CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT FOR AN AMOUNT OF UP TO USD 18,000,000 between DEEPOCEAN SHIPPING AS as Borrower. DEEPOCEAN ASA as Guarantor and NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA as Agent and arranger, and THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS LISTED IN SCHEDULE 1 as Banks Dated...
Exhibit
10.13
FOR
AN AMOUNT OF UP TO USD 18,000,000
between
DEEPOCEAN
SHIPPING AS
as
Borrower.
DEEPOCEAN
ASA
as
Guarantor
and
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA as Agent and arranger,
and
THE
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
LISTED
IN SCHEDULE 1
as
Banks
Dated 19
November 2007
Table of Contents
1
|
PURPOSE
|
3
|
2
|
INTERPRETATION
|
3
|
3
|
CONSTRUCTION
|
8
|
4
|
COMMITMENT
|
8
|
5
|
AVAILABILITY
AND DRAWDOWN
|
9
|
6
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
|
9
|
7
|
INTEREST
|
10
|
8
|
REPAYMENT...
|
11
|
9
|
OPTIONAL
PREPAYMENT/CANCELLATION
|
11
|
10
|
MANDATORY
PREPAYMENT
|
11
|
11
|
SET-OFF
|
12
|
12
|
PAYMENTS
AND CALCULATIONS
|
12
|
13
|
SECURITY
|
13
|
14
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
|
14
|
15
|
COVENANTS
AND UNDERTAKINGS
|
15
|
16
|
EVENTS
OF DEFAULT
|
19
|
17
|
CHANGES
IN CIRCUMSTANCE
|
21
|
18
|
FEES
AND COSTS
|
22
|
19
|
CURRENCY
INDEMNITY
|
22
|
20
|
TRANSFER
AND PARTICIPATION
|
23
|
21
|
GUARANTEE
AND INDEMNITY
|
23
|
22
|
AGENCY
|
26
|
23
|
NOTICES
AND MISCELLANEOUS
|
28
|
24
|
LAW
AND JURISDICTION
|
29
|
25
|
SIGNATURES
|
29
|
SCHEDULES
|
|
1.
|
List
of Banks and Financial Institutions
|
2.
|
Conditions
Precedent
|
3.
|
Form
of Drawdown Notice
|
4.
|
Form
of Certificate of Compliance
|
5.
|
Form
of Assignment Agreement
|
6.
|
Form
of Isle of Man First Priority Mortgage
|
7.
|
Form
of Deed of
Covenants
|
2
This
credit facility agreement (the "Loan Agreement") has been
entered into on this 19th day of
November 2007 between:
(1)
|
DeepOcean Shipping AS, a
Norwegian limited company registered with company registration number 979
456 107 with its registered address at Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxx (the "Borrower");
|
(2)
|
DeepOcean ASA, a
Norwegian limited company registered with company registration number 980
722 805 with its registered address at Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxx (the "Guarantor");
|
(3)
|
The
financial institutions listed in Schedule 1 as banks, including their
successors in title and assignees and transferees (the "Banks");
and
|
(4)
|
Nordea Bank Norge ASA,
PO Box 1166 Sentrum, 0107 Oslo, Norway (the "Agent").
|
WHEREAS:
(A)
|
Pursuant
to a loan agreement dated 20 December 2004 (as later amended) the Borrower
has taken up a term loan facility in the original amount of USD
12,329,212.39 and a revolving credit facility in the original amount of
USD 3,600,000 (the "Original Loan") for the
purpose of re-financing the acquisition and refurbishment of MV Atlantic
Challenger, an offshore construction vessel of 3,372 dwt built in 1990 and
rebuilt in 1999 (the
"Vessel").
|
(B)
|
The
Borrower wishes to refinance the Original Loan, and the Banks have agreed
to provide such refinancing, on the terms and conditions of this Loan
Agreement.
|
NOW
THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:
1
|
PURPOSE
|
1.1
|
The
Banks have, according to the terms and conditions set out in this Loan
Agreement, agreed to make available to the Borrower a credit facility in
the maximum amount of USD 18,000,000 for the purpose of assisting the
Borrower in refinancing of the Original
Loan.
|
1.2
|
The
Borrower's obligations pursuant to his Loan Agreement shall be guaranteed
by the Guarantor as further described
herein.
|
2
|
INTERPRETATION
|
2.1
|
In
this Loan Agreement, unless the context otherwise requires, the following
capitalized words and expressions shall have the meaning set opposite them
below:
|
"Assignment
Agreement"
|
the
assignment agreement between the Agent and the
Borrower, substantially in the form set out in Schedule
5.
|
3
"Assignment
of Earnings"
|
the
assignment of the Earnings as set out in the Assignment
Agreement.
|
"Assignment
of Insurances"
|
the
assignment of the Vessel's insurances as set out in the Assignment
Agreement.
|
"Banking
Day"
|
any
day on which dealings in deposits of USD are carried on in the London
Interbank Eurocurrency Market and on which banks are open for business in
Oslo and London,
|
"Banks"
|
each
and all of the lenders as set forth in Schedule
1.
|
"Certificate
of Compliance"
|
the
certificate to be delivered by the Guarantor pursuant to Clause 15.3,
substantially in the form set out in Schedule 4.
|
"Commitment"
|
the
Banks' commitment to make available to the Borrower a term loan facility
in the maximum amount of up to USD 18,000,000 to the extent not cancelled
or reduced pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Loan
Agreement.
|
"Deed
of Covenants"
|
the
deed of covenants related to the Mortgage, substantially in the form set
out in Schedule 7 hereto.
|
"Drawdown
Date"
|
the
Banking Day on which the Commitment is drawn by the Borrower, such date to
be agreed between the Borrower and the Agent but not to be later than 30
November 2007.
|
"Drawdown
Notice"
|
the
irrevocable notice of drawdown from the Borrower as required by Clause 5.1
(b) and substantially in the form as set out in Schedule
3.
|
"Earnings"
|
all
(i) hire payable to the Borrower for the use of the Vessel, (ii)
compensation payable to the Borrower in the event of requisition of the
Vessel, (iii) remuneration for salvage and other services performed by the
Vessel payable to the Borrower, (iv) demurrage and retention moneys
receivable by the Borrower in relation to the Vessel, (v) damage for
breach (or payments for variation or termination) of any contract of
employment of the Vessel and (vi) other monies whatsoever due or to become
due to the Borrower from any third parties in respect of the Vessel or
otherwise.
|
4
"Environmental
Laws"
|
all
national, international and state laws, rules, regulations, treaties and
conventions applicable to the Vessel and, pertaining to the pollution or
protection of human health or the environment including, without
limitation, the carriage of Pollutants and actual or threatened emissions,
spills, releases or discharges of Pollutants.
|
"Event
of Default"
|
each
event defined as an Event of Default in Clause
16.
|
"Factoring
Agreement"
|
the
factoring agreement in respect of the Borrower's earnings in the amount of
NOK 190,000,000 entered into between the Borrower and Bergensbanken ASA 8
January 1999 and assigned 21 December 2004 to the
Agent.
|
"Finance
Documents"
|
this
Loan Agreement, the Security Documents and any document or agreement from
time to time entered into pursuant to the terms of any such
document.
|
"Final
Maturity Date"
|
the
date falling on the fourth anniversary of the Drawdown Date. If such date
is not a Banking Day the Final Maturity Date shall be the first following
Banking Day unless it would thereby fall in a new calendar month in which
case it shall be the first preceding Banking Day.
|
"GAAP"
|
the
generally accepted accounting principles in Norway, including the
international Financial Reporting Standards
(IFRS).
|
"Group
"
|
the
Guarantor and its Subsidiaries
|
"Interest
Payment Date"
|
the
last day of each Interest Period or if the Agent and the Banks should
consent to longer Interest Periods than six (6) months, the last Banking
Day of each six months period during that Interest Period and the last day
of that Interest Period save as provided by Clause
7.2.
|
"Interest
Period"
|
each
period for the calculation of interest on the Loan as described in Clause
7.2.
|
"ISDA
Agreement"
|
The
master hedging agreement by the International Swap Dealers Association
Inc. including the relevant schedule(s) thereto and any other related
document and/or agreement all with terms and conditions acceptable to the
Swap Provider and the
Agent.
|
5
"ISM
Code"
|
the
International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and
for Pollution Prevention constituted pursuant to Resolution A.741 (18) of
the International Maritime Organisation and incorporated into the Safety
of Life Sea Convention and include any amendments or extensions of it and
any regulation issued pursuant to it.
|
|
"LIBOR"
|
for
any Interest Period:
|
|
(a) |
the
rate per annum equal to the offered
quotation
for deposits in USD ascertained by the Agent to be the rate established by
the British Bankers' Association and appearing on the Xxxxxx page LIBOR 01
(or its replacement), published or reported by Xxxxxx through its monitor
service or any equivalent successor to such service at or about 11:00
hours a.m. (London time) on the applicable Quotation Date;
or
|
|
(b) |
if
no such rate is available, the rate per
annum
at which the Agent is able to acquire the relevant currency for the
relevant Interest Period in the London Interbank Market at about 1.1.00
hours a.m. (London time) on the applicable Quotation Date, as conclusively
certified by the Agent to the Borrower.
|
|
"Loan"
|
the
total aggregate amount outstanding from time to time hereunder, including
but not limited to accrued interest, fees, costs and any amount due or to
become due and payable hereunder.
|
|
"Majority
Banks"
|
any
Banks whose contribution to the Loan totals more than 67 % of the
Loan.
|
|
"Margin"
|
0.80
% (zero point eighty per cent) per annum.
|
|
"Market
Value"
|
the
fair market value of the Vessel in USD determined as the arithmetic
average of independent valuations of the Vessel obtained from two
independent and well-reputed brokers appointed by the Agent on behalf of
the Banks and accepted by the Borrower. Such valuations to be made with or
without physical inspection of the Vessel (as the Agent may require), on
the basis of a sale for prompt delivery for cash at arm's length on normal
commercial terms as between a willing buyer and seller, on an "as is where
is" basis free of any existing charters or other contract of
employment.
|
6
"Mortgage"
|
the
first priority mortgage on the Vessel to be executed by the Borrower in
favour of the Agent (on behalf of the Banks) as security for its
obligations under this Loan Agreement and being registered against the
Vessel in its ships registry, substantially in the form set out in
Schedule 6.
|
|
"Principal"
|
the
principal amount outstanding hereunder.
|
|
"Repayment
Date"
|
each
date falling at quarterly consecutive intervals starting at 3 months after
the Drawdown Date and ending on the Final Maturity
Date.
|
|
"Safety
Regulations"
|
all
applicable safety and other regulations and as required by the
classification society, the flag state or such jurisdictions where the
Vessel will be employed under any charter or otherwise from time to
time.
|
|
"Security
Documents"
|
the
security documents specified in Clause 13.
|
|
"Subsidiary"
|
a
subsidiary as defined in Section 1 -3 of the Norwegian Private Limited
Liability Companies Xxx 0000 No. 45 (as amended)
("aksjeloven").
|
|
"Swap
Provider"
|
the
provider of the relevant interest rate hedge (swap) for the Borrower, on
the terms and conditions of the ISDA Agreement, being Nordea Bank Finland
Plc. or any other swap provider acceptable to the
Agent.
|
|
"Taxes"
|
any
present or future taxes, levies, duties, imposts, charges, fees,
deductions or withholdings levied or imposed by any governmental or other
public taxing or similar authority.
|
|
"Total
Loss"
|
a
total loss as any occurrence in consequence whereof the Vessel has become
or is likely to become a total loss which expression shall
include;
|
|
(a) |
any
actual, constructive, agreed,
compromised
or arranged total loss of the Vessel; or
|
|
(b) |
requisition
for title or any other compulsory acquisition of the Vessel;
or
|
|
(c) |
any
other event which the insurers consider at total
loss.
|
|
"USD"
|
the
lawful currency of the United States of
America.
|
7
"Vessel"
|
MV
Atlantic Challenger, a 1990 built and 1999 rebuilt offshore construction
vessel of 3,372
dwt.
|
3
|
CONSTRUCTION
|
3.1
|
In
this Loan Agreement, unless the context or any express provisions of this
Loan Agreement otherwise
requires:
|
(a)
|
words
importing the singular shall include the plural and vice versa. In
particular, for so long as it is the only Bank, references to the Banks
and/or the Majority Banks shall be construed as a reference to Nordea Bank
Norge ASA.;
|
(b)
|
reference
to any party shall be deemed to be a reference to or include, as
appropriate, their respective permitted successors and assigns or
transferees;
|
(c)
|
references
to Clauses and Schedules are references to clauses and schedules to this
Loan Agreement;
|
(d)
|
all
references to statutes and other legislation include all modifications,
re-enactments and amendments
thereof;
|
(e)
|
a
reference to this Loan Agreement or to any other agreement or document
shall be construed as including a reference to all permitted amendments
and/or variations thereof or supplements thereto from time to time in
force.
|
4
|
COMMITMENT
|
4.1
|
The
obligation of each Bank under this Loan Agreement shall be to contribute
that proportion of the Loan which its commitment bears to the total of the
Commitment of all Banks.
|
4.2
|
Subject
to the provisions related to the Majority Banks' decisions as set out
herein, the obligations of each Bank are several, but not joint. The
failure of any Bank to perform such obligations shall not relieve any
other Bank, the Agent or the Borrower of any of their respective
obligations or liabilities under this Loan Agreement or the Security
Documents nor shall the Agent be responsible for the obligations of any
Bank (except for its own obligations, if any, as a Bank) nor shall any
Bank be responsible for the obligations of any other Bank under this Loan
Agreement.
|
4.3
|
The
obligations of the Borrower under this Loan Agreement and the Security
Documents shall not be affected
by:
|
(a)
|
any
time or waiver granted to or composition with any third
party;
|
(b)
|
any
failure to enforce any rights, remedy or security against any third
party;
|
(c)
|
any
legal limitation, incapacity or other circumstances relating to any third
party; or
|
8
(d)
|
this
Loan Agreement or any of the Security Documents becoming invalid or
unenforceable against any
third party.
|
4.4
|
The
Borrower shall not claim any set-off or counterclaim against any third
party until the Banks have received all amounts due or to become due to
them under this Loan Agreement and the Security
Documents.
|
5
|
AVAILABILITY
AND DRAWDOWN
|
5.1
|
The
Commitment shall be available for drawdown in one drawing on the Drawdown
Date on the following
conditions:
|
(a)
|
the
conditions precedent as per Clause 6 shall have been
met;
|
(b)
|
the
Borrower shall have given to the Agent a Drawdown Notice which shall be received by the Agent
prior to 11 a.m. London time not less than three (3) Banking Days
prior to the Drawdown Date unless a shorter notice period is accepted in
writing by the Banks;
|
(c)
|
no
event shall have occurred which constitutes and continues to constitute an
Event of Default or which by giving of notice and/or lapse of time would
constitute an Event of Default;
and
|
(d)
|
the
representations and warranties contained in Clause 14 shall be true and
accurate at the time of giving of the Drawdown Notice and at the Drawdown
Date with reference to the facts then
subsisting.
|
5.2
|
The
Commitment shall be available for the purpose set out in Clause 1
only.
|
5.3
|
Any
undrawn part of the Commitment shall be cancelled on 31 December
2007.
|
6
|
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
|
6.1
|
The
obligations of the Agent and each Bank hereunder are subject to the
condition that the Agent, on behalf of the Banks, has received, at least 3
Banking Days prior to the Drawdown Date, all the documents set forth in
Schedule 2 hereto in a form and substance satisfactory to the
Agent.
|
6.2
|
If the documents set out in Schedule 2 are not
submitted as originals, the Agent may require that a Norwegian
attorney-at-law certify photocopies of any such documents as true and
correct.
|
9
7
|
INTEREST
|
7.1
|
The
Borrower shall pay interest on the Principal on each Interest Payment Date
at the annual rate which is conclusively certified by the Agent (save for
manifest error) to be the aggregate of the Margin and
LIBOR.
|
7.2
|
The
Borrower may elect Interest Periods for the Principal of one (1), three
(3)or, six (6) months duration or alternatively such other Interest
Periods (if available to the Banks) to which the Agent with the consent of
the Banks shall agree to, provided
that:
|
(a)
|
the
Borrower shall select the first Interest Period for the Loan in the
Drawdown Notice. Each subsequent Interest Period shall commence on the
expiry of the preceding Interest
Period;
|
(b)
|
the
Borrower shall select the length of the subsequent Interest Periods by
informing the Agent in writing no later than 10:00 a.m. three Banking Days
before the beginning of the next Interest
Period;
|
(c)
|
if
any Interest Period would otherwise end on a day which is not a Banking
Day i shall be extended to end on the first following Banking Day unless
it would thereby end in a new calendar month in which case it shall be
shortened to end or the first preceding Banking
Day;
|
(d)
|
if
any Interest Period would otherwise extend beyond a Repayment Date there
shall be a separate Interest Period ending on the Repayment Date for the
amount then falling due;
|
(e)
|
Interest
Periods of one (1) month duration may only be selected three times per
calendar year; and
|
(f)
|
If
the Borrower fails to select an Interest Period in accordance with this
clause 7.2, that Interest Period shall be three (3)
months.
|
7.3
|
If
the Borrower fails to pay an amount on its due date for payment under this
Loan Agreement, the Borrower shall pay interest on such amount on demand
from that date up to and including the date of actual payment, to be
compounded at the end of each of the periods under (c) below, at an annual
rate which is conclusively certified by the Agent (save for manifest
error) to be the aggregate
of:
|
(a)
|
the
Margin;
|
(b)
|
3
% per annum;
and
|
(c)
|
LIBOR
for such period as the Agent may select from time to time and for amounts
comparable with the amounts which the Borrower has failed to
pay.
|
10
8
|
REPAYMENT
|
8.1
|
The
Borrower shall repay the Principal in 16 quarterly instalments of USD
500,000 each on each Repayment Date. The remaining Loan shall be repaid in
one instalment on the Final Maturity
Date.
|
8.2
|
Any
repayment of Principal according to this Clause 8 may not be
re-borrowed.
|
9
|
OPTIONAL
PREPAYMENT/CANCELLATION
|
9.1
|
The
Borrower may cancel the Commitment or prepay the Principal in whole or in
part in amounts equalling USD 100,000 or whole multiples thereof, or any
other amount as agreed with the Agent, on any Interest Payment Date upon
giving the Agent not less than five (5) Banking Days irrevocable written
notice of such cancellation or prepayment. Prepayment on any other day
than the Interest Payment Date for the amounts to be prepaid, are subject
to payment of any breakage costs (excluding the Margin) and redeployment
losses to the Banks.
|
9.2
|
Any
prepaid amounts according to Clause 9.1 of this Loan Agreement shall,
unless in the event of prepayment as a consequence of a sale or Total Loss
of the Vessel, reduce the Principal in inverse order of maturity, starting
with the final instalment. Prepaid amounts may not be
re-borrowed.
|
10
|
MANDATORY
PREPAYMENT
|
10.1
|
In
case of:
|
(a)
|
sale
or other disposition of the Vessel;
or
|
(b)
|
Total
Loss; or
|
(c)
|
in
the event of a capture, seizure, arrest, detention or confiscation of the
Vessel by any government or by persons acting or purporting to act on
behalf of any government unless the Vessel shall be released from such
capture, seizure, arrest, detention or confiscation within two months
after the occurrence thereof; then the Loan shall be prepaid in full
according to this Clause 10.
|
10.2
|
In
the event set forth in Clause 10.1 (a) or (c), the Loan shall immediately
be due and payable.
|
10.3
|
In
die event of a Total Loss, the Borrower shall prepay the Loan on the
earlier of (i) 180 days from the occurrence of the Total Loss and (ii)
upon receipt of insurance
proceeds.
|
10.4
|
Any
prepaid amounts under Clause 10 of this Loan Agreement may not be
re-borrowed.
|
11
10.5
|
Any
breakage costs (excluding the Margin) and redeployment losses incurred by
any Bank as a consequence of prepayment according to this Clause 10 on any
other date than on Interest Payment Date for prepaid amounts shall be due
and payable to the Agent on
demand.
|
11
|
SET-OFF
|
11.1
|
The
Borrower authorises the Agent (on behalf of the Banks) to apply any credit
balance to which the Borrower is then entitled on any account of the
Borrower with the Agent or with any of the Banks in satisfaction of any
sum due and payable from the Borrower to the Agent and the Banks under
this Loan Agreement. For this purpose, the Agent and the Banks are
authorised to purchase with the monies standing to the credit of such
account such other currencies as may be necessary to effect such
application.
|
12
|
PAYMENTS
AND CALCULATIONS
|
12.1
|
The
Borrower shall at all times ensure that there are sufficient funds in its
bank accounts on any Repayment Date to cover the payment of the next
instalment of Principal and/or interest on the next Interest Payment
Date.
|
12.2
|
All
payments to be made by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to such
accounts of the Agent or the Banks with such banks as the Agent shall
notify the Borrower from time to time, by not later than 11. a.m. London
time in USD in freely transferable funds which are for same day settlement
or in such other USD funds as shall for the time being be customary for
the settlement of transactions of this
nature.
|
12.3
|
All
payments by the Borrower shall be made without set-off or counterclaim and
free and clear of and without deduction for or on account of any present
or future Taxes of any nature, unless the Borrower is compelled by law to
make payment subject to any such Taxes. In the event that the Borrower is
compelled by law to deduct or withhold any such Taxes, the Borrower shall
(i) pay to the Agent such additional amount as may be necessary to ensure
that the Agent and the Banks receive a net amount equal to that which they
would have received had such deductions or withholdings not been made and
(ii) deliver to the Agent as soon as practicable after any request by it
an official receipt of the payment of any Taxes so
deducted.
|
12.4
|
If
the date on which a payment is due to be made hereunder is not a Banking
Day, such date of payment shall be the first following Banking Day unless
payment would thereby be made in a new calendar month, in which case the
payment shall be made on the preceding Banking
Day.
|
12.5
|
Interest
and any other payments hereunder of an annual nature shall accrue from day
to day and be calculated on the actual number of days elapsed on the basis
of a 360 days year.
|
12.6
|
If
any amount of Principal is for any reason repaid on a day other than a
Repayment Date, the
Borrower shall pay to the Agent on demand such amount as may be necessary
to compensate the Agent and the Banks for any loss, premium or penalty
incurred by them in respect of the liquidation or reemployment of funds
borrowed for the purpose of maintaining the amount
repaid.
|
12
12.7
|
The
Borrower shall promptly, on demand by a Bank, pay to that Bank the amount
of any increased cost relating to this Loan Agreement incurred by it as a
result of:
|
(a)
|
any
change in, or any change in the interpretation or application by any
competent authority of, any relevant law or regulation after the date of
this Loan Agreement; or
|
(b)
|
compliance
with any regulation made by a competent authority of the jurisdiction in
which it is incorporated and/or in which its principal office is located
after the date of this Loan Agreement, including any law or regulation
relating to taxation (save for tax on overall net income and to the extent
such increased cost is attributable to a Tax deduction or withholding
required by law to be made by the Borrower or compensated for by Clause
12.3), or reserve asset, special deposit, cash ratio, liquidity or capital
adequacy requirements or any other form of banking or monetary
control.
|
12.8
|
In
this Loan Agreement, "increased cost"
means:
|
(a)
|
an
additional cost incurred by a Bank as a result of the Bank having entered
into, or performing, maintaining or funding its obligations under this
Loan Agreement save for an increase in general administration cost of such
Bank;
|
(b)
|
a
reduction in any amount payable to a Bank or the effective return to a
Bank on its capital which would not have occurred had that Bank not
entered into this Loan Agreement;
or
|
(c)
|
the
amount of any payment made by a Bank, or the amount of any interest or
other return foregone by a Bank, calculated by reference to any amounts
received or receivable by that Bank from the Agent or the Borrower under
this Loan Agreement,
|
all as
certified by the relevant Bank, such certificate to set out in reasonable detail
the circumstances giving rise to the claim for payment of increased costs and
the calculations of the amount claimed and shall be conclusive evidence, save
for manifest error, of the amount due from the Borrower.
13
|
SECURITY
|
13.1
|
The
Loan shall at all times, as long as there are any outstanding amount due
according to this Loan Agreement, be secured by the Guarantee stated in
this Loan Agreement and the following Security
Documents:
|
(a)
|
the
Mortgage; and
|
13
(b)
|
the
Assignment Agreement, containing the Assignment of Insurances and the
Assignment of Earnings.
|
13.2
|
All
the Security Documents shall serve as security for the Loan on a pari
passu basis on first priority over the respective
assets.
|
13.3
|
The
Swap Provider's exposure under the ISDA Agreement shall at all times be
secured by the second priority mortgage on the
Vessel.
|
14
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
|
14.1
|
The
Borrower represents and warrants to the Agent and the Banks as
follows:
|
(a)
|
The
Borrower is a limited liability company wholly owned by the Guarantor,
duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of Norway, in good
standing, and has the power to own and operate its
assets;
|
(b)
|
The
Borrower has the power to enter into and perform, and has taken all
necessary corporate action to authorise the entry into, performance and
delivery of each of the Finance Documents, and the transactions
contemplated therein;
|
(c)
|
Each
of the Finance Document constitutes (or will, when executed by the
respective parties thereto, constitute) legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Borrower and/or the Guarantor, enforceable in
accordance with its terms and, save as provided for therein and/or as have
been or shall be completed prior to the Drawdown Date, no registration,
filing, payment of Tax or fees or other formalities are necessary or
desirable to render the relevant Finance Document enforceable against the
respective parties and, in respect of the Vessel, for the Mortgage to
constitute valid and enforceable first priority
mortgage;
|
(d)
|
The
entry into and performance by the Borrower of the Finance Documents and
the transactions contemplated thereby do not and will not conflict
with:
|
|
(i)
|
any
present law or regulation or judicial or official order applicable to
it;
|
(ii)
|
its
articles of association or other constitutional documents;
or
|
(iii)
|
any
document or agreement which is binding on the
Borrower;
|
(e)
|
All
authorisations and consents required in connection with the entry into,
performance, validity and enforceability of, and the transactions
contemplated by, each of the Finance Documents, and for the Borrower to
carry on its business, have been obtained and are in full force and
effect, or will be obtained prior to the Borrower serving the Drawdown
Notice hereunder;
|
(f)
|
The
accounts of the Borrower most recently delivered to the
Agent:
|
(i)
|
have
been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
in Norway, consistently
applied;
|
14
(ii)
|
fairly
represent the financial conditions of the Borrower, as at the date on
which they were drawn up;
|
and there
has been no material adverse change in the financial condition of the Borrower
since the date on which those accounts were drawn up, which might reasonably be
expected to have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Borrower to
perform its obligations under the Finance Documents;
(g)
|
AH
financial documents and information relating to the Borrower or otherwise
relevant to the matters contemplated by this Loan Agreement which have
been supplied by or on behalf of the Borrower to the Agent are complete
and, as at the date of such documents or information, correct in all
material respects, and the Borrower has not omitted to disclose to the
Agent any off-balance sheet liabilities or other information, documents or
agreements which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to affect the
decision of the Agent or the Banks to enter into this Loan
Agreement.
|
(h)
|
No
litigation, arbitration or administrative proceedings are current or, to
theBorrower's knowledge, pending or threatened against the Borrower which
might, if adversely determined, be reasonably expected to have a material
adverse effect on its ability to perform its obligations under any of the
Finance Documents;
|
(i)
|
The
Borrower is operating its business and the Vessel in compliance with all
relevant applicable laws, including but not limited to the Safety
Regulations, the Environmental Laws, and any other applicable laws and
regulations;
|
(j)
|
The
Borrower has delivered all necessary tax returns to the relevant taxation
authorities and the Borrower is not in default in the payment of Taxes,
and no material claim is being asserted with respect to
Taxes;
|
(k)
|
The
Borrower complies in all respects with all Environmental Laws applicable
to it or the Vessel, including without limitation, requirements relating
to establishment of financial responsibility and obtained the
Environmental Approval applicable to it and the
Vessel.
|
14.2
|
The
representations and warranties set out in Clause 14 are made by the
Borrower on the date of this Loan Agreement and shall be deemed to be
repeated by the Borrower at the date of the Drawdown Notice and each
Interest Period selection notice, as well as the first day in each
Interest Period, with reference to the facts and circumstances then
existing, unless otherwise notified to the Agent in writing, and if not
permitted under this Loan Agreement, waived by the Banks prior to such
dates.
|
15
|
COVENANTS
AND UNDERTAKINGS
|
15.1
|
Each
of the Borrower and the Guarantor undertakes with the Banks that, as long
as any amount is owed to the Banks hereunder, it will comply with the
following covenants and undertakings set out in this Clause 15. Each of
the Borrower and the Guarantor undertake to promptly inform the Agent in
writing of any occurrence or event which constitutes or may constitute a
breach of the covenants and undertakings which apply to it pursuant to
this Clause 15.
|
15
15.2
|
Each
of the Borrower and the Guarantor undertakes to deliver to the Agent the
following (which, upon the reasonable request of the Agent shall be in the
English language):
|
(a)
|
1
(one) copy confirmed by its auditor (who shall be an authorised public
accountant) of its audited balance sheets as of the close of each
financial year and audited statement(s) of profit and loss, cash flow
reports and annual reports within 150 (one hundred and fifty) days after
the close of each financial
year;
|
(b)
|
its
unaudited consolidated financial statements within 90 (ninety) days after
the end of the 1st,
2nd
and 3rd
calendar quarter;
|
(c)
|
such
financial and other information as the Agent, in its sole discretion, may
from time to time reasonably
request;
|
15.3
|
The
Guarantor undertakes, within 90 (ninety) days after the end of each
calendar quarter, to deliver Certificate of Compliance to the Agent, as
confirmation of the Guarantor's compliance with the following financial
covenants, all calculated on a consolidated basis and in accordance with
GAAP:
|
(a)
|
Working
Capital: The ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities to
remain greater than 1.1:1.0.
|
(b)
|
Minimum Leverage
Ratio: The ratio of consolidated Net Interest Bearing Debt to
EBITDA (including any lease obligations) on a trailing four quarter basis
shall at no time be greater than
4:1.
|
(c)
|
Minimum Book
Equity: The Book Equity shall at all times be no less than 35% of
the aggregate of (i) the Book Equity and (ii) the Total
Liabilities.
|
The above
financial terms shall in the context of this clause 15.3 on the date of
calculation be defined as follows all in accordance with
GAAP:
"Current Assets" shall mean on
a consolidated basis for the Group, the aggregate of (i) the account
receivables, Free Cash and marketable securities, trade and other receivables
realisable within one year and (ii) inventories and prepaid expenses which are
to be charged to income within one year.
"Free
Cash" shall mean on a consolidated basis for the Group, the aggregate amount
(expressed in USD or as a USD equivalent) of all amounts of the Guarantor which
are standing to the credit of current and deposit accounts with banks and other
deposit talcing institutions, excluding prepaid amounts and any amounts to which
the right of access or use is blocked or restricted (whether by way of
encumbrance or otherwise).
"Current Liabilities" shall
mean on a consolidated basis for the Group, the aggregate amount of the
Guarantor's trade credits and the aggregate liabilities towards other creditors
in respect of operating items payable within one year, including any accrued
interest.
16
"EBITDA" shall mean on a
consolidated basis for the Group, the consolidated earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation, amortisation, and any gain or loss from sale of assets or
other extraordinary gains and losses.
"Net Interest Bearing Debt"
shall mean on a consolidated basis for the Group, the aggregate interest
bearing debt including financial lease obligations less Free Cash.
"Book Equity" shall mean the
book equity on a consolidated basis for the Group.
"Total Liabilities" shall mean
the book value of the total liabilities on a consolidated basis for the
Group.
15.4
|
The
Borrower further undertakes that as long as any amount is outstanding
under this Loan Agreement:
|
(a)
|
it
will promptly inform the Agent of any occurrence or event of which it
becomes aware which constitutes an Event of Default or will materially
adversely affect the Borrower's ability to perform its obligations
hereunder or under any of the Finance
Documents;
|
(b)
|
It
will provide the Agent in writing, promptly upon becoming aware of them,
relevant details of any litigation, arbitration or administrative
proceedings, hereunder any environmental claim, which are current or, to
its knowledge, threatened or pending against it and which might, if
adversely determined, be reasonably expected to have a material adverse
effect on its ability to perform its obligations under the Finance
Documents, and further details of any such matters previously disclosed to
the Agent, as the Banks may reasonably
request;
|
(c)
|
it
will not make any changes to its by-laws or merge, demerge, consolidate or
liquidate or in any other way make any amendments to its corporate status
without the prior written consent of the Agent on behalf of the
Banks;
|
(d)
|
it
will not make any changes in its fiscal year, the nature of its business,
its company name, its legal structure or organisation and/or its corporate
seat without the Agent's prior written consent on behalf of the
Banks;
|
(e)
|
it
will at all times manage its business and the Vessel in compliance with
all relevant applicable laws and regulations and notify the Agent
immediately of any breach thereof;
|
(f)
|
it
will procure that the Vessel is insured according to the following terms
and conditions:
|
(i)
|
the
Vessel shall be fully insured against such risks, in such amounts, on such
terms (always applying Norwegian law and including the terms of the
Norwegian Marine Insurance Plan of 1996, version 2002 (as amended from
time to time) as the Agent may approve (such approval not to be
unreasonably withheld). Such insurances shall include, but not be limited
to Hull and Machinery, Hull Interest, Freight Interest, Protection &
Indemnity (including a maximum club cover for oil pollution liability for
the Vessel, presently USD 1,000,000,000), War Risk (including terrorism)
and Loss of Hire.
|
17
(ii)
|
Insurance
shall be maintained with first class underwriters and insurance companies
and at terms acceptable to the Agent and shall note and maintain the
notation of the Agent (on behalf of the Banks) as mortgagee and as further
set out in the loss payable clause in the Assignment
Agreement.
|
(iii)
|
The
insured value of the Vessel shall at all times be equal to or higher than
its Market Value, and the aggregate insured value of the Vessel shall be
equal to or greater than 125 % (hundred and twenty
five per cent) of the Loan.
|
|
Furthermore,
the Hull and Machinery insured value of each Vessel shall at all times
cover 80 % (eighty per cent) of its Market Value, and the aggregate Hull
and Machinery insured value of all Vessels shall be equal to or greater
than the Loan, while the remaining cover may be taken out by way of Hull
and Freight Interest
insurances.
|
(iv)
|
insurance
premiums shall be paid punctually and the Borrower shall renew the
insurances timely and deliver the annual certificates to the Agent
evidencing that the Vessel is insured and that the Agent (on behalf of the
Banks) is noted as mortgagee in the Vessel's insurance policies with first
priority; and
|
(v)
|
In
addition to the insurances specified above, the Agent may require (a) a
Mortgagees Interest Insurance (M.I.I) and (b) when and if the Vessel is
operating the territory of the United States of America, Mortgagee
Interest Additional Perils insurance, in which case the Borrower shall
procure that the Agent be reimbursed, or reimburse the Agent, in full all
and any costs incurred by the Agent to secure the interest of the Banks in
relation thereto.
|
(g)
|
it
will at all times comply with the Safety Regulations and the Environmental
Laws applicable to any of them from time to time, and comply with all
international conventions and regulations, including SOLAS conventions and
the International Management code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for
Pollution Prevention adopted by the International Maritime Organisation.
In particular, the Borrower shall ensure compliance with the ISM Code and
shall ensure that any charterer and any company performing management
services on behalf of the Borrower complies with said conventions and
regulations;
|
(h)
|
it
will deliver to the Agent copies of all relevant certificates required
under the Safety Regulations and Environmental Laws when such certificates
are required by the relevant
authorities.
|
(i)
|
it
will promptly notify the Agent in writing (in case of urgency by telefax)
of:
|
(i)
|
any
accident to the Vessel involving repairs where the cost is likely to
exceed USD 100,000 (or the equivalent in any other
currency);
|
(ii)
|
any
occurrence in consequence whereof the Vessel has become or is likely to
become a Total Loss;
|
(iii)
|
any
arrest, capture, seizure, detention or confiscation of the Vessel or the
exercise or purported exercise of any lien on the
Vessel;
|
18
(j)
|
it
will as soon as possible and in no event later than 30 days after the
Borrower, or any of its key employees become aware of the same, procure
that any arrest or other similar charges against the Vessel shall be
released;
|
(k)
|
the
Borrower shall maintain the Vessel classified in the highest class with
either Bureau Veritas or another classification society acceptable to the
Agent, and not change such classification society without the prior
written consent of the Agent;
|
(1)
|
it
will not change the flag of the Vessel or register or grant or permit
any mortgage
or other encumbrance over the Vessel other than permitted by this Loan
Agreement (hereunder the second priority mortgage over the Vessel as
security for the Borrower's obligations under the Swap arrangement with
the Swap Provider) without the prior written consent of the Agent on
behalf of the Banks;
|
(m)
|
it
shall semi-annually (or up to quarterly if the Agent deem that the
circumstances require updated reports) establish the Market Value and
submit the written report thereof to the Agent, and shall procure that the
Market Value at all times exceeds 130% of the
Loan.
|
15.5
|
The
Guarantor further undertakes that as long as any amount is outstanding
under this Loan Agreement:
|
(a)
|
it
will not permit any changes of ownership and/or control of the Borrower
without the prior written consent of the Agent on behalf of the
Banks;
|
(b)
|
it
will not make any changes in its fiscal year, the nature of its business
or that of its subsidiaries, its company name, its legal structure or
organisation and/or its corporate seat without the Agent's prior written
consent on behalf of the
Banks;
|
(c)
|
it
will promptly inform the Agent of any occurrence or event of which it
becomes aware which constitutes an Event of Default or will materially
adversely affect the Borrower's or the Guarantor's ability to perform
their respective obligations hereunder or under any of the Finance
Documents;
|
(d)
|
it
will not, and shall ensure that the subsidiaries of the Guarantor shall
not, merge, demerge, consolidate or liquidate or in any other way make any
amendments to its corporate status without the prior written consent of
the Agent on behalf of the Banks;
|
(e)
|
it
will maintain its listing on the Oslo Stock Exchange at all
times.
|
15.6
|
The
Borrower may enter into interest rate hedging arrangements on the terms
and conditions of the ISDA Agreement for a notional amount not exceeding
the Loan and for periods up to the Final Maturity
Date.
|
16
|
EVENTS
OF DEFAULT
|
16.1
|
Each
of the following events or circumstances is an Event of
Default:
|
19
(a)
|
the
Borrower fails to pay any sum due hereunder on the due date provided,
however, that it shall not be an Event of Default if such failure is due
to an administrative or technical banking error and such failure is
remedied within three (3) Banking
Days;
|
(b)
|
the
Borrower and/or the Guarantor otherwise defaults in the due performance or
observance of any undertaking, covenant or other obligation or term
contained herein or in any of the Finance Documents. No Event of Default
under this paragraph (b) will occur if, in the reasonable opinion of the
Agent, the failure to comply is capable of remedy and is remedied within
10 Business Days of the earlier of the Agent giving notice to the Borrower
and/or the Guarantor and the Borrower and/or the Guarantor becoming aware
of the failure to comply. For the avoidance of doubt, a breach of Clauses
15.4 (f) (insurances) and 15.4(1) (flag) is not capable of
remedy.
|
(c)
|
a
change of ownership and/or control of the Borrower shall occur without the
Agent's prior written
consent;
|
(d)
|
any
representation or warranty made by the Borrower in this Loan Agreement or
in the Finance Documents or in any notice, certificate or statement
delivered or made pursuant hereto proves to have been inaccurate or
misleading in any material respect when
made;
|
(e)
|
a
material adverse change shall occur with respect to the financial
condition of the Borrower and/or the Guarantor or any creditor of the said
parties declares a default, or is capable of declaring a default under any
agreement imposing obligations upon the Borrower or the Guarantor in
amounts exceeding USD 1,000,000 and USD 5,000,000, respectively, provided
that the defaulting party is unable to demonstrate to the satisfaction of
the Banks within seven (7) Banking Days after the declaration of such
default that the subject party is not in
default;
|
(f)
|
the
Borrower and/or the Guarantor is unable or admits in writing its inability
to pay its lawful debts as they mature or makes a general assignment for
the benefit of its creditors;
|
(g)
|
any
proceedings are commenced or any judgement or order is given by a
competent court or any effective resolution is passed for or with the view
to bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganisation of the Borrower and/or the
Guarantor or for the appointment of a receiver, trustee or liquidator of
the Borrower and/or the Guarantor or all or any substantial part of its
assets unless contested in good
faith;
|
(h)
|
the
Borrower and/or the Guarantor ceases or threatens to cease to carry on
its business
otherwise than, in case of the Borrower, following the voluntary sale of
the Vessel, or disposes or threaten to dispose of a substantial part of
its assets or the same are seized or appropriated for any
reason;
|
(i)
|
the
Borrower shall suffer a material adverse change in its financial position
which, in the reasonable opinion of the Banks, will adversely affect the
Borrower's ability to repay the
Loan;
|
(j)
|
any
governmental or other consent, approval or authorisation necessary for the
Borrower to fulfil all its obligations hereunder or otherwise to give full
effect to any of the Finance Documents is revoked or otherwise modified in
a manner unacceptable to the Banks in their reasonable
opinion;
|
20
(k)
|
any
of the Security Documents cease to be in full force and effect on the
priority as required by Clause 13;
and
|
(1)
|
it
becomes impossible or unlawful for the Borrower to fulfil any of its
undertakings
or other obligations under this Loan Agreement and the Security Documents
or for the Agent or the Banks to exercise any of their rights
thereunder.
|
16.2
|
Upon
the occurrence of an Event of Default the Agent may, and if so instructed
by the Majority Banks, give notice to the Borrower declaring that the
obligations of the Banks hereunder shall terminate forthwith and the Loan
shall become immediately due and payable by the Borrower together with
accrued interest thereon as set out in Clause
7.
|
16.3
|
Notwithstanding
any notice under Clause 16.2, the Banks shall be entitled to exercise any
remedy conferred upon the Banks by this Loan Agreement and any of the
Security Documents upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default.
|
17
|
CHANGES
IN CIRCUMSTANCE
|
17.1
|
In
the event that any of the Banks by reason of circumstances affecting the
market are unable at the relevant time to obtain deposits in USD in the
London Interbank Eurocurrency Market to fund the Commitment or the Loan
(as the case may be), the Agent shall forthwith notify the Borrower
thereof and until such notice is withdrawn the obligation of the Banks to
advance the Commitment or the Loan (as the case may be) shall be
suspended. The Banks shall then endeavour to fund the relevant part of the
Commitment or the Loan (as the case may be) with USD from such alternative
sources as may be available to them and in such case the rate of interest
payable on such amount by the Borrower shall be the aggregate of the
Margin and the rate as the Banks shall from time to time certify as being
the cost to them of the relevant
funds.
|
17.2
|
If
any of the Banks are unable to fund the relevant USD amount from
alternative sources, or the Borrower does not accept the terms of such
alternative funding (which the Borrower shall be at liberty to do), the
Borrower shall repay to the Agent (for the account of the Banks) the Loan
or the affected part thereof together with accrued interest thereon on the
earlier of the date falling five (5) Banking Days after receipt of written
notice thereof and the next Interest Payment
Date.
|
17.3
|
If,
at any time when any of the Banks are funding from alternative sources,
they find that USD deposits again are available to diem in the London
Eurocurrency Market they shall forthwith notify the Borrower via the Agent
and resume the ordinary terms of this Loan Agreement as soon as the
alternative source funding may be converted into ordinary funding
hereunder.
|
17.4
|
In
the event that it shall become unlawful for any of the Banks or the Agent
to make the Commitment available or maintain or fund the Loan (as the case
may be) or any part thereof, then the Banks' obligations shall terminate
and all amounts owing by the Borrower to all the Banks hereunder shall
become due and payable on demand.
|
21
17.5
|
In
the event that any law, regulation or official directive (having the force
of law) or change in the same shall subject any of the Banks to any Taxes
or impose any reserve, deposit or other requirement (including capital
adequacy) which results in an increase in the cost to any of the Banks of
making available the Commitment or maintaining or funding the Loan (as the
case may be) or results in a reduction in the amount of Principal or
interest receivable by any of the Banks by an amount which is deemed by
such Banks to be material, then such Banks shall promptly upon becoming
aware of the same notify the Borrower in writing via the Agent of the
amount required to compensate such Banks for such additional cost or
reduced receipt. Such amount which is relevant in the circumstances shall
be payable by the Borrower on the earlier of the date falling ten (10)
Banking Days after receipt of such written notice and the next following
Interest Payment Date. If the Borrower chooses to prepay the Loan, the
Borrower shall nevertheless compensate the Banks for such reasonable
additional cost or reduced receipt up to and including the date of
prepayment.
|
18
|
FEES
AND COSTS
|
18.1
|
The
Borrower shall pay to the
Agent:
|
(a)
|
a
non-refundable arrangement fee in an amount equal to 0.25 % (zero point
twenty five per cent) of the Commitment due and payable to the Agent on
the Drawdown Date for further distribution to the Banks at the discretion
of the Agent;
|
(b)
|
a
non-refundable commitment fee of 0.25% (zero point twenty five per cent)
per annum calculated on the basis of the difference between the Commitment
and the amount drawn under the Original Loan, payable from the signing of
the firm offer until the Commitment is fully drawn (or such earlier date
as the Commitment is cancelled or
terminated);
|
(c)
|
a
non-refundable agency fee of NOK 25,000 per year, due and payable to the
Agent in advance for each year, first time on the Drawdown Date and
thereafter on each anniversary thereof until the earlier of the Final
Repayment Date or cancellation or termination of the
Loan;
|
(d)
|
upon
demand, all legal expenses (including external legal assistance) and other
reasonable expenses incurred by the Agent and the Banks in connection with
the preparation, syndication, execution and (where appropriate) recording
of this Loan Agreement and the Security Documents and any other document
incidental hereto and in protecting or enforcing any rights of the Agent
and the Banks hereunder or otherwise in connection with the Loan and the
Finance Documents.
|
19
|
CURRENCY
INDEMNITY
|
19.1
|
The
Borrower hereby agrees that no payment to the Agent or the Banks
hereunder pursuant to any
judgement or order of any court or otherwise shall operate to discharge
the obligations of the Borrower unless and until payment in full shall
have been received in the currency in which the Loan is outstanding. To
the extent that the amount of any such payment shall be made in a currency
other than the currency of the Loan and on actual conversion from such
currency shall fall short of the amount of the relevant obligation
expressed in the currency of the Loan, the Agent and the Banks shall have
a further and separate cause of action against the Borrower for the
recovery of such sum as shall after conversion into the currency of the
Loan be equal to the amount of the
shortfall.
|
22
20
|
TRANSFER
AND PARTICIPATION
|
20.1
|
This
Loan Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
Banks, the Agent, the Borrower and the Guarantor and their respective
successors and permitted
assigns.
|
20.2
|
The
Borrower or the Guarantor may not assign or transfer any of the rights or
obligations under this Loan Agreement without the prior written consent of
the Banks.
|
20.2
|
The
Banks may transfer the Commitment and the Loan in whole or in part to
other banks or financial institutions. The Borrower and the Guarantor
agree to sign all documents which in the reasonable opinion of the Agent
or the Banks are necessary or desirable to effectuate such transfer,
including but not limited to relevant supplements or renewals for the
Security Documents. The transferring Bank shall cover costs related to
initial transfers to affiliated banks. Reasonable costs related to
subsequent transfers to other banks or financial institutions shall be
covered by the Borrower only in the event such transfer is motivated by
reasons (such as new regulations) outside the control of the transferring
Bank. The Agent shall in any event continue to act as
Agent.
|
20.3
|
In
the event the Banks transfer any part of the Commitment and/or the Loan
according to Clause 21.2, references herein to the Banks shall, as the
context shall permit, be understood to mean the Banks and/or their
transferees. The obligations and liabilities of each Bank in relation to
the Commitment and in relation to renewals of and otherwise with respect
to the Loan, shall be several in proportion to their respective
participation in the Commitment and the Loan unless otherwise specified
herein.
|
21
|
GUARANTEE
AND INDEMNITY
|
21.1
|
The
Guarantor irrevocably and
unconditionally:
|
(a)
|
guarantees
to the Agent and each Bank, as and for its own debt and not merely as
surety (Norwegian:"
selvskyldnerkausjonist"), the punctual performance by the Borrower
of all of the Borrower's obligations under the Finance
Documents;
|
(b)
|
undertakes
with the Agent and each Bank that whenever the Borrower does not pay any
amount when due under or in connection with any of Finance Documents, the
Guarantor shall immediately on demand by the Agent pay that amount as if
it were the principal obligor;
and
|
23
(c)
|
indemnifies
the Agent and each Bank immediately on demand against any cost, loss or
liability suffered by that party if any obligation guaranteed by the
Guarantor is or becomes unenforceable, invalid or illegal. The amount of
the cost, loss or liability shall be equal to the amount which that party
would otherwise have been entitled to
recover.
|
21.2
|
The
obligations of the Guarantor hereunder (the "Guarantee Obligations")
are continuing obligations and will extend to the ultimate balance
of sums payable by the Borrower under the Finance Documents, regardless of
any intermediate payment or discharge in whole or in
part.
|
21.3
|
The
liability of the Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to USD 18,000,000,
plus any unpaid amount of interest, fees, liability and expenses under the
Finance Documents.
|
21.4
|
If
any payment by the Borrower or any discharge given by a Bank (whether in
respect of the obligations of the Borrower or any security for those
obligations or otherwise) is avoided or reduced as a result of insolvency
or any similar event:
|
(a)
|
the
liability of the Guarantor shall continue as if the payment, discharge,
avoidance or reduction had not occurred;
and
|
(b)
|
each
Bank shall be entitled to recover the value or amount of that security or
payment from the Guarantor, as if the payment, discharge, avoidance or
reduction had not occurred.
|
21.5
|
The
obligations of the Guarantor under this Clause 21 will not be affected by
an act, omission, matter or thing which, but for this Clause 21, would
reduce, release or prejudice any of its obligations under this Clause 21
(without limitation and whether or not known to it or any Bank)
including:
|
(a)
|
any
time, waiver or consent granted to, or composition with, the Borrower or
other person;
|
(b)
|
the
release of the Borrower or any other person under the terms of any
composition or arrangement with any creditor of the
Borrower;
|
(c)
|
the
taking, variation, compromise, exchange, renewal or release of, or refusal
or neglect to perfect, take up or enforce, any rights against, or security
over assets of the Borrower or other person or any non-presentation or
non-observance of any formality or other requirement in respect of any
instrument or any failure to realise the full value of any
security;
|
(d)
|
any
incapacity or lack of power, authority or legal personality of or
dissolution or change in the members or status of the Borrower or any
other person;
|
(e)
|
any
amendment (however fundamental) or replacement of any of the Finance
Documents or any other document or
security;
|
24
(f)
|
any
unenforceability, illegality or invalidity of any obligation of any person
under any of the Finance Documents or any other document or security;
or
|
(g)
|
any
insolvency or similar
proceedings.
|
21.6
|
Furthermore,
the Guarantor specifically waives all rights under the provisions of the
Norwegian Financial Agreements Act 1999 (as amended) not being mandatory
provisions, including (but not limited to) the following provisions (the
main contents of the relevant provisions being as indicated in the
brackets):
|
(a)
|
§
63 (1) - (2) (to be notified of any Event of Default hereunder and to be
kept informed thereof);
|
(b)
|
§
63 (3) (to be notified of any extension granted to the Borrower in payment
of principal and/or
interest);
|
(c)
|
§
63 (4) (to be notified of the Borrower's bankruptcy proceedings or debt
reorganisation proceedings and/or any application for the
latter);
|
(d)
|
§
65 (3) (that the consent of the Guarantor is required for the Guarantor to
be bound by amendments to the Finance Documents that may be detrimental to
its interest);
|
(e)
|
§
67 (2) (about any reduction of the Guarantor's liabilities hereunder,
since no such reduction shall apply as long as any amount is outstanding
under the Finance Documents);
|
(f)
|
§
67 (4) (that the Guarantor's liabilities hereunder shall lapse after ten
(10) years, as the Guarantor shall remain liable hereunder as long as any
amount is outstanding under any of the Finance
Documents);
|
(g)
|
§
70 (as the Guarantor shall have no right of subrogation into the rights of
the Agent and/or theBanks under the Finance Documents until and unless the
Agent and the Banks shall have received all amounts due or to become due
to them under the Finance
Documents);
|
(h)
|
§
71 (as the Agent or the Banks shall have no liability first to make demand
upon or seek to enforce remedies against the Borrower or any other
security provided in respect of the Borrower's liabilities under the
Transaciton Documents before demanding payment under or seeking to enforce
the Guarantee Obligations of the Guarantor
hereunder);
|
(i)
|
§
72 (as all interest and default interest due under any of the Finance
Documents shall be secured by the Guarantee Obligations of the Guarantor
hereunder);
|
(j)
|
§
73 (l)-(2) (as all costs and expenses related to an Event of Default under
this Loan Agreement shall be secured by the Guarantee Obligations of the
Guarantor hereunder); and
|
(k)
|
§ 74 (1) -
(2) (as the Guarantor shall not make any claim against the Borrower for
payment until and unless the Agent and the Banks first shall have received
all amounts due or to become due to them under the Finance
Documents).
|
25
21.7
|
The
Guarantor waives any right it may have of first requiring any Bank (or the
Agent on its behalf) to proceed against or enforce any other rights or
security or claim payment from any person before claiming from the
Guarantor under this Clause 21. This waiver applies irrespective of any
law or any provision of any of the Finance Documents to the
contrary.
|
21.8
|
Until
all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrower under or in
connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full,
each Bank (or the Agent on its behalf)
may:
|
(a)
|
refrain
from applying or enforcing any other moneys, security or rights held or
received by that Bank (or the Agent on its behalf) in respect of those
amounts, or apply and enforce the same in such manner and order as it sees
fit (whether against those amounts or otherwise) and the Guarantor shall
be entitled to the benefit of the same;
and
|
(b)
|
hold
in an interest-bearing suspense account any moneys received from the
Guarantor or on account of the Guarantor's liability under this Clause
21.
|
21.8
|
Until
all amounts which may be or become payable by the Borrower under or in
connection with the Finance Documents have been irrevocably paid in full
and unless the Agent otherwise directs, the Guarantor shall not exercise
any rights which it may have by reason of performance by it of its
obligations under the Finance
Documents:
|
(a)
|
to
be indemnified by the
Borrower;
|
(b)
|
to
take the benefit (in whole or in part and whether by way of subrogation or
otherwise) of any rights of the Agent or the Banks under the Finance
Documents or security taken pursuant
thereto.
|
21.9
|
This
guarantee is in addition to and is not in any way prejudiced by any other
guarantee or security now or subsequently held by the Agent or any
Bank.
|
22
|
AGENCY
|
22.1
|
Each
Bank irrevocably authorizes the Agent to take such action on such Bank's
behalf and to exercise such powers under this Loan Agreement as are
specifically delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof together with all
such other powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. The relationship
between the Agent and each Bank is that of agent and principal only, and
nothing herein shall be deemed to impose on the Agent any obligations
other than those for which express provision is made herein. In performing
its duties and functions hereunder, the Agent shall exercise the same care
as it normally exercises in making and handling loans for its own account.
The Agent assumes no responsibility and neither the Agent nor any of its
officers, directors, employees or agents shall be liable to the Banks or
any of them for any action taken or omitted to be taken hereunder or in
connection with the Finance Documents unless caused by its or its
employees' or its agents' gross negligence or willful
misconduct.
|
22.2
|
Except
as otherwise expressly provided herein, the Agent shall distribute
promptly to each of the Banks, in proportion to each Bank's participation
in the Loan, all sums
received by it on behalf of the Banks
hereunder.
|
26
22.3
|
If
any Bank at any time receives or recovers by set-off or otherwise any sum
which it is obliged (or being so entitled has elected) to apply towards
payment of any amount due to it hereunder (otherwise than amounts
specifically payable at that Bank under the terms of this Loan Agreement)
then such Bank shall be obliged to offer to each other Bank through the
Agent such payment by way of an adjustment in the amount as may be
necessary to ensure that at all times each Bank receives the same
proportion of principal, interest and commitment commission due to it
under this Loan Agreement as each other Bank, provided, however, that such
offer may be conditional upon each Bank who may accept such offer (the
"Accepting Bank") agreeing to indemnify the Bank making such offer (the
"Offering Bank") in terms reasonably acceptable to the Offering Bank
against any loss (other than the loss suffered by such payment by way of
adjustment) which the Offering Bank may subsequently suffer by reason of
having made such payment by way of adjustment to such Accepting
Bank.
|
As
between the Borrower and the Offering Banks, the Borrower shall remain indebted
to the Offering Bank under this Loan Agreement in the amount paid by the
Offering Bank to the Accepting Banks as if the Offering Bank had not received or
recovered such amount.
22.4
|
The
Agent will promptly advise the Banks of each notice received by it from
the Borrower and/or the Guarantor hereunder unless the subject matter of
such notice calls for action or attention to the Agent only. The Agent
shall not be under any obligation to ascertain or inquire as to the
performance or observance by the Borrower of its obligations hereunder
other than (a) the Borrower's obligations to make payments on the due date
therefore, and (b) the monitoring of continued insurance of the Vessel in
accordance with this Loan
Agreement.
|
22.5
|
Each
Bank shall, in proportion to such Bank's participation in the Commitment
and the Loan, reimburse the Agent on demand for all expenses incurred by
the Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of
this Loan Agreement and the Security Documents and any amendments thereto,
the preservation or enforcement of any right of the Agent or the Banks
hereunder and thereunder or otherwise in connection with the Loan, and
shall indemnify and hold the Agent harmless against any loss or liability
which the Agent may suffer or incur by reason of an action taken or
omitted by it as the Agent hereunder except such as results from the
Agent's gross negligence or wilful misconduct, all to the extent that such
expenses are reimbursable under Clause 12.7 but shall not have been
recovered from or indemnified by the
Borrower.
|
22.6
|
In
performing its duties and exercising its power hereunder the Agent will be
entitled to rely in good faith on (a) any document and communication
believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or sent by the person
by whom it purports to have been signed or sent and (b) the opinions and
statements of professional advisers selected by it in connection herewith,
and shall not be liable to any other party for any consequence of any such
reliance.
|
22.7
|
The
Agent shall not be responsible to any Bank for the truth or accuracy of
any representation warranty, undertaking or covenant given or made herein
nor for the validity, effectiveness, adequacy or enforceability of this
Loan Agreement. The Agent shall not be required to make any enquiry as to
the performance or observance by the Borrower and/or theguarantor of any
of the terms, provisions or conditions of this Loan Agreement nor the
existence or possible existence of any Event of
Default.
|
27
22.8
|
Each
Bank shall be responsible for making its own independent investigation of
the financial condition and affairs of the Borrower and the Guarantor in
connection with the Commitment and continuance of the Loan and has made
its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of the Borrower and the
Guarantor.
|
23
|
NOTICES
AND MISCELLANEOUS
|
23.1
|
All
notices, requests, demands or other communications to or upon the
respective parties hereto shall be deemed to have been truly given or made
when delivered in writing or by facsimile, at their respective addresses
given below or at such other addresses as the parties may hereafter
specify to each other in
writing:
|
(i)
|
The
Agent:
|
For credit
matters:
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
Att:
Oddbjorn Warpe
XX XXX
0000 Xxxxxxx
0000
XXXX
Telefax:
x00 00 00 00 00
For Loan
Administration:
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
Att:
International Loan Administration
XX XXX
0000 Xxxxxxx
0000
XXXX
Telefax:
x00 00 00 00 00
(ii)
|
The
Borrower:
|
DeepOcean
Shipping AS
Att: CEO
Xxxxxxx Skaleskog
Telefax:+
47 52 70 04 0J
(iii)
|
The Guarantor:
DeepOcean
ASA
|
Att: CFO
Xxxxxxx Skaleskog
Telefax:+
47 52 70 04 01
28
23.2
|
Communications
sent by letter or telefax shall be effective on receipt if received within
normal business hours on a Banking Day at the place of receipt and
otherwise at 09.00 hours on the next following Banking Day. Any
communication by telefax sent by the Borrower or the Guarantor to the
Agent or the Banks shall be confirmed by letter if so
requested.
|
23.3
|
Any
notice given under or in connection with any Finance Document must be in
English. All other documents provided under or in connection with any
Finance Document must be:
|
(a)
|
in
English; or
|
(b)
|
if
not in English, and if so required by the Agent, accompanied by a
certified English translation and, in this case, the English translation
will prevail unless the document is a constitutional, statutory or other
official document. The Agent may require an English translation only if
one or more of the Finance Parties is
non-Norwegian.
|
23.4
|
No
failure or delay on the part of the Banks or the Agent to exercise any
power, right or remedy under this Loan Agreement or any of the Security
Documents shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or
partial exercise by the Banks or the Agent of any power, right or remedy
preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any
other power, right or remedy. The remedies provided herein and in the
Security Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies
provided by law.
|
24
|
LAW
AND JURISDICTION
|
24.1
|
This
Loan Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted under the laws of
Norway.
|
24.2
|
Any
action or proceeding against the Borrower and/or the Guarantor under this
Loan Agreement may be brought and enforced in the courts in the City of
Oslo and in any other court having jurisdiction, whether concurrently or
not.
|
24.3
|
The
choice of venue shall not prevent the Banks from enforcing any of the
Security Documents in other jurisdictions the Banks deem more appropriate,
specifically actions against the Vessel may be enforced where the Vessel
is located or registered,
|
25
|
SIGNATURES
|
This
Agreement has been entered into in three counterparts by their duly authorised
representatives on the date first mentioned above.
29
For
and on behalf of
|
For
and on behalf of
|
|||
DEEPOCEAN
SHIPPING AS
|
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA
|
|||
(as
Borrower)
|
(as
Agent)
|
|||
ILLEGIBLE
|
ILLEGIBLE | |||
Signature
|
Signature
|
|||
For
and on behalf of
|
For
and on behalf of
|
|||
DEEPOCEAN
ASA
|
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA.
|
|||
(as
Guarantor)
|
(as
Bank)
|
|||
ILLEGIBLE | ILLEGIBLE | |||
Signature
|
Signature
|
|||
30
Schedule
1
to the
Loan Agreement
dated 19
November 2007
between
DeepOcean Shipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
LIST
OF BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
THE
BANKS AND THEIR COMMITMENT
Banks
|
Commitment
|
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
|
USD
18,000,000
|
Total
|
USD
18,000,000
|
31
Schedule
2
to the
Loan Agreement
dated 19
November 2007
between
DeepOcean Shipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
CONDITIONS
PRECEDENT
1.
|
Documents
in respect of the Borrower:
|
(a)
|
the
Articles of Association (Norwegian:
"Vedtekter");
|
(b)
|
a
Certificate of Registration (Norwegian:
"Firmaattest");
|
(c)
|
a
resolution of the board of directors authorising the execution of the
Finance Documents to which it is a
party;
|
(d)
|
a
power of attorney to its representatives for the execution and
registration of the Finance Documents to which it is a
party;
|
(e)
|
all
approvals, authorisations and consents required by any government or other
authorities in order for the Borrower to enter into and perform its
obligations under this Loan Agreement and/or any of the Finance Documents
to which it is a party;
|
(f)
|
a
budget, to be delivered to the Agent evidencing the projected operating
expenses of the Vessel on an annual
basis;
|
(g)
|
Confirmation
of acceptance by the Borrower to the Agent's letter setting out the
effective annual interest;
and
|
(h)
|
Evidence
that the fees, costs and expenses then due from the Borrower pursuant to
Clause 18 (Fees and Costs) have been paid or will be paid on the Drawdown
Date.
|
2.
|
Documents
in respect of the Guarantor:
|
(a)
|
the
Articles of Association (Norwegian:
"Vedtekter");
|
(b)
|
a
Certificate of Registration (Norwegian:
"Firmaattest");
|
(c)
|
a
resolution of the Board of Directors authorising the execution of this
Loan Agreement; and
|
(d)
|
most
recent (dated 31 December 2006 or later) audited financial statements
.
|
3.
|
Documents
in respect of the Vessel:
|
(a)
|
evidence
that the Vessel is registered in the name of the Borrower in the Isle of
Man ship registry and that the Mortgage is executed and recorded with its
intended first priority over the Vessel and that no other encumbrances
(except for a second priority mortgage over the Vessel in favour of the
Swap Provider) are registered against the
Vessel;
|
32
(b)
|
an
updated class certificates in respect of the Vessel from the relevant
classification society, confirming that the Vessel is in class with no
overdue conditions or
recommendations;
|
(c)
|
copies
of insurance policies/cover notes documenting that insurance cover has
been taken out in respect of the Vessel in accordance with Clause 15.4 k)
(Insurances), and evidence that the Agent's (on behalf of the Banks)
security interests in the insurance policies have been noted in accordance
with relevant notices and acknowledgements as required under the
Assignment of Insurances; and
|
(d)
|
copies
of the document of compliance with applicable Safety Regulations and any
certificates issued with respect to the Vessel as required by the relevant
authorities at such time.
|
4.
|
The
Finance Documents and related
documents:
|
(a)
|
this
Loan Agreement executed by the Borrower in three (3)
originals;
|
(b)
|
a
copy of the ISDA Agreement and the second priority mortgage over the
Vessel in favour of the Swap
Provider;
|
(c)
|
the
Drawdown Notice;
|
(d)
|
the
Certificate of Compliance;
|
(e)
|
the
Assignment of Insurances;
|
(f)
|
the
Assignment of Earnings;
|
(g)
|
the
Mortgage;
|
(h)
|
the
Deed of Covenants; and
|
(i)
|
the
notices of assignment to and acknowledgement and consent from the relevant
parties as required in the Assignment of Insurances and the Assignment of
Earnings.
|
5.
|
Legal
opinions
|
Favourable
legal opinions in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent from lawyers
appointed by the Agent on matters concerning all relevant
jurisdictions.
6.
|
Other
documents;
|
Such
other documents as the Agent may reasonable require and which shall be requested
in writing from the Borrower within two (2) Banking Days prior to the Drawdown
Date at the latest.
33
Schedule
3
to the
Loan Agreement
dated 19
November 2007
between
DeepOcean Shipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
FORM
OF DRAWDOWN NOTICE
34
FORM OF
DRAWDOWN NOTICE:
[Place
and date]
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA
Att:
Dear
Sirs,
RE:
USD 18,000,000 CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT
We refer
to the credit facility agreement dated 19 November 2007 (the "Loan Agreement")
made between Nordea Bank Norge ASA and certain banks as lenders (the "Banks"),
and Nordea Bank Norge ASA as Agent on behalf of the Banks, and the undersigned
as Borrower, in respect of the captioned loan.
Capitalized
words and expressions are used herein as defined in the Loan
Agreement.
We hereby
give you notice that we wish to draw USD 18,000,000 of the Commitment in the
amount of USD 18,000,000 on [•] 2007 to refinance the loan provided to us
pursuant to the loan agreement dated 20 December 2004 (as later amended) and ask
you upon your satisfaction of the conditions of Clause 6 of the Loan Agreement
to transfer the amount to [account no., account bank and account holder to be
specified].
We hereby
select that the initial Interest Period shall be ____ months.
We hereby
represent and warrant that no event has occurred which constitutes an Event of
Default or which by giving of notice and/or lapse of time would constitute an
Event of Default. We furthermore represent and warrant that our representations
contained in the Loan Agreement are true and accurate at the time hereof with
reference to the facts now subsisting.
Yours
faithfully,
DeepOcean
Shipping AS
___________________
[signed
by duly authorised persons of the Borrower]
35
Schedule
4
to the
Loan Agreement
dated 19
November 2007
between
DeepOcean Shipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA.
FORM
OF CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
36
FORM OF
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE:
[Place
and date]
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA Attn:
Dear
Sirs,
DEEPOCEAN
SHIPPING AS - USD 18,000,000 CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT
We refer
to the credit facility agreement dated 19 November 2007 (the "Loan Agreement")
made between Nordea Bank Norge ASA. and the financial institutions as lenders
(the "Banks"), and Nordea Bank Norge ASA as Agent and arranger on behalf of the
Banks, and the undersigned as Guarantor, in respect of the captioned
loan.
Capitalised
terms defined in the Loan Agreement shall have the same meaning when being used
in this compliance certificate.
With
reference to clause 15.3 of the Agreement, we confirm that as at [date] the following to be a
true:
Covenants
regarding the Guarantor:
Covenant
|
Status
at the date hereof
|
Minimum
requirement
|
Working
Capital
|
The
ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities to be greater than
1.1:1.0.
|
|
Minimum
Leverage Ratio
|
The
ratio of consolidated Net Interest Bearing Debt to EBITDA (including any
lease obligations) on a trailing four quarter basis shall at no time be
greater than 4:1.
|
|
Minimum
Book Equity
|
The
Book Equity shall at all times be no less than 35% of the aggregate of (i)
the Total Book Assets and (ii) the Total
Liabilities
|
No event
has occurred which with or without notice and/or lapse of time would constitute
an Event of Default under the Loan Agreement.
We hereby
repeat the representations and warranties of the Loan Agreement clause 14 which
relate to us to be true and correct in all respects at the date
thereof.
37
Yours
faithfully,
DEEPOCEAN
ASA
__________________
[signed
by duly authorised persons of the Guarantor]
38
Schedule
5
to the
Loan Agreement
dated ] 9
November 2007
between
DeepOceanShipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA.
FORM OF ASSIGNMENT
AGREEMENT
39
ASSIGNMENT
AGREEMENT
between
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA
as
Agent and arranger
and
DEEPOCEAN
SHIPPING AS as Borrower
Dated 19
November 2007
40
This
assignment agreement (the "Assignment Agreement") has
been entered into on this 19th day of
November 2007 between:
(1)
|
Nordea Bank Norge ASA,
XX Xxx 0000, Xxxxxxx, 0000 Xxxx, Xxxxxx, acting as agent for a
syndicate of banks and as bank under the Loan Agreement (as defined below)
(the "Agent");
and
|
(2)
|
DeepOcean Shipping AS, a
Norwegian limited liability company with company registration number 979
45 107 with registered address at Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx,
Xxxxxx (the "Borrower").
|
The
parties to this Assignment Agreement shall be referred to collectively as the
"Parties" and
individually as a "Party".
WHEREAS:
(A)
|
By
a long term credit facility (the "Loan Facility") in the
maximum amount of USD 18,000,000 (eighteen million) on the terms and
conditions set out in a loan agreement dated 19 November 2007 (the "Loan Agreement", which
expression shall include a reference to any agreement and/or instrument
prolonging or refinancing, in part or in whole, the financial indebtedness
as set out therein), between certain banks (the "Banks") (as lenders)
and the Borrower, the Banks have, according to their several obligations,
made the Loan Facility available to the Borrower with the purpose of
refinancing the existing indebtedness in respect of the MV Atlantic
Challenger, a 1990 built /1999 rebuilt offshore construction vessel of
3,372 dwt (the "Vessel")
owned by the Borrower;
|
(B)
|
Any
amount outstanding under the Loan Agreement from time to time shall be
secured by (i) the Assignment of Earnings (including the Factoring
Agreement) and the Assignment of Insurances, as set out in thisAssignment
Agreement, (ii) a first ranking mortgage over the Vessel and (iii) an
on-demand guarantee from DeepOcean ASA, as set forth in the Loan
Agreement.;
|
(C)
|
It
is a condition precedent for the utilisation of the Loan Facility that the
Borrower enter into this Assignment Agreement and grants, in favour of the
Agent (on behalf of the Banks) the collateral security set out
herein.
|
NOW
THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY AGREED as follows:
1
|
DEFINITIONS
|
1.1
|
In
this Assignment Agreement including the preamble hereto (unless the
context otherwise requires) any term or expression defined in the preamble
shall have the meaning
ascribed to it therein. In addition, terms and expressions not defined
herein but which are defined in the Loan Agreement shall have the meaning
ascribed to them in the Loan
Agreement.
|
41
2
|
ASSIGNMENT
|
2.1
|
To
secure the payment and the discharge of the Borrower's obligations under
the Loan Agreement and the payment of all sums which from time to time may
become due thereunder, and to secure the performance and observance of and
compliance with all the covenants, terms and conditions contained in the
Loan Agreement, the Borrower hereby assigns to the Agent (on behalf of the
Banks) on first priority:
|
(a)
|
all
(i) freight and hire including, but not limited to all payments in respect
of the Vessel to be made to the Borrower as a consequence of the operation
of the Vessel under any charter party and any other contract of employment
related to the Vessel; (ii) compensation payable to the Borrower in the
event of any requisition of the Vessel; (iii) remuneration for salvage and
other services performed by the Vessel payable to the Borrower; (iv)
demurrage and retention money receivable by the Borrower in relation to
any Vessel; (v) damage for breach (or payments for variation or
termination) of any contract of employment of the Vessel; and (vi) other
monies whatsoever due or to become due to the Borrower from any third
parties in respect of the Vessel or otherwise (the aforesaid hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "Earnings");
and
|
(b)
|
all
amounts due or to become due from any insurers as payment of losses or as
return of premium or otherwise, under any insurances policies taken out
for the Vessel and all other sums whatsoever due or to become due in
respect of the Vessel or the insurance thereof (collectively the "Insurances").
|
2.2
|
The
Borrower undertakes promptly to give notice of the assignment of the
Earnings and Insurances to any charterer and the insurers and any other
third party from which any of the Earnings or amounts may become payable
in the form set out in Schedules 1 and
2 hereto,
respectively, or such other form as deemed sufficient by the Agent, and
procure that any recipient of such notice acknowledges receipt of the
notice as set out
therein.
|
3
|
PERFECTION
|
3.1
|
The
Borrower agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written
request of the Agent, it will promptly and duly execute and deliver to the
Agent any and all such further instruments and documents as the Agent on
behalf of the Banks may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to register
this Assignment Agreement in any applicable registry, and to maintain
and/or perfect the security created by this Assignment Agreement and the
rights and powers herein granted. This shall include the Factoring
Agreement in the amount of NOK 190,000,000 currently registered against
the Borrower in the Norwegian Register of Moveable Property (Losoreregisteret).
|
42
4
|
ASSIGNMENT
OF THIS AGREEMENT
|
4.1
|
The
Banks may assign or transfer their rights hereunder to any person to whom
the rights and obligations of the Banks under the Loan Agreement are
wholly or partially assigned in accordance with Clause 20 ("Transfer and Participations")
of the Loan Agreement.
|
5
|
NO
FURTHER ASSIGNMENT OR PLEDGE
|
5.1
|
The
Borrower shall not, unless prior written consent has been obtained from
the Agent or otherwise permitted under the Loan Agreement, be entitled to
further assign or pledge the Earnings and/or the
Insurances.
|
6
|
ADDITIONAL
AND CONTINUING SECURITY
|
6.1
|
The
security contemplated by this Assignment Agreement shall be in addition to
any other security granted in accordance with the Loan Agreement, and
shall be a continuing security in full force and effect as long as any
obligations are outstanding under the Loan
Agreement.
|
7
|
CONFLICT
WITH THE LOAN AGREEMENT
|
7.1
|
As
between the Borrower and the Agent, in the event of any conflict or
inconsistency between the terms of the Loan Agreement and this Assignment
Agreement, the terms of the Loan Agreement will
prevail.
|
8
|
NOTICES
|
8.1
|
Every
notice or demand under this Assignment Agreement shall be in writing, but
may be given or made by fax which shall be sent to each Party at their
respective addresses:
|
(i)
|
The
Agent
|
For
credit matters:
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
Att:
OddbjomWarpe
XX XXX
0000 Xxxxxxx
0000
XXXX
Telefax:
x00 00 00 00 00
43
For Loan
Administration:
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
Att:
International Loan Administration
XX XXX
0000 Xxxxxxx
0000
XXXX
Telefax:
x00 00 00 00 00
(ii) The
Borrower:
DeepOcean
Shipping AS
Att: CEO
Xxxxxxx Skaleskog
Telefax:
x00 00 00 00 00
9
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
9.1
|
The
Parties hereby confirm that they have received a copy of the Loan
Agreement.
|
10
|
GOVERNING
LAW AND JURISDICTION
|
10.1
|
This
Assignment Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with
Norwegian law. The undersigned hereby unconditionally and irrevocably
submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Norwegian courts, the
venue to be Oslo City Court.
|
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the
undersigned hereby execute this Assignment Agreement on 19 November
2007.
For
and on behalf of
|
For
and on behalf of
|
|||
Nordea Bank Norge ASA.
|
DeepOcean
Shipping AS
|
|||
(as
Agent)
|
(as Borrower)
|
|||
Signature
|
Signature
|
|||
Name
and title in block letters
|
Name
and title in block letters
|
44
Schedules 1
(A)
to the
Assignment Agreement
dated
19 November 2007
FORM
OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
AND
LOSS PAYABLE CLAUSE
(in
respect of Insurances - for endorsement to the policy)
MV
ATLANTIC CHALLENGER
(the
"Vessel")
1.
|
Notice of
Assignment
|
Please
take notice that by an assignment in writing dated the date hereof we (the "Assignors") have assigned to
Nordea Bank Norge ASA as "Agent" on behalf of the banks
(the "Banks") as defined
in the loan agreement as of the date hereof between the Agent and DeepOcean
Shipping AS as borrower, all our rights, title and interest in all insurances
relating to the Vessel. This includes the insurances constituted by the policy
whereon this notice is endorsed.
2.
|
Loss Payable
Clause
|
You are
hereby irrevocably instructed to pay all and any sums receivable in respect of
the insurances you have effected on or in relation to the Vessel as
follows:
To the
Hull & Machinery, Hull Interest and War Risks insurers:
(A)
|
Any
and every sum receivable in respect of a Total Loss and any and every sum
receivable in respect of a casualty, shall be paid directly and in full to
the Agent; and
|
(B)
|
All
other sums receivable in respect of the insurances hereunder shall be paid
to the Assignors unless and until you have received written notice from
the Agent that all sums receivable in respect of the insurances hereunder
shall be paid directly to the Agent or its
order.
|
For the
purpose of the above loss payable clause "Total Loss" shall mean (a) an
actual or constructive or compromised or arranged total loss of the Vessel and
(b) a requisition for title or other compulsory acquisition of the Vessel
otherwise than requisition for hire or (c) a capture, seizure, arrest detention
or confiscation of the Vessel by any government, unless the Vessel are released
from such capture, seizure arrest or detention within one month after the
occurrence thereof.
45
|
To
the P&I insurers:
|
Payment
of any recovery DeepOcean Shipping AS (the "Owner") or any charterer is
entitled to make out of the funds of the Association in respect of any
liability, costs or expenses incurred by him shall be made to his order unless
and until the Association receives notice to the contrary from the Agent in
which event all recoveries shall thereafter be paid to the Agent or their order;
provided always that no liability whatsoever shall attach to the Association,
its managers or their agents for failure to comply with the latter obligation
until after the expiry of two clear business days from the receipt of such
notice.
3.
|
Notice
of Cancellation
|
The Agent
shall be advised:
(A)
|
if
the insurers cancel or give notice of cancellation of the policy whereon
this notice is endorsed at least 14 days (7 days in case of war risk)
before such cancellation is to take
effect;
|
(B)
|
of
any alteration in or termination or expiry of the policy at least 14 days
before any such alteration, termination or expiry is to take
effect;
|
(C)
|
of
any default in the payment of any premium or failure to renew the
insurances constituted by the policy at least 14 days prior to the date of
renewal thereof; and
|
(D)
|
of
any act or omission or of any other event of which the insurers have
knowledge and which might invalidate or render unenforceable in whole or
in part the insurances constituted by the
policy.
|
Oslo, [•]
2007
For and
on behalf of
DeepOcean
Shipping AS
as
Assignor
Signature
|
Name
and title in block
letters
|
46
Schedules 1
(B)
to the
Assignment Agreement
dated
19 November 2007
FORM
OF
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
(in
respect of Insurances)
In
duplicate:
To:
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
Attention:
Loan Administration Department
Telefax:+
47 22 48 42 78
Dear
Sirs,
MV Atlantic Challenger (the
"Vessel")
We hereby
acknowledge having received the attached Notice of Assignment from DeepOcean
Shipping AS (the "Owner")
related to the Vessel.
We have
duly noted and do accept that our payments due to the Owners, under the
insurance policy(-ies) taken out for the Vessel as an Owners' entry pursuant to
our rules, shall be made in accordance with the instructions set out in the
Notice of Assignment, including the loss payable clause therein, and payment due
to the mortgagee will be made to such account as from time to time instructed by
you, which bank has been duly noted by ourselves as the first priority mortgagee
of the said Vessel on its own behalf and on behalf of certain other banks as
agent therefore.
Place and
date: [*]
For
and on behalf of
|
[Name
of Insurer]
|
Signature
|
Name
with capital
xxxxxxx
|
47
Schedules 2
(A)
to the
Assignment Agreement dated 19 November 2007
To:
[•].
FORM
OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
(in
respect of Earnings)
MV
ATLANTIC CHALLENGER
(the
"Vessel")
We refer
to the charter party dated on [•] (the "Charter Party") made between
yourself as charterer and ourselves as owners in respect of the
Vessel.
We hereby
give you notice that:
(i)
|
by
a general assignment dated 19 November 2007 (the "Assignment") made
between ourselves and Nordea Bank Norge ASA (on behalf of certain other
banks) (the "Agent"),
we have assigned absolutely and have agreed to assign absolutely to
and in favour of the Agent all our rights, title and interest, present and
future to all moneys due and payable by yourselves to ourselves under the
Charter Party;
|
(ii)
|
by
the Assignment Agreement, the Agent (or its nominee) is entitled to (but
without obligation to do so), if an Event of Default shall occur (as more
particularly described therein) and if it shall decide, by written notice
to you and ourselves, to enter into and fulfil the obligations of the
undersigned as party to the Charter Party as if it were a party thereto
from the date hereof;
|
(iii)
|
you
are hereby irrevocably authorised and instructed to continue the
performance of your obligations under the Charter Party towards us and
receive instructions from us, until such time as the Agent shall direct to
the contrary whereupon all instructions or demands for actions shall be
made by the Agent and payments are due to the Agent or as it may direct;
and
|
(iv)
|
that
the Assignment by reference to a credit facility agreement dated 19
November 2007 includes provisions that no amendments shall be made to the
Charter Party (nor shall you be released from your obligations thereunder)
without the previous written consent of the Agent and that we shall remain
liable to perform all our obligations under the Charter Party and the
Agent shall be under no obligations of any kind whatsoever in respect
thereof.
|
48
The
authority and instructions herein contained cannot be revoked or varied by us
without the consent of the Agent. The provisions of this notice and its
acknowledgement shall be governed by the laws of Norway
For and
on behalf of
DeepOcean
Shipping AS
as
Assignor
Signature
|
Name
and title in block
letters
|
49
Schedules 2
(B)
to the
Assignment Agreement
dated 19
November 2007
FORM
OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF NOTICE OF ASSIGNMENT
(in
respect of Earnings)
In
duplicate:
To:
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA
Attention:
Loan Administration Department
Telefax:x00
00 00 00 00
Dear
Sirs,
MV
ATLANTIC CHALLENGER - the "Vessel"
We
acknowledge having received the attached Notice of Assignment of Earnings, and
agree to pay all such monies as aforesaid in accordance with the instruction set
out therein.
Furthermore,
we hereby undertake not to terminate in part or in full the charterparty as a
consequence of any breach by DeepOcean Shipping AS (or any of its assignees) of
any of its financial obligations unless towards us and not waived or
remedied.
Place
and date: [*]
|
For
and on behalf of
|
[Name
of charterer]
|
Signature
|
Name
with capital
letters
|
50
Schedule
6
to the
Loan Agreement
dated ] 9
November 2007
between
DeepOceaiiShipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA.
FORM
OF ISLE OF MAN FIRST PRIORITY MORTGAGE
51
Mortgage
to Secure Account Current, etc. (Body Corporate)
IMO
number
|
Official
number
|
At
Name
of ship
|
Port
of registry
|
|||
8607311
|
739295
|
Atlantic
Challenge
|
Xxxxxxx
|
|||
M
|
cm
|
Sailing,
steam or
motor
ship
|
Horse
power of
engines
(if
any)
|
|||
Length
|
108
|
12
|
MOTOR
|
5296
kW
|
||
Main
breadth
|
19
|
00
|
||||
Depth
|
12
|
22
|
Gross
tonnage
7,320
tons
|
Register
tonnage
2,197
|
||
(for
dual tonnages stated 3
the higher)
|
||||||
and
as desc described
in more detail
in the Register
Book
|
WHEREAS
there is an account current between (1) DEEP OCEAN SHIPPING AS (the
Mortgagor) a company
incorporated under the laws of Norway whose registered office and principal
place of business is at Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx and (2) Nordea Bank Norge ASA acting
through its office at X X Xxx 0000, Xxxxxxx, 0000 Xxxx, Xxxxxx (the Mortgagee, which expression
shall include its successors and assigns) regulated by (a) a loan agreement
dated
2007 between (i) the Mortgagor as borrower, (ii) Deep Ocean ASA as guarantor,
(iii) the financial institutions listed in schedule 1 thereto as banks and (iv)
Nordea Bank Norge ASA as agent (the Loan Agreement) and (b) a Deed
of Covenants of even date herewith made between the Mortgagor and the Mortgagee
(the Deed of Covenants)
AND WHEREAS pursuant to the Loan Agreement the Mortgagor has agreed to
execute this Mortgage for the purpose of securing payment by the Mortgagor to
the Mortgagee of all sums from time to time due or owing under the Loan
Agreement and/or the Deed of Covenants, whether in respect of principal interest
or costs and all other sums from time to time owing to the Mortgagee in the
manner and at the times set forth in the Loan Agreement and/or the Deed of
Covenants AND WHEREAS the amount of principal and interest and other sums due at
any given time can be ascertained by reference to the Loan Agreement and/or Deed
of Covenants or to the books of account or other accounting records of the
Mortgagee AND WHEREAS all references to the Loan Agreement and the Deed of
Covenants mean those documents as they may from time to time be amended,
restated, varied, extended, supplemented or novated.
NOW WE
DEEP OCEAN SHIPPING AS
in consideration of the premises for ourselves and our successors
covenant with the said Nordea
Bank Norge ASA and its assigns, to pay to it the sums for the time being
due on this security, whether by way of principal or interest at the times and
manner aforesaid. And for the purpose of better securing to the mortgagee the
payment of such sums as last aforesaid, we do hereby mortgage to the mortgagee,
64/64lh shares
of which we are the owner in the ship above particularly described and in her
boats and appurtenances. Lastly we for ourselves and our successors covenant
with the mortgagee and its assigns that we have the power to mortgage in manner
aforesaid the above mentioned shares and that the same are free from
encumbrances.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the
Mortgagor has caused this Mortgage to be executed as a deed.
Executed as a Deed on
|
2007
|
By
DEEP OCEAN SHIPPING AS
Acting
by
Its
duly authorised Attorney
pursuant to a power of
attorney
dated
|
2007
|
Signature
of witness:
Status:
Notes
|
1.
|
The
prompt registration of a mortgage deed at the ship's port of registry is
essential to the security of the mortgage as a mortgage takes its priority
from the date of production for registry, not (ram the date of the
instrument.
|
2.
|
Registered
owners or mortgagees must inform the Registrar of British Ships of any
changes of address.
|
Schedule
7
to the
Loan Agreement
dated 19
November 2007
between
DeepOceanShipping AS and
Nordea
Bank Norge ASA.
FORM
OF DEED OF COVENANTS
52
DATED |
2007
|
DEEP
OCEAN SHIPPING AS
(as
the Owner)
|
|
and
|
|
NORDEA
BANK NORGE ASA
(as
the Mortgagee)
|
|
DEED
OF COVENANTS
(m.v.
"Atlantic Challenger")
|
|
Contents
|
||
1.
|
Definitions
and Interpretation
|
|
2.
|
Payment
by Owner
|
|
3.
|
Mortgage
and Charge
|
|
4.
|
Covenants
for Title
|
|
5.
|
Insurances
and Requisition Compensation
|
|
6.
|
Earnings
|
|
7.
|
Owner's
Obligations to Maintain the Vessel Etc
|
|
8.
|
Owner's
Obligations to Maintain Registration Etc
|
|
9.
|
Representations
and Warranties
|
|
10.
|
Exclusion
of Liabilities
|
|
11.
|
Default
and Enforcement
|
|
12.
|
Receivers
|
|
13.
|
Protection
of Third Parties
|
|
14.
|
Protection
of Security
|
|
15.
|
New
Accounts
|
|
16.
|
Application
of Moneys
|
|
17.
|
Power
of Attorney
|
|
18.
|
Delegation
|
|
19.
|
Indemnities
|
|
20.
|
Currency
Clauses
|
|
21.
|
Miscellaneous
|
|
22.
|
Assignment
|
|
23.
|
Notices
|
|
24.
|
Governing
Law
|
|
25.
|
Jurisdiction
|
Deed
of Covenants
Dated
|
2007
|
Between
1.
|
DEEP OCEAN SHIPPING AS a
company incorporated in Norway whose registered office is at
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0, 0000 Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx (the Owner);
and
|
2.
|
NORDEA BANK NORGE ASA, a
company incorporated in Norway of XX Xxx 0000 Xxxxxxx, 0000 Xxxx, Xxxxxx
(the Mortgagee).
|
Introduction
A
|
The
Owner is the sole, absolute and unencumbered beneficial and registered
owner of sixty four sixty-fourth shares in the Vessel (as defined
below).
|
B
|
Pursuant
to a loan agreement dated 20 December 2004 (as amended) the Ownerhas taken
up a term loan facility in the original amount of US$12,329,212.39 and a
revolving credit facility in the original amount of US$3,600,000 (the
Original Loan) for
the purposes of refinancing the acquisition and refurbishment of the
Vessel (as defined below).
|
C
|
Pursuant
to a Loan Agreement
dated
2007
(the Loan
Agreement)between (i) the Owner as borrower, (ii) Deep Ocean ASA as
guarantor, (iii) the financial institutions listed in schedule 1 thereto
as banks (the Banks)
and (iv) Nordea Bank Norge ASA as agent (the Agent) the Banks agreed
to make a US$18,000,000 loan facility available to the Owner to refinance
the Original Loan.
|
D
|
It
is a condition precedent to the availability of the facility under the
Loan Agreementthat the Owner executes, delivers and registers the Mortgage
(as defined below) relating to the Vessel in favour of the Mortgagee and
enters into this Deed as security for the Secured Liabilities (as defined
below).
|
E
|
The
Owner has executed the Mortgage relating to the Vessel in favour of the
Mortgagee.
|
F
|
This
Deed is collateral to the Mortgage and is the Deed of Covenants referred
to in the Mortgage but shall nevertheless continue in full force and
effect notwithstanding any discharge of the
Mortgage.
|
G
|
The
Owner and the Mortgagee intend this Deed to take effect as a
deed.
|
It
is agreed:
1.
|
DEFINITIONS
AND INTERPRETATION
|
1.1
|
Definitions
|
In this
Deed (including for the avoidance of doubt the Introduction), unless the context
requires otherwise, the following definitions apply:
|
Business
Day
|
means
any day (other than a Saturday or Sunday or public or bank holiday) on
which dealings in deposits of US dollars are carried on in
the London Interbank Eurocurrency Market and on which banks in the Isle of
Man, Oslo and London are open for
business;
|
1
|
Classification
Society
|
has
the meaning given in Clause 7.1;
|
|
Deed
|
means
this deed as amended, restated, novated, varied or supplemented from time
to time;
|
||
Earnings
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement.
|
||
Environmental
Claim
|
means
any claim by any government, judicial or regulatory authority that arises
out of an Environmental Incident or an alleged Environmental Incident or
which relates to any Environmental Law or any claim by any other person
that relates to an Environmental Incident or to an alleged Environmental
Incident;
|
||
Environmental
Incident
|
means
in relation to the Vessel:
|
||
(a) |
any
release of Environmentally Sensitive Material from the Vessel;
or
|
||
(b)
|
any
incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released from a
vessel other than the Vessel which involves a collision between the Vessel
and such other vessel or some other incident of navigation or operation,
in either case, in connection with which the Vessel is actually or
potentially liable to be arrested, attached, detained or injuncted and/or
the Vessel and/or the Owner and/or any operator or manager of the Vessel
is at fault or allegedly at fault or otherwise liable to any legal or
administrative action; or
|
||
(c) |
any
incident in which Environmentally Sensitive Material is released otherwise
than from the Vessel and in connection with which the Vessel is actually
or potentially liable to be arrested and/or where the Owner and/or any
other operator or manager of the Vessel is at fault or allegedly at
fault;
|
||
Environmental
Law
|
means
any law concerning or relating to pollution or protection of the
environment, the carriage or storage of Environmentally Sensitive
Material, or actual or threatened releases of Environmentally Sensitive
Material;
|
2
|
Environmentally
Sensitive Material
|
means
any radioactive emissions and any natural or artificial substance, whether
in solid or liquid form or in the form of a gas or vapour and whether
alone or in combination with any other substance, capable of causing harm
to man or any other living organism or damaging the environment or public
health or welfare including but not limited to any controlled, special,
hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous waste;
|
Event
of Default
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement;
|
|
Finance
Document
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement;
|
|
insurances
|
means
the insurances placed by the Owner pursuant to Ciause 5 (but not any
insurance placed by the Mortgagee under Clause
5.3);
|
|
Insurers
|
means
the underwriters, insurance companies and mutual insurance associations
with whom the Insurances are placed;
|
|
1SDA
Agreement
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement;
|
|
Mortgage
|
means
the first priority Isle of Man statutory ship mortgage relating to the
Vessel dated the same date as this Deed;
|
|
Receiver
|
means
a receiver and manager or a receiver (whether appointed pursuant to this
Deed, pursuant to any statute, by a court or otherwise) of the Vessel or
any part of it;
|
|
Requisition
Compensation
|
means
compensation payable because of requisition for title or other compulsory
acquisition of the Vessel by any government;
|
|
Second
Priority Security
|
means
any second priority mortgage and/or collateral deed of covenants in
relation to the Vessel entered into by the Owner in favour of the Swap
Provider pursuant to the ISDA Agreement;
|
|
Secured
Liabilities
|
means
all present and future obligations and liabilities of the Owner to the
Mortgagee and/or the Banks under or in relation to this Deed, the Loan
Agreement, the Mortgage, the Security Documents or any other Finance
Document, whether actual or contingent, whether owed jointly
or severally and whether owed as principal or surety or in any other
capacity, together with all costs, charges and expenses incurred by the
Mortgagee and/or the Banks in connection with the protection, preservation
or enforcement of its rights under this Deed, the Loan Agreement, the
Mortgage, the Security Documents or any other Finance
Document;
|
3
|
Security
Documents
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement;
|
Security
Period
|
means
the period beginning on the date of this Deed and ending on the date on
which the Mortgagee is satisfied that all of the Secured Liabilities have
been unconditionally and irrevocably paid and discharged in
full;
|
|
Swap
Provider
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement;
|
|
Total
Loss
|
has
the meaning given to it in the Loan Agreement;
|
|
Vessel
|
means
the vessel m.v. Atlantic Challenger registered in the name of the Owner
under the laws and flag of the Isle of Man under Official Number 739295
and with IMO Number 8607311 and includes any share or interest therein and
her engines, machinery, boats, tackle, outfit, spare gear, fuel,
consumable or other stores, belongings and appurtenances whether on board
or ashore and whether now owned or hereafter
acquired.
|
1.2
|
Interpretation
|
(a)
|
In
this Deed capitalised terms defined in the Loan Agreement have, unless
expressly defined in this Deed, the same meaning in this
Deed.
|
(b)
|
In
this Deed, unless the contrary intention appears, a reference
to:
|
(i)
|
an
amendment includes
a supplement, restatement, amendment, novation or re-enactment and amended is to be
construed accordingly;
|
assets includes properties,
revenues and rights of every description;
an authorisation includes an
authorisation, consent, approval, resolution and licence;
a month or months is a reference to a
period starting on one day in a calendar month and ending on the numerically
corresponding day in the next calendar month or the calendar month in which it
is to end, except that:
4
(aa)
|
if
the numerically corresponding day is not a Business Day, the period will
end on the next Business Day in that month (if there is one) or the
preceding Business Day (if there is
not);
|
(bb)
|
if
there is no numerically corresponding day in that month, that period will
end on the last Business Day in that month;
and
|
(cc)
|
notwithstanding
sub-paragraph (aa) above, a period which commences on the last Business
Day of a month will end on the last Business Day in the next month or the
calendar month in which it is to end, as
appropriate;
|
a person includes any person,
firm, company, corporation, partnership, association, organisation, government,
state, agency, trust or other entity (in each case whether or not having
separate legal personality);
a regulation includes any
regulation, order, rule, official directive, request or guideline (whether or
not having the force of law) of any governmental body, agency, department or
regulatory or self regulatory authority or organisation;
(ii)
|
any
statute or statutory provision or any provision of law includes a
reference to that statute or statutory provision or provision of law as
from time to time amended, extended, replaced, re-enacted or consolidated
and all subordinate legislation made pursuant to
it;
|
(iii)
|
a
clause or a Schedule is a reference to a clause of or a Schedule to this
Deed;
|
(iv)
|
a
person includes its permitted successors and assigns under this
Deed;
|
(v)
|
any
Finance Document or a document is a reference to that Finance Document or
document as it may have been amended, varied, restated, novated or
supplemented from time to
time;
|
(vi)
|
a
time of day is a reference to London time unless otherwise
stated;
|
(vii)
|
an
obligation of the Owner to do something shall include an obligation to
procure that it is done and an obligation not to do something shall
include an obligation not to permit, suffer or allow
it;
|
(viii)
|
words
denoting the singular include the plural and vice versa and words denoting
any gender include all
genders;
|
(ix)
|
"includes",
"including" and "in particular" shall not limit general words and
expressions in connection with which they are used;
and
|
5
(x)
|
winding-up,
liquidation, dissolution or bankruptcy includes any equivalent or
analogous proceedings under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the
Isle of Man and any reference to an administrator, receiver,
administrative receiver, trustee or manager includes the equivalent
official in such
jurisdiction.
|
(c)
|
In
this Deed all obligations, covenants, undertakings, representations and
warranties on the part of two or more persons are entered into, given or
made by such persons jointly and
severally.
|
(d)
|
The
index to and the headings in this Deed are for convenience only and shall
not affect the construction or interpretation of this
Deed.
|
(e)
|
if
the Mortgagee considers that an amount paid to it is capable of being
avoided or otherwise set aside on the liquidation, winding up,
administration, dissolution or bankruptcy of the person that paid that
amount or otherwise, then that amount shall not be considered to have been
irrevocably paid for the purposes of this
Deed.
|
2.
|
PAYMENT
BY OWNER
|
2.1
|
Covenant
to pay Secured Liabilities
|
The Owner
undertakes to duly and punctually pay to the Mortgagee on demand the Secured
Liabilities and to observe and perform all its other obligations under this
Deed, the Loan Agreement, the Mortgage and any other Security Documents to which
it is a party and the Finance Documents to which it is a
party.
2.2
|
No
Withholding or Set-Off
|
The Owner
shall make all payments due to the Mortgagee in immediately available funds,
without any set off or counterclaim, and without deduction or withholding by the
Owner (except as required by law) for any present or future taxes. If any
deduction or withholding has to be made by law from any such payment in respect
of taxes, the Owner shall increase the amount to be paid so that after any such
deduction or withholding the Mortgagee receives and retains a net amount equal
to the amount which it would have received and retained had no such deduction or
withholding been made and the Owner shall account to the relevant taxation
authority for the amounts so deducted or withheld within the applicable time
limit.
2.3
|
Default
Interest
|
The Owner
shall pay interest on demand at the default rate of interest specified in the
Loan Agreement on all amounts (including principal, interest, costs and amounts
recoverable from the Owner by way of indemnity) due but not paid by the Owner to
the Mortgagee under this Deed from the due date of payment until the date of the
actual payment to the Mortgagee whether before or after
judgment.
6
2.4
|
Certificate
|
The
certificate of an officer of the Mortgagee as to the amount of the Secured
Liabilities at any time shall be conclusive and binding on the
Owner.
3.
|
MORTGAGE
AND CHARGE
|
3.1
|
Mortgage
|
As
security for the payment and discharge of the Secured Liabilities to the
Mortgagee and the performance of its obligations under this Deed, the Loan
Agreement, the Mortgage, the Security Documents and any Finance Documents, the
Owner as beneficial owner mortgages and charges the Vessel to the Mortgagee on
the terms of this Deed.
3.2
|
Continuing
Security
|
(a)
|
The
security created by the Mortgage and this Deed shall be held by the
Mortgagee as a continuing security for the payment and discharge of the
Secured Liabilities and shall not be released or discharged by any
intermediate payment or satisfaction of part of the Secured
Liabilities.
|
(b)
|
The
Mortgage and this Deed shall remain in full force and effect until the
Secured Liabilities shall have been unconditionally and irrevocably paid
in full to the Mortgagee (which expression shall not include a payment of
a dividend in a liquidation, winding up or bankruptcy of less than 100%).
When the Secured Liabilities have been unconditionally and irrevocably
paid in full the Mortgagee shall at the cost of the Owner discharge the
Mortgage and this Deed.
|
3.3
|
Additional
Security
|
|
This
Deed is in addition to and independent of, and shall not prejudice or
merge with any other security (or any right of set-off) which the
Mortgagee may hold at any time for the Secured Liabilities or any part of
the Secured Liabilities.
|
4.
|
COVENANTS
FOR TITLE
|
|
The
Owner covenants for the benefit of the Mortgagee
that:
|
(a)
|
it
is the sole absolute legal and beneficial owner of the Vessel and has the
right to mortgage and charge the Vessel pursuant to the terms of this Deed
and the Mortgage;
|
(b)
|
it
is mortgaging and charging the Vessel free from all other encumbrances
(save for any Second Priority Security) and free from all rights
exercisable by third parties;
and
|
(c)
|
it
will, at its own cost, do all that it reasonably can to give the Mortgagee
the security interest in the Vessel conferred by this Deed and/or the
Mortgage.
|
5.
|
INSURANCES
AND REQUISITION
COMPENSATION
|
7
5.1
|
Undertakings
|
The Owner
undertakes with the Mortgagee during the Security Period:
(a)
|
to
insure the Vessel in the joint names of the Owner and the Mortgagee in
United States Dollars in the full insurable value of the Vessel but for
not less than 125% of the Loan against fire, marine, war, third party and
other risks covered by hull and machinery policies on terms, through
insurance brokers and with insurers, approved in writing by the
Mortgagee;
|
(b)
|
to
enter the Vessel in the name of the Owner in a protection and indemnity
association approved in writing by the Mortgagee for its full value and
tonnage for all third party liability risks, pollution risks and other
risks usually insured by such protection and indemnity
association;
|
(c)
|
to
place such additional insurances (including insurance against oil
pollution and other environmental risks) as the Mortgagee may consider to
be necessary;
|
(d)
|
to
pay on the due date all premiums (including additional premiums), calls,
contributions or other amounts payable in connection with the Insurances
and to produce evidence of the payment of such amounts when so requested
by the Mortgagee;
|
(e)
|
to
provide such guarantees and indemnities as the protection and indemnity
and war risks associations in which the Vessel is entered may require at
any time;
|
(f)
|
to
renew the Insurances not less than fourteen days before they expire and to
procure that the brokers and the insurers confirm in writing to the
Mortgagee that they have been
renewed;
|
(g)
|
to
procure that the brokers retain the original insurance policies, cover
notes, certificates of entry and other documents issued in relation to the
insurances to the order of the Mortgagee and give the Mortgagee copies of
all such documents;
|
(h)
|
to
procure that the protection and indemnity and the war risks associations
in which the Vessel is entered give the Mortgagee a duplicate of the
certificates of entry or
policies;
|
(i)
|
to
procure that the brokers and the protection and indemnity and war risks
associations in which the Vessel is entered each provide the Mortgagee
with a letter of undertaking in such form as the Mortgagee may require in
which they agree (inter alia) to give fourteen days' prior written notice
to the Mortgagee if the Insurances are to be cancelled or not renewed and
to give the Mortgagee the right to pay any premiums or calls within a
reasonable time if the Owner has failed to pay them on the due
date;
|
(j)
|
not
to do or omit to do anything nor allow anything to be done as a result of
which any Insurance may be cancelled or
avoided;
|
8
(k)
|
not
to allow the Vessel to load any cargo or make any voyage which is not
covered under the Insurances unless the Owner has placed additional
insurance to cover the proposed voyage on terms approved in writing by the
Mortgagee;
|
(I)
|
not
to allow the Vessel to enter any zone which is declared a war zone by any
government or by the Vessel's war risks Insurers unless the Owner shall
have informed the war risks insurers of the proposed voyage and paid any
applicable additional premium in accordance with the terms of the war
risks policy; and
|
(m)
|
to
procure that all amounts payable under the Insurances are paid in
accordance with any relevant loss payable clause and to apply all amounts
that are paid to the Owner to the repair of the damage to the Vessel and
the settlement of any liability or loss in respect of which the amount
shall have been received.
|
5.2
|
Failure
to insure
|
If the
Owner fails to insure the Vessel in accordance with Clause 5.1 or fails to pay
the premiums and calls due the Mortgagee shall have the right to place the
Insurances and pay the premiums and calls due and the Owner shall pay to the
Mortgagee on demand all amounts so paid or payable by the
Mortgagee.
5.3
|
Mortgagee's
Interest Insurance
|
The Owner
undertakes to pay to the Mortgagee on demand all premiums or other amounts paid
or payable by the Mortgagee in placing mortgagee's interest insurance and
mortgagee's additional perils (pollution) insurance in the name of the
Mortgagee.
5.4
|
Requisition
Compensation
|
In the
event of the requisition for title or other compulsory acquisition of the Vessel
by any government the Owner undertakes to execute any assignment of the
Requisition Compensation requested by the Mortgagee and if such Requisition
Compensation is paid to the Owner to hold all amounts so received on trust for
the Mortgagee.
6.
|
EARNINGS
|
The Owner
undertakes with the Mortgagee during the Security Period:
(a)
|
to
inform the Mortgagee of the use and operation of the Vessel and, when so
requested by the Mortgagee, to give the Mortgagee copies of all charters
and other documents relating to the use and operation of the
Vessel;
|
(b)
|
to
duly perform all obligations undertaken by the Owner in all charters,
bills of lading or other contracts entered into by the Owner for the use
of the Vessel and the carriage of cargo;
and
|
(c)
|
to
take all necessary steps to enforce the performance by charterers and
shippers of all charterparties and other contracts of employment and all
bills of lading and other contracts relating to the
Vessel.
|
9
7.
|
OWNER'S
OBLIGATIONS TO MAINTAIN THE VESSEL
ETC
|
7.1
|
Owner's
Undertakings
|
The Owner
undertakes with the Mortgagee during the Security Period:
(a)
|
to
keep the Vessel seaworthy and in good order and condition in accordance
with best ship management
practice;
|
(b)
|
to
maintain the Vessel in a condition entitling the Vessel to the highest
class applicable to vessels of her type of a classification society
approved by the Mortgagee (the "Classification Society")
free of recommendations and qualification and each year to procure
that the Classification Society confirms to the Mortgagee that such
classification is maintained;
|
(c)
|
to
arrange for the Vessel to be inspected and surveyed in accordance with the
rules of the classification Society and, when so requested by the
Mortgagee, to give the Mortgagee copies of all inspection and survey
reports and any other documents relating to the classification of the
Vessel;
|
(d)
|
to
inform the Mortgagee immediately of any recommendation or requirement
notified to the Owner by the Classification Society or by any governmental
or international authority which is not complied with within the time
limit specified;
|
(e)
|
to
allow the Mortgagee or its authorized representative unrestricted access
to the Vessel at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting the
condition of the Vessel;
|
(f)
|
to
give the Mortgagee no less than five Business Days' prior notice of any
dry-docking or any underwater inspection so that the Mortgagee can arrange
for its representatives to attend such dry-docking or inspection if it
decides that this is
necessary;
|
(g)
|
not
to give possession of the Vessel to a shipyard for repairs to be carried
out to the Vessel the cost of which will exceed the amount of US$ 100,000
unless the shipyard shall have given a written waiver to the Mortgagee of
its lien or right of detention on the Vessel for the cost of such
repairs;
|
(h)
|
not
to make or allow to be made any material alteration to the Vessel (unless
such alteration is required by law or by the Classification Society)
without the prior written consent of the Mortgagee which it shall have
full power to withhold;
|
(i)
|
to
comply with all requirements imposed by international convention, statute,
regulation, common law or otherwise in relation to the maintenance,
operation and safety of the Vessel and keep on board the Vessel valid
certificates evidencing such
compliance;
|
(j)
|
to
comply with the requirements of the International Safety Management Code
and to ensure that at all times the Owner has a valid document of
compliance and the Vessel has a valid safety management
certificate;
|
10
(k)
|
to
comply with and procure that all servants and agents of the Owner comply
with all legal requirements relating to environmental protection and in
particular the prevention of oil pollution and damage by hazardous and
noxious substances;
|
(I)
|
not
to use or allow the Vessel to be used in contravention of any applicable
law or in any unlawful trade or carry any cargo which will render the
Vessel liable to penalty, forfeiture, capture, confiscation, or seizure as
prize and in the event of war in any part of the world (whether or not war
has been declared)not to use or allow the Vessel to be used in carrying
any prohibited cargo;
|
(m)
|
to
pay all taxes, social security and national insurance contributions,
governmental charges, fines and penalties properly payable by or imposed
on the Owner of the Vessel;
|
(n)
|
when
requested by the Mortgagee to provide evidence that the wages, social
security and national insurance contributions of the master and crew of
the Vessel are being paid in accordance with the Vessel's articles of
agreement and the relevant statutory provisions, and to pay to the
relevant authority all amounts deducted from the wages of the master and
crew in respect of any tax liability and social security and national
insurance contributions;
|
(o)
|
not
to appoint a manager of the Vessel without the Mortgagee's prior written
consent;
|
(p)
|
to
ensure that at all times an Isle of Man approved representative person is
appointed in respect of the Vessel and not, without the prior written
consent of the Mortgagee, to remove any such person, appoint a new Isle of
Man approved representative person in respect of the Vessel or terminate
or materially amend the terms of appointment of any such Isle of Man
approved representative
person;
|
(q)
|
not
to do, or knowingly omit to do, or cause or voluntarily permit to be done
anything which may in any way depreciate, jeopardise or otherwise
prejudice the value of the Vessel or the rights of the Mortgagee pursuant
to the Mortgage and this
Deed;
|
(r)
|
not
to exercise any right of set-off, counterclaim or defence against the
Mortgagee with respect to the Vessel, the Mortgage or this
Deed;
|
(s)
|
to
comply with, and to procure that all servants and agents of the Owner
comply with, all Environmental Laws in relation to the Vessel;
and
|
(t)
|
immediately
inform the Mortgagee of:
|
(i)
|
any
actual or threatened arrest or detention of the
Vessel;
|
(ii)
|
any
casualty or damage to the Vessel as a result of which the Vessel has
become or may become a Total Loss or if the estimated cost of repairs may
exceed US$ 100,000;
|
11
(iii)
|
the
occurrence of any incident which may give rise to a pollution
or environmental claim against the
Owner;
|
(iv)
|
the
issue of any petition for the winding up, liquidation, dissolution or
bankruptcy of the Owner or anything analogous to the foregoing in any
relevant jurisdiction;
|
(v)
|
the
happening of an Event of Default or an event which with the passing of
time or giving of notice may result in an Event of
Default.
|
7.2
|
Rights
of Mortgagee
|
If the
Owner fails to perform its obligations in this Deed and in particular fails to
maintain and operate the Vessel in accordance with this Clause 7 and pay and
discharge the debts and liabilities incurred by the Owner and the Vessel, the
Mortgagee may take all such action as it considers necessary to protect the
security created by the Mortgage and this Deed and in particular (without in any
way limiting the Mortgagee's rights and powers) to arrange for the Vessel to be
surveyed and repaired and for all debts and liabilities incurred by the Owner to
be paid and discharged and the Owner shall pay to the Mortgagee on demand all
amounts so paid or payable by the Mortgagee.
8.
|
OWNER'S
OBLIGATIONS TO MAINTAIN REGISTRATION
ETC
|
The Owner
undertakes with the Mortgagee during the Security Period:
(a)
|
to
keep the Vessel registered on the isle of Man Ship Register at the port of
Xxxxxxx and not do or allow anything to be done which may result in such
registration being cancelled or
suspended;
|
(b)
|
to
maintain the corporate existence of the Owner under the laws of Norway and
to comply with all statutory requirements applicable to the
Owner;
|
(c)
|
save
for any Second Priority Security, not to sell, transfer, mortgage, charge,
hypothecate or abandon the
Vessel;
|
(d)
|
not
to change the name of the Vessel or change its country of registration
without the prior written consent of the Mortgagee which it shall have
full power to withhold;
|
(e)
|
not
to create or allow to exist any charge, lien or encumbrance (except
pursuant to the Mortgage, this Deed and any Second Priority Security) on
the Vessel other than a lien on the Vessel for salvage services or for
crew's wages;
|
(f)
|
to
obtain, comply with the terms of and do all that is necessary to maintain
in full force and effect all authorisations, approvals, licences and
consents required in or by the law and regulations of any jurisdictions in
which it is incorporated or resident or carries on business to enable it
lawfully to enter Into and perform its obligations under the Mortgage and
this Deed and to ensure the legality, validity, enforceability or
admissibility in evidence of the Mortgage and this Deed in any
jurisdictions in which it is incorporated or resident or carries on
business;
|
12
(g)
|
immediateiy
to inform the Mortgagee if any legal proceedings are issued against the
Vessel or if the Vessel is attached, arrested or detained by order or
direction of any court or tribunal or by any government or other competent
authority, and to take such action as is necessary to release the Vessel
as soon as possible and in any event within three days and to discharge
all charges, liens or encumbrances on the Vessel (except for the Mortgage,
this Deed and any Second Priority
Security);
|
(h)
|
to
execute any further documents required by the Mortgagee to perfect the
security created by the Mortgage and this
Deed;
|
(i)
|
if
any court or tribunal having jurisdiction declares or any rule of law
renders any part of this Deed or the Mortgage invalid or unenforceable, to
execute any further documents required by the Mortgagee to maintain the
security created by this Deed and the Mortgage;
and
|
(j)
|
to
execute a xxxx of sale and any other documents that the Mortgagee may
require if the Mortgagee sells the Vessel under its power of sale or as
agent for the Owner.
|
9.
|
REPRESENTATIONS
AND WARRANTIES
|
9.1
|
Representations
and Warranties
|
The Owner
makes the representations and warranties set out below and acknowledges that the
Mortgagee has entered into this Deed in reliance on those representations and
warranties:
(a)
|
it
is a company duly incorporated and validly existing under the laws of
Norway with power to enter into this Deed and the Mortgage and to exercise
its rights and perform its obligations under this Deed and the Mortgage
and all corporate and other action required to authorise its execution of
this Deed and the Mortgage and the performance of its obligations under
this Deed and the Mortgage has been duly
taken;
|
(b)
|
the
obligations expressed to be assumed by it in this Deed and the Mortgage
are legal and valid and binding and enforceable against it in accordance
with the terms of this Deed and the Mortgage and no limit on its powers
will be exceeded as a result of the performance of its obligations under
this Deed and the Mortgage;
|
(c)
|
all
acts, conditions and things required to be done, fulfilled and performed
in order (i) to enable it lawfully to enter into, exercise its rights
under and perform and comply with the obligations expressed to be assumed
by it in this Deed and the Mortgage, (ii) to ensure that the obligations
expressed to be assumed by it in this Deed and the Mortgage are legal,
valid and binding, and (iii) to make this Deed and the Mortgage admissible
in evidence in any jurisdiction in which it is incorporated, resident or
carries on business have been done, fulfilled and
performed;
|
13
(d)
|
under
the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation and/or territories in which
it is subject to taxation in force at the date of this Deed, it will not
be required to make any deduction or withholding on account of tax from
any payment it may make under this Deed and the
Mortgage;
|
(e)
|
it
has not taken any corporate action nor have any other steps been taken or
legal proceedings been started or (to the best of its knowledge and
belief) threatened against it for its winding up, dissolution,
administration, liquidation or re-organisation or for the appointment of a
receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, custodian, trustee or
similar officer of it or of any or all of its assets or
revenues;
|
(f)
|
subject
only to the Mortgage, this Deed and any Second Priority Security, no
person other than the Owner has any legal or beneficial interests (or any
right to claim any such interest) in the Vessel or any part thereof and
the Owner has not received notice of any such
claim;
|
(g)
|
save
as contemplated in this Deed, the Mortgage and any Second Priority
Security, it has not assigned, charged, mortgaged, pledged, transferred or
otherwise disposed of (or agreed to assign, charge, mortgage, pledge,
transfer or otherwise dispose of), whether by way of security or
otherwise, the benefit of all or any of its right, title and interest in
and to the Vessel or any part of
it;
|
(h)
|
no
Environmental Claim has been made or threatened against the Owner or
otherwise in connection with the
Vessel;
|
(i)
|
no
Environmental incident has occurred and no person has claimed that an
Environmental Incident has
occurred;
|
(j)
|
the
execution of this Deed and the Mortgage and the exercise of its rights and
the performance of its obligations under this Deed and the Mortgage do not
and will not (i) conflict with its constitutional documents or any rules
and regulations made thereunder; (ii) conflict with any applicable law,
regulation or official or judicial order; or (iii) conflict with the
provisions of any agreement, mortgage, bond or other instrument or treaty
to which it is a party or which is binding upon it or any of its assets or
result in a requirement for the creation of any security interest over any
such asset, in each case, in any
way;
|
(k)
|
the
execution of this Deed and the Mortgage and the exercise of its rights and
the performance of its obligations under this Deed and the Mortgage do not
and will not cause any of the foregoing representations to be
untrue.
|
9.2
|
Repetition
|
The
representations and warranties set out in this Clause 9 are made on the date of
this Deed and are deemed to be repeated by the Owner on each date during the
Security Period with reference to the facts and circumstances then
existing.
14
10.
|
EXCLUSION
OF LIABILITY
|
The Owner
will duly and punctually perform its obligations and, unless the Mortgagee shall
otherwise require, diligently pursue its rights and remedies under or in
relation to the Vessel and notwithstanding anything herein
contained:-
(a)
|
the
Owner will remain liable to perform all the obligations assumed by it in
relation to the Vessel;
|
(b)
|
neither
the Mortgagee nor any of the Banks shall be under any obligation or
liability in respect of the Vessel by reason of this Deed or the Mortgage
or anything arising out of, or in connection with
them;
|
(c)
|
neither
the Mortgagee nor any of the Banks shall not be under any obligation of
any kind:
|
(i)
|
to
assume or perform or fulfil any obligation of the Owner in, under or in
respect of the Vessel, the Mortgage or this Deed or be under any liability
whatsoever as a result of any failure of the Owner to perform any of its
obligations in connection
therewith;
|
(ii)
|
to
enforce against any person any rights and benefits hereby assigned or
charged or to which the Mortgagee or any of the Banks may at any time be
entitled; and/or
|
(iii)
|
to
make any enquiries as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received
by the Mortgagee or any of the Banks hereunder or to make any claim or to
take any action to collect any moneys hereby assigned, mortgaged or
charged.
|
11.
|
EFAULT
AND ENFORCEMENT
|
11.1
|
nforcement
|
On the
occurrence of any Event of Default the Secured Liabilities shall become
immediately due and payable and the security constituted by the Mortgage and
this Deed shall immediately become enforceable and the Mortgagee shall have the
right and power:
(a)
|
to
commence legal proceedings against the Owner and/or the Vessel to obtain
judgment for the Secured
Liabilities;
|
(b)
|
to
order the master of the Vessel to proceed immediately at the Owner's risk
and expense to a port or anchorage nominated by the
Mortgagee;
|
(c)
|
to
take possession of the Vessel and exercise all the rights and powers of a
mortgagee conferred by law or by this
Deed;
|
(d)
|
to
discharge the master and crew of the Vessel and employ a new master and
crew;
|
(e)
|
to
sell the Vessel or any shares therein (whether as mortgagee under its
power of sale, as attorney-in-fact for the Owner or otherwise) in such
manner and on such terms as the Mortgagee may decide with power to the
Mortgagee to postpone the sale without being liable for any resulting
loss;
|
15
(f)
|
to
insure, maintain, repair, charter, operate, use, employ, manage or lay up
the Vessel on such terms as it may consider appropriate without being
responsible for any loss or damage to the Vessel (provided such loss or
damage has not been caused by the wilful act or default of the
Mortgagee);
|
(g)
|
to
require all documents relating to the insurances including all policies,
cover notes and all claims correspondence to be delivered to the Mortgagee
or to a broker or agent appointed by
it;
|
(h)
|
to
defend, pay or compromise all claims against the Owner in connection with
the Vessel including those which have given or may give rise to any charge
or lien on the Vessel whether ranking in priority to or subordinate to the
Mortgage and this Deed;
|
(i)
|
to
institute, continue, release or compromise all claims by the Owner against
the Insurers, any charterer or any other third party in connection with
the Vessel;
|
(j)
|
to
combine and consolidate all accounts which the Owner may have with the
Mortgagee and to set off any credit balances on such accounts against the
Secured Liabilities; and
|
(k)
|
to
recover from the Owner on demand all amounts paid and payable and losses
incurred by the Mortgagee in connection with the exercise of any of its
powers and rights under Clause 5.2, Clause 7.2, this Clause 11 or
otherwise.
|
11.2
|
Suspense
Account
|
The
Mortgagee may in its absolute discretion (without prejudice to any other rights
it may have) at any time and from time to time place and keep for such time as
it thinks prudent any money received recovered or realised under or by virtue of
this Deed on a separate or suspense account to the credit of either the Owner or
the Mortgagee as the Mortgagee thinks fit without any immediate obligation on
the Mortgagee's part to apply the same or any part of it towards the discharge
of the Secured Liabilities.
12.
|
RECEIVERS
|
12.1
|
Appointment
of Receiver
|
At any
time after the security created by the Mortgage and this Deed has become
enforceable, or if the Owner requests it to do so, the Mortgagee may appoint
under seal or under the hand of a duly authorised officer of the Mortgagee, one
or more persons as Receiver of the Vessel or any part or parts thereof. Where
two or more persons are appointed as Receivers under or pursuant to this Deed
any act authorised to be done by the Receivers may be done by all of them acting
jointly or by any one or more of them acting severally.
16
12.2
|
Powers
of Receiver
|
A
Receiver so appointed shall be the agent of the Owner and the Owner shall be
solely responsible for his acts, defaults and remuneration and any Receiver
shall have and be entitled to exercise all the rights, powers and remedies
conferred upon the Mortgagee by this Deed and by applicable law including,
without limitation, all of the powers and rights of a legal and beneficial owner
and the power to do or omit to do anything which the Owner could itself do or
omit to do.
12.3
|
Removal
of Receiver
|
The
Mortgagee may from time to time by writing under its hand remove any Receiver
appointed by it and may, whenever it may deem expedient, appoint a new Receiver
in the place of any Receiver whose appointment may for any reason have
terminated.
12.4
|
Remuneration
of Receiver
|
The
Mortgagee shall have the power from time to time to fix the remuneration of any
Receiver which shall not be limited to any maximum amount or rate specified by
law.
12.5
|
Powers
of Receiver Implied by Law
|
All
powers conferred on mortgagees or receivers in law shall apply to the security
created by this Deed except in so far as they are expressly or impliedly
excluded and where there is any ambiguity or conflict between such powers and
those contained in this Deed the terms of this Deed shall
prevail.
13.
|
PROTECTION
OF THIRD PARTIES
|
13.1
|
No
Duty to Enquire
|
No
purchaser from or other person dealing with the Mortgagee or any Receiver, its
agents or delegates, shall be concerned to enquire whether this Deed has become
enforceable, or whether any power exercised or purported to be exercised has
become exercisable, or whether any of the Secured Liabilities remain due upon
this Deed, or as to the necessity or expediency of any stipulations and
conditions subject to which the sale of the Vessel is made, or otherwise as to
the propriety or regularity of the sale of the Vessel or to see to the
application of any money paid to the Mortgagee or such Receiver, or its agents
or delegates, and each such dealing shall be deemed to be within the powers
conferred by this Deed and to be valid and effectual
accordingly.
13.2
|
Receipt
|
The
receipt of the Mortgagee shall be an absolute and a conclusive discharge to a
purchaser and shall relieve him of any obligation to see to the application of
any money paid to or by the direction of the Mortgagee.
17
14.
|
PROTECTION
OF SECURITY
|
The
Mortgagee shall without prejudice to its other rights and powers pursuant to
this Deed have the right (but be under no duty or obligation) at any time to
take such action as it considers necessary for the purpose of protecting the
security created by this Deed.
15.
|
NEW
ACCOUNTS
|
If the
Mortgagee or any other Bank receives or is deemed to be affected by notice,
whether actual or constructive, of any subsequent charge or other interest
affecting the Vessel and/or the proceeds of the Vessel, the Mortgagee and/or the
Banks may open a new account for the Owner. If the Mortgagee or any of the Banks
does not open a new account then unless the Mortgagee gives express written
notice to the contrary to the Owner it shall nevertheless be treated as if it
had done so at the time when it received or was deemed to have received such
notice. As from that time all payments made to the Mortgagee or the Banks will
be credited or be treated as having been credited to the new account and will
not operate to reduce the amount due to the Mortgagee or that Bank at the time
when it received or was deemed to have received notice.
16.
|
APPLICATION
OF MONIES
|
The net
proceeds of a sale of the Vessel, any amounts received by the Mortgagee or a
Receiver for the use of the Vessel by the Mortgagee or a Receiver under any of
the Mortgagee's or Receiver's rights or powers set out in this Deed and all
other amounts including claims under the Insurances received by the Mortgagee or
a Receiver under the terms of this Deed unless otherwise provided in this Deed
shall be applied in the following order:
First
|
in
payment of the remuneration and expenses of the Receiver and all
liabilities having priority to such
costs;
|
Second
|
in
payment of all amounts paid and payable and losses incurred by the
Mortgagee (together with interest thereon) in connection with the exercise
of any of its powers and rights under Clause 5.2, Clause 7.2, Clause 11 or
otherwise;
|
Third
|
in
payment of the Secured Liabilities and any other amounts payable by the
Owner under this Deed;
|
Fourth
|
in
payment of the balance (if any) to the Owner or to the person entitled
thereto.
|
In the
event that the proceeds are insufficient to pay the amounts specified above, the
Mortgagee shall have the right to recover the balance from the Owner or any
other person liable to pay such balance.
18
17.
|
POWER
OF ATTORNEY
|
17.1
|
Power
of Attorney
|
The
Owner, by way of security and to more fully secure the performance of its
obligations under this Deed, hereby irrevocably and severally appoints the
Mortgagee and any Receiver to be its attorney for the Security Period (with
power to appoint sub-attorneys) with power in its name and on its behalf and as
its act and deed or otherwise to execute and deliver and otherwise perfect any
agreement, assurance, deed, instrument or document or perform any act that may
be required of the Owner under this Deed, or may be deemed by such attorney
necessary or desirable for any purpose of this Deed or to enhance or perfect the
security intended to be constituted by it or to convey or transfer legal
ownership of the Vessel.
17.2
|
Ratification
|
Without
prejudice to the generality of the provisions contained in Clause 17.1 the Owner
covenants with the Mortgagee and separately with any Receiver that if required
to do so it shall ratify and confirm:
(a)
|
ail
transactions entered into by it or them in the proper exercise of its or
their powers in accordance with this Deed;
and
|
(b)
|
ail
transactions entered into by it or them in signing, sealing, delivering
and otherwise perfecting any assignment, mortgage, charge, security, deed,
assurance, document or act as
aforesaid.
|
18.
|
DELEGATION
|
The
Mortgagee and any Receiver may delegate by power of attorney or in any other
manner to any person any right, power or discretion exercisable by them under
this Deed. Any such delegation may be made upon terms (including power to
sub-delegate) and subject to any regulations which the Mortgagee or such
Receiver (as the case may be) may think fit. Neither the Mortgagee nor any
Receiver will be in any way liable or responsible to the Owner for any loss or
liability arising from any act, default, omission or misconduct on the part of
any such delegate or sub-delegate.
19.
|
INDEMNITIES
|
19.1
|
Indemnity
|
The Owner
hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Mortgagee, any Bank, any
Receiver and any manager, agent, officer or employee for whose liability, acts
or omissions the Mortgagee, any Bank or any Receiver, may be answerable, from
and against all liabilities, costs, charges, losses and expenses suffered or
incurred by them arising from or as a result of:
(a)
|
the
exercise or the purported exercise of any powers, authorities, or
discretions vested in them pursuant to this Deed and/or the
Mortgage;
|
19
(b)
|
any
matter or thing done or omitted or in any way relating to the provisions
of this Deed and/or the
Mortgage;
|
(c)
|
any
breach by the Owner of its covenants or other obligations to the Mortgagee
under this Deed and/or the
Mortgage;
|
(d)
|
the
enforcement of the provisions of this Deed and/or the Mortgage;
or
|
(e)
|
any
action, claim or proceeding relating to any of the above,
except
to the extent that they result from the gross negligence or willful
default of the Mortgagee, any Bank, any Receiver or any such manager,
agent, officer or employee.
|
19.2
|
Indemnification
of Expenses
|
The Owner
shall on first demand, pay to the Mortgagee or any other Bank or reimburse the
Mortgagee or any other Bank for the following items of
expenditure:
(a)
|
all
expenses including legal and out-of-pocket expenses (on a full indemnity
basis) incurred by the Mortgagee or any other Bank in connection
with:
|
(i)
|
the
preparation, negotiation and execution of this Deed and/or the
Mortgage;
|
(ii)
|
the
preparation and negotiation of documentation relating to any amendment or
extension of this Deed and/or the Mortgage, regardless of the form such
documentation takes and whether or not such documentation is acceptable
to, and/or executed by, any or all parties
thereto;
|
(iii)
|
the
granting of any waiver, approval, consent, confirmation or release under,
or in respect of, this Deed and/or the Mortgage;
and
|
(iv)
|
any
investigation or due diligence into the financial or other condition of
the Owner or into ascertaining whether or not it has complied or is
complying with this Deed and/or the
Mortgage,
|
together
with interest at the default rate of interest specified in the Loan Agreement
from the date such expenses were incurred to the date of payment, as well after
as before judgment;
(b)
|
an
amount equal to any stamp duties, search fees, registration fees and
duties payable in connection with this Deed and/or the Mortgage and any
penalties with respect to, or resulting from its delay or omission to pay
any such duties or fees;
and
|
20
(c)
|
all
expenses, including legal and out-of-pocket expenses on a full indemnity
basis, incurred by the Mortgagee and any other
Bank:
|
(i)
|
in
contemplation of, or otherwise in connection with, the enforcement of any
rights or exercise of any powers under this Deed and/or the Mortgage or in
investigating any possible default or breach by the Owner of this Deed
and/or the Mortgage; or
|
(ii)
|
in
respect of any proceedings, legal or otherwise, involving the Mortgagee
and any other Bank in connection with this Deed and/or the Mortgage or the
Vessel, whether such proceedings are brought by the Owner or a third
party,
|
together
with interest at the default rate of interest specified in the Loan Agreement
from the date such expenses were incurred to the date of payment, as well after
as before judgment.
20.
|
CURRENCY
CLAUSES
|
20.1
|
Currency
Conversion
|
In order
to apply any sum held or received by the Mortgagee in or towards payment of the
Secured Liabilities, the Mortgagee may purchase an amount in another currency
and the rate of exchange to be applied shall be that at which, at such time as
it considers appropriate, the Mortgagee is able to affect such
purchase.
20.2
|
Currency
indemnity
|
No
payment to the Mortgagee or any other Bank (whether under any judgment or court
order or otherwise) shall discharge the obligation or liability of the Owner in
respect of which it was made unless and until the Mortgagee and the other Banks
shall have received payment in full in the currency in which such obligation or
liability was incurred and to the extent that the amount of any such payment
shall on actual conversion into such currency fall short of such obligation or
liability actual or contingent expressed in that currency, the Owner as a
separate obligation shall pay to the Mortgagee and the other Banks the amount of
such shortfall and the Mortgagee and the other Banks shall be entitled to
enforce the security created by this Deed to recover the amount of the
shortfall.
21.
|
MISCELLANEOUS
|
21.1
|
Potentially
Avoided Payments
|
If the
Mortgagee considers in good faith that any amount received in payment or
purported payment of the Secured Liabilities is capable of being avoided or
reduced by virtue of any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, winding up or
other similar laws, the liability of the Owner under this Deed and the security
created by this Deed and the Mortgage shall continue and such amount snail not
be considered to have been irrevocably paid.
21
21.2
|
Avoidance
of Payments
|
Where any
release, discharge or other arrangement in respect of any Secured Liabilities or
any security the Mortgagee or any other Banks may hold for such Secured
Liabilities is given or made in reliance on any payment or other disposition
which is avoided or must be repaid in an insolvency, liquidation, winding up or
otherwise, and whether or not the Mortgagee or any other Bank has conceded or
compromised any claim that any such payment or other disposition will or should
be avoided or repaid, this Deed and the security created by this Deed shall
continue as if such release, discharge or other arrangement had not been given
or made.
21.3
|
Further
Assurance
|
The Owner
shall at its own expense from time to time execute all such deeds and documents
and do all such acts and things as the Mortgagee may require or consider
desirable for the purpose of protecting, enforcing or perfecting the security
intended to be created by this Deed and the Mortgage or facilitating the
realisation of the Vessel or any part thereof or exercising any powers,
authorities and discretions vested in the Mortgagee, any Receiver, its agents or
delegates.
21.4
|
Amendment
and Variation
|
Neither
the Mortgage nor this Deed may be released, discharged, supplemented,
interpreted, amended, varied or modified in any manner except by an instrument
in writing signed by a duly authorised officer or representative of the
Mortgagee.
21.5
|
Waivers
and Releases
|
No delay
or failure by the Mortgagee to exercise any of its powers, rights or remedies
under this Deed and/or the Mortgage will operate as a waiver of them nor will
any single or partial exercise of any such powers, rights or remedies preclude
any other or further exercise of them. Any waiver, to be effective, must be in
writing.
21.6
|
Severability
|
if at any
time any provision of this Deed or the Mortgage is or becomes illegal, invalid
or unenforceable in any respect or any security created by this Deed or the
Mortgage is or becomes ineffective in any respect under the law of any
jurisdiction, such illegality, invalidity, unenforceability or ineffectiveness
shall not affect:
(a)
|
the
legaiity, validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this
Deed or the Mortgage or the effectiveness in any other respect of the
security created by this Deed or the Mortgage under such law;
or
|
(b)
|
the
legality, validity or enforceability of such provision or the
effectiveness of the security created by this Deed or the Mortgage under
the law of any other
jurisdiction.
|
22
21.7
|
Cumulative
Remedies
|
Every
power and remedy given to the Mortgagee under this Deed shall be cumulative and
not alternative and in addition to and not exclusive of any other power or
remedy given to the Mortgagee or any other Bank either by this Deed or by law or
under the Mortgage or any other Security Documents, Finance Documents and all
such powers and remedies may be exercised whenever and as often as the Mortgagee
or any other Bank may deem expedient.
21.8
|
Immediate
Recourse
|
The Owner
waives any rights it may have of first requiring the Mortgagee or any other Bank
to proceed against or enforce any other rights or security or claim payment from
any person before claiming from the Owner under this Deed. This waiver applies
irrespective of any law or any provision of the Loan Agreement, the Mortgage,
the Security Documents or any Finance Document to the
contrary.
21.9
|
Contracts
(Rights of Third Parties) Xxx
0000
|
(a)
|
Save
in respect of any rights created in favour of a Bank or a Receiver
appointed under this Deed, this Deed does not create any right enforceable
by any person who is not a party to it (the "Third Party") under the
Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Xxx 0000, but this Clause 21.9 does
not affect any right or remedy of a Third Party which exists or is
available apart from that
Act.
|
(b)
|
Notwithstanding
any term of this Deed, the consent of any person (including any Bank) who
is not a party to this Deed is not required for any variation (including
any rescission or variation of any rights that such a person may have to
enforce any provisions of this Deed) or termination of this
Deed.
|
21.10
|
Consents
|
Save as
otherwise expressly specified in this Deed, any consent of the Mortgagee may be
given absolutely or on any terms and subject to any conditions as the Mortgagee
may determine in its entire discretion.
21.11
|
Granting
of Time
|
The
granting of time by the Mortgagee or compounding with any other person or
company liable to the Mortgagee or any of the Banks under any other Finance
Document shall not in any way affect the Mortgagee's rights and powers against
the Owner or the Vessel under the Mortgage and this Deed.
21.12
|
Counterparts
|
This Deed
may be executed in any number of counterparts all of which taken together shall
constitute one and the same instrument. Any party to this Deed may enter into
this Deed by executing any such counterpart.
23
21.13
|
Release
of Security
|
After the
end of the Security Period, the Mortgagee shall, at the request and cost of the
Owner, execute all such documents and do all such other things as may be
required to release the security created by this Deed, in each case without
recourse to or any representation or warranty by or from the
Mortgagee.
21.14
|
Trust
|
The
Mortgagee shall hold the benefit of the covenants, undertakings and security
given and created by the Owner under this Deed upon trust for the Banks in
accordance with the terms of the Loan Agreement.
22.
|
ASSIGNMENT
|
22.1
|
Assignment
|
This Deed
shall bind the Mortgagee and the Owner and their respective successors and
permitted assigns.
22.2
|
The
Owner's Rights
|
The Owner
may not assign or transfer all or any part of its rights, powers or obligations
under this Deed.
22.3
|
The
Mortgagee's Rights
|
The
Mortgagee, without the consent of the Owner, may transfer the Mortgage and
assign, transfer or sub-participate its rights, powers and obligations under
this Deed to any assignee, transferee or sub-participant of its rights under the
Loan Agreement and for this purpose the Mortgagee may give to any potential
assignee, transferee or sub-participant any information about the Owner, the
Vessel, the Mortgage and this Deed which the Mortgagee considers
appropriate.
23.
|
NOTICES
|
23.1
|
Communications
in Writing
|
Any
communication in connection with this Deed must be in writing and in English
and, unless otherwise stated, may be given in person, by post or by fax. For the
avoidance of doubt, no communication may be sent by email.
23.2
|
Contact
Details
|
(a)
|
The
contact details of each party to this Deed for all communications in
connection with this Deed are those notified by each party to the other
party.
|
(b)
|
The
contact details of the Owner for this purpose
are:
|
24
Address:
|
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 0, 0000
Xxxxxxxxx, Xxxxxx
|
Fax Number:
|
[•]
|
Attention:
|
[•]
|
(c)
|
The contact details of the
Mortgagee for this purpose
are:
|
Address:
|
XX Xxx 0000 Xxxxxxx, 0000 Xxxx,
Xxxxxx
|
Fax
Number:
|
[•]
|
Attention:
|
[•]
|
(d)
|
Any
party may change its contact details by giving three Business Days' notice
to the other party.
|
(e)
|
Where
a party nominates a particular department or officer to receive a
communication, a communication will not be effective if it fails to
specify that department or officer.
|
23.3
|
Effectiveness
|
(a)
|
Except
as provided below, a communication in connection with this Deed will be
deemed to be given as follows:
|
(i)
|
if
delivered in person, at the time of
delivery;
|
(ii)
|
if
posted, three days after being deposited in the post, postage prepaid, in
a correctly addressed envelope; and
|
(iii)
|
if
by fax, when received in legible
form.
|
(b)
|
A
communication given under paragraph (a) above but received on a
non-working day or after business hours in the place of receipt will only
be deemed to be given on the next working day in that
place.
|
(c)
|
A
communication to the Mortgagee will only be effective on actual receipt by
it.
|
24.
|
GOVERNING
LAW
|
ThisDeed
shall be governed by and construed in accordance with Isle of Man
law.
25.
|
JURISDICTION
|
25.1
|
Courts
of the Isle of Man
|
The Owner
agrees that the courts of the isle of Man shall have exclusive jurisdiction to
hear and determine any suit, action or proceedings, and to settle any disputes,
which may arise out of or in
connection with this Deed (respectively "Proceedings" and
"Disputes") and, for
such purposes, irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of such
courts.
25
25.2
|
Appropriate
Forum
|
The Owner
irrevocably waives any objection which it may have now or hereafter have to
Proceedings being brought or Disputes being settled in the courts of the isle of
Man and agrees not to claim that any such court is not a convenient or
appropriate forum.
25.3
|
Proceedings
in Other Jurisdictions
|
Nothing
contained in this Clause shall (and shall not be construed so as to) limit the
right of the Mortgagee to take Proceedings against the Owner in any other court
of competent jurisdiction, nor shall the taking of Proceedings in one or more
jurisdictions preclude the taking of Proceedings in any other jurisdiction
(whether concurrently or not) if and to the extent permitted by applicable
law.
25.4
|
General
Consent
|
The Owner
consents generally in respect of any Proceedings to the giving of any relief or
the issue of any process in connection with such Proceedings including the
making, enforcement or execution against any property whatsoever (irrespective
of its use or intended use) of any order or judgment which may be made or given
in such Proceedings.
25.5
|
Waiver
of Immunity
|
To the
extent that the Owner may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets or
revenues immunity from suit, execution, attachment (whether in aid of execution,
before judgment or otherwise) or other legal process and to the extent that in
any such jurisdiction there may be attributed to itself, its assets or revenues
such immunity (whether or not claimed), the Owner irrevocably agrees not to
claim, and irrevocably waives, such immunity to the full extent permitted by the
laws of such jurisdiction.
25.6
|
Appointment
of Process Agent
|
Without
prejudice to any other mode of service under any relevant law, the Owner
irrevocably appoints [H.M.H. Maritime Consultants Limited of 00 Xxxxx Xxxx,
Xxxxxxx, Xxxx of Man] as its process agent to receive and to acknowledge on its
behalf service of any proceedings in the Isle of Man. If for any reason the
agent named above (or its successor) no longer serves as agent of the Owner for
this purpose, the Owner shall promptly appoint a successor agent (satisfactory
to the Mortgagee) and notify the Mortgagee thereof, provided that until the
Mortgagee receives such notification, the Mortgagee shall be entitled to treat
the agent named above (or its said successor) as the agent of the Owner for the
purposes of this Clause. The Owner agrees that any such legal process shall be
sufficiently served on it if delivered to such agent for service at its address
for the time being in the isle of Man whether or not such agent gives notice
thereof to the Owner.
26
IN WITNESS WHEREOF
the parties hereto have executed this Deed the day month and year first before
written
EXECUTED
and DELIVERED
|
: | |
as
a deed by DEEP OCEAN
|
: | |
SHIPPING
AS acting by
|
: | |
: | ||
its
duly authorised attorney
|
: | |
pursuant
to a power of attorney
|
: | |
dated |
2007
|
: |
in
the presence of
|
: | |
Attorney
|
||
Witness
signature:
|
||
Name:
|
||
Address:
|
||
Occupation:
|
||
EXECUTED
and DELIVERED
|
: | |
as
a deed by NORDEA BANK
|
: | |
NORGE
ASA acting by
|
: | |
: | ||
its
duly authorised attorney
|
: | |
pursuant
to a power of attorney
|
: | |
dated |
2007
|
: |
in
the presence of
|
: | |
Attorney
|
||
Witness
signature:
|
||
Name:
|
||
Address:
|
||
Occupation:
|
27