% of voyage days in 2016 and 39% in 2015. Conversely LPG voyage days continued to fall, accounting for only 16% of total voyage days in 2017. A typical petrochemical voyage is categorized as long haul, or deep sea, and is typically much longer in duration compared to handy size LPG voyages, which tend to be regional based. The underlying petrochemical voyages principally commence in the U.S., South America and the Middle East and sail to the Far East and Europe to discharge. However, these trade routes may change in the future, subject to fluctuating arbitrages between the various geographical regions. A time charter is a contract under which a vessel is chartered for a defined period of time at a fixed daily or monthly rate. Under time charters, we are responsible for providing crewing and other vessel operating services, the cost of which is intended to be covered by the fixed rate, while the customer is responsible for substantially all of the voyage expenses, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. Initial Term. The initial term for a time charter commences upon the vessel’s delivery to the customer. Under the terms of our charters, the customer may redeliver the vessel to us up to 15 to 30 days earlier or up to 15 to 30 days later than the respective charter expiration dates, upon advance notice to us. Hire Rate. The hire rate refers to the basic payment by the customer for the use of the vessel. Under our time charters, the hire rate is payable monthly in advance in U.S. Dollars, or in case of the three ships chartered to Pertamina, in Indonesian Rupiah, as specified in the charter. Hire 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. 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 charter hire, and the shipowner is responsible for all costs. Prolonged off-hire may lead to vessel substitution or 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: • • technical breakdowns; drydocking for repairs, maintenance or inspections; equipment breakdowns; or delays due to accidents, strikes, certain vessel detentions or operational issues; or our failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew. Management and Maintenance. Under our time charters, we are responsible for providing for the technical management of the vessel and for maintaining the vessel, periodic drydocking, cleaning and painting and performing work required by regulations. Currently, we work together with two third party technical managers, 33 Navigator Pluto, Navigator Aries and Navigator Global, which are chartered to Pertamina, the Indonesian state- owned producer of hydrocarbons, are owned by PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, an Indonesian limited liability company, or “PTNK.” Operations in Indonesia are subject, among other things, to the Indonesian Shipping Act. That law generally provides that in order for certain vessels involved in Indonesian cabotage to obtain the requested licenses, the owners must either be wholly Indonesian owned or have a majority Indonesian shareholding. PTNK is a joint venture of which 49% of the voting and dividend rights are owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of Navigator Holdings, and 51% of such rights are owned by Indonesian limited liability companies. The joint venture agreement for PTNK provides that certain actions relating to the joint venture or the vessels require the prior written approval of Navigator Holdings’ subsidiary, which may be withheld only on reasonable grounds and in good faith. PTNK is accounted for as a fully consolidated VIE in our financial statements. As of December 31, 2017, the average monthly time charter rate for our 21 vessels operating under time charters was approximately $658,430 ($21,647 per day) per calendar month. Our current monthly charter rates range from approximately $320,000 to approximately $1,095,000. These time charter rates are the gross monthly charter rates before payment of address and brokerage commissions to charterers and their shipbrokers. Address and brokerage commissions typically range between 1.0% and 5.0% of the gross monthly charter rate. On average, we pay a 2.3% address and brokerage commission with respect to our current time charters. Our Customers ammonia to: • Oil and Gas Companies, such as ExxonMobil, ENI, Repsol, ENAP, Aygaz, PEMEX, BPCL, Shell, and Total SA, leading oil and gas companies; Petróleos de Venezuela S.A., or “PDVSA,” the Venezuelan state-owned integrated oil and petrochemical company; PT Pertamina (Persero), or “Pertamina,” the Indonesian state-owned producer of hydrocarbons and petrochemicals; Sibur, a Russian gas processing and petrochemicals company and Sonatrach, the national oil and gas company of Algeria; • Chemical Companies, such as SABIC, a multi-national chemicals manufacturing corporation; OCP a world leading fertilizer producer and ammonia importer; Borealis, a leading multi-national chemical corporation; Muntajat, a Qatari state-owned chemical producer; and Braskem, a Brazilian petrochemical manufacturer; • Energy Trading Companies, such as Mitsubishi International Corporation, a leading trade, commodities, finance and investment company; Kolmar and BGN, both international commodity trading companies; Geogas, a leading LPG trading company; Trafigura Limited, an international commodities trading and logistics company; SHV, a multi-national energy trader and leading LPG distributor; Vitol Group, an independent energy trading company; and Glencore PLC, a multi-national commodity trading and mining company. In 2017, an aggregate of 55.1% of our revenues were derived from a combination of a contract of affreightments and time charters with Braskem, Mitsubishi, Sibur and Pertamina. The following table sets forth the percentage of our total revenues derived from our customers for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017: Customer Braskem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mitsubishi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sibur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pertamina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kolmar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Percentage of Total Revenues Year Ended December 31, 2016 18.2% 16.4% 7.9% 9.4% 6.1% 52.0% 2017 16.5% 16.3% 11.9% 10.4% 9.5% 35.4% Vessel Employment Our chartering strategy is to combine a base of time charters and COAs with voyage charters. We currently operate a total of 38 vessels, of which 23 are employed under time charters, 12 are employed in the spot market and three under contracts of affreightment. As of December 31, 2017, 21 were employed under time charters, 12 were employed in the spot market and five were employed under contracts of affreightment. Our voyage charters during 2017 included significant seaborne transportation of petrochemicals. Our semi- refrigerated vessels are highly versatile in that they, unlike fully-refrigerated vessels, can accommodate petrochemicals, LPG and ammonia at ambient as well as fully-refrigerated temperatures. Petrochemicals (such as ethylene, ethane, propylene and butadiene) transported on spot voyage contracts during the 12 months of 2017 continued to rise accounting for 84% of all voyage days, against 77% of voyage days in 2016 and 39% in 2015. Conversely LPG voyage days continued to fall, accounting for only 16% of total voyage days in 2017. A typical petrochemical voyage is categorized as long haul, or deep sea, and is typically much longer in duration compared to handy size LPG voyages, which tend to be regional based. The underlying petrochemical voyages principally commence in the U.S., South America and the Middle East and sail to the Far East and Europe to discharge. However, these trade routes may change in the future, subject to fluctuating arbitrages between the various geographical regions. We provide seaborne transportation and distribution services for LPG, ethylene, petrochemical gases and Time Charter A time charter is a contract under which a vessel is chartered for a defined period of time at a fixed daily or monthly rate. Under time charters, we are responsible for providing crewing and other vessel operating services, the cost of which is intended to be covered by the fixed rate, while the customer is responsible for substantially all of the voyage expenses, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. Initial Term. The initial term for a time charter commences upon the vessel’s delivery to the customer. Under the terms of our charters, the customer may redeliver the vessel to us up to 15 to 30 days earlier or up to 15 to 30 days later than the respective charter expiration dates, upon advance notice to us. Hire Rate. The hire rate refers to the basic payment by the customer for the use of the vessel. Under our time charters, the hire rate is payable monthly in advance in U.S. Dollars, or in case of the three ships chartered to Pertamina, in Indonesian Rupiah, as specified in the charter. Hire 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. 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 charter hire, and the shipowner is responsible for all costs. Prolonged off-hire may lead to vessel substitution or 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: • • technical breakdowns; drydocking for repairs, maintenance or inspections; equipment breakdowns; or delays due to accidents, strikes, certain vessel detentions or operational issues; or our failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew. Management and Maintenance. Under our time charters, we are responsible for providing for the technical management of the vessel and for maintaining the vessel, periodic drydocking, cleaning and painting and performing work required by regulations. Currently, we work together with two third party technical managers, 33 NMM and Thome as well as our own in-house technical management function, to arrange for these services to be provided for all of our vessels. Please read “—Technical Management of the Fleet” for a description of the material terms of the technical management agreements. Intermediate Surveys. Extended annual surveys are referred to as intermediate surveys and typically are conducted two and a half years after commissioning and each class renewal. Intermediate surveys may be carried out on the occasion of the second or third annual survey. Termination. Each of our time charters terminates automatically in the event of loss of the applicable vessel. In addition, we are generally entitled to suspend performance (but with the continuing accrual to our benefit of hire payments and default interest) under most of the time charters if the customer defaults in its payment obligations. Under most of the time charters, either party may also terminate the charter in the event of war in specified countries or in locations that would significantly disrupt the free trade of the vessel. Voyage Charter/ Contract of Affreightment (“COA”) A voyage charter is a contract, typically for shorter intervals, for transportation of a specified cargo between two or more designated ports. A COA essentially constitutes a series of voyage charters to carry a specified quantity of cargo during a specified time period. A voyage charter is priced on a current or “spot” market rate, typically on a price per ton of product carried rather than a daily or monthly rate. Under voyage charters, we are responsible for all of the voyage expenses in addition to providing the crewing and other vessel operating services. Term. Our voyage charters are typically for periods ranging from 10 days to three months. Freight Rate. The freight rate refers to the basic payment by the customer for the use of the vessel or movement of cargo. Under our voyage charters, the freight rate is payable upon discharge, in U.S. Dollars, as specified in the charter. Management, Maintenance and Voyage Expenses. Under our voyage charters, we are responsible for providing for the technical management of the vessel in the same manner as for time charters referred to above. We are also responsible for all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. Termination. Each of our voyage charters terminates automatically upon the discharge of the cargo at the discharge port and a COA terminates when we have discharged the final cargo at its discharge port. Classification and Inspections Every 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 maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies 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 will 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 inspections that are required by the 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 and machinery, including the electrical plant, and any special equipment classed are required to be performed as follows: Annual Surveys. For seagoing ships, annual surveys are conducted for the hull and machinery, including the electrical plant, and where applicable, on special equipment classed at intervals of 12 months from the date of commencement of the class period indicated in the certificate. Class Renewal Surveys. Class renewal surveys (also known as special surveys), which require the vessel to enter drydock, are carried out on the ship’s hull and machinery, including the electrical plant, and on any special equipment classed at the intervals indicated by the character of classification for the hull. During the special survey, the vessel is thoroughly examined, including audio-gauging to determine the thickness of the steel structures. Should the thickness be found to be less than class requirements, the classification society would prescribe steel renewals. On vessels which are over 15 years old, substantial amounts of funds 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, 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. Commercial Management of the Fleet We perform commercial management of our vessels in-house through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Navigator Gas L.L.C., under the terms of individual management contracts between Navigator Gas L.L.C. and each of our vessel-owning subsidiaries. Commercial management includes all chartering services for our vessels. Navigator Gas L.L.C. in turn has appointed its wholly-owned subsidiary, NGT Services (UK) Limited, as its agent for commercial services for our vessels. Technical Management of the Fleet General We outsource the technical management of a significant number of our vessels, to NMM and Thome, third-party technical management companies, under the terms of standard ship management agreements, or the “technical management agreements.” We refer to NMM and Thome herein as our “technical managers.” We currently provide in-house technical management to nine of our vessels. NMM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stena AB Gothenburg, formed in 1983 and located in Clydebank, Scotland. Thome Ship Management was formed in 1976, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thome Group located in Singapore. Each of our technical managers involved in the management of a wide range of vessels, with NMM having over 100 vessels under management and Thome over 300 vessels under management. Our technical managers have fully-owned crew recruitment agencies in major crew recruitment countries, are active in all aspects of technical, marine and crewing activities, and are each accredited to International Standards Organization (“ISO”) 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. We believe our technical managers manage all of their vessels in a safe and proper manner in accordance with owners’ requirements, design parameters, flag state and class requirements, charter party requirements and the international safety management code. During 2017, we continued to expand our in-house technical management, transferring a further four vessels in-house from our technical managers. As we grow, we intend to seek opportunities to gain greater control over the management of our vessels and enhance customer service, reliability and our relationship with our charterers. Prior to 2016, we had not provided in-house technical management for any vessel in our fleet. Providing in-house technical management for any vessel in our fleet may impose significant additional responsibilities on our management and staff. Please see “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business” We believe our vessels are operated in a manner intended to protect the safety and health of employees, the general public and the environment. We actively manage the risks inherent in our business and are committed to eliminating incidents that threaten safety and the integrity of the vessels, such as groundings, fires, collisions and petroleum spills. We are also committed to reducing emissions and waste generation. 34 35 NMM and Thome as well as our own in-house technical management function, to arrange for these services to be provided for all of our vessels. Please read “—Technical Management of the Fleet” for a description of the material terms of the technical management agreements. Intermediate Surveys. Extended annual surveys are referred to as intermediate surveys and typically are conducted two and a half years after commissioning and each class renewal. Intermediate surveys may be carried out on the occasion of the second or third annual survey. Termination. Each of our time charters terminates automatically in the event of loss of the applicable vessel. In addition, we are generally entitled to suspend performance (but with the continuing accrual to our benefit of hire payments and default interest) under most of the time charters if the customer defaults in its payment obligations. Under most of the time charters, either party may also terminate the charter in the event of war in specified countries or in locations that would significantly disrupt the free trade of the vessel. Voyage Charter/ Contract of Affreightment (“COA”) A voyage charter is a contract, typically for shorter intervals, for transportation of a specified cargo between two or more designated ports. A COA essentially constitutes a series of voyage charters to carry a specified quantity of cargo during a specified time period. A voyage charter is priced on a current or “spot” market rate, typically on a price per ton of product carried rather than a daily or monthly rate. Under voyage charters, we are responsible for all of the voyage expenses in addition to providing the crewing and other vessel operating services. Term. Our voyage charters are typically for periods ranging from 10 days to three months. Freight Rate. The freight rate refers to the basic payment by the customer for the use of the vessel or movement of cargo. Under our voyage charters, the freight rate is payable upon discharge, in U.S. Dollars, as specified in the charter. Management, Maintenance and Voyage Expenses. Under our voyage charters, we are responsible for providing for the technical management of the vessel in the same manner as for time charters referred to above. We are also responsible for all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. Termination. Each of our voyage charters terminates automatically upon the discharge of the cargo at the discharge port and a COA terminates when we have discharged the final cargo at its discharge port. Classification and Inspections Every 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 maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies 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 will 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 inspections that are required by the 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 and machinery, including the electrical plant, and any special equipment classed are required to be performed as follows: Annual Surveys. For seagoing ships, annual surveys are conducted for the hull and machinery, including the electrical plant, and where applicable, on special equipment classed at intervals of 12 months from the date of commencement of the class period indicated in the certificate. Class Renewal Surveys. Class renewal surveys (also known as special surveys), which require the vessel to enter drydock, are carried out on the ship’s hull and machinery, including the electrical plant, and on any special equipment classed at the intervals indicated by the character of classification for the hull. During the special survey, the vessel is thoroughly examined, including audio-gauging to determine the thickness of the steel structures. Should the thickness be found to be less than class requirements, the classification society would prescribe steel renewals. On vessels which are over 15 years old, substantial amounts of funds 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, 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. Commercial Management of the Fleet We perform commercial management of our vessels in-house through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Navigator Gas L.L.C., under the terms of individual management contracts between Navigator Gas L.L.C. and each of our vessel-owning subsidiaries. Commercial management includes all chartering services for our vessels. Navigator Gas L.L.C. in turn has appointed its wholly-owned subsidiary, NGT Services (UK) Limited, as its agent for commercial services for our vessels. Technical Management of the Fleet General We outsource the technical management of a significant number of our vessels, to NMM and Thome, third-party technical management companies, under the terms of standard ship management agreements, or the “technical management agreements.” We refer to NMM and Thome herein as our “technical managers.” We currently provide in-house technical management to nine of our vessels. NMM is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Stena AB Gothenburg, formed in 1983 and located in Clydebank, Scotland. Thome Ship Management was formed in 1976, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Thome Group located in Singapore. Each of our technical managers involved in the management of a wide range of vessels, with NMM having over 100 vessels under management and Thome over 300 vessels under management. Our technical managers have fully-owned crew recruitment agencies in major crew recruitment countries, are active in all aspects of technical, marine and crewing activities, and are each accredited to International Standards Organization (“ISO”) 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. We believe our technical managers manage all of their vessels in a safe and proper manner in accordance with owners’ requirements, design parameters, flag state and class requirements, charter party requirements and the international safety management code. During 2017, we continued to expand our in-house technical management, transferring a further four vessels in-house from our technical managers. As we grow, we intend to seek opportunities to gain greater control over the management of our vessels and enhance customer service, reliability and our relationship with our charterers. Prior to 2016, we had not provided in-house technical management for any vessel in our fleet. Providing in-house technical management for any vessel in our fleet may impose significant additional responsibilities on our management and staff. Please see “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business” We believe our vessels are operated in a manner intended to protect the safety and health of employees, the general public and the environment. We actively manage the risks inherent in our business and are committed to eliminating incidents that threaten safety and the integrity of the vessels, such as groundings, fires, collisions and petroleum spills. We are also committed to reducing emissions and waste generation. 34 35 Technical Management Services • after notice to us of the default and a reasonable amount of time to remedy, we fail to: Under the terms of our ship management agreements with our technical managers, and under our supervision, our technical managers are responsible for the day-to-day activities of our externally managed fleet and are required to, among other things: • • • • • • • • • • • provide competent personnel to operate and supervise the maintenance and general efficiency of our vessels; arrange and supervise the maintenance, drydockings, repairs, alterations and upkeep of our vessels to the standards required by us and in accordance with all requirements and recommendations of our vessels’ classification society, flag state and applicable national and international regulations; ensure that our vessels comply with the law of their flag state; arrange the supply of necessary stores, spares and lubricating oil for our vessels; appoint such surveyors and technical consultants as they may consider from time to time necessary; operate the vessels in accordance with the ISM Code and the ISPS Code; develop, implement and maintain a safety management system in accordance with the ISM Code; arrange the sampling and testing of bunkers; install planned maintenance system software on-board our vessels; provide emergency response services and support to our vessels in case of an incident or accident; and operate our vessels in accordance with the agreed budgets. In the event that our technical managers pay certain expenses attributable to us, we have agreed to indemnify our technical managers against such expenses. In the event that our technical managers (or any of their related companies) are sued as a result of a breach or alleged breach of an obligation of ours to a third party, we have agreed to defend our technical managers (or their related companies) and indemnify our technical managers (and their related companies) against certain expenses incurred in their defense. Fees and Expenses As consideration for providing us with both technical and crewing management for our fleet, our third party managers currently receive a management fee of approximately $0.2 million per vessel per year, payable in equal monthly instalments in advance. The crewing management fee for our in-house technically managed vessels is approx. $0.1 million per vessel per year. We pay for any expenses incurred in connection with operating expenses for our vessels. We carry insurance coverage consistent with industry standards for certain matters, but we cannot assure you that our insurance will be adequate to cover all extraordinary costs and expenses. Please read “—Insurance and Risk Management.” Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any costs and expenses are caused solely by our technical managers’ negligence or willful default, our technical managers will be responsible for them subject to certain limitations. Our technical managers are insured against claims of errors and omissions by third parties. Term and Termination Rights The ship management agreements automatically renew on their termination dates unless terminated by either party with three months’ prior written notice. Our technical managers may also terminate any of the ship management agreements immediately upon written termination notice to us if: • they do not receive amounts payable by us under the agreement within the time period specified for payment thereof, or if the vessels are repossessed by any vessel mortgagees; or • • comply with our obligation to indemnify them for any expenses attributable to us or defend them (and their related companies) against any third party claims based on a breach or alleged breach of an obligation of ours to a third party; or cease the employment of our vessels in the transportation of contraband, blockage running, or in an unlawful trade, or on a voyage that in their reasonable opinion is unduly hazardous or improper. If, for any reason under our technical managers’ control, our technical managers fail to provide the services agreed upon under the terms of the management agreements or they fail to provide for the satisfaction of all requirements of the law of the vessels’ flag state or the ISM Code, we may terminate the agreements immediately upon written notice of termination to our technical managers, as applicable, if, after notice to our technical managers of the default and a reasonable amount of time to remedy, they fail to remedy the default to our satisfaction. The technical management agreements will automatically terminate (i) if the vessels are sold, are requisitioned, become a total loss or are declared as a constructive, compromised or arranged total loss, (ii) in the event of our winding up, dissolution, bankruptcy or the appointment of a receiver, or (iii) if we suspend payments, cease to carry on business or make any special arrangement with our creditors. Under the terms of the NMM and Thome ship management agreements, in the event that the technical management agreement is terminated for any reason other than by reason of default by either technical manager or the loss, sale or other disposition of the vessels, we are obligated to continue to pay the management fee for three calendar months from the termination date. Crewing • • • • • We have entered into crew management agreements with our technical managers for each of our vessels. Under the terms of the crew management agreements, our technical managers are responsible for arranging crews for our fleet and are required to, among other things: select and supply a suitably qualified crew for each vessel in our fleet; pay all crew wages and salaries; ensure that the applicable requirements of the laws of our vessels’ flag states are satisfied in respect of the rank, qualification and certification of the crew; pay the costs of obtaining all documentation necessary for the crew’s employment, such as vaccination certificates, passports, visas and licenses; and pay all costs and expenses of transportation of the crews to and from the vessels while traveling. Unless two months’ prior written notice of termination is given, the agreements are automatically extended. Crewing costs could be higher due to increased demand for qualified officers as the worldwide LNG and LPG carrier fleet continues to grow. Please read “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—A shortage of qualified officers makes it more difficult to crew our vessels and increases our operating costs. If a shortage were to develop, it could impair our ability to operate and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.” We believe that the crewing arrangements ensure that our vessels are crewed with qualified seafarers that have the licenses required by international regulations and conventions. As of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 1,600 seagoing staff. 36 37 Technical Management Services • after notice to us of the default and a reasonable amount of time to remedy, we fail to: • • • • • • • • • • • Under the terms of our ship management agreements with our technical managers, and under our supervision, our technical managers are responsible for the day-to-day activities of our externally managed fleet and are required to, among other things: vessels; provide competent personnel to operate and supervise the maintenance and general efficiency of our arrange and supervise the maintenance, drydockings, repairs, alterations and upkeep of our vessels to the standards required by us and in accordance with all requirements and recommendations of our vessels’ classification society, flag state and applicable national and international regulations; ensure that our vessels comply with the law of their flag state; arrange the supply of necessary stores, spares and lubricating oil for our vessels; appoint such surveyors and technical consultants as they may consider from time to time necessary; operate the vessels in accordance with the ISM Code and the ISPS Code; develop, implement and maintain a safety management system in accordance with the ISM Code; arrange the sampling and testing of bunkers; install planned maintenance system software on-board our vessels; provide emergency response services and support to our vessels in case of an incident or accident; and operate our vessels in accordance with the agreed budgets. In the event that our technical managers pay certain expenses attributable to us, we have agreed to indemnify our technical managers against such expenses. In the event that our technical managers (or any of their related companies) are sued as a result of a breach or alleged breach of an obligation of ours to a third party, we have agreed to defend our technical managers (or their related companies) and indemnify our technical managers (and their related companies) against certain expenses incurred in their defense. Fees and Expenses expenses for our vessels. Management.” As consideration for providing us with both technical and crewing management for our fleet, our third party managers currently receive a management fee of approximately $0.2 million per vessel per year, payable in equal monthly instalments in advance. The crewing management fee for our in-house technically managed vessels is approx. $0.1 million per vessel per year. We pay for any expenses incurred in connection with operating We carry insurance coverage consistent with industry standards for certain matters, but we cannot assure you that our insurance will be adequate to cover all extraordinary costs and expenses. Please read “—Insurance and Risk Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any costs and expenses are caused solely by our technical managers’ negligence or willful default, our technical managers will be responsible for them subject to certain limitations. Our technical managers are insured against claims of errors and omissions by third parties. Term and Termination Rights The ship management agreements automatically renew on their termination dates unless terminated by either party with three months’ prior written notice. Our technical managers may also terminate any of the ship management agreements immediately upon written termination notice to us if: • they do not receive amounts payable by us under the agreement within the time period specified for payment thereof, or if the vessels are repossessed by any vessel mortgagees; or • • comply with our obligation to indemnify them for any expenses attributable to us or defend them (and their related companies) against any third party claims based on a breach or alleged breach of an obligation of ours to a third party; or cease the employment of our vessels in the transportation of contraband, blockage running, or in an unlawful trade, or on a voyage that in their reasonable opinion is unduly hazardous or improper. If, for any reason under our technical managers’ control, our technical managers fail to provide the services agreed upon under the terms of the management agreements or they fail to provide for the satisfaction of all requirements of the law of the vessels’ flag state or the ISM Code, we may terminate the agreements immediately upon written notice of termination to our technical managers, as applicable, if, after notice to our technical managers of the default and a reasonable amount of time to remedy, they fail to remedy the default to our satisfaction. The technical management agreements will automatically terminate (i) if the vessels are sold, are requisitioned, become a total loss or are declared as a constructive, compromised or arranged total loss, (ii) in the event of our winding up, dissolution, bankruptcy or the appointment of a receiver, or (iii) if we suspend payments, cease to carry on business or make any special arrangement with our creditors. Under the terms of the NMM and Thome ship management agreements, in the event that the technical management agreement is terminated for any reason other than by reason of default by either technical manager or the loss, sale or other disposition of the vessels, we are obligated to continue to pay the management fee for three calendar months from the termination date. Crewing We have entered into crew management agreements with our technical managers for each of our vessels. Under the terms of the crew management agreements, our technical managers are responsible for arranging crews for our fleet and are required to, among other things: • • • • • select and supply a suitably qualified crew for each vessel in our fleet; pay all crew wages and salaries; ensure that the applicable requirements of the laws of our vessels’ flag states are satisfied in respect of the rank, qualification and certification of the crew; pay the costs of obtaining all documentation necessary for the crew’s employment, such as vaccination certificates, passports, visas and licenses; and pay all costs and expenses of transportation of the crews to and from the vessels while traveling. Unless two months’ prior written notice of termination is given, the agreements are automatically extended. Crewing costs could be higher due to increased demand for qualified officers as the worldwide LNG and LPG carrier fleet continues to grow. Please read “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—A shortage of qualified officers makes it more difficult to crew our vessels and increases our operating costs. If a shortage were to develop, it could impair our ability to operate and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.” We believe that the crewing arrangements ensure that our vessels are crewed with qualified seafarers that have the licenses required by international regulations and conventions. As of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 1,600 seagoing staff. 36 37 Insurance and Risk Management Risk Management The operation of any ocean going vessel carries an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disasters, death or injury of persons and property losses caused by adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, human error, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. The occurrence of any of these events may result in loss of revenues or increased costs. While we believe that our present insurance coverage is adequate, 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. Hull and Machinery We carry “hull and machinery” insurance for each of our vessels, which insures against the risk of actual or constructive total loss of our vessels. Hull and machinery insurance also covers damage to mechanical equipment on board and loss of, or damage to a vessel due to marine perils such as collisions, grounding and weather. Each vessel in our existing fleet is covered for up to $100.0 million, with deductibles of $0.1 million. War Risks Insurance We also carry insurance policies covering war risks (including piracy and terrorism). Each vessel in our existing fleet is covered for up to $100.0 million, with no deductible. When our vessels travel into certain hostile regions, we are required to notify our war risk insurance carrier, and may incur an additional premium of approximately $4,000 per breach, generally for up to seven days. These additional premiums are typically paid by the charterers pursuant to the terms of our time charter agreements and are paid by us under the terms of our voyage charter and COA agreements. Protection and Indemnity Insurance Associations We also carry “protection and indemnity” insurance for each of the vessels in our existing fleet to protect against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business. Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or “P&I Associations,” and covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss of or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Each of the vessels in our existing fleet is entered in the Standard Steamship Owners’ Protection & Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Limited, or “The Standard Club,” or the Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited, or “Britannia,” both P&I Associations which are members of The International Group of P&I Clubs, or “The International Group.” The Standard Club and Britannia each insure in excess of 100 million gross tons of shipping from all parts of the world and from all sectors of the shipping industry. The Standard Club and Britannia each have entered into pooling agreements to reinsure the respective association’s liabilities. Each International Group P&I Association currently bears the first $10.0 million of each claim. The excess of each claim over $10.0 million up to $30.0 million is shared by the P&I Associations under the pooling agreement. The excess of each claim over $30.0 million is shared by the members of The International Group under a reinsurance contract, which provides coverage of up to $3.1 billion per claim. Claims which exceed $3.1 billion are pooled between The International Group by way of “overspill” up to approximately $5.5 billion, which represents the current coverage limit per vessel per incident. Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is limited to $1.0 billion per vessel per incident, with the following per vessel per incident deductibles: $22,000 to $24,200 for fixed and floating objects claims, $50,000 to $55,000 for collisions, $6,050 to $7,500 for crew claims, $8,500 to $12,500 for cargo damage and $5,500 to $7,000 for all other incidents. As a member of both The Standard Club and Britannia, each of which is a member of The International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations, and members of the pool of P&I Associations comprising The International Group. To assess and mitigate risk we use computer based risk assessment tools, root cause analysis programs, planned and condition based maintenance programs, seafarers competence training programs, computer based training modules, seafarers workshops and seminars, as well as membership in emergency response organizations. Environmental and Other Regulation General Governmental and international agencies extensively regulate the ownership and operation of our vessels. These regulations include international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations in the countries where our vessels now or, in the future, will operate or where our vessels are registered. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these regulations, or the impact that these regulations will have on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. Various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies require us to obtain permits, licenses and certificates for the operation of our vessels. Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and have all permits, licenses and certificates required for our vessels, future non-compliance or failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or temporarily suspend operation of one or more of our vessels. A variety of governmental and private entities inspect our vessels on both a scheduled and unscheduled basis. These entities, each of which may have unique requirements and each of which conducts frequent inspections, include local and port state authorities, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, harbor master or equivalent, classification societies, flag state, or the administration of the country of registry and charterers. We expect that our vessels will also be subject to inspection by these governmental and private entities on both a scheduled and unscheduled basis. We believe that the heightened levels of environmental and quality concerns among insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers have led to greater inspection and safety requirements on all vessels and may accelerate the scrapping of older vessels throughout the industry. Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for tankers that conform to the stricter environmental standards. We will be required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with applicable local, national and international environmental laws and regulations. We intend to assure that the operation of our vessels will be in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels will have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations are frequently changed and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that results in significant oil pollution or otherwise causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our results of operations or financial condition. NMM holds the International Standards Organization, or “ISO,” Environmental Standard for the management of the significant environmental aspects associated with the ownership and operation of a fleet of drybulk carriers and vessels. NMM and Thome have received their ISO 9001 certification (quality management systems), the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard, and NMM the ISO 50001 (energy efficiency). In summary terms, the ISO 14001 certification requires that we commit managerial resources to act on our environmental policy through an effective management system. International Maritime Regulations The IMO is the United Nations’ agency that provides international regulations governing shipping and international maritime trade. The requirements contained in the ISM Code, promulgated by the IMO, govern our 38 39 Insurance and Risk Management Risk Management The operation of any ocean going vessel carries an inherent risk of catastrophic marine disasters, death or injury of persons and property losses caused by adverse weather conditions, mechanical failures, human error, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. The occurrence of any of these events may result in loss of revenues or increased costs. While we believe that our present insurance coverage is adequate, 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 carry “hull and machinery” insurance for each of our vessels, which insures against the risk of actual or constructive total loss of our vessels. Hull and machinery insurance also covers damage to mechanical equipment on board and loss of, or damage to a vessel due to marine perils such as collisions, grounding and weather. Each vessel in our existing fleet is covered for up to $100.0 million, with deductibles of $0.1 million. Hull and Machinery War Risks Insurance We also carry insurance policies covering war risks (including piracy and terrorism). Each vessel in our existing fleet is covered for up to $100.0 million, with no deductible. When our vessels travel into certain hostile regions, we are required to notify our war risk insurance carrier, and may incur an additional premium of approximately $4,000 per breach, generally for up to seven days. These additional premiums are typically paid by the charterers pursuant to the terms of our time charter agreements and are paid by us under the terms of our voyage charter and COA agreements. Protection and Indemnity Insurance Associations We also carry “protection and indemnity” insurance for each of the vessels in our existing fleet to protect against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business. Protection and indemnity insurance is provided by mutual protection and indemnity associations, or “P&I Associations,” and covers our third-party liabilities in connection with our shipping activities. This includes third-party liability and other related expenses of injury or death of crew, passengers and other third parties, loss of or damage to cargo, claims arising from collisions with other vessels, damage to other third-party property, pollution arising from oil or other substances, and salvage, towing and other related costs, including wreck removal. Each of the vessels in our existing fleet is entered in the Standard Steamship Owners’ Protection & Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Limited, or “The Standard Club,” or the Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited, or “Britannia,” both P&I Associations which are members of The International Group of P&I Clubs, or “The International Group.” The Standard Club and Britannia each insure in excess of 100 million gross tons of shipping from all parts of the world and from all sectors of the shipping industry. The Standard Club and Britannia each have entered into pooling agreements to reinsure the respective association’s liabilities. Each International Group P&I Association currently bears the first $10.0 million of each claim. The excess of each claim over $10.0 million up to $30.0 million is shared by the P&I Associations under the pooling agreement. The excess of each claim over $30.0 million is shared by the members of The International Group under a reinsurance contract, which provides coverage of up to $3.1 billion per claim. Claims which exceed $3.1 billion are pooled between The International Group by way of “overspill” up to approximately $5.5 billion, which represents the current coverage limit per vessel per incident. Our current protection and indemnity insurance coverage for pollution is limited to $1.0 billion per vessel per incident, with the following per vessel per incident deductibles: $22,000 to $24,200 for fixed and floating objects claims, $50,000 to $55,000 for collisions, $6,050 to $7,500 for crew claims, $8,500 to $12,500 for cargo damage and $5,500 to $7,000 for all other incidents. As a member of both The Standard Club and Britannia, each of which is a member of The International Group, we are subject to calls payable to the associations based on our claim records as well as the claim records of all other members of the individual associations, and members of the pool of P&I Associations comprising The International Group. To assess and mitigate risk we use computer based risk assessment tools, root cause analysis programs, planned and condition based maintenance programs, seafarers competence training programs, computer based training modules, seafarers workshops and seminars, as well as membership in emergency response organizations. Environmental and Other Regulation General Governmental and international agencies extensively regulate the ownership and operation of our vessels. These regulations include international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations in the countries where our vessels now or, in the future, will operate or where our vessels are registered. We cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these regulations, or the impact that these regulations will have on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. Various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies require us to obtain permits, licenses and certificates for the operation of our vessels. Although we believe that we are substantially in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and have all permits, licenses and certificates required for our vessels, future non-compliance or failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or temporarily suspend operation of one or more of our vessels. A variety of governmental and private entities inspect our vessels on both a scheduled and unscheduled basis. These entities, each of which may have unique requirements and each of which conducts frequent inspections, include local and port state authorities, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, harbor master or equivalent, classification societies, flag state, or the administration of the country of registry and charterers. We expect that our vessels will also be subject to inspection by these governmental and private entities on both a scheduled and unscheduled basis. We believe that the heightened levels of environmental and quality concerns among insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers have led to greater inspection and safety requirements on all vessels and may accelerate the scrapping of older vessels throughout the industry. Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for tankers that conform to the stricter environmental standards. We will be required to maintain operating standards for all of our vessels that emphasize operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with applicable local, national and international environmental laws and regulations. We intend to assure that the operation of our vessels will be in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations and that our vessels will have all material permits, licenses, certificates or other authorizations necessary for the conduct of our operations. However, because such laws and regulations are frequently changed and may impose increasingly stricter requirements, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our vessels. In addition, a future serious marine incident that results in significant oil pollution or otherwise causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our results of operations or financial condition. NMM holds the International Standards Organization, or “ISO,” Environmental Standard for the management of the significant environmental aspects associated with the ownership and operation of a fleet of drybulk carriers and vessels. NMM and Thome have received their ISO 9001 certification (quality management systems), the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard, and NMM the ISO 50001 (energy efficiency). In summary terms, the ISO 14001 certification requires that we commit managerial resources to act on our environmental policy through an effective management system. International Maritime Regulations The IMO is the United Nations’ agency that provides international regulations governing shipping and international maritime trade. The requirements contained in the ISM Code, promulgated by the IMO, govern our 38 39 operations. Among other requirements, the ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a policy for safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and also describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We and our ship managers each hold a Document of Compliance under the ISM Code for operation of Gas Carriers. Vessels that transport gas, including our vessels, are also subject to regulation under the International Gas Carrier Code, or the “IGC Code,” published by the IMO. The IGC Code provides a standard for the safe carriage of liquid gases by prescribing the design and construction standards of vessels involved in such carriage. Compliance with the IGC Code must be evidenced by a Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk. Each of our vessels is in compliance with the IGC Code. Non-compliance with the IGC Code or other applicable IMO regulations may subject a shipowner or a bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The IMO also promulgates ongoing amendments to the international convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 and its protocol of 1988, otherwise known as “SOLAS.” SOLAS provides rules for the construction of and equipment required for commercial vessels and includes regulations for safe operation. It requires the provision of lifeboats and other life-saving appliances, requires the use of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System which is an international radio equipment and watchkeeping standard, afloat and at shore stations, and relates to the Treaty on the Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping Officers, or “STCW,” also promulgated by the IMO. Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance. 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 these types of IMO 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 European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. In January 2016, additional amendments became effective to the International Code for the Construction of Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) that was adopted in May 2014. The provisions of the IBC Code are mandatory under MARPOL and SOLAS. These amendments, which entered into force in June 2014, pertain to revised international certificates of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk and identifying new products that fall under the IBC Code. In the wake of increased worldwide security concerns, the IMO amended SOLAS and added “The International Security Code for Ports and Ships,” or the “ISPS Code,” as a new chapter to that convention. The objective of the ISPS Code, which came into effect on July 1, 2004, is to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities. NMM has developed Security Plans, appointed and trained Ship and Office Security Officers and all of our vessels have been certified to meet the ISPS Code. See “—Vessel Security Regulations” for a more detailed discussion about these requirements. 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. imposes environmental standards on the shipping industry relating to oil spills, management of garbage, the handling and disposal of noxious liquids, sewage and air emissions. MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI “Regulations for the prevention of Air Pollution,” or “Annex VI,” entered into force on May 19, 2005, and applies to all ships, fixed and floating drilling rigs and other floating platforms. Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts, emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks, incineration of specific substances, and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for emission control areas (“ECAs”) to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions. The certification requirements for Annex VI depend on size of the vessel and time of periodical classification survey. Ships weighing more than 400 gross tons and engaged in international voyages involving countries that have ratified the conventions, or ships flying the flag of those countries, are required to have an International Air Pollution Certificate, or an “IAPP Certificate.” Annex VI came into force in the United States on January 8, 2009. As of December 31, 2017, all our ships delivered or drydocked since May 19, 2005, have all been issued with IAPP Certificates. Annex I to MARPOL, which applies to various ships delivered on or after August 1, 2010, includes requirements for the protected location of the fuel tanks, performance standards for accidental oil fuel outflow, a tank capacity limit and certain other maintenance, inspection and engineering standards. IMO regulations also require owners and operators of vessels to adopt Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plans. Periodic training and drills for response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required. On July 1, 2010, amendments to Annex VI proposed by the United States, Norway and other IMO member states took effect that require progressively stricter reductions in sulfur emissions from ships. Beginning on January 1, 2012, fuel used to power ships in all seas may contain no more than 3.5% sulfur. This cap will decrease progressively. For fuels used in Emission Control Areas (ECA), the cap settled at .1% in January 2015. For fuels used in all seas, the cap will settle at 0.5% on January 1, 2020. The amendments also establish new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for new marine engines, depending on their date of installation. The European directive 2005/33/EU, which is effective from January 1, 2010, bans the use of fuel oils containing more than 0.1% sulfur by mass by any merchant vessel while at berth in any EU country. In 2011, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend directive 2005/33/EU to bring it into alignment with the latest IMO provisions on the sulfur content of marine fuels. Review of the directive under this amendment is ongoing. Our vessels have achieved compliance, where necessary, by purchasing and utilizing fuel that meets the low-sulfur requirements. As of January 2015, the limitations on sulfur emissions from ships operating within all Emission Control Areas (ECA) require that fuels contain no more than 0.1% sulfur. Additionally, more stringent emission standards for sulfur and nitrogen oxide apply in United States and Canadian coastal areas designated by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, as discussed in “—Clean Air Act” below. On March 26, 2010, the IMO designated waters off North American coasts as an ECA in which stringent emission standards would apply. The first-phase fuel standard for sulfur in the North American ECA went into effect in 2012, and the second phase began in 2015. Further, on July 15, 2011, the IMO designated waters around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an ECA. The first-phase fuel standard for sulfur in the U.S. Caribbean ECA went into effect in 2014, and the second phase began in 2015. Beginning in 2016, stringent engine standards for nitrogen oxide became effective in both the North American ECA and the U.S. Caribbean ECA. U.S. air emissions standards have incorporated these amended Annex VI requirements, and once these amendments become fully effective, we may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Finally, China has designated three ECAs at the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Bay. Beginning January 1, 2019, vessels operating within these areas will be required to use fuels with no more than 0.5% sulfur. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems. Air Emissions Ballast Water Management Convention The International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships, or “MARPOL,” is the principal international convention negotiated by the IMO governing marine pollution prevention and response. MARPOL The IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the “BWM Convention,” in February 2004. The BWM Convention’s implementing regulations 40 41 operations. Among other requirements, the ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a policy for safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and also describing procedures for responding to emergencies. We and our ship managers each hold a Document of Compliance under the ISM Code for operation of Gas Carriers. Vessels that transport gas, including our vessels, are also subject to regulation under the International Gas Carrier Code, or the “IGC Code,” published by the IMO. The IGC Code provides a standard for the safe carriage of liquid gases by prescribing the design and construction standards of vessels involved in such carriage. Compliance with the IGC Code must be evidenced by a Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk. Each of our vessels is in compliance with the IGC Code. Non-compliance with the IGC Code or other applicable IMO regulations may subject a shipowner or a bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The IMO also promulgates ongoing amendments to the international convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 and its protocol of 1988, otherwise known as “SOLAS.” SOLAS provides rules for the construction of and equipment required for commercial vessels and includes regulations for safe operation. It requires the provision of lifeboats and other life-saving appliances, requires the use of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System which is an international radio equipment and watchkeeping standard, afloat and at shore stations, and relates to the Treaty on the Standards of Training and Certification of Watchkeeping Officers, or “STCW,” also promulgated by the IMO. Flag states that have ratified SOLAS and STCW generally employ the classification societies, which have incorporated SOLAS and STCW requirements into their class rules, to undertake surveys to confirm compliance. 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 these types of IMO 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 European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. In January 2016, additional amendments became effective to the International Code for the Construction of Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code) that was adopted in May 2014. The provisions of the IBC Code are mandatory under MARPOL and SOLAS. These amendments, which entered into force in June 2014, pertain to revised international certificates of fitness for the carriage of dangerous chemicals in bulk and identifying new products that fall under the IBC Code. In the wake of increased worldwide security concerns, the IMO amended SOLAS and added “The International Security Code for Ports and Ships,” or the “ISPS Code,” as a new chapter to that convention. The objective of the ISPS Code, which came into effect on July 1, 2004, is to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities. NMM has developed Security Plans, appointed and trained Ship and Office Security Officers and all of our vessels have been certified to meet the ISPS Code. See “—Vessel Security Regulations” for a more detailed discussion about these requirements. 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. Air Emissions imposes environmental standards on the shipping industry relating to oil spills, management of garbage, the handling and disposal of noxious liquids, sewage and air emissions. MARPOL 73/78 Annex VI “Regulations for the prevention of Air Pollution,” or “Annex VI,” entered into force on May 19, 2005, and applies to all ships, fixed and floating drilling rigs and other floating platforms. Annex VI sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts, emissions of volatile compounds from cargo tanks, incineration of specific substances, and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances. Annex VI also includes a global cap on sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for emission control areas (“ECAs”) to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions. The certification requirements for Annex VI depend on size of the vessel and time of periodical classification survey. Ships weighing more than 400 gross tons and engaged in international voyages involving countries that have ratified the conventions, or ships flying the flag of those countries, are required to have an International Air Pollution Certificate, or an “IAPP Certificate.” Annex VI came into force in the United States on January 8, 2009. As of December 31, 2017, all our ships delivered or drydocked since May 19, 2005, have all been issued with IAPP Certificates. Annex I to MARPOL, which applies to various ships delivered on or after August 1, 2010, includes requirements for the protected location of the fuel tanks, performance standards for accidental oil fuel outflow, a tank capacity limit and certain other maintenance, inspection and engineering standards. IMO regulations also require owners and operators of vessels to adopt Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plans. Periodic training and drills for response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required. On July 1, 2010, amendments to Annex VI proposed by the United States, Norway and other IMO member states took effect that require progressively stricter reductions in sulfur emissions from ships. Beginning on January 1, 2012, fuel used to power ships in all seas may contain no more than 3.5% sulfur. This cap will decrease progressively. For fuels used in Emission Control Areas (ECA), the cap settled at .1% in January 2015. For fuels used in all seas, the cap will settle at 0.5% on January 1, 2020. The amendments also establish new tiers of stringent nitrogen oxide emissions standards for new marine engines, depending on their date of installation. The European directive 2005/33/EU, which is effective from January 1, 2010, bans the use of fuel oils containing more than 0.1% sulfur by mass by any merchant vessel while at berth in any EU country. In 2011, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend directive 2005/33/EU to bring it into alignment with the latest IMO provisions on the sulfur content of marine fuels. Review of the directive under this amendment is ongoing. Our vessels have achieved compliance, where necessary, by purchasing and utilizing fuel that meets the low-sulfur requirements. As of January 2015, the limitations on sulfur emissions from ships operating within all Emission Control Areas (ECA) require that fuels contain no more than 0.1% sulfur. Additionally, more stringent emission standards for sulfur and nitrogen oxide apply in United States and Canadian coastal areas designated by the IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee, as discussed in “—Clean Air Act” below. On March 26, 2010, the IMO designated waters off North American coasts as an ECA in which stringent emission standards would apply. The first-phase fuel standard for sulfur in the North American ECA went into effect in 2012, and the second phase began in 2015. Further, on July 15, 2011, the IMO designated waters around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an ECA. The first-phase fuel standard for sulfur in the U.S. Caribbean ECA went into effect in 2014, and the second phase began in 2015. Beginning in 2016, stringent engine standards for nitrogen oxide became effective in both the North American ECA and the U.S. Caribbean ECA. U.S. air emissions standards have incorporated these amended Annex VI requirements, and once these amendments become fully effective, we may incur costs to comply with these revised standards. Finally, China has designated three ECAs at the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta and Bohai Bay. Beginning January 1, 2019, vessels operating within these areas will be required to use fuels with no more than 0.5% sulfur. Additional or new conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted that could require the installation of expensive emission control systems. Ballast Water Management Convention The International Convention for the Prevention of Marine Pollution from Ships, or “MARPOL,” is the principal international convention negotiated by the IMO governing marine pollution prevention and response. MARPOL The IMO adopted an International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or the “BWM Convention,” in February 2004. The BWM Convention’s implementing regulations 40 41 call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements (beginning in 2009), to be replaced in time with a requirement for mandatory ballast water treatment. The BWM Convention was ratified by the sufficient number of states on September 8, 2016 and entered into force on September 8, 2017. As referenced below, the U.S. Coast Guard issued new ballast water management rules on March 23, 2012, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or “EPA,” issued a new Vessel General Permit in March 2013 that contains numeric technology-based ballast water effluent limitations. 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 treatments systems will be needed on all our vessels to comply with the BWM Convention and U.S. regulations discussed below. We will begin implementing the ballast water treatment system on vessels at an additional cost of approximately $0.6 million per vessel commencing with planned drydocks scheduled after January 1, 2018. Bunker Convention/CLC State Certificate The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution 2001, or the “Bunker Convention,” entered into force in State Parties to the Convention on November 21, 2008. The Bunker Convention provides a liability, compensation and compulsory insurance system for the victims of oil pollution damage caused by spills of bunker oil. The Bunker Convention requires the ship owner liable to pay compensation for pollution damage (including the cost of preventive measures) caused in the territory, including the territorial sea of a State Party, as well as its economic zone or equivalent area. Registered owners of any sea going vessel and seaborne craft over 1,000 gross tonnage, of any type whatsoever, and registered in a State Party, or entering or leaving a port in the territory of a State Party, will be required to maintain insurance which 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 on-board at all times. Although the United States is not a party to these conventions, many countries have ratified and follow the liability plan adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended in 2000, or the “CLC.” Under this convention and depending on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain complete defenses. The limited liability protections are forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the owner’s actual fault and under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the owner’s intentional or reckless conduct. Vessels trading to states that are parties to these conventions must provide evidence of insurance covering the liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunkers Convention “Blue Cards” to provide evidence that there is in place insurance meeting the liability requirements. 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. Anti-Fouling Requirements In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, or the “Anti-fouling Convention.” The Anti-fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels after September 1, 2003. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages must obtain an International Anti-fouling System Certificate and undergo a survey before the vessel is put into service or when the anti-fouling systems are altered or replaced. Our managers have obtained Anti-fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels and we do not believe that maintaining such certificates will have an adverse financial impact on the operation of our vessels. 42 Compliance Enforcement The flag state, as defined by the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, has overall responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations for all ships granted the right to fly its flag. The “Shipping Industry Guidelines on Flag State Performance” evaluates flag states based on factors such as sufficiency of infrastructure, ratification of international maritime treaties, implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations, supervision of surveys, casualty investigations, and participation at IMO meetings. As of January 2016, auditing of flag states that are parties to the SOLAS convention is mandatory and will be conducted under the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code), which provides guidance on implementation and enforcement of IMO policies by flag states. These audits may lead the various flag states to be more aggressive in their enforcement, which may in turn lead us to incur additional costs. Non-compliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject the vessel owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by the applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations. U.S. Environmental Regulation of Our Vessels Our vessels operating in U.S. waters now or in the future will be subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment. In some cases, these laws and regulations require us to obtain governmental permits and authorizations before we may conduct certain activities. These environmental laws and regulations may impose substantial penalties for noncompliance and substantial liabilities for pollution. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties. As with the industry generally, our operations will entail risks in these areas, and compliance with these laws and regulations, which may be subject to frequent revisions and reinterpretation, increases our overall cost of business. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or “OPA 90,” established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for environmental protection and cleanup of oil spills. OPA 90 affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade with the United States or its territories or possessions, or whose vessels operate in the waters of the United States, which include the U.S. territorial waters and the two hundred nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the United States. OPA 90 may affect us because we carry oil as fuel and lubricants for our engines, and the discharge of these could cause an environmental hazard. Under OPA 90, vessel operators, including vessel owners, managers and bareboat or “demise” charterers, are “responsible parties” who are all liable regardless of fault, individually and as a group, for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from oil spills from their vessels. These “responsible parties” would not be liable if the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. The other damages aside from clean-up and containment costs are defined broadly to include: • • • • • natural resource damages and related assessment costs; real and personal property damages; net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, profits or earnings capacity; hazards; and loss of subsistence use of natural resources. 43 net cost of public services necessitated by a spill response, such as protection from fire, safety or health call for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements (beginning in 2009), to be replaced in time with a requirement for mandatory ballast water treatment. The BWM Convention was ratified by the sufficient number of states on September 8, 2016 and entered into force on September 8, 2017. As referenced below, the U.S. Coast Guard issued new ballast water management rules on March 23, 2012, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or “EPA,” issued a new Vessel General Permit in March 2013 that contains numeric technology-based ballast water effluent limitations. 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 treatments systems will be needed on all our vessels to comply with the BWM Convention and U.S. regulations discussed below. We will begin implementing the ballast water treatment system on vessels at an additional cost of approximately $0.6 million per vessel commencing with planned drydocks scheduled after January 1, 2018. Bunker Convention/CLC State Certificate The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution 2001, or the “Bunker Convention,” entered into force in State Parties to the Convention on November 21, 2008. The Bunker Convention provides a liability, compensation and compulsory insurance system for the victims of oil pollution damage caused by spills of bunker oil. The Bunker Convention requires the ship owner liable to pay compensation for pollution damage (including the cost of preventive measures) caused in the territory, including the territorial sea of a State Party, as well as its economic zone or equivalent area. Registered owners of any sea going vessel and seaborne craft over 1,000 gross tonnage, of any type whatsoever, and registered in a State Party, or entering or leaving a port in the territory of a State Party, will be required to maintain insurance which 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 on-board at all times. Although the United States is not a party to these conventions, many countries have ratified and follow the liability plan adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, as amended in 2000, or the “CLC.” Under this convention and depending on whether the country in which the damage results is a party to the 1992 Protocol to the CLC, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain complete defenses. The limited liability protections are forfeited under the CLC where the spill is caused by the owner’s actual fault and under the 1992 Protocol where the spill is caused by the owner’s intentional or reckless conduct. Vessels trading to states that are parties to these conventions must provide evidence of insurance covering the liability of the owner. In jurisdictions where the CLC has not been adopted, various legislative schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or on a strict-liability basis. P&I Clubs in the International Group issue the required Bunkers Convention “Blue Cards” to provide evidence that there is in place insurance meeting the liability requirements. 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. Anti-Fouling Requirements In 2001, the IMO adopted the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships, or the “Anti-fouling Convention.” The Anti-fouling Convention, which entered into force on September 17, 2008, prohibits the use of organotin compound coatings to prevent the attachment of mollusks and other sea life to the hulls of vessels after September 1, 2003. Vessels of over 400 gross tons engaged in international voyages must obtain an International Anti-fouling System Certificate and undergo a survey before the vessel is put into service or when the anti-fouling systems are altered or replaced. Our managers have obtained Anti-fouling System Certificates for all of our vessels and we do not believe that maintaining such certificates will have an adverse financial impact on the operation of our vessels. 42 Compliance Enforcement The flag state, as defined by the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea, has overall responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations for all ships granted the right to fly its flag. The “Shipping Industry Guidelines on Flag State Performance” evaluates flag states based on factors such as sufficiency of infrastructure, ratification of international maritime treaties, implementation and enforcement of international maritime regulations, supervision of surveys, casualty investigations, and participation at IMO meetings. As of January 2016, auditing of flag states that are parties to the SOLAS convention is mandatory and will be conducted under the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code), which provides guidance on implementation and enforcement of IMO policies by flag states. These audits may lead the various flag states to be more aggressive in their enforcement, which may in turn lead us to incur additional costs. Non-compliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject the vessel owner or bareboat charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. The U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code by the applicable deadlines will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports, respectively. The IMO continues to review and introduce new regulations. It is impossible to predict what additional regulations, if any, may be passed by the IMO and what effect, if any, such regulations might have on our operations. U.S. Environmental Regulation of Our Vessels Our vessels operating in U.S. waters now or in the future will be subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment. In some cases, these laws and regulations require us to obtain governmental permits and authorizations before we may conduct certain activities. These environmental laws and regulations may impose substantial penalties for noncompliance and substantial liabilities for pollution. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in substantial civil and criminal fines and penalties. As with the industry generally, our operations will entail risks in these areas, and compliance with these laws and regulations, which may be subject to frequent revisions and reinterpretation, increases our overall cost of business. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 The U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, or “OPA 90,” established an extensive regulatory and liability regime for environmental protection and cleanup of oil spills. OPA 90 affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade with the United States or its territories or possessions, or whose vessels operate in the waters of the United States, which include the U.S. territorial waters and the two hundred nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the United States. OPA 90 may affect us because we carry oil as fuel and lubricants for our engines, and the discharge of these could cause an environmental hazard. Under OPA 90, vessel operators, including vessel owners, managers and bareboat or “demise” charterers, are “responsible parties” who are all liable regardless of fault, individually and as a group, for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages arising from oil spills from their vessels. These “responsible parties” would not be liable if the spill results solely from the act or omission of a third party, an act of God or an act of war. The other damages aside from clean-up and containment costs are defined broadly to include: • • • • • natural resource damages and related assessment costs; real and personal property damages; net loss of taxes, royalties, rents, profits or earnings capacity; 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. 43 Effective December 21, 2015, the U.S. Coast Guard adjusted the limits of OPA liability to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18,796 million for any double-hull tanker that is over 3,000 gross tons (subject to possible adjustment for inflation) (relevant to the Alma Maritime carriers). These limits of liability do not apply, however, where the incident is caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations, or by the responsible party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. These limits likewise do not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with the substance removal activities. This limit is subject to possible adjustment for inflation. OPA 90 specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters. In some cases, states, which have enacted their own legislation, have not yet issued implementing regulations defining shipowners’ responsibilities under these laws. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with OPA 90 and all applicable state regulations in the ports where our vessels call. OPA 90 requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the limit of their potential strict liability under OPA 90. Under the regulations, evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance or guaranty. Under OPA 90 regulations, an owner or operator of more than one vessel is required to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for the entire fleet in an amount equal only to the financial responsibility requirement of the vessel having the greatest maximum liability under OPA 90. Each of our ship-owning subsidiaries that has vessels trading in U.S. waters has applied for, and obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard National Pollution Funds Center, three-year certificates of financial responsibility, or “COFRs,” supported by guarantees which we purchased from an insurance based provider. We believe that we will be able to continue to obtain the requisite guarantees and that we will continue to be granted COFRs from the U.S. Coast Guard for each of our vessels that is required to have one. Future spills could prompt the U.S. Congress to consider legislation to increase or even eliminate the limits of liability under OPA 90. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA 90 may substantially impact our cost of operations or require us to incur additional expenses to comply with any new regulatory initiatives or statutes. Any additional legislation or regulation applicable to the operation of our vessels that may be adopted in the future could adversely affect our business and ability to make distributions to our shareholders. Clean Water Act The United States Clean Water Act, or “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 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The EPA has enacted rules governing the regulation of ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels within U.S. waters. The rules require commercial vessels 79 feet in length or longer (other than commercial fishing vessels), or “Regulated Vessels,” to obtain a CWA permit regulating and authorizing such normal discharges. This permit, which the EPA has designated as the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels, or “VGP,” incorporates 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 VGP was updated 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. All vessels calling on U.S. ports are now subject to the requirements of the VGP. The 2013 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. The VGP imposes additional requirements on certain Regulated Vessel types that emit discharges unique to those vessels. Administrative provisions, such as inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, are also included for all Regulated Vessels. National Invasive Species Act 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 Coast Guard approved BWM Systems. The rule went into effect in June 2012, and adopts 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 fewer than 10 living organisms per milliliter for organisms between 10 and 50 micrometers in size. For organisms larger than 50 micrometers, the discharge must have fewer than 10 living organisms per cubic meter of discharge. In May 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard published a review of the practicability of implementing a more stringent ballast water discharge standard. The results concluded that the technology to achieve a significant improvement in ballast water treatment efficacy cannot be practically implemented. If Coast Guard type approved technologies are not available by a vessel’s compliance date, the vessel may request an extension to the deadline from the U.S. Coast Guard. While the 2012 rule imposes consistent numeric effluent limits for living organisms in ballast water discharges, it does not provide for compliance date extensions if Coast Guard-approved treatment technologies are not available. In February 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a new rule amending the Coast Guard’s ballast water management recordkeeping requirements. Effective February 22, 2016, vessels with ballast tanks operating exclusively on voyages between ports or places within a single Captain of the Port zone must submit an annual report of their ballast water management practices. Further, under the amended requirements, vessels may submit their reports after arrival at the port of destination instead of prior to arrival. Clean Air Act The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, or the “CAA,” requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas and emission standards for so-called “Category 3” marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters. The marine diesel engine emission standards are currently limited to new engines beginning with the 2004 model year. On April 30, 2010, the EPA promulgated final emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL. These emission standards require an 80% reduction in nitrogen dioxides for newly-built engines effective 2016. In February 2015, the EPA amended its marine diesel engine requirements to temporarily allow marine equipment manufacturers to use allowances if a compliant marine engine is not available. Compliance with these standards may cause us to incur costs to install control equipment on our vessels in the future. European Union Regulations The European Union has also adopted legislation that would: (1) ban manifestly sub-standard vessels (defined as those over 15 years old that have been detained by port authorities at least twice in a six month period) from European waters and create an obligation of port states to inspect vessels posing a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; and (2) provide the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of negligent societies. 44 45 Effective December 21, 2015, the U.S. Coast Guard adjusted the limits of OPA liability to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18,796 million for any double-hull tanker that is over 3,000 gross tons (subject to possible adjustment for inflation) (relevant to the Alma Maritime carriers). These limits of liability do not apply, however, where the incident is caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations, or by the responsible party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct. These limits likewise do not apply if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to cooperate and assist in connection with the substance removal activities. This limit is subject to possible adjustment for inflation. OPA 90 specifically permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for discharge of pollutants within their waters. In some cases, states, which have enacted their own legislation, have not yet issued implementing regulations defining shipowners’ responsibilities under these laws. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with OPA 90 and all applicable state regulations in the ports where our vessels call. OPA 90 requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the limit of their potential strict liability under OPA 90. Under the regulations, evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance or guaranty. Under OPA 90 regulations, an owner or operator of more than one vessel is required to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for the entire fleet in an amount equal only to the financial responsibility requirement of the vessel having the greatest maximum liability under OPA 90. Each of our ship-owning subsidiaries that has vessels trading in U.S. waters has applied for, and obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard National Pollution Funds Center, three-year certificates of financial responsibility, or “COFRs,” supported by guarantees which we purchased from an insurance based provider. We believe that we will be able to continue to obtain the requisite guarantees and that we will continue to be granted COFRs from the U.S. Coast Guard for each of our vessels that is required to have one. Future spills could prompt the U.S. Congress to consider legislation to increase or even eliminate the limits of liability under OPA 90. Compliance with any new requirements of OPA 90 may substantially impact our cost of operations or require us to incur additional expenses to comply with any new regulatory initiatives or statutes. Any additional legislation or regulation applicable to the operation of our vessels that may be adopted in the future could adversely affect our business and ability to make distributions to our shareholders. Clean Water Act The United States Clean Water Act, or “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 and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The EPA has enacted rules governing the regulation of ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels within U.S. waters. The rules require commercial vessels 79 feet in length or longer (other than commercial fishing vessels), or “Regulated Vessels,” to obtain a CWA permit regulating and authorizing such normal discharges. This permit, which the EPA has designated as the Vessel General Permit for Discharges Incidental to the Normal Operation of Vessels, or “VGP,” incorporates 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 VGP was updated 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. All vessels calling on U.S. ports are now subject to the requirements of the VGP. The 2013 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. The VGP imposes additional requirements on certain Regulated Vessel types that emit discharges unique to those vessels. Administrative provisions, such as inspection, monitoring, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, are also included for all Regulated Vessels. National Invasive Species Act 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 Coast Guard approved BWM Systems. The rule went into effect in June 2012, and adopts 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 fewer than 10 living organisms per milliliter for organisms between 10 and 50 micrometers in size. For organisms larger than 50 micrometers, the discharge must have fewer than 10 living organisms per cubic meter of discharge. In May 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard published a review of the practicability of implementing a more stringent ballast water discharge standard. The results concluded that the technology to achieve a significant improvement in ballast water treatment efficacy cannot be practically implemented. If Coast Guard type approved technologies are not available by a vessel’s compliance date, the vessel may request an extension to the deadline from the U.S. Coast Guard. While the 2012 rule imposes consistent numeric effluent limits for living organisms in ballast water discharges, it does not provide for compliance date extensions if Coast Guard-approved treatment technologies are not available. In February 2016, the U.S. Coast Guard issued a new rule amending the Coast Guard’s ballast water management recordkeeping requirements. Effective February 22, 2016, vessels with ballast tanks operating exclusively on voyages between ports or places within a single Captain of the Port zone must submit an annual report of their ballast water management practices. Further, under the amended requirements, vessels may submit their reports after arrival at the port of destination instead of prior to arrival. Clean Air Act The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended, or the “CAA,” requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants. Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas and emission standards for so-called “Category 3” marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters. The marine diesel engine emission standards are currently limited to new engines beginning with the 2004 model year. On April 30, 2010, the EPA promulgated final emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL. These emission standards require an 80% reduction in nitrogen dioxides for newly-built engines effective 2016. In February 2015, the EPA amended its marine diesel engine requirements to temporarily allow marine equipment manufacturers to use allowances if a compliant marine engine is not available. Compliance with these standards may cause us to incur costs to install control equipment on our vessels in the future. European Union Regulations The European Union has also adopted legislation that would: (1) ban manifestly sub-standard vessels (defined as those over 15 years old that have been detained by port authorities at least twice in a six month period) from European waters and create an obligation of port states to inspect vessels posing a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; and (2) provide the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of negligent societies. 44 45 The European Union has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/EC/33 (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced parallel requirements in the European Union to those in MARPOL Annex VI in respect of the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, it has introduced a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports, effective January 1, 2010. In 2011, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend directive 2005/33/EU to bring it into alignment with the latest IMO provisions on the sulfur content of marine fuels. Review of the directive under this amendment is ongoing. In 2005, the European Union adopted a directive on ship-source pollution, imposing criminal sanctions for intentional, reckless or negligent pollution discharges by ships. The directive could result in criminal liability for pollution from vessels in waters of European countries that adopt implementing legislation. Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims. We cannot predict what regulations, if any, may be adopted by the European Union or any other country or authority. Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from ships involved in international transport are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol, which entered into force in 2005 and which countries have relied on to produce national plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement, which was announced by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015, similarly does not cover international shipping, however the IMO has subsequently reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue to work to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships engaged in international trade. The IMO is evaluating various mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, which may include market-based instruments or a carbon tax. In June 2013, the European Commission developed a strategy to integrate maritime emissions into the overall European Union strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In accordance with this strategy, in April 2015 the European Parliament and Council adopted regulations requiring large vessels using European Union ports to monitor, report and verify their carbon dioxide emissions beginning in January 2018. As of January 1, 2013 all new ships must comply with mandatory requirements adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of IMO in July 2011 in part to address greenhouse gas emission. These requirements add energy efficiency standards through an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). IMO’s Greenhouse Gas Working Group agreed on these guidelines to require all ships to develop and implement a Ship Energy Efficiency Plan (SEEMP). The regulations apply to all ships of 400 tonnes gross tonnage and above. The IMO also adopted a mandatory requirement in October 2016 that ships of 5000 gross tonnage and above record and report their fuel oil consumption. The requirement is expected to enter into force in March 2018. These new rules will likely affect the operations of vessels that are registered in countries that are signatories to MARPOL Annex VI or vessels that call upon ports located within such countries. 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 session, the IMO adopted a roadmap for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions. The IMO anticipates adopting initial GHG reduction strategy in 2018. 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 a final finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health and safety, and has promulgated regulations under the Clean Air Act that control the emission of greenhouse gases from mobile sources, but not from marine shipping vessels and their engines and fuels. The EPA may decide in the future to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from these sources. The Agency has already been petitioned by the California Attorney General to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from oceangoing vessels. Other federal and state regulations relating to the control of greenhouse gas emissions may follow, including climate change initiatives that have recently been considered by the U.S. Congress and by individual states. Any passage of further climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the European Union, the United States, or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level, that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Safety Requirements The IMO has adopted the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or “SOLAS Convention,” and the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, or “LL Convention,” which impose a variety of standards to regulate design and operational features of ships. SOLAS Convention and LL Convention standards are revised periodically. All of our vessels are in compliance with SOLAS Convention and LL Convention standards. Chapter IX of SOLAS, the requirements contained in the ISM Code, promulgated by the IMO, also affects our operations. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop and maintain an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. NMM has obtained documents of compliance and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which certificates are required by the IMO. The International Labour Organization, or “ILO,” is a specialized agency of the United Nations with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The ILO has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, or “MLC 2006,” to improve safety on-board 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. MLC 2006 requires us to develop new procedures to ensure full compliance with its requirements. Vessel Security Regulations 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 Act of 2002, or “MTSA,” came into effect. 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 became effective in July 2004 and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities, most of which are contained in the ISPS Code. The ISPS Code is designed to protect ports and international shipping against terrorism. After July 1, 2004, to trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state. Among the various requirements are: • • • • on-board installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship’s identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; on-board 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; ship identification number to be permanently marked on a vessel’s hull; 46 47 The European Union has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines. The EU Directive 2005/EC/33 (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced parallel requirements in the European Union to those in MARPOL Annex VI in respect of the sulfur content of marine fuels. In addition, it has introduced a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports, effective January 1, 2010. In 2011, the European Commission adopted a proposal to amend directive 2005/33/EU to bring it into alignment with the latest IMO provisions on the sulfur content of marine fuels. Review of the directive under this amendment is ongoing. In 2005, the European Union adopted a directive on ship-source pollution, imposing criminal sanctions for intentional, reckless or negligent pollution discharges by ships. The directive could result in criminal liability for pollution from vessels in waters of European countries that adopt implementing legislation. Criminal liability for pollution may result in substantial penalties or fines and increased civil liability claims. We cannot predict what regulations, if any, may be adopted by the European Union or any other country or authority. Regulation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Currently, the emissions of greenhouse gases from ships involved in international transport are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol, which entered into force in 2005 and which countries have relied on to produce national plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement, which was announced by the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in December 2015, similarly does not cover international shipping, however the IMO has subsequently reaffirmed its strong commitment to continue to work to address greenhouse gas emissions from ships engaged in international trade. The IMO is evaluating various mandatory measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping, which may include market-based instruments or a carbon tax. In June 2013, the European Commission developed a strategy to integrate maritime emissions into the overall European Union strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In accordance with this strategy, in April 2015 the European Parliament and Council adopted regulations requiring large vessels using European Union ports to monitor, report and verify their carbon dioxide emissions beginning in January 2018. As of January 1, 2013 all new ships must comply with mandatory requirements adopted by the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) of IMO in July 2011 in part to address greenhouse gas emission. These requirements add energy efficiency standards through an Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). IMO’s Greenhouse Gas Working Group agreed on these guidelines to require all ships to develop and implement a Ship Energy Efficiency Plan (SEEMP). The regulations apply to all ships of 400 tonnes gross tonnage and above. The IMO also adopted a mandatory requirement in October 2016 that ships of 5000 gross tonnage and above record and report their fuel oil consumption. The requirement is expected to enter into force in March 2018. These new rules will likely affect the operations of vessels that are registered in countries that are signatories to MARPOL Annex VI or vessels that call upon ports located within such countries. 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 session, the IMO adopted a roadmap for developing a comprehensive IMO strategy on reduction of GHG emissions. The IMO anticipates adopting initial GHG reduction strategy in 2018. 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 a final finding that greenhouse gases threaten public health and safety, and has promulgated regulations under the Clean Air Act that control the emission of greenhouse gases from mobile sources, but not from marine shipping vessels and their engines and fuels. The EPA may decide in the future to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from these sources. The Agency has already been petitioned by the California Attorney General to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from oceangoing vessels. Other federal and state regulations relating to the control of greenhouse gas emissions may follow, including climate change initiatives that have recently been considered by the U.S. Congress and by individual states. Any passage of further climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the European Union, the United States, or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level, that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. Safety Requirements The IMO has adopted the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, or “SOLAS Convention,” and the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, or “LL Convention,” which impose a variety of standards to regulate design and operational features of ships. SOLAS Convention and LL Convention standards are revised periodically. All of our vessels are in compliance with SOLAS Convention and LL Convention standards. Chapter IX of SOLAS, the requirements contained in the ISM Code, promulgated by the IMO, also affects our operations. The ISM Code requires the party with operational control of a vessel to develop and maintain an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate. This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with code requirements for a safety management system. No vessel can obtain a certificate unless its manager has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code. NMM has obtained documents of compliance and safety management certificates for all of our vessels for which certificates are required by the IMO. The International Labour Organization, or “ILO,” is a specialized agency of the United Nations with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The ILO has adopted the Maritime Labor Convention 2006, or “MLC 2006,” to improve safety on-board 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. MLC 2006 requires us to develop new procedures to ensure full compliance with its requirements. Vessel Security Regulations 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 Act of 2002, or “MTSA,” came into effect. 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 became effective in July 2004 and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities, most of which are contained in the ISPS Code. The ISPS Code is designed to protect ports and international shipping against terrorism. After July 1, 2004, to trade internationally, a vessel must attain an International Ship Security Certificate from a recognized security organization approved by the vessel’s flag state. Among the various requirements are: • • • • on-board installation of automatic identification systems to provide a means for the automatic transmission of safety-related information from among similarly equipped ships and shore stations, including information on a ship’s identity, position, course, speed and navigational status; on-board 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; ship identification number to be permanently marked on a vessel’s hull; 46 47 • a continuous synopsis record kept on-board 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 obtaining U.S. Coast Guard-approved MTSA vessel security plans provided such vessels have on-board an International Ship Security Certificate, or “ISSC,” that attests to the vessel’s compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code. Our vessel managers have developed Security Plans, appointed and trained Ship and Office Security Officers and each of our vessels in our fleet complies with the requirements of the ISPS Code, SOLAS and the MTSA. years. Other Regulation Our vessels may also become subject to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996 as amended by the Protocol to the HNS Convention, adopted in April 2010, or the “2010 HNS Protocol,” and collectively, the “2010 HNS Convention,” if it is entered into force. The Convention creates a regime of liability and compensation for damage from hazardous and noxious substances, or “HNS.” The 2010 HNS Convention sets up a two-tier system of compensation composed of compulsory insurance taken out by shipowners and an HNS Fund which comes into play when the insurance is insufficient to satisfy a claim or does not cover the incident. Under the 2010 HNS Convention, if damage is caused by bulk HNS, claims for compensation will first be sought from the shipowner up to a maximum of 100 million Special Drawing Rights, or “SDR,” which was equivalent to $138 million U.S. dollars as of January 31, 2016. SDRs are supplementary, foreign exchange reserve assets created and maintained by the International Monetary Fund, or “IMF,” based upon a basket of currencies (consisting of the euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and U.S. dollar). SDRs are not a currency, but instead represent a claim to currency held by IMF member countries for which SDRs may be exchanged. Monetary values and limits in many international maritime treaties are expressed in terms of SDRs. As of January 31, 2016, the exchange rate was 1 SDR equal to 1.37618 U.S. dollars. If the damage is caused by packaged HNS or by both bulk and packaged HNS, the maximum liability is 115 million SDR (equivalent to $158 million U.S. dollars as of January 31, 2016). Once the limit is reached, compensation will be paid from the HNS Fund up to a maximum of 250 million SDR (equivalent to $344 million U.S. dollars as of January 31, 2016). The 2010 HNS Convention has not been ratified by a sufficient number of countries to enter into force, and we cannot estimate the costs that may be needed to comply with any such requirements that may be adopted with any certainty at this time. In-House Inspections We, NMM and Thome carry out inspections of the ships on a regular basis; both at sea and while the vessels are in port, while we carry out inspection and ship audits to verify conformity with managers’ reports. The results of these inspections, which are conducted both in port and underway, result in a report containing recommendations for improvements to the overall condition of the vessel, maintenance, safety and crew welfare. The vessels we manage in house are inspected on a regular basis to verify their condition and that upkeep, maintenance, crewing standards and welfare are in compliance with the requirements of our Safety Management System. Competition The process of obtaining new charters is highly competitive, generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. Exchange Controls A large proportion of our handysize liquefied gas carriers are contracted on 12 month or shorter time charters. There is competition for the employment of vessels when these charters expire and for the employment of those Under the Republic of the Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of distributions, interest or other payments to non-resident shareholders. 48 49 vessels which trade on the spot market. Competition for mid- or longer-term charters is based primarily on industry relationships, experience and reputation for customer service, reliability, quality operations and safety, the experience and technical capability of the crews, the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life, and the competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price. Our existing fleet had an average age of 6.8 years as of December 31, 2017, which is significantly less than the average age of the world-wide fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers. We believe that our relatively young fleet positions us well to compete in terms of our vessels meeting the strategic and operational needs of our charterers. We own and operate the largest fleet in our size segment, which, in our view, enhances our position relative to our competitors. While there are some barriers to entry, including the complexity of operating semi-refrigerated gas carriers that constantly require switching between a myriad of cargo types, crew expertise and the cost of, and availability of finance for, liquefied gas carriers, new entrants have entered the market over the last three We believe that the market for obtaining new charters will continue to be highly competitive for the foreseeable future. However, we believe that our relationships, the reliability we strive to provide to our customers, the experience of the crews that service our vessels and the age and technical ability of our versatile fleet will provide us with a competitive advantage, both within the handysize segment and across the broader liquefied gas carrier industry. Properties Other than our vessels, we do not own any material property. We lease office space for our representative offices in New York, London and Gdynia. The previous lease term for our representative office in London ended in March 2017. We entered into a new lease for an alternate office space for a period of 10 years with a mutual break option in February 2022, which is the fifth anniversary from the lease commencement date. The gross rent per year for our new office lease is approximately $1.1 million. The lease term for our representative office in Gdynia, Poland is for a period of five years commencing from April 2017. The gross rent per year is approximately $60,000. The previous lease term for our representative office in New York ended in June 2017. We have entered into a new lease for an alternate office space for a period of three years in June 2017. The total rent per year is approximately $365,000. Employees Legal Proceedings We had 60 employees as of December 31, 2017. We consider our employee relations to be good. Our crewing and technical managers provide crews for our vessels under separate crew management agreements. We expect that in the future we will be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of 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. • a continuous synopsis record kept on-board 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 obtaining U.S. Coast Guard-approved MTSA vessel security plans provided such vessels have on-board an International Ship Security Certificate, or “ISSC,” that attests to the vessel’s compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code. Our vessel managers have developed Security Plans, appointed and trained Ship and Office Security Officers and each of our vessels in our fleet complies with the requirements of the ISPS Code, SOLAS and the MTSA. Other Regulation Our vessels may also become subject to the International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea, 1996 as amended by the Protocol to the HNS Convention, adopted in April 2010, or the “2010 HNS Protocol,” and collectively, the “2010 HNS Convention,” if it is entered into force. The Convention creates a regime of liability and compensation for damage from hazardous and noxious substances, or “HNS.” The 2010 HNS Convention sets up a two-tier system of compensation composed of compulsory insurance taken out by shipowners and an HNS Fund which comes into play when the insurance is insufficient to satisfy a claim or does not cover the incident. Under the 2010 HNS Convention, if damage is caused by bulk HNS, claims for compensation will first be sought from the shipowner up to a maximum of 100 million Special Drawing Rights, or “SDR,” which was equivalent to $138 million U.S. dollars as of January 31, 2016. SDRs are supplementary, foreign exchange reserve assets created and maintained by the International Monetary Fund, or “IMF,” based upon a basket of currencies (consisting of the euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling and U.S. dollar). SDRs are not a currency, but instead represent a claim to currency held by IMF member countries for which SDRs may be exchanged. Monetary values and limits in many international maritime treaties are expressed in terms of SDRs. As of January 31, 2016, the exchange rate was 1 SDR equal to 1.37618 U.S. dollars. If the damage is caused by packaged HNS or by both bulk and packaged HNS, the maximum liability is 115 million SDR (equivalent to $158 million U.S. dollars as of January 31, 2016). Once the limit is reached, compensation will be paid from the HNS Fund up to a maximum of 250 million SDR (equivalent to $344 million U.S. dollars as of January 31, 2016). The 2010 HNS Convention has not been ratified by a sufficient number of countries to enter into force, and we cannot estimate the costs that may be needed to comply with any such requirements that may be adopted with any certainty at this time. In-House Inspections We, NMM and Thome carry out inspections of the ships on a regular basis; both at sea and while the vessels are in port, while we carry out inspection and ship audits to verify conformity with managers’ reports. The results of these inspections, which are conducted both in port and underway, result in a report containing recommendations for improvements to the overall condition of the vessel, maintenance, safety and crew welfare. The vessels we manage in house are inspected on a regular basis to verify their condition and that upkeep, maintenance, crewing standards and welfare are in compliance with the requirements of our Safety Management System. Competition The process of obtaining new charters is highly competitive, generally involves an intensive screening process and competitive bids, and often extends for several months. A large proportion of our handysize liquefied gas carriers are contracted on 12 month or shorter time charters. There is competition for the employment of vessels when these charters expire and for the employment of those vessels which trade on the spot market. Competition for mid- or longer-term charters is based primarily on industry relationships, experience and reputation for customer service, reliability, quality operations and safety, the experience and technical capability of the crews, the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life, and the competitiveness of the bid in terms of overall price. Our existing fleet had an average age of 6.8 years as of December 31, 2017, which is significantly less than the average age of the world-wide fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers. We believe that our relatively young fleet positions us well to compete in terms of our vessels meeting the strategic and operational needs of our charterers. We own and operate the largest fleet in our size segment, which, in our view, enhances our position relative to our competitors. While there are some barriers to entry, including the complexity of operating semi-refrigerated gas carriers that constantly require switching between a myriad of cargo types, crew expertise and the cost of, and availability of finance for, liquefied gas carriers, new entrants have entered the market over the last three years. We believe that the market for obtaining new charters will continue to be highly competitive for the foreseeable future. However, we believe that our relationships, the reliability we strive to provide to our customers, the experience of the crews that service our vessels and the age and technical ability of our versatile fleet will provide us with a competitive advantage, both within the handysize segment and across the broader liquefied gas carrier industry. Properties Other than our vessels, we do not own any material property. We lease office space for our representative offices in New York, London and Gdynia. The previous lease term for our representative office in London ended in March 2017. We entered into a new lease for an alternate office space for a period of 10 years with a mutual break option in February 2022, which is the fifth anniversary from the lease commencement date. The gross rent per year for our new office lease is approximately $1.1 million. The lease term for our representative office in Gdynia, Poland is for a period of five years commencing from April 2017. The gross rent per year is approximately $60,000. The previous lease term for our representative office in New York ended in June 2017. We have entered into a new lease for an alternate office space for a period of three years in June 2017. The total rent per year is approximately $365,000. Employees We had 60 employees as of December 31, 2017. We consider our employee relations to be good. Our crewing and technical managers provide crews for our vessels under separate crew management agreements. Legal Proceedings We expect that in the future we will be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of 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. Exchange Controls Under the Republic of the Marshall Islands law, there are currently no restrictions on the export or import of capital, including foreign exchange controls or restrictions that affect the remittance of distributions, interest or other payments to non-resident shareholders. 48 49 Taxation of the Company 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. U.S. Taxation The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, final and temporary Treasury Regulations thereunder, and administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. The following discussion is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us. Status as a Corporation. We are treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, we are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income to the extent it is from U.S. sources or is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States as discussed below, unless such income is exempt from tax under Section 883 of the Code. Taxation of Operating Income. Substantially all of our gross income is, and we expect that substantially all of our gross income will be, attributable to the transportation of LPGs and petrochemicals and related products until January 2020 when our proposed terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast becomes operational. Gross income that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States, or “U.S. Source International Transportation Income,” is considered to be 50.0% derived from sources within the United States and may be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described below. Gross income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States, or “U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income,” is considered to be 100.0% derived from sources within the United States and generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax. Gross income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. destinations is considered to be 100.0% derived from sources outside the United States and generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that gives rise to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income. However, certain of our activities give rise to U.S. Source International Transportation Income, and we may in the future increase our operations in the United States, which would result in an increase in the amount of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income, all of which would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless the exemption from U.S. taxation under Section 883 of the Code, or the “Section 883 Exemption,” applies. The Section 883 Exemption. 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, or the “Section 883 Regulations,” it will not be subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes or the 4.0% gross basis tax described below on its U.S. Source International Transportation Income. The Section 883 Exemption applies only to U.S. Source International Transportation Income and does not apply to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income. We will qualify for the Section 883 Exemption if, among other things, we meet the following three requirements: • we are organized in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an equivalent exemption from tax to corporations organized in the United States with respect to the types of U.S. Source International Transportation Income that we earn, or an “Equivalent Exemption”; • we satisfy the Publicly Traded Test (as described below); and • we meet certain substantiation, reporting and other requirements (or the Substantiation Requirement). In order for a non-U.S. corporation to meet the Publicly Traded Test, its equity interests must be “primarily traded” and “regularly traded” on an established securities market either in the United States or in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an Equivalent Exemption. The Section 883 Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market in a given country if, with respect to the class or classes of equity relied upon to meet the “regularly traded” requirement described below, the number of shares of each such class that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market under the Section 883 Regulations if one or more classes of such equity interests that, in the aggregate, represent more than 50.0% of the combined vote and value of all outstanding equity interests in the non-U.S. corporation satisfy certain listing and trading volume requirements. These listing and trading volume requirements will be satisfied with respect to a class of equity interests if trades in such class are effected, other than in de minimis quantities, on an established securities market on at least 60 days during the taxable year and the aggregate number of shares in such class that are traded on an established securities market during the taxable year is at least 10.0% of the average number of shares outstanding in that class during the taxable year (with special rules for short taxable years). In addition, a class of equity interests will be considered to satisfy these listing and trading volume requirements if the equity interests in such class are traded during the taxable year on an established securities market in the United States and are “regularly quoted by dealers making a market” in such class (within the meaning of the Section 883 Regulations). Even if a class of equity satisfies the foregoing requirements, and thus generally would be treated as “regularly traded” on an established securities market, an exception may apply to cause the class to fail the regularly traded test if, for more than half of the number of days during the taxable year, one or more 5.0% shareholders (i.e., shareholders owning, actually or constructively, at least 5.0% of the vote and value of that class) own in the aggregate 50.0% or more of the vote and value of the class (which we refer to as the “Closely Held Block Exception”). For purposes of identifying its 5.0% shareholders, a corporation is entitled to rely on Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings made with the SEC. The Closely Held Block Exception does not apply, however, in the event the corporation can establish that a sufficient proportion of such 5.0% shareholders are Qualified Shareholders (as defined below) so as to preclude other persons who are 5.0% shareholders from owning 50.0% or more of the value of that class for more than half the days during the taxable year. Qualified Shareholders include: • • • individual residents of jurisdictions that grant an Equivalent Exemption; non-U.S. corporations organized in jurisdictions that grant an Equivalent Exemption and that meet the Publicly Traded Test; and certain other qualified persons described in the Section 883 Regulations. We are organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is a jurisdiction that the U.S. Treasury Department has recognized as granting an Equivalent Exemption with respect to the type of U.S. Source International Transportation Income we earn. Provided we satisfy the Substantiation Requirement, which we believe we will be able to satisfy, our U.S. Source International Transportation Income (including for this purpose, any such income earned by our subsidiaries) will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation provided we meet the Publicly Traded Test. We did not satisfy the requirements for the Section 883 exemption for our 2013 taxable year because our common stock was not traded on an established securities market for most of the year and therefore we did not 50 51 Taxation of the Company 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. U.S. Taxation The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, final and temporary Treasury Regulations thereunder, and administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change or differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. The following discussion is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us. Status as a Corporation. We are treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, we are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income to the extent it is from U.S. sources or is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States as discussed below, unless such income is exempt from tax under Section 883 of the Code. Taxation of Operating Income. Substantially all of our gross income is, and we expect that substantially all of our gross income will be, attributable to the transportation of LPGs and petrochemicals and related products until January 2020 when our proposed terminal on the U.S. Gulf Coast becomes operational. Gross income that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States, or “U.S. Source International Transportation Income,” is considered to be 50.0% derived from sources within the United States and may be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described below. Gross income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States, or “U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income,” is considered to be 100.0% derived from sources within the United States and generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax. Gross income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. destinations is considered to be 100.0% derived from sources outside the United States and generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that gives rise to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income. However, certain of our activities give rise to U.S. Source International Transportation Income, and we may in the future increase our operations in the United States, which would result in an increase in the amount of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income, all of which would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless the exemption from U.S. taxation under Section 883 of the Code, or the “Section 883 Exemption,” applies. The Section 883 Exemption. 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, or the “Section 883 Regulations,” it will not be subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes or the 4.0% gross basis tax described below on its U.S. Source International Transportation Income. The Section 883 Exemption applies only to U.S. Source International Transportation Income and does not apply to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income. We will qualify for the Section 883 Exemption if, among other things, we meet the following three requirements: • we are organized in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an equivalent exemption from tax to corporations organized in the United States with respect to the types of U.S. Source International Transportation Income that we earn, or an “Equivalent Exemption”; • we satisfy the Publicly Traded Test (as described below); and • we meet certain substantiation, reporting and other requirements (or the Substantiation Requirement). In order for a non-U.S. corporation to meet the Publicly Traded Test, its equity interests must be “primarily traded” and “regularly traded” on an established securities market either in the United States or in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an Equivalent Exemption. The Section 883 Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be “primarily traded” on an established securities market in a given country if, with respect to the class or classes of equity relied upon to meet the “regularly traded” requirement described below, the number of shares of each such class that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares in such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market under the Section 883 Regulations if one or more classes of such equity interests that, in the aggregate, represent more than 50.0% of the combined vote and value of all outstanding equity interests in the non-U.S. corporation satisfy certain listing and trading volume requirements. These listing and trading volume requirements will be satisfied with respect to a class of equity interests if trades in such class are effected, other than in de minimis quantities, on an established securities market on at least 60 days during the taxable year and the aggregate number of shares in such class that are traded on an established securities market during the taxable year is at least 10.0% of the average number of shares outstanding in that class during the taxable year (with special rules for short taxable years). In addition, a class of equity interests will be considered to satisfy these listing and trading volume requirements if the equity interests in such class are traded during the taxable year on an established securities market in the United States and are “regularly quoted by dealers making a market” in such class (within the meaning of the Section 883 Regulations). Even if a class of equity satisfies the foregoing requirements, and thus generally would be treated as “regularly traded” on an established securities market, an exception may apply to cause the class to fail the regularly traded test if, for more than half of the number of days during the taxable year, one or more 5.0% shareholders (i.e., shareholders owning, actually or constructively, at least 5.0% of the vote and value of that class) own in the aggregate 50.0% or more of the vote and value of the class (which we refer to as the “Closely Held Block Exception”). For purposes of identifying its 5.0% shareholders, a corporation is entitled to rely on Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings made with the SEC. The Closely Held Block Exception does not apply, however, in the event the corporation can establish that a sufficient proportion of such 5.0% shareholders are Qualified Shareholders (as defined below) so as to preclude other persons who are 5.0% shareholders from owning 50.0% or more of the value of that class for more than half the days during the taxable year. Qualified Shareholders include: • • • individual residents of jurisdictions that grant an Equivalent Exemption; non-U.S. corporations organized in jurisdictions that grant an Equivalent Exemption and that meet the Publicly Traded Test; and certain other qualified persons described in the Section 883 Regulations. We are organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which is a jurisdiction that the U.S. Treasury Department has recognized as granting an Equivalent Exemption with respect to the type of U.S. Source International Transportation Income we earn. Provided we satisfy the Substantiation Requirement, which we believe we will be able to satisfy, our U.S. Source International Transportation Income (including for this purpose, any such income earned by our subsidiaries) will be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation provided we meet the Publicly Traded Test. We did not satisfy the requirements for the Section 883 exemption for our 2013 taxable year because our common stock was not traded on an established securities market for most of the year and therefore we did not 50 51 satisfy the “regularly traded” requirement of the Publicly Traded Test. However, for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 we believe that we satisfied the requirements of Section 883 exemption and therefore we were not subject to U.S. federal income taxation on our U.S. Source International Transportation Income. For the current and future taxable years, we believe we will be able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test, provided we satisfy the listing and trading volume requirements described previously and the Closely Held Block Exception does not apply for such year. Our common stock, which is our only class of equity outstanding, represents more than 50.0% of the total combined voting power and value of all classes of our equity interests entitled to vote. In addition, because our common stock is traded only on the NYSE, which is considered to be an established securities market, our equity interests are “primarily traded” on an established securities market for purposes of the Publicly Traded Test. Further, we anticipate that our common stock will meet the “regularly traded” requirement of the Publicly Traded Test. According to Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings with the SEC, 5.0% shareholders currently own, in the aggregate, less than 50.0% of the total vote and value of our common stock. Provided that in each of the current and future taxable years, 5.0% shareholders own, in the aggregate, less than 50.0% of the total vote and value of our common stock for more than half the days of such taxable year, and we continue to satisfy the listing and trading volume requirements described previously, we believe that we will satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for such year. However, additional persons that are not Qualified Shareholders may become 5.0% shareholders at any time. If more than 50.0% of our common stock were held by 5.0% shareholders (other than Qualified Shareholders) for more than half of the days of the current or any future year, we would likely not qualify for an exemption under Section 883 for such taxable year, due to the Closely Held Block Exception. Because qualification for the Section 883 Exception depends upon factual matters that are subject to change and are outside of our control, there can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for the current or any future taxable year. Please see “—The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax” and “—The 4.0% Gross Basis Tax” below for a discussion of the consequences in the event we do not satisfy the Publicly Traded Test or otherwise fail to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption. The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax. If we earn U.S. Source International Transportation Income, and, the Section 883 Exemption does not apply, the U.S. source portion of such income may be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or “Effectively Connected Income,” if (1) we have a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of U.S. Source International Transportation Income and (2) substantially all of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or, in the case of vessel leasing income, is attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States. In addition, if we earn other types of income within the territorial seas of the United States, such income may be treated as Effectively Connected Income. Based on our current and projected methods of operation, we do not believe that any of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income will be treated as Effectively Connected Income for any taxable year. However, there is no assurance that we will not earn substantial amounts of income from regularly scheduled transportation or bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States (or earn income from other activities within the territorial seas of the United States) in the future, which would result in such income being treated as Effectively Connected Income. Any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax (generally at a rate of 21.0%). In addition, a 30.0% branch profits tax could be imposed on any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid by us in connection with the conduct of our U.S. trade or business. On the sale of a vessel that has produced Effectively Connected Income, we could be subject to the net basis U.S. federal corporate income tax as well as branch profits tax with respect to the gain recognized up to the amount of certain prior deductions for depreciation that reduced Effectively Connected Income. Otherwise, we would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on the sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles. In general, the sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside the United States. The 4.0% Gross Basis Tax. If the Section 883 Exemption does not apply and the net basis tax does not apply, we will be subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax on the U.S. source portion of our gross U.S. Source International Transportation Income, without benefit of deductions. Under the sourcing rules described above under “—Taxation of Operating Income,” 50.0% of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income would be treated as being derived from U.S. sources. Republic of the Marshall Islands Taxation We believe that because we and our controlled affiliates do not, and do not expect to, conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, neither we nor our controlled affiliates will be subject to income, capital gains, profits or other taxation under current Republic of the Marshall Islands law. As a result, distributions by our controlled affiliates to us will not be subject to Republic of the Marshall Islands taxation. U.K. Taxation NGT Services (UK) Limited, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Navigator Gas Shipmanagement Ltd and Navigator Terminals Invest Ltd, as U.K. incorporated companies, are subject to U.K. corporation tax on all their profits wherever arising. If we and any of our controlled affiliates not incorporated in the United Kingdom ensure that our central management and control is exercised outside of the United Kingdom, and we do not otherwise create a U.K. permanent establishment by carrying on business in the United Kingdom, we should not become subject to U.K. corporation tax. Where a company’s central management and control is exercised is a question of fact to be decided in accordance with the particular circumstances of each company. Any distributions paid to us by NGT Services (UK) Limited will not be subject to U.K. taxation. Falcon Funding PTE Ltd is a Singaporean service company and is subject to Singaporean tax on all its profits PT Navigator Khatulistiwa “PTNK” is a joint venture of which 49% of the voting and dividend rights are owned by a subsidiary though ultimately controlled at the shareholder level by a subsidiary of Navigator Holdings, and 51% of such rights are owned by Indonesian limited liability companies. PTNK is subject to Indonesian freight tax on all of its gross shipping transportation revenue at a rate of 1.2%. NGT Services (Poland) Sp. Z O.O. is a Polish service company and is subject to Polish tax on all its profits Singapore Taxation wherever arising. Indonesia Taxation Poland Taxation wherever arising. C. Organizational Structure Not applicable. D. Property, Plant and Equipment Other than our vessels mentioned above, we do not have any material property. 52 53 satisfy the “regularly traded” requirement of the Publicly Traded Test. However, for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 we believe that we satisfied the requirements of Section 883 exemption and therefore we were not subject to U.S. federal income taxation on our U.S. Source International Transportation Income. For the current and future taxable years, we believe we will be able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test, provided we satisfy the listing and trading volume requirements described previously and the Closely Held Block Exception does not apply for such year. Our common stock, which is our only class of equity outstanding, represents more than 50.0% of the total combined voting power and value of all classes of our equity interests entitled to vote. In addition, because our common stock is traded only on the NYSE, which is considered to be an established securities market, our equity interests are “primarily traded” on an established securities market for purposes of the Publicly Traded Test. Further, we anticipate that our common stock will meet the “regularly traded” requirement of the Publicly Traded Test. According to Schedule 13D and Schedule 13G filings with the SEC, 5.0% shareholders currently own, in the aggregate, less than 50.0% of the total vote and value of our common stock. Provided that in each of the current and future taxable years, 5.0% shareholders own, in the aggregate, less than 50.0% of the total vote and value of our common stock for more than half the days of such taxable year, and we continue to satisfy the listing and trading volume requirements described previously, we believe that we will satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for such year. However, additional persons that are not Qualified Shareholders may become 5.0% shareholders at any time. If more than 50.0% of our common stock were held by 5.0% shareholders (other than Qualified Shareholders) for more than half of the days of the current or any future year, we would likely not qualify for an exemption under Section 883 for such taxable year, due to the Closely Held Block Exception. Because qualification for the Section 883 Exception depends upon factual matters that are subject to change and are outside of our control, there can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for the current or any future taxable year. Please see “—The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax” and “—The 4.0% Gross Basis Tax” below for a discussion of the consequences in the event we do not satisfy the Publicly Traded Test or otherwise fail to qualify for the Section 883 Exemption. The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax. If we earn U.S. Source International Transportation Income, and, the Section 883 Exemption does not apply, the U.S. source portion of such income may be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, or “Effectively Connected Income,” if (1) we have a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of U.S. Source International Transportation Income and (2) substantially all of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or, in the case of vessel leasing income, is attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States. In addition, if we earn other types of income within the territorial seas of the United States, such income may be treated as Effectively Connected Income. Based on our current and projected methods of operation, we do not believe that any of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income will be treated as Effectively Connected Income for any taxable year. However, there is no assurance that we will not earn substantial amounts of income from regularly scheduled transportation or bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States (or earn income from other activities within the territorial seas of the United States) in the future, which would result in such income being treated as Effectively Connected Income. Any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax (generally at a rate of 21.0%). In addition, a 30.0% branch profits tax could be imposed on any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid by us in connection with the conduct of our U.S. trade or business. On the sale of a vessel that has produced Effectively Connected Income, we could be subject to the net basis U.S. federal corporate income tax as well as branch profits tax with respect to the gain recognized up to the amount of certain prior deductions for depreciation that reduced Effectively Connected Income. Otherwise, we would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on the sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles. In general, the sale of a vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside the United States. The 4.0% Gross Basis Tax. If the Section 883 Exemption does not apply and the net basis tax does not apply, we will be subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax on the U.S. source portion of our gross U.S. Source International Transportation Income, without benefit of deductions. Under the sourcing rules described above under “—Taxation of Operating Income,” 50.0% of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income would be treated as being derived from U.S. sources. Republic of the Marshall Islands Taxation We believe that because we and our controlled affiliates do not, and do not expect to, conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, neither we nor our controlled affiliates will be subject to income, capital gains, profits or other taxation under current Republic of the Marshall Islands law. As a result, distributions by our controlled affiliates to us will not be subject to Republic of the Marshall Islands taxation. U.K. Taxation NGT Services (UK) Limited, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Navigator Gas Shipmanagement Ltd and Navigator Terminals Invest Ltd, as U.K. incorporated companies, are subject to U.K. corporation tax on all their profits wherever arising. If we and any of our controlled affiliates not incorporated in the United Kingdom ensure that our central management and control is exercised outside of the United Kingdom, and we do not otherwise create a U.K. permanent establishment by carrying on business in the United Kingdom, we should not become subject to U.K. corporation tax. Where a company’s central management and control is exercised is a question of fact to be decided in accordance with the particular circumstances of each company. Any distributions paid to us by NGT Services (UK) Limited will not be subject to U.K. taxation. Singapore Taxation Falcon Funding PTE Ltd is a Singaporean service company and is subject to Singaporean tax on all its profits wherever arising. Indonesia Taxation PT Navigator Khatulistiwa “PTNK” is a joint venture of which 49% of the voting and dividend rights are owned by a subsidiary though ultimately controlled at the shareholder level by a subsidiary of Navigator Holdings, and 51% of such rights are owned by Indonesian limited liability companies. PTNK is subject to Indonesian freight tax on all of its gross shipping transportation revenue at a rate of 1.2%. Poland Taxation NGT Services (Poland) Sp. Z O.O. is a Polish service company and is subject to Polish tax on all its profits wherever arising. C. Organizational Structure Not applicable. D. Property, Plant and Equipment Other than our vessels mentioned above, we do not have any material property. 52 53 Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments Not applicable. Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects A. Operating Results You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our audited and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. Among other things, those financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or “U.S. GAAP,” and are presented in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated. Any amounts converted from another non-U.S. currency to U.S. Dollars in this annual report were converted at the rate applicable at the relevant date, or the average rate during the applicable period. Overview We are the owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers. We provide international and regional seaborne transportation services of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users and commodity traders. These gases are transported in liquefied form, by applying cooling and/or pressure, to reduce volume by up to 900 times depending on the cargo, making their transportation more efficient and economical. We employ our vessels through a combination of time charters, voyage charters and COAs. Our fleet consists of 38 vessels; 33 of these are semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied handysize gas carriers; four are midsize 37,300 cbm ethylene capable semi-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers and one is a 38,000 cbm fully refrigerated liquefied gas carrier. We define handysize as liquefied gas carriers between 15,000 and 24,999 cbm. We currently own and operate a total of 38 vessels, of which 23 are employed under time charters, three under contracts of affreightment and 12 are employed in the spot market. As of December 31, 2017, 21 vessels were employed under time charters, five were employed under contracts of affreightment and 12 were employed in the spot market. Our operated vessels earned an average time charter equivalent rate of approximately $639,318 per vessel per calendar month ($21,018 per day) during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $774,890 per vessel per calendar month ($25,476 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2016. Our largest customers by revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, include five companies that currently time charter and voyage charter, either on a spot basis or under a contract of affreightment, a total of 23 of our 38 operated vessels: Mitsubishi International Corporation, a leading trade, commodities, finance and investment company; PT Pertamina (Persero), the Indonesian state-owned producer of hydrocarbons; Braskem S.A. a leading Brazilian petrochemical gas producer, Sibur, a Russian gas processing and petrochemicals company and Kolmar AG Group, a large Swiss based integrated Petroleum and Petrochemicals company. For the year ended December 31, 2017, these customers accounted for approximately 64.6% of our revenue in the aggregate. Other than those customers listed above we have in the past and still currently in some cases, chartered vessels to a range of trading, shipping and other customers on both time charter and voyage charter bases such as Bayegan (BGN) International, an international commodities and trading company; Vitol Group, an independent energy trading company; Borealis, a leading multinational chemical corporation; Total SA, a leading oil and gas company and Petróleos de Venezuela S.A.; the Venezuelan state-owned integrated oil and petrochemical company. Vessel Contracts types of contractual relationships: We generate revenue by providing seaborne transportation services to customers pursuant to the following three Time Charters. A time charter is a contract under which a vessel is chartered for a defined period of time at a fixed daily or monthly rate. Under time charters, we are responsible for providing crewing and other vessel operating services, the cost of which is intended to be covered by the fixed rate, while the customer is responsible for substantially all of the voyage expenses, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. LPG is typically transported under a time charter arrangement, generally with a term of 12 months. However, nine of our current 22 time charters are for long term charters exceeding 12 months. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 48.2% of our revenue was generated pursuant to time charters, compared to the approximately 50.5% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Voyage Charters. A voyage charter is a contract, typically for shorter intervals, for transportation of a specified cargo between two or more designated ports. This type of charter is priced on a current or “spot” market rate, typically on a price per ton of product carried rather than a daily or monthly rate. Under voyage charters, we are responsible for all of the voyage expenses in addition to providing the crewing and other vessel operating services. Petrochemical gases have typically been transported pursuant to voyage charters, as the seaborne transportation requirements of petrochemical product traders have historically resulted from a particular product arbitrage at a point in time. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 24.5% of our revenue was generated pursuant to voyage charters, compared to approximately 37.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Contracts of Affreightment. A COA is a contract to carry specified quantities of cargo, usually over prescribed shipping routes, at a fixed price per ton basis (often subject to fuel price or other adjustments) over a defined period of time. As such, a COA essentially consists of a number of voyage charters to carry a specified amount of cargo over a specified time period (i.e., the term of the COA), which can span for months to potentially years. Similar to a voyage charter, we are typically responsible for all voyage expenses in addition to providing all crewing and other vessel operating services when trading under a COA. Three of our vessels are currently operating under contracts of affreightment. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 27.3% of our revenue was generated pursuant to COAs, compared to approximately 12.5% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Vessels operating on time charters and longer-term COAs provide more predictable cash flows, but can potentially yield lower profit margins than vessels operating in the spot charter market during periods of favorable market conditions. Accordingly, as a result of a portion of our fleet being committed on time charters and COAs, we will be unable to take full advantage of improving charter rates to the same extent as we would if our liquefied gas carriers were employed only on spot charters. Conversely, vessels operating in the spot charter market generate revenue that is less predictable, but they may enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of improving charter rates. However, operating in the spot charter market exposes us to the risks of declining liquefied gas carrier charter rates and relatively lower utilization rates as compared to time charters and certain COAs, which may have a materially adverse impact on our financial performance. Notwithstanding these risks, we believe that providing liquefied gas transportation services in the spot charter market is important to us, as it provides us with greater insight into market trends and opportunities. We believe that the size and versatility of our fleet, which enables us to carry the broadest set of liquefied gases subject to seaborne transportation across a diverse range of conditions and geographies, together with our track record of operational excellence, positions us as the partner of choice for many companies requiring handysize liquefied gas transportation and distribution solutions. In addition, we believe that the versatility of our fleet affords us with backhaul and triangulation opportunities not available to many of our competitors, thereby providing us with opportunities to increase utilization and profitability. We seek to enhance our returns through a flexible, customer-driven chartering strategy that combines a base of time charters and COAs with more opportunistic, higher-rate voyage charters. 54 55 Item 4A. Unresolved Staff Comments Not applicable. Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects A. Operating Results You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with our audited and related notes included elsewhere in this annual report. Among other things, those financial statements include more detailed information regarding the basis of presentation for the following information. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or “U.S. GAAP,” and are presented in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise indicated. Any amounts converted from another non-U.S. currency to U.S. Dollars in this annual report were converted at the rate applicable at the relevant date, or the average rate during the applicable period. Overview We are the owner and operator of the world’s largest fleet of handysize liquefied gas carriers. We provide international and regional seaborne transportation services of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia for energy companies, industrial users and commodity traders. These gases are transported in liquefied form, by applying cooling and/or pressure, to reduce volume by up to 900 times depending on the cargo, making their transportation more efficient and economical. We employ our vessels through a combination of time charters, voyage charters and COAs. Our fleet consists of 38 vessels; 33 of these are semi- or fully-refrigerated liquefied handysize gas carriers; four are midsize 37,300 cbm ethylene capable semi-refrigerated liquefied gas carriers and one is a 38,000 cbm fully refrigerated liquefied gas carrier. We define handysize as liquefied gas carriers between 15,000 and 24,999 cbm. We currently own and operate a total of 38 vessels, of which 23 are employed under time charters, three under contracts of affreightment and 12 are employed in the spot market. As of December 31, 2017, 21 vessels were employed under time charters, five were employed under contracts of affreightment and 12 were employed in the spot market. Our operated vessels earned an average time charter equivalent rate of approximately $639,318 per vessel per calendar month ($21,018 per day) during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to approximately $774,890 per vessel per calendar month ($25,476 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2016. Our largest customers by revenue for the year ended December 31, 2017, include five companies that currently time charter and voyage charter, either on a spot basis or under a contract of affreightment, a total of 23 of our 38 operated vessels: Mitsubishi International Corporation, a leading trade, commodities, finance and investment company; PT Pertamina (Persero), the Indonesian state-owned producer of hydrocarbons; Braskem S.A. a leading Brazilian petrochemical gas producer, Sibur, a Russian gas processing and petrochemicals company and Kolmar AG Group, a large Swiss based integrated Petroleum and Petrochemicals company. For the year ended December 31, 2017, these customers accounted for approximately 64.6% of our revenue in the aggregate. Other than those customers listed above we have in the past and still currently in some cases, chartered vessels to a range of trading, shipping and other customers on both time charter and voyage charter bases such as Bayegan (BGN) International, an international commodities and trading company; Vitol Group, an independent energy trading company; Borealis, a leading multinational chemical corporation; Total SA, a leading oil and gas company and Petróleos de Venezuela S.A.; the Venezuelan state-owned integrated oil and petrochemical company. Vessel Contracts We generate revenue by providing seaborne transportation services to customers pursuant to the following three types of contractual relationships: Time Charters. A time charter is a contract under which a vessel is chartered for a defined period of time at a fixed daily or monthly rate. Under time charters, we are responsible for providing crewing and other vessel operating services, the cost of which is intended to be covered by the fixed rate, while the customer is responsible for substantially all of the voyage expenses, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. LPG is typically transported under a time charter arrangement, generally with a term of 12 months. However, nine of our current 22 time charters are for long term charters exceeding 12 months. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 48.2% of our revenue was generated pursuant to time charters, compared to the approximately 50.5% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Voyage Charters. A voyage charter is a contract, typically for shorter intervals, for transportation of a specified cargo between two or more designated ports. This type of charter is priced on a current or “spot” market rate, typically on a price per ton of product carried rather than a daily or monthly rate. Under voyage charters, we are responsible for all of the voyage expenses in addition to providing the crewing and other vessel operating services. Petrochemical gases have typically been transported pursuant to voyage charters, as the seaborne transportation requirements of petrochemical product traders have historically resulted from a particular product arbitrage at a point in time. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 24.5% of our revenue was generated pursuant to voyage charters, compared to approximately 37.0% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Contracts of Affreightment. A COA is a contract to carry specified quantities of cargo, usually over prescribed shipping routes, at a fixed price per ton basis (often subject to fuel price or other adjustments) over a defined period of time. As such, a COA essentially consists of a number of voyage charters to carry a specified amount of cargo over a specified time period (i.e., the term of the COA), which can span for months to potentially years. Similar to a voyage charter, we are typically responsible for all voyage expenses in addition to providing all crewing and other vessel operating services when trading under a COA. Three of our vessels are currently operating under contracts of affreightment. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 27.3% of our revenue was generated pursuant to COAs, compared to approximately 12.5% for the year ended December 31, 2016. Vessels operating on time charters and longer-term COAs provide more predictable cash flows, but can potentially yield lower profit margins than vessels operating in the spot charter market during periods of favorable market conditions. Accordingly, as a result of a portion of our fleet being committed on time charters and COAs, we will be unable to take full advantage of improving charter rates to the same extent as we would if our liquefied gas carriers were employed only on spot charters. Conversely, vessels operating in the spot charter market generate revenue that is less predictable, but they may enable us to capture increased profit margins during periods of improving charter rates. However, operating in the spot charter market exposes us to the risks of declining liquefied gas carrier charter rates and relatively lower utilization rates as compared to time charters and certain COAs, which may have a materially adverse impact on our financial performance. Notwithstanding these risks, we believe that providing liquefied gas transportation services in the spot charter market is important to us, as it provides us with greater insight into market trends and opportunities. We believe that the size and versatility of our fleet, which enables us to carry the broadest set of liquefied gases subject to seaborne transportation across a diverse range of conditions and geographies, together with our track record of operational excellence, positions us as the partner of choice for many companies requiring handysize liquefied gas transportation and distribution solutions. In addition, we believe that the versatility of our fleet affords us with backhaul and triangulation opportunities not available to many of our competitors, thereby providing us with opportunities to increase utilization and profitability. We seek to enhance our returns through a flexible, customer-driven chartering strategy that combines a base of time charters and COAs with more opportunistic, higher-rate voyage charters. 54 55 Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense consists of: We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts in the evaluation of our business and operations. These include the following: charges related to the depreciation of the historical cost of our fleet (or the revalued amount), less the estimated residual value of our vessels, calculated on a straight-line basis over their useful life, which is Operating Revenue. Our operating revenue includes revenue from time charters, voyage charters and COAs. Operating revenue is affected by charter rates and the number of days a vessel operates, as well as address commissions deducted by charterers. Rates for voyage charters are more volatile as they are typically tied to prevailing market rates at the time of the voyage. Historically, voyage charters have usually represented a minority of our annual operating revenue, which is consistent with our vessel employment strategy for the near future. Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions are costs remitted to shipping brokers for placing business with our vessels and are calculated as a percentage of chartering income. Address Commissions. Address commissions are amounts deducted by charterers from revenue for placing business with our vessels and are calculated as a percentage of chartering income. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. Voyage expenses are typically paid by the shipowner under voyage charters and COAs and by the charterer under time charters. Accordingly, we generally only incur voyage expenses when performing voyage charters and COAs or during repositioning voyages between time charters for which no cargo is available. The gross revenue received by the shipowner under voyage charters and COAs are generally higher than those received under comparable time charters so as to compensate the shipowner for bearing all voyage expenses. As a result, our operating revenue and voyage expenses may vary significantly depending on our mix of time charters, voyage charters and COAs. Charter-in Costs. Charter-in costs represent charter hire costs incurred by us for non-owned vessels that we charter into our fleet. While it is not a focus of our operational strategy, we may opportunistically charter-in vessels if we either have a need for a vessel to perform a specific undertaking or consider the charter rate requested by a vessel owner to be sufficiently attractive. Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses are expenses that are not unique to a specific voyage. Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the cost of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. Our vessel operating expenses will increase with the expansion of our fleet. Other factors that are beyond our control may also cause these expenses to increase, including developments relating to market prices for insurance and crewing costs. In connection with providing us with technical management for our fleet, NMM and Thome currently receive crewing and technical management fees of approximately $0.2 million per vessel per year in the aggregate, which fees are considered to be vessel operating expenses. The vessels which are under in-house technical management have the crewing function managed by one of our third party technical managers for a fee. Our technical and crew management agreements have terms through December 2017, and thereafter continue until terminated on at least three months’ notice by either party, subject to certain exceptions. During 2017 we continued to expand our in-house technical management scope, transferring a further four vessels to in-house technical management. As at December 31, 2017, we directly managed eight of the vessels in our fleet, compared to four as at December 31, 2016. We expect to continue into 2018 with additional vessels being integrated into our in-house technical management. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview— Technical Management of the Fleet.” 56 57 • • estimated to be 30 years; and period between drydockings. charges related to the amortization of capitalized drydocking expenditures relating to our fleet over the General Administration Costs. General administration costs principally consist of the costs incurred in operating our London representative office, which manages our chartering, operations, accounting and administrative functions; our Gdynia representative office, which manages our in-house technical management and oversees the technical management of our other vessels; our New York representative office; and certain costs and expenses attributable to our board of directors. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company— Business Overview—Commercial Management of the Fleet.” We incur additional expenses as a result of being a publicly-traded corporation, including costs associated with annual reports to shareholders and SEC filings, investor relations and NYSE annual listing fees. We may also grant equity compensation that would result in an expense to us, which may result in an increase in expenses. Please read “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans—2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.” Other Corporation Expenses. Other corporation expenses consist of our advisors’ services, including ongoing audit, taxation, legal and corporate services. Drydocking . We must periodically drydock each of our vessels for any major repairs and maintenance, for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel, that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating and for any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. We are required to drydock a vessel once every five years until it reaches 15 years of age, after which we are required to drydock the applicable vessel every two and a half to three years. We capitalize costs associated with the drydockings as “built in overhauls” in accordance with U.S. GAAP and amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the period between drydockings. Costs incurred during the drydocking period which relate to routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The number of drydockings undertaken in a given period and the nature of the work performed determine the level of drydocking expenditures. Ownership Days. We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period that each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and the potential amount of revenue and expenses that we record during a period. Available Days. We define available days as ownership days less aggregate off-hire days associated with major scheduled maintenance, which principally include drydockings, special or intermediate surveys, vessel upgrades or major repairs. We use available days to measure the number of days in a period that our operated vessels should be capable of generating revenues. Operating Days. We define operating days as available days less the aggregate number of days that our operated vessels are not generating revenue, which includes idle days and off-hire days for any reason other than major scheduled maintenance. We use operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our operated vessels are servicing our customers. Fleet Utilization. We define fleet utilization as the total number of operating days in a period divided by the total number of available days during that period. Time Charter Equivalent Rate. TCE rate not is calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. TCE rate is a measure which converts voyage charter and COA revenues to a time charter comparable, by deducting voyage Important Financial and Operational Terms and Concepts Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense consists of: We use a variety of financial and operational terms and concepts in the evaluation of our business and operations. These include the following: Operating Revenue. Our operating revenue includes revenue from time charters, voyage charters and COAs. Operating revenue is affected by charter rates and the number of days a vessel operates, as well as address commissions deducted by charterers. Rates for voyage charters are more volatile as they are typically tied to prevailing market rates at the time of the voyage. Historically, voyage charters have usually represented a minority of our annual operating revenue, which is consistent with our vessel employment strategy for the near future. Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions are costs remitted to shipping brokers for placing business with our vessels and are calculated as a percentage of chartering income. Address Commissions. Address commissions are amounts deducted by charterers from revenue for placing business with our vessels and are calculated as a percentage of chartering income. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses are all expenses unique to a particular voyage, including any bunker fuel consumption, port expenses and canal tolls. Voyage expenses are typically paid by the shipowner under voyage charters and COAs and by the charterer under time charters. Accordingly, we generally only incur voyage expenses when performing voyage charters and COAs or during repositioning voyages between time charters for which no cargo is available. The gross revenue received by the shipowner under voyage charters and COAs are generally higher than those received under comparable time charters so as to compensate the shipowner for bearing all voyage expenses. As a result, our operating revenue and voyage expenses may vary significantly depending on our mix of time charters, voyage charters and COAs. Charter-in Costs. Charter-in costs represent charter hire costs incurred by us for non-owned vessels that we charter into our fleet. While it is not a focus of our operational strategy, we may opportunistically charter-in vessels if we either have a need for a vessel to perform a specific undertaking or consider the charter rate requested by a vessel owner to be sufficiently attractive. Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses are expenses that are not unique to a specific voyage. Vessel operating expenses include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the cost of spares and consumable stores, tonnage taxes and other miscellaneous expenses. Our vessel operating expenses will increase with the expansion of our fleet. Other factors that are beyond our control may also cause these expenses to increase, including developments relating to market prices for insurance and crewing costs. In connection with providing us with technical management for our fleet, NMM and Thome currently receive crewing and technical management fees of approximately $0.2 million per vessel per year in the aggregate, which fees are considered to be vessel operating expenses. The vessels which are under in-house technical management have the crewing function managed by one of our third party technical managers for a fee. Our technical and crew management agreements have terms through December 2017, and thereafter continue until terminated on at least three months’ notice by either party, subject to certain exceptions. During 2017 we continued to expand our in-house technical management scope, transferring a further four vessels to in-house technical management. As at December 31, 2017, we directly managed eight of the vessels in our fleet, compared to four as at December 31, 2016. We expect to continue into 2018 with additional vessels being integrated into our in-house technical management. See “Item 4—Information on the Company—Business Overview— Technical Management of the Fleet.” • • charges related to the depreciation of the historical cost of our fleet (or the revalued amount), less the estimated residual value of our vessels, calculated on a straight-line basis over their useful life, which is estimated to be 30 years; and charges related to the amortization of capitalized drydocking expenditures relating to our fleet over the period between drydockings. General Administration Costs. General administration costs principally consist of the costs incurred in operating our London representative office, which manages our chartering, operations, accounting and administrative functions; our Gdynia representative office, which manages our in-house technical management and oversees the technical management of our other vessels; our New York representative office; and certain costs and expenses attributable to our board of directors. Please read “Item 4—Information on the Company— Business Overview—Commercial Management of the Fleet.” We incur additional expenses as a result of being a publicly-traded corporation, including costs associated with annual reports to shareholders and SEC filings, investor relations and NYSE annual listing fees. We may also grant equity compensation that would result in an expense to us, which may result in an increase in expenses. Please read “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans—2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan.” Other Corporation Expenses. Other corporation expenses consist of our advisors’ services, including ongoing audit, taxation, legal and corporate services. Drydocking . We must periodically drydock each of our vessels for any major repairs and maintenance, for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel, that cannot be performed while the vessels are operating and for any modifications to comply with industry certification or governmental requirements. We are required to drydock a vessel once every five years until it reaches 15 years of age, after which we are required to drydock the applicable vessel every two and a half to three years. We capitalize costs associated with the drydockings as “built in overhauls” in accordance with U.S. GAAP and amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the period between drydockings. Costs incurred during the drydocking period which relate to routine repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The number of drydockings undertaken in a given period and the nature of the work performed determine the level of drydocking expenditures. Ownership Days. We define ownership days as the aggregate number of days in a period that each vessel in our fleet has been owned by us. Ownership days are an indicator of the size of our fleet over a period and the potential amount of revenue and expenses that we record during a period. Available Days. We define available days as ownership days less aggregate off-hire days associated with major scheduled maintenance, which principally include drydockings, special or intermediate surveys, vessel upgrades or major repairs. We use available days to measure the number of days in a period that our operated vessels should be capable of generating revenues. Operating Days. We define operating days as available days less the aggregate number of days that our operated vessels are not generating revenue, which includes idle days and off-hire days for any reason other than major scheduled maintenance. We use operating days to measure the aggregate number of days in a period that our operated vessels are servicing our customers. Fleet Utilization. We define fleet utilization as the total number of operating days in a period divided by the total number of available days during that period. Time Charter Equivalent Rate. TCE rate not is calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. TCE rate is a measure which converts voyage charter and COA revenues to a time charter comparable, by deducting voyage 56 57 expenses (which are incurred by the charterer in the case of time charters) from voyage revenue. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare the performance of different charter types (i.e., time charters, voyage charters and COAs) and to enable a period-to-period comparison in performance despite changes in the mix of charter types under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. Our method of calculating TCE rate is to divide operating revenue for a voyage charter or COA (net of voyage expenses) by the relevant time period of that charter. Daily Vessel Operating Expenses. Daily vessel operating expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by ownership days (excluding ownership days attributable to chartered-in vessels) for the relevant time period. Results of Operations Factors Affecting Comparability You should consider the following factors when evaluating our historical financial performance and assessing our future prospects: • We increased our fleet size. Our historical financial performance has been significantly impacted by the increasing size of our fleet. • Historical Fleet Size. Our historical financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 reflect the results of operations of a weighted average fleet size of 36.2 vessels for the year, with 38 vessels owned and operated at December 31, 2017. During 2017 we took delivery of Navigator Nova and Navigator Luga in January 2017, Navigator Yauza in April 2017, Navigator Jorf in August 2017 and Navigator Prominence in November 2017 bringing our fleet size to 38. At December 31, 2016 we had a fleet size of 33 vessels and a weighted average fleet size of 31.3 for the year ended December 31, 2016. • On January 31, 2018, the Company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture agreement with Enterprise Products Partners L.P. to build a new ethylene export facility along the U.S. Gulf Coast that will have the capacity to export approximately one million tons of ethylene per year. Refrigerated storage for 30,000 tons of ethylene will be constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 1,000 tons per hour. Construction remains conditional on receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The facilities are expected to be in service by the first quarter of 2020. The project is supported by long-term contracts with customers that include U.S. ethylene producer Flint Hills Resources and a major international trading company. The Company is contemplating a financing of up to $200 million to cover, in large part, its investment in the joint venture, although this may be altered as additional cost information is obtained. • We will have different financing arrangements. We have entered into secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities for the construction of newbuildings and refinanced existing credit facilities and the senior unsecured notes. Please read “—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility” and “—Senior Unsecured Bonds.” Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017 The following table compares our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017: Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 Percentage Change (in thousands, except percentages) Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $294,112 $298,595 1.5% Operating expenses: Brokerage Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . General administration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of insurance amount receivable . . 5,812 42,201 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 504 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $216,155 $251,413 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of deferred financing costs . . . . . . Write off of call premium and redemption charges on 9.00% unsecured bond . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 77,957 (32,321) (102) — 281 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 45,815 Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,177) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 44,638 5,368 55,542 100,968 73,588 13,816 2,131 — $ 47,182 (37,691) (786) (3,517) 519 5,707 (397) 5,310 $ $ (7.6%) 31.6% 11.1% 18.2% 10.3% 7.8% — 16.3% (39.5%) 16.6% 670.6% — 84.7% (87.5%) (66.3%) (88.1%) Operating Revenue. Operating revenue net of address commission, increased by $4.5 million or 1.5 % to $298.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $294.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to: • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $43.5 million attributable to an increase in the weighted average number of vessels from 31.3 for the year ended December 31, 2016, to 36.2 for the year ended December 31, 2017, and a corresponding increase in vessel ownership days by 1,765 days, or 15.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016; • a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $51.7 million attributable to a reduction in average monthly charter rates, which decreased to an average of approximately $639,318 per vessel per calendar month ($21,018 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to an average of approximately $774,890 per vessel per calendar month ($25,476 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as a result of the significant decline in the LPG freight market which began during the second quarter of 2016; • a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $0.6 million attributable to a slight decrease in fleet utilization from 87.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 87.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in the number of idle days, as a percentage of available days, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 and • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $13.3 million primarily attributable to an increase in pass through voyage costs as the number and duration of voyage charters during the year ended December 31, 2017 increased, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. 58 59 expenses (which are incurred by the charterer in the case of time charters) from voyage revenue. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare the performance of different charter types (i.e., time charters, voyage charters and COAs) and to enable a period-to-period comparison in performance despite changes in the mix of charter types under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. Our method of calculating TCE rate is to divide operating revenue for a voyage charter or COA (net of voyage expenses) by the relevant time period of that charter. Daily Vessel Operating Expenses. Daily vessel operating expenses are calculated by dividing vessel operating expenses by ownership days (excluding ownership days attributable to chartered-in vessels) for the relevant time period. Results of Operations Factors Affecting Comparability our future prospects: You should consider the following factors when evaluating our historical financial performance and assessing • We increased our fleet size. Our historical financial performance has been significantly impacted by the increasing size of our fleet. • Historical Fleet Size. Our historical financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 reflect the results of operations of a weighted average fleet size of 36.2 vessels for the year, with 38 vessels owned and operated at December 31, 2017. During 2017 we took delivery of Navigator Nova and Navigator Luga in January 2017, Navigator Yauza in April 2017, Navigator Jorf in August 2017 and Navigator Prominence in November 2017 bringing our fleet size to 38. At December 31, 2016 we had a fleet size of 33 vessels and a weighted average fleet size of 31.3 for the year ended December 31, 2016. • On January 31, 2018, the Company has entered into a 50/50 joint venture agreement with Enterprise Products Partners L.P. to build a new ethylene export facility along the U.S. Gulf Coast that will have the capacity to export approximately one million tons of ethylene per year. Refrigerated storage for 30,000 tons of ethylene will be constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 1,000 tons per hour. Construction remains conditional on receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. The facilities are expected to be in service by the first quarter of 2020. The project is supported by long-term contracts with customers that include U.S. ethylene producer Flint Hills Resources and a major international trading company. The Company is contemplating a financing of up to $200 million to cover, in large part, its investment in the joint venture, although this may be altered as additional cost information is obtained. • We will have different financing arrangements. We have entered into secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities for the construction of newbuildings and refinanced existing credit facilities and the senior unsecured notes. Please read “—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility” and “—Senior Unsecured Bonds.” Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017 The following table compares our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017: Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 Percentage Change (in thousands, except percentages) $298,595 $294,112 1.5% Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating expenses: Brokerage Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . General administration costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of insurance amount receivable . . 5,812 42,201 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 504 5,368 55,542 100,968 73,588 13,816 2,131 — Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $216,155 $251,413 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of deferred financing costs . . . . . . Write off of call premium and redemption charges on 9.00% unsecured bond . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 77,957 (32,321) (102) — 281 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 45,815 (1,177) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 44,638 $ 47,182 (37,691) (786) (3,517) 519 5,707 (397) 5,310 $ $ (7.6%) 31.6% 11.1% 18.2% 10.3% 7.8% — 16.3% (39.5%) 16.6% 670.6% — 84.7% (87.5%) (66.3%) (88.1%) Operating Revenue. Operating revenue net of address commission, increased by $4.5 million or 1.5 % to $298.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $294.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to: • • • • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $43.5 million attributable to an increase in the weighted average number of vessels from 31.3 for the year ended December 31, 2016, to 36.2 for the year ended December 31, 2017, and a corresponding increase in vessel ownership days by 1,765 days, or 15.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2017, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2016; a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $51.7 million attributable to a reduction in average monthly charter rates, which decreased to an average of approximately $639,318 per vessel per calendar month ($21,018 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to an average of approximately $774,890 per vessel per calendar month ($25,476 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as a result of the significant decline in the LPG freight market which began during the second quarter of 2016; a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $0.6 million attributable to a slight decrease in fleet utilization from 87.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 to 87.6% for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily due to an increase in the number of idle days, as a percentage of available days, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 and an increase in operating revenue of approximately $13.3 million primarily attributable to an increase in pass through voyage costs as the number and duration of voyage charters during the year ended December 31, 2017 increased, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. 58 59 The following table presents selected operating data for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, which we believe is useful in understanding our operating revenue: Fleet Data: Weighted average number of vessels . . . . . Ownership days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 31.3 11,463 11,255 9,888 87.9% 36.2 13,228 13,195 11,564 87.6% rate (*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,476 $21,018 * Non-GAAP Financial Measure -Time charter equivalent: Time charter equivalent, or “TCE”, rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters, also known as spot market charters, we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The following table represents a reconciliation of operating revenue to TCE rate. Operating revenue is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented. Fleet Data: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating revenue less Voyage expenses . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2017 294,112 42,201 251,911 9,888 298,410 55,542 242,868 11,564 rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,476 $ 21,018 Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions, which typically vary between 1.25% and 5%, decreased by 7.6% to $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily due to a six voyage contract of affreightment undertaken during the year which had no broker commission due on the revenue generated. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by 31.6% to $55.5 million for year ended December 31, 2017, from $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily due to an increase in the number and duration of voyage charters undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, with these increased voyage costs being pass through costs, compensated for by increased revenue of the same amount. Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses increased by 11.1% to $101.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $90.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as the number of vessels in our fleet increased. Average daily vessel operating expenses decreased by $290 per vessel per day, or 3.7%, to $7,635 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $7,925 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to operating costs being lower for the relatively newer vessels joining our fleet, active management of vessel operating costs and higher maintenance expenditure incurred as a result of a number of dry dockings undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2016. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 18.2% to $73.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our fleet size. Depreciation and amortization expense included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Other Operating Results General Administration Costs. General administration costs increased by $1.3 million or 10.3% to $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in general administration costs was primarily due to increased office lease costs and an increase in the number of employees during the year ended December 31, 2017, to enable us to provide in-house technical management for an increasing number of our vessels. Write off of insurance amount receivable. The write off of insurance amount receivable of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to an expected reduction in the total insurance proceeds receivable, as a result of lower than expected total costs incurred for repairing Navigator Aries, following the June 2015 collision. Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $5.4 million, or 16.5%, to $37.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily due to interest on the additional $375.8 million borrowed under our loan facilities from the year ended December 31, 2016 until the year ended December 31, 2017 associated with the deliveries of nine newbuilding vessels partially offset by a $3.1 million saving as a result of refinancing our unsecured bond in February 2017. Interest capitalized on newbuilding instalment payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $1.7 million, a decrease of $3.4 million from the $5.1 million of interest capitalized from the year ended December 31, 2016 as the remaining vessels in the newbuild program were delivered. Write off of Deferred Financing Costs. The write off of deferred financing costs of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of the 2012 Bonds that we redeemed prior to their maturity date. The write off of deferred financing costs of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to costs associated with the April 2011 and April 2012 secured term loan facilities that was refinanced in 2016. Write off of Call Premium and Redemption Charges on 9.0% Senior Unsecured Bond. In connection with a call option under the terms of our then outstanding 2012 Bonds, pursuant to which we redeemed all of the outstanding principal amount thereof in February 2017, we incurred $3.5 million in charges for the year ended December 31, 2017 that were written off, consisting of a redemption premium of $2.5 million and $1.0 million in interest notice penalty on such bonds prior to maturity. Income Taxes. Income tax relates to taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore. Two of our United Kingdom subsidiaries earn management and other fees from affiliates, and our Singaporean subsidiary earns interest from loans to our variable interest entity in Indonesia, the main corporate tax rates are 19%, 19% and 17% in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we incurred taxes of $397,381 as compared to taxes for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $1,177,525. This reduction is primarily due to a reduction in management fees charged from our UK 60 61 The following table presents selected operating data for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, which we believe is useful in understanding our operating revenue: Fleet Data: Weighted average number of vessels . . . . . Ownership days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 31.3 11,463 11,255 9,888 36.2 13,228 13,195 11,564 87.9% 87.6% rate (*) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,476 $21,018 * Non-GAAP Financial Measure -Time charter equivalent: Time charter equivalent, or “TCE”, rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters, also known as spot market charters, we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The following table represents a reconciliation of operating revenue to TCE rate. Operating revenue is the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented. Fleet Data: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating revenue less Voyage expenses . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 294,112 42,201 251,911 9,888 298,410 55,542 242,868 11,564 rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 25,476 $ 21,018 Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions, which typically vary between 1.25% and 5%, decreased by 7.6% to $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily due to a six voyage contract of affreightment undertaken during the year which had no broker commission due on the revenue generated. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by 31.6% to $55.5 million for year ended December 31, 2017, from $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily due to an increase in the number and duration of voyage charters undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016, with these increased voyage costs being pass through costs, compensated for by increased revenue of the same amount. Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses increased by 11.1% to $101.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $90.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, as the number of vessels in our fleet increased. Average daily vessel operating expenses decreased by $290 per vessel per day, or 3.7%, to $7,635 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $7,925 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due to operating costs being lower for the relatively newer vessels joining our fleet, active management of vessel operating costs and higher maintenance expenditure incurred as a result of a number of dry dockings undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2016. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 18.2% to $73.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our fleet size. Depreciation and amortization expense included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $9.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. Other Operating Results General Administration Costs. General administration costs increased by $1.3 million or 10.3% to $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. The increase in general administration costs was primarily due to increased office lease costs and an increase in the number of employees during the year ended December 31, 2017, to enable us to provide in-house technical management for an increasing number of our vessels. Write off of insurance amount receivable. The write off of insurance amount receivable of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to an expected reduction in the total insurance proceeds receivable, as a result of lower than expected total costs incurred for repairing Navigator Aries, following the June 2015 collision. Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by $5.4 million, or 16.5%, to $37.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, from $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016. This was primarily due to interest on the additional $375.8 million borrowed under our loan facilities from the year ended December 31, 2016 until the year ended December 31, 2017 associated with the deliveries of nine newbuilding vessels partially offset by a $3.1 million saving as a result of refinancing our unsecured bond in February 2017. Interest capitalized on newbuilding instalment payments for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $1.7 million, a decrease of $3.4 million from the $5.1 million of interest capitalized from the year ended December 31, 2016 as the remaining vessels in the newbuild program were delivered. Write off of Deferred Financing Costs. The write off of deferred financing costs of $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 related to the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs of the 2012 Bonds that we redeemed prior to their maturity date. The write off of deferred financing costs of $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to costs associated with the April 2011 and April 2012 secured term loan facilities that was refinanced in 2016. Write off of Call Premium and Redemption Charges on 9.0% Senior Unsecured Bond. In connection with a call option under the terms of our then outstanding 2012 Bonds, pursuant to which we redeemed all of the outstanding principal amount thereof in February 2017, we incurred $3.5 million in charges for the year ended December 31, 2017 that were written off, consisting of a redemption premium of $2.5 million and $1.0 million in interest notice penalty on such bonds prior to maturity. Income Taxes. Income tax relates to taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore. Two of our United Kingdom subsidiaries earn management and other fees from affiliates, and our Singaporean subsidiary earns interest from loans to our variable interest entity in Indonesia, the main corporate tax rates are 19%, 19% and 17% in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we incurred taxes of $397,381 as compared to taxes for the year ended December 31, 2016 of $1,177,525. This reduction is primarily due to a reduction in management fees charged from our UK 60 61 subsidiary as a result of a fall in revenue after voyage expenses; and a negative tax charge in Poland due to start up losses. Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2015 in the demand for our vessels as a result of the softening of the LPG seaborne transportation market during the second half of 2016; and • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $8.5 million relating to a relative increase in the proportion of voyage charters to time charters, for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The following table compares our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016: The following table presents selected operating data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, which we believe are useful in understanding our operating revenue: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating expenses: Brokerage commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . General administration costs . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . Profit from sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Percentage Change (in thousands, except percentages) $294,112 $315,223 (6.7)% 6,995 33,687 78,842 53,453 11,011 2,553 (550) 5,812 42,201 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 — (16.9)% 25.3% 15.2% 16.5% 13.8% (22.6)% — % collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,500 — — % Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9,892) 504 (105.1)% Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $186,599 $216,155 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off deferred finance costs . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $128,624 (28,085) (1,797) 152 $ 98,894 (800) $ 77,957 (32,321) (102) 281 $ 45,815 (1,177) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98,094 $ 44,638 15.8% (39.4)% 15.1% (94.3)% 84.9% (53.7)% 47.1% (54.5)% Operating Revenue. Operating revenue, net of address commission, decreased by 6.7% to $294.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $315.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to: • • • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $39.7 million attributable to an increase in the weighted average number of vessels from 27.8 to 31.3 or 12.6%, for the year ended December 2016, and a corresponding increase in vessel ownership days from 10,135 to 11,463, or 13.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015; a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $51.0 million attributable to a decrease in average charter rates, which were reduced to an average of approximately $774,890 per vessel per calendar month ($25,476 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to an average of approximately $921,014 per vessel per calendar month ($30,280 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2015; a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $18.3 million attributable to a decrease in fleet utilization from 94.3% during the year ended December 31, 2015 to 87.9% during the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily as a result of an increase in the number of idle days due to a weakening Fleet Data: Weighted average number of vessels . . . . . Ownership days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 27.8 10,135 9,865 9,298 31.3 11,463 11,255 9,888 94.3% 87.9% rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30,280 $25,476 * Non-GAAP Financial Measure -Time charter equivalent: TCE rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with US GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time, charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Reconciliation of TCE rate to Operating Revenue The following table represents a reconciliation of TCE to operating revenue, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented. Fleet Data: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating revenue less Voyage expenses . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended Year Ended December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 315,223 33,687 281,536 9,298 294,112 42,201 251,911 9,888 rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,280 $ 25,476 Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions decreased by 16.9% to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as operating revenue on which such commissions are based has decreased. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by 25.3% to $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This was primarily due to the increase in the number of voyage charters undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. 62 63 subsidiary as a result of a fall in revenue after voyage expenses; and a negative tax charge in Poland due to start up losses. 2015 Results of Operations for the Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, The following table compares our operating results for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $315,223 $294,112 (6.7)% Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2015 2016 Percentage Change (in thousands, except percentages) 5,812 42,201 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 — — $ 77,957 (32,321) (102) 281 $ 45,815 (1,177) (16.9)% 25.3% 15.2% 16.5% 13.8% (22.6)% — % — % 15.8% (39.4)% 15.1% (94.3)% 84.9% (53.7)% 47.1% (54.5)% Operating expenses: Brokerage commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . General administration costs . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . Profit from sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following 6,995 33,687 78,842 53,453 11,011 2,553 (550) collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,500 Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (9,892) 504 (105.1)% Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $186,599 $216,155 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $128,624 Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off deferred finance costs . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (28,085) (1,797) 152 Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98,894 Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98,094 $ 44,638 Operating Revenue. Operating revenue, net of address commission, decreased by 6.7% to $294.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $315.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily due to: • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $39.7 million attributable to an increase in the weighted average number of vessels from 27.8 to 31.3 or 12.6%, for the year ended December 2016, and a corresponding increase in vessel ownership days from 10,135 to 11,463, or 13.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015; • a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $51.0 million attributable to a decrease in average charter rates, which were reduced to an average of approximately $774,890 per vessel per calendar month ($25,476 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to an average of approximately $921,014 per vessel per calendar month ($30,280 per day) for the year ended December 31, 2015; • a decrease in operating revenue of approximately $18.3 million attributable to a decrease in fleet utilization from 94.3% during the year ended December 31, 2015 to 87.9% during the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily as a result of an increase in the number of idle days due to a weakening in the demand for our vessels as a result of the softening of the LPG seaborne transportation market during the second half of 2016; and • an increase in operating revenue of approximately $8.5 million relating to a relative increase in the proportion of voyage charters to time charters, for the year ended December 31, 2016, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The following table presents selected operating data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2016, which we believe are useful in understanding our operating revenue: Fleet Data: Weighted average number of vessels . . . . . Ownership days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Available days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fleet utilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 27.8 10,135 9,865 9,298 94.3% 31.3 11,463 11,255 9,888 87.9% rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30,280 $25,476 * Non-GAAP Financial Measure -Time charter equivalent: TCE rate is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. TCE is not calculated in accordance with US GAAP. For all charters, we calculate TCE by dividing total operating revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of operating days for the relevant period. Under a time, charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage related expenses, whereas for voyage charters we pay all voyage expenses. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company’s performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and contracts of affreightment) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with net operating revenues, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. Reconciliation of TCE rate to Operating Revenue The following table represents a reconciliation of TCE to operating revenue, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP for the periods presented. Fleet Data: Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating revenue less Voyage expenses . . Operating days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Average daily time charter equivalent Year Ended December 31, 2015 Year Ended December 31, 2016 315,223 33,687 281,536 9,298 294,112 42,201 251,911 9,888 rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 30,280 $ 25,476 Brokerage Commissions. Brokerage commissions decreased by 16.9% to $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 as operating revenue on which such commissions are based has decreased. Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses increased by 25.3% to $42.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $33.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This was primarily due to the increase in the number of voyage charters undertaken during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. 62 63 Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses increased by 15.2% to $90.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as the number of vessels in our fleet increased by 12.6%, from an average of 27.8 for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 31.3 vessels for the year ended December 31, 2016. Average daily vessel operating expenses increased slightly, by $146 per day, or 1.9%, to $7,925 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $7,779 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2015. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 16.5% to $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our fleet size. Depreciation and amortization expense included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in drydocking amortization is primarily due to the vessels in the fleet that reached their 15 year drydock of which six vessels in our fleet did so during the year ended December 31, 2015. The amortization schedule for these older vessels becomes accelerated from a five year amortization profile to a two and a half year amortization profile once they reach 15 years of age. Other Operating Results General and Administration Costs. General and administration costs increased by 13.8% to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in general administration costs was primarily due to an increase in the number of employees during the year ended December 31, 2016, as we took the technical management of certain vessels in-house. Other Corporate Expenses. Other corporate expenses decreased by 22.6% to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S dollar against other currencies. Profit on Sale of Vessel. We aim to maintain a young fleet and take the opportunity where it arises to sell older vessels. In August 2015, we sold the Navigator Mariner to PT Kermas Sejahtera Lestari for a profit of $0.6 million after all sale costs. The vessel was held at a carrying amount of $31.4 million and had a total of $8.8 million in debt in relation to the secured debt facility that was used to fund the purchase of the vessel that was repaid prior to the sale. No vessels were sold in 2016. Vessel write down following collision. Navigator Aries was involved in a collision with a container vessel near Surabaya, Indonesia causing significant damage to Navigator Aries on June 28, 2015. We recognized a write down of $10.5 million in the year end December 31, 2015, relating to the extent of the damage and using the relative replacement cost for a similar vessel. Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs. The write off of insurance amount receivable of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to lower than expected total insurance proceeds receivable, as result of lower than expected total costs incurred for repairing Navigator Aries, following the June 2015 collision involving the vessel. A total of $9.9 million was recognized as insurance recoverable for the year ended December 31, 2015. Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by 15.1% to $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $28.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This was primarily due to additional amounts drawn down on our loan facilities during the year ended December 31, 2016 associated with delivery of four new build vessels. Interest capitalized on new build instalments for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $5.1 million, an increase of $0.6 from the $4.5 million of interest capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2015. Write off of Deferred Finance Costs. During the year ended December 31, 2016 we repaid in full the April 2011 secured term loan facility and the April 2012 secured term loan facility and as a result of this early extinguishment of the debt we have written off $0.1 million in deferred financing costs. The write off of deferred financing costs of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 related to costs associated with one of our previous secured term loan facilities that was refinanced in January 2015. Income Taxes. Income tax consists of taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore where the main corporate tax rates are 20%, 19% and 17%, respectively. Our United Kingdom subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow subsidiary companies, our Polish subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow subsidiary companies and our Singaporean subsidiary earned interest payments from our Indonesian joint venture. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred taxes of $1,177,525 as compared to taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $799,977. B. Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity and Cash Needs Our primary uses of funds have been capital expenditures for the acquisition and construction of vessels, drydocking expenditures, voyage expenses, vessel operating expenses, general and administrative costs, expenditures incurred in connection with ensuring that our vessels comply with international and regulatory standards, financing expenses and repayments of bank loans. In addition to operating expenses, our medium-term and long-term liquidity needs relate to debt repayments, potential future newbuildings or acquisitions and the development of the ethylene marine export terminal along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Our primary sources of funds have been cash from operations, bank borrowings, proceeds from our initial public offering, equity investments from existing shareholders, and proceeds from bond issuances. We are also required to maintain certain minimum liquidity amounts in order to comply with our various debt instruments. Please see “Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility.” As of December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $62.1 million. In addition, we had approximately $38.1 million in aggregate available borrowing capacity under the October 2016 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility and $3.8 million in available borrowing capacity under the June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below), both of which can be used for general corporate The Company has engaged in discussion with a number of financial institutions in order to secure financing for the new ethylene marine export terminal. Subject to the successful conclusion of the financing discussions we anticipate that the Company’s cash forecasts for the forthcoming 12 months, with particular attention made to the current and future vessel employment profile, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable purposes. future. Ongoing Capital Expenditures Liquefied gas transportation is a capital-intensive business, requiring significant investment to maintain an efficient fleet and to stay in regulatory compliance. We are required to drydock each vessel once every five years until it reaches 15 years of age, after which we are required to drydock the applicable vessel every two and a half to three years. Drydocking each vessel takes approximately 20-30 days. Drydocking days generally include approximately 5-10 days of travel time to and from the drydocking shipyard and approximately 15-20 days of actual drydocking time. Only one of our vessels required a scheduled drydocking during 2017. Eight vessels require drydocking during 2018. We spend significant amounts of funds on scheduled drydocking (including the cost of classification society surveys) of each of our vessels. As our vessels age and our fleet expands, our drydocking expenses will increase. We estimate the current cost of the five-year drydocking of one of our vessels is approximately $0.8 million, the 64 65 Vessel Operating Expenses. Vessel operating expenses increased by 15.2% to $90.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $78.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, as the number of vessels in our fleet increased by 12.6%, from an average of 27.8 for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 31.3 vessels for the year ended December 31, 2016. Average daily vessel operating expenses increased slightly, by $146 per day, or 1.9%, to $7,925 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $7,779 per vessel per day for the year ended December 31, 2015. Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by 16.5% to $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $53.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our fleet size. Depreciation and amortization expense included amortization of capitalized drydocking costs of $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and $5.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in drydocking amortization is primarily due to the vessels in the fleet that reached their 15 year drydock of which six vessels in our fleet did so during the year ended December 31, 2015. The amortization schedule for these older vessels becomes accelerated from a five year amortization profile to a two and a half year amortization profile once they reach 15 years of age. Other Operating Results General and Administration Costs. General and administration costs increased by 13.8% to $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $11.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in general administration costs was primarily due to an increase in the number of employees during the year ended December 31, 2016, as we took the technical management of certain vessels in-house. Other Corporate Expenses. Other corporate expenses decreased by 22.6% to $2.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $2.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, primarily due to the strengthening of the U.S dollar against other currencies. Profit on Sale of Vessel. We aim to maintain a young fleet and take the opportunity where it arises to sell older vessels. In August 2015, we sold the Navigator Mariner to PT Kermas Sejahtera Lestari for a profit of $0.6 million after all sale costs. The vessel was held at a carrying amount of $31.4 million and had a total of $8.8 million in debt in relation to the secured debt facility that was used to fund the purchase of the vessel that was repaid prior to the sale. No vessels were sold in 2016. Vessel write down following collision. Navigator Aries was involved in a collision with a container vessel near Surabaya, Indonesia causing significant damage to Navigator Aries on June 28, 2015. We recognized a write down of $10.5 million in the year end December 31, 2015, relating to the extent of the damage and using the relative replacement cost for a similar vessel. Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs. The write off of insurance amount receivable of $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 was due to lower than expected total insurance proceeds receivable, as result of lower than expected total costs incurred for repairing Navigator Aries, following the June 2015 collision involving the vessel. A total of $9.9 million was recognized as insurance recoverable for the year ended December 31, 2015. Interest Expense. Interest expense increased by 15.1% to $32.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, from $28.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This was primarily due to additional amounts drawn down on our loan facilities during the year ended December 31, 2016 associated with delivery of four new build vessels. Interest capitalized on new build instalments for the year ended December 31, 2016 was $5.1 million, an increase of $0.6 from the $4.5 million of interest capitalized for the year ended December 31, 2015. Write off of Deferred Finance Costs. During the year ended December 31, 2016 we repaid in full the April 2011 secured term loan facility and the April 2012 secured term loan facility and as a result of this early extinguishment of the debt we have written off $0.1 million in deferred financing costs. The write off of deferred financing costs of $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 related to costs associated with one of our previous secured term loan facilities that was refinanced in January 2015. Income Taxes. Income tax consists of taxes on our subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom, Poland and Singapore where the main corporate tax rates are 20%, 19% and 17%, respectively. Our United Kingdom subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow subsidiary companies, our Polish subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow subsidiary companies and our Singaporean subsidiary earned interest payments from our Indonesian joint venture. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we incurred taxes of $1,177,525 as compared to taxes for the year ended December 31, 2015 of $799,977. B. Liquidity and Capital Resources Liquidity and Cash Needs Our primary uses of funds have been capital expenditures for the acquisition and construction of vessels, drydocking expenditures, voyage expenses, vessel operating expenses, general and administrative costs, expenditures incurred in connection with ensuring that our vessels comply with international and regulatory standards, financing expenses and repayments of bank loans. In addition to operating expenses, our medium-term and long-term liquidity needs relate to debt repayments, potential future newbuildings or acquisitions and the development of the ethylene marine export terminal along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Our primary sources of funds have been cash from operations, bank borrowings, proceeds from our initial public offering, equity investments from existing shareholders, and proceeds from bond issuances. We are also required to maintain certain minimum liquidity amounts in order to comply with our various debt instruments. Please see “Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility.” As of December 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $62.1 million. In addition, we had approximately $38.1 million in aggregate available borrowing capacity under the October 2016 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility and $3.8 million in available borrowing capacity under the June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below), both of which can be used for general corporate purposes. The Company has engaged in discussion with a number of financial institutions in order to secure financing for the new ethylene marine export terminal. Subject to the successful conclusion of the financing discussions we anticipate that the Company’s cash forecasts for the forthcoming 12 months, with particular attention made to the current and future vessel employment profile, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. Ongoing Capital Expenditures Liquefied gas transportation is a capital-intensive business, requiring significant investment to maintain an efficient fleet and to stay in regulatory compliance. We are required to drydock each vessel once every five years until it reaches 15 years of age, after which we are required to drydock the applicable vessel every two and a half to three years. Drydocking each vessel takes approximately 20-30 days. Drydocking days generally include approximately 5-10 days of travel time to and from the drydocking shipyard and approximately 15-20 days of actual drydocking time. Only one of our vessels required a scheduled drydocking during 2017. Eight vessels require drydocking during 2018. We spend significant amounts of funds on scheduled drydocking (including the cost of classification society surveys) of each of our vessels. As our vessels age and our fleet expands, our drydocking expenses will increase. We estimate the current cost of the five-year drydocking of one of our vessels is approximately $0.8 million, the 64 65 ten-year drydocking cost is approximately $1.2 million, and the 15 and 17 year drydocking costs are approximately $1.5 million each. Ongoing costs for compliance with environmental regulations are primarily included as part of our drydocking, such as the requirement to install ballast water treatment plants, and classification society survey costs, with a balance included as a component of our operating expenses. Please see “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Over the long term, we will be required to make substantial capital expenditures to preserve the operating capacity of, and to grow, our fleet.” We currently have no newbuildings on order. However, we may place newbuilding orders or acquire additional vessels as part of our growth strategy. In January 2018 we entered into a joint venture to build an ethylene marine export terminal along the U.S. Gulf Coast. This investment will require significant capital investment. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) operating, financing and investing activities for the periods presented: Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash Year Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 $ 149,554 (205,856) 81,555 (in thousands) $ 86,748 (238,153) 120,898 $ 75,921 (183,025) 111,941 equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,253 (30,507) 4,837 Operating Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017, decreased to $75.9 million, from $86.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of 12.5%. The $10.8 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to the reduction in net income, offset by a reduction in payments for drydocking costs during the year and movements in working capital. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016, decreased to $86.7 million, from $149.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of 42.0%. The $62.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to lower net income along with increased working capital movements offset by a reduction in dry docking costs. Net cash flow from operating activities depends upon the size of our fleet, charter rates attainable, fleet utilization, fluctuations in working capital balances, repairs and maintenance activity and changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates. Investing Cash Flows. Net cash used in investing activities of $183.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily represents $170.8 million for payments made to Jiangnan and HMD, representing instalments on the deliveries of Navigator Nova, Navigator Luga, Navigator Yauza, Navigator Jorf and Navigator Prominence and $13.5 million of other costs including capitalized interest of $1.7 million associated with newbuildings offset by $1.0 million received from insurances payments and $0.3 million in receipt of a penalty for the delay in delivery of Navigator Nova. Net cash used in investing activities of $238.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily represents $221.5 million for payments made to Jiangnan and Hyundai Mipo shipyards, representing final instalments on the deliveries of Navigator Ceto, Navigator Copernico, Navigator Aurora and Navigator Eclipse, $19.6 million of other costs including capitalized interest of $5.1 million associated with newbuildings and $8.4 million for payments of collision repair costs for Navigator Aries, offset by $9.4 million received from insurances payments related to the collision and $1.9 million in receipt of penalties for the delay in shipyard deliveries. Financing Cash Flows. Net cash provided by financing activities was $111.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily represents $208.2 million drawn from secured term loan and revolving credit facilities to partially finance the delivery instalments of Navigator Nova, Navigator Luga, Navigator Yauza, Navigator Jorf and Navigator Prominence as well as for general corporate purposes and a further $167.0 million drawn for refinancing an existing facility and for general corporate purposes. These inflows were offset partially offset by the repayment of a net $27.5 million in our bonds being the difference between our issuance of $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2017 Bonds less the repayment of $127.5 million in outstanding principal and redemption premium of our 2012 Bonds. In addition, $143.1 million was used to redeem the February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility; $88.8 million was repaid in regular quarterly loan repayments and refinancing costs of $3.9 million on our bond and bank loan refinanced during 2017. Net cash provided by financing activities was $120.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily consisting of $167.7 million drawn from secured term loan facilities to partially finance the delivery instalments of Navigator Ceto, Navigator Copernico, Navigator Aurora and Navigator Eclipse; $30.0 million drawn from the 2013 secured term loan facility to finance instalment payments for the two 22,000 cbm HMD newbuildings; and an amount of $130.0 million drawn under the 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility to partially refinance the 2011 secured term loan facility and the 2012 secured term loan facility at a redemption of principal value of $136.3 million, as well as $67.8 million in quarterly loan repayments and a payment of $2.7 million in financing costs associated primarily with the October 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility. Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities General. Navigator Gas L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and certain of our vessel-owning subsidiaries have entered into a series of secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities beginning in February 2013, or the “February 2013 secured term loan facility,” in January 2015, or the “January 2015 secured term loan facility,” and in December 2015 or the “December 2015 secured revolving credit facility,” and in October 2016, or the “October 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility and in June 2017, or the “June 2017 secured term loan and revolving credit facility”. Collectively, we refer to the debt thereunder as our “secured facilities.” Proceeds of the loans under our secured facilities are used to finance newbuildings, acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. The full commitment amounts have been drawn under the January 2015 secured facility and the December 2015 secured facility following the delivery of Navigator Nova and Navigator Luga in January 2017, Navigator Yauza in April 2017 and Navigator Prominence in November 2017. The October 2016 secured term and revolving credit facility has fully drawn on the secured term loan for $130.0 million and the newbuild loan of $35.0 million following the delivery of Navigator Jorf in July 2017. The revolving portion of this loan has $38.1 million remaining to be drawn for general corporate purposes. In June 2017, Navigator Gas L.L.C., as borrower, and the Company entered into a secured facility agreement with various lenders pursuant to which such lenders made available to the Borrower an aggregate amount of up to $160.8 million as of the date of the facility agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the facility agreement, to refinance and extinguish the February 2013 secured facility that was due to mature in February 2018, and for general corporate purposes. This loan has fully drawn on the secured loan element of $100.0 million and $57.0 million of the $60.8 million revolving portion has been drawn. 66 67 ten-year drydocking cost is approximately $1.2 million, and the 15 and 17 year drydocking costs are approximately $1.5 million each. Ongoing costs for compliance with environmental regulations are primarily included as part of our drydocking, such as the requirement to install ballast water treatment plants, and classification society survey costs, with a balance included as a component of our operating expenses. Please see “Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Over the long term, we will be required to make substantial capital expenditures to preserve the operating capacity of, and to grow, our fleet.” We currently have no newbuildings on order. However, we may place newbuilding orders or acquire additional vessels as part of our growth strategy. In January 2018 we entered into a joint venture to build an ethylene marine export terminal along the U.S. Gulf Coast. This investment will require significant capital investment. Cash Flows The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents provided by (used in) operating, financing and investing activities for the periods presented: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . $ 149,554 $ 86,748 $ 75,921 Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . (205,856) 81,555 (238,153) 120,898 (183,025) 111,941 Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25,253 (30,507) 4,837 Operating Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017, decreased to $75.9 million, from $86.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, a decrease of 12.5%. The $10.8 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the year ended December 31, 2016 was primarily due to the reduction in net income, offset by a reduction in payments for drydocking costs during the year and movements in working capital. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016, decreased to $86.7 million, from $149.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, a decrease of 42.0%. The $62.9 million decrease in net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to lower net income along with increased working capital movements offset by a reduction in dry docking costs. Net cash flow from operating activities depends upon the size of our fleet, charter rates attainable, fleet utilization, fluctuations in working capital balances, repairs and maintenance activity and changes in interest rates and foreign currency rates. Investing Cash Flows. Net cash used in investing activities of $183.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily represents $170.8 million for payments made to Jiangnan and HMD, representing instalments on the deliveries of Navigator Nova, Navigator Luga, Navigator Yauza, Navigator Jorf and Navigator Prominence and $13.5 million of other costs including capitalized interest of $1.7 million associated with newbuildings offset by $1.0 million received from insurances payments and $0.3 million in receipt of a penalty for the delay in delivery of Navigator Nova. Net cash used in investing activities of $238.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily represents $221.5 million for payments made to Jiangnan and Hyundai Mipo shipyards, representing final instalments on the deliveries of Navigator Ceto, Navigator Copernico, Navigator Aurora and Navigator Eclipse, $19.6 million of other costs including capitalized interest of $5.1 million associated with newbuildings and $8.4 million for payments of collision repair costs for Navigator Aries, offset by $9.4 million received from insurances payments related to the collision and $1.9 million in receipt of penalties for the delay in shipyard deliveries. Financing Cash Flows. Net cash provided by financing activities was $111.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, primarily represents $208.2 million drawn from secured term loan and revolving credit facilities to partially finance the delivery instalments of Navigator Nova, Navigator Luga, Navigator Yauza, Navigator Jorf and Navigator Prominence as well as for general corporate purposes and a further $167.0 million drawn for refinancing an existing facility and for general corporate purposes. These inflows were offset partially offset by the repayment of a net $27.5 million in our bonds being the difference between our issuance of $100.0 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2017 Bonds less the repayment of $127.5 million in outstanding principal and redemption premium of our 2012 Bonds. In addition, $143.1 million was used to redeem the February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility; $88.8 million was repaid in regular quarterly loan repayments and refinancing costs of $3.9 million on our bond and bank loan refinanced during 2017. Net cash provided by financing activities was $120.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily consisting of $167.7 million drawn from secured term loan facilities to partially finance the delivery instalments of Navigator Ceto, Navigator Copernico, Navigator Aurora and Navigator Eclipse; $30.0 million drawn from the 2013 secured term loan facility to finance instalment payments for the two 22,000 cbm HMD newbuildings; and an amount of $130.0 million drawn under the 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility to partially refinance the 2011 secured term loan facility and the 2012 secured term loan facility at a redemption of principal value of $136.3 million, as well as $67.8 million in quarterly loan repayments and a payment of $2.7 million in financing costs associated primarily with the October 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility. Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities General. Navigator Gas L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and certain of our vessel-owning subsidiaries have entered into a series of secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities beginning in February 2013, or the “February 2013 secured term loan facility,” in January 2015, or the “January 2015 secured term loan facility,” and in December 2015 or the “December 2015 secured revolving credit facility,” and in October 2016, or the “October 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility and in June 2017, or the “June 2017 secured term loan and revolving credit facility”. Collectively, we refer to the debt thereunder as our “secured facilities.” Proceeds of the loans under our secured facilities are used to finance newbuildings, acquisitions and for general corporate purposes. The full commitment amounts have been drawn under the January 2015 secured facility and the December 2015 secured facility following the delivery of Navigator Nova and Navigator Luga in January 2017, Navigator Yauza in April 2017 and Navigator Prominence in November 2017. The October 2016 secured term and revolving credit facility has fully drawn on the secured term loan for $130.0 million and the newbuild loan of $35.0 million following the delivery of Navigator Jorf in July 2017. The revolving portion of this loan has $38.1 million remaining to be drawn for general corporate purposes. In June 2017, Navigator Gas L.L.C., as borrower, and the Company entered into a secured facility agreement with various lenders pursuant to which such lenders made available to the Borrower an aggregate amount of up to $160.8 million as of the date of the facility agreement, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the facility agreement, to refinance and extinguish the February 2013 secured facility that was due to mature in February 2018, and for general corporate purposes. This loan has fully drawn on the secured loan element of $100.0 million and $57.0 million of the $60.8 million revolving portion has been drawn. 66 67 The table below summarizes our secured term loan and revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2017: Facility agreement date Credit Facility amount Principal Amount outstanding Available amounts undrawn at December 31, 2017 Interest rate Loan Maturity date (in millions) January 2015 . . . . . . . . December 2015 . . . . . . October 2016 . . . . . . . . June 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . 278.1 290.0 220.0 160.8 222.3 263.1 138.1 148.7 Total . . . . . . . . . . . $ 948.9 $772.2 — — 38.1 3.8 $41.9 US Libor + 270 BPS US Libor + 210 BPS US Libor + 260 BPS US Libor + 230 BPS Jun 20- Apr 23* Dec-22 Nov-23 Jun-23 * The January 2015 facility instalments mature over a range of dates coinciding with the anniversary of the individual deliveries, from June 2020 to April 2023. Fees and Interest. We paid arrangement and agency fees at the time of the closing of our secured term loan and revolving credit facilities. Agency fees are due annually. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus a bank margin, for interest periods of one, three or six months or longer if agreed by all lenders. Term and Facility Limits February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility. The February 2013 secured term loan facility has a term of five years with a maximum principal amount of up to the lesser of (i) $270.0 million and (ii) 60% of the fair market value of the collateral vessels. The February 2013 secured term loan facility is a delayed draw facility with an availability period that ended December 31, 2013. Advances under the facility were upon the delivery of the A.P. Møller vessels. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels had to be no less than 135% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn was payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 350 basis points per annum. This secured term loan facility was repaid in full on July 5, 2017 using proceeds from our new June 2017 secured term loan and revolving credit facility. January 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility. The January 2015 secured term loan facility was entered into to refinance the April 2013 secured term loan facility, as well as to provide financing for nine of our vessels. The January 2015 secured term loan facility has a term of up to seven years from the loan drawdown date with a maximum principal amount of up to $278.1 million. The facility is fully drawn. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 135% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 270 basis points per annum. December 2015 Secured Revolving Credit Facility. The December 2015 secured revolving credit facility was entered into to provide financing for six of our vessels and has a term of seven years from the loan arrangement date (and will expire in December 2022) with a maximum principal amount of up to $290.0 million available on a revolving basis. Following the delivery of Navigator Prominence in November 2017 the facility is fully drawn. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 210 basis points per annum. October 2016 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. The October 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility has a term of seven years from the first utilization date (and will expire in November 2023) with a maximum principal amount of up to $220.0 million of which $130.0 million is available as a secured term loan and $55.0 million is available in a revolving credit facility. Under this facility $130.0 million was drawn down on November 30, 2016 which was used to partially refinance an April 2011 secured term loan facility and an April 2012 secured term loan facility. The facility holds nine vessels as collateral and also includes a $35.0 million newbuilding term loan which was used to partially finance the delivery of Navigator Jorf, in July 2017 at which time this vessel was included in the collateral package. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 260 basis points per annum. June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. On June 30, 2017 the company entered into a secured term loan and revolving credit facility with Nordea Bank AB (Publ.), Filial I Norge, BNP Paribas, DVB Bank America N.V., ING Bank N.V. London Branch and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (Publ.) for a maximum principal amount of $160.8 million (the “June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility”), to re-finance our February 2013 secured term loan facility that was due to mature in February 2018 and for general corporate purposes. The facility has $100.0 million as a secured term loan and $60.8 million available as a revolving credit facility. The facility has a term of six years from the date of the agreement and expires in June 2023. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 230 basis points per annum. Prepayments/Repayments. The borrowers may voluntarily prepay indebtedness under our secured term loan facilities at any time, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part upon prior written notice to the facility agent, subject to customary compensation for LIBOR breakage costs. For the January 2015 secured term loan facility referred to above, the borrowers may not re-borrow any amount that has been so prepaid. For the December 2015 revolving credit facility and the revolving elements of both the October 2016 and June 2017 secured term loan and revolving credit facilities, the borrowers may re-borrow and prepay amounts. The loans will be subject to quarterly amortization repayments beginning three months after the initial borrowing date or delivery dates of the newbuildings or delivered ships, as applicable. Any remaining outstanding principal amount must be repaid on the expiration date of the facilities. The borrowers are also required to deliver semi-annual compliance certificates, which include valuations of the vessels securing the applicable facility from an independent ship broker. Upon delivery of the valuation, if the market value of the collateral vessels is less than 135% of the outstanding indebtedness under the January 2015 facility or 125% of the outstanding indebtedness under the other facilities, the borrowers must either provide additional collateral or repay any amount in excess of 135% or 125% of the market value of the collateral vessels, as applicable. Financial Covenants. The secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities contain financial covenants requiring the borrowers, among other things, to ensure that: • the borrowers have liquidity (including undrawn available lines of credit with a maturity exceeding 12 months) of no less than (i) $25.0 million, or (ii) 5% of Net Debt or total debt, as applicable, whichever is greater; • • the ratio of EBITDA to Interest Expense (each as defined in the applicable secured term facility and revolving credit facility), on a trailing four quarter basis, is no less than 3.0 and 2.5 to 1.0; the borrower must maintain a minimum ratio of shareholder equity to total assets of 30%; and Restrictive Covenants. The secured facilities provide that the borrowers may not pay dividends to us out of operating revenues generated by the vessels securing the indebtedness if an event of default has occurred or is continuing. The secured facilities also limit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring indebtedness or entering into mergers and divestitures. The secured facilities also contain general covenants that will require the borrowers to maintain adequate insurance coverage and to maintain their vessels. In addition, the secured facilities include customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, representation and warranty, a cross-default to other indebtedness and non-compliance with security documents. 68 69 The table below summarizes our secured term loan and revolving credit facilities as of December 31, 2017: Facility agreement date Credit Facility amount Principal Amount outstanding Available amounts undrawn at December 31, Interest rate Loan Maturity date (in millions) January 2015 . . . . . . . . December 2015 . . . . . . October 2016 . . . . . . . . June 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . 278.1 290.0 220.0 160.8 222.3 263.1 138.1 148.7 Total . . . . . . . . . . . $ 948.9 $772.2 2017 — — 38.1 3.8 $41.9 US Libor + 270 BPS Jun 20- Apr 23* US Libor + 210 BPS US Libor + 260 BPS US Libor + 230 BPS Dec-22 Nov-23 Jun-23 * The January 2015 facility instalments mature over a range of dates coinciding with the anniversary of the individual deliveries, from June 2020 to April 2023. Fees and Interest. We paid arrangement and agency fees at the time of the closing of our secured term loan and revolving credit facilities. Agency fees are due annually. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus a bank margin, for interest periods of one, three or six months or longer if agreed by all lenders. Term and Facility Limits February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility. The February 2013 secured term loan facility has a term of five years with a maximum principal amount of up to the lesser of (i) $270.0 million and (ii) 60% of the fair market value of the collateral vessels. The February 2013 secured term loan facility is a delayed draw facility with an availability period that ended December 31, 2013. Advances under the facility were upon the delivery of the A.P. Møller vessels. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels had to be no less than 135% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn was payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 350 basis points per annum. This secured term loan facility was repaid in full on July 5, 2017 using proceeds from our new June 2017 secured term loan and revolving credit facility. January 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility. The January 2015 secured term loan facility was entered into to refinance the April 2013 secured term loan facility, as well as to provide financing for nine of our vessels. The January 2015 secured term loan facility has a term of up to seven years from the loan drawdown date with a maximum principal amount of up to $278.1 million. The facility is fully drawn. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 135% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 270 basis points per annum. December 2015 Secured Revolving Credit Facility. The December 2015 secured revolving credit facility was entered into to provide financing for six of our vessels and has a term of seven years from the loan arrangement date (and will expire in December 2022) with a maximum principal amount of up to $290.0 million available on a revolving basis. Following the delivery of Navigator Prominence in November 2017 the facility is fully drawn. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 210 basis points per annum. October 2016 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. The October 2016 secured term loan and revolving credit facility has a term of seven years from the first utilization date (and will expire in November 2023) with a maximum principal amount of up to $220.0 million of which $130.0 million is available as a secured term loan and $55.0 million is available in a revolving credit facility. Under this facility $130.0 million was drawn down on November 30, 2016 which was used to partially refinance an April 2011 secured term loan facility and an April 2012 secured term loan facility. The facility holds nine vessels as collateral and also includes a $35.0 million newbuilding term loan which was used to partially finance the delivery of Navigator Jorf, in July 2017 at which time this vessel was included in the collateral package. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowings under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 260 basis points per annum. June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. On June 30, 2017 the company entered into a secured term loan and revolving credit facility with Nordea Bank AB (Publ.), Filial I Norge, BNP Paribas, DVB Bank America N.V., ING Bank N.V. London Branch and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (Publ.) for a maximum principal amount of $160.8 million (the “June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility”), to re-finance our February 2013 secured term loan facility that was due to mature in February 2018 and for general corporate purposes. The facility has $100.0 million as a secured term loan and $60.8 million available as a revolving credit facility. The facility has a term of six years from the date of the agreement and expires in June 2023. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 230 basis points per annum. Prepayments/Repayments. The borrowers may voluntarily prepay indebtedness under our secured term loan facilities at any time, without premium or penalty, in whole or in part upon prior written notice to the facility agent, subject to customary compensation for LIBOR breakage costs. For the January 2015 secured term loan facility referred to above, the borrowers may not re-borrow any amount that has been so prepaid. For the December 2015 revolving credit facility and the revolving elements of both the October 2016 and June 2017 secured term loan and revolving credit facilities, the borrowers may re-borrow and prepay amounts. The loans will be subject to quarterly amortization repayments beginning three months after the initial borrowing date or delivery dates of the newbuildings or delivered ships, as applicable. Any remaining outstanding principal amount must be repaid on the expiration date of the facilities. The borrowers are also required to deliver semi-annual compliance certificates, which include valuations of the vessels securing the applicable facility from an independent ship broker. Upon delivery of the valuation, if the market value of the collateral vessels is less than 135% of the outstanding indebtedness under the January 2015 facility or 125% of the outstanding indebtedness under the other facilities, the borrowers must either provide additional collateral or repay any amount in excess of 135% or 125% of the market value of the collateral vessels, as applicable. Financial Covenants. The secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities contain financial covenants requiring the borrowers, among other things, to ensure that: • • • the borrowers have liquidity (including undrawn available lines of credit with a maturity exceeding 12 months) of no less than (i) $25.0 million, or (ii) 5% of Net Debt or total debt, as applicable, whichever is greater; the ratio of EBITDA to Interest Expense (each as defined in the applicable secured term facility and revolving credit facility), on a trailing four quarter basis, is no less than 3.0 and 2.5 to 1.0; the borrower must maintain a minimum ratio of shareholder equity to total assets of 30%; and Restrictive Covenants. The secured facilities provide that the borrowers may not pay dividends to us out of operating revenues generated by the vessels securing the indebtedness if an event of default has occurred or is continuing. The secured facilities also limit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring indebtedness or entering into mergers and divestitures. The secured facilities also contain general covenants that will require the borrowers to maintain adequate insurance coverage and to maintain their vessels. In addition, the secured facilities include customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, representation and warranty, a cross-default to other indebtedness and non-compliance with security documents. 68 69 As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants under the secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility, including with respect to the aggregate fair market value of our collateral vessels. 2012 Senior Unsecured Bonds On December 18, 2012, we issued senior unsecured bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million with Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as the bond trustee which were scheduled to mature in December 2017. The proceeds of the 2012 Bonds were used (i) in part to finance the acquisition of 11 vessels from A.P. Møller and (ii) for general corporate purposes. In February 2017, pursuant to a call option under the terms of the bond agreement governing the 2012 Bonds, we redeemed all of the $125.0 million in outstanding principal amount of the 2012 Bonds at a price of 102% of par, plus accrued interest. As a result, we no longer have any outstanding 2012 Bonds. The redemption of the 2012 Bonds was funded with the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2017 Bonds (as defined below) and cash on hand. 2017 Senior Unsecured Bonds General. On February 10, 2017, we issued senior unsecured bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million with Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as the bond trustee (the “2017 Bonds”). The net proceeds of the issuance of the 2017 Bonds, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem in full all of our outstanding 2012 Bonds. The 2017 Bond Agreement has the option to issue additional bonds up to maximum issue amount of a further $100.0 million, at identical terms as the original bond issue, except that additional bonds may be issued at a different price. The 2017 Bonds are governed by Norwegian law and listed on the Nordic ABM which is operated and organized by Oslo Børs ASA. Interest. Interest on the 2017 Bonds is payable at a fixed rate of 7.75% per annum, calculated on a 360-day year basis. Interest is payable semi-annually on August 10 and February 10 of each year. Maturity. The 2017 Bonds mature in full on February 10, 2021. Optional Redemption. We may redeem the 2017 Bonds, in whole or in part, at any time beginning on or after February 11, 2019. Any 2017 Bonds redeemed; from February 11, 2019 up until February 10, 2020, are redeemable at 103.875% of par, from February 11, 2020 to August 10, 2020, are redeemable at 101.9375% of par, and from August 11, 2020 to the maturity date are redeemable at 100% of par, in each case, in cash plus accrued interest. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a “Change of Control Event” (as defined in the bond agreement governing the 2017 Bonds (the “2017 Bond Agreement”)), the holders of 2017 Bonds have an option to require us to repay such holders’ outstanding principal amount of 2017 Bonds at 101% of par, plus accrued interest. Financial Covenants. The 2017 Bond Agreement contains financial covenants requiring us, among other things, to ensure that: • we and our subsidiaries maintain a minimum liquidity of no less than $25.0 million; • we and our subsidiaries maintain an Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2017 Bond Agreement) E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements of not less than 2.25 to 1.0; and • we and our subsidiaries maintain an Equity Ratio (as defined in the 2017 Bond Agreement) of at least 30%. Our compliance with the covenants listed above is measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2017 Bonds. 70 71 Restrictive Covenants. The 2017 Bond Agreement provides that we may declare dividends so long as such dividends do not exceed 50% of our cumulative consolidated net profits after taxes since June 30, 2016. The 2017 Bond Agreement also limits us and our subsidiaries from, among other things, entering into mergers and divestitures, engaging in transactions with affiliates or incurring any additional liens which would have a material adverse effect. In addition, the 2017 Bond Agreement includes customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, false representation and warranty, a cross- default to other indebtedness, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, or our insolvency or dissolution. C. Research and Development Patents and Licenses etc. We do not undertake any significant expenditure on research and development, and have no significant interests in patents or licenses. D. Trend Information The demand for seaborne transportation of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia is expected to continue to grow, particularly ethylene and ethane, due to evolving energy and petrochemical market dynamics, as seaborne transportation is often the only, or the most cost effective, way to transport liquefied gases between major exporting and importing markets. The arbitrage between oil-based products and LPG is subject to the price of oil, and the dynamic pricing environment for oil will to a certain degree impact the price differential between these liquids and consequently may influence the proportion of freight the trade can accommodate. However, as LPG is a supply driven product, and due to limited storage facilities, companies extracting oil and gas are still expected to produce it as a byproduct and price it accordingly to clear the market. Petrochemical producers and consumers are increasingly accommodating larger size parcels of propylene, butadiene, ethylene and other petrochemical liquid gases, due to increases with the geographical distance between the producing and consuming regions, thus providing economic advantage compared to transporting smaller quantities. U.S. based shale plays have been developing rapidly over the last few years, increasing LNG production, which consists of among others, propane, butane and ethane molecules. Terminal operators have responded to the surge in LNG supply and have de-bottlenecked existing facilities and constructed new export terminals to facilitate international trade. Several new export locations have therefore been commissioned both on the U.S. East coast and U.S. Gulf coast, and most of these are now fully operational. Charter rates and vessel values are influenced by the supply and demand for seaborne gas cargo carrying capacity and are consequently volatile. The supply of gas carrier capacity is primarily a function of the size of the existing world fleet, the number of newbuildings being delivered and the scrapping of older vessels. The world fleet of handysized liquefied gas carriers has increased steadily over the past ten years and the size of the order book reached a peak in 2017 but is expected to decline 2018. However, these vessels under construction are split between a number of new entrants, with none of these set to obtain a dominant share of the market from their newbuilding programs. Demolition or scrapping is largely a function of vessel age and the state of the freight market, as all ships have finite lives. We currently do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants under the secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility, including with respect to the aggregate fair market value of our collateral vessels. 2012 Senior Unsecured Bonds On December 18, 2012, we issued senior unsecured bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million with Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as the bond trustee which were scheduled to mature in December 2017. The proceeds of the 2012 Bonds were used (i) in part to finance the acquisition of 11 vessels from A.P. Møller and (ii) for general corporate purposes. In February 2017, pursuant to a call option under the terms of the bond agreement governing the 2012 Bonds, we redeemed all of the $125.0 million in outstanding principal amount of the 2012 Bonds at a price of 102% of par, plus accrued interest. As a result, we no longer have any outstanding 2012 Bonds. The redemption of the 2012 Bonds was funded with the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2017 Bonds (as defined below) and cash on hand. 2017 Senior Unsecured Bonds General. On February 10, 2017, we issued senior unsecured bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million with Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as the bond trustee (the “2017 Bonds”). The net proceeds of the issuance of the 2017 Bonds, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem in full all of our outstanding 2012 Bonds. The 2017 Bond Agreement has the option to issue additional bonds up to maximum issue amount of a further $100.0 million, at identical terms as the original bond issue, except that additional bonds may be issued at a different price. The 2017 Bonds are governed by Norwegian law and listed on the Nordic ABM which is operated and organized by Oslo Børs ASA. Interest. Interest on the 2017 Bonds is payable at a fixed rate of 7.75% per annum, calculated on a 360-day year basis. Interest is payable semi-annually on August 10 and February 10 of each year. Maturity. The 2017 Bonds mature in full on February 10, 2021. Optional Redemption. We may redeem the 2017 Bonds, in whole or in part, at any time beginning on or after February 11, 2019. Any 2017 Bonds redeemed; from February 11, 2019 up until February 10, 2020, are redeemable at 103.875% of par, from February 11, 2020 to August 10, 2020, are redeemable at 101.9375% of par, and from August 11, 2020 to the maturity date are redeemable at 100% of par, in each case, in cash plus accrued interest. Additionally, upon the occurrence of a “Change of Control Event” (as defined in the bond agreement governing the 2017 Bonds (the “2017 Bond Agreement”)), the holders of 2017 Bonds have an option to require us to repay such holders’ outstanding principal amount of 2017 Bonds at 101% of par, plus accrued interest. Financial Covenants. The 2017 Bond Agreement contains financial covenants requiring us, among other things, to ensure that: • we and our subsidiaries maintain a minimum liquidity of no less than $25.0 million; of not less than 2.25 to 1.0; and least 30%. • we and our subsidiaries maintain an Equity Ratio (as defined in the 2017 Bond Agreement) of at Our compliance with the covenants listed above is measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all covenants under the 2017 Bonds. Restrictive Covenants. The 2017 Bond Agreement provides that we may declare dividends so long as such dividends do not exceed 50% of our cumulative consolidated net profits after taxes since June 30, 2016. The 2017 Bond Agreement also limits us and our subsidiaries from, among other things, entering into mergers and divestitures, engaging in transactions with affiliates or incurring any additional liens which would have a material adverse effect. In addition, the 2017 Bond Agreement includes customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, false representation and warranty, a cross- default to other indebtedness, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, or our insolvency or dissolution. C. Research and Development Patents and Licenses etc. We do not undertake any significant expenditure on research and development, and have no significant interests in patents or licenses. D. Trend Information The demand for seaborne transportation of LPG, petrochemical gases and ammonia is expected to continue to grow, particularly ethylene and ethane, due to evolving energy and petrochemical market dynamics, as seaborne transportation is often the only, or the most cost effective, way to transport liquefied gases between major exporting and importing markets. The arbitrage between oil-based products and LPG is subject to the price of oil, and the dynamic pricing environment for oil will to a certain degree impact the price differential between these liquids and consequently may influence the proportion of freight the trade can accommodate. However, as LPG is a supply driven product, and due to limited storage facilities, companies extracting oil and gas are still expected to produce it as a byproduct and price it accordingly to clear the market. Petrochemical producers and consumers are increasingly accommodating larger size parcels of propylene, butadiene, ethylene and other petrochemical liquid gases, due to increases with the geographical distance between the producing and consuming regions, thus providing economic advantage compared to transporting smaller quantities. U.S. based shale plays have been developing rapidly over the last few years, increasing LNG production, which consists of among others, propane, butane and ethane molecules. Terminal operators have responded to the surge in LNG supply and have de-bottlenecked existing facilities and constructed new export terminals to facilitate international trade. Several new export locations have therefore been commissioned both on the U.S. East coast and U.S. Gulf coast, and most of these are now fully operational. Charter rates and vessel values are influenced by the supply and demand for seaborne gas cargo carrying capacity and are consequently volatile. The supply of gas carrier capacity is primarily a function of the size of the existing world fleet, the number of newbuildings being delivered and the scrapping of older vessels. The world fleet of handysized liquefied gas carriers has increased steadily over the past ten years and the size of the order book reached a peak in 2017 but is expected to decline 2018. However, these vessels under construction are split between a number of new entrants, with none of these set to obtain a dominant share of the market from their newbuilding programs. Demolition or scrapping is largely a function of vessel age and the state of the freight market, as all ships have finite lives. • we and our subsidiaries maintain an Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the 2017 Bond Agreement) E. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We currently do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. 70 71 F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations The contractual obligations schedule set forth below summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017. 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total (in thousands) Secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities . . . . 83,352 70,600 128,725 60,600 302,461 126,452 772,190 depreciation than before the impairment. 7.75% senior unsecured bond issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office operating leases . . . . . . . . — 1,134 — 1,558 — 1,345 100,000 1,192 — 115 — — 100,000 5,344 Total contractual obligations . . . $84,486 $72,158 $130,070 $161,792 $302,576 $126,452 $877,534 As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to consider strategic opportunities, including the acquisition of additional vessels. We may choose to pursue such opportunities through internal growth or joint ventures or business acquisitions. We intend to finance any future acquisitions through various sources of capital, including credit facilities, debt borrowings and the issuance of additional shares of common stock. G. Safe Harbor See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report. H. Critical Accounting Estimates We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates in the application of our accounting policies based on our best assumptions, judgments and opinions. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material. For a description of our material accounting policies, please read Note 2 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the audited historical consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition. We employ our vessels under time charters, voyage charters or COAs. With time charters, we receive a fixed charter rate per on-hire day and revenue is recognized on an accrual basis and is recorded over the term of the charter as service is provided. In the case of voyage charters, the vessel is contracted for a voyage between two or several ports, and we are paid for the cargo transported. Revenue from COAs is recognized on the same basis as revenue from voyage charters, as they are essentially a series of consecutive voyage charters. For each of the years presented, we recognize revenue on a discharge-to-discharge basis in determining percentage of completion for all voyage charters, but do not begin recognizing revenue until a charter has been agreed to by the customer and us, even if the vessel has discharged its cargo and is sailing to the anticipated load port for its next voyage. Following the publication and adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, our basis for revenue recognition will change in reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018. (See basis of Presentation within the Financial Statements) Vessels Depreciation. The cost of our vessels (excluding the estimated initial built-in overhaul cost) less their estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the vessels’ estimated useful lives. We estimate the useful life of each of our vessels to be 30 years from the date the vessel was originally delivered from the shipyard. The actual life of a vessel, however, may be different, with a life less than 30 years resulting in an increase in the quarterly depreciation and potentially resulting in an impairment loss. The estimated residual value is based on the steel value of the tonnage for each vessel. Impairment of Vessels. We review our vessels for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the vessel may not be recoverable. When such indicators are present, a vessel is tested for recoverability and we recognize an impairment loss if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest charges that will be recognized as an expense when incurred) expected to be generated by the vessel over its estimated remaining useful life is less than its carrying value. If we determine that a vessel’s undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The new lower cost basis would result in a lower annual Considerations in making such an impairment evaluation include comparison of current carrying values to anticipated future operating cash flows, expectations with respect to future operations and other relevant factors. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected cash flows require considerable judgment and are based upon historical experience, financial forecasts and industry trends and conditions. As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying value of our 38 vessels in operation was $1,740.1 million. We determined the aggregate undiscounted cash flows of those vessels as of December 31, 2017, to be $3,948.7 million. The undiscounted future cash flows used to support vessel values were determined by applying various assumptions regarding future revenues, vessel utilization rates, operating expenses and residual values. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. Specifically, in estimating future charter rates, management took into consideration estimated daily TCE rates for each vessel over the estimated remaining lives of each of the vessels. Management takes into consideration rates currently in effect for existing time charters and the estimated daily TCE rates used for unfixed vessels, which were based on the trailing 10-year historical average one-year time charter rates, an average rate depending on vessel type of between approximately $662,000 and $778,000 per calendar month as at December 31, 2017. Recognizing that rates tend to be cyclical, and subject to some volatility based on factors beyond our control, management believes the use of estimates based on the 10-year historical average rates calculated as of the reporting date to be appropriate. In addition, our vessels operate in a sector that is relatively young and data beyond 10 years is limited, while rates for one and five year periods would not necessarily include the peaks and troughs of a typical shipping cycle. Estimated vessel utilization rates used are also based on the average utilization rates achieved by us on the trailing 10-year historical average. Estimated outflows for operating expenses are based on costs incurred over the past twelve months and are adjusted for assumed inflation. Estimates of a residual value are consistent with scrap rates used in management’s evaluation of scrap value. Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate at the time they were made, such assumptions are highly subjective and likely to change, possibly materially, in the future. A 15% reduction in the estimated vessel TCE rate used in connection with our calculations would result in a $1,052.9 million decrease in the aggregate undiscounted cash flows of our vessels in operation as of December 31, 2017 which would not result in an impairment. A 10% increase in estimated vessel operating expenses used in connection with our calculations would result in a $306.8 million decrease in the aggregate undiscounted cash flows of our vessels in operation as of December 31, 2017 which would not result in an impairment. We obtain shipbroker appraisals of our vessels principally for the purposes of bank covenant compliance. These appraisals are generally performed without examination of the vessel and without an attempt to market a vessel, and no consideration is given to whether a group of vessels could be sold for higher valuation than on an individual basis. In addition, with respect to the class of vessels we own, we believe that relative to the worldwide oceangoing vessel fleet, the market for the sale of our vessels is particularly illiquid, due to the relatively limited number of vessels in the global handysize fleet and the specialized nature of these vessels, difficult to observe and, therefore, speculative, given the extremely limited secondary sales data. Given this lack of secondary sales data available for our specific vessels, these appraisals have been used by us as an approximation of our vessels’ market values. However, because these appraisals are primarily prepared for the purpose of valuing collateral and given the lack of comparable market transactions, shipbroker appraisals are predominantly prepared on a depreciated replacement cost, charter-free basis (i.e. vessel only, without the 72 73 F. Tabular Disclosure of Contractual Obligations The contractual obligations schedule set forth below summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017. 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total (in thousands) Secured term loan facilities and 7.75% senior unsecured bond issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office operating leases . . . . . . . . revolving credit facilities . . . . 83,352 70,600 128,725 60,600 302,461 126,452 772,190 Total contractual obligations . . . $84,486 $72,158 $130,070 $161,792 $302,576 $126,452 $877,534 — 1,134 — 1,558 — 1,345 100,000 1,192 — 115 — — 100,000 5,344 As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to consider strategic opportunities, including the acquisition of additional vessels. We may choose to pursue such opportunities through internal growth or joint ventures or business acquisitions. We intend to finance any future acquisitions through various sources of capital, including credit facilities, debt borrowings and the issuance of additional shares of common stock. See “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this annual report. G. Safe Harbor H. Critical Accounting Estimates We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates in the application of our accounting policies based on our best assumptions, judgments and opinions. On a regular basis, management reviews the accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our consolidated financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our assumptions and estimates, and such differences could be material. For a description of our material accounting policies, please read Note 2 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the audited historical consolidated financial statements. Revenue Recognition. We employ our vessels under time charters, voyage charters or COAs. With time charters, we receive a fixed charter rate per on-hire day and revenue is recognized on an accrual basis and is recorded over the term of the charter as service is provided. In the case of voyage charters, the vessel is contracted for a voyage between two or several ports, and we are paid for the cargo transported. Revenue from COAs is recognized on the same basis as revenue from voyage charters, as they are essentially a series of consecutive voyage charters. For each of the years presented, we recognize revenue on a discharge-to-discharge basis in determining percentage of completion for all voyage charters, but do not begin recognizing revenue until a charter has been agreed to by the customer and us, even if the vessel has discharged its cargo and is sailing to the anticipated load port for its next voyage. Following the publication and adoption of ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, our basis for revenue recognition will change in reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018. (See basis of Presentation within the Financial Statements) Vessels Depreciation. The cost of our vessels (excluding the estimated initial built-in overhaul cost) less their estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the vessels’ estimated useful lives. We estimate the useful life of each of our vessels to be 30 years from the date the vessel was originally delivered from the shipyard. The actual life of a vessel, however, may be different, with a life less than 30 years resulting in an increase in the quarterly depreciation and potentially resulting in an impairment loss. The estimated residual value is based on the steel value of the tonnage for each vessel. Impairment of Vessels. We review our vessels for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the vessel may not be recoverable. When such indicators are present, a vessel is tested for recoverability and we recognize an impairment loss if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest charges that will be recognized as an expense when incurred) expected to be generated by the vessel over its estimated remaining useful life is less than its carrying value. If we determine that a vessel’s undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The new lower cost basis would result in a lower annual depreciation than before the impairment. Considerations in making such an impairment evaluation include comparison of current carrying values to anticipated future operating cash flows, expectations with respect to future operations and other relevant factors. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected cash flows require considerable judgment and are based upon historical experience, financial forecasts and industry trends and conditions. As of December 31, 2017, the aggregate carrying value of our 38 vessels in operation was $1,740.1 million. We determined the aggregate undiscounted cash flows of those vessels as of December 31, 2017, to be $3,948.7 million. The undiscounted future cash flows used to support vessel values were determined by applying various assumptions regarding future revenues, vessel utilization rates, operating expenses and residual values. These assumptions are based on historical trends as well as future expectations. Specifically, in estimating future charter rates, management took into consideration estimated daily TCE rates for each vessel over the estimated remaining lives of each of the vessels. Management takes into consideration rates currently in effect for existing time charters and the estimated daily TCE rates used for unfixed vessels, which were based on the trailing 10-year historical average one-year time charter rates, an average rate depending on vessel type of between approximately $662,000 and $778,000 per calendar month as at December 31, 2017. Recognizing that rates tend to be cyclical, and subject to some volatility based on factors beyond our control, management believes the use of estimates based on the 10-year historical average rates calculated as of the reporting date to be appropriate. In addition, our vessels operate in a sector that is relatively young and data beyond 10 years is limited, while rates for one and five year periods would not necessarily include the peaks and troughs of a typical shipping cycle. Estimated vessel utilization rates used are also based on the average utilization rates achieved by us on the trailing 10-year historical average. Estimated outflows for operating expenses are based on costs incurred over the past twelve months and are adjusted for assumed inflation. Estimates of a residual value are consistent with scrap rates used in management’s evaluation of scrap value. Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment are reasonable and appropriate at the time they were made, such assumptions are highly subjective and likely to change, possibly materially, in the future. A 15% reduction in the estimated vessel TCE rate used in connection with our calculations would result in a $1,052.9 million decrease in the aggregate undiscounted cash flows of our vessels in operation as of December 31, 2017 which would not result in an impairment. A 10% increase in estimated vessel operating expenses used in connection with our calculations would result in a $306.8 million decrease in the aggregate undiscounted cash flows of our vessels in operation as of December 31, 2017 which would not result in an impairment. We obtain shipbroker appraisals of our vessels principally for the purposes of bank covenant compliance. These appraisals are generally performed without examination of the vessel and without an attempt to market a vessel, and no consideration is given to whether a group of vessels could be sold for higher valuation than on an individual basis. In addition, with respect to the class of vessels we own, we believe that relative to the worldwide oceangoing vessel fleet, the market for the sale of our vessels is particularly illiquid, due to the relatively limited number of vessels in the global handysize fleet and the specialized nature of these vessels, difficult to observe and, therefore, speculative, given the extremely limited secondary sales data. Given this lack of secondary sales data available for our specific vessels, these appraisals have been used by us as an approximation of our vessels’ market values. However, because these appraisals are primarily prepared for the purpose of valuing collateral and given the lack of comparable market transactions, shipbroker appraisals are predominantly prepared on a depreciated replacement cost, charter-free basis (i.e. vessel only, without the 72 73 benefit of a revenue stream), which we believe significantly discounts the value of our vessels. As a result, we believe that the ultimate value that could be obtained from the sale of any one of our vessels to a willing third party would likely, and in many cases meaningfully, exceed the vessel’s appraised value on this basis. policy. The carrying value of each of our vessels was higher than its shipbroker appraised value as at December 31, 2017. The aggregate carrying value of these vessels exceeded the aggregate shipbroker appraised values by approximately $254.2 million as of December 31, 2017. The table below indicates the carrying value of each of our owned vessels as of December 31, 2017. Instalments paid, or costs incurred, in relation to the construction of any newbuild vessels are not presented in the table below. Operating Vessel Navigator Aries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Atlas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Aurora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Capricorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Centauri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Copernico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Eclipse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Europa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Galaxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gemini Navigator Genesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gusto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Jorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Leo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Libra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Luga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Magellan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Mars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Neptune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Nova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Oberon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pegasus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pluto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Prominence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Scorpio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Taurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Triton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Umbrio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Venus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Virgo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Yauza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2017 Carrying value (in millions) $44.2 47.7 78.9 38.4 43.8 43.9 43.8 44.3 79.8 46.8 39.0 44.6 39.2 39.0 37.3 39.7 36.7 52.5 45.0 45.2 53.3 21.4 32.8 32.8 80.9 47.2 40.5 40.7 33.0 85.1 32.8 40.3 45.7 48.2 48.6 32.8 40.8 53.4 We believe that the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by our vessels over their operating lives exceeded the vessels’ carrying amounts at December 31, 2017. Accordingly, no impairment charge has been recorded at December 31, 2017 following the requirements of our U.S. GAAP impairment accounting 74 75 Drydocking Costs and Vessel Damage. Each of our vessels is required to be drydocked every five years until it reaches 15 years of age, after which each vessel is required to be drydocked every two and a half to three years for any major repairs and maintenance and for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel, which cannot be performed while the vessel is operating. We capitalize costs associated with the drydockings as “built in overhauls” in accordance with U.S. GAAP and amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the period between drydockings. We expense estimated costs to repair minor vessel damage that occurs during the year. Amortization of capitalized drydocking expenditures requires us to estimate the period until the next drydocking. While we typically drydock each vessel every two and a half to five years, we may drydock the vessels on a more frequent basis. If we change our estimate of the next drydock date, we will adjust our annual amortization of drydocking expenditures. Amortization of drydockings is included in our depreciation and amortization expense. Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees A. Directors and Senior Management Directors Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of our directors. Name Age Position David J. Butters . . . . . . . . . . . 77 Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Heiko Fischer . . . . . . . . . David Kenwright . . . . . . . . . . Spiros Milonas . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Oetker . . . . . . . . . Hal Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florian Weidinger . . . . . . . . . 50 Director 70 Director 89 Director 42 Director 43 Director 36 Director Our board of directors is elected annually. Each director holds office until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his term of office. Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our board of directors and hold office until a successor Biographical information with respect to each of our directors and our executive officers is set forth below. The business address for our directors and executive officers is 650 Madison Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New is elected. York 10022. David J. Butters. David J. Butters has served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board since September 2008. Prior to September 2008, Mr. Butters served as a managing director of Lehman Brothers Inc., a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., where he had been employed for more than 37 years. Mr. Butters was the chairman of the board of directors and chairman of the compensation committee of GulfMark Offshore, Inc., a provider of marine support and transportation services to the oil and gas industry until October 2017. Mr. Butters is currently a director of Weatherford International Ltd., an oilfield services company. Dr. Heiko Fischer. Dr. Heiko Fischer has been a member of the Board since December 2011. Dr. Fischer has been Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board of VTG Aktiengesellschaft, a German benefit of a revenue stream), which we believe significantly discounts the value of our vessels. As a result, we believe that the ultimate value that could be obtained from the sale of any one of our vessels to a willing third party would likely, and in many cases meaningfully, exceed the vessel’s appraised value on this basis. policy. The carrying value of each of our vessels was higher than its shipbroker appraised value as at December 31, 2017. The aggregate carrying value of these vessels exceeded the aggregate shipbroker appraised values by approximately $254.2 million as of December 31, 2017. The table below indicates the carrying value of each of our owned vessels as of December 31, 2017. Instalments paid, or costs incurred, in relation to the construction of any newbuild vessels are not presented in the table below. Operating Vessel December 31, 2017 Carrying value (in millions) $44.2 Navigator Aries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Atlas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Aurora . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Capricorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Centauri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Ceto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Copernico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Eclipse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Europa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Galaxy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gemini . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Genesis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Global . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Glory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Gusto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Grace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Jorf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Leo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Libra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Luga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Magellan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Mars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Neptune . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Nova . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Oberon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pegasus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Phoenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Pluto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Prominence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Saturn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Scorpio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Taurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Triton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Umbrio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Venus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Virgo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Navigator Yauza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47.7 78.9 38.4 43.8 43.9 43.8 44.3 79.8 46.8 39.0 44.6 39.2 39.0 37.3 39.7 36.7 52.5 45.0 45.2 53.3 21.4 32.8 32.8 80.9 47.2 40.5 40.7 33.0 85.1 32.8 40.3 45.7 48.2 48.6 32.8 40.8 53.4 We believe that the future undiscounted cash flows expected to be earned by our vessels over their operating lives exceeded the vessels’ carrying amounts at December 31, 2017. Accordingly, no impairment charge has been recorded at December 31, 2017 following the requirements of our U.S. GAAP impairment accounting Drydocking Costs and Vessel Damage. Each of our vessels is required to be drydocked every five years until it reaches 15 years of age, after which each vessel is required to be drydocked every two and a half to three years for any major repairs and maintenance and for inspection of the underwater parts of the vessel, which cannot be performed while the vessel is operating. We capitalize costs associated with the drydockings as “built in overhauls” in accordance with U.S. GAAP and amortize these costs on a straight-line basis over the period between drydockings. We expense estimated costs to repair minor vessel damage that occurs during the year. Amortization of capitalized drydocking expenditures requires us to estimate the period until the next drydocking. While we typically drydock each vessel every two and a half to five years, we may drydock the vessels on a more frequent basis. If we change our estimate of the next drydock date, we will adjust our annual amortization of drydocking expenditures. Amortization of drydockings is included in our depreciation and amortization expense. Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees A. Directors and Senior Management Directors Set forth below are the names, ages and positions of our directors. Name Age Position David J. Butters . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Heiko Fischer . . . . . . . . . David Kenwright . . . . . . . . . . Spiros Milonas . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Oetker . . . . . . . . . Hal Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florian Weidinger . . . . . . . . . Chairman of the Board of Directors 77 50 Director 70 Director 89 Director 42 Director 43 Director 36 Director Our board of directors is elected annually. Each director holds office until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, except in the event of his death, resignation, removal or the earlier termination of his term of office. Officers are elected from time to time by vote of our board of directors and hold office until a successor is elected. Biographical information with respect to each of our directors and our executive officers is set forth below. The business address for our directors and executive officers is 650 Madison Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022. David J. Butters. David J. Butters has served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board since September 2008. Prior to September 2008, Mr. Butters served as a managing director of Lehman Brothers Inc., a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc., where he had been employed for more than 37 years. Mr. Butters was the chairman of the board of directors and chairman of the compensation committee of GulfMark Offshore, Inc., a provider of marine support and transportation services to the oil and gas industry until October 2017. Mr. Butters is currently a director of Weatherford International Ltd., an oilfield services company. Dr. Heiko Fischer. Dr. Heiko Fischer has been a member of the Board since December 2011. Dr. Fischer has been Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board of VTG Aktiengesellschaft, a German 74 75 railroad logistics company traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, since May 1, 2004. He was a member of the Supervisory Board of Hapag-Lloyd AG, a German container shipping company. He is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TRANSWAGGON-Gruppe and a member of the Supervisory Board of Brueckenhaus Grundstueckgesellschaft m.b.h., Kommanditgesellschaft Brueckenhaus Grundstuecksgesellschaft m.b.h. & Co., TRANSWAGGON AG and Waggon Holding AG. Dr. Fischer graduated from the University at Albany with an MBA in 1992, and from Julius-Maximilian University in Wuerzburg, Germany with a PhD in Economic Sciences in 1995. David Kenwright. David Kenwright has been a member of the Board since March 2007. Mr. Kenwright is a managing director of Achater Offshore Ltd., the Aberdeen Business Centre and chairman of the U.K. Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel Association Ltd., and is also a non-executive director of Oxford Electromagnetic Systems Limited, and was previously a managing director of Gulf Offshore N.S. Ltd. for seven years. Mr. Kenwright is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. Hal Malone. Harold L. (Hal) Malone has been a member of the Board since July 2017. Mr. Malone is the Head of Transportation at WL Ross & Co. LLC, the distressed private equity arm of Invesco Ltd. Mr. Malone is currently a director of Nautical Bulk Holdings Ltd, a dry bulk shipping company. Prior to WL Ross, Mr. Malone served as the chief strategic officer of the Navig8 Group, a fully integrated provider of shipping management services. Before joining Navig8, Mr. Malone spent over 18 years in investment banking, most recently as a managing director in the maritime group at Jefferies L.L.C. Mr. Malone earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Spiros Milonas. Spiros Milonas has been a member of the Board since August 2006. He is chairman and president of Ionian Management Inc., which oversees the Ionian Group, with interests in shipping, oil and gas and real estate. Mr. Milonas is a director of the New York Shipping Cooperation Committee, a member of Leadership 100, a member of the Board of Advisors of Atlantic Bank, and a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. Mr. Milonas graduated from Athens University, School of Economics. Alexander Oetker. Alexander Oetker has been a member of the Board since September 2006. Mr. Oetker is the founder and chief executive officer of A.O. Schifffahrt GMBH., a bulk and container shipping company based in Hamburg, Germany. Before founding A.O. Schifffahrt, Mr. Oetker was employed as chartering manager of Hamburg Sud and was employed by Hutchison Port Holdings in Hong Kong. Florian Weidinger. Florian Weidinger has been a member of the Board since March 2007. Mr. Weidinger previously worked as a vice president at Lehman Brothers’ principal investment division, Global Trading Strategies in London prior to becoming chief executive officer of Hansabay, a Singapore based fund management business. Mr. Weidinger holds a BSc from Cass Business School, City University, London, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an MS in Environment and Resources from Stanford University. Executive Officers The following table provides information about our executive officers. NGT Services (UK) Limited, our wholly- owned subsidiary and commercial manager, will provide us with certain of our officers, including our chief financial officer and our chief commercial officer. All references in this annual report to “our officers” refer to our president and chief executive officer and those officers of NGT Services (UK) Limited who perform executive officer functions for our benefit. Name Age Position David J. Butters . . . . . . . . . . . Niall Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oeyvind Lindeman . . . . . . . . Paul Flaherty . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demetris Makaritis . . . . . . . . Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Commercial Officer 77 54 38 53 Director of Fleet & Technical Operations 34 Director of Commercial Operations David J. Butters. David J. Butters was appointed president and chief executive officer of Navigator Holdings Ltd. in September 2008. Niall Nolan. Niall Nolan was appointed chief financial officer of NGT Services (UK) Limited in August 2006. Mr. Nolan sits on the Members’ Representative Committee of Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited since November 2017. Prior to his appointment as chief financial officer, Mr. Nolan worked for Navigator Holdings as representative of the creditors committee during Navigator Holdings’ bankruptcy proceedings. Prior to that, Mr. Nolan was group finance director of Simon Group PLC, a U.K. public company. Mr. Nolan is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Oeyvind Lindeman. Oeyvind Lindeman was appointed Chartering Manager of the Company in November 2007, before being appointed chief commercial officer in January 2014. Prior to this, Mr. Lindeman was employed for five years at A.P. Møller Maersk, a gas transport company as charterer. Mr. Lindeman holds a BA with honors from the University of Strathclyde and an Executive MBA with distinction from Cass Business School. Paul Flaherty. Paul Flaherty was appointed Director of Fleet and Technical Operations in December 2014. Prior to this, he was employed by JP Morgan Global Maritime as VP, Asset Management. Previously, he spent 17 years with BP Shipping Ltd as a Fleet and Technical Manager for both Oil and Gas vessels. Mr. Flaherty is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers & Science Technicians (IMarEST). Demetris Makaritis. Demetris Makaritis was appointed Director of Commercial Operations in April 2016 having been an Operations & Vetting Manager as well as a Technical Superintendent for the Company since joining in 2010. Prior to joining the Company, Demetris worked as an operations supervisor for Zodiac Maritime Ltd. and as a naval architect for SeaTec (V.Ships Group) in Glasgow, Scotland. Demetris holds a BEng (Hons) in Naval Architecture from Newcastle upon Tyne University, an MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance from Cass Business School, London and is a Chartered Engineer. B. Compensation Compensation of Management Our officers receive compensation for the services they provide to us. Four of our five officers (Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty, and Makaritis) are remunerated in pounds sterling, while Mr. Butters is remunerated in U.S. dollars. Mr. T. Hjalmas served as an officer of the company until his resignation and departure from the Company in December 2017. For purposes of this annual report, all forms of compensation paid to our officers have been converted to U.S. dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the aggregate cash compensation paid to all officers as a group was approximately $2,885,331. The cash compensation for each officer is comprised of base salary and bonus. Our officers are eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash bonus based on certain performance criteria determined by the compensation committee of our Board, or the “Compensation Committee,” and approved by our Board. Regardless of performance, the annual cash bonuses are paid at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, subject to approval by our Board. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we granted a total of 52,804 shares of restricted stock to officers of the company under the Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the “LTIP” (as described in further detail below under “—2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan”), which such awards vest and become free of restrictions on the third anniversary of the grant date. Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis are eligible to participate in certain welfare benefit programs we offer, including life insurance, permanent health insurance, and private medical insurance. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of the benefits described in the preceding sentence provided to each of Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis was approximately $14,976. While Mr. Butters is not eligible 76 77 railroad logistics company traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, since May 1, 2004. He was a member of the Supervisory Board of Hapag-Lloyd AG, a German container shipping company. He is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of TRANSWAGGON-Gruppe and a member of the Supervisory Board of Brueckenhaus Grundstueckgesellschaft m.b.h., Kommanditgesellschaft Brueckenhaus Grundstuecksgesellschaft m.b.h. & Co., TRANSWAGGON AG and Waggon Holding AG. Dr. Fischer graduated from the University at Albany with an MBA in 1992, and from Julius-Maximilian University in Wuerzburg, Germany with a PhD in Economic Sciences in 1995. David Kenwright. David Kenwright has been a member of the Board since March 2007. Mr. Kenwright is a managing director of Achater Offshore Ltd., the Aberdeen Business Centre and chairman of the U.K. Emergency Response and Rescue Vessel Association Ltd., and is also a non-executive director of Oxford Electromagnetic Systems Limited, and was previously a managing director of Gulf Offshore N.S. Ltd. for seven years. Mr. Kenwright is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. Hal Malone. Harold L. (Hal) Malone has been a member of the Board since July 2017. Mr. Malone is the Head of Transportation at WL Ross & Co. LLC, the distressed private equity arm of Invesco Ltd. Mr. Malone is currently a director of Nautical Bulk Holdings Ltd, a dry bulk shipping company. Prior to WL Ross, Mr. Malone served as the chief strategic officer of the Navig8 Group, a fully integrated provider of shipping management services. Before joining Navig8, Mr. Malone spent over 18 years in investment banking, most recently as a managing director in the maritime group at Jefferies L.L.C. Mr. Malone earned a B.S. in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. Spiros Milonas. Spiros Milonas has been a member of the Board since August 2006. He is chairman and president of Ionian Management Inc., which oversees the Ionian Group, with interests in shipping, oil and gas and real estate. Mr. Milonas is a director of the New York Shipping Cooperation Committee, a member of Leadership 100, a member of the Board of Advisors of Atlantic Bank, and a recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor Award. Mr. Milonas graduated from Athens University, School of Economics. Alexander Oetker. Alexander Oetker has been a member of the Board since September 2006. Mr. Oetker is the founder and chief executive officer of A.O. Schifffahrt GMBH., a bulk and container shipping company based in Hamburg, Germany. Before founding A.O. Schifffahrt, Mr. Oetker was employed as chartering manager of Hamburg Sud and was employed by Hutchison Port Holdings in Hong Kong. Florian Weidinger. Florian Weidinger has been a member of the Board since March 2007. Mr. Weidinger previously worked as a vice president at Lehman Brothers’ principal investment division, Global Trading Strategies in London prior to becoming chief executive officer of Hansabay, a Singapore based fund management business. Mr. Weidinger holds a BSc from Cass Business School, City University, London, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an MS in Environment and Resources from Stanford University. Executive Officers The following table provides information about our executive officers. NGT Services (UK) Limited, our wholly- owned subsidiary and commercial manager, will provide us with certain of our officers, including our chief financial officer and our chief commercial officer. All references in this annual report to “our officers” refer to our president and chief executive officer and those officers of NGT Services (UK) Limited who perform executive officer functions for our benefit. Name Age Position David J. Butters . . . . . . . . . . . Niall Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oeyvind Lindeman . . . . . . . . 77 54 38 Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief Commercial Officer Paul Flaherty . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Director of Fleet & Technical Operations Demetris Makaritis . . . . . . . . 34 Director of Commercial Operations David J. Butters. David J. Butters was appointed president and chief executive officer of Navigator Holdings Ltd. in September 2008. Niall Nolan. Niall Nolan was appointed chief financial officer of NGT Services (UK) Limited in August 2006. Mr. Nolan sits on the Members’ Representative Committee of Britannia Steam Ship Insurance Association Limited since November 2017. Prior to his appointment as chief financial officer, Mr. Nolan worked for Navigator Holdings as representative of the creditors committee during Navigator Holdings’ bankruptcy proceedings. Prior to that, Mr. Nolan was group finance director of Simon Group PLC, a U.K. public company. Mr. Nolan is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Oeyvind Lindeman. Oeyvind Lindeman was appointed Chartering Manager of the Company in November 2007, before being appointed chief commercial officer in January 2014. Prior to this, Mr. Lindeman was employed for five years at A.P. Møller Maersk, a gas transport company as charterer. Mr. Lindeman holds a BA with honors from the University of Strathclyde and an Executive MBA with distinction from Cass Business School. Paul Flaherty. Paul Flaherty was appointed Director of Fleet and Technical Operations in December 2014. Prior to this, he was employed by JP Morgan Global Maritime as VP, Asset Management. Previously, he spent 17 years with BP Shipping Ltd as a Fleet and Technical Manager for both Oil and Gas vessels. Mr. Flaherty is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers & Science Technicians (IMarEST). Demetris Makaritis. Demetris Makaritis was appointed Director of Commercial Operations in April 2016 having been an Operations & Vetting Manager as well as a Technical Superintendent for the Company since joining in 2010. Prior to joining the Company, Demetris worked as an operations supervisor for Zodiac Maritime Ltd. and as a naval architect for SeaTec (V.Ships Group) in Glasgow, Scotland. Demetris holds a BEng (Hons) in Naval Architecture from Newcastle upon Tyne University, an MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance from Cass Business School, London and is a Chartered Engineer. B. Compensation Compensation of Management Our officers receive compensation for the services they provide to us. Four of our five officers (Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty, and Makaritis) are remunerated in pounds sterling, while Mr. Butters is remunerated in U.S. dollars. Mr. T. Hjalmas served as an officer of the company until his resignation and departure from the Company in December 2017. For purposes of this annual report, all forms of compensation paid to our officers have been converted to U.S. dollars. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the aggregate cash compensation paid to all officers as a group was approximately $2,885,331. The cash compensation for each officer is comprised of base salary and bonus. Our officers are eligible to receive a discretionary annual cash bonus based on certain performance criteria determined by the compensation committee of our Board, or the “Compensation Committee,” and approved by our Board. Regardless of performance, the annual cash bonuses are paid at the sole discretion of the Compensation Committee, subject to approval by our Board. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we granted a total of 52,804 shares of restricted stock to officers of the company under the Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the “LTIP” (as described in further detail below under “—2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan”), which such awards vest and become free of restrictions on the third anniversary of the grant date. Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis are eligible to participate in certain welfare benefit programs we offer, including life insurance, permanent health insurance, and private medical insurance. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the aggregate cost of the benefits described in the preceding sentence provided to each of Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis was approximately $14,976. While Mr. Butters is not eligible 76 77 to participate in the same welfare benefit programs as our other officers, he is entitled to reimbursement by us for the Medicare portion of the FICA tax withheld from his compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid Mr. Butters an amount of $40,146 towards his Medicare costs. Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis are also eligible to participate in a defined contribution personal pension plan, described below under “—Benefit Plans and Programs.” Compensation of Directors Officers who also serve as members of our Board do not receive additional compensation for their services as directors. Each non-employee director who serves as a member of our Board receives an annual fee of $120,000, of which $60,000 is paid in cash and $60,000 in shares of restricted stock granted under the LTIP which vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. In addition, the Audit Committee chairman and Compensation Committee chairman each receive an additional amount of $5,000 per annum while members of each committee receive a meeting fee of $1,500 for each committee meeting. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we also granted a total of 28,194 shares of restricted stock pursuant to awards under the LTIP to non-employee directors of the company, which such awards vest and become free of restrictions on the first anniversary of the grant date. Each director will be fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Marshall Islands law. Equity Compensation Plans 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan In connection with our initial public offering, we adopted the Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the “LTIP,” for our and our affiliates’ employees and directors as well as consultants who perform services for us. The LTIP provides for the award of restricted stock, stock options, performance awards, annual incentive awards, restricted stock units, bonus stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, and other share-based awards. Administration. The LTIP is administered by the Compensation Committee, or the “Plan Administrator,” with certain decisions subject to approval of our Board. The Plan Administrator will have the authority to, among other things, designate participants under the LTIP, determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant, determine the number of shares of our common stock to be covered by awards, determine the terms and conditions applicable to awards and interpret and administer the LTIP. The Plan Administrator may terminate or amend the LTIP at any time with respect to any shares of our common stock for which a grant has not yet been made. The Plan Administrator also has the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of the plan from time to time, including increasing the number of shares of our common stock that may be granted, subject to shareholder approval as required by the exchange upon which our common stock is listed at that time. However, no change in any outstanding grant may be made that would materially reduce the benefits of the participant without the consent of the participant. Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment in the event of any distribution, recapitalization, split, merger, consolidation or similar corporate event, the number of shares available for delivery pursuant to awards granted under the LTIP is 3,000,000 shares. There is no limit on the number of awards that may be granted and paid in cash. Shares subject to an award under the LTIP that are canceled, forfeited, exchanged, settled in cash or otherwise terminated, including withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligations, are available for delivery pursuant to other awards. The shares of our common stock to be delivered under the LTIP will be made available from authorized but unissued shares, shares held in treasury, or previously issued shares reacquired by us, including by purchase on the open market. Restricted Shares. A restricted share grant is an award of common stock that vests over a period of time and that during such time is subject to forfeiture. The Plan Administrator may determine to make grants of restricted shares under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. The Plan Administrator will determine the period over which restricted shares granted to participants will vest. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may base its determination upon the achievement of specified financial objectives. Dividends made on restricted shares may or may not be subjected to the same vesting provisions as the restricted shares. Share Options. A share option is a right to purchase shares at a specified price during specified time periods. The LTIP permits the grant of options covering our common stock. The Plan Administrator may make grants under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. Share options will have an exercise price that may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Share options granted under the LTIP can be either incentive share options (within the meaning of section 422 of the Code), which have certain tax advantages for recipients, or non-qualified share options. Share options granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the Plan Administrator. No share option will have a term that exceeds ten years. The availability of share options is intended to furnish additional compensation to plan participants and to align their economic interests with those of common shareholders. Performance Award. A performance award is a right to receive all or part of an award granted under the LTIP based upon performance criteria specified by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator will determine the period over which certain specified company or individual goals or objectives must be met. The performance award may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock or other awards or property, in the discretion of the Plan Annual Incentive Award. An annual incentive award is a conditional right to receive a cash payment, shares or other award unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator, after the end of a specified year. The amount potentially payable will be based upon the achievement of performance goals established by the Plan Administrator. Administrator. Restricted Share Unit. A restricted share unit is a notional share that entitles the grantee to receive a share of common stock upon the vesting of the restricted share unit or, in the discretion of the Plan Administrator, cash equivalent to the value of a share of common stock. The Plan Administrator may determine to make grants of restricted share units under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. The Plan Administrator will determine the period over which restricted share units granted to participants will vest. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may grant tandem dividend equivalent rights with respect to restricted share units that entitle the holder to receive cash equal to any cash dividends made on our common stock while the restricted share units are outstanding. Bonus Shares. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may also grant to participants shares of common stock that are not subject to forfeiture. The Plan Administrator can grant bonus shares without requiring that the recipient pay any remuneration for the shares. Share Appreciation Rights. The LTIP permits the grant of share appreciation rights. A share appreciation right is an award that, upon exercise, entitles participants to receive the excess of the fair market value of our common stock on the exercise date over the grant price established for the share appreciation right on the date of grant. Such excess will be paid in cash or common stock. The Plan Administrator may determine to make grants of share appreciation rights under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. Share appreciation rights will have a grant price that may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. In general, share appreciation rights granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the Plan Administrator. 78 79 to participate in the same welfare benefit programs as our other officers, he is entitled to reimbursement by us for the Medicare portion of the FICA tax withheld from his compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid Mr. Butters an amount of $40,146 towards his Medicare costs. Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis are also eligible to participate in a defined contribution personal pension plan, described below under “—Benefit Plans and Programs.” Compensation of Directors Officers who also serve as members of our Board do not receive additional compensation for their services as directors. Each non-employee director who serves as a member of our Board receives an annual fee of $120,000, of which $60,000 is paid in cash and $60,000 in shares of restricted stock granted under the LTIP which vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. In addition, the Audit Committee chairman and Compensation Committee chairman each receive an additional amount of $5,000 per annum while members of each committee receive a meeting fee of $1,500 for each committee meeting. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we also granted a total of 28,194 shares of restricted stock pursuant to awards under the LTIP to non-employee directors of the company, which such awards vest and become free of restrictions on the first anniversary of the grant date. Each director will be fully indemnified by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Marshall Islands law. Equity Compensation Plans 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan In connection with our initial public offering, we adopted the Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, or the “LTIP,” for our and our affiliates’ employees and directors as well as consultants who perform services for us. The LTIP provides for the award of restricted stock, stock options, performance awards, annual incentive awards, restricted stock units, bonus stock awards, stock appreciation rights, dividend equivalents, and other share-based awards. Administration. The LTIP is administered by the Compensation Committee, or the “Plan Administrator,” with certain decisions subject to approval of our Board. The Plan Administrator will have the authority to, among other things, designate participants under the LTIP, determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant, determine the number of shares of our common stock to be covered by awards, determine the terms and conditions applicable to awards and interpret and administer the LTIP. The Plan Administrator may terminate or amend the LTIP at any time with respect to any shares of our common stock for which a grant has not yet been made. The Plan Administrator also has the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of the plan from time to time, including increasing the number of shares of our common stock that may be granted, subject to shareholder approval as required by the exchange upon which our common stock is listed at that time. However, no change in any outstanding grant may be made that would materially reduce the benefits of the participant without the consent of the participant. Number of Shares. Subject to adjustment in the event of any distribution, recapitalization, split, merger, consolidation or similar corporate event, the number of shares available for delivery pursuant to awards granted under the LTIP is 3,000,000 shares. There is no limit on the number of awards that may be granted and paid in cash. Shares subject to an award under the LTIP that are canceled, forfeited, exchanged, settled in cash or otherwise terminated, including withheld to satisfy exercise prices or tax withholding obligations, are available for delivery pursuant to other awards. The shares of our common stock to be delivered under the LTIP will be made available from authorized but unissued shares, shares held in treasury, or previously issued shares reacquired by us, including by purchase on the open market. Restricted Shares. A restricted share grant is an award of common stock that vests over a period of time and that during such time is subject to forfeiture. The Plan Administrator may determine to make grants of restricted shares under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. The Plan Administrator will determine the period over which restricted shares granted to participants will vest. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may base its determination upon the achievement of specified financial objectives. Dividends made on restricted shares may or may not be subjected to the same vesting provisions as the restricted shares. Share Options. A share option is a right to purchase shares at a specified price during specified time periods. The LTIP permits the grant of options covering our common stock. The Plan Administrator may make grants under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. Share options will have an exercise price that may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Share options granted under the LTIP can be either incentive share options (within the meaning of section 422 of the Code), which have certain tax advantages for recipients, or non-qualified share options. Share options granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the Plan Administrator. No share option will have a term that exceeds ten years. The availability of share options is intended to furnish additional compensation to plan participants and to align their economic interests with those of common shareholders. Performance Award. A performance award is a right to receive all or part of an award granted under the LTIP based upon performance criteria specified by the Plan Administrator. The Plan Administrator will determine the period over which certain specified company or individual goals or objectives must be met. The performance award may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock or other awards or property, in the discretion of the Plan Administrator. Annual Incentive Award. An annual incentive award is a conditional right to receive a cash payment, shares or other award unless otherwise determined by the Plan Administrator, after the end of a specified year. The amount potentially payable will be based upon the achievement of performance goals established by the Plan Administrator. Restricted Share Unit. A restricted share unit is a notional share that entitles the grantee to receive a share of common stock upon the vesting of the restricted share unit or, in the discretion of the Plan Administrator, cash equivalent to the value of a share of common stock. The Plan Administrator may determine to make grants of restricted share units under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. The Plan Administrator will determine the period over which restricted share units granted to participants will vest. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may grant tandem dividend equivalent rights with respect to restricted share units that entitle the holder to receive cash equal to any cash dividends made on our common stock while the restricted share units are outstanding. Bonus Shares. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may also grant to participants shares of common stock that are not subject to forfeiture. The Plan Administrator can grant bonus shares without requiring that the recipient pay any remuneration for the shares. Share Appreciation Rights. The LTIP permits the grant of share appreciation rights. A share appreciation right is an award that, upon exercise, entitles participants to receive the excess of the fair market value of our common stock on the exercise date over the grant price established for the share appreciation right on the date of grant. Such excess will be paid in cash or common stock. The Plan Administrator may determine to make grants of share appreciation rights under the plan to participants containing such terms as the Plan Administrator shall determine. Share appreciation rights will have a grant price that may not be less than the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. In general, share appreciation rights granted will become exercisable over a period determined by the Plan Administrator. 78 79 Other Share-Based Awards. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may also grant to participants an award denominated or payable in, referenced to, or otherwise based on or related to the value of our common stock. C. Board Practices Tax Withholding. At our discretion, and subject to conditions that the Plan Administrator may impose, a participant’s minimum statutory tax withholding with respect to an award may be satisfied by withholding from any payment related to an award or by the withholding of shares issuable pursuant to the award based on the fair market value of the shares. Anti-Dilution Adjustments. If any “equity restructuring” event occurs that could result in an additional compensation expense under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or “FASB ASC Topic 718,” if adjustments to awards with respect to such event were discretionary, the Plan Administrator will equitably adjust the number and type of shares covered by each outstanding award and the terms and conditions of such award to equitably reflect the restructuring event, and the Plan Administrator will adjust the number and type of shares with respect to which future awards may be granted. With respect to a similar event that would not result in a FASB ASC Topic 718 accounting charge if adjustment to awards were discretionary, the Plan Administrator shall have complete discretion to adjust awards in the manner it deems appropriate. In the event the Plan Administrator makes any adjustment in accordance with the foregoing provisions, a corresponding and proportionate adjustment shall be made with respect to the maximum number of shares available under the LTIP and the kind of shares or other securities available for grant under the LTIP. Furthermore, in the case of (i) a subdivision or consolidation of the common stock (by reclassification, split or reverse split or otherwise), (ii) a recapitalization, reclassification, or other change in our capital structure or (iii) any other reorganization, merger, combination, exchange or other relevant change in capitalization of our equity, then a corresponding and proportionate adjustment shall be made in accordance with the terms of the LTIP, as appropriate, with respect to the maximum number of shares available under the LTIP, the number of shares that may be acquired with respect to an award, and, if applicable, the exercise price of an award, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of awards as a result of such events. Change in Control. Upon a “change of control” (as defined in the LTIP), the Plan Administrator may, in its discretion, (i) remove any forfeiture restrictions applicable to an award, (ii) accelerate the time of exercisability or vesting of an award, (iii) require awards to be surrendered in exchange for a cash payment, (iv) cancel unvested awards without payment or (v) make adjustments to awards as the Plan Administrator deems appropriate to reflect the change of control. Termination of Employment or Service. The consequences of the termination of a grantee’s employment, consulting arrangement, or membership on the board of directors will be determined by the Plan Administrator in the terms of the relevant award agreement. As described above under “—Compensation of Management” and “—Compensation of Directors,” during the year ended December 31, 2017, we granted a total of (i) 52,804 shares of restricted stock under the LTIP to our officers and (ii) 28,194 shares of restricted stock under the LTIP to our non-employee directors. The restricted stock awards granted to our officers vest and become free of restrictions on the third anniversary of the date of grant while the restricted stock awards granted to our non-employee directors vest and become free of restrictions on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Benefit Plans and Programs We sponsor a money purchase defined contribution plan, which we refer to as a personal pension plan, for all employees located in the U.K., including Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis. Each employee is eligible to contribute up to 100% of his annual salary to their personal pension plan and we will match any such contribution up to 10% of the employee’s annual salary. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid an aggregate of approximately $56,053 in matching contributions to the personal pension plan for Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis. 80 While we are not subject to a number of the NYSE’s corporate governance standards as a foreign private issuer, we intend to comply voluntarily with a number of those rules. For example, we have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Committees of the Board of Directors We have an audit committee and a compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors. In addition, our board of directors may, from time to time, designate one or more additional committees, which shall have the duties and powers granted to it by our board of directors. Audit Committee Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Weidinger, Kenwright and Oetker, with Mr. Weidinger as chairman. Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Weidinger, Kenwright and Oetker satisfy the independence standards established by the NYSE and that each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things, the hiring or termination of independent auditors; approving any non-audit work performed by such auditor; and assisting the board in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent accountant’s qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent accountants and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Compensation Committee Our compensation committee consists of Messrs. Kenwright, Fischer, Oetker and Weidinger, with Mr. Kenwright as chairman. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things, developing and recommending to the board of directors compensation for board members; and overseeing compliance with any applicable compensation reporting requirements of the SEC and the NYSE. D. Employees We had 60 employees as of December 31, 2017 compared to 46 employees as of December 31, 2016 and 37 at December 31, 2015. We consider our employee relations to be good. Our crewing and technical managers provide crews for our vessels under separate crew management agreements. E. Share Ownership See “Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions A. Major Shareholders March 5, 2018: The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of each person known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our common stock; • • • • each of our directors; each of our named executive officers; and all directors and executive officers as a group. 81 Other Share-Based Awards. The Plan Administrator, in its discretion, may also grant to participants an award denominated or payable in, referenced to, or otherwise based on or related to the value of our common stock. Tax Withholding. At our discretion, and subject to conditions that the Plan Administrator may impose, a participant’s minimum statutory tax withholding with respect to an award may be satisfied by withholding from any payment related to an award or by the withholding of shares issuable pursuant to the award based on the fair market value of the shares. Anti-Dilution Adjustments. If any “equity restructuring” event occurs that could result in an additional compensation expense under Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, or “FASB ASC Topic 718,” if adjustments to awards with respect to such event were discretionary, the Plan Administrator will equitably adjust the number and type of shares covered by each outstanding award and the terms and conditions of such award to equitably reflect the restructuring event, and the Plan Administrator will adjust the number and type of shares with respect to which future awards may be granted. With respect to a similar event that would not result in a FASB ASC Topic 718 accounting charge if adjustment to awards were discretionary, the Plan Administrator shall have complete discretion to adjust awards in the manner it deems appropriate. In the event the Plan Administrator makes any adjustment in accordance with the foregoing provisions, a corresponding and proportionate adjustment shall be made with respect to the maximum number of shares available under the LTIP and the kind of shares or other securities available for grant under the LTIP. Furthermore, in the case of (i) a subdivision or consolidation of the common stock (by reclassification, split or reverse split or otherwise), (ii) a recapitalization, reclassification, or other change in our capital structure or (iii) any other reorganization, merger, combination, exchange or other relevant change in capitalization of our equity, then a corresponding and proportionate adjustment shall be made in accordance with the terms of the LTIP, as appropriate, with respect to the maximum number of shares available under the LTIP, the number of shares that may be acquired with respect to an award, and, if applicable, the exercise price of an award, in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of awards as a result of such events. Change in Control. Upon a “change of control” (as defined in the LTIP), the Plan Administrator may, in its discretion, (i) remove any forfeiture restrictions applicable to an award, (ii) accelerate the time of exercisability or vesting of an award, (iii) require awards to be surrendered in exchange for a cash payment, (iv) cancel unvested awards without payment or (v) make adjustments to awards as the Plan Administrator deems appropriate to reflect the change of control. Termination of Employment or Service. The consequences of the termination of a grantee’s employment, consulting arrangement, or membership on the board of directors will be determined by the Plan Administrator in the terms of the relevant award agreement. As described above under “—Compensation of Management” and “—Compensation of Directors,” during the year ended December 31, 2017, we granted a total of (i) 52,804 shares of restricted stock under the LTIP to our officers and (ii) 28,194 shares of restricted stock under the LTIP to our non-employee directors. The restricted stock awards granted to our officers vest and become free of restrictions on the third anniversary of the date of grant while the restricted stock awards granted to our non-employee directors vest and become free of restrictions on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Benefit Plans and Programs We sponsor a money purchase defined contribution plan, which we refer to as a personal pension plan, for all employees located in the U.K., including Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis. Each employee is eligible to contribute up to 100% of his annual salary to their personal pension plan and we will match any such contribution up to 10% of the employee’s annual salary. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we paid an aggregate of approximately $56,053 in matching contributions to the personal pension plan for Messrs. Nolan, Lindeman, Flaherty and Makaritis. 80 C. Board Practices While we are not subject to a number of the NYSE’s corporate governance standards as a foreign private issuer, we intend to comply voluntarily with a number of those rules. For example, we have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. Committees of the Board of Directors We have an audit committee and a compensation committee comprised entirely of independent directors. In addition, our board of directors may, from time to time, designate one or more additional committees, which shall have the duties and powers granted to it by our board of directors. Audit Committee Our audit committee consists of Messrs. Weidinger, Kenwright and Oetker, with Mr. Weidinger as chairman. Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Weidinger, Kenwright and Oetker satisfy the independence standards established by the NYSE and that each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. The audit committee is responsible for, among other things, the hiring or termination of independent auditors; approving any non-audit work performed by such auditor; and assisting the board in monitoring the integrity of our financial statements, the independent accountant’s qualifications and independence, the performance of the independent accountants and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Compensation Committee Our compensation committee consists of Messrs. Kenwright, Fischer, Oetker and Weidinger, with Mr. Kenwright as chairman. The compensation committee is responsible for, among other things, developing and recommending to the board of directors compensation for board members; and overseeing compliance with any applicable compensation reporting requirements of the SEC and the NYSE. D. Employees We had 60 employees as of December 31, 2017 compared to 46 employees as of December 31, 2016 and 37 at December 31, 2015. We consider our employee relations to be good. Our crewing and technical managers provide crews for our vessels under separate crew management agreements. E. Share Ownership See “Item 7—Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—Major Shareholders.” Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions A. Major Shareholders The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 5, 2018: • • • • each person known by us to be a beneficial owner of more than 5.0% of our common stock; each of our directors; each of our named executive officers; and all directors and executive officers as a group. 81 The data set forth below is based on information filed with the SEC and information provided to us prior to March 5, 2018. Except as otherwise indicated, the person or entities listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all of our shares of common stock beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable. public offering, we established an audit committee upon the closing of our initial public offering in order to, among other things, conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis and to approve all such transactions. See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices—Committees of the Board of Directors.” Name of Beneficial Owner WLR Group(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David J. Butters(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiros Milonas(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alexander Oetker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Kenwright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florian Weidinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hal Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Heiko Fischer(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niall Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oeyvind Lindeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Flaherty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demetris Makaritis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All executive officers and directors as a group (11 Common Stock Beneficially Owned Shares(1) Percent 21,863,874 2,036,938 1,568,620 4,755 29,763 26,263 — 48,363 109,878 5,408 7,820 2,895 39.4% 3.7% 2.8% * * * * * * * * * persons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,832,883 6.9% Less than 1%. * (1) Unless otherwise indicated, all shares of common stock are owned directly by the named holder and such holder has sole power to vote and dispose of such shares. Unless otherwise noted, the address for each beneficial owner named above is: 650 Madison Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022. (2) Represents 13,058,516 shares of common stock held directly by WLR Recovery Fund IV DSS AIV, L.P., 4,422,528 shares of common stock held directly by WLR Recovery Fund V DSS AIV, L.P., 4,288,484 shares of common stock held directly by WLR Select Co-Investment, L.P., 52,727 shares of common stock held directly by WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P. and 41,619 shares of common stock held directly by WLR V Parallel ESC, L.P. (collectively, the “WLR Investors”). Invesco Private Capital, Inc. is the managing member of Invesco WLR IV Associates LLC, which in turn is the general partner of WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P. Invesco Private Capital, Inc. is also the managing member of Invesco WLR V Associates LLC, which in turn is the general partner of WLR V Parallel ESC, L.P. WLR Select Associates DSS GP, Ltd. is the general partner of WLR Select Associates DSS, L.P., which in turn is the general partner of WLR Select Co-Investment, L.P. WLR Recovery Associates IV DSS AIV GP, Ltd. is the general partner of WLR Recovery Associates IV DSS AIV, L.P., which in turn is the general partner of WLR Recovery Fund IV DSS AIV, L.P. WLR Recovery Associates V DSS AIV GP, Ltd. is the general partner of WLR Recovery Associates V DSS AIV, L.P., which in turn is the general partner of WLR Recovery Fund V DSS AIV, L.P. The address of each of the entities and persons identified in this note is c/o WL Ross & Co. LLC, 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. Includes 150,000 shares of common stock that are owned by the spouse of Mr. Butters, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes 218,675 shares of common stock held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship with Antonia K Milonas. (4) (3) (5) Represents shares of common stock held directly by Dr. Fischer. Dr. Fischer is a Board designee of WLR. Dr. Fischer disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held or controlled by the WLR Group. 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 initial We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the near term. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the growth of our business. We may, however, 82 83 Investment Agreements On November 10, 2011, we entered into a certain investment agreement with the WLR Group. Under the investment agreement, we agreed to issue and sell up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate at $8.33 per share (on a post-split basis). Pursuant to the investment agreement, on December 12, 2011, the WLR Group purchased 1,875,000 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis) and, on March 30, 2012, the WLR Group purchased 5,625,000 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis). On February 15, 2013, we entered into a certain investment agreement with, among others, the WLR Group and David J. Butters. Under the investment agreement, we agreed to issue and sell up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate at $10.00 per share (on a post-split basis). Pursuant to the investment agreement, on February 25, 2013, the WLR Group, Mr. Butters and an unrelated third party purchased 6,499,998, 500,001 and 500,001 shares of our common stock, respectively (on a post-split basis). Investor Rights Agreement On November 5, 2013, we amended and restated our existing investor rights agreement with the WLR Group. Under the investor rights agreement, subject to certain exceptions, the WLR Group has the right to designate two individuals to be nominated to our Board. If the WLR Group collectively owns less than 3,750,000 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis), the WLR Group will be entitled to designate only one individual, and if the WLR Group collectively owns less than 937,500 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis), the right to designate an individual to be nominated to our Board will terminate. Mr. Malone and Dr. Fischer are the designees of the WLR Group. C. Interests of Experts and Counsel Not applicable. Item 8. Financial Information A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information Please see Item 18—Financial Statements below for additional information required to be disclosed under this We expect that in the future we will be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of 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 the consolidated item. Legal Proceedings financial statements. Dividend Policy The data set forth below is based on information filed with the SEC and information provided to us prior to March 5, 2018. Except as otherwise indicated, the person or entities listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all of our shares of common stock beneficially owned by them, subject to community property laws where applicable. public offering, we established an audit committee upon the closing of our initial public offering in order to, among other things, conduct an appropriate review of all related party transactions for potential conflict of interest situations on an ongoing basis and to approve all such transactions. See “Item 6—Directors, Senior Management and Employees—Board Practices—Committees of the Board of Directors.” Common Stock Beneficially Owned Shares(1) Percent Name of Beneficial Owner WLR Group(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,863,874 David J. Butters(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spiros Milonas(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,036,938 1,568,620 39.4% 3.7% 2.8% Alexander Oetker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Kenwright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Florian Weidinger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hal Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dr. Heiko Fischer(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Niall Nolan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oeyvind Lindeman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Flaherty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Demetris Makaritis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All executive officers and directors as a group (11 4,755 29,763 26,263 — 48,363 109,878 5,408 7,820 2,895 * * * * * * * * * persons) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,832,883 6.9% * Less than 1%. (1) Unless otherwise indicated, all shares of common stock are owned directly by the named holder and such holder has sole power to vote and dispose of such shares. Unless otherwise noted, the address for each beneficial owner named above is: 650 Madison Avenue, 25th Floor, New York, New York 10022. (2) Represents 13,058,516 shares of common stock held directly by WLR Recovery Fund IV DSS AIV, L.P., 4,422,528 shares of common stock held directly by WLR Recovery Fund V DSS AIV, L.P., 4,288,484 shares of common stock held directly by WLR Select Co-Investment, L.P., 52,727 shares of common stock held directly by WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P. and 41,619 shares of common stock held directly by WLR V Parallel ESC, L.P. (collectively, the “WLR Investors”). Invesco Private Capital, Inc. is the managing member of Invesco WLR IV Associates LLC, which in turn is the general partner of WLR IV Parallel ESC, L.P. Invesco Private Capital, Inc. is also the managing member of Invesco WLR V Associates LLC, which in turn is the general partner of WLR V Parallel ESC, L.P. WLR Select Associates DSS GP, Ltd. is the general partner of WLR Select Associates DSS, L.P., which in turn is the general partner of WLR Select Co-Investment, L.P. WLR Recovery Associates IV DSS AIV GP, Ltd. is the general partner of WLR Recovery Associates IV DSS AIV, L.P., which in turn is the general partner of WLR Recovery Fund IV DSS AIV, L.P. WLR Recovery Associates V DSS AIV GP, Ltd. is the general partner of WLR Recovery Associates V DSS AIV, L.P., which in turn is the general partner of WLR Recovery Fund V DSS AIV, L.P. The address of each of the entities and persons identified in this note is c/o WL Ross & Co. LLC, 1166 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036. (3) Includes 150,000 shares of common stock that are owned by the spouse of Mr. Butters, for which he disclaims beneficial ownership. Milonas. (4) Includes 218,675 shares of common stock held in joint tenancy with right of survivorship with Antonia K (5) Represents shares of common stock held directly by Dr. Fischer. Dr. Fischer is a Board designee of WLR. Dr. Fischer disclaims beneficial ownership over the shares held or controlled by the WLR Group. Investment Agreements On November 10, 2011, we entered into a certain investment agreement with the WLR Group. Under the investment agreement, we agreed to issue and sell up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate at $8.33 per share (on a post-split basis). Pursuant to the investment agreement, on December 12, 2011, the WLR Group purchased 1,875,000 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis) and, on March 30, 2012, the WLR Group purchased 5,625,000 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis). On February 15, 2013, we entered into a certain investment agreement with, among others, the WLR Group and David J. Butters. Under the investment agreement, we agreed to issue and sell up to 7,500,000 shares of common stock in the aggregate at $10.00 per share (on a post-split basis). Pursuant to the investment agreement, on February 25, 2013, the WLR Group, Mr. Butters and an unrelated third party purchased 6,499,998, 500,001 and 500,001 shares of our common stock, respectively (on a post-split basis). Investor Rights Agreement On November 5, 2013, we amended and restated our existing investor rights agreement with the WLR Group. Under the investor rights agreement, subject to certain exceptions, the WLR Group has the right to designate two individuals to be nominated to our Board. If the WLR Group collectively owns less than 3,750,000 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis), the WLR Group will be entitled to designate only one individual, and if the WLR Group collectively owns less than 937,500 shares of common stock (on a post-split basis), the right to designate an individual to be nominated to our Board will terminate. Mr. Malone and Dr. Fischer are the designees of the WLR Group. C. Interests of Experts and Counsel Not applicable. Item 8. Financial Information A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information Please see Item 18—Financial Statements below for additional information required to be disclosed under this item. Legal Proceedings We expect that in the future we will be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of 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 the consolidated financial statements. B. Related Party Transactions Dividend Policy 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 initial We do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends to holders of our common stock in the near term. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the growth of our business. We may, however, 82 83 adopt in the future a policy to make cash dividends. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our board of directors. Any determination to pay or not pay cash dividends will depend upon then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, investment opportunities, statutory and contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. B. Significant Changes Not applicable. Item 9. The Offer and Listing A. Offer and Listing Details The high and low market prices for our shares of common stock on the NYSE, for the years, quarters and months indicated, are as follows: For the Year Ended High Low December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.75 $17.67 $ 7.00 $ 6.47 Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Most recent six months High Low $11.65 $12.65 $14.75 $14.30 $10.55 $11.60 $16.85 $17.67 $ 9.25 $ 8.15 $ 7.00 $ 9.20 $ 6.65 $ 6.47 $10.31 $10.24 High Low February 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.25 $12.35 $10.80 $10.80 $11.65 $11.50 $11.10 $ 9.75 $ 9.55 $ 9.25 $10.10 $10.45 B. Plan of distribution Not applicable. C. Markets Our common stock started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NVGS” on November 21, 2013. Item 10. Additional Information A. Share Capital Not applicable. B. Memorandum and Articles of Association The information required to be disclosed under Item 10B is incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on November 15, 2013. 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: (1) Joint Venture Agreement, dated August 4, 2010, among PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited and PT Navigator Khatulistiwa. On August 4, 2010, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited and PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, an Indonesian limited liability company, or “PTNK,” entered into a Joint Venture Agreement, or the “JV Agreement.” Our operations in Indonesia are subject, among other things, to the Indonesian Shipping Act. That law generally provides that in order for certain vessels involved in Indonesian cabotage to obtain the requested licenses, the owners must either be wholly Indonesian owned or have a majority Indonesian shareholding. Navigator Pluto and Navigator Aries, which are chartered to Pertamina, the Indonesian state-owned producer of hydrocarbons, are owned by PTNK. PTNK is a joint venture of which 49% of the voting and dividend rights are owned by a subsidiary though ultimately controlled at the shareholder level by a subsidiary of Navigator Holdings, and 51% of such rights are owned by Indonesian limited liability companies. The JV Agreement for PTNK provides that certain actions relating to the joint venture or the vessels require the prior written approval of Navigator Holdings’ subsidiary, which may be withheld only on reasonable grounds and in good faith. Pursuant to the JV Agreement, PTNK is managed by its board of directors under the supervision, in accordance with Indonesian law, of the board of commissioners. The board of directors is comprised of one director nominee from the Indonesian limited liability companies which collectively own 51% of the share capital of PTNK. The board of commissioners is comprised of one nominee from the Indonesian entities and one nominee from Navigator Gas Invest Limited, a subsidiary of Navigator Holdings. (2) $270,000,000 Secured term loan facility by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Navigator Holdings Ltd., Nordea Bank Finland Plc, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, DVB Bank Se Nordic Branch, ABN Amro Bank N.V. and HSH Nordbank AG, as mandated lead arrangers, dated as of February 12, 2013. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Secured Term Loan Facilities—Term and Facility Limits—February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (3) Supplemental Deed, dated February 13, 2014, among PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Falcon Funding Ptd. Ltd. and Navigator Gas L.L.C. On February 13, 2014, PTNK, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Falcon Funding Pte. Ltd and Navigator Gas L.L.C. entered into a Supplemental Deed under which the JV Agreement was amended to include Navigator Global, which is currently chartered to Pertamina, along with Navigator Pluto and Navigator Aries. (4) $120.0 million Supplemental Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Nordea. This is a Supplemental Agreement to our February 2013 $270.0 million secured term loan facility, which, among other things, (i) allows the us to prepay $120.0 million outstanding under such term loan facility, (ii) revises the terms of the such term loan facility to include a quasi-revolving facility where funds can be drawn over the course of the facility period in four tranches of $30.0 million each and (iii) provides that such term loan facility be amended and restated to reflect the foregoing. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities—Term and Facility Limits—February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility.” 84 85 adopt in the future a policy to make cash dividends. Our future dividend policy is within the discretion of our board of directors. Any determination to pay or not pay cash dividends will depend upon then-existing conditions, including our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, investment opportunities, statutory and contractual restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and other factors our board of directors may deem relevant. B. Significant Changes Not applicable. Item 9. The Offer and Listing A. Offer and Listing Details indicated, are as follows: The high and low market prices for our shares of common stock on the NYSE, for the years, quarters and months For the Year Ended High Low December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.75 $17.67 $ 7.00 $ 6.47 Quarter Ended High Low December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.65 $12.65 $14.75 $14.30 $10.55 $11.60 $16.85 $17.67 $13.25 $12.35 $10.80 $10.80 $11.65 $11.50 $ 9.25 $ 8.15 $ 7.00 $ 9.20 $ 6.65 $ 6.47 $10.31 $10.24 $11.10 $ 9.75 $ 9.55 $ 9.25 $10.10 $10.45 Most recent six months High Low Our common stock started trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NVGS” on B. Plan of distribution Not applicable. C. Markets November 21, 2013. Item 10. Additional Information A. Share Capital Not applicable. B. Memorandum and Articles of Association The information required to be disclosed under Item 10B is incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed with the SEC on November 15, 2013. 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: (1) Joint Venture Agreement, dated August 4, 2010, among PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited and PT Navigator Khatulistiwa. On August 4, 2010, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited and PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, an Indonesian limited liability company, or “PTNK,” entered into a Joint Venture Agreement, or the “JV Agreement.” Our operations in Indonesia are subject, among other things, to the Indonesian Shipping Act. That law generally provides that in order for certain vessels involved in Indonesian cabotage to obtain the requested licenses, the owners must either be wholly Indonesian owned or have a majority Indonesian shareholding. Navigator Pluto and Navigator Aries, which are chartered to Pertamina, the Indonesian state-owned producer of hydrocarbons, are owned by PTNK. PTNK is a joint venture of which 49% of the voting and dividend rights are owned by a subsidiary though ultimately controlled at the shareholder level by a subsidiary of Navigator Holdings, and 51% of such rights are owned by Indonesian limited liability companies. The JV Agreement for PTNK provides that certain actions relating to the joint venture or the vessels require the prior written approval of Navigator Holdings’ subsidiary, which may be withheld only on reasonable grounds and in good faith. Pursuant to the JV Agreement, PTNK is managed by its board of directors under the supervision, in accordance with Indonesian law, of the board of commissioners. The board of directors is comprised of one director nominee from the Indonesian limited liability companies which collectively own 51% of the share capital of PTNK. The board of commissioners is comprised of one nominee from the Indonesian entities and one nominee from Navigator Gas Invest Limited, a subsidiary of Navigator Holdings. (2) $270,000,000 Secured term loan facility by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Navigator Holdings Ltd., Nordea Bank Finland Plc, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, DVB Bank Se Nordic Branch, ABN Amro Bank N.V. and HSH Nordbank AG, as mandated lead arrangers, dated as of February 12, 2013. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources— Secured Term Loan Facilities—Term and Facility Limits—February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (3) Supplemental Deed, dated February 13, 2014, among PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Falcon Funding Ptd. Ltd. and Navigator Gas L.L.C. On February 13, 2014, PTNK, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Falcon Funding Pte. Ltd and Navigator Gas L.L.C. entered into a Supplemental Deed under which the JV Agreement was amended to include Navigator Global, which is currently chartered to Pertamina, along with Navigator Pluto and Navigator Aries. (4) $120.0 million Supplemental Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Nordea. This is a Supplemental Agreement to our February 2013 $270.0 million secured term loan facility, which, among other things, (i) allows the us to prepay $120.0 million outstanding under such term loan facility, (ii) revises the terms of the such term loan facility to include a quasi-revolving facility where funds can be drawn over the course of the facility period in four tranches of $30.0 million each and (iii) provides that such term loan facility be amended and restated to reflect the foregoing. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities—Term and Facility Limits—February 2013 Secured Term Loan Facility.” 84 85 (5) $278.1 million Facility Agreement, by and among Navigator Atlas L.L.C, Navigator Europa L.L.C., Navigator Oberon L.L.C., Navigator Triton L.L.C., Navigator Umbrio L.L.C., Navigator Centauri L.L.C., Navigator Ceres L.L.C., Navigator Ceto L.L.C. and Navigator Copernico L.L.C, Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Navigator Gas L.L.C., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSH Nordbank Ag and NIBC Bank N.V. as the arrangers and Credit Agricole as agent, and a group of financial institutions as lenders, dated as of January 27, 2015. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—January 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (6) $290.0 million Facility Agreement, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Nordea Bank AB, ABN Amro Bank N.V., Danmarks Skibskredit A/S, National Australia Bank Limited, ING Bank N.V. and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as the arrangers and Nordea Bank AB and ABN Amro Bank N.V as agent and a group of financial institutions as lenders, dated as of December 21, 2015. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—December 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (7) Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 9% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated December 14, 2012. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—2012 Senior Unsecured Bonds.” (8) Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the a court. Bondholders in the bond issue of 7.75% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated February 10, 2017. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—2017 Senior Unsecured Bonds.” (9) $220.0 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—October 2016 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (10) $160.8 million Secured Facility Agreement dated June 30, 2017, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—June 2017 Secured Term Loan Facility.” D. Exchange Controls We are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees or regulations, including foreign exchange controls, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands that restrict the export or import of capital, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities. We are not aware of any limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote our securities imposed by the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or our operating agreement. E. Taxation Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences rulings and court decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of holding our common stock 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 Navigator Holdings Ltd. The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of our common stock that own shares of common stock 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 shareholders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans or individual retirement accounts, or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), to persons that hold the shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to partnerships or their partners, or to persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar, all 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 stock, 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 stock, we encourage you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership’s ownership of our common stock. No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or our shareholders. The statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in 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 our common stock. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular shareholders in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective shareholder 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 our common stock. Election to be Treated as a Corporation We are 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 shares 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 stock that owns (actually or constructively) less than 10.0% of our equity and 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 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 (i) 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 (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to our shareholders. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations, and administrative 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 stock generally will constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated 86 87 (5) $278.1 million Facility Agreement, by and among Navigator Atlas L.L.C, Navigator Europa L.L.C., Navigator Oberon L.L.C., Navigator Triton L.L.C., Navigator Umbrio L.L.C., Navigator Centauri L.L.C., Navigator Ceres L.L.C., Navigator Ceto L.L.C. and Navigator Copernico L.L.C, Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Navigator Gas L.L.C., Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSH Nordbank Ag and NIBC Bank N.V. as the arrangers and Credit Agricole as agent, and a group of financial institutions as lenders, dated as of January 27, 2015. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—January 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (6) $290.0 million Facility Agreement, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Nordea Bank AB, ABN Amro Bank N.V., Danmarks Skibskredit A/S, National Australia Bank Limited, ING Bank N.V. and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as the arrangers and Nordea Bank AB and ABN Amro Bank N.V as agent and a group of financial institutions as lenders, dated as of December 21, 2015. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—December 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility.” (7) Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 9% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated December 14, 2012. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—2012 Senior Unsecured Bonds.” (8) Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 7.75% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated February 10, 2017. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—2017 Senior Unsecured Bonds.” (9) $220.0 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—October 2016 Secured Term Loan (10) $160.8 million Secured Facility Agreement dated June 30, 2017, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein. See Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facilities and Facility Limits—June 2017 Secured Term Loan Facility.” Facility.” D. Exchange Controls We are not aware of any governmental laws, decrees or regulations, including foreign exchange controls, in the Republic of the Marshall Islands that restrict the export or import of capital, or that affect the remittance of dividends, interest or other payments to non-resident holders of our securities. We are not aware of any limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold or vote our securities imposed by the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or our operating agreement. E. Taxation Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences rulings and court decisions, all as in effect as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of holding our common stock 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 Navigator Holdings Ltd. The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of our common stock that own shares of common stock 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 shareholders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans or individual retirement accounts, or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), to persons that hold the shares as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, to partnerships or their partners, or to persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. Dollar, all 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 stock, 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 stock, we encourage you to consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership’s ownership of our common stock. No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or our shareholders. 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 our common stock. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular shareholders in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective shareholder 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 our common stock. Election to be Treated as a Corporation We are 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 shares 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 stock that owns (actually or constructively) less than 10.0% of our equity and 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 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 (i) 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 (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Distributions The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to our shareholders. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations, and administrative 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 stock generally will constitute dividends to the extent of our current or accumulated 86 87 earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its common stock and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividend received deduction with respect to distributions they receive from us. Dividends received with respect to our common stock 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 stock by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate, or 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: (i) our common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the New York Stock Exchange on which our common stock is listed); (ii) 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”); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common stock become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common stock); and (iv) 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 stock will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on our common stock 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 stock that are treated as “extraordinary dividends.” In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a share of our common stock that is equal to or in excess of 10.0% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the shareholder’s election) in such share. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20.0% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on shares of our common stock that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend. Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock Subject to the discussion of PFICs below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares. The U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in its common stock generally will be the U.S. Holder’s purchase price for the shares of common stock and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the shares 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 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. 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. 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 common stock, either: exchange of investment property and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business), or • at least 50.0% 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 should not constitute passive income for PFIC purposes. By contrast, rental income generally would constitute passive income unless we were treated as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business under the applicable rules. Based on our current and projected method of operation we believe that we were not a PFIC for any 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 25.0% of our gross income for each taxable year was or will be non-passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of such non-passive income. This belief is based on certain valuations and projections regarding our assets, income and charters, and its validity is conditioned on the accuracy of such valuations and projections. While we believe such valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that our assumptions and conclusions will continue to be accurate at any time in the future. Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from our 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. 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 by our time- chartering operations. 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 shareholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, notwithstanding our present expectations, 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 for 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 stock, as discussed below. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common stock 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 • at least 75.0% 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 A U.S. Holder that makes a timely QEF election, or an “Electing Holder,” must report for U.S. federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end 88 89 earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder’s tax basis in its common stock and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividend received deduction with respect to distributions they receive from us. Dividends received with respect to our common stock 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 stock by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate, or 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: (i) our common stock is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the New York Stock Exchange on which our common stock is listed); (ii) 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”); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common stock for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common stock become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common stock); and (iv) 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 stock will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on our common stock 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 stock that are treated as “extraordinary dividends.” In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a share of our common stock that is equal to or in excess of 10.0% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the shareholder’s election) in such share. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20.0% of a shareholder’s adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If we pay an “extraordinary dividend” on shares of our common stock that is treated as “qualified dividend income,” then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such shares will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend. Sale, Exchange or other Disposition of Common Stock Subject to the discussion of PFICs below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize taxable gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of shares of our common stock in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder’s adjusted tax basis in such shares. The U.S. Holder’s initial tax basis in its common stock generally will be the U.S. Holder’s purchase price for the shares of common stock and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the shares 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 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. 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. 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 common stock, either: exchange of investment property and rents derived other than in the active conduct of a rental business), or • at least 50.0% 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 should not constitute passive income for PFIC purposes. By contrast, rental income generally would constitute passive income unless we were treated as deriving our rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business under the applicable rules. Based on our current and projected method of operation we believe that we were not a PFIC for any 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 25.0% of our gross income for each taxable year was or will be non-passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of such non-passive income. This belief is based on certain valuations and projections regarding our assets, income and charters, and its validity is conditioned on the accuracy of such valuations and projections. While we believe such valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that our assumptions and conclusions will continue to be accurate at any time in the future. Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from our 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. 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 by our time- chartering operations. 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 shareholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, notwithstanding our present expectations, 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 for 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 stock, as discussed below. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common stock 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 • at least 75.0% 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 A U.S. Holder that makes a timely QEF election, or an “Electing Holder,” must report for U.S. federal income tax purposes his pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end 88 89 with or within his taxable year, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year. The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock 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 its shares of common stock 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 stock. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with his 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 and, as we anticipate, our common stock was 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 stock, 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 shares of common stock at the end of the taxable year over the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of common stock. 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 its shares 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 shares of common stock would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common stock 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. Because the mark-to-market election only applies to marketable stock, however, it would not apply to a U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that were determined to be PFICs. 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, a U.S. Holder who 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 liability with respect to (i) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125.0% 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 shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the shares. Under these special rules: • • • the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s aggregate holding period for the common stock; 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 year. These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our common stock. 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 stock, such holder’s successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to the common stock. 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 (i) “net investment income” or (ii) 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. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from their ownership and disposition of our common stock. U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders A beneficial owner of our common stock (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 stock, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership’s ownership of our common stock. 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 they constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. trade or business. However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business may be exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty if the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder. Disposition of Shares 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 stock 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 shares 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 or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder). 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 stock if they are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those shares are disposed and 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 stock 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; 90 91 with or within his taxable year, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year. The Electing Holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of our common stock 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 its shares of common stock 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 stock. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with his 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 and, as we anticipate, our common stock was 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 stock, 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 shares of common stock at the end of the taxable year over the holder’s adjusted tax basis in its shares of common stock. 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 its shares 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 shares of common stock would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common stock would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common stock 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. Because the mark-to-market election only applies to marketable stock, however, it would not apply to a U.S. Holder’s indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that were determined to be PFICs. 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, a U.S. Holder who 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 liability with respect to (i) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common stock in a taxable year in excess of 125.0% 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 shares), and (ii) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the shares. Under these special rules: • • • the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder’s aggregate holding period for the common stock; 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 year. These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our common stock. 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 stock, such holder’s successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to the common stock. 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 (i) “net investment income” or (ii) 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. Shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from their ownership and disposition of our common stock. U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders A beneficial owner of our common stock (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 stock, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership’s ownership of our common stock. 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 they constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s U.S. trade or business. However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business may be exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty if the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder. Disposition of Shares 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 stock 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 shares 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 or fixed base maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder). 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 stock if they are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those shares are disposed and 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 stock 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; 90 91 • • is notified by the IRS that he has failed to report all interest or corporate distributions required to be reported on his 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 IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, W-8EXP or W-8IMY, as applicable. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a shareholder 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 certain financial institutions) 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. Our shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations, if any, that would result from their purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock. Non-U.S. Tax Considerations Republic of the Marshall Islands Tax Consequences The following is applicable to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Republic of the Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Republic of the Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions we make to you as a shareholder. In addition, you will not be subject to Republic of the Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of common stock, and you will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of common stock. EACH SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SHARE OWNERSHIP IN HIS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. FURTHER, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH SHAREHOLDER TO FILE ALL STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S., AS WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURNS, WHICH THE SHAREHOLDER IS REQUIRED TO FILE. F. Dividends and Paying Agents Not applicable. G. Statements by Experts Not applicable. H. Documents on Display Documents concerning us that are referred to herein may be inspected at our principal executive offices at 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH, United Kingdom. Those documents electronically filed via the SEC’s 92 93 Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (or EDGAR) system may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials can also be obtained upon written request from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates or from the SEC’s website on the Internet at www.sec.gov free of charge. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on public reference room. I. Subsidiary Information Not applicable. Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations, as well as inflation. We may in the future use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks, but will not use these financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Interest Rate Risk Historically, we have been subject to limited market risks relating to changes in interest rates because we did not have significant amounts of floating rate debt outstanding. Navigator Gas L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and certain of our vessel-owning subsidiaries are parties to secured term loan and revolving credit facilities that bear interest at an interest rate of US LIBOR plus 210 to 270 basis points. A variation in LIBOR of 100 basis points would result in a variation of $7.7 million in annual interest paid on our indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2017, under the secured term loan and revolving credit facilities. We invest our surplus funds with reputable financial institutions, with original maturities of no more than six months, in order to provide the Company with flexibility to meet all requirements for working capital and for capital investments. We do not currently use interest rate swaps to manage the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, but we may elect to do so in the future. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Our primary economic environment is the international shipping market. This market utilizes the U.S. Dollar as its functional currency. Consequently, virtually all of our revenues are in U.S. Dollars. Our expenses, however, are in the currency invoiced by each supplier, and we remit funds in the various currencies invoiced. We incur some vessel operating expenses and general and administrative costs in foreign currencies. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, approximately $18.3 million, or 17.3%, and $14.7 million, or 12.6%, respectively, of vessel operating costs and general and administrative costs were denominated in non-U.S. Dollar currency, principally the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. A hypothetical 10% decrease in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to the values of the British Pound Sterling; the Euro and the Polish Zloty realized during the year ended December 31, 2016, would have increased our vessel operating costs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, by approximately $0.4 million, and our general and administrative costs by $1.0 million. We have not entered into any hedging transactions to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Inflation Certain of our operating expenses, including crewing, insurance and drydocking costs, are subject to fluctuations as a result of market forces. Increases in bunker costs could have a material effect on our future operations if the number and duration of our voyage charters or Contracts of Affreightments (“COA’s”) increases. In the case of is notified by the IRS that he has failed to report all interest or corporate distributions required to be reported on his 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 IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, W-8EXP or W-8IMY, as • • applicable. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a shareholder 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 certain financial institutions) 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. Our shareholders should consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations, if any, that would result from their purchase, ownership or disposition of our common stock. Non-U.S. Tax Considerations Republic of the Marshall Islands Tax Consequences The following is applicable to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Republic of the Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Republic of the Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions we make to you as a shareholder. In addition, you will not be subject to Republic of the Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of common stock, and you will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of common stock. EACH SHAREHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF SHARE OWNERSHIP IN HIS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. FURTHER, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH SHAREHOLDER TO FILE ALL STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S., AS WELL AS U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX RETURNS, WHICH THE SHAREHOLDER IS REQUIRED TO FILE. F. Dividends and Paying Agents Not applicable. G. Statements by Experts Not applicable. H. Documents on Display Documents concerning us that are referred to herein may be inspected at our principal executive offices at 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH, United Kingdom. Those documents electronically filed via the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval (or EDGAR) system may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of these materials can also be obtained upon written request from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates or from the SEC’s website on the Internet at www.sec.gov free of charge. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on public reference room. I. Subsidiary Information Not applicable. Item 11. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency fluctuations, as well as inflation. We may in the future use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risks, but will not use these financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Interest Rate Risk Historically, we have been subject to limited market risks relating to changes in interest rates because we did not have significant amounts of floating rate debt outstanding. Navigator Gas L.L.C., our wholly-owned subsidiary, and certain of our vessel-owning subsidiaries are parties to secured term loan and revolving credit facilities that bear interest at an interest rate of US LIBOR plus 210 to 270 basis points. A variation in LIBOR of 100 basis points would result in a variation of $7.7 million in annual interest paid on our indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2017, under the secured term loan and revolving credit facilities. We invest our surplus funds with reputable financial institutions, with original maturities of no more than six months, in order to provide the Company with flexibility to meet all requirements for working capital and for capital investments. We do not currently use interest rate swaps to manage the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows, but we may elect to do so in the future. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk Our primary economic environment is the international shipping market. This market utilizes the U.S. Dollar as its functional currency. Consequently, virtually all of our revenues are in U.S. Dollars. Our expenses, however, are in the currency invoiced by each supplier, and we remit funds in the various currencies invoiced. We incur some vessel operating expenses and general and administrative costs in foreign currencies. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017, approximately $18.3 million, or 17.3%, and $14.7 million, or 12.6%, respectively, of vessel operating costs and general and administrative costs were denominated in non-U.S. Dollar currency, principally the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. A hypothetical 10% decrease in the value of the U.S. Dollar relative to the values of the British Pound Sterling; the Euro and the Polish Zloty realized during the year ended December 31, 2016, would have increased our vessel operating costs during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, by approximately $0.4 million, and our general and administrative costs by $1.0 million. We have not entered into any hedging transactions to mitigate our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate risk. Inflation Certain of our operating expenses, including crewing, insurance and drydocking costs, are subject to fluctuations as a result of market forces. Increases in bunker costs could have a material effect on our future operations if the number and duration of our voyage charters or Contracts of Affreightments (“COA’s”) increases. In the case of 92 93 the 38 vessels owned as of December 31, 2017, 21 were on time charter and as such it is the charterers who pay for the fuel on those vessels. If our vessels are employed under voyage charters or COA’s, freight rates are generally sensitive to the price of fuel. However, a sharp rise in bunker prices may have a temporary negative effect on our results since freight rates generally adjust only after prices settle at a higher level. Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities cured within 30 days. Not applicable. PART II Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies Neither Navigator Holdings nor any of its subsidiaries have been subject to a material default in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking fund or purchase fund instalment or any other material delinquency that was not Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds None. Item 15. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting In accordance with Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the provisions of Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based upon that evaluation, our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2017. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting, at December 31, 2017, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for that year. Their audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is presented in Item 18- Financial Statements. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal controls 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. 94 95 the 38 vessels owned as of December 31, 2017, 21 were on time charter and as such it is the charterers who pay for the fuel on those vessels. If our vessels are employed under voyage charters or COA’s, freight rates are generally sensitive to the price of fuel. However, a sharp rise in bunker prices may have a temporary negative effect on our results since freight rates generally adjust only after prices settle at a higher level. Item 12. Description of Securities Other than Equity Securities Not applicable. PART II Item 13. Defaults, Dividend Arrearages and Delinquencies Neither Navigator Holdings nor any of its subsidiaries have been subject to a material default in the payment of principal, interest, a sinking fund or purchase fund instalment or any other material delinquency that was not cured within 30 days. Item 14. Material Modifications to the Rights of Security Holders and Use of Proceeds None. Item 15. Controls and Procedures Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our Principal Executive Officer and our Principal Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017, have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting In accordance with Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, is responsible for the establishment and maintenance of adequate internal controls over financial reporting for the Company. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Management has performed an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 based on the provisions of Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based upon that evaluation, our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective as of December 31, 2017. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting, at December 31, 2017, has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, who also audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements for that year. Their audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting is presented in Item 18- Financial Statements. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal controls 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. 94 95 Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Weidinger, Kenwright and Oetker satisfy the independence standards established by the NYSE and that each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. Item 16B. Code of Ethics We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all entities controlled by the Company and its employees, directors, officers and agents of the Company. We will provide any person, free of charge, a copy of our Code of Ethics upon written request to our registered office. Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Our principal accountant for 2016 and 2017 was KPMG LLP. Audit Fees Audit fees incurred include $428,767 in 2017 and $332,139 in 2016 relating to aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements and quarterly reviews. Audit-Related Fees There were no audit related fees incurred in 2016 and 2017. Tax Fees Item 16G. Corporate Governance Overview While we are not subject to a number of the NYSE’s corporate governance standards as a foreign private issuer, we intend to comply voluntarily with a number of those rules. For example, we have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, pursuant to Section 303.A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, we are required to state any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the practices required by the NYSE for U.S. companies. The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE standards applicable to listed U.S. companies are set forth below. 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 bylaws, we do not currently have a nominating or corporate governance committee. Corporate Governance Guidelines The NYSE requires 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 believe that our established corporate governance practices satisfy the NYSE listing standards. Tax fees incurred include $25,099 in 2017 and $40,219 in 2016 relating to general compliance services provided by the principal accountant in connection with our tax. Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure Not applicable. All Other Fees There were no fees incurred by the company for KPMG LLP services relating to other fees in 2016 and 2017. The audit committee 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 for all periods in 2017. 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 Registrant’s Certifying Accountant Not applicable. 96 97 Item 16G. Corporate Governance Overview While we are not subject to a number of the NYSE’s corporate governance standards as a foreign private issuer, we intend to comply voluntarily with a number of those rules. For example, we have a board of directors that is comprised of a majority of independent directors. However, pursuant to Section 303.A.11 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual, we are required to state any significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the practices required by the NYSE for U.S. companies. The significant differences between our corporate governance practices and the NYSE standards applicable to listed U.S. companies are set forth below. 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 bylaws, we do not currently have a nominating or corporate governance committee. Corporate Governance Guidelines The NYSE requires 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 believe that our established corporate governance practices satisfy the NYSE listing standards. Tax fees incurred include $25,099 in 2017 and $40,219 in 2016 relating to general compliance services provided by the principal accountant in connection with our tax. Item 16H. Mine Safety Disclosure Not applicable. Item 16A. Audit Committee Financial Expert Our board of directors has determined that Messrs. Weidinger, Kenwright and Oetker satisfy the independence standards established by the NYSE and that each qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as such term is defined in Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. Item 16B. Code of Ethics We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all entities controlled by the Company and its employees, directors, officers and agents of the Company. We will provide any person, free of charge, a copy of our Code of Ethics upon written request to our registered office. Item 16C. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Our principal accountant for 2016 and 2017 was KPMG LLP. Audit Fees statements and quarterly reviews. Audit-Related Fees There were no audit related fees incurred in 2016 and 2017. Audit fees incurred include $428,767 in 2017 and $332,139 in 2016 relating to aggregate fees billed for professional services rendered by the principal accountant for the audit of the Company’s annual financial Tax Fees All Other Fees Not applicable. Not applicable. Not applicable. There were no fees incurred by the company for KPMG LLP services relating to other fees in 2016 and 2017. The audit committee 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 for all periods in 2017. Item 16D. Exemptions from the Listing Standards for Audit Committees Item 16E. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers Item 16F. Change in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant 96 97 PART III Exhibit Number Description Item 17. Financial Statements See Item 18. Item 18. Financial Statements The following financial statements listed below and set forth on pages F-4 through F-24, together with the related report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, are filed as part of this annual report: Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 F-6 F-7 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-8 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-9 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . F-10 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-11 Item 19. Exhibits The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report: Exhibit Number 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.5 4.1 Description Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Navigator Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Navigator Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). Investment Agreement, dated November 10, 2011, among Navigator Holdings Ltd., WL Ross & Co. LLC and certain of its affiliates named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). Investment Agreement, dated February 15, 2013, among Navigator Holdings Ltd., WL Ross & Co. LLC and certain of its affiliates and unrelated third-party investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). Investor Rights Agreement, dated November 5, 2013, among Navigator Holdings Ltd., WL Ross & Co. LLC and certain of its affiliates named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 15, 2013). Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective as of October 22, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). 4.2 Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2008 Restricted Stock Plan, effective as of September 16, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on October 17, 2013). 4.5 $270.0 million Secured term loan facility by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Navigator Holdings Ltd., Nordea Bank Finland Plc, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, DVB Bank Se Nordic Branch, ABN Amro Bank N.V. and HSH Nordbank AG, as mandated lead arrangers, dated as of February 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on October 17, 2013). 4.6 $278.1 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated January 27, 2015, by and among Navigator Atlas L.L.C., Navigator Europa L.L.C., Navigator Oberon L.L.C., Navigator Triton L.L.C., Navigator Umbrio L.L.C., Navigator Centauri L.L.C., Navigator Ceres L.L.C., Navigator Ceto L.L.C. and Navigator Copernico L.L.C., as borrowers, Navigator Holdings Ltd., Navigator Gas L.L.C and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSH Nordbank AG and NIBC Bank N.V., as arrangers and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on February 4, 2015). 4.7 $290.0 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., as borrower, Nordea Bank AB, ABN Amro Bank N.V., Danmarks Skibskredit A/S, National Australia Bank Limited, ING Bank N.V. and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as arrangers and Nordea Bank AB and ABN Amro Bank N.V as agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on December 23, 2015). 4.8 $220.0 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on October 31, 2016). 4.9 Joint Venture Agreement, dated August 4, 2010, among PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited and PT Navigator Khatulistiwa (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). 4.10 Supplemental Deed, dated February 13, 2014, among PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Falcon Funding Ptd. Ltd. and Navigator Gas L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-36202), filed on March 17, 2014). 4.11 Supplemental Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, relating to the $270.0 Secured term loan facility by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Navigator Holdings Ltd., Nordea Bank Finland Plc, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, DVB Bank Se Nordic Branch, ABN Amro Bank N.V. and HSH Nordbank AG, as mandated lead arrangers, dated as of February 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on July 9, 2014). 4.12 Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 9% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated December 14, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). 4.13 Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 7.75% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated February 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on March 1, 2017). 98 99 PART III Item 17. Financial Statements See Item 18. Item 18. Financial Statements The following financial statements listed below and set forth on pages F-4 through F-24, together with the related report of KPMG LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm thereon, are filed as part of this annual report: Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . F-6 F-7 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-8 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-9 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . F-10 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-11 The following exhibits are filed as part of this annual report: Item 19. Exhibits Exhibit Number Description 1.1 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Navigator Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). 1.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Navigator Holdings Ltd. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). 2.1 Investment Agreement, dated November 10, 2011, among Navigator Holdings Ltd., WL Ross & Co. LLC and certain of its affiliates named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). 2.2 Investment Agreement, dated February 15, 2013, among Navigator Holdings Ltd., WL Ross & Co. LLC and certain of its affiliates and unrelated third-party investors named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). 2.3 Investor Rights Agreement, dated November 5, 2013, among Navigator Holdings Ltd., WL Ross & Co. LLC and certain of its affiliates named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). 2.5 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 15, 2013). 4.1 Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, effective as of October 22, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). Exhibit Number 4.2 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 Description Navigator Holdings Ltd. 2008 Restricted Stock Plan, effective as of September 16, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on October 17, 2013). $270.0 million Secured term loan facility by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Navigator Holdings Ltd., Nordea Bank Finland Plc, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, DVB Bank Se Nordic Branch, ABN Amro Bank N.V. and HSH Nordbank AG, as mandated lead arrangers, dated as of February 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on October 17, 2013). $278.1 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated January 27, 2015, by and among Navigator Atlas L.L.C., Navigator Europa L.L.C., Navigator Oberon L.L.C., Navigator Triton L.L.C., Navigator Umbrio L.L.C., Navigator Centauri L.L.C., Navigator Ceres L.L.C., Navigator Ceto L.L.C. and Navigator Copernico L.L.C., as borrowers, Navigator Holdings Ltd., Navigator Gas L.L.C and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSH Nordbank AG and NIBC Bank N.V., as arrangers and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, as agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on February 4, 2015). $290.0 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated December 21, 2015, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., as borrower, Nordea Bank AB, ABN Amro Bank N.V., Danmarks Skibskredit A/S, National Australia Bank Limited, ING Bank N.V. and Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as arrangers and Nordea Bank AB and ABN Amro Bank N.V as agent, and the lenders party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on December 23, 2015). $220.0 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated October 28, 2016, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on October 31, 2016). Joint Venture Agreement, dated August 4, 2010, among PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited and PT Navigator Khatulistiwa (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 4, 2013). Supplemental Deed, dated February 13, 2014, among PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, PT Persona Sentra Utama, PT Mahameru Kencana Abadi, Navigator Gas Invest Limited, Falcon Funding Ptd. Ltd. and Navigator Gas L.L.C. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-36202), filed on March 17, 2014). Supplemental Agreement, dated June 30, 2014, relating to the $270.0 Secured term loan facility by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C., Navigator Holdings Ltd., Nordea Bank Finland Plc, Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, DVB Bank Se Nordic Branch, ABN Amro Bank N.V. and HSH Nordbank AG, as mandated lead arrangers, dated as of February 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on July 9, 2014). Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 9% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated December 14, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-191784), filed on November 6, 2013). Bond Agreement between Navigator Holdings Ltd. and Norsk Tillitsmann ASA on behalf of the Bondholders in the bond issue of 7.75% Navigator Holdings Ltd. Senior Unsecured Callable Bonds dated February 10, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to the registrant’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed on March 1, 2017). 98 99 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. SIGNATURES Date: March 5, 2018 NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. By: /s/ Niall Nolan Name: Niall Nolan Title: Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Exhibit Number 4.14 8.1* 12.1* 12.2* 13.1* 13.2* Description $160.8 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated June 30, 2017, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File No. 001-36202), filed on July 6, 2017). List of Subsidiaries of Navigator Holdings Ltd. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer. Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Executive Officer. Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Financial Officer. 15.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP 101. INS* XBRL Instance Document 101. SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 101. CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Calculation Linkbase 101. DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Definition Linkbase 101. LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Label Linkbase 101. PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Presentation Linkbase * Filed herewith. 100 101 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. SIGNATURES Date: March 5, 2018 NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. /s/ Niall Nolan By: Name: Niall Nolan Title: Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Exhibit Number 4.14 8.1* 12.1* 12.2* 13.1* $160.8 million Secured Facility Agreement, dated June 30, 2017, by and among Navigator Gas L.L.C. as borrower, Navigator Holdings Ltd., as guarantor, and the lenders named therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Report on Form 6-K (File Description No. 001-36202), filed on July 6, 2017). List of Subsidiaries of Navigator Holdings Ltd. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer. Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer. Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Executive 13.2* Certification under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of the Principal Financial Officer. Officer. 15.1* Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, KPMG LLP 101. INS* XBRL Instance Document 101. SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 101. CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Calculation Linkbase 101. DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Definition Linkbase 101. LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Label Linkbase 101. PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Presentation Linkbase * Filed herewith. 100 101 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2, F-3 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5 Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . F-6 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-7 F-8 F-9 F-10 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Navigator Holdings Ltd.: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Navigator Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, 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 Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 5, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. KPMG LLP London, United Kingdom March 5, 2018 We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012. F-1 F-2 INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NAVIGATOR HOLDINGS LTD. AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2, F-3 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-5 F-6 F-7 F-8 F-9 F-10 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Navigator Holdings Ltd.: Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Navigator Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, 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 Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 5, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. KPMG LLP We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012. London, United Kingdom March 5, 2018 F-1 F-2 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. KPMG LLP London, United Kingdom March 5, 2018 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Navigator Holdings Ltd.: Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Navigator Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 5, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Company’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 Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’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 Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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. F-3 F-4 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. KPMG LLP London, United Kingdom March 5, 2018 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Navigator Holdings Ltd.: Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting We have audited Navigator Holdings Ltd. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated March 5, 2018, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Basis for Opinion The Company’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 Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’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 Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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. F-3 F-4 Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Balance Sheets Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Income December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 (in thousands, except share data) Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bunkers and lubricant oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-current assets Vessels in operation, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 57,272 7,059 13,134 8,541 6,937 855 93,798 1,480,359 150,492 194 $ 62,109 14,889 15,791 10,964 8,008 376 112,137 1,740,139 — 1,611 Total non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,631,045 1,741,750 Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,724,843 $1,853,887 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities Current portion of secured term loan facilities, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior unsecured bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 78,464 25,000 6,388 11,377 2,932 3,522 $ 81,559 — 8,071 12,478 3,500 4,824 Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127,683 110,432 Non-current Liabilities Secured term loan facilities, net of current portion and deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior unsecured bond, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commitments and contingencies (see note 12) Stockholders’ equity Common stock—$.01 par value per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 55,529,762 shares issued and outstanding, (2016: 55,436,087) . . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 540,680 100,000 640,680 768,363 554 588,024 (287) 368,189 956,480 681,658 98,584 780,242 890,674 555 589,436 (277) 373,499 963,213 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,724,843 $1,853,887 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 F-6 Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 315,223 $ 294,112 $ 298,595 Revenues Expenses Brokerage commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Profit from sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands, except per share data) 315,223 294,112 298,595 6,995 33,687 78,842 53,453 11,011 2,553 (550) 10,500 (9,892) 5,812 42,201 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 — — 504 5,368 55,542 100,968 73,588 13,816 2,131 — — — 186,599 128,624 216,155 77,957 251,413 47,182 Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other income/(expense) Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of deferred finance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (28,085) (1,797) (32,321) (102) (37,691) (786) Write off of call premium and redemption charges of 9.00% unsecured bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Earnings per share: — 152 98,894 (800) 98,094 — 281 45,815 (1,177) 44,638 (3,517) 519 5,707 (397) 5,310 Basic: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 1.77 1.76 $ $ 0.81 0.80 $ $ 0.10 0.10 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55,360,004 55,706,104 55,418,626 55,794,481 55,508,974 55,881,454 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Balance Sheets Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Income Revenues Operating revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expenses Brokerage commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voyage expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General and administrative costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other corporate expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Profit from sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance recoverable from vessel repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,724,843 $1,853,887 Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operating income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other income/(expense) Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of deferred finance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Write off of call premium and redemption charges of 9.00% unsecured bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 Year ended December 31, 2016 Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands, except per share data) $ 315,223 $ 294,112 $ 298,595 315,223 294,112 298,595 6,995 33,687 78,842 53,453 11,011 2,553 (550) 10,500 (9,892) 5,812 42,201 90,854 62,280 12,528 1,976 — — 504 186,599 128,624 216,155 77,957 5,368 55,542 100,968 73,588 13,816 2,131 — — — 251,413 47,182 (28,085) (1,797) (32,321) (102) (37,691) (786) — 152 98,894 (800) 98,094 — 281 45,815 (1,177) 44,638 (3,517) 519 5,707 (397) 5,310 Earnings per share: Basic: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted: $ $ 1.77 1.76 $ $ 0.81 0.80 $ $ 0.10 0.10 Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Diluted: 55,360,004 55,706,104 55,418,626 55,794,481 55,508,974 55,881,454 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ Accounts receivable, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bunkers and lubricant oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance recoverable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-current assets December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 (in thousands, except share data) 57,272 7,059 13,134 8,541 6,937 855 93,798 62,109 14,889 15,791 10,964 8,008 376 112,137 Vessels in operation, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,480,359 150,492 194 1,740,139 — 1,611 Total non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,631,045 1,741,750 Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Current liabilities Current portion of secured term loan facilities, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ 81,559 Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127,683 110,432 Senior unsecured bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued expenses and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accrued interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deferred income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-current Liabilities Secured term loan facilities, net of current portion and deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senior unsecured bond, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total Liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Commitments and contingencies (see note 12) Stockholders’ equity Common stock—$.01 par value per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized; 55,529,762 shares issued and outstanding, (2016: 55,436,087) . . . . . . . . . . Additional paid-in capital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78,464 25,000 6,388 11,377 2,932 3,522 540,680 100,000 640,680 768,363 554 588,024 (287) 368,189 956,480 — 8,071 12,478 3,500 4,824 681,658 98,584 780,242 890,674 555 589,436 (277) 373,499 963,213 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,724,843 $1,853,887 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-5 F-6 Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other comprehensive (loss) / income: Foreign currency translation (loss) / gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) $98,094 $44,638 $5,310 (211) 178 10 Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $97,883 $44,816 $5,320 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (in thousands, except share data) Common stock Number of shares (Note 11) Amount 0.01 par value (Note 11) Additional Paid-in Capital (Note 11) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total January 1, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55,346,613 553 584,808 (254) 225,457 $810,564 December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . 55,363,467 $554 $586,451 $(465) $323,551 $910,091 Restricted shares issued March 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,854 1 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Share-based compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 1 — — — Restricted shares issued March 29, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . 72,620 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Share-based compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restricted shares issued March 23, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . 93,675 Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Share-based compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,643 — — — — — — — — — 1,573 1,412 (211) — — — — — 178 — — — 10 — 98,094 44,638 — — — — — — — — — 5,310 1 98,094 (211) 1,643 — 44,638 178 1,573 1 5,310 10 1,412 December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . 55,436,087 $554 $588,024 $(287) $368,189 $956,480 December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . 55,529,762 $555 $589,436 $(277) $373,499 $963,213 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 F-8 Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands) (in thousands) (in thousands) Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,094 $44,638 $5,310 Other comprehensive (loss) / income: Foreign currency translation (loss) / gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (211) 178 10 Total comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $97,883 $44,816 $5,320 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (in thousands, except share data) January 1, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Restricted shares issued March 17, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Share-based compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . Restricted shares issued March 29, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Share-based compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . Restricted shares issued March 23, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Foreign currency translation . . . . Share-based compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common stock Number of shares (Note 11) Amount 0.01 par value (Note 11) Additional Paid-in Capital (Note 11) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Retained Earnings Total 55,346,613 553 584,808 (254) 225,457 $810,564 16,854 — — — 1 — — — — — — — — (211) — 98,094 — 1 98,094 (211) 1,643 — — 1,643 55,363,467 $554 $586,451 $(465) $323,551 $910,091 72,620 — — — — — — — — — — 1,573 — — 178 — — 44,638 — — 44,638 178 — 1,573 55,436,087 $554 $588,024 $(287) $368,189 $956,480 93,675 — — — 1 — — — — — — 1,412 — — 10 — — 5,310 — 1 5,310 10 — 1,412 December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . 55,529,762 $555 $589,436 $(277) $373,499 $963,213 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-7 F-8 Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of drydocking costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call option premium on redemption of 9.00% unsecured bond . . . . . . . . Prior year expenses recovered from insurance claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance claim debtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Profit from sale of vessel Unrealized foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bunkers and lubricant oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable, accrued interest and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash flows from investing activities Payment to acquire vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment for vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase of other property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receipt of shipyard penalty payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placement of short term investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Release of short term investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance recoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitalized costs for the repair of Navigator Aries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sale of vessel net of costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from secured term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of 7.75% senior unsecured bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayment of 9.00% senior unsecured bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance cost of 7.75% senior unsecured bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Direct financing cost of secured term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayment of secured term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Year ended December 31, 2015 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2016 (in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2017 (in thousands) $ 98,094 $ 44,638 $ 5,310 53,453 (11,558) 1,643 4,806 — — (10,289) 10,500 (550) (205) (1,855) 1,331 (4,408) 8,394 198 149,554 (3,348) (236,648) (142) 1,933 — — 391 — 31,958 (205,856) 62,280 (9,902) 1,573 3,091 — — 60 — — 208 1,991 (3,457) (7,694) (6,040) — 86,748 73,588 (268) 1,412 3,217 2,500 (504) (7) — — 3 (7,831) (1,074) (5,079) 4,654 — 75,921 (1,733) (239,179) (75) 1,901 — — 9,374 (8,441) — (1,940) (180,629) (1,726) 280 (25,000) 25,000 990 — — (238,153) (183,025) 157,700 — — — (5,879) (70,266) 81,555 25,253 62,526 $ 87,779 327,670 — — — (2,680) (204,092) 120,898 (30,507) 87,779 $ 57,272 395,170 100,000 (127,500) (1,819) (2,058) (251,852) 111,941 4,837 57,272 $ 62,109 Supplemental Information Total interest paid during the year, net of amounts capitalized . . . . . . . . $ 24,427 $ 29,815 $ 35,890 Total tax paid during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 632 $ 601 $ 515 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-9 Navigator Holdings Ltd. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 1. Description of Business Navigator Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”), the ultimate parent company of the Navigator Group of companies, is registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Company has a business of owning and operating a fleet of gas carriers. At December 31, 2017, the Company owned and operated 38 gas carriers (the “Vessels”) each having a cargo capacity of between 20,085 cbm and 38,000 cbm, of which 31 were semi-refrigerated, and seven were fully-refrigerated vessels. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries (See Note 7) and a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As of December 31, 2017 the Company has consolidated 100% of PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, a VIE for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, i.e. it has a controlling financial interest in this entity. The Company owns 49% of the VIE’s common stock, all of its secured debt and has voting control. All economic interests in the residual net assets reside with the Company. A VIE is an entity that in general does not have equity investors with voting rights or that has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when a company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the right to residual gains or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes—which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The standard provides accounting guidance that will be used along with existing audit standards. The impact of adopting this ASU is immaterial to the financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting. The update requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The standard provides accounting guidance that will be used along with existing audit standards. The impact of adopting this ASU was immaterial to the financial statements. (b) Vessels in Operation The cost of the vessels (excluding the estimated initial drydocking cost) less their estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the vessel’s estimated economic life. Management estimates the useful life of each of the Company’s vessels to be 30 years from the date of its original construction. (c) Vessels Under Construction Vessels under construction are stated at cost, which includes the cost of construction, capitalized interest and other direct costs attributable to the construction. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use. F-10 Navigator Holdings Ltd. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31, Year ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands) (in thousands) (in thousands) 1. Description of Business Navigator Holdings Ltd. Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Cash flows from operating activities Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 98,094 $ 44,638 $ 5,310 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment of drydocking costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of share-based compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amortization of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call option premium on redemption of 9.00% unsecured bond . . . . . . . . Prior year expenses recovered from insurance claim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance claim debtor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vessel write down following collision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Profit from sale of vessel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unrealized foreign exchange . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Changes in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bunkers and lubricant oils . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accounts payable, accrued interest and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Long-term accounts receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,453 (11,558) 1,643 4,806 — — (10,289) 10,500 (550) (205) (1,855) 1,331 (4,408) 8,394 198 62,280 (9,902) 1,573 3,091 — — 60 — — 208 1,991 (3,457) (7,694) (6,040) — 86,748 Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149,554 Cash flows from investing activities Payment to acquire vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Payment for vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purchase of other property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Receipt of shipyard penalty payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Placement of short term investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Release of short term investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance recoveries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitalized costs for the repair of Navigator Aries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Proceeds from sale of vessel net of costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (3,348) (236,648) (142) 1,933 — — 391 — 31,958 (1,733) (239,179) (75) 1,901 — — 9,374 (8,441) — Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (205,856) (238,153) (183,025) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from secured term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance of 7.75% senior unsecured bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayment of 9.00% senior unsecured bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Issuance cost of 7.75% senior unsecured bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Direct financing cost of secured term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Repayment of secured term loan facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157,700 327,670 — — — — — — (5,879) (70,266) (2,680) (204,092) 81,555 25,253 62,526 120,898 111,941 (30,507) 87,779 4,837 57,272 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 87,779 $ 57,272 $ 62,109 Supplemental Information Total interest paid during the year, net of amounts capitalized . . . . . . . . $ 24,427 $ 29,815 $ 35,890 Total tax paid during the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 632 $ 601 $ 515 73,588 (268) 1,412 3,217 2,500 (504) (7) — — 3 (7,831) (1,074) (5,079) 4,654 — 75,921 (1,940) (180,629) (1,726) 280 (25,000) 25,000 990 — — 395,170 100,000 (127,500) (1,819) (2,058) (251,852) See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-9 Navigator Holdings Ltd. (the “Company”), the ultimate parent company of the Navigator Group of companies, is registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Company has a business of owning and operating a fleet of gas carriers. At December 31, 2017, the Company owned and operated 38 gas carriers (the “Vessels”) each having a cargo capacity of between 20,085 cbm and 38,000 cbm, of which 31 were semi-refrigerated, and seven were fully-refrigerated vessels. 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries (See Note 7) and a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”). All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. As of December 31, 2017 the Company has consolidated 100% of PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, a VIE for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, i.e. it has a controlling financial interest in this entity. The Company owns 49% of the VIE’s common stock, all of its secured debt and has voting control. All economic interests in the residual net assets reside with the Company. A VIE is an entity that in general does not have equity investors with voting rights or that has equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when a company has the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and has the right to residual gains or the obligation to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes—which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The standard provides accounting guidance that will be used along with existing audit standards. The impact of adopting this ASU is immaterial to the financial statements. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company adopted ASU 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Accounting. The update requires all income tax effects of awards to be recognized in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. The standard provides accounting guidance that will be used along with existing audit standards. The impact of adopting this ASU was immaterial to the financial statements. (b) Vessels in Operation The cost of the vessels (excluding the estimated initial drydocking cost) less their estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the vessel’s estimated economic life. Management estimates the useful life of each of the Company’s vessels to be 30 years from the date of its original construction. (c) Vessels Under Construction Vessels under construction are stated at cost, which includes the cost of construction, capitalized interest and other direct costs attributable to the construction. No provision for depreciation is made on construction in progress until such time as the relevant assets are completed and put into use. F-10 (d) Impairment of Vessels Our vessels are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the vessel may not be recoverable. When such indicators are present, a vessel is tested for recoverability and we recognize an impairment loss if the sum of the future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest charges that will be recognized as an expense when incurred) expected to be generated by the vessel over its estimated remaining useful life are less than its carrying value. If we determine that a vessel’s undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The new lower cost basis would result in a lower annual depreciation than before the impairment. Considerations in making such an impairment evaluation include comparison of current carrying values to anticipated future operating cash flows, expectations with respect to future operations and other relevant factors. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected cash flows require considerable judgment and are based upon historical experience, financial forecasts and industry trends and conditions. (e) Drydocking Costs Each vessel is required to be dry-docked every 30 to 60 months for classification society surveys and inspections of, among other things, the underwater parts of the vessel. These works include, but are not limited to hull coatings, seawater valves, steelworks and piping works, propeller servicing and anchor chain winch calibrations, all of which cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. The Company capitalizes costs associated with the dry-dockings in accordance with ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and amortizes these costs on a straight-line basis over the period to the next expected dry-docking. Amortization of dry-docking costs is included in depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs incurred during the dry-docking period which relate to routine repairs and maintenance are expensed. Where a vessel is newly acquired, or constructed, a proportion of the cost of the vessel is allocated to the components expected to be replaced at the next drydocking based on the expected costs relating to the next drydocking, which is based on experience and past history of similar vessels. Drydocking costs are included within operating activities on the cashflow statement. (f) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid investments, such as time deposits and certificates of deposit, with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company has cash in a U.S. financial institution which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $0.3 million. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years then ended, the Company had balances in this financial institution in excess of the insured amount. The Company also maintains cash balances in foreign financial institutions which are not covered by the FDIC. (g) Short-Term Investments Short-term investments represent funds deposited in money market funds with an original maturity of more than three months when purchased. The Company records its short-term investments at fair value. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company’s short-term investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. accounts, based on a history of past write-offs, collections and current credit conditions. The Company does not generally charge interest on past-due accounts (unless the accounts are subject to legal action), and accounts are written off as uncollectible when all reasonable collection efforts have failed. Accounts are deemed past-due based on contractual terms. (i) Bunkers and lubricant oils Bunkers and lubricant oils include bunkers (fuel), for those vessels under voyage charter, and lubricants. Under a time charter, the cost of bunkers is borne by and remains the property of the charterer. Bunkers and lubricant oils are accounted for on a first in, first out basis and are valued at cost. (j) Deferred Finance Costs Costs incurred in connection with obtaining secured term loan facilities, revolving credit facilities and bonds are recorded as deferred financing costs and are amortized to interest expense over the estimated duration of the related debt. Such costs include fees paid to the lenders or on the lenders’ behalf and associated legal and other professional fees. Under the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015- 03, Interest—Imputation of Interest the Company has adopted the accounting standard (Subtopic 835-30)—simplifying the presentation of debt issuance cost to present the unamortized debt issuance costs, excluding up front commitment fees, as a direct reduction of the carrying value of the debt. (k) Deferred Income (l) Revenue Recognition Deferred income is the balance of cash received in excess of revenue earned under a time charter or voyage charter arrangement as of the balance sheet date. The Company employs its vessels on time charters, voyage charters or COA’s. With time charters, the Company receives a fixed charter hire per on-hire day and revenue is recognized on an accrual basis and is recorded over the term of the charter as service is provided. In the case of voyage charters or COA’s, the vessel is contracted for a voyage, or a series of voyages, between two or more ports and the Company is paid for the cargo transported. Revenue for these voyages is recognized on a discharge to discharge basis in determining percentage of completion for all voyage charters, but the Company does not begin to recognize the revenue until a charter has been agreed to by the customer and the Company, even if the vessel has discharged its cargo and is sailing to the anticipated load port for its next voyage. (m) Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income,” which requires separate presentation of certain transactions, which are recorded directly as components of stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and foreign currency translation gains and losses. (n) Voyage Expenses and Vessel Operating Expenses When the Company employs its vessels on time charter, it is responsible for all the operating expenses of the vessels, such as crew costs, stores, insurance, repairs and maintenance. In the case of voyage charters, the vessel is contracted only for a voyage between two or more ports, and the Company pays for all voyage expenses in addition to the vessel operating expenses. Voyage expenses consist mainly of in port expenses and bunker (fuel) consumption and are recognized as incurred. (h) Accounts Receivable, net The Company carries its accounts receivable at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company evaluated its accounts receivable and established an allowance for doubtful (o) Repairs and Maintenance All expenditures relating to routine maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. F-11 F-12 (d) Impairment of Vessels Our vessels are reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the vessel may not be recoverable. When such indicators are present, a vessel is tested for recoverability and we recognize an impairment loss if the sum of the future cash flows (undiscounted and excluding interest charges that will be recognized as an expense when incurred) expected to be generated by the vessel over its estimated remaining useful life are less than its carrying value. If we determine that a vessel’s undiscounted cash flows are less than its carrying value, we record an impairment loss equal to the amount by which its carrying amount exceeds its fair value. The new lower cost basis would result in a lower annual depreciation than before the impairment. Considerations in making such an impairment evaluation include comparison of current carrying values to anticipated future operating cash flows, expectations with respect to future operations and other relevant factors. The estimates and assumptions regarding expected cash flows require considerable judgment and are based upon historical experience, financial forecasts and industry trends and conditions. (e) Drydocking Costs Each vessel is required to be dry-docked every 30 to 60 months for classification society surveys and inspections of, among other things, the underwater parts of the vessel. These works include, but are not limited to hull coatings, seawater valves, steelworks and piping works, propeller servicing and anchor chain winch calibrations, all of which cannot be performed while the vessels are operating. The Company capitalizes costs associated with the dry-dockings in accordance with ASC Topic 360 “Property, Plant and Equipment” and amortizes these costs on a straight-line basis over the period to the next expected dry-docking. Amortization of dry-docking costs is included in depreciation and amortization in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Costs incurred during the dry-docking period which relate to routine repairs and maintenance are expensed. Where a vessel is newly acquired, or constructed, a proportion of the cost of the vessel is allocated to the components expected to be replaced at the next drydocking based on the expected costs relating to the next drydocking, which is based on experience and past history of similar vessels. Drydocking costs are included within operating activities on the cashflow statement. (f) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers highly liquid investments, such as time deposits and certificates of deposit, with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased, to be cash equivalents. The Company has cash in a U.S. financial institution which is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) for up to $0.3 million. At December 31, 2017 and 2016 and for the years then ended, the Company had balances in this financial institution in excess of the insured amount. The Company also maintains cash balances in foreign financial institutions which are not covered by the FDIC. (g) Short-Term Investments Short-term investments represent funds deposited in money market funds with an original maturity of more than three months when purchased. The Company records its short-term investments at fair value. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The Company’s short-term investments are classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. accounts, based on a history of past write-offs, collections and current credit conditions. The Company does not generally charge interest on past-due accounts (unless the accounts are subject to legal action), and accounts are written off as uncollectible when all reasonable collection efforts have failed. Accounts are deemed past-due based on contractual terms. (i) Bunkers and lubricant oils Bunkers and lubricant oils include bunkers (fuel), for those vessels under voyage charter, and lubricants. Under a time charter, the cost of bunkers is borne by and remains the property of the charterer. Bunkers and lubricant oils are accounted for on a first in, first out basis and are valued at cost. (j) Deferred Finance Costs Costs incurred in connection with obtaining secured term loan facilities, revolving credit facilities and bonds are recorded as deferred financing costs and are amortized to interest expense over the estimated duration of the related debt. Such costs include fees paid to the lenders or on the lenders’ behalf and associated legal and other professional fees. Under the Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015- 03, Interest—Imputation of Interest the Company has adopted the accounting standard (Subtopic 835-30)—simplifying the presentation of debt issuance cost to present the unamortized debt issuance costs, excluding up front commitment fees, as a direct reduction of the carrying value of the debt. (k) Deferred Income Deferred income is the balance of cash received in excess of revenue earned under a time charter or voyage charter arrangement as of the balance sheet date. (l) Revenue Recognition The Company employs its vessels on time charters, voyage charters or COA’s. With time charters, the Company receives a fixed charter hire per on-hire day and revenue is recognized on an accrual basis and is recorded over the term of the charter as service is provided. In the case of voyage charters or COA’s, the vessel is contracted for a voyage, or a series of voyages, between two or more ports and the Company is paid for the cargo transported. Revenue for these voyages is recognized on a discharge to discharge basis in determining percentage of completion for all voyage charters, but the Company does not begin to recognize the revenue until a charter has been agreed to by the customer and the Company, even if the vessel has discharged its cargo and is sailing to the anticipated load port for its next voyage. (m) Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss) The Company follows the provisions of ASC Topic 220 “Comprehensive Income,” which requires separate presentation of certain transactions, which are recorded directly as components of stockholders’ equity. Comprehensive income is comprised of net income and foreign currency translation gains and losses. (n) Voyage Expenses and Vessel Operating Expenses When the Company employs its vessels on time charter, it is responsible for all the operating expenses of the vessels, such as crew costs, stores, insurance, repairs and maintenance. In the case of voyage charters, the vessel is contracted only for a voyage between two or more ports, and the Company pays for all voyage expenses in addition to the vessel operating expenses. Voyage expenses consist mainly of in port expenses and bunker (fuel) consumption and are recognized as incurred. (h) Accounts Receivable, net The Company carries its accounts receivable at cost less an allowance for doubtful accounts. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company evaluated its accounts receivable and established an allowance for doubtful (o) Repairs and Maintenance All expenditures relating to routine maintenance and repairs are expensed when incurred. F-11 F-12 (p) Insurance (u) Earnings Per Share The Company maintains hull and machinery insurance, war risk insurance, protection and indemnity insurance coverage, increased value insurance, demurrage and defense insurance coverage in amounts considered prudent to cover normal risks in the ordinary course of its operations. Premiums paid in advance to insurance companies are recognized as prepaid expenses and recorded as a vessel operating expense over the period covered by the insurance contract. In addition, the Company maintains Directors and Officers insurance. (q) Share-Based Compensation The Company records as an expense in its financial statements the fair value of all equity-settled stock-based compensation awards. The terms and vesting schedules for share-based awards vary by type of grant. Generally, the awards vest subject to time-based (immediate to five years) service conditions. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the service period. (r) Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the 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 at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. (s) Foreign Currency Transactions Substantially all of the Company’s cash receipts are in U.S. Dollars. The Company’s disbursements, however, are in the currency invoiced by the supplier. The Company remits funds in the various currencies invoiced. The non U.S. Dollar invoices received, and their subsequent payments, are converted into U.S. Dollars when the transactions occur. The movement in exchange rates between these two dates is transferred to an exchange difference account and is expensed each month. The exchange risk resulting from these transactions is not material. (t) Income Taxes Navigator Holdings Ltd. and its Marshall Islands subsidiaries are currently not required to pay income taxes in the Marshall Islands on ordinary income or capital gains as they qualify as exempt companies. The Company has four subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom where the base tax rate is 19%. One UK subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow subsidiary companies. The second UK subsidiary holds an investment in our VIE and has a loan to our group subsidiary in Poland. The third subsidiary earns management fees from fellow subsidiary companies. The fourth subsidiary was dormant as at December 31, 2017. The Company has a subsidiary in Poland where the base tax rate is 19%. The Company has a subsidiary incorporated in Singapore where the base tax rate is 17%. The subsidiary earns management and other fees and receives interest from its VIE, PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, The Company considered the income tax disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” with regard to disclosing material unrecognized tax benefits; none were identified. The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no accrued interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits. Basic earnings per common share (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share (“Diluted EPS”) are computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents then outstanding. Shares granted pursuant to the 2013 Restricted Stock Plan are the only dilutive shares, and these shares have been considered as outstanding since their respective grant dates for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. (v) Segment Reporting Although separate vessel financial information is available, Management internally evaluates the performance of the enterprise as a whole and not on the basis of separate business units or different types of charters. As a result, the Company has determined that it operates as one reportable segment. Since the Company’s vessels regularly move between countries in international waters over many trade routes, it is impractical to assign revenues or earnings from the transportation of international LPG and petrochemical products by geographic area. (w) Recent Accounting Pronouncements Navigator Holdings Ltd: The following accounting standards issued as of December 31, 2017, may affect the future financial reporting by In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), providing a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle is that a company should recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. To achieve this principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract(s), (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract(s), and (v) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The effective date for ASU 2014-09 was deferred by ASU 2015-14 and is now effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (the full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect at the date of initial application (the modified retrospective method). The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method to incorporate the cumulative effect at the date of initial application for reporting periods presented beginning January 1, 2018. During the last year the Company has taken part in a series of discussions with a collective of global shipping companies, to ensure key industry specifics have been considered, as well as to consider the differing views within the industry in order to give maximum consideration to the implementation of the new standard. The Company has assessed the potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements and footnote disclosures, as well as understanding the implications for the company’s internal processes, systems and controls. The adoption of this standard will have little or no impact on the timing or amounts of revenue recognized for our vessels that operate on time charters. For vessels undertaking voyage charters or contracts of affreightment, we determined that the period over which revenue is recognized will change as a result of adopting this standard. The current policy recognizes revenue beginning from the later of the previous discharge port or the charter party date across the period to the date discharge is completed. Under the new standard, revenue will be recognized beginning from load port across the period to the date discharge is complete, reducing the period of time over which revenue is recognized. The Company has calculated that the effect of this change would result in an increase in the amount of revenue earned and recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 by a net of $ 0.5 million. F-13 F-14 (p) Insurance (u) Earnings Per Share The Company maintains hull and machinery insurance, war risk insurance, protection and indemnity insurance coverage, increased value insurance, demurrage and defense insurance coverage in amounts considered prudent to cover normal risks in the ordinary course of its operations. Premiums paid in advance to insurance companies are recognized as prepaid expenses and recorded as a vessel operating expense over the period covered by the insurance contract. In addition, the Company maintains Directors and Officers insurance. (q) Share-Based Compensation The Company records as an expense in its financial statements the fair value of all equity-settled stock-based compensation awards. The terms and vesting schedules for share-based awards vary by type of grant. Generally, the awards vest subject to time-based (immediate to five years) service conditions. Compensation expense is recognized ratably over the service period. (r) Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of the 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 at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. (s) Foreign Currency Transactions Substantially all of the Company’s cash receipts are in U.S. Dollars. The Company’s disbursements, however, are in the currency invoiced by the supplier. The Company remits funds in the various currencies invoiced. The non U.S. Dollar invoices received, and their subsequent payments, are converted into U.S. Dollars when the transactions occur. The movement in exchange rates between these two dates is transferred to an exchange difference account and is expensed each month. The exchange risk resulting from these transactions is not material. (t) Income Taxes Navigator Holdings Ltd. and its Marshall Islands subsidiaries are currently not required to pay income taxes in the Marshall Islands on ordinary income or capital gains as they qualify as exempt companies. The Company has four subsidiaries incorporated in the United Kingdom where the base tax rate is 19%. One UK subsidiary earns management and other fees from fellow subsidiary companies. The second UK subsidiary holds an investment in our VIE and has a loan to our group subsidiary in Poland. The third subsidiary earns management fees from fellow subsidiary companies. The fourth subsidiary was dormant as at December 31, 2017. The Company has a subsidiary in Poland where the base tax rate is 19%. The Company has a subsidiary incorporated in Singapore where the base tax rate is 17%. The subsidiary earns management and other fees and receives interest from its VIE, PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, The Company considered the income tax disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” with regard to disclosing material unrecognized tax benefits; none were identified. The Company’s policy is to recognize accrued interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits as a component of tax expense. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no accrued interest and penalties for unrecognized tax benefits. Basic earnings per common share (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per common share (“Diluted EPS”) are computed by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents then outstanding. Shares granted pursuant to the 2013 Restricted Stock Plan are the only dilutive shares, and these shares have been considered as outstanding since their respective grant dates for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. (v) Segment Reporting Although separate vessel financial information is available, Management internally evaluates the performance of the enterprise as a whole and not on the basis of separate business units or different types of charters. As a result, the Company has determined that it operates as one reportable segment. Since the Company’s vessels regularly move between countries in international waters over many trade routes, it is impractical to assign revenues or earnings from the transportation of international LPG and petrochemical products by geographic area. (w) Recent Accounting Pronouncements The following accounting standards issued as of December 31, 2017, may affect the future financial reporting by Navigator Holdings Ltd: In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), providing a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. The main principle is that a company should recognize revenue when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled for those goods or services. To achieve this principle, an entity should apply the following steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with a customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract(s), (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract(s), and (v) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The effective date for ASU 2014-09 was deferred by ASU 2015-14 and is now effective for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The guidance permits two methods of adoption: retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented (the full retrospective method), or retrospectively with the cumulative effect at the date of initial application (the modified retrospective method). The Company will adopt the standard using the modified retrospective method to incorporate the cumulative effect at the date of initial application for reporting periods presented beginning January 1, 2018. During the last year the Company has taken part in a series of discussions with a collective of global shipping companies, to ensure key industry specifics have been considered, as well as to consider the differing views within the industry in order to give maximum consideration to the implementation of the new standard. The Company has assessed the potential impact that the adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements and footnote disclosures, as well as understanding the implications for the company’s internal processes, systems and controls. The adoption of this standard will have little or no impact on the timing or amounts of revenue recognized for our vessels that operate on time charters. For vessels undertaking voyage charters or contracts of affreightment, we determined that the period over which revenue is recognized will change as a result of adopting this standard. The current policy recognizes revenue beginning from the later of the previous discharge port or the charter party date across the period to the date discharge is completed. Under the new standard, revenue will be recognized beginning from load port across the period to the date discharge is complete, reducing the period of time over which revenue is recognized. The Company has calculated that the effect of this change would result in an increase in the amount of revenue earned and recognized for the year ended December 31, 2017 by a net of $ 0.5 million. F-13 F-14 The adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will also have an impact on related voyage expenses as certain costs incurred to fulfill a contract or performance obligation can be deferred and amortized over the period of the voyage. The Company has calculated that the effect of this change would result in a reduction in the amount of voyage expenses recognized in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 by a net of $0.2 million. The Company has also considered the impact on reporting under ASC 606 and has adapted its internal processes and controls to reflect the changes. The Company is also considering the impact on Time Charter Equivalent or “TCE”, a non-GAAP measure which the shipping industry uses extensively to measure the average daily performance of a vessel and what, if any, changes will be made to this measure as the new revenue recognition principles are adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which, among other things, requires lessees to recognize most leases on-balance sheet. This will increase their reported assets and liabilities—in some cases very significantly. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 supersedes Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans, for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities it is effective for annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified retrospective transition method for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this update will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016–13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which changes the recognition model for the impairment of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, among others. ASU 2016–13 is required to be adopted using the modified retrospective method by January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016–13 will have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures; however, we are currently in the early stages of evaluating the requirements and the period for which we will adopt the standard. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows: • Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; • Settlement of zero-coupon bonds; • Contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; • • Proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; Proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life insurance policies; • Distributions received from equity method investees; • Beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and • Separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. For all other entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of adopting this ASU will be immaterial to the financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires companies to include cash and cash equivalents that have restrictions on withdrawal or use in total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of adopting this ASU will be immaterial to the financial statements. 3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Accounted For at Fair Value The principal financial assets of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, secured term loan facilities, a revolving credit facility and the 7.75% senior unsecured bond issue. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair value due to the short-term nature or liquidity of these financial instruments. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. The fair value accounting standard establishes a three tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value: Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The 7.75% unsecured bond issue is classified as a level two liability and the fair value has been calculated based on the most recent trades of the bond on the Oslo Børs prior to December 31, 2017. The fair value of secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility is estimated based on the average of the current rates offered to the Company for all debt facilities. The carrying value approximates the fair market value for the floating rate loans and revolving credit facilities due to their variable interest rate, being LIBOR. This has been categorized at level three on the fair value measurement hierarchy. F-15 F-16 The adoption of the new revenue recognition standard will also have an impact on related voyage expenses as certain costs incurred to fulfill a contract or performance obligation can be deferred and amortized over the period of the voyage. The Company has calculated that the effect of this change would result in a reduction in the amount of voyage expenses recognized in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017 by a net of $0.2 million. The Company has also considered the impact on reporting under ASC 606 and has adapted its internal processes and controls to reflect the changes. The Company is also considering the impact on Time Charter Equivalent or “TCE”, a non-GAAP measure which the shipping industry uses extensively to measure the average daily performance of a vessel and what, if any, changes will be made to this measure as the new revenue recognition principles are adopted. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which, among other things, requires lessees to recognize most leases on-balance sheet. This will increase their reported assets and liabilities—in some cases very significantly. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current U.S. GAAP. ASU 2016-02 supersedes Topic 840, Leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public business entities, certain not-for-profit entities, and certain employee benefit plans, for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. For all other entities it is effective for annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified retrospective transition method for all entities. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this update will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016–13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, which changes the recognition model for the impairment of financial instruments, including accounts receivable, loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, among others. ASU 2016–13 is required to be adopted using the modified retrospective method by January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2016–13 will have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures; however, we are currently in the early stages of evaluating the requirements and the period for which we will adopt the standard. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which addresses eight classification issues related to the statement of cash flows: • Debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs; Settlement of zero-coupon bonds; • Contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; Proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; • • • insurance policies; • Distributions received from equity method investees; • Beneficial interests in securitization transactions; and Proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, including bank-owned life • Separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. For all other entities, the ASU is effective for annual periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of adopting this ASU will be immaterial to the financial statements. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash, which requires companies to include cash and cash equivalents that have restrictions on withdrawal or use in total cash and cash equivalents on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual and interim periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company will adopt this standard beginning January 1, 2018. The impact of adopting this ASU will be immaterial to the financial statements. 3. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Accounted For at Fair Value The principal financial assets of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of cash and cash equivalents, and accounts receivable. The principal financial liabilities of the Company consist of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, secured term loan facilities, a revolving credit facility and the 7.75% senior unsecured bond issue. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair value due to the short-term nature or liquidity of these financial instruments. Fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or a liability. The fair value accounting standard establishes a three tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the valuation methodologies in measuring fair value: Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2—Include other inputs that are directly or indirectly observable in the marketplace. Level 3—Unobservable inputs which are supported by little or no market activity. The fair value hierarchy also requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The 7.75% unsecured bond issue is classified as a level two liability and the fair value has been calculated based on the most recent trades of the bond on the Oslo Børs prior to December 31, 2017. The fair value of secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility is estimated based on the average of the current rates offered to the Company for all debt facilities. The carrying value approximates the fair market value for the floating rate loans and revolving credit facilities due to their variable interest rate, being LIBOR. This has been categorized at level three on the fair value measurement hierarchy. F-15 F-16 During 2017 the Company took delivery of two semi-refrigerated midsize liquefied gas carriers from Jiangnan shipyard for a combined contract price of $156.8 million and two semi-refrigerated handysize and one fully refrigerated liquefied gas carriers from HMD shipyard for a combined contract price of $152.5 million. In 2016 the Company took delivery of two semi-refrigerated handysize liquefied gas carriers and two midsize semi-refrigerated ethylene capable liquefied gas carriers from Jiangnan shipyard for a combined contract price of $243.8 million. The net book value of vessels that serve as collateral for the Company’s secured term loan and revolving credit facilities (Note 8) was $1,591 million at December 31, 2017. 6. Vessels Under Construction 2016 2017 (in thousands) (in thousands) Vessels under construction at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Payments to shipyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 170,776 221,532 $ 150,492 174,131 Other payments including initial stores and site costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitalized interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,580 5,067 4,783 1,715 Transfer to vessels in operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (259,463) (331,121) Vessels under construction at December 31 . . . . . . . . $ 150,492 $ — The following table includes the estimated fair value and carrying value of those assets and liabilities. The table excludes accounts receivable, the insurance debtor recoverable and accounts payable. Fair Value Hierarchy Level December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Amount Asset (Liability) Fair Value Asset (Liability) Carrying Amount Asset (Liability) Fair Value Asset (Liability) Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 1 Senior unsecured bond (note 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 2 Secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility 57,272 (125,000) (in thousands) 57,272 (127,423) 62,109 (100,000) 62,109 (96,775) (note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 3 (628,872) (553,346) (772,191) (636,220) 4. Accounts Receivable, Net It is a condition of time charter parties that payments of hire are received monthly in advance. Voyage charter contracts require payment upon completion of each discharge, with subsequent demurrage claims payable on submission of invoices. At December 31, 2017, management has provided a provision for doubtful accounts of $0.3 million relating to outstanding demurrage claims (2016: $0.2 million). 5. Vessels in Operation Cost Vessel (in thousands) Drydocking (in thousands) Total (in thousands) December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer in from vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction in contract cost of newbuild vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer in from vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction in contract cost of newbuild vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,462,136 10,176 $26,729 9,902 $1,488,865 20,078 256,663 — (1,484) 1,727,491 1,940 327,571 — 2,800 (5,482) — 33,949 268 3,550 (1,492) 259,463 (5,482) (1,484) 1,761,440 2,208 331,121 (1,492) (280) — (280) December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,056,722 36,275 2,092,997 Accumulated Depreciation December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charge for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 215,024 53,653 — December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charge for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268,677 64,031 — 332,708 $ 9,390 8,496 (5,482) 12,404 9,238 (1,492) 20,150 $ 224,414 62,149 (5,482) 281,081 73,269 (1,492) 352,858 Net Book Value December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,247,112 $17,339 $1,264,451 December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,458,814 $21,545 $1,480,359 December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,724,014 $16,125 $1,740,139 F-17 F-18 During 2017 the Company took delivery of two semi-refrigerated midsize liquefied gas carriers from Jiangnan shipyard for a combined contract price of $156.8 million and two semi-refrigerated handysize and one fully refrigerated liquefied gas carriers from HMD shipyard for a combined contract price of $152.5 million. In 2016 the Company took delivery of two semi-refrigerated handysize liquefied gas carriers and two midsize semi-refrigerated ethylene capable liquefied gas carriers from Jiangnan shipyard for a combined contract price of $243.8 million. The net book value of vessels that serve as collateral for the Company’s secured term loan and revolving credit facilities (Note 8) was $1,591 million at December 31, 2017. 6. Vessels Under Construction Vessels under construction at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . Payments to shipyard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other payments including initial stores and site costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capitalized interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer to vessels in operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2016 (in thousands) 2017 (in thousands) $ 170,776 221,532 $ 150,492 174,131 12,580 5,067 (259,463) 4,783 1,715 (331,121) Vessels under construction at December 31 . . . . . . . . $ 150,492 $ — The following table includes the estimated fair value and carrying value of those assets and liabilities. The table excludes accounts receivable, the insurance debtor recoverable and accounts payable. December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 Fair Value Hierarchy Level Carrying Amount Asset Fair Value Asset Carrying Amount Asset Fair Value Asset (Liability) (Liability) (Liability) (Liability) (in thousands) Fair Value Hierarchy Level Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 1 57,272 57,272 62,109 62,109 Senior unsecured bond (note 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 2 (125,000) (127,423) (100,000) (96,775) Secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility (note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Level 3 (628,872) (553,346) (772,191) (636,220) 4. Accounts Receivable, Net It is a condition of time charter parties that payments of hire are received monthly in advance. Voyage charter contracts require payment upon completion of each discharge, with subsequent demurrage claims payable on submission of invoices. At December 31, 2017, management has provided a provision for doubtful accounts of $0.3 million relating to outstanding demurrage claims (2016: $0.2 million). 5. Vessels in Operation Cost Vessel (in thousands) Drydocking (in thousands) Total (in thousands) December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,462,136 Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,176 $26,729 9,902 $1,488,865 20,078 Transfer in from vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction in contract cost of newbuild 256,663 — vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,484) December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,727,491 1,940 Transfer in from vessels under construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Reduction in contract cost of newbuild vessels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327,571 — 2,800 (5,482) — 33,949 268 3,550 (1,492) 259,463 (5,482) (1,484) 1,761,440 2,208 331,121 (1,492) December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,056,722 36,275 2,092,997 (280) — (280) Accumulated Depreciation December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 215,024 $ 9,390 $ 224,414 Charge for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charge for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Disposals for the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53,653 — 268,677 64,031 — 332,708 8,496 (5,482) 12,404 9,238 (1,492) 20,150 62,149 (5,482) 281,081 73,269 (1,492) 352,858 Net Book Value December 31, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,247,112 $17,339 $1,264,451 December 31, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,458,814 $21,545 $1,480,359 December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,724,014 $16,125 $1,740,139 F-17 F-18 7. Group Subsidiaries At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the company had the following significant subsidiaries: The VIE, PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, had total assets and liabilities, as of December 31, 2017, of $132.2 million (2016: $137.5 million) and $54.4 million (2016: $73.0 million) respectively. Corporation Name Percentage Ownership as of December 31, Country of Incorporation Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company 8. Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility - Navigator Gas US L.L.C. - Navigator Gas L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Aries L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Atlas L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Aurora L.L.C. ~ Navigator Centauri L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Ceres L.L.C. ~ Navigator Ceto L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Copernico L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Capricorn L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Eclipse L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Europa L.L.C. ~ Navigator Galaxy L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Gemini L.L.C. ~ Navigator Genesis L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Glory L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Grace L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Gusto L.L.C. ~ Navigator Jorf L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Leo L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Libra L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Luga L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Magellan L.L.C. ~ Navigator Mars L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Neptune L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Nova L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Oberon L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Pegasus L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Phoenix L.L.C. ~ Navigator Prominence L.L.C. . . . . . . ~ Navigator Saturn L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Scorpio L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Taurus L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Triton L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Umbrio L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Venus L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Virgo L.L.C. ~ Navigator Yauza L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ NGT Services (UK) Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . ~ NGT Services (Poland) Sp. Z O.O . . . ~ Navigator Gas Ship Management Ltd. ~ Falcon Funding PTE Ltd . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Gas Invest Ltd . . . . . . . . . . - PT Navigator Khatulistiwa . . . . . ~ Navigator Terminals L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Terminals Invest Ltd . . . . . - Navigator Ethylene Terminals L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Enterprise Navigator Ethylene Terminal L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Entities formed during 2017. 2016 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 49% n/a* n/a* n/a* n/a* Service company Holding company 2017 100% Delaware (USA) 100% Marshall Islands 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 49% 100% Marshall Islands 100% Service company Service company Service company Service company Investment company Vessel-owning company Investment company Investment company England Poland England Singapore England Indonesia England 100% Delaware (USA) Investment company 50% Texas (USA) Terminal operator The table below represents the annual principal payments to be made under our term loans and revolving credit facilities after December 31, 2017: December 31, December 31, 2016 2017 (in thousands) (in thousands) Due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in two years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in four years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in more than five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 81,128 188,586 41,823 99,948 31,823 185,564 $ 83,352 70,600 128,725 60,600 302,461 126,452 Total secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $628,872 81,128 $772,190 83,352 Secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility, non-current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $547,744 $688,838 January 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility. On January 27, 2015 the Company entered into a secured term loan facility with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as agent as well as HSH Nordbank AG and NIBC Bank N.V. to refinance the April 2013 $120.0 million secured term loan facility, as well as to provide financing for an additional five existing newbuildings. The January 2015 secured term loan facility has a term of up to seven years from the loan drawdown date with a maximum principal amount of up to $278.1 million. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 135% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 270 basis points per annum. The deferred finance costs associated with the extinguishment of the previous $120.0 million facility were written off in full. The facility is fully drawn and at December 31, 2017 the amount still outstanding was $222.3 million which is repayable for each vessel tranche in quarterly instalments of between $0.5 million and $0.7 million for seven years from the date of each vessel drawdown followed by a final payment of between $15.6 million and $18.3 after each seven year term ends. This loan facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of; Navigator Atlas, Navigator Europa, Navigator Oberon, Navigator Triton, Navigator Umbrio, Navigator Centauri, Navigator Ceres, Navigator Ceto and Navigator Copernico as well as assignments of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5% of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 3:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. December 2015 Secured Revolving Credit Facility. On December 21, 2015 the company entered into a secured revolving credit facility with Nordea Bank AB and ABN Amro Bank N.V as agents, to provide financing for six vessels. The December 2015 secured revolving credit facility has a term of seven years from the loan arrangement date (expiring in December 2022) with a maximum principal amount of up to $290.0 million. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 210 basis points per annum. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. At December 31, 2017 the facility was fully drawn following the delivery during 2017 of the remaining four newbuilding vessels in the facility with an amount still outstanding of $263.1 million which is F-19 F-20 7. Group Subsidiaries At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the company had the following significant subsidiaries: Corporation Name - Navigator Gas US L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Navigator Gas L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Percentage Ownership as of December 31, Country of Incorporation Subsidiary of Limited Liability Company 2016 2017 ~ Navigator Aries L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Atlas L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Aurora L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Centauri L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Ceres L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Ceto L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Copernico L.L.C. . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Capricorn L.L.C. . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Eclipse L.L.C. ~ Navigator Europa L.L.C. ~ Navigator Galaxy L.L.C. ~ Navigator Gemini L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Genesis L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Glory L.L.C. ~ Navigator Grace L.L.C. ~ Navigator Gusto L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Jorf L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Leo L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Libra L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Luga L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Magellan L.L.C. . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Mars L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Neptune L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Nova L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Oberon L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Pegasus L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Phoenix L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Prominence L.L.C. . . . . . . ~ Navigator Saturn L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Scorpio L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Taurus L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Triton L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Umbrio L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Venus L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Virgo L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Yauza L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . ~ NGT Services (UK) Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . ~ NGT Services (Poland) Sp. Z O.O . . . ~ Navigator Gas Ship Management Ltd. ~ Falcon Funding PTE Ltd . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Gas Invest Ltd . . . . . . . . . . - PT Navigator Khatulistiwa . . . . . ~ Navigator Terminals L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ Navigator Terminals Invest Ltd . . . . . - Navigator Ethylene Terminals L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . - Enterprise Navigator Ethylene Terminal L.L.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . * Entities formed during 2017. 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 49% n/a* n/a* n/a* n/a* 100% Delaware (USA) 100% Marshall Islands Service company Holding company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% Marshall Islands Vessel-owning company 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 49% 100% England Poland England Singapore England Indonesia England Service company Service company Service company Service company Investment company Vessel-owning company Investment company Investment company 100% Marshall Islands 100% Delaware (USA) Investment company 50% Texas (USA) Terminal operator The VIE, PT Navigator Khatulistiwa, had total assets and liabilities, as of December 31, 2017, of $132.2 million (2016: $137.5 million) and $54.4 million (2016: $73.0 million) respectively. 8. Secured Term Loan Facilities and Revolving Credit Facility The table below represents the annual principal payments to be made under our term loans and revolving credit facilities after December 31, 2017: December 31, 2016 (in thousands) December 31, 2017 (in thousands) Due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in two years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in three years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in four years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Due in more than five years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 81,128 188,586 41,823 99,948 31,823 185,564 $ 83,352 70,600 128,725 60,600 302,461 126,452 Total secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $628,872 81,128 $772,190 83,352 Secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facility, non-current portion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $547,744 $688,838 January 2015 Secured Term Loan Facility. On January 27, 2015 the Company entered into a secured term loan facility with Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank as agent as well as HSH Nordbank AG and NIBC Bank N.V. to refinance the April 2013 $120.0 million secured term loan facility, as well as to provide financing for an additional five existing newbuildings. The January 2015 secured term loan facility has a term of up to seven years from the loan drawdown date with a maximum principal amount of up to $278.1 million. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 135% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 270 basis points per annum. The deferred finance costs associated with the extinguishment of the previous $120.0 million facility were written off in full. The facility is fully drawn and at December 31, 2017 the amount still outstanding was $222.3 million which is repayable for each vessel tranche in quarterly instalments of between $0.5 million and $0.7 million for seven years from the date of each vessel drawdown followed by a final payment of between $15.6 million and $18.3 after each seven year term ends. This loan facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of; Navigator Atlas, Navigator Europa, Navigator Oberon, Navigator Triton, Navigator Umbrio, Navigator Centauri, Navigator Ceres, Navigator Ceto and Navigator Copernico as well as assignments of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5% of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 3:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. December 2015 Secured Revolving Credit Facility. On December 21, 2015 the company entered into a secured revolving credit facility with Nordea Bank AB and ABN Amro Bank N.V as agents, to provide financing for six vessels. The December 2015 secured revolving credit facility has a term of seven years from the loan arrangement date (expiring in December 2022) with a maximum principal amount of up to $290.0 million. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 210 basis points per annum. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. At December 31, 2017 the facility was fully drawn following the delivery during 2017 of the remaining four newbuilding vessels in the facility with an amount still outstanding of $263.1 million which is F-19 F-20 repayable over 19 combined quarterly instalments of $4.1 million with the final combined repayment of $185.1 million on December 21, 2022. This loan facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of; Navigator Aurora, Navigator Eclipse, Navigator Nova, Navigator Prominence, Navigator Luga and Navigator Yauza as well as assignments of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5 per cent of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 3:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. The Company also paid a commitment fee of 0.74% per annum based on any undrawn portion of the facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. October 2016 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. On October 28, 2016 the company entered into a secured term loan and revolving credit facility with ABN Amro Bank N.V as agents as well as Nordea Bank AB, London Branch; DVB Bank SE and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB to provide $130.0 million to refinance and extinguish the remaining debt under the 2011 secured term loan facility and the 2012 secured term loan facility; to provide $35 million as a newbuilding term loan to part finance Navigator Jorf, which was delivered in July 2017, and to provide a revolving credit facility of $55.0 million for general corporate purposes. The facility has a term of seven years from the first utilization date (expiring in December 2023) with a maximum principal amount of up to $220.0 million. As of December 31, 2017 the outstanding balance drawn on the loan was $138.1 million which is repayable in quarterly amounts of $9.4 million, $7.1 million, $7.1 million, $5.5 million, 17 quarterly instalments of $4.1 million, $1.0 million, $0.5 million followed by a combined final repayment of $37.8 million. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 260 basis points per annum. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. This facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of: Navigator Gemini, Navigator Leo, Navigator Libra, Navigator Orion (formerly Navigator Mars), Navigator Neptune, Navigator Pegasus, Navigator Phoenix, Navigator Taurus, Navigator Venus and Navigator Jorf as well as assignments of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5 per cent of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 3:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.91% per annum based on any undrawn portion of the facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. On June, 2017 the company entered into a secured term loan and revolving credit facility with Nordea Bank AB (Publ.), Filial I Norge, BNP Paribas, DVB Bank America N.V., ING Bank N.V. London Branch and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (Publ.) for a maximum principal amount of $160.8 million (the “June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility”), to re-finance our $270.0 million February 2013 secured term loan facility that was due to mature in February 2018 and for general corporate purposes. The facility has $100.0 million as a secured term loan and $60.8 million is available in a revolving credit facility with a term of six years from the date of the agreement (expiring in June 2023) with a maximum principal amount of up to $160.8 million. As of December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance drawn on the loan was $148.8 million which is repayable in quarterly amounts of $4.1 million. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 230 basis points per annum. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. The facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of Navigator Galaxy, Navigator Genesis, Navigator Grace, Navigator Gusto, Navigator Glory, Navigator Capricorn, Navigator Scorpio and Navigator Virgo, as well as assignment of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5 per cent of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 2.5:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.91% per annum based on any undrawn portion of the facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. The following table shows the breakdown of secured term loan facilities and total deferred financing costs split between current and non-current liabilities at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016: December 31, December 31, 2016 2017 (in thousands) Current Liability Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (81,128) $ (83,352) Less: current portion of deferred financing costs . . . 2,664 1,793 Current portion of secured term loan facility, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (78,464) $ (81,559) Non-Current Liability Secured term loan facilities net of current portion . . $(547,744) $(688,838) Less: non-current portion of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,064 7,180 Non-current secured term loan facilities, net of current portion and non-current deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(540,680) $(681,658) 9. Senior Unsecured Bond On February 10, 2017, the Company issued senior unsecured bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million with Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as the bond trustee (the “2017 Bonds”). The net proceeds of the issuance of the 2017 Bonds, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem in full all of the Company’s outstanding 9.0% senior unsecured bonds. The 2017 Bonds are governed by Norwegian law and listed on the Nordic ABM which is operated and organized by Oslo Børs ASA. The 2017 Bonds bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum and mature on February 10, 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 10 and August 10. The Company may redeem the 2017 Bonds, in whole or in part, at any time beginning on or after February 11, 2019. Any 2017 Bonds redeemed from February 11, 2019 up until February 10, 2020, are redeemable at 103.875% of par, from February 11, 2020 to August 10, 2020, are redeemable at 101.9375% of par, and from August 11, 2020 to the maturity date are redeemable at 100% of par, in each case, plus accrued interest. a different price. The 2017 Bond Agreement contains an option to issue additional bonds up to a maximum issue amount of a further $100.0 million, at identical terms as the original bond issue, except that additional bonds may be issued at The financial covenants each as defined within the bond agreement are: (a) The issuer shall ensure that the Group (meaning “the Company and its subsidiaries”) maintains a minimum liquidity of the greater of no less than $25.0 million; (b) to maintain an interest coverage ratio (as defined in the bond agreement) of not less than 2.25:1; and (c) maintain a Group equity ratio of minimum 30% (as defined in the bond agreement); At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. The 2017 Bond Agreement provides that we may declare dividends so long as such dividends do not exceed 50% of our cumulative consolidated net profits after taxes since June 30, 2016. The 2017 Bond Agreement also limits us and our subsidiaries from, among other things, entering into mergers and divestitures, engaging in transactions with affiliates or incurring any additional liens which would have a material adverse effect. In addition, the 2017 F-21 F-22 repayable over 19 combined quarterly instalments of $4.1 million with the final combined repayment of $185.1 million on December 21, 2022. This loan facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of; Navigator Aurora, Navigator Eclipse, Navigator Nova, Navigator Prominence, Navigator Luga and Navigator Yauza as well as assignments of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5 per cent of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 3:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. The Company also paid a commitment fee of 0.74% per annum based on any undrawn portion of the facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. October 2016 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. On October 28, 2016 the company entered into a secured term loan and revolving credit facility with ABN Amro Bank N.V as agents as well as Nordea Bank AB, London Branch; DVB Bank SE and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB to provide $130.0 million to refinance and extinguish the remaining debt under the 2011 secured term loan facility and the 2012 secured term loan facility; to provide $35 million as a newbuilding term loan to part finance Navigator Jorf, which was delivered in July 2017, and to provide a revolving credit facility of $55.0 million for general corporate purposes. The facility has a term of seven years from the first utilization date (expiring in December 2023) with a maximum principal amount of up to $220.0 million. As of December 31, 2017 the outstanding balance drawn on the loan was $138.1 million which is repayable in quarterly amounts of $9.4 million, $7.1 million, $7.1 million, $5.5 million, 17 quarterly instalments of $4.1 million, $1.0 million, $0.5 million followed by a combined final repayment of $37.8 million. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 260 basis points per annum. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. This facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of: Navigator Gemini, Navigator Leo, Navigator Libra, Navigator Orion (formerly Navigator Mars), Navigator Neptune, Navigator Pegasus, Navigator Phoenix, Navigator Taurus, Navigator Venus and Navigator Jorf as well as assignments of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5 per cent of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 3:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.91% per annum based on any undrawn portion of the facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility. On June, 2017 the company entered into a secured term loan and revolving credit facility with Nordea Bank AB (Publ.), Filial I Norge, BNP Paribas, DVB Bank America N.V., ING Bank N.V. London Branch and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (Publ.) for a maximum principal amount of $160.8 million (the “June 2017 Secured Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility”), to re-finance our $270.0 million February 2013 secured term loan facility that was due to mature in February 2018 and for general corporate purposes. The facility has $100.0 million as a secured term loan and $60.8 million is available in a revolving credit facility with a term of six years from the date of the agreement (expiring in June 2023) with a maximum principal amount of up to $160.8 million. As of December 31, 2017, the outstanding balance drawn on the loan was $148.8 million which is repayable in quarterly amounts of $4.1 million. Interest on amounts drawn is payable at a rate of U.S. LIBOR plus 230 basis points per annum. The aggregate fair market value of the collateral vessels must be no less than 125% of the aggregate outstanding borrowing under the facility. The facility is secured by first priority mortgages on each of Navigator Galaxy, Navigator Genesis, Navigator Grace, Navigator Gusto, Navigator Glory, Navigator Capricorn, Navigator Scorpio and Navigator Virgo, as well as assignment of earnings and insurances on these secured vessels. The financial covenants each as defined within the credit facility are: a) the maintenance at all times of cash and cash equivalents in an amount equal to or greater than (i) $25.0 million and (ii) 5 per cent of the total indebtedness; b) a ratio of EBITDA to interest expense of not less than 2.5:1; and c) maintain a ratio of total stockholders’ equity to total assets of not less than 30%. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.91% per annum based on any undrawn portion of the facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. The following table shows the breakdown of secured term loan facilities and total deferred financing costs split between current and non-current liabilities at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016: Current Liability Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less: current portion of deferred financing costs . . . Current portion of secured term loan facility, net of December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) $ (81,128) 2,664 $ (83,352) 1,793 deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ (78,464) $ (81,559) Non-Current Liability Secured term loan facilities net of current portion . . Less: non-current portion of deferred financing $(547,744) $(688,838) costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,064 7,180 Non-current secured term loan facilities, net of current portion and non-current deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(540,680) $(681,658) 9. Senior Unsecured Bond On February 10, 2017, the Company issued senior unsecured bonds in an aggregate principal amount of $100.0 million with Norsk Tillitsmann ASA as the bond trustee (the “2017 Bonds”). The net proceeds of the issuance of the 2017 Bonds, together with cash on hand, were used to redeem in full all of the Company’s outstanding 9.0% senior unsecured bonds. The 2017 Bonds are governed by Norwegian law and listed on the Nordic ABM which is operated and organized by Oslo Børs ASA. The 2017 Bonds bear interest at a rate of 7.75% per annum and mature on February 10, 2021. Interest is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 10 and August 10. The Company may redeem the 2017 Bonds, in whole or in part, at any time beginning on or after February 11, 2019. Any 2017 Bonds redeemed from February 11, 2019 up until February 10, 2020, are redeemable at 103.875% of par, from February 11, 2020 to August 10, 2020, are redeemable at 101.9375% of par, and from August 11, 2020 to the maturity date are redeemable at 100% of par, in each case, plus accrued interest. The 2017 Bond Agreement contains an option to issue additional bonds up to a maximum issue amount of a further $100.0 million, at identical terms as the original bond issue, except that additional bonds may be issued at a different price. The financial covenants each as defined within the bond agreement are: (a) The issuer shall ensure that the Group (meaning “the Company and its subsidiaries”) maintains a minimum liquidity of the greater of no less than $25.0 million; (b) to maintain an interest coverage ratio (as defined in the bond agreement) of not less than 2.25:1; and (c) maintain a Group equity ratio of minimum 30% (as defined in the bond agreement); At December 31, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all covenants contained in this credit facility. The 2017 Bond Agreement provides that we may declare dividends so long as such dividends do not exceed 50% of our cumulative consolidated net profits after taxes since June 30, 2016. The 2017 Bond Agreement also limits us and our subsidiaries from, among other things, entering into mergers and divestitures, engaging in transactions with affiliates or incurring any additional liens which would have a material adverse effect. In addition, the 2017 F-21 F-22 Bond Agreement includes customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, false representation and warranty, a cross-default to other indebtedness, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, or our insolvency or dissolution. The following table shows the breakdown of our senior unsecured bond and total deferred financing costs at December 31, 2017 and December 31 2016: Senior Unsecured Bond Total Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Less deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 (in thousands) $(125,000) — $(100,000) 1,416 Total Bond, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . $(125,000) $ (98,584) 10. Earnings per Share Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the net income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of common shares used for calculating basic earnings per share for the effects of all potentially dilutive shares. The calculation of both basic and diluted number of weighted average outstanding shares of: Restricted share grant activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was as follows: December 31, 2015 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2017 Net income available to common stockholders (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic weighted average number of shares . . . . . Effect of dilutive potential share options: . . . . . . 98,094 55,360,004 346,100 44,638 55,418,626 375,855 5,310 55,508,974 372,480 Diluted weighted average number of shares . . . . 55,706,104 55,794,481 55,881,454 11. Share-Based Compensation During 2008, the Company’s Board adopted the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”), which entitled officers, employees, consultants and directors of the Company to receive grants of restricted stock of the Company’s common stock. This 2008 Plan is administered by the Board or a committee of the Board. A holder of restricted stock, awarded under the Plan, shall have the same voting and dividend rights as the Company’s other common stockholders in relation to those shares. Prior to closing of the Company’s initial public offering in November 2013, this 2008 Plan was frozen such that new awards will no longer be issued thereunder. However, any outstanding awards issued prior to the 2008 Plan being frozen shall continue to remain outstanding and extend beyond the date the 2008 Plan was frozen. Any future equity incentive awards will be granted under the new 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) entered into prior to the closing of the Company’s initial public offering. The 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee with certain decisions subject to approval of our Board. The maximum aggregate number of common shares that may be delivered pursuant to options or restricted stock awards granted under the 2013 Plan is 3,000,000 shares of common stock. A holder of restricted stock, awarded under the 2013 Plan, shall have the same voting and dividend rights as the Company’s other common stockholders in relation to those shares. F-23 F-24 Share awards grant date. On March 23, 2017, the Company granted 28,194 restricted shares under the 2013 Plan to non-employee directors with a weighted average value of $12.77 per share. These restricted shares vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. On the same date the Company granted 42,023 restricted shares to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a further 23,458 restricted shares were granted to officers and employees of the Company with a weighted average value of $12.77 per share. All these restricted shares vest on the third anniversary of the During the year ended December 31, 2017, 22,782 shares that were previously granted under the 2013 Plan to non-employee directors with a weighted average grant value of $15.80 per share vested at a fair value of $305,279. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 2,500 shares that were previously granted under the 2013 Plan to an officer of the Company with an average grant value of $19.59 vested at a fair value of $24,888. On March 29, 2016, the Company granted 22,782 shares under the 2013 Plan non-employee directors with a weighted average value of $15.80 per share. These shares vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. On the same date the Company granted 29,966 shares to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a further 19,872 shares were granted to officers and employees of the Company with a weighted average value of $15.80 per share. All these shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 118,971 shares that were previously granted under the 2008 Plan at a weighted average grant value of $11.10 vested at a fair value of $1,893,223. Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weighted average grant date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value 0.29 years $1,658,079 1.59 years $ 698,616 Number of non- vested restricted shares 121,471 72,620 (118,971) 75,120 93,675 (25,282) $11.28 15.80 11.10 $15.93 12.77 16.17 13.82 Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . 143,513 1.49 years $1,413,603 Using the straight-line method of expensing the restricted stock grants, the weighted average estimated value of the shares calculated at the date of grant is recognized as compensation cost in the Statement of Income over the period to the vesting date. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $859,061 in share-based compensation costs relating to share grants (year ended December 31, 2016: $636,324). As of December 31, 2017, there was a total of $1,027,683 unrecognized compensation costs relating to the expected future vesting of share-based awards (December 31, 2016: $690,514) which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.49 years (December 31, 2016: 1.59 years). Share options Share options issued under the 2013 Plan are not exercisable until the third anniversary of the grant date and can be exercised up to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The fair value of each option is calculated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes valuation model using the assumptions listed in the table below. Bond Agreement includes customary events of default, including those relating to a failure to pay principal or interest, a breach of covenant, false representation and warranty, a cross-default to other indebtedness, the occurrence of a material adverse effect, or our insolvency or dissolution. The following table shows the breakdown of our senior unsecured bond and total deferred financing costs at December 31, 2017 and December 31 2016: December 31, December 31, 2016 2017 (in thousands) Senior Unsecured Bond Total Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $(125,000) $(100,000) Less deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — 1,416 Total Bond, net of deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . $(125,000) $ (98,584) 10. Earnings per Share Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net income available to common stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the periods. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by adjusting the net income available to common stockholders and the weighted average number of common shares used for calculating basic earnings per share for the effects of all potentially dilutive shares. December 31, December 31, December 31, 2015 2016 2017 Net income available to common stockholders (in thousands) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98,094 44,638 5,310 Basic weighted average number of shares . . . . . 55,360,004 55,418,626 55,508,974 Effect of dilutive potential share options: . . . . . . 346,100 375,855 372,480 Diluted weighted average number of shares . . . . 55,706,104 55,794,481 55,881,454 11. Share-Based Compensation During 2008, the Company’s Board adopted the 2008 Restricted Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”), which entitled officers, employees, consultants and directors of the Company to receive grants of restricted stock of the Company’s common stock. This 2008 Plan is administered by the Board or a committee of the Board. A holder of restricted stock, awarded under the Plan, shall have the same voting and dividend rights as the Company’s other common stockholders in relation to those shares. Prior to closing of the Company’s initial public offering in November 2013, this 2008 Plan was frozen such that new awards will no longer be issued thereunder. However, any outstanding awards issued prior to the 2008 Plan being frozen shall continue to remain outstanding and extend beyond the date the 2008 Plan was frozen. Any future equity incentive awards will be granted under the new 2013 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2013 Plan”) entered into prior to the closing of the Company’s initial public offering. The 2013 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee with certain decisions subject to approval of our Board. The maximum aggregate number of common shares that may be delivered pursuant to options or restricted stock awards granted under the 2013 Plan is 3,000,000 shares of common stock. A holder of restricted stock, awarded under the 2013 Plan, shall have the same voting and dividend rights as the Company’s other common stockholders in relation to those shares. Share awards On March 23, 2017, the Company granted 28,194 restricted shares under the 2013 Plan to non-employee directors with a weighted average value of $12.77 per share. These restricted shares vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. On the same date the Company granted 42,023 restricted shares to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a further 23,458 restricted shares were granted to officers and employees of the Company with a weighted average value of $12.77 per share. All these restricted shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 22,782 shares that were previously granted under the 2013 Plan to non-employee directors with a weighted average grant value of $15.80 per share vested at a fair value of $305,279. During the year ended December 31, 2017, 2,500 shares that were previously granted under the 2013 Plan to an officer of the Company with an average grant value of $19.59 vested at a fair value of $24,888. On March 29, 2016, the Company granted 22,782 shares under the 2013 Plan non-employee directors with a weighted average value of $15.80 per share. These shares vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. On the same date the Company granted 29,966 shares to the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and a further 19,872 shares were granted to officers and employees of the Company with a weighted average value of $15.80 per share. All these shares vest on the third anniversary of the grant date. During the year ended December 31, 2016, 118,971 shares that were previously granted under the 2008 Plan at a weighted average grant value of $11.10 vested at a fair value of $1,893,223. The calculation of both basic and diluted number of weighted average outstanding shares of: Restricted share grant activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 was as follows: Number of non- vested restricted shares Weighted average grant date fair value Weighted average remaining contractual term Aggregate intrinsic value Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . . Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121,471 72,620 (118,971) 75,120 93,675 (25,282) Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . . 143,513 $11.28 15.80 11.10 $15.93 12.77 16.17 13.82 0.29 years $1,658,079 1.59 years $ 698,616 1.49 years $1,413,603 Using the straight-line method of expensing the restricted stock grants, the weighted average estimated value of the shares calculated at the date of grant is recognized as compensation cost in the Statement of Income over the period to the vesting date. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $859,061 in share-based compensation costs relating to share grants (year ended December 31, 2016: $636,324). As of December 31, 2017, there was a total of $1,027,683 unrecognized compensation costs relating to the expected future vesting of share-based awards (December 31, 2016: $690,514) which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.49 years (December 31, 2016: 1.59 years). Share options Share options issued under the 2013 Plan are not exercisable until the third anniversary of the grant date and can be exercised up to the tenth anniversary of the date of grant. The fair value of each option is calculated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes valuation model using the assumptions listed in the table below. F-23 F-24 Expected volatilities are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price and other factors. The Company does not currently pay dividends and it is assumed this will not change. The expected term of the options granted is anticipated to occur in the range between 4 and 6.5 years. The risk-free rate is the rate adopted from the U.S. Government Zero Coupon Bond. The movements in the existing share options during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 were as follows: Options Number of non- vested options Weighted average exercise price per share Weighted average remaining contractual term years Aggregate intrinsic value Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . Forfeited during the year . . . . . . . . . . . Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . Forfeited during the period . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378,440 (4,700) 373,740 (5,000) (214,055) Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . 154,685 21.52 20.09 $21.54 23.85 — 21.87 8.35 — 7.70 — — 6.70 — — — — — $— On April 14, 2017, 194,055 share options granted on April 14, 2014 at an option price of $24.29 became exercisable. On October 14, 2017, 20,000 share options granted on October 14, 2014 at an option price of $23.18 became exercisable. None of the options were exercised as of December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $553,894 in share-based compensation costs relating to options granted under the 2013 Plan, recognized in general and administrative costs (year ended December 31, 2016, $937,647). At December 31, 2017, there was $85,898 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options under the 2013 Plan (year ended December 31, 2014 $673,022). This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.21 years (year ended December 31, 2016 0.7 years). 12. Commitments and Contingencies The contractual obligations schedule set forth below summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017. 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total (in thousands) Secured term loan facilities and revolving credit facilities . . . . 83,352 70,600 128,725 60,600 302,461 126,452 772,190 7.75% senior unsecured bond issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office operating leases . . . . . . . . — 1,134 — 1,558 — 1,345 100,000 1,192 — 115 — — 100,000 5,344 Total contractual obligations . . . $84,486 $72,158 $130,070 $161,792 $302,576 $126,452 $877,534 The Company occupies office space in London with a lease that commenced in January 2017 for a period of 10 years with a mutual break option in January 2022, which is the fifth anniversary from the lease commencement date. The gross rent per year is approximately $1.1 million. The Company entered into a lease for office space in New York commencing on June 1, 2017 and expires on May 31, 2020 to replace an expiring lease. The annual gross rent under this lease is approximately $0.4 million, subject to certain adjustments. The lease term for our representative office in Gdynia, Poland is for a period of five years commencing from April 2017. The gross rent per year is approximately $60,000. 13. Concentration of Credit Risks The Company’s vessels are chartered under either a time charter arrangement or voyage charter arrangement. Under a time charter arrangement, no security is provided for the payment of charter hire. However, payment is usually required monthly in advance. Under a voyage charter arrangement, a lien may sometimes be placed on the cargo to secure the payment of the accounts receivable, as permitted by the prevailing charter party agreement. At December 31, 2017, 21 of the Company’s 38 operated vessels, were subject to time charters, 11 of which will expire within one year, five which will expire within three years, and five which will expire within ten years. The committed charter income as of December 31, 2017 is as follows: 2018: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2022: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (in thousands) $111,929 $ 89,819 $ 77,876 $ 61,830 $ 62,124 During 2017, five charterers contributed 64.6% of the operating revenue, comprising 16.5%, 16.3%, 11.9%, 10.4% and 9.5% (2016: five charterers contributed 51.4% of the operating revenue, comprising 14.0%, 11.7%, 9.1%, 8.3% and 8.3%). At December 31, 2017 and 2016, all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by large financial institutions, highly rated by a recognized rating agency. 14. Income Taxes Navigator Holdings Ltd and its vessel owning subsidiaries are incorporated in the Marshall Islands and under the laws of the Marshall Islands are not subject to tax on income or capital gains and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed on dividends paid by the Company to its stockholders. However, the Company’s UK, Polish and Singaporean subsidiaries are subject to local taxes. 2015 2016 2017 (in thousands) (in thousands) (in thousands) Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax expense at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $98,094 $ — Total statutory tax charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ — Tax charge in UK subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax credit in Polish subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax charge in Singapore subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . Total Tax charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ $ $ $ 383 (21) 438 800 $44,638 $ — $ — $ $ $ — 669 508 $ 1,177 $5,310 $ — $ — $ 221 $ (130) $ 306 $ 397 15. Subsequent Events On January 31, 2018, the Company entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Enterprise Products Partners L.P. to build a new ethylene export facility along the U.S. Gulf Coast that will have the capacity to export approximately one million tons of ethylene per year. Refrigerated storage for 30,000 tons of ethylene will be constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 1,000 tons per hour. The facilities are expected to be in service by the first quarter of 2020. The project is supported by long-term contracts with customers that include U.S. ethylene producer Flint Hills Resources and a major Japanese trading company. F-25 F-26 Expected volatilities are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s stock price and other factors. The Company does not currently pay dividends and it is assumed this will not change. The expected term of the options granted is anticipated to occur in the range between 4 and 6.5 years. The risk-free rate is the rate adopted from the U.S. Government Zero Coupon Bond. The movements in the existing share options during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 were as follows: Options Number of non- vested options Weighted average exercise price per share Weighted average remaining contractual term years Aggregate intrinsic value Balance as of January 1, 2016 . . . . . . . Forfeited during the year . . . . . . . . . . . Balance as of December 31, 2016 . . . . Forfeited during the period . . . . . . . . . Vested . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378,440 (4,700) 373,740 (5,000) (214,055) Balance as of December 31, 2017 . . . . 154,685 21.52 20.09 $21.54 23.85 — 21.87 8.35 — 7.70 — — 6.70 — — — — — $— On April 14, 2017, 194,055 share options granted on April 14, 2014 at an option price of $24.29 became exercisable. On October 14, 2017, 20,000 share options granted on October 14, 2014 at an option price of $23.18 became exercisable. None of the options were exercised as of December 31, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recognized $553,894 in share-based compensation costs relating to options granted under the 2013 Plan, recognized in general and administrative costs (year ended December 31, 2016, $937,647). At December 31, 2017, there was $85,898 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested options under the 2013 Plan (year ended December 31, 2014 $673,022). This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.21 years (year ended December 31, 2016 0.7 years). 2017. 12. Commitments and Contingencies The contractual obligations schedule set forth below summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Thereafter Total (in thousands) Secured term loan facilities and 7.75% senior unsecured bond issue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Office operating leases . . . . . . . . revolving credit facilities . . . . 83,352 70,600 128,725 60,600 302,461 126,452 772,190 Total contractual obligations . . . $84,486 $72,158 $130,070 $161,792 $302,576 $126,452 $877,534 — 1,134 — 1,558 — 1,345 100,000 1,192 — 115 — — 100,000 5,344 The Company occupies office space in London with a lease that commenced in January 2017 for a period of 10 years with a mutual break option in January 2022, which is the fifth anniversary from the lease commencement date. The gross rent per year is approximately $1.1 million. The Company entered into a lease for office space in New York commencing on June 1, 2017 and expires on May 31, 2020 to replace an expiring lease. The annual gross rent under this lease is approximately $0.4 million, subject to certain adjustments. The lease term for our representative office in Gdynia, Poland is for a period of five years commencing from April 2017. The gross rent per year is approximately $60,000. 13. Concentration of Credit Risks The Company’s vessels are chartered under either a time charter arrangement or voyage charter arrangement. Under a time charter arrangement, no security is provided for the payment of charter hire. However, payment is usually required monthly in advance. Under a voyage charter arrangement, a lien may sometimes be placed on the cargo to secure the payment of the accounts receivable, as permitted by the prevailing charter party agreement. At December 31, 2017, 21 of the Company’s 38 operated vessels, were subject to time charters, 11 of which will expire within one year, five which will expire within three years, and five which will expire within ten years. The committed charter income as of December 31, 2017 is as follows: 2018: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2019: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2020: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2021: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2022: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (in thousands) $111,929 $ 89,819 $ 77,876 $ 61,830 $ 62,124 During 2017, five charterers contributed 64.6% of the operating revenue, comprising 16.5%, 16.3%, 11.9%, 10.4% and 9.5% (2016: five charterers contributed 51.4% of the operating revenue, comprising 14.0%, 11.7%, 9.1%, 8.3% and 8.3%). At December 31, 2017 and 2016, all of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments were held by large financial institutions, highly rated by a recognized rating agency. 14. Income Taxes Navigator Holdings Ltd and its vessel owning subsidiaries are incorporated in the Marshall Islands and under the laws of the Marshall Islands are not subject to tax on income or capital gains and no Marshall Islands withholding tax will be imposed on dividends paid by the Company to its stockholders. However, the Company’s UK, Polish and Singaporean subsidiaries are subject to local taxes. 2015 (in thousands) 2016 (in thousands) 2017 (in thousands) Net Income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax expense at statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Total statutory tax charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax charge in UK subsidiaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax credit in Polish subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax charge in Singapore subsidiary . . . . . . . . . . $98,094 $ — $ — 383 $ (21) $ 438 $ Total Tax charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 800 $44,638 $ — $ — $ 669 $ — 508 $ $ 1,177 $5,310 $ — $ — $ 221 $ (130) $ 306 $ 397 15. Subsequent Events On January 31, 2018, the Company entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Enterprise Products Partners L.P. to build a new ethylene export facility along the U.S. Gulf Coast that will have the capacity to export approximately one million tons of ethylene per year. Refrigerated storage for 30,000 tons of ethylene will be constructed on-site and will provide the capability to load ethylene at rates of 1,000 tons per hour. The facilities are expected to be in service by the first quarter of 2020. The project is supported by long-term contracts with customers that include U.S. ethylene producer Flint Hills Resources and a major Japanese trading company. F-25 F-26 [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] CORPORATE INFORMATION Executive Officers: David Butters Chairman, President & CEO Niall Nolan Chief Financial Officer Oeyvind Lindeman Chief Commercial Officer Paul Flaherty Director of Fleet and Technical Operations Demetris Makaritis Director of Commercial Operations Board of Directors: David Butters Dr. Heiko Fischer David Kenwright Hal Malone Spiros Milonas Alexander Oetker Florian Weidinger Representative Offices: NGT Services (UK) Limited 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 5DH United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7340 4850 Navigator Gas US, L.L.C. 650 Madison Avenue, Floor 25 New York, NY 10022 United States of America Tel: +1 (212) 355 589393 NGT Services (Poland) Sp. Z o.o. MAG Centrum ul.T. Wendy 15 Gdynia, 81-341 Poland Stock Data: NYSE Symbol: NVGS www.navigatorgas.com First choice custodian enabler of solutions in the handling and transportation of gases. www.navigatorgas.com