Annual Report • Apr 8, 2015
Annual Report
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Frontpage Photo: Jan Oosterboer Design and layout: BIG FISH
| 05 | Description of Awilco LNG | 41 | Consolidated Cash Flow Statement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | LNG Market Information | 42 | Consolidated Notes to the Financial Statements |
| 21 | Vessel Overview | 68 | Parent Company Income Statement |
| 22 | Shareholder Information | 69 | Parent Company Balance Sheet |
| 27 | Board of Directors' report | 70 | Parent Company Statement of Changes in Equity |
| 35 | Statement of Responsibility | 70 | Parent Company Cash Flow Statement |
| 38 | Consolidated Income Statement |
71 | Parent Company Notes to the Financial Statements |
| 38 | Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income |
82 | Auditor's Report |
| 39 | Consolidated Statement of Financial Position |
86 | Corporate Governance |
| 40 | Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity |
92 | Social Responsibility |
The Awilco LNG Group (the Group or Awilco LNG) is a Norwegian based owner and operator of LNG vessels in international trade. The Group currently owns two 156,000 cbm 2013 built LNG TFDE membrane vessels; WilForce and WilPride, and three 125,000 cbm LNG Moss-type vessels; WilGas, WilPower and WilEnergy. Awilco LNG has an industrial approach and a long-term commitment to the LNG sector.
Commercial and technical management is handled out of the Group's office in Oslo, Norway.
Awilco LNG ASA (the Company) was incorporated in February 2011 by Awilco AS, a company in the AWILHELMSEN Group which has fostered several companies previously listed on Oslo Stock Exchange, for the purpose of acquiring three secondhand LNG vessels.
The three LNG vessels WilGas, WilPower and WilEnergy were acquired for an aggregate price of USD 67 million, which was financed through private placements in February and April
2011, in addition to shareholder loans that were subsequently converted to equity. WilGas was delivered to the Group in March 2011, WilPower at the end of May 2011 and WilEnergy at the end of June 2011.
On 12 May 2011, Awilco LNG signed shipbuilding contracts for construction of two LNG newbuildings, which were partly financed through a private placement of NOK 534.8 million in May 2011.
On 6 September 2011 the Company's shares were listed at the Oslo Stock Exchange under the ticker ALNG.
On 16 September 2013 the Group took delivery of its first 156,000 cbm TFDE newbuilding WilForce, and on 28 November 2013 Awilco LNG took delivery of its second 156,000 cbm TFDE newbuilding WilPride. Both vessels were financed through a financial lease, financing 75 % of the cost.
Was delivered from DSME on 16 September 2013, and completed its maiden voyage in December 2013. She was 24 January 2014 delivered to an oil and gas major on a three year contract plus one year option in charterer's favour.
Was delivered from DSME on 28 November 2013. The vessel is trading in the spot market. Awilco LNG is continuously evaluating mid- and long-term commercial opportunities.
Was redelivered from a 3 year charter with Petrobras in mid-October 2014, and has subsequently traded in the spot market. She completed scheduled dry-docking in July 2014.
Is in lay-up and marketed for project work.
WILPOWER Is in lay-up and marketed for project work.
Prior to his appointment as CEO of Awilco LNG ASA Mr. Storheill was Managing Director of Awilco AS, Director of S&P/ Projects with Frontline Management and Director/Partner of shipbroking company P.F. Bassøe AS. Mr. Storheill has also been the Chairman of the Board of Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS in addition to serving with various board positions in the industry. Mr. Storheill has more than 25 years of shipping experience, is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway.
Mr. Walker previously held a similar position within Golar LNG. He has previously held various Commercial, Marketing and Project Development roles in LNG projects for both BG and Shell and has been involved in the natural gas & shipping industry for more than 25 years. Mr. Walker is a Scottish citizen and resides in Bærum, Norway.
Mr. Krogstad was previously CFO at Camillo Eitzen & Co ASA. He has held various shipping- and banking related positions since 1991. Mr. Krogstad has a BSc in Business Administration from University of Vermont, USA. Mr. Krogstad is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway.
Mr. Andersen was previously Head of Operations at Höegh LNG. He has held various shore side marine related positions since 1997 following 7 years at sea and is a certified Master Mariner. Mr. Andersen has 24 years of shipping experience, is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway.
Awilco LNG had 9 employees at the end of 2014. The Group handles the commercial and technical operation of the vessels from its main office in Oslo.
The Group purchases certain administrative services from Awilhelmsen Management AS and technical sub-management services from Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS, both companies in the AWILHELMSEN Group.
Mr. Torgersen is the CEO of Astrup Fearnley AS, the parent company of a number of investment and broker companies. Mr. Torgersen has extensive board experience from a number of companies in the property, shipping, finance and offshore sectors, and serves as Chairman of the Board of Atlantic Container Line AB and Finnlines Plc. In addition he is member of the boards of Norske Skogindustrier ASA, IM Skaugen SE. and Transportation Recovery Fund. Mr. Torgersen holds an MBA (Finance) from Hochschule St. Gallen. Mr. Torgersen is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway. Mr. Torgersen is a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Mrs. Syrrist has work experience as an independent consultant, and as financial analyst in Elcon Securities ASA and First Securities ASA. She has also an extensive non-executive experience from both listed and private companies, and is currently among others a member of the boards of Awilco Drilling Plc and Eidesvik Offshore ASA. She holds a Master of Science from NTH and is a Certified Financial Analyst (AFA) from NHH. Mrs. Syrrist is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway. Mrs. Syrrist is the chairman of the Audit Committee.
Mrs. Malm Justad has previously worked as CEO in Eitzen Maritime Services, Vice President and Head of Purchasing at Yara International ASA, Vice President and Fleet Manager at Norgas Carriers AS and has held various technical and commercial positions for Norsk Hydro ASA. She also serves as Chairman of the Board of American Shipping Company ASA and as board member of Odfjell SE. In addition she is Chairman of the Board of Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani AS and board member of Port of London Authority. Mrs. Malm Justad holds a Master in Technology Management from MIT/NTH and a Master in Chemical Engineering from NTH. Mrs. Malm Justad is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway.
Mr. Thorvildsen is the CEO of the AWILHELMSEN group and Chairman of the Board of Awilco Drilling Plc. He has more than 20 years of experience from the shipping- and offshore industry. Mr. Thorvildsen has previously held several senior positions, among them the position as CEO of Awilco AS, the Chairman of the Board of Awilco Offshore ASA and Awilco Heavy Transport ASA (later Ocean HeavyLift ASA). He holds an MSc in Business and Economics from the Norwegian School of Management. Mr. Thorvildsen is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway. Mr. Thorvildsen is a member of the Remuneration Committee.
Mr. Fougner is the COO of the AWILHELMSEN group, and serves on the board of Awilco Drilling Plc. He has more than 25 years of experience from the shipping, offshore and banking industry both in Norway and internationally. Mr. Fougner has previously held several senior positions, among them the position as CEO of Awilco Offshore ASA and CFO of Awilco AS. He holds an MBA from the Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration. Mr. Fougner is a Norwegian citizen and resides in Oslo, Norway. Mr. Fougner is a member of the Audit Committee.
Natural gas is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon gas mixture which consists primarily of methane. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled and converted to liquid form for efficient storage and transportation. Once natural gas has been produced, the LNG supply chain involves three steps; liquefaction, transportation and regasification.
The liquefaction process involves removal of certain components such as water, hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide from the natural gas and then condensation of the gas into liquid form at close to atmospheric pressure by cooling it down to below -160 degrees celsius. LNG is about 1/600th the volume of natural gas at standard temperature and pressure, making it much more cost efficient to transport over long distances where pipelines do not exist.
Onshore transportation of natural gas is generally through pipelines, while offshore transportation is in purpose designed cryogenic LNG vessels where the natural gas has been cooled down and liquefied.
In regasification terminals or vessels the liquefied natural gas is returned to its initial, gaseous state, and then fed into transmission and distribution networks. Natural gas' predominant use is for electricity generation and heating.
LNG has become an important source of energy as natural gas is non-toxic, clean-burning and relatively price competitive. Natural gas is widely considered as an important factor in reaching strict emission targets, and according to various market analysts the demand going forward is expected to be strong.
Offshore transportation of liquefied natural gas in LNG vessels is the most flexible, safe and economic way of distributing natural gas from seller to buyer over long distances. With a global LNG fleet, the natural gas market opens up for extensive trade of LNG from exporting countries to importing countries. The use of LNG carriers enables export of natural gas to importers without land based pipeline connections, such as Japan.
A LNG carrier is a special purpose built vessel designed for transportation of LNG. The first LNG vessels entered operations in the early 1960's. The fleet of vessels above 100,000 cbm has grown steadily ever since, reaching 388 vessels at the end of 2014 according to Fearnley LNG. The LNG shipping market is industrial in its nature, with few publicly traded companies that provide pure exposure to the segment; the largest owners are mostly energy companies or Japanese trading conglomerates.
Given the vast expenditure involved in liquefaction projects, operators and project developers have historically secured tonnage on 15-25 years long term fixed contracts to serve their shipping needs. Parallels to the LNG transportation market are being drawn to the tanker market at the beginning of the 1970s, in that it is currently a market dominated by relatively few companies and utility players, with capital intensive infrastructure projects and point to point long term contracts.
The spot market has evolved slowly, but the trend in LNG shipping is towards an increasing share of medium, short and spot contracts. In 2001 spot and medium term cargoes constituted 7.7 % of the total volume, and by the end of 2013 this share had increased to 27 % according to International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers.
Over the last decade, the number of trading routes for LNG shipping has multiplied. Until 2006 there were few exporters of LNG and the trade was dominated by a few players, mainly large oil companies. This has changed substantially over the
last couple of years, due to the entry of trading houses and power companies in addition to an increased number of LNG exporting terminals affecting supply side. On the demand side cheaper and more flexible regasification solutions (FSRUs), diversification of supply and the appealing costs and environmental factors in natural gas has led to an increase in the number of countries importing LNG.
The trend towards shorter term and more spot oriented trading is likely to continue going forward as a result of increased trading of LNG volumes, together with an increase in trading routes and changing trading routes. The spot market in the near- to middle term is, however, expected to remain fairly illiquid compared to other commodity/spot trading shipping markets.
Historically the most common LNG vessel design was the Moss design. The design was developed in the 1970s and uses free standing insulated spherical tanks, where the tanks and the vessel are two separate structures. Later the Membrane design has become the most common design. The Membrane design involves insulation built directly into the hull, combined with a membrane covering the inside of the tanks. This design utilises the volume of the vessel in a more optimal manner. The modern vessels are normally powered by Tri-fuel diesel electric engines (TFDE), whereas vessels built up until 2009 are normally powered by steam turbines. The TFDE vessels are more fuel efficient, and the modern vessels have considerably lower boil-off rates due to improved containment systems. As a consequence, modern vessels have a substantial economic advantage compared to the older vessels. The latest fuel efficient engine solutions ordered for LNG carrier newbuildings are the ME-GI dual fuel two strokes engines, which are even more fuel efficient than the TDFE engines. The first ME-GI outfitted vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2016.
According to Fearnley LNG, the LNG fleet counted 97 vessels above 100,000 cbm in 2001, whereas at the end of 2014 the fleet
LNG VALUE CHAIN
consisted of 388 vessels, of which about 250 membrane vessels. At the beginning of 2015 the orderbook for vessels (excluding FSRU and FLNG) above 100,000 cbm was 141 vessels, of which 20 available for contract. In 2015 31 vessels are scheduled for delivery, in 2016 35 vessels and in 2017 47 vessels according to ship brokers.
There are currently only seven yards with registered LNG vessels on order, the largest being Samsung followed by DSME and Hyundai Heavy Industries. The remaining yards are Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, STX and Hudong-Zhonghua. Construction time for an LNG carrier is about two and a half to three years, and thus new orders may not be delivered until late 2017 or early 2018.
The design life of a modern LNG carrier is 40 years. At the end of 2014 29 vessels were older than 30 years. A softer market combined with the lower efficiency of older tonnage and the need for dry-docking every 2.5 years has made it less economical to invest in older tonnage. As a consequence it may be anticipated that scrapping may increase over the next years.
Historic averages required about 1.2 vessels to carry 1 MTPA, according to Fearnley LNG. According to market analysts the potential U.S. LNG export will substantially increase this figure. Based on the current liquefaction capacity under construction, the current fleet and orderbook is most likely sufficient to address the shipping demand for the next two years, and there is a risk of continued oversupply of vessels in 2015 and 2016. However, based on new LNG capacity under construction from 2016 and onwards, the existing orderbook is most likely not sufficient to cover shipping demand from 2017-18.
Spot market rates were reported at about USD 70,000 per day at the beginning of the 2000s, but an influx of new tonnage through the second half of the decade, coupled with lower than anticipated LNG volumes as a result of delayed projects, hit the LNG transportation market hard. Rates bottomed in Q2 2010 below USD 30,000 per day for modern tonnage, combined with low utilisation.
Rates started to increase in the summer of 2010, and in March 2011 the Fukushima disaster in Japan caused further tightening in the market. Spot rates peaked at about USD 150,000 per day at the end of 2011 for modern tonnage. The market remained firm for the first half of 2012, thereafter the market rates showed a declining trend until the summer of 2014. In the second half of 2014 the rates stabilised, but on limited activity.
Global LNG supply Bcf/d
Spot rates at the end of 2014 were reported by brokers at about USD 70,000 per day for TFDE vessels, USD 50,000 per day for modern steam vessels and USD 21,000 per day for older steam vessels.
40 Qatar In 2014 the LNG market continued to grow and diversify. Six new LNG import terminals started during the year, representing a total of 23 MTPA of new import capacity. In 2014 Lithuania became the 28th country to import LNG.
According to BP, natural gas is expected to be the fastest growing fossil fuel over the period 2013 to 2035, with demand increasing 1.9 % a year on average. Traded gas supplied via pipelines declines as a share of consumption. In contrast, gas supplied via LNG grows by 4.3 % p.a., and is expected to become the dominant form of traded gas by 2035. During the period 2013 to 2020 the LNG supply is forecasted to grow even more rapidly at estimated 7.8 % p.a.
0 1990 2005 2020 Source: BP Asia is the main destination for LNG, with its share of global LNG demand at 74 %. The largest importer in 2014 was Japan with 89 MT, representing a growth of 2 % from 2013. The second largest importer was South-Korea, importing about 38 MT in 2014 compared to 41 MT in 2013. Following South-Korea was China, importing 20 MT, up from 18.5 MT in 2013. China's demand is expected to continue to increase as the Chinese Government targets natural gas to account for 10 % of the total energy demand in 2020, compared to 4 % in 2010. BP forecasts
that by 2035 China will be the second largest importer of LNG (12 BCFD /109 MTPA), just behind Japan forecasted at 13 BCFD / 118 MTPA. India, the fourth largest importer, increased its imports from 13.2 MT in 2013 to 15 MT in 2014. According to ExxonMobil, India's energy demand is expected to show one of the strongest percentage growth rates globally during the period 2010 to 2040.
After two years with declining LNG production the output in 2014 increased by approximately 3 % to an estimated 243 MT, back to approximately the same level as in 2011. During 2014 Angola LNG finally started production after a two year delayed start-up. Unfortunately, after only having produced a few cargoes, the plant is shut down for a prolonged period due to technical issues. The estimated re-start of the plant is in the fourth quarter of 2015. The delayed production start of the Angola LNG production facility was partly mitigated by a six month pre-scheduled start up of the Papua New Guinea (PNG) liquefaction terminal. The facility was scheduled for production towards the end of 2014, but the first cargoes were shipped during the summer of 2014. The ramp up of the plant was both stronger and faster than anticipated. In December 2014 Queensland Curtis LNG facility started production according to schedule. This is the first of seven new Australian liquefaction terminals currently under construction.
LNG demand is set to grow substantially going forward, and historically LNG supply has been the constraining factor in the global LNG market. New LNG production capacity currently under construction is approx. 118 MTPA. There are five new LNG production plants scheduled to commence production in 2015, in addition to the re-start of the Angolan production facility. Three of the new liquefaction plants scheduled to commence in 2015 are Australian. The first scheduled start-up is the Gladstone LNG facility, which has a planned start-up in the middle of 2015. The ramp-up of the first train is expected to take three months, and train two is scheduled for start-up towards the end of the year. In total the Gladstone LNG facility has a nameplate production capacity of 7.2 MTPA. Next in line
is Australia Pacific with a nameplate capacity of 9 MTPA. The third scheduled Australian start-up during 2015 is the Gorgon LNG production facility, with a nameplate capacity of 5.2 MTPA for the first of three trains expected to commence production in Q4 2015. Sabine Pass, the first U.S. liquefaction plant, is scheduled for start-up end-2015, slightly ahead of schedule. The nameplate production of the first two trains from Sabine Pass is estimated to 9 MTPA.
The total nameplate capacity from expected production start in 2015 is about 34 MTPA. Market analysts expect a gradual ramp up. Estimated increase in production in 2015 is 25 MT, which includes ramp up of Queensland which started at the end of 2014. In general there is always a degree of uncertainty linked to the start-up dates and the production rate from new facilities.
Currently Qatar, Malaysia and Australia are the largest LNG exporters. However, Australia has about 60 MTPA of new LNG production capacity under construction and is estimated to surpass Qatar as the largest LNG exporter by 2018. The U.S.,
which has been an importer of LNG, is expected to become one of the largest LNG exporters in the world over the next coming years. As recently as six years ago, North America was preparing to import large volumes of LNG. However, the shale gas revolution has transformed the region from an LNG importer to a potentially massive LNG exporter. There are currently 38 applications for a total of 320 MTPA for export to non-FTA countries. Nine of the projects are based on existing LNG import facilities, which represent significant costs advantages. Of the 38 applications eight have been approved for non-FTA export, with a total capacity of 80 MTPA. In addition there are six projects which have applied for export license from Canada with a potential export volume of 53 MTPA.
The Asian spot LNG prices fell from record levels at the beginning of 2014 to a more than three year low by Q3 2014. During Q3 Asian spot prices rebounded and the trend was increasing, for a period, until the Asian LNG spot prices followed the falling crude oil trend for the remaining of the year.
| YEAR BUILT | 2013 | DRAFT | 12.521 M |
|---|---|---|---|
| YARD | DSME | MANAGER | ALNG TM |
| CAPACITY | 156,007 M3 | FLAG | NIS |
| DWT | 87,750 MT | PROPULSION | TFDE |
| YEAR BUILT | 2013 | DRAFT | 12.521 M |
| YARD | DSME | MANAGER | ALNG TM |
| CAPACITY | 156,089 M3 | FLAG | NIS |
| DWT | 87,677 MT | PROPULSION | TFDE |
| YEAR BUILT | 1984 | DRAFT | 11.527 M |
| YARD | NAGASAKI | MANAGER | ALNG TM |
| CAPACITY | 125,631 M3 | FLAG | NIS |
| DWT | 67,552 MT | PROPULSION | STEAM TURBINE |
| YEAR BUILT | 1983 | DRAFT | 11.466 M |
| YARD | KAWASAKI | MANAGER | ALNG TM |
| CAPACITY | 125,660 M3 | FLAG | MI |
| DWT | 69,991 MT | PROPULSION | STEAM TURBINE |
| YEAR BUILT | 1983 | DRAFT | 11.527 M |
| YARD | NAGASAKI | MANAGER | ALNG TM |
| CAPACITY | 125,556 M3 | FLAG | MI |
| DWT | 67,055 MT | PROPULSION | STEAM TURBINE |
Awilco LNG owns two 156,000 cbm 2013 built LNG TFDE vessels WilForce and WilPride, and three 125,000 cbm LNG vessels WilGas, WilPower and WilEnergy.
Awilco LNG share price development (ticker: ALNG)
Source: Oslo Stock Exchange
| WNERSHIP O |
NUMBER OF SHARES SHAREHOLDER/ |
WNERSHIP O |
NUMBER OF SHARES SHAREHOLDER/ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33.7% | AWILCO AS 22 874 500 |
1.2 % | MP PENSJON PK 836 800 |
| 8.7% | EUROCLEAR BANK S.A. 5 915 116 |
1.2 % | SKIPS AS TUDOR 781 429 |
| 8.3 % | HOME CAPITAL AS 5 608 922 |
0.9 % | SEB PRIVATE BANK S.A 630 500 |
| 7.8 % | ASTRUP FEARNLEY A/S 5 260 050 |
0.9 % | KLP AKSJE NORGE VPF 597 987 |
| 7.6 % | UTHALDEN A/S 5 135 050 |
0.8 % | FIDUCIA AS 541 850 |
| 7.0% | JP MORGAN CLEARING CORP. 4 748 728 |
0.7 % | TVENGE TORSTEIN INGV 480 960 |
| 3.0 % | CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES 2 035 000 |
0.7% | VERDIPAPIRFONDET DNB 459 998 |
| 2.9 % | SIX SIS AG 1 948 667 |
0.4 % | KOMMUNAL LANDSPENSJO 334 500 |
| 2.8 % | ODIN MARITIM 1 913 424 |
0.4 % | NORDSTJERNEN AS 268 674 |
| 2.2 % | GLAAMENE INDUSTRIER 1 499 405 |
7.4 % | OTHER SHAREHOLDERS 5 007 754 |
| 1.3 % | VERDIPAPIRFONDET DNB 909 560 |
2014 was anticipated to be a challenging year for LNG shipping as more than 30 newbuild LNG vessels were scheduled for delivery, combined with limited new LNG production capacity coming on stream before the end of the year. As expected, charter rates and utilisation continued the declining trend seen in 2013 for the first six months of 2014. Rates increased following new LNG production from PNG LNG entering the market mid-year, but this positive note was offset by the oil price fall in late 2014, which closed the LNG price differential between West and East basins and reduced arbitrage LNG trading. Charter rates stabilised at the end of 2014, but on the back of low activity.
In the short term it is expected that the LNG shipping market will develop similarly in 2015 as in 2014. 31 newbuildings are expected to be delivered during the year, and increased LNG production is not expected before the 2nd half of 2015. However, the long term fundamentals for the LNG market remain firm, as about 118 MTPA of new production capacity is currently under construction.
2014 marked the first full year for Awilco LNG as a fully integrated shipping company. Since its start in 2011 Awilco LNG has established itself as a reliable technical operator and provider of LNG transportation services. Despite a challenging market in 2014, Awilco LNG managed 88 % utilisation of WilPride in the spot market, and a total fleet utilisation of 86 % (trading vessels).
The Awilco LNG Group (Awilco LNG, ALNG or the Group) is a pure play LNG transportation provider, owning and operating LNG vessels. The Group owns two TFDE LNG vessels built 2013 and three 2nd generation LNG vessels. The parent company Awilco LNG ASA is listed on Oslo Axess under the ticker ALNG. Awilco LNG's registered business address is in Oslo, Norway.
At the beginning of 2014 the Company had four vessels employed and one in lay-up. In January the 2013 built WilForce was employed for a three year contract ending January 2017 plus a one year option in charterer's favor. In February the 2013 built WilPride completed its maiden voyage, and thereafter the vessel was employed in the spot market, achieving 88 % utilisation in 2014.
The 2nd generation vessel WilEnergy was employed on contract until mid-September 2014. After re-delivery the vessel was idle, and she entered cold lay-up in mid-December. WilGas was employed on a three year contract to Petrobras until mid-October. After completion of the contract the vessel was fixed on two short term contracts until mid-February 2015. WilPower remained in cold lay-up throughout the year. At the end of 2014, three vessels were on contract; WilForce until January 2017, and WilGas and WilPride until mid-February 2015.
The technical management of the vessels is performed by the 100 % owned Awilco LNG Technical Management AS (Awilco LNG TM). At the beginning of 2014, Awilco LNG TM operated the vessels WilPride, WilForce and WilPower. In Q1 2014, technical management of the two remaining vessels WilGas and WilEnergy was taken over by Awilco LNG TM.
As a result of newbuildings being delivered, and limited new LNG production, the declining market trend for LNG vessels seen in 2013 continued for the first six months of 2014. During the summer PNG LNG commenced production, and the spot rates leveled out for the remaining of the year.
The reported spot day-rates for modern vessels started 2014 at USD 90,000 per day and ended the year at about USD 70,000 per day. Average spot day-rates for the year was USD 69,000 per day. The reported spot day-rate for 1st and 2nd generation vessels was USD 35,000 per day at the beginning of the year and ended at USD 25,000 per day, but on the back of very low activity.
For the first time in two years, year-on-year LNG production increased in 2014 compared to the previous year. Estimated
production in 2014 was 243 MT, up from 236 MT in 2013. At the beginning of the year the Angola LNG liquefaction plant started production, but was shut down due to technical issues after only having shipped a few cargoes. Estimated re-start of the plant is now for Q4 2015. On a positive note the PNG LNG liquefaction plant started production at the beginning of the summer, about six months ahead of schedule. Towards the end of the year, the Australian Queensland Curtis commenced production on schedule.
In 2015 there are five liquefaction plants scheduled for startup, as well as the re-start of the Angola LNG plant. The total nameplate capacity from production start in 2015 is about 34 MTPA. Market analysts expect a gradual ramp up and estimated increase in production in 2015 is 25 MT, which includes ramp up of Queensland. The plants which are scheduled for start-up during 2015 are Donggi Senero, Gladstone, Australia Pacific LNG, Gorgon and Sabine Pass. In general there will always be uncertainties related to startup of new production facilities, and at what time the production facilities will reach nameplate production capacity.
During 2014 the newbuilding ordering activity was high, and 57 vessels have been reported ordered during 2014. The shipbuilding capacity at the three big Korean LNG yards is filled for 2017 and into 2018.
The current orderbook for vessels larger than 100,000 cbm stand at approximately 141 LNG carriers, corresponding to about 25 % of the world-wide fleet. 31 vessels are expected to be delivered during 2015 and 35 in 2016. Of the 31 vessels to be delivered during 2015, six vessels are reported to be available for contract.
The Group took delivery of WilForce and WilPride in September and November 2013 respectively, and the 2014 figures are therefore not directly comparable to the 2013 figures.
Freight income for the year amounted to USD 78.5 million (USD 54.7 million). The increase was due to the increased fleet size following delivery of the newbuildings as noted above, offset by lower utilisation and charter rates on the 2nd generation vessels. Fleet utilisation (excl. vessels in lay-up) ended at 86 %, compared to 73 % in 2013.
Voyage related expenses were USD 11.2 million in 2014 compared to USD 12.8 million in 2013. The lower voyage costs in 2014 was mainly due to positioning of WilForce and WilPride
after delivery in 2013, offset by positioning, repositioning and cool down of WilGas after scheduled dry-dock in 2014.
Operating expenses for the year were USD 21.1 million compared to USD 18.5 million in 2013, reflecting increased fleet size offset by lay-up of WilEnergy from mid-December 2014. Lay-up reduces operating expenses to approx. USD 2,000 per day.
Administration expenses were recorded at USD 5.1 million in 2014, a decrease from USD 6.8 million in 2013. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in the fair value of synthetic employee options.
EBITDA for the year was USD 41.0 million (USD 16.6 million).
Depreciation and amortisation was USD 18.4 million (USD 10.0 million). The increase was due to delivery of the two newbuildings WilForce and WilPride in the second half of 2013.
Net finance expense was USD 25.2 million (USD 5.5 million). The increased finance expenses were due to interest charges on the WilForce and WilPride lease obligations.
Loss before tax was USD 2.6 million (profit of USD 1.1 million). Income tax expense for the year was USD 0.1 million (gain of
USD 0.1 million), of which USD 0.1 million was payable (USD 0.1 million) and changes in deferred tax were nil (USD 0.2 million).
Loss for the period was USD 2.7 million (profit of USD 1.2 million).
Basic and diluted earnings per share for the year were negative with USD 0.04, compared to positive USD 0.02 in 2013.
As at 31 December 2014 the Group's total assets were USD 497.5 million (USD 513.6 million).
The book value of vessels was USD 467.1 million (USD 478.7 million). The decrease reflects ordinary depreciation and amortisation of USD 18.3 million (USD 10.0 million), offset by capitalised dry-docking of WilGas amounting to USD 6.7 million. The scheduled dry-docking of WilGas was completed in July 2014 at a total capital expenditure of USD 7.1 million, of which USD 0.4 was capitalised in 2013.
Current assets were USD 30.1 million (USD 34.5 million), of which trade receivables was USD 2.5 million (USD 3.7 million), cash was USD 20.8 million (USD 18.2 million) and other short term assets was USD 4.0 million (USD 8.2 million). USD 3.0
million of other short term assets reflects prepayment of WilForce and WilPride monthly lease payments, same as at 31 December 2013.
Non-current liabilities were USD 285.7 million (USD 297.4 million), of which the WilForce and WilPride lease liabilities were USD 285.6 million (USD 297.3 million).
Current liabilities were USD 19.9 million (USD 21.7 million), of which USD 11.7 related to the short term portion of the WilForce and WilPride lease liabilities (USD 10.8 million), USD 0.5 million was trade payables (USD 3.5 million) and USD 7.7 million provisions and accruals (USD 7.4 million). The USD 15.0 million short term credit facility was cancelled by the Group in March 2014.
Total equity at the end of the year was USD 191.8 million (USD 194.5 million), corresponding to a book equity ratio of 39 % (38 %).
In 2014 the Group had a positive cash flow from operating activities of USD 45.7 million (USD 10.7 million). Cash used in investing activities was USD 7.2 million (USD 292.8 million), of which USD 6.7 was paid towards the WilGas dry-docking. Net cash used in financing activities amounted to USD 35.9 million (net cash provided of USD 297.8 million), mainly related to payment towards the WilForce and WilPride financial lease obligations. Cash at the end of the year was USD 20.8 million (USD 18.2 million).
Operating income for the year amounted to NOK 10.7 million (NOK 5.5 million) and administration expenses NOK 20.7 million (NOK 32.6 million). Impairment of shares in subsidiaries amounted to NOK 11.4 million (NOK 84.0 million).
Net finance income amounted to NOK 24.1 million (NOK 182.7 million).
Profit for the period was NOK 2.3 million (NOK 72.4 million).
The Board of Directors proposes that the net profit of NOK 2.3 million for the Parent Company is allocated to retained earnings.
The Board will propose to the General Meeting 10 June 2015 that there will be no dividend distributed for the fiscal year 2014.
The consolidated financial statements of the Group, and the parent company financial statements of Awilco LNG ASA, have been prepared on a going concern basis. Pursuant to the Norwegian Accounting Act § 3-3a , the current contract coverage, the Company's overall position at the end of the year and the forecasted cash flow, the Board of Directors confirm that it is correct to prepare the accounts on a going concern assumption. Please see the liquidity risk section below and note 25 in the consolidated financial statements for further information on this matter.
Market conditions for shipping activities have historically been volatile, and as a consequence the financial results may vary significantly from year to year. The risk factors in the LNG shipping market can be divided into the following main components: market risk, operational risk and financial risk.
Market risk relates to the supply of LNG vessels and the demand for LNG transportation. In the past there have been prolonged periods of oversupply of vessels due to delays in the construction of production capacity, with correspondingly low utilisation and depressed market rates. In the period 2004 to 2010 there was a general excess supply of vessels which had a negative impact on the market rates.
In 2015 and 2016 a total of 66 vessels are scheduled for delivery, of which seven are not committed to a contract. The yard capacity is fully booked, and therefore the current orderbook for the near future will not increase.
Projecting the supply of LNG involves more uncertainty. Historically new projects have had a tendency to be delayed as liquefactions plants are highly complex construction projects. Furthermore actual production may fluctuate from one year to another, as shown in 2012 and 2013, when for the first time in 30 years actual production decreased compared to the previous year. Lower LNG production will have an impact on the market rates for LNG vessels, as the oversupply of vessels is likely to reduce rate levels. Furthermore, increasing LNG production does not guarantee a healthy rate level, as the newbuilding fleet may increase by more than the increased demand, as was seen in 2014. After two years with declining LNG production there was a 3 % increase in LNG production in 2014. However, the increased production was more than absorbed by the growing fleet.
The demand for LNG is affected by the importing countries' demand for energy as well as the relative pricing of LNG compared to alternative energy sources. A high relative pricing spread between LNG and other energy sources will lower the demand for LNG and thereby negatively impact the demand for LNG transportation.
According to BP, the long term supply of LNG is forecasted to grow with 7.8 % p.a. towards 2020. Historically a limiting factor has been the growth and delays in liquefaction capacity.
Over the last years we have seen substantial improvements in timing of some projects, but it may be anticipated that some liquefaction projects could experience delays which can impact demand growth for LNG vessels.
Historically there have been large LNG price spreads between different geographic markets, thereby increasing demand for LNG transportation to execute arbitrage opportunities. The arbitrage opportunities are highly related to the production location of LNG. As new LNG production in Australia comes on stream, it is expected that the arbitrage opportunities from West to East will be negatively affected, and thus reduce the ton-mile demand.
When the market is weak, the supply side needs more time to adjust to the reduced demand, and as a consequence, the LNG shipping market may soften for a period until the market is more balanced. In general older LNG carriers are more sensitive to a decrease in tonnage demand, as older vessels are less fuel efficient and have lower LNG transportation capacity.
The Group's ability to obtain charters will depend upon the prevailing market conditions. If the Group is unable to employ one or more of its vessels for a longer period of time, revenue will be substantially reduced.
The Group's operations and vessels are subject to international environmental laws and regulations, which have become more stringent in recent years. Although the Group is doing its outmost to comply, changes in laws and regulations may expose the Group to liability.
The 2nd generation vessels in the fleet are over 30 years old, which poses an increased technical risk compared to newer tonnage. Even though the Group obtains loss of hire insurance for contracts over a certain length, a technical breakdown will affect the earnings for a period of at least 14 days (deductible).
A piracy attack or outbreak of war would affect the trading of the vessels.
The world-wide LNG fleet will increase over the coming years, and this will expose the Group to the risk related to attracting qualified officers and seafarers. The Group has and will take steps in order to mitigate this risk. Furthermore, as a result of potential increased demand for LNG crew, there is a risk that the salaries will increase at a higher rate than ordinary inflation.
The Group is only exposed to bunker price risk when the vessels are not on charter.
The TFDE vessels are both financed through sale-leaseback agreements with Teekay LNG Partners L.P. The lease tenor is 4 years + 1 year option in favour of Awilco LNG for the WilPride, while the WilForce tenor is 5 years + 1 year option. The leasing agreements include purchase obligations at the end of the period. The purchase obligation for WilForce is MUSD 123.5 after 5 years and for WilPride MUSD 130.9 after 4 years. The purchase obligation will be further reduced if the option periods are declared. Lease payments are in USD. After the end of the leasing period there will be a refinancing risk. The level of financing that the Company will be able to obtain at the end of the lease agreements depends upon the market rates for the vessels as well as the contract status.
The 2nd generation vessels are financed by equity only.
The companies in the Group have USD as functional currency. Currency risks therefore arise in connection with transactions in other currencies than USD. The Group is to a certain degree exposed to currency fluctuations as it is exposed to NOK administration expenses. The Group may use financial derivatives to reduce short-term currency risk.
The shipping market is capital intensive. Insufficient liquidity will severely impact the ability to operate safely. The Group's approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure, as far as
possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity at all times to meet its obligations without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation. The Group had a USD 15 million credit facility for liquidity purposes, which was cancelled by the Group in March 2014. Based on the liquidity situation at the end of the year and the forecasted cash flow, the Group is sufficiently funded to cover its obligations for the next twelve months from the date of the statement of financial position. Forecasted cash flow comprise cash flow from firm contracts and expected cash flow from future employment, based on the current and expected market situation. Forecasting the market involves uncertainy as described in the market risk section above. Alternatively the Group can leverage the fleet of currently all-equity financed second generation vessels, or potentially dispose of one or more second generation vessel(s) to ensure sufficient funding to cover its obligations.
The Group has currently no other long term debt than fixed rate lease liabilities with a fixed interest element, and therefore has only limited interest rate risk related to bank deposits. If the Group enters into new long term financing facilities, the Group will evaluate using financial derivatives in order to hedge interest rate exposure.
The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities through trade receivables (freight income) and from its financing activities, including deposits with banks. The Group aims to do business with creditworthy counterparties only. Charter hire is normally received monthly in advance, effectively reducing the potential exposure to credit risk. Bank deposits are only deposited with internationally recognised financial institutions with a high credit rating.
The Group has a lean onshore organisation and has outsourced certain services. At year end 2014 the Group had 9 onshore employees of which one female. Shipping has historically been male dominated, and there is currently no female representation among the management. The Group is aware of this imbalance and is positive to improve this ratio in the future. The Board of Directors of the Company has two female directors, representing 40 % of the Board.
The safety and well-being of Awilco LNG's employees and seafarers has the highest priority. All ships shall be operated and maintained, safe for crew, visitors, cargo and the environment. The Group's quality of operations is supported by experienced, educated and well trained staff onboard and
onshore. The Group shall adhere to national and international laws and regulations and constantly promote best practices identified within its own operations and the industry in order to improve the competence of individual crewmembers and vessel safety performance. The Group's senior management is actively engaged in monitoring Awilco LNG's performance, in order to further encourage and promote positive trends, to provide advice and to take corrective action where negative trends are detected.
Awilco LNG aims to ensure a stable and motivating work environment for both onshore and offshore employees, ensuring high retention rates. The Group is proactively seeking to identify requirements and needs for additional training through regular audits, master and management reviews.
Absence due to illness for onshore employees was 5.3 % in 2014 (0.8 % in 2013). No work related injuries were reported during the year for shore-based employees. For seafarers, the LTIF (number of accidents per one million-man hours worked) was 2.0 during the year (0.0 in 2013).
Based on the long term goal of environmental excellence, Awilco LNG works towards minimising the environmental impact from its vessels. A zero tolerance for environmental spills has been adopted, together with a zero tolerance for emissions of ozone depleting substances and dumping of any type of waste to the marine environment. Additionally Awilco LNG aims to minimise as far as practically possible the emission of NOx and SOx from diesel combustion engines, boilers, incinerators and emission cargo and fuel oil tanks and systems through evaporation.
For further information please see the Social Responsibility section in the annual report, which covers the requirements under the Norwegian Accounting Act § 3-3c.
Awilco LNG strives to protect and enhance shareholder equity through openness, integrity and equal shareholder treatment, and sound corporate governance is a key element in the basis of the Awilco LNG strategy.
The corporate governance principles of the Company are adopted by the Board of Directors. The principles are based on the Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance as of 30 October 2014 (the «Code of Practice»). Please see the Corporate Governance section in the annual report, and also the Company's web site www.awilcolng.no.
The main strategy for Awilco LNG is to create shareholder value through the provision of a quality, reliable and customer oriented service to the market, in the best manner for its shareholders, employees and business connections.
The management team shall safely, efficiently and effectively deliver LNG transportation services to customers; with a view to securing the most lucrative contracts in conjunction with the highest achievable vessel utilisation.
Awilco LNG shall evaluate growth opportunities in terms of alternative use of the 2nd generation vessels, vessel acquisitions and disposals which best complement the Group's financial and operational aspirations.
The short term market for LNG is expected to remain challenging and volatile at least for the first part of 2015 as 18 newbuildings are scheduled for delivery, and limited new LNG production capacity is scheduled to come on stream in the same period. It is anticipated that both rates and utilisation will remain under pressure for the first part of 2015, leading to a continued soft market. Furthermore, the market for the older tonnage will continue to be more affected due to the superior efficiency of the modern tonnage. As a consequence it is expected that older steam vessels over time will be removed from the transportation market, which will have a positive effect on the supply and demand balance.
The majority of new production capacity is scheduled for production start in the 2nd half of 2015. Rates and utilisation can be expected to improve when significant new LNG production comes online.
The long term outlook for LNG remains positive. Going forward natural gas is expected to increase its share in the world's energy mix. According to market analysts natural gas will be the fastest growing fossil fuel the next 20 to 25 years, and the supply of LNG is expected to grow more than twice as fast as the production of natural gas. The current LNG carrier fleet and orderbook is expected to be sufficient to meet the medium term demand for transportation, but not sufficient to meet the long term demand.
Oslo, 8. April 2015
Jon Skule Storheill CEO
Synne Syrrist Board member
We confirm to the best of our knowledge that the consolidated financial statements for 2014 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union, as well as additional information requirements in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act, and that the financial statements for the parent company for 2014 have been prepared in accordance with the Norwegian Accounting Act and generally accepted accounting practice in Norway, and that the information presented in the financial statements gives a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit/(loss) for the period of Awilco LNG ASA and the Awilco LNG Group as a whole. We also confirm to the best of our knowledge that the Board of Directors' Report includes a true and fair review of the development and performance of the business and the position of Awilco LNG ASA and the Awilco LNG Group, together with a description of the principal risks and uncertainties that they face.
Oslo, 8 April 2015
Annette Malm Justad Board member
Jon Skule Storheill CEO
Henrik Fougner Board member
Jon-Aksel Torgersen Board member
Synne Syrrist Board member
GROUP
In USD thousands, except per share figures
| Note | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freight income | 4,5 | 78 461 | 54 702 |
| Voyage related expenses | 6 | 11 239 | 12 829 |
| Net freight income | 67 222 | 41 873 | |
| Operating expenses | 7 | 21 134 | 18 524 |
| Administration expenses | 8 | 5 120 | 6 799 |
| Earnings before interest, taxes, depr. and amort. (EBITDA) | 40 968 | 16 550 | |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 11 | 18 376 | 10 020 |
| Earnings before interest and taxes | 22 592 | 6 530 | |
| Finance income | 17 | 154 | 167 |
| Finance expenses | 17 | 25 356 | 5 638 |
| Net finance income/(expense) | (25 202) | (5 471) | |
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | (2 610) | 1 059 | |
| Income tax expense | 10 | (54) | 112 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | (2 664) | 1 171 | |
| Earnings per share in USD attributable to ordinary equity holders of Awilco LNG ASA: | |||
| Basic, profit/(loss) for the period | 9 | (0.04) | 0.02 |
| Diluted, profit/(loss) for the period | 9 | (0.04) | 0.02 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | (2 664) | 1 171 |
|---|---|---|
| Other comprehensive income: Other comprehensive income items |
- | - |
| Total comprehensive income/(loss) for the period | (2 664) | 1 171 |
In USD thousands
| Note | 31.12.2014 | 31.12.2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Vessels | 11 | 467 114 | 478 705 |
| Other fixed assets | 11 | 297 | 361 |
| Total non-current assets | 467 411 | 479 066 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Trade receivables | 12 | 2 520 | 3 715 |
| Inventory | 13 | 2 794 | 4 316 |
| Other short term assets | 14 | 3 960 | 8 247 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 15 | 20 819 | 18 244 |
| Total current assets | 30 094 | 34 522 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 497 505 | 513 588 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity | |||
| Share capital | 19 | 48 420 | 48 420 |
| Share premium | 126 463 | 126 463 | |
| Retained earnings | 16 956 | 19 620 | |
| Total equity | 191 838 | 194 502 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Pension liabilities | 8 | 165 | 105 |
| Long-term interest bearing debt | 22 | 285 556 | 297 256 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 285 721 | 297 361 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Short-term interest bearing debt | 22 | 11 699 | 10 765 |
| Trade payables | 467 | 3 507 | |
| Income tax payable | 10 | 54 | 4 |
| Provisions and accruals | 16 | 7 725 | 7 449 |
| Total current liabilities | 19 945 | 21 725 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 497 505 | 513 588 |
Oslo, 8. April 2015
Jon Skule Storheill
CEO
Henrik Fougner Board member
Chairman of the Board
Jon-Aksel Torgersen Board member
In USD thousands
| In USD thousands | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital |
Share premium |
Retained earnings |
Total equity |
|
| Equity at 1 January 2014 | 48 420 | 126 463 | 19 620 | 194 502 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | (2 664) | (2 664) |
| Other comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - |
| Total comprehensive income | - | - | (2 664) | (2 664) |
| Balance as at 31 December 2014 | 48 420 | 126 463 | 16 956 | 191 838 |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |
|---|---|
| Items included in profit/(loss) not affecting cash flows: | |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |
| In USD thousands | Share capital |
Share premium |
Retained earnings |
Total equity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity at 1 January 2013 | 48 420 | 126 463 | 18 448 | 193 330 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | 1 171 | 1 171 |
| Other comprehensive income for the period | - | - | - | - |
| Total comprehensive income | - | - | 1 171 | 1 171 |
| Balance as at 31 December 2013 | 48 420 | 126 463 | 19 620 | 194 502 |
| Note | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | (2 610) | 1 059 | |
| Income taxes paid | 10 | (9) | (56) |
| Interest and borrowing costs expensed | 17 | 25 124 | 5 568 |
| Items included in profit/(loss) not affecting cash flows: | |||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 11 | 18 376 | 10 020 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
| Trade receivables, inventory and other short term assets | 7 004 | (8 538) | |
| Trade payables, provisions and accruals | (2 194) | 2 649 | |
| i) Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities | 45 690 | 10 702 | |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||
| Investment in vessels | 11 | (6 719) | (1 082) |
| Investment in vessels under construction | 11 | (505) | (291 562) |
| Investment in other fixed assets | 11 | (2) | (158) |
| ii) Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities | (7 226) | (292 802) | |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||
| Proceeds from borrowings | 18,22 | - | 312 092 |
| Repayment of borrowings | 18,22 | (10 841) | (6 584) |
| Interest and borrowing costs paid | (25 047) | (7 732) | |
| iii) Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities | (35 889) | 297 775 | |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents (i+ii+iii) | 2 575 | 15 675 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of period | 18 244 | 2 569 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 15 | 20 819 | 18 244 |
Awilco LNG ASA (the Company or Parent Company) is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Norway. Its registered office is Beddingen 8, 0250 Oslo, Norway. The Company was incorporated 2 February 2011, and was listed on Oslo Axess on 6 September 2011 with the ticker ALNG.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company comprise the Company and its subsidiaries, together referred to as the Group or Awilco LNG.
The principal activity of the Group is the investment in and operation of LNG transportation vessels. The Group owns and operates a fleet of two 2013 built TFDE membrane vessels and three second generation LNG carriers.
The consolidated financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2014 were authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 8 April 2015 and will be presented for approval at the Annual General Meeting on 10 June 2015.
The consolidated financial statements of Awilco LNG have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union and the additional applicable disclosure requirements of the Norwegian accounting act. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, with the exception of liabilities for cash-settled share-based payments which are measured at fair value, pensions which are measured according to IAS 19, certain financial instruments measured according to amortised cost, and receivables and payables denominated in foreign exchange which are translated at period-end exchange rates.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars (USD) rounded off to the nearest thousands, except as otherwise indicated. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared based on a going concern assumption. Please see the Board of Directors' report and note 25 for further information on this matter.
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below.
The consolidated financial statements include Awilco LNG ASA and its subsidiaries as of 31 December 2014. The financial statements of the subsidiaries are prepared for the same reporting period as the parent company, using consistent accounting policies. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in the consolidation. Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group obtains control over the subsidiaries, and continue to be consolidated until the date that such control ceases.
Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that a transaction will generate future economic benefits that will accrue to the Group and the revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received.
Revenues include minimum operating lease payments under time charters and fees for positioning and repositioning of vessels, which are presented as Freight Income net of offhire deductions. Revenue from time charter parties classified as operating leases is recognised in straight line over the term of the charter as services are provided based on number of days before and after the reporting period. Where the repositioning fees depend upon final redelivery location, they are recognised at the end of the charter when the revenue becomes fixed and determinable.
The determination of whether an arrangement contains a lease element is based on the substance of the arrangement. Leases are classified as finance leases if the terms of the lease agreement transfer substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased item. All other leases are classified as operational leases.
Lease payments received under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives received are recognised as an integral part of the total lease revenue over the term of the lease. Contingent rent is recognised as revenue in the period in which they are earned.
Operational lease expenses are recognised as an expense in the income statement on a straight line basis over the lease term. Finance leases, which transfer to the Group substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to ownership of the leased asset, are capitalised at the commencement of the lease at the fair value of the leased asset or, if lower, at the present value of future minimum lease payments. Initial direct costs are included in the leased asset's cost price. Monthly lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability as according to the effective interest method. Finance charges are recognised as finance expenses in the income statement. Assets under financial leases are separated into components, which are depreciated over the useful life of the component.
No gain or loss is recognised in the income statement related to sale-leaseback arrangements where the vessel is sold and subsequently leased back on a financial lease with repurchase obligations to the Group.
The consolidated financial statements are presented in USD, which is also the functional currency of all entities in the Group. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the date of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the exchange rate applicable at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised foreign currency gains or losses on monetary items are presented as finance income or finance expense. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rates applicable at the dates of the initial transactions.
Current assets and current liabilities include items that fall due for payment within one year after the reporting date. The short term part of long term debt is classified as short term debt.
Tangible non-current assets such as vessels, vessels under construction and other fixed assets are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Costs of acquired vessels include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the vessels. Cost of vessels under construction include all directly attributable costs incurred to bring the asset to the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. Examples of such costs include supervision costs, site team costs, yard installments, technical costs and borrowing costs. Borrowing costs are determined by applying an interest rate to the average amount of accumulated expenditures during the construction period, limited to the interest expense incurred during the reporting period. The interest rate used is the weighted average cost of borrowings in the Group.
Costs of vessels under construction are capitalised, classified as vessels under construction and presented as a tangible asset. The capitalised costs are reclassified from vessels under construction to vessels when the asset is available for its intended use.
In accordance with IAS 16 each component of the vessels with a cost that is significant in relation to the total cost of the item is separately identified and depreciated. Components with similar useful lives will be grouped into a single component. Drydocking is identified as a separate component of cost of vessels and depreciated separately. Depreciable amount of an asset is calculated as cost less residual value and impairment charges. Residual value is based on estimated salvage value of the vessels. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the useful life of the assets, and depreciation is commenced when the asset is available for its intended use. Expected useful lives and residual values are reviewed yearly. The following estimated useful lives are applied:
| Vessels | 20 - 40 years | |
|---|---|---|
| Other fixed assets | 3 - 5 | years |
Costs related to major inspections/classifications (dry-docking) are recognised in the carrying amount of the vessels if certain recognition criteria are satisfied. The recognition is made as the dry-docking is being performed, and depreciation is recognised from completion until estimated time to the next dry-docking. Any remaining carrying amount of the cost of the previous drydocking is de-recognised upon initiation of the next dry-docking. The remaining costs that do not meet the recognition criteria are expensed as repairs and maintenance. When vessels are acquired remaining dry-docking is identified and depreciated as a separate component, based on estimated time to the next dry-docking.
Ordinary repairs and maintenance expenses are recognised in the income statement as incurred. Upgrades and material replacement parts and equipment are capitalised as costs of vessels and depreciated together with the respective component. Replaced parts and equipment are derecognised and presented as impairment losses in the income statement. If the carrying amount of the replaced part is not identifiable, cost of the replacement part less accumulated depreciation is used as an estimate.
Vessels, vessels under construction and other fixed assets are assessed for impairment indicators each reporting period. If impairment indicators are identified the recoverable amount is estimated, and if the carrying amount of an asset or cash generating unit (CGU) exceeds its recoverable amount an impairment loss is recognised. Each vessel is assessed as a separate cash generating unit (CGU) by Awilco LNG.
The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less cost to sell (net selling price) and value in use. The fair value is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm's length transaction less the costs of disposal. Value in use is the present value of estimated future cash flows expected to arise from the continuing use of an asset and from its disposal at the end of its useful life.
A previously recognised impairment loss is reversed only if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the recoverable amount; the reversal is limited up until the carrying amount net of accumulated depreciation if no impairment loss had been recognised in prior periods. Such reversals are recognised in the income statement.
Inventories consist of bunkers on board the vessels. Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined in accordance with the first-in-first-out principle (FIFO), and expenses related to inventory are presented as voyage related expenses in the income statement.
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. Where the Group expects some or all of a provision to be reimbursed, for example under an insurance contract, the reimbursement is recognised as a separate asset but only when the reimbursement is virtually certain. The expense relating to any provision is recognised through profit and loss net of any reimbursement.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, using assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability. The Group uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value. All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
Level 1: Quoted (unadjusted) market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is directly or indirectly observable
Level 3: Valuation techniques for which the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement is unobservable.
For cash-settled share-based payments a provision is recorded for the rights granted reflecting the vested portion of the fair value of the rights at the reporting date. The provision is accrued over the period the beneficiaries are expected to perform the related service (vesting period). The cash-settled share-based payments are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the award is settled. Any changes in the fair value of the provision are recognised as administration expense in the income statement. The amount of unrecognised compensation expense related to non-vested share-based payment arrangements granted in the cash-settled plans is dependent on the final intrinsic value of the awards. Social security tax liability is recognised based on the intrinsic value of the cash-settled share-based payments.
The Group has implemented a defined contribution plan for its onshore employees. The plan complies with the requirements in the Mandatory Occupational Pension act in Norway ("Lov om obligatorisk tjenestepensjon"). Contributions on salary
up until 12G are funded in a life insurance company, whereas contributions on salary over 12G are funded by the Group. G refers to the Norwegian National Insurance basic amount.
Contributions to the funded plan are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the income statement when they fall due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available. The Group has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.
The liability arising from the plan funded by the Group is classified as a non-current liability in the statement of financial position. Changes in the liability are recognised as employee benefit expenses in the income statement in the periods during which services are rendered by employees. The liability becomes payable to the employee upon termination, voluntary or involuntary, of the employment.
The income tax expense consists of current income tax and changes in deferred tax.
Current income tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year, using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date, and any adjustment to tax payable in respect of previous years. Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated financial statements.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilised. Deferred income tax is calculated on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities is determined using tax rates that are expected to apply to the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets are recognised at nominal values and classified as non-current liabilities and non-current assets in the statement of financial position. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset if there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax liabilities and
assets, and they relate to income taxes levied by the same tax authority on the same taxable entity, or on different tax entities, but they intend to settle current tax liabilities and assets on a net basis or their tax assets and liabilities will be realised simultaneously.
Current income tax and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity or in other comprehensive income.
For Group companies subject to tonnage tax regimes, the tonnage tax is recognised as an operating expense.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the Group becomes part to the contractual obligations of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount presented in the statement of financial position when there is a legal right to offset the amounts and intention either to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Cash represents cash on hand and deposits with banks that are repayable on demand. Cash includes restricted employee taxes withheld. Cash equivalents represent short term, highly-liquid investments which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less.
Non-derivative financial assets such as trade receivables and other short term receivables are classified in the loans and receivables category. Such financial assets are recognised initially at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition, loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment losses.
On each reporting date objective evidence that a financial asset or a group of financial assets is impaired is assessed. A financial asset or a group of financial assets is deemed to be impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment as a result of one or more events that has occurred after the initial recognition of the asset (an incurred "loss event") and that loss event has an impact on the estimated future cash flows of the financial asset or the group of financial assets that can be reliably estimated. Evidence of impairment may include indications that the debtors or a group of debtors is experiencing significant financial difficulty, default or
GROUP
delinquency in interest or principal payments, the probability that they will enter bankruptcy or other financial reorganisation and where observable data indicate that there is a measurable decrease in the estimated future cash flows, such as changes in arrears or economic conditions that correlate with defaults.
Non-derivative financial liabilities such as trade payables and other current liabilities are classified in the other financial liabilities category. Such financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value plus any directly attributable transaction costs. Subsequent to initial recognition the financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
All borrowings are initially recognised at the fair value of the consideration received less directly attributable transaction costs. After initial recognition, interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. A financial liability is derecognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of ordinary shares are recognised as a deduction from equity, net of any tax effects. Own equity instruments that are acquired (treasury shares) are recognised at cost and deducted from equity. No gain or loss is recognised in the income statement on the purchase, sale, issue or cancellation of the Group's own equity instruments. Voting rights relating to treasury shares are nullified and no dividends are allocated to them.
Dividend payments are recognised as a liability in the Group's financial statements from the date when the dividend is approved by the General Meeting.
The Group presents basic and diluted earnings per share data for its ordinary shares. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of the Company by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year, adjusted for own shares held. Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the profit or loss attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding, adjusted for own shares held, for the effects of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.
The cash flow statement is presented using the indirect method.
The Group's current business is limited to operating LNG transportation vessels. The potential market for the vessels is and will be the international global LNG transportation market, and the business will be exposed to the same risks and returns wherever the vessels are employed. The Group's internal reporting does not distinguish between different segments, and as the vessels are managed as one operating segment Awilco LNG has only one reportable segment.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments concerning the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. This presents a substantial risk that actual conditions will vary from the estimates. The key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
In general management has to apply judgement in the process of applying the Group's accounting policies, in addition to items involving estimates described below, in the process of preparing the financial statements.
Sale-leaseback agreements WilForce and WilPride. Judgement has been applied regarding the sale-leaseback arrangements of the vessels WilForce and WilPride, based on the substance of the transaction and by applying criteria in IAS 17, IFRIC 4 and SIC-27. Based on an overall assessment of the agreements, for instance regarding the right to sell the vessels or pledge the vessels as collateral, Management has assessed that the agreements represent finance lease agreements. If
Management had concluded differently the overall effect on the financial statements would not have been material.
Depreciation of vessels. Depreciation is based on management's estimates of the vessels' components, useful lives of the components and the vessels' residual values less costs associated with scrapping. Estimates may change due to changes in scrap value, technological development, competition and environmental and legal requirements. Management reviews the future useful lives of each significant component and the residual values of the vessels annually, taking into consideration the above mentioned factors. Any changes in estimated useful lives and/or residual values impact the depreciation of the vessels prospectively. As of 31 December 2014, the vessels had a carrying value of USD 467.1 million, and a total residual value was estimated at USD 65.1 million.
Impairment of vessels. Management assesses whether there are any indicators of impairment at each reporting date. The vessels are tested for impairment when there are indicators that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Fair value is the amount obtainable from the sale of an asset in an arm's length transaction less the costs of disposal, and is based on certificates of valuation from reputed shipbrokers. As with any valuation these certificates are based on uncertain assumptions of values realisable in a transaction between willing seller and buyer. Changes in circumstances and assumptions may give rise to impairment losses in the relevant periods.
As of 31 December 2014, the vessels had a carrying value of USD 467.1 million.
| Freight income | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| WilForce | 27 855 | 6 309 |
| WilPride | 20 628 | 4 241 |
| WilGas | 21 029 | 28 926 |
| WilPower | - | - |
| WilEnergy | 8 950 | 15 226 |
| Total freight income | 78 461 | 54 702 |
Freight income consists of revenues from time charter contracts, and includes timecharter hire, ballast bonuses and bunker compensation. MUSD 1.2 of freight income relates to bunkers compensation received from charterers' on single voyages, which is presented gross in the income statement (MUSD 1.9 in 2013). The vessels are owned by single purpose entities which are owned 100 % by the Company. The following specifies the contractual freight income assessed as operational lease agreements to be received from 1 January 2015 based on firm charter contracts:
| Contracted future freight income | ‹ 6 mon. | 6 mon. - 1 yr | › 1 yr | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WilForce | 14 299 | 14 536 | 30 731 | 59 566 |
| WilPride | 4 227 | - | - | 4 227 |
| WilGas | 506 | - | - | 506 |
| WilPower | - | - | - | - |
| WilEnergy | - | - | - | - |
| Total contracted future freight income | 19 031 | 14 536 | 30 731 | 64 298 |
The Group currently owns and operates five LNG vessels. For internal reporting and management purposes the Group's business is organised into one reporting segment, LNG transportation. Performance is not evaluated by geographical region. Revenue from the Group's country of domicile was nil in both 2014 and 2013.
The Group had three customers each contributing with more than 10 % of the Group's revenues in 2014, compared to two in 2013. The contribution from the major customers in percentage of total revenue varied from 11 to 39 % in 2014, compared to 12 to 53 % in 2013.
| Voyage related expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Bunker consumption | 9 553 | 11 140 |
| Commission | 737 | 515 |
| Other voyage expenses | 950 | 1 175 |
| Total voyage related expenses | 11 239 | 12 829 |
Bunker consumption relates to periods where the vessels have been idle or repositioning, and for single voyage charters where bunker consumption has been reimbursed by the charterers (see note 4). When the vessels are on time charter contracts bunker consumption is for the charterer's expense. Commission paid to related parties is disclosed in note 21.
| Operating expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Crew expenses | 13 150 | 10 358 |
| Other operating expenses | 6 203 | 6 890 |
| Insurance expenses | 1 707 | 1 222 |
| Tonnage tax | 74 | 54 |
| Total operating expenses | 21 134 | 18 524 |
| Operating expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Crew expenses | 13 150 | 10 358 |
| Other operating expenses | 6 203 | 6 890 |
| Insurance expenses | 1 707 | 1 222 |
| Tonnage tax | 74 | 54 |
| Total operating expenses | 21 134 | 18 524 |
| Number of seafarers | 2014 | 2013 |
| Seafarers year end | 128 | 139 |
| Administration expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and other remuneration | 1 623 | 3 357 |
| Social security cost | 452 | 401 |
| Pension | 198 | 73 |
| Other employee related expenses | 43 | 30 |
| Total employee related expenses | 2 316 | 3 861 |
| Administration expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and other remuneration | 1 623 | 3 357 |
| Social security cost | 452 | 401 |
| Pension | 198 | 73 |
| Other employee related expenses | 43 | 30 |
| Total employee related expenses | 2 316 | 3 861 |
| Management fees | 1 470 | 1 887 |
| Consultant, legal and auditor's fees | 321 | 478 |
| Other administrative expenses | 1 013 | 1 143 |
| - Less capitalised newbuildings cost price | - | (570) |
| Total administration expenses | 5 120 | 6 799 |
Information regarding remuneration to key management, management fees to related parties, fees to the Board of Directors and auditor's fees is provided in note 21.
| Number of onshore employees | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Onshore employees year end | 9 | 10 |
| Average number of onshore work years | 10.5 | 9.5 |
The Group has a defined contribution plan for onshore employees which complies with the requirements in the Mandatory Occupational Pension act in Norway ("Lov om obligatorisk tjenestepensjon"). The pension plan is a defined contribution plan whereby salary up until 12G is funded in a life insurance company. Defined contributions regarding salary over 12G is funded by the Group. As at 31 December 2014 the pension liability for the Group was KUSD 165 (31 December 2013 KUSD 105).
The pension plan of the Group's CEO was covered by a defined benefit plan in Awilco AS. The Company reimbursed Awilco AS for expenses related to the pension plan. On 1 February 2014 this plan was terminated, and subsequently the CEO is covered by the Company's defined contribution plans as described above. See note 21 for further information.
At the Company's General Meeting held 22 August 2011 a synthetic option program for the employees of the Company was adopted. The program is limited to 2 % of the total amount of outstanding shares in the Company, amounting to 1 355 777 shares. The synthetic options are cash settled, and vest three years after grant date. Vesting is contingent upon employment on the vesting date. The option programme was implemented in December 2011, and further options were awarded in April 2012, August 2012 and August 2013. All options have been awarded as of August 2013. An amendment of the exercise period was made during 2013, whereby all vested options have to be declared within two years from the vesting date.
| Awards | Aug 2013 | Aug 2012 | April 2012 | Dec 2011 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of grant | 26.08.13 | 22.08.12 | 01.04.12 | 04.12.11 |
| Options granted | 394 712 | 359 713 | 143 427 | 457 925 |
| Vesting date | 26.08.16 | 22.08.15 | 22.08.14 | 22.08.14 |
| Expiry date | 27.08.18 | 23.08.17 | 23.08.16 | 23.08.16 |
| Exercise price (NOK) | 16.00 | 20.20 / 24.00 | 20.20 | 20.20 |
| Weighted exercise price (NOK) | 16.00 | 20.62 | 20.20 | 20.20 |
| Outstanding as of year end | 2014 | 2013 | ||
| Range of exercise price (NOK) | 16.00 - 24.00 | 16.00 - 24.00 | ||
| Weighted exercise price (NOK) | 19.14 | 19.09 | ||
| Number of options | 1 335 777 | 1 355 777 | ||
| Weighted average remaning contractual life (years) | 2.48 | 3.50 |
Fair value of the synthetic share options is calculated using the Black & Scholes option pricing model. Expected volatility is based on historical volatilities of a peer entity. Interest rates used are quoted Norwegian government bonds and bills retrieved from Norges Bank. The weighted average inputs to Black & Scholes model and fair values on the reporting dates are listed below:
| Key assumptions | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Share price (NOK) | 10.00 | 18.60 |
| Expected life (years) | 2.48 | 3.50 |
| Volatility | 60 % | 60 % |
| Risk free interest rate | 0.87 - 0.92 % | 1.66 - 2.14 % |
| Weighted fair value per option (NOK) | 3.05 | 8.04 |
| Option liability and expense | 2014 | 2013 |
| Carrying value liability | 225 | 797 |
| Option expense | (572) | 508 |
| Intrinsic value of vested options | - | - |
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing profit/(loss) for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.
Diluted earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit/(loss) for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average number of ordinary shares that would be issued on the conversion of all potentially dilutive ordinary shares to ordinary shares. The Company did not have any potentially dilutive ordinary shares as per 31 December 2014 or 31 December 2013.
| Earnings per share | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit/(loss) for year attributable to ordinary equity holders (KUSD) | (2 664) | 1 171 |
| Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic and diluted | 67 788 874 | 67 788 874 |
| Basic/diluted earnings per share (USD) | (0.04) | 0.02 |
The Company's subsidiaries in which the vessels are held are subject to Norwegian tonnage tax (NTT). Companies subject to NTT are exempt from ordinary tax on income derived from operations in international waters. The subsidiaries subject to NTT are taxed on a notional basis based on the net tonnage of the companies' vessels. Income and expenses not derived from the operation of vessels in international waters, such as finance income and expenses, are taxed according to ordinary corporate tax in Norway based on the relative composition of financial assets to total assets of the subsidiaries' balance sheets.
The Company and the remaining subsidiaries Awilco LNG Technical Management AS, Awilco LNG 6 AS and Awilco LNG 7 AS are subject to ordinary corporation tax in Norway.
| Income tax expense | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Current income tax | 54 | 61 |
| Changes in deferred tax | - | (173) |
| Total income tax expense / (income) | 54 | (112) |
| Specification of basis for deferred tax | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
| Other fixed assets | (51) | (69) |
| Provisions and accruals | 225 | 806 |
| Pension liabilities | 165 | 105 |
| Currency effects on long term debt | 2 621 | 56 |
| Tax loss carry forward | 3 868 | 3 152 |
| Basis for deferred tax asset / (liability) | 6 828 | 4 050 |
| Not recognised deferred tax assets (basis) | (6 828) | (4 050) |
| Basis for deferred tax asset / (liability) | - | - |
| Tax rate | 27% | 27% |
| Income tax expense | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Current income tax | 54 | 61 |
| Changes in deferred tax | - | (173) |
| Total income tax expense / (income) | 54 | (112) |
| Specification of basis for deferred tax | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
| Other fixed assets | (51) | (69) |
| Provisions and accruals | 225 | 806 |
| Pension liabilities | 165 | 105 |
| Currency effects on long term debt | 2 621 | 56 |
| Tax loss carry forward | 3 868 | 3 152 |
| Basis for deferred tax asset / (liability) | 6 828 | 4 050 |
| Not recognised deferred tax assets (basis) | (6 828) | (4 050) |
| Basis for deferred tax asset / (liability) | - | - |
| Tax rate | 27% | 27% |
| Deferred tax asset / (liability) | - | - |
Recognition of deferred income tax assets is subject to strict requirements in respect of the ability to substantiate that sufficient taxable profit will be available against which the unutilised tax losses can be used. Based on these requirements and an assessment by the Group, deferred tax assets arising from tax loss carry forward has not been recognised. Utilisation of the tax loss carry forward is not limited in time.
| Reconciliation of effective tax rate | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | (2 610) | 1 059 |
| Tax based on ordinary tax rate * | (705) | 297 |
| Effects from: | ||
| Loss subject to tonnage tax | 16 349 | (228) |
| Permanent differences | 8 | (251) |
| Not recognised deferred tax asset | 254 | 663 |
| Currency effects | (15 852) | (665) |
| Effect of change in tax rate | - | 17 |
| Prior year correction | - | 55 |
| Total income tax expense / (income) | 54 | (112) |
* As of 1 January 2014 the tax rate in Norway was reduced from 28 % to 27 %.
| Income tax payable | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Current tax payable recognised in income statement | 54 | 61 |
| Current tax payable recognised directly in equity | - | - |
| Total income tax payable | 54 | 61 |
| Vessels | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at beginning of period | 495 546 | 85 188 |
| +Newbuildings delivered | - | 413 953 |
| +Capitalised dry-docking | 6 654 | 422 |
| +Capitalised upgrades and replacements | 65 | 660 |
| -Disposals | (4 443) | (4 676) |
| Cost as of 31 December | 497 822 | 495 546 |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment at beginning of period | 16 842 | 11 557 |
| -Depreciation | 18 309 | 9 961 |
| -Disposals | (4 443) | (4 676) |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment as of 31 December | 30 707 | 16 842 |
| Carrying amount as of 31 December | 467 114 | 478 705 |
| Estimated useful lifes | ||
| Vessel main components | 20-40 years | 20-40 years |
| Dry-dock | 2.5-5 years | 2.5-5 years |
| Estimated remaining useful life | 2-40 years | 1-40 years |
Depreciation method Straight line Straight line
The book value of vessels in layup was MUSD 41.5 as of 31 December 2014 (MUSD 23.1 31 December 2013).
Dry-docking: WilGas completed scheduled dry-docking in 2014 at a total cost of MUSD 7.1, of which MUSD 0.4 was capitalised in 2013. Dry-docking costs are depreciated over the period until next expected dry-docking, usually 2.5 to 5 years.
Depreciation: Depreciable amount is calculated as cost less residual value. Residual values are calculated based on the vessels' lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate per ton, less related scrapping costs. Estimated residual values are in the range of MUSD 12 to MUSD 15 per vessel.
Impairment: Based on an impairment test the Group has calculated recoverable amount as fair value less cost to sell based on brokers' valuations. The valuations showed a positive headroom compared to carrying amounts as of both 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2013.
Vessels pledged as collateral: The vessels WilForce and WilPride are pledged by the lessor as security for lessor's financing. Awilco LNG has quiet enjoyment agreements covering both the bareboat agreements and the repurchase agreements regarding both vessels.
The vessels WilGas and WilEnergy were pledged as security for the MUSD 15 overdraft facility, see note 18 for further information. The facility was cancelled in March 2014.
| Vessels under construction | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at beginning of period | - | 121 886 |
| +Installments paid to yard | - | 275 413 |
| +Other capitalised costs | - | 16 654 |
| -Newbuildings delivered | - | (413 953) |
| Cost as of 31 December | - | - |
| Carrying amount as of 31 December | - | - |
| Other fixed assets | 2014 | 2013 |
| Cost at beginning of period | 461 | 302 |
| +Acquisition | 2 | 158 |
| Cost as of 31 December | 463 | 461 |
| Accumulated depreciation at beginning of period | 99 | 40 |
| -Depreciation | 67 | 59 |
| Accumulated depreciation as of 31 December | 166 | 99 |
| Carrying amount as of 31 December | 297 | 361 |
| Estimated useful life | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Depreciation method | Straight line | Straight line |
| Other fixed assets consists of fixtures, IT equipment and company cars. |
| Trade receivables | 31.12. 14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Trade receivables | 2 520 | 3 715 |
| Allowance for doubtful debts | - | - |
| Trade receivables carrying value | 2 520 | 3 715 |
According to contract terms freight income is paid in advance, and thus the Group has limited amounts of trade receivables. No impairment has been required on trade receivables in 2014 or 2013. See note 20 regarding management of credit risk.
| Neither past | Past due but not impaired | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | due / impaired | ‹ 30 days | 30-60 days | 61-90 days | › 90 days | |
| 31.12.14 | 2 520 | 2 520 | - | - | - | - |
| 31.12.13 | 3 715 | 3 715 | - | - | - | - |
| Inventory | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Bunkers | 2 794 | 4 316 |
| Total inventory | 2 794 | 4 316 |
| Other short term assets | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Prepaid operating expenses | 288 | 749 |
| Prepaid lease liability | 3 044 | 3 044 |
| VAT-receivable | 81 | 128 |
| Accrued revenue | 457 | 4 241 |
| Other short term receivables | 89 | 85 |
| Total other short term assets | 3 960 | 8 247 |
As of 31 December 2014 KUSD 172 is restricted cash related to employee withholding tax (31 Dec 2013 KUSD 146), and KUSD 75 is restricted cash related to requirements from operating the vessels (31 Dec 2013 KUSD 75).
| Provisions and accruals | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued expenses, invoice not received | 1 716 | 1 584 |
| Deferred revenue | 5 047 | 3 542 |
| Salary related provisions, incl. synthetic options | 954 | 2 323 |
| Other accruals and provisions | 8 | - |
| Total provisions and accruals | 7 725 | 7 449 |
Deferred revenue relates to time charter hire for January invoiced in December.
| 31.12.2014 | 31.12.2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currency | Code | FX rate | Carrying value | FX rate | Carrying value |
| US dollars | USD | 1 | 20 391 | 1 | 18 384 |
| Norwegian kroner | NOK | 7.4332 | 428 | 6.0800 | (141) |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 20 819 | 18 244 |
| Finance income | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 15 | 6 |
| Currency gains | 137 | 161 |
| Other finance income | 1 | - |
| Total finance income | 154 | 167 |
| Finance expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
| Interest expenses finance lease liabilities | 25 078 | 4 944 |
| Interest and fees overdraft facility | 46 | 256 |
| Currency losses | 173 | 42 |
| Other finance expenses | 58 | 397 |
| Total finance expenses | 25 356 | 5 638 |
| Total finance expenses |
|---|
| Other finance expenses |
| Currency losses |
| Interest and fees overdraft facility |
| Interest expenses finance lease liabilities |
For further information on the overdraft facility and lease liabilities please see note 18 and 22 respectively.
Loans and receivables at amortised cost
| Carrying amount | Fair value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 | ||
| Trade receivables | 2 520 | 3 715 | 2 520 | 3 715 | |
| Other short term assets | 3 960 | 8 247 | 3 960 | 8 247 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 20 819 | 18 244 | 20 819 | 18 244 | |
| Total | 27 299 | 30 206 | 27 299 | 30 206 |
| Carrying amount | Fair value | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 | ||
| Finance lease liabilities | 297 256 | 308 021 | 297 256 | 308 021 | |
| Trade payables | 467 | 3 507 | 467 | 3 507 | |
| Total | 297 723 | 311 528 | 297 723 | 311 528 |
GROUP
Fair value of trade receivables, other short term assets, cash and cash equivalents and trade payables approximate their carrying amounts due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.
The fair value of finance lease liabilities is estimated by discounting future cash flows using rates for debt on similar terms, credit risk and remaining maturities. The fair value of the finance lease liabilities approximates the carrying amounts as there have been no significant changes in the market rates for similar debt financing between the date of securing the debt financing and the reporting date.
In April 2013 the MUSD 20 overdraft facility agreement with Nordea Bank Norge ASA expired, and a new MUSD 15 facility was entered into in June 2013. The agreed interest rate was LIBOR plus a margin of 300 bps, additionally there was a 125 bps commitment fee for any undrawn amount.The MUSD 15 facility was cancelled by the Group in March 2014. The facility was undrawn as at 31 December 2013.
| Share capital | No. of shares | Par value | Share capital |
|---|---|---|---|
| Share capital as of 31 December 2012 | 67 788 874 | 4 | 48 420 |
| Issued shares 2013 | - | - | - |
| Share capital as of 31 December 2013 | 67 788 874 | 4 | 48 420 |
| Share capital as of 31 December 2013 | 67 788 874 | 4 | 48 420 |
| Issued shares 2014 | - | - | - |
| Share capital as of 31 December 2014 | 67 788 874 | 4 | 48 420 |
The share capital is denominated in NOK, and the nominal value per share is NOK 4 (in US dollars 0.74). All issued shares are of equal rights.
| Shareholder | No. of shares | In % |
|---|---|---|
| AWILCO AS | 22 874 500 | 33.7% |
| EUROCLEAR BANK S.A. | 5 915 116 | 8.7% |
| HOME CAPITAL AS | 5 608 922 | 8.3% |
| ASTRUP FEARNLEY A/S | 5 260 050 | 7.8% |
| UTHALDEN A/S | 5 135 050 | 7.6% |
| JP MORGAN CLEARING CORP. | 4 748 728 | 7.0% |
| CREDIT SUISSE SECURITIES | 2 035 000 | 3.0% |
| SIX SIS AG | 1 948 667 | 2.9% |
| ODIN MARITIM | 1 913 424 | 2.8% |
| GLAAMENE INDUSTRIER | 1 499 405 | 2.2% |
| VERDIPAPIRFONDET DNB | 909 560 | 1.3% |
| MP PENSJON PK | 836 800 | 1.2% |
| SKIPS AS TUDOR | 781 429 | 1.2% |
| Other shareholders | 8 322 223 | 12.3% |
| Total | 67 788 874 | 100 % |
A key objective in Awilco LNG's capital management is to ensure that the Group maintains a capital structure in order to support its business, maintain investor and creditor confidence and maximise shareholder value. The Group evaluates its capital structure in light of current and projected cash flow, the relative strength of the shipping markets, new business opportunities and the Group's financial commitments. As part of the Group's long term capital management strategy, the Company was listed on Oslo Axess in September 2011. Capital is managed on the Group level, although each vessel owning company has a capital structure adressing company specific financial and operational requirements and risks.
The Group monitors its capital using the book equity ratio, which stands at 39 % as at 31 December 2014 (38 % 31 December 2013). The Group's policy is to maintain an equity ratio above 30 %.
| Equity ratio | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Book equity | 191 838 | 194 502 |
| Total assets | 497 505 | 513 588 |
| Book equity ratio | 39 % | 38 % |
The Group's intention is to pay regular dividends in support of the Group's main objective of maximising returns to shareholders. Any future dividends proposed will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon the Group's financial position, earnings, debt covenants, capital requirements and other factors. There are no current estimates regarding the potential future dividend level or timing of dividend payments.
The Group is in its business exposed to financial risks such as market risk, credit risk and liquidity risk. The Group's management identifies, evaluates and implements necessary actions to manage and mitigate these risks. The Board of Directors reviews and agrees policies for managing each of these risks which are summarised below.
Market risk from financial instruments is the risk that future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. Market risk comprise three types of risk: interest rate risk, foreign currency risk and price risk. Financial instruments held by the Group is affected by market risk. The Group does not enter into any financial instruments, including financial derivatives, for trading purposes.
Interest rate risk: At the balance sheet date the Group has no short term interest bearing debt which is subject to a floating interest charge, same as at 31 December 2013. Lease liabilities are repaid with fixed and predetermined monthly payments, and thus subject to a fixed interest rate element. The Group also has bank deposits subject to floating NIBOR and LIBOR rates. No interest rate derivatives have been entered into to mitigate the floating interest rate risk. The Group will in the future evaluate the need for hedging of interest rate risk.
Foreign currency risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in foreign exchange rates. The functional currency of all the entities in the Group is USD, and the Group has only minor currency risk from its operations since all income and all major vessel costs are in USD. However the Group has exposure to NOK as administration expenses and parts of cash and cash equivalents, other short term assets, trade payables and provisions and accruals are denominated in NOK. Financial instruments denominated in currencies other than USD at 31 December 2014 include trade payables, other short term assets and bank deposits in NOK which gives a net short exposure to NOK. Based on these financial instruments denominated in NOK at 31 December 2014, a 10 % change in the USD/NOK rate would have an effect on the profit/(loss) for the reporting period of KUSD 35 and no direct effect on equity (KUSD 59 in profit/(loss) effect in 2013).
Price risk: The Group will normally have limited exposure to risks associated with bunkers price fluctuations as the bunkers is for the charterers account when the vessels are on contract. The Group has currently not entered into any bunker derivatives, however this is subject to continuous assessments.
The Group is also subject to price risk related to the spot/short term charter market for chartering LNG carriers which may be uncertain and volatile and will depend upon, among other things, the natural gas prices and energy market which the Group cannot predict. Currently, no financial instruments has been entered into to reduce this risk."
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty defaults on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group is exposed to credit risk from its operating activities through trade receivables and from its financing activities, including deposits with banks.
The Group aims to do business with creditworthy counterparties only. Prior to entering into a charterparty the Group evaluates the credit quality of the customer, assessing its financial position, past experience and other factors. If the counterparty is not assessed as of adequate credit quality the Group may demand guarantees to reduce credit risk to an acceptable level. Charter hire is paid monthly in advance, effectively reducing the potential exposure to credit risk. The credit quality of outstanding trade receivables as at 31 December 2014 is assessed to be good. Furthermore as disclosed in note 12, none of the trade receivables outstanding as at 31 December 2014 are past due. Bank deposits are only deposited with internationally recognised financial institutions with a high credit rating. Currently bank deposits are with banks rated A1 to Aa3 (based on Moody's), hence the assessed credit risk is minimal.
Awilco LNG has not provided any material guarantees for third parties' labilities, and the maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying amount of financial assets in the statement of financial position.
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will not be able to meet its financial obligations when they fall due. The Group's approach to managing liquidity risk is to ensure, as far as possible, that it will have sufficient liquidity and undrawn commited credit facilities at all times to meet its obligations without incurring unacceptable losses or risking damage to the Group's reputation. To ensure this, the Group continuously monitors the maturity of the financial assets and liabilities and projected cash flows from operations.
The following tables show the contractual maturities of financial liabilities on an undiscounted basis:
| Per 31 December 2014 | ‹ 3 mon. | 3-12 mon. | 1-5 yrs | › 5 yrs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trade payables | 467 | - | - | - | 467 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 2 794 | 8 905 | 285 556 | - | 297 256 |
| Interest on finance lease | 6 044 | 18 100 | 51 587 | - | 75 731 |
| Total | 9 305 | 27 005 | 337 143 | - | 373 453 |
| Per 31 December 2013 | ‹ 3 mon. | 3-12 mon. | 1-5 yrs | › 5 yrs | Total |
| Trade payables | 3 507 | - | - | - | 3 507 |
| Finance lease liabilities | 2 571 | 8 194 | 297 256 | - | 308 021 |
| Interest on finance lease | 6 267 | 18 811 | 75 731 | - | 100 809 |
| Total | 12 345 | 27 005 | 372 986 | - | 412 336 |
To provide the Group with access to important and required knowledge and services, the Group has entered into the following agreements and transactions with related parties:
| Related party | Description of service | No. |
|---|---|---|
| Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS (WMS) | Technical Sub-management Services | 1 |
| Awilhelmsen Management AS (AWM) | Administrative Services | 2 |
| Awilco AS | Pension | 3 |
| Astrup Fearnley Group | Ship Brokering Services | 4 |
(1) The Group's in-house technical manager, ALNG TM, has entered into a sub-management agreement with WMS, whereby WMS assists ALNG TM in management of the Group's fleet. The sub-management services also include management for hire of the managing director in ALNG TM. ALNG TM pays WMS a management fee based on WMS' costs plus a margin of 7 %, cost being time accrued for the sub-manager's employees involved. The fee is subject to semi-annual evaluation, and will be regulated according to the consumer price index in Norway. The agreement can be terminated by both parties with three months notice. WMS is 100 % owned by Awilco AS.
(2) AWM provides Awilco LNG with administrative and general services including accounting and payroll, legal, secretary function and IT. The Group pays AWM MNOK 4.0 in yearly management fee (approx. MUSD 0.5) based on AWM's costs plus a margin of 5 %. The fee is subject to semi-annual evaluation, and will be regulated according to the consumer price index in Norway. The agreement can be terminated by both parties with three months notice. AWM is 100 % owned by Awilhelmsen AS, which owns 100 % of Awilco AS.
(3) Until 1 February 2014 the Company's CEO was part of the defined benefit pension plan in Awilco AS, and the Company reimbursed Awilco AS for expenses related to this.
(4) One of the Company's Board Members is also the General Manager of the Astrup Fearnley Group. The Astrup Fearnley Group delivers ship brokering services on a competitive basis to the Group.
| 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|
| 774 | 3 849 |
| 695 | 677 |
| - | 116 |
| 243 | 443 |
Purchases from related parties are included as part of Administration expenses in the income statement, except from commissions paid to the Astrup Fearnley Group, which are included in Voyage related expenses.
| Balances with related parties (liabilities) | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS | 226 | 143 |
Balances with related parties (liabilities) are presented as Trade payables or Provisions and accruals in the statement of financial position.
| Balances with related parties (assets) | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS | 41 | - |
Balances with related parties (assets) are presented as Trade receivables in the statement of financial position.
| 2014 Remuneration | Salary | Bonus | Share options | Pensions | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEO Jon Skule Storheill | 442 | 90 | - | 52 | 47 | 631 |
| CFO Snorre S. Krogstad | 309 | 21 | - | 37 | 42 | 409 |
| Total | 752 | 111 | - | 89 | 89 | 1 040 |
| 2013 Remuneration | Salary | Bonus | Share options | Pensions | Other | Total |
| CEO Jon Skule Storheill 1) | 472 | 357 | 193 | 60 | 54 | 1136 |
| CFO Snorre S. Krogstad | 333 | 150 | 100 | 39 | 30 | 651 |
| Total | 805 | 507 | 293 | 99 | 84 | 1 787 |
1) Until 1 February 2014 the CEO of the Company was part of the defined benefit pension plan in Awilco AS, and pension expenses of KUSD 60 was reimbursed by the Company to Awilco AS in 2013.
Reference is made to the Company's statement regarding compensation to leading employees for further information regarding remuneration to key management.
The Company has established a bonus scheme for key management which is partly based on set goals and partly on a discretionary evaluation of the Group's and the employee's performance. The potential bonus payment to the CEO is discretionary and not limited, while the potential bonus payment to the CFO is limited to 12 months salary.
Awilco LNG has not provided any loans, advances or guarantees to key management.
The CEO of the Company has an agreement of 18 month severance payment including a six month period of notice in case of involuntary resignment or by redundancy.
A synthetic option program for employees of the Company was established in 2011. Further information regarding the terms and calculations is provided in note 8. Figures in the tables above represent the option expense in the period, if positive.
Remuneration to the Board of Directors consists of a Director's fee which is fixed for the year depending on the role on the Board as well as compensation for other Board elected committees. The Board's fees are approved by the Annual General Meeting.
| Audit | Remuneration | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Remuneration | Director's fee | committee fee | committee fee | Total |
| Sigurd E. Thorvildsen | 56 | - | 8 | 64 |
| Jon-Aksel Torgersen | 32 | - | 8 | 40 |
| Henrik Fougner | 32 | 8 | - | 40 |
| Annette Malm Justad | 32 | - | - | 32 |
| Synne Syrrist | 32 | 8 | - | 40 |
| Total compensation for the period | 184 | 16 | 16 | 216 |
| Audit | Remuneration | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Remuneration | Director's fee | committee fee | committee fee | Total |
| Sigurd E. Thorvildsen | 59 | - | 8 | 67 |
| Jon-Aksel Torgersen | 34 | - | 8 | 42 |
| Henrik Fougner | 34 | 8 | - | 42 |
| Annette Malm Justad | 34 | - | - | 34 |
| Synne Syrrist | 34 | 8 | - | 42 |
| Total compensation for the period | 195 | 16 | 16 | 227 |
| Board of Directors | Common shares | Synthetic options |
|---|---|---|
| Sigurd E. Thorvildsen | - | - |
| Jon-Aksel Torgersen | 541 850 | - |
| Henrik Fougner | - | - |
| Annette Malm Justad | - | - |
| Synne Syrrist | - | - |
| Total | 541 850 | - |
| Key management | Common shares | Synthetic options |
| Key management | Common shares | Synthetic options |
|---|---|---|
| CEO Jon Skule Storheill | - | 529 425 |
| CFO Snorre S. Krogstad | - | 284 546 |
| Total | - | 813 971 |
For further information about synthetic options see note 8.
| Auditor's fee | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory audit | 75 | 98 |
| Other assurance services | 5 | 1 |
| Tax advisory | 6 | 9 |
| Total fees to auditor, excl. VAT | 86 | 108 |
Subsequent to delivery from DSME on 16 September 2013 and 28 November 2013 respectively the vessels WilForce and WilPride were sold to companies in the Teekay LNG Partners L.P. Group (Teekay) for MUSD 205 less MUSD 50 in pre-paid charter hire each, and simultaneously chartered back by Awilco LNG on bareboat basis. The bareboat agreement for WilPride is for four years plus a one year option in Awilco LNG's favour, and for WilForce five years plus a one year option in Awilco LNG's favour. The bareboat rate is fixed at USD 49,100 per day per vessel for the whole duration, payable monthly up front. Awilco LNG has repurchase obligations at the end of the charter period of MUSD 130.9 after four years, 123.5 after five years and MUSD 115.5 after six years. The sale-leaseback agreements are assessed as financial lease arrangements by Management, and MUSD 155.0 per vessel was recognised as a lease liability at the commencement date 16 September and 28 November 2013 respectively. The agreements impose no financial covenants or commercial restrictions on the Group.
The net carrying amount of the finance lease liabilities is classified into long-term and short-term portions:
| 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term interest bearing debt | 285 556 | 297 256 |
| Short-term interest bearing debt | 11 699 | 10 765 |
| Total | 297 256 | 308 021 |
| 2014 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | Interest | Total | ||
| Lease payments WilForce | 5 426 | 12 495 | 17 922 | |
| Lease payments WilPride | 5 338 | 12 583 | 17 922 | |
| Total | 10 765 | 25 078 | 35 843 |
| 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Principal | Interest | Total | ||
| Lease payments WilForce | 1 505 | 3 749 | 5 254 | |
| Lease payments WilPride | 474 | 1 195 | 1 669 | |
| Total | 1 979 | 4 944 | 6 923 |
| Per 31 December 2014 | ‹ 1 year | 1-5 yrs | › 5 yrs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum lease payments | 35 843 | 337 143 | - | 372 986 |
| Present value of min. lease payments | 34 507 | 262 749 | - | 297 256 |
| Per 31 December 2013 | ‹ 1 year | 1-5 yrs | › 5 yrs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum lease payments | 35 843 | 372 986 | - | 408 829 |
| Present value of min. lease payments | 34 507 | 273 514 | - | 308 021 |
The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of Awilco LNG ASA and its subsidiaries listed in the table below:
| Company name | Country | Principial activity | Date incorporated | Ownership/ voting share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilGas | 2 February 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilPower | 2 February 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilEnergy | 2 February 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilForce | 6 May 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilPride | 6 May 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | Norway | No activity | 12 May 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | Norway | No activity | 12 May 2011 | 100 % |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS Norway | Technical management | 17 September 2012 | 100 % |
The subsidiaries' registered office is Beddingen 8, 0250 Oslo. All subsidiaries are included in the consolidated financial statement from their respective dates of incorporation.
The Group has operating lease commitments related to office rental. The contractual amounts fall due as follows:
| 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 | |
|---|---|---|
| Within 1 year | 120 | 144 |
| 1 to 5 years | 80 | 240 |
| After 5 years | - | - |
| Total | 200 | 384 |
Awilco LNG's financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The following key uncertainty regarding this assumption has been identified:
WilEnergy and WilPower are currently in lay-up. WilGas has been idle since mid-February 2015. WilPride is trading in the spot market. As described in the Outlook section of the Board of Directors' report, both rates and utilisation are expected to be under pressure for the first part of 2015, until further LNG production comes on stream. The Group's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon either generating sufficient cash flow from employed vessels, leveraging the fleet of currently all-equity financed second generation vessels, or potentially disposing of one or more second generation vessel(s).
There are no material events after the reporting date.
GROUP
The following new standards, amendments and interpretations were taken into use with effect from 2014:
IFRS 10 replaces the portion of IAS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements that addresses the accounting for consolidated financial statements. It also addresses the issues raised in SIC-12 Consolidation - Special Purpose Entities.
IFRS 10 establishes a single control model that applies to all entities including special purpose entities. The changes introduced by IFRS 10 will require management to exercise significant judgment to determine which entities are controlled and therefore are required to be consolidated by a parent.
IFRS 10 has revised the definition of control compared to IAS 27. Entities the investor controls are required to be consolidated in accordance to IFRS 10. An investor controls an investee when it is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee. The amendments become effective for financial statements starting on or later than 1 January 2014 within the EU/EEA region.
The Group has evaluated the entities to be consolidated pursuant to IFRS 10 and compared with the requirements of the current IAS 27, and based on this evaluation no impact on the Group's financial position or performance has been identified.
IFRS 12 includes all of the disclosures that were previously in IAS 27 related to consolidated financial statements, as well as all of the disclosures that were previously included in IAS 31 and IAS 28. These disclosures relate to an entity's interests in subsidiaries, joint arrangements, associates and structured entities. A number of new disclosures are also required, but has had no material impact on the Group's financial position or performance. The amendments become effective for financial statements starting on or later than 1 January 2014 within the EU/EEA region.
Standards and interpretations that are issued up to the date of issuance of the consolidated financial statements, but not yet effective, are disclosed below. Only standards and interpretations that are applicable for the Group have been included. The Group's intention is to adopt the relevant new and amended standards and interpretations when they become effective, subject to EU approval before the consolidated financial statements are issued.
IFRS 9 will eventually replace IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. In order to expedite the replacement of IAS 39, the IASB divided the project into phases: classification and measurement, hedge accounting and impairment. New principles for impairment were published in July 2014 and the standard is now completed. The parts of IAS 39 that have not been amended as part of this project have been transferred into IFRS 9. The Group has made a preliminary assessment of the effects of replacing IAS 39 with IFRS 9, and has not identified any material impact on the Group's financial position or performance.
IFRS 15 replaces existing IFRS and US GAAP revenue requirements. The core principle of IFRS 15 is that revenue is recognised to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard applies to all revenue contracts and provides a model for the recognition and measurement of sales of some non-financial assets. As the Group's revenue mainly is from operational lease arrangements the effect of implementation of IFRS 15 is expected to be immaterial.
66 AWILCO LNG ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2014 AWILCO LNG ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2014 67
In NOK thousands
| ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| Non-current assets | |
| Current assets | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |
| Equity | |
| Non-current liabilities | |
| Current liabilities |
| Note | 31.12.2014 | 31.12.2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Non-current assets | |||
| Other fixed assets | 10 | 1 689 | 2 056 |
| Shares in subsidiaries | 6 | 933 302 | 944 727 |
| Loans to subsidiaries | 6 | 155 300 | 42 800 |
| Total non-current assets | 1 090 291 | 989 583 | |
| Current assets | |||
| Short term receivables subsidiaries | 6 | 20 708 | 175 372 |
| Other short term assets | 627 | 816 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 7 | 2 897 | 9 918 |
| Total current assets | 24 232 | 186 106 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 1 114 523 | 1 175 689 | |
| EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | |||
| Equity | |||
| Share capital | 8 | 271 155 | 271 155 |
| Share premium | 690 357 | 690 357 | |
| Retained earnings | 141 685 | 139 353 | |
| Total equity | 1 103 197 | 1 100 866 | |
| Non-current liabilities | |||
| Pension liabilities | 3 | 1 227 | 628 |
| Loans from subsidiaries | 6 | 1 501 | 1 501 |
| Total non-current liabilities | 2 728 | 2 129 | |
| Current liabilities | |||
| Short term payables subsidiaries | 6 | 1 795 | 59 223 |
| Trade payables | 240 | 315 | |
| Provisions and accruals | 9 | 6 563 | 13 156 |
| Total current liabilities | 8 598 | 72 694 | |
| TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES | 1 114 523 | 1 175 689 |
| Note | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating income | 6 | 10 687 | 5 526 |
| Administration expenses | 3 | 20 689 | 32 644 |
| Earnings before interest, taxes, depr. and amort. (EBITDA) | (10 002) | (27 118) | |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 10 | 382 | 337 |
| Impairment of shares in subsidiaries | 6 | 11 400 | 83 958 |
| Earnings before interest and taxes | (21 785) | (111 413) | |
| Finance income | 4 | 26 465 | 190 780 |
| Finance expenses | 4 | 2 349 | 8 068 |
| Net finance income/(expense) | 24 116 | 182 712 | |
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | 2 331 | 71 299 | |
| Income tax expense | 5 | - | 1 091 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | 2 331 | 72 390 | |
| Allocations/transfers of profit/(loss) for the period: | |||
| Allocted to/(transferred from) retained earnings | 2 331 | 72 390 | |
| Total allocations and transfers | 2 331 | 72 390 |
Oslo, 8. April 2015
Jon Skule Storheill CEO
Henrik Fougner Board member
Chairman of the Board
Synne Syrrist Board member
| Share capital | Share premium Retained earnings | Total equity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity at 1 January 2014 | 271 155 | 690 357 | 139 353 | 1 100 866 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | 2 331 | 2 331 |
| Balance as at 31 December 2014 | 271 155 | 690 357 | 141 685 | 1 103 197 |
In NOK thousands
| Share capital | Share premium Retained earnings | Total equity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity at 1 January 2013 | 271 155 | 690 357 | 66 963 | 1 028 476 |
| Profit/(loss) for the period | - | - | 72 390 | 72 390 |
| Balance as at 31 December 2013 | 271 155 | 690 357 | 139 353 | 1 100 866 |
| In NOK thousands | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2014 | 2013 | |
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities: | |||
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | 2 331 | 71 299 | |
| Items included in profit/(loss) not affecting cash flows: | |||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 10 | 382 | 337 |
| Accrued net interest income on group loans | (5 233) | (13 218) | |
| Impairment of shares in subsidiaries | 6 | 11 400 | 83 958 |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | |||
| Other short term assets | 189 | (334) | |
| Short term receivables/payables subsidiaries | (10 007) | (156 261) | |
| Trade payables, provisions and accruals | (6 069) | 36 149 | |
| i) Net cash provided by / (used in) operating activities | (7 007) | 21 930 | |
| Cash Flows from Investing Activities: | |||
| Investment in subsidiaries | 6 | - | (10 000) |
| Loan to subsidiaries | 6 | - | (25 090) |
| Investment in other fixed assets | 10 | (15) | (885) |
| ii) Net cash provided by / (used in) investing activities | (15) | (35 975) | |
| Cash Flows from Financing Activities: | |||
| iii) Net cash provided by / (used in) financing activities | - | - | |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents (i+ii+iii) | (7 022) | (14 044) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at start of period | 7 | 9 918 | 23 962 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 7 | 2 897 | 9 918 |
| Interest paid | 78 | 49 |
Interest received 99 37
Awilco LNG ASA (the Company) is a public limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in Norway. Its registered office is Beddingen 8, 0250 Oslo, Norway. The Company was incorporated 2 February 2011, and was listed on Oslo Axess on 6 September 2011 with the ticker ALNG.
Awilco LNG ASA is through its subsidiaries engaged in the operations of and investments in LNG transportation vessels.
The financial statements of Awilco LNG ASA have been prepared in accordance with the Norwegian accounting act and generally accepted accounting principles in Norway. The financial statements are presented in Norwegian kroner (NOK) rounded off to the nearest thousands, except as otherwise indicated.
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.
Shares in subsidiaries are measured at cost less accumulated impairment losses. Such assets are impaired to fair value when the decrease in value is for reasons not considered being of a temporary nature and must be deemed necessary based on generally accepted accounting principles. Impairment losses are reversed when the rationale for the recognised impairment loss no longer applies. Dividends, group contributions and other distributions from subsidiaries are recognised in the same period as they are recognised in the financial statement of the subsidiary. If dividends and group contributions exceed withheld profits after the acquisition date, the excess amount represents repayment of invested capital and will be deducted from the carrying value of the subsidiary in the balance sheet of the Company.
The functional currency of the Company is USD whereas the presentation currency is NOK. Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange on the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in other currencies are translated at the exchange rate applicable at the balance sheet date. Realised and unrealised foreign currency gains or losses on monetary items are presented as finance income or finance expense.
Revenues from the sale of services are recognised in the income statement once services have been rendered.
Other fixed assets are capitalised and depreciated linearly over the estimated useful life. Costs for maintenance are expensed as incurred. If carrying value of other fixed assets exceeds the estimated recoverable amount, the asset is written down to the recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the greater of the net realisable value and value in use. In assessing value in use, the discounted estimated future cash flows from the asset are used.
Current assets and current liabilities include items that fall due for payment within one year after the reporting date. The short term part of long term debt is classified as short term debt.
Loans and receivables are initially recognised at fair value net of any transaction costs. The assets are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method, if the amortisation effect is material, and the carrying amount is subsequently reduced by any impairment losses.
The income tax expense consists of current income tax and changes in deferred tax.
Current income tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year.
Deferred income tax is provided using the liability method on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the financial statement.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which the deductible temporary difference can be utilised. Deferred income tax is calculated on temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the timing of the reversal of the temporary difference is controlled by the Company.
Current income tax and deferred tax is recognised in profit or loss except to the extent that it relates to items recognised directly in equity.
For cash-settled share-based payments a provision is recorded for the rights granted reflecting the vested portion of the fair value of the rights at the reporting date. Administration expense is accrued over the period the beneficiaries are expected to perform the related service (vesting period), with a corresponding increase in provisions. The cash-settled share-based payments are remeasured to fair value at each reporting date until the award is settled. Any changes in the fair value of the provision are recognised as administration expense in the income statement. The amount of unrecognised compensation expense related to non-vested share-based payment arrangements granted in the cash-settled plans is dependent on the final intrinsic value of the awards. Social security tax liability is calculated based on the intrinsic value of the cash-settled share-based payments.
The Company has implemented a defined contribution plan for its employees. The plan complies with the requirements in the Mandatory Occupational Pension act in Norway ("Lov om obligatorisk tjenestepensjon"). Contributions on salary up until 12G are funded in a life insurance company, whereas contributions on salary over 12G are funded by the Group. G refers to the Norwegian National Insurance basic amount.
Contributions to the funded plan are recognised as an employee benefit expense in the income statement when they fall due. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in the future payments is available. The Company has no further payment obligations once the contributions have been paid.
The liability arising from the plan funded by the Group is classified as a non-current liability in the balance sheet. Changes in the liability are recognised as employee benefit expenses in the income statement in the periods during which services are rendered by employees. The liability becomes payable to the employee upon termination, voluntary or involuntary, of the employment.
Cash represents cash on hand and deposits with banks that are repayable on demand. Cash includes restricted employee taxes withheld. Cash equivalents represent short-term, highly-liquid investments which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash with original maturities of three months or less.
Proposed dividend payments from the Company are recognised as a liability in the Group's financial statements on the reporting date 31 December current year.
The cash flow statement is presented using the indirect method.
| Administration expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Salaries and other remuneration | 7 485 | 17 115 |
| Social security cost | 2 373 | 1 881 |
| Pension | 1 039 | 230 |
| Other employee related expenses | 145 | 132 |
| Total employee related expenses | 11 043 | 19 358 |
| Management fees | 3 892 | 4 672 |
| Consultant, legal and auditor's fees | 912 | 1 179 |
| Other administration expenses | 4 841 | 7 435 |
| Total administration expenses | 20 689 | 32 644 |
Information regarding management fees to related parties is provided in note 6.
| Number of employees | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Employees year end | 6 | 6 |
| Average number of work years | 6 | 6 |
The Company has a defined contribution plan for its employees which complies with the requirements in the Mandatory Occupational Pension act in Norway ("Lov om obligatorisk tjenestepensjon"). The pension plan is a defined contribution plan whereby salary up until 12G is funded in a life insurance company. Defined contributions regarding salary over 12G is funded by the Company. As at 31 December 2014 the pension liability for the Company was TNOK 1 227 (31 December 2013 TNOK 628).
The pension plan of the Company's CEO was covered by a defined benefit plan in Awilco AS. The Company reimbursed Awilco AS for expenses related to the pension plan. On 1 February 2014 this plan was terminated, and subsequently the CEO is covered by the Company's defined contribution plans as described above. See note 21 in the consolidated financial statements for further information.
Please see note 8 in the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding the synthetic option programme. The following amounts were recognised in the Company's accounts:
| Option liability and expense | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying value liability | 1 673 | 4 844 |
| Option expense | (3 172) | 3 237 |
| Intrinsic value of vested options | - | - |
Please see note 21 in the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding remuneration to key management.
Please see note 21 in the consolidated financial statements for disclosures regarding remuneration to Board of Directors.
| Auditor's fee | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Statutory audit | 170 | 249 |
| Other assurance services | 15 | - |
| Tax advisory | 41 | 3 |
| Total fees to auditor, excl. VAT | 227 | 252 |
PARENT
| Finance income | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest income | 99 | 37 |
| Interest income group companies | 5 835 | 15 440 |
| Currency gain | 1 081 | 4 470 |
| Dividends from subsidiaries | 15 000 | 170 000 |
| Other finance income group companies | 4 451 | 833 |
| Total finance income | 26 465 | 190 780 |
| Finance expenses | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Interest expense | 78 | 49 |
| Interest expense group companies | 610 | 2 196 |
| Currency loss | 1 560 | 3 539 |
| Other finance expenses | 100 | 2 284 |
| Total finance expenses | 2 349 | 8 068 |
Currency gains and losses mainly relate to translation effects from bank accounts and balances with subsidiaries denominated in USD and translated into NOK at the balance sheet date. See note 6 for a specification of finance income and expense group companies.
The Company is subject to ordinary corporation tax in Norway at a current tax rate of 27 %.
| Income tax expense | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Current income tax | - | - |
| Changes in deferred tax | - | (1 091) |
| Total income tax expense / (income) | - | (1 091) |
| Specification of basis for deferred tax | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Other fixed assets | (378) | (416) |
| Provisions and accruals | 1 673 | 4 902 |
| Pension liabilities | 1 227 | 628 |
| Tax loss carry forward | 11 998 | 8 300 |
| Basis for deferred tax asset / (liability) | 14 520 | 13 413 |
| Not recognised deferred tax assets (basis) | (14 520) | (13 413) |
| Basis for deferred tax asset / (liability) | - | - |
| Tax rate | 27 % | 27 % |
| Deferred tax asset / (liability) | - | - |
Recognition of deferred income tax assets is subject to strict requirements in respect of the ability to substantiate that sufficient taxable profit will be available against which the unutilised tax losses can be used. Based on these requirements and an assessment by the Company deferred tax assets arising from tax loss carry forward has not been recognised. Utilisation of the tax loss carry forward is not limited in time.
| Reconciliation of effective tax rate | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | 2 331 | 71 299 |
| Tax based on ordinary tax rate* | 629 | 19 964 |
| Effects from: | ||
| Permanent differences | (928) | (24 020) |
| Not recognised deferred tax assets | 299 | 2 859 |
| Effect of change in tax rate | - | 106 |
| Total income tax expense / (income) | - | (1 091) |
|---|---|---|
| Effect of change in tax rate | - | 106 |
| Not recognised deferred tax assets | 299 | 2 859 |
| Permanent differences | (928) | (24 020) |
| Effects from: | ||
| Tax based on ordinary tax rate* | 629 | 19 964 |
| Profit/(loss) before taxes | 2 331 | 71 299 |
*As of 1 January 2014 the tax rate in Norway was reduced from 28 % to 27 %.
| Income tax payable | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Current tax payable recognised in income statement | - | - |
| Current tax payable recognised directly in equity | - | - |
| Total income tax payable | - | - |
To provide the Company with access to important and required knowledge and services, the Company has entered into various agreements with related parties. Information regarding these contracts and the transactions and balances with related parties, except for subsidiary transactions, is provided in note 21 in the consolidated financial statement. Transactions with subsidiaries are disclosed below.
As of 31 December 2014 the Company has the following subsidiaries:
| Company name | Country | Principial activity | Date incorporated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilGas | 2 February 2011 |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilPower | 2 February 2011 |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilEnergy | 2 February 2011 |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilForce | 6 May 2011 |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | Norway | Owner of LNG/C WilPride | 6 May 2011 |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | Norway | No activity | 12 May 2011 |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | Norway | No activity | 12 May 2011 |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS | Norway | Technical management | 17 September 2012 |
The subsidiaries' registered office is Beddingen 8, 0250 Oslo, Norway.
| Ownership/ | Carrying amount Carrying amount | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Company name | voting share | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | 100 % | 57 000 | 57 000 |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | 100 % | 56 642 | 68 042 |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | 100 % | 57 000 | 57 000 |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | 100 % | 373 800 | 373 800 |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | 100 % | 378 500 | 378 500 |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | 100 % | 120 | 120 |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | 100 % | 120 | 120 |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS | 100 % | 10 120 | 10 145 |
| Total carrying amount 31 December | 933 302 | 944 727 |
Based on an assessment of the recoverable amount of shares in subsidiary Awilco LNG 2 AS an impairment charge of NOK 11.4 million was recognised in 2014 (NOK 84.0 million in 2013). A cash capital increase of NOK 10 million was concluded in Awilco LNG Technical Management AS in 2013, together with debt to equity conversions of NOK 95 million in Awilco LNG 2 AS, NOK 119 million in Awilco LNG 4 AS and NOK 124 million in Awilco LNG 5 AS.
The Company provides financing to its subsidiaries through both long term and short term loans. The long term loans mature 31 December 2020 and are installment free in the period. Interest on both long term loans and short term receivables/payables is agreed to LIBOR + 3 % for USD denominated loans and NIBOR + 3 % for NOK denominated loans. See below for interest income from subsidiaries.
| Subsidiary | Long term loans(+) /borrowings(-) |
Short term receivables |
Short term payables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | 59 500 | 17 039 | - |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | 42 800 | 1 863 | - |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | 53 000 | 1 806 | - |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | - | - | 13 |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | - | - | 12 |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | - | - | - |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | - | - | - |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS | (1 501) | - | 1 769 |
| Total | 153 799 | 20 708 | 1 795 |
Short term receivable towards Awilco LNG 1 AS was mainly related to dividend receivable of NOK 15 million.
| Subsidiary | Long term loans(+) /borrowings(-) |
Short term receivables |
Short term payables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | - | 112 806 | 50 537 |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | 42 800 | 387 | - |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | - | 61 373 | 6 774 |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | - | 603 | - |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | - | 203 | - |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | - | - | - |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | - | - | - |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS | (1 501) | - | 1 912 |
| Total | 41 299 | 175 372 | 59 223 |
Short term receivable towards Awilco LNG 1 AS and Awilco LNG 3 AS mainly related to dividend receivable of NOK 110 and NOK 60 million respectively.
Awilco LNG ASA provides commercial management services to the vessel owning subsidiaries:
| Subsidiary | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | 2 631 | 2 806 |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | 746 | 608 |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | 1 568 | 1 373 |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | 3 331 | 515 |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | 2 398 | 224 |
| Total | 10 673 | 5 526 |
The commercial management fees are based on a fixed fee of USD 100 000 per vessel per year and a fixed percentage of gross freight income of 1.25 %.
A subsidiary of the Company, Awilco LNG Technical Management AS, provides project management services to the Company. In 2014 the Company paid a fee of TNOK 1 417 for these services (TNOK 801 in 2013).
The Company has issued guarantees towards the lessor of WilForce and WilPride on behalf of lessees' Awilco LNG 4 AS and Awilco LNG 5 AS respectively, see note 12. A guarantee commission of TNOK 2 265 and TNOK 2 186 respectively was charged the two subsidiaries in 2014 (TNOK 632 and 201 in 2013).
| Interest income from subsidiaries | ||
|---|---|---|
| Subsidiary | 2014 | 2013 |
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | 2 052 | 1 076 |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | 1 958 | 5 256 |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | 1 823 | 324 |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | - | 4 421 |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | 1 | 4 352 |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | - | - |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | - | - |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS | - | 10 |
| Total | 5 835 | 15 440 |
| Subsidiary | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Awilco LNG 1 AS | 475 | 1 093 |
| Awilco LNG 2 AS | 3 | - |
| Awilco LNG 3 AS | 51 | 771 |
| Awilco LNG 4 AS | 1 | - |
| Awilco LNG 5 AS | - | - |
| Awilco LNG 6 AS | - | - |
| Awilco LNG 7 AS | - | - |
| Awilco LNG Technical Management AS | 80 | 332 |
| Total | 610 | 2 196 |
31 December 2014 TNOK 1 131 is restricted cash related to employee withholding tax (31 December 2013 TNOK 736), and TNOK 557 is restricted cash related to requirements from operating Awilco LNG's vessels (31 December 2013 TNOK 456).
Awilco LNG's liquidity is organised in a cash pool arrangement in which cash in the subsidiaries formally represents receivables or payables towards the parent company Awilco LNG ASA. The Group companies are jointly and severally liable for the total outstanding amount under the arrangement.
Information about the Company's share capital is provided in note 19 to the consolidated accounts.
| Provisions and accruals | 31.12.14 | 31.12.13 |
|---|---|---|
| Accrued expenses, invoice not received | 85 | 82 |
| Salary related provisions, incl. synthetic options | 6 478 | 13 075 |
| Total provisions and accruals | 6 563 | 13 156 |
| Other fixed assets | 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|---|
| Cost at beginning of period | 2 618 | 1 733 |
| +Acquisition | 15 | 885 |
| Cost as of 31 December | 2 633 | 2 618 |
| Accumulated depreciation at beginning of period | 561 | 224 |
| -Depreciation | 382 | 337 |
| Accumulated depreciation as of 31 December | 944 | 561 |
| Carrying amount as of 31 December | 1 689 | 2 056 |
| Estimated useful life | 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Depreciation method | Straight line | Straight line |
| 31.12.2014 | 31.12.2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Currency | Code | FX rate | Carrying value | FX rate | Carrying value |
| US dollars | USD | 7.4332 | 1 369 | 6.0800 | 6 174 |
| Norwegian kroner | NOK | 1 | 1 528 | 1 | 3 745 |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | 2 897 | 9 918 |
| 2014 | 2013 |
|---|---|
| 2 618 | 1 733 |
| 15 | 885 |
| 2 633 | 2 618 |
| 561 | 224 |
| 382 | 337 |
| 944 | 561 |
| 1 689 | 2 056 |
| 3-5 years | 3-5 years |
| Straight line | Straight line |
General information regarding capital and financial risk management is provided in note 20 in the consolidated accounts. Awilco LNG ASA presents its financial statement in NOK, and is thus exposed to foreign exchange translation risk on monetary items denominated in foreign currencies.
Please see note 24 in the consolidated accounts. In addition, Awilco LNG ASA has issued certain guarantees on behalf of companies in the Awilco LNG Group:
The Company has issued a guarantee towards the Teekay LNG Partners L.P. Group on behalf of the Company's subsidiaries Awilco LNG 4 AS and Awilco LNG 5 AS, guaranteeing for the performance of the bare-boat charter agreements described in note 22 in the consolidated accounts.
Information on events after the reporting date is disclosed in note 26 in the consolidated accounts.
84 AWILCO LNG ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2014 AWILCO LNG ASA ANNUAL REPORT 2014 85
The corporate governance principles of the Company are adopted by the Board of Directors of Awilco LNG ASA (the Board). The principles are based on the Norwegian Code of Practice for Corporate Governance, dated 30 October 2014 (the «Code of Practice»). Below follows a description of the basis that Awilco LNG has implemented the Code of Practice. This description follows the same structure as the Code of Practice and covers all sections thereof. Deviations, if any, from the Code of Practice are discussed under the relevant section.
The Board of Directors shall ensure that appropriate goals and strategies are adopted, that the adopted strategies are implemented in practice, and that the results achieved are subject to measurement and follow-up. The principles shall also contribute to ensure that the activities of the Company are subject to adequate controls. An appropriate distribution of roles and adequate controls shall contribute to the largest possible value creation over time, for the benefit of the owners and other stakeholders.
The Company has defined a mission statement "Marine Transportation through Safety and Environmental Excellence", and identified a set of core objectives that describes the focus and continuous improvement process based on the mission statement. The objectives include amongst others policies regarding; safeguarding of people, ships and cargoes, focus on limitation of any negative impact on the environment from our vessels and a separate statement regarding Safety Management & Environmental Protection Policy. This policy document, which is available on the Company's website www.awilcolng.no, describes the basic principles of the corporate values.
Awilco LNG's code of conduct – values and ethics forms an
important foundation for Awilco LNG's corporate governance and demands high ethical standards, in which focus on safety and integrity are key factors. The Company has continuous focus on making sure that the corporate values are practiced in the Company's everyday life. The Company's code of conduct – values and ethics can be found on the Company's website.
According to the Company's articles of association, its purpose is to carry out "shipping and other business related hereto". The objectives clause of the Company also includes "acquisitions, management, borrowings and sale of capital assets in the shipping business in addition to investments in shares, bonds and partnership contributions of any type connected with shipping, as well as participation, including ownership stakes in other shipping companies and other business naturally connected hereto."
The principal strategies of the Company are presented in the annual report.
The Company's equity is assessed as appropriate based on its goals, strategies and risk profile. The book equity of the Awilco LNG Group as per 31 December 2014 was USD 191.8 million, which represents an equity ratio of 39 %.
The Company's long term objective is to pay a regular dividend in support of the Company's main objective to maximise return on the invested capital. Any future potential dividends declared will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon the Group's financial position, earnings, debt covenants, capital requirements and other factors. Dividends will be proposed by the Board for approval by the General Assembly. Any proposal to confer to the Board of Directors the mandate to distribute dividends is explained.
The main strategy for Awilco LNG ASA (the Company or Awilco LNG) is to create shareholder value through the provision of a quality, reliable and customer oriented service to the market, in the best manner for its shareholders, employees and business connections. Awilco LNG strives to protect and enhance shareholder equity through openness, integrity and equal shareholder treatment, and sound corporate governance is a key element in the basis of the Awilco LNG strategy.
To the extent it is considered desirable, the Company may raise new equity in the capital market. On 8 June 2012, the Annual General meeting of the Company passed a resolution to confer authority to the Board of Directors to issue ordinary shares in the Company up to an aggregate nominal amount of NOK 54,231,099.00. The authority was valid until 8 June 2014, and the Board did not make use of this authority.
The Board is currently not authorised to purchase own shares in the market.
The Company has one class of shares, and each share has one vote at the General Meeting.
In the case of assignment of shares, the other shareholders do not have pre-emptive rights. Assignment of shares in the Company is not conditional upon approval by the Board of Directors.
In the event of any material transactions between the Company and shareholders, Directors or close associates thereof, the Board of Directors shall consider arranging for an independent assessment of the transaction.
Awilco LNG has entered into a sub-management agreement with Wilhelmsen Marine Services AS (WMS) for technical management of the fleet. Furthermore, Awilco LNG has entered into an agreement with Awilhelmsen Management AS (AWM) for administrative services. Both WMS and AWM are related companies to Awilco AS, which owns 33.7 % of the shares in Awilco LNG. The management fees are, in the Company's opinion, made at market terms. Information regarding transactions with related parties is described in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.
The shares of Awilco LNG are listed on the Oslo Axess stock exchange. All issued shares carry equal shareholder rights in all respects, and there are no restrictions on transfer of shares. The articles of association place no restrictions on voting rights.
The Annual General Meeting will normally take place early June each year, but at latest by 30 June. Notice of the meeting will normally be published through the Oslo Stock Exchange distribution channel and the Company's website at least 21 days in advance. Documentation containing the information necessary for the shareholders to make decisions on all the items on the agenda will simultaneously be made available on the Company's
website, and will only be sent to shareholders that request the documentation on paper. The Board may decide by the notice of the meeting that shareholders who intend to attend the General Meeting shall give notice to the Company within five days prior to the General Meeting.
Registration is made in writing, per telefax or by e-mail. The Board wishes to make efforts to enable as many shareholders as possible to attend. Shareholders who are not able to attend are invited to meet by proxy, and efforts will be made for the proxies to relate to each individual item on the agenda.
The General Meeting will be chaired by the Chairman of the Board unless otherwise agreed by a majority of those shares represented at the meeting.
According to the articles of association the Company shall have a Nomination committee that has the responsibility of proposing members to the Board of Directors and members of the Nomination committee. The Nomination committee shall also propose fee payable to the members of the Board and the members of the Nomination committee.
The members of the Nomination committee shall be shareholders or representatives of shareholders. The members of the Nomination committee, including its Chairman, are elected by the General Meeting. The members of the Nomination committee's period of service shall be two years unless the General Meeting decides otherwise.
The nomination committee is to maintain contact with shareholder groups, members of the Board of Directors and the Company's executive personnel in its works with proposing members to the Board of Directors.
The Annual General Meeting held on 12 June 2014 elected the current Nomination committee consisting of Tom Furulund and Henrik Christensen.
The Company's Board of Directors shall comprise 3 to 6 directors pursuant to the decision of the General Meeting. The Directors are elected for a period of two years unless otherwise determined by the General Meeting. The Board appoints the Chairman amongst the elected Board members.
The composition of the Board of Directors aims to ensure that the interests of all shareholders are represented. Currently three of
the five directors are independent from the principal shareholder of the Company. The Board consists of the following members: Sigurd E. Thorvildsen (Chairman), Henrik Fougner, Jon-Aksel Torgersen, Synne Syrrist and Annette Malm Justad.
The Board's statutory duties include the overall administration and management of the Company. The Board adopts a meeting schedule for the following year in December. The directors shall normally meet in person, but if so allowed by the Chairman, directors may participate in any meeting of the Board by means of telephone. The internal allocation of responsibilities and tasks is regularly discussed and monitored in light of current legislation and employment contracts. The Board is regularly briefed on the Company's financial situation, the vessels' charter/market situation, liquidity situation and cash flow forecast, as well as any changes in the competition situation. The Board performs a yearly evaluation of its work.
The Board has established an Audit committee consisting of Synne Syrrist (Chairman) and Henrik Fougner, and has implemented an Audit committee charter. The Company's CFO is the secretary of the committee. The auditor shall participate in discussions of relevant agenda items in meetings of the Audit committee. The committee shall hold separate meetings with the auditor and the CEO at least once a year.
Furthermore, the Company has established a Remuneration committee consisting of Sigurd E. Thorvildsen and Jon-Aksel Torgersen. The Remuneration committee prepares guidelines and proposals regarding remuneration of executive personnel, which are reviewed and resolved by the Board of Directors.
The Board ensures that the Company has satisfactory internal control procedures to manage its exposure to risks related to the conduct of the Company's business, including environmental conditions, to support the quality of its financial reporting and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. The Board performs an annual review of the Company's key risks and the internal controls implemented to address these risks. The Board has identified and stated the various risks of Awilco LNG in the Company's annual report. Additionally, the Board is regularly briefed on the Company as described under section 9 above.
The Company has established an Audit committee that regularly evaluates and discusses the various risk elements of Awilco LNG, and potential for improvement. The Audit committee reports to the Board.
Awilco LNG's main goal is safe and efficient ship operation with no accidents, personal injury, environmental damage, or damage to equipment. In order to achieve these goals Awilco LNG has identified some core objectives that describe our focus and our continuous improvement process. The operation of technical management and newbuildings is closely monitored through dedicated supervision and safety reporting systems. Furthermore, the Company has established contingency plans and executes drills and training in order to improve emergency preparedness.
In addition to its own controlling bodies and external audit, the Company is subject to external supervision by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) for classification in accordance with ISO.
The remuneration of the Board shall reflect the Board's responsibilities, knowhow, time commitment and the complexity of the business activities. The directors do not receive profit related remuneration, share options or retirement benefits from the Company. The remuneration is proposed by the Nomination committee. More information about the remuneration of the individual directors is provided in note 21 in the consolidated accounts.
Directors or their related companies shall normally not undertake special tasks for the Company in addition to the directorship. However, the Company utilises outsourcing of technical submanagement, accounting and administrative services to WMS and AWM which are related companies. In addition ship brokering services are purchased on a competitive basis from a group of companies related to one of the Board members. All agreements and fees with related parties are approved by
the Board. Furthermore, the members of the Audit committee and Remuneration committee receive a fee for serving on the committees.
The Board has drawn up guidelines for determining the remuneration to executive personnel. The remuneration is based on a base salary, bonus and synthetic share options. The Board of Directors' yearly statement regarding compensation to key management is enclosed as a separate appendix to the agenda of the General Meeting. The General Meeting is to vote separately on advisory and binding aspects of the remuneration to executive personnel.
The General Meeting has given the Board of Directors the authority to implement a synthetic option program for leading employees of the Company limited to 2 % of the total amount of outstanding shares in the Company.
For information about the salary, options, pension and social security cost of the executive personnel, see note 21 in the consolidated accounts.
The Company aims to keep shareholders, analysts, investors and other stakeholders updated on the Company's operations in a timely fashion. The Company provides information to the market through quarterly and annual reports; investor- and analyst presentations open to the media and by making operational and financial information available on the Company's website. Events of importance are made available to the stock market through notification to the Oslo Stock Exchange in accordance with the Stock Exchange regulations. Information is provided in English.
All stock exchange announcements and press releases, including the financial calendar, are made available on the Company's website.
The Company's Articles of Association contains no defense mechanism against the acquisition of shares, and no other actions have been taken to limit the opportunity of acquiring shares in the Company.
In the event of a takeover bid the Board will seek to comply with the recommendations outlined in item 14 of the Code of Practice. If a bid has been received, the Board will seek to issue a statement evaluating the offer and make recommendations as to whether the shareholders should accept the offer or not. Normally it will be required to arrange a valuation from an independent expert. If the Board finds that it is unable to give a recommendation, the Board will explain the reason for not giving a recommendation. The statement should show whether the decision was unanimous, and if not, the background for why certain Board members did not adhere to the statement.
If a situation occurs where the Board proposes to dispose of all or a substantial part of the activities of the Company such a proposal will be placed before the General Meeting.
The auditor is appointed by the General Meeting, which also determines the auditor's fee. The auditor shall annually present an audit plan to the Audit committee. The auditor attends the Audit committee's review and discussion of the annual accounts. The Board of Directors minimum holds one annual meeting with the auditor without the CEO or other members of the executive group being in attendance.
The Company's management regularly holds meetings with the auditor, in which accounting principles and internal control routines are reviewed and discussed.
The auditor shall annually confirm compliance with the applicable independence rules and regulations in legislation and the audit firm's internal independence standards. The Audit committee has issued guidelines stipulating the management's possibility to undertake consulting services by the auditor. Auditor's fees are disclosed in note 21 in the consolidated accounts.
The Awilco LNG Group (Awilco LNG or the Company) has implemented a set of objectives, principles and procedures related to social responsibility to enable the Company to achieve and maintain its mission statement and objectives. Awilco LNG has implemented the highest standard of safe operation, meeting all environmental protection requirements and ensuring safe custody of our vessels, crew, customers' cargoes and owner's interests. Our commitment to our social responsibility ensures that Awilco LNG is a preferable LNG shipping company.
Awilco LNG is engaged in the global marine transportation of LNG, liquefied natural gas. Marine transportation is generally considered as the most efficient form of transporting natural gas over long distances. Natural gas is widely accepted as the least pollutive fossil fuel, and emits up to 60 % less CO2 than coal when used for electricity generation. Natural gas is widespread, abundantly available and cheap when comparing to other fossil fuels. The increased use of natural gas is expected to reduce the use of more pollutive fossil fuels such as coal and oil. According to ExxonMobil's 2015 Energy Outlook natural gas is projected to be the fastest growing major fuel toward 2040. Awilco LNG's contribution to sustainable economic growth mainly relates to the potential for increased use of natural gas in the global energy mix.
Awilco LNG aims to provide positive impact on the communities we operate in, our employees, clients and suppliers through the Code of Ethics and Conduct (available at our webpage www. awilcolng.no), such as opposing corruption and facilitation payments in any form.
In general global marine transportation has a significant effect on the environment. Awilco LNG takes this impact seriously, and we work continuously to reduce our environmental footprint through improving fuel efficiency, optimising trade routes and improving waste management.
This report constitutes Awilco LNG's reporting according to the requirements of the Norwegian accounting act § 3-3c on social responsibility reporting.
A materiality assessment forms the basis for how we prioritise
our social responsibility efforts, and thereby also impacts our internal and external reporting on social responsibility issues. The following issues have been assessed as the most material based on both their importance to Awilco LNG's business and their importance to Awilco LNG's stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and investors:
The Company's strategy is to integrate sustainability on these matters systematically into all material business processes to ensure Awilco LNG is assessed as a responsible enterprise.
Awilco LNG's mission statement is "Marine transportation through safety and environmental excellence".
Company policies and objectives The safety and well-being of Awilco LNG's employees and seafarers has the highest priority, as set out in the mission statement above and detailed in the Company's Safety Management & Environmental Protection Policy. Our objectives are zero accidents and no personal injuries. The Group shall adhere to national and international laws and regulations and
IMPORTANCE TO BUSINESS
constantly promote best practices identified within its own operations and the industry in order to improve the competence of individual crewmembers and vessel safety performance.
Our objectives are operationalised in the Company's Safety Management & Environmental Protection Policy. The objective of this policy is to ensure that the Company gives the highest priority to the safety of human life and health through the following measures:
Provide support to ships' operation by implementation of a well-structured Safety Management System (SMS) based on a well-defined management organisation. The SMS is an integral part of all our activities, and includes instructions and procedures which contribute to the highest safety standards onboard our ships, ensuring that cargo is handled correctly and preventing situations which threaten safety of our personnel. The SMS is based on national and international requirements and standards for quality and safety, including the ISM code (International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention) and the TMSA (Tanker Management and Self-Assessment guidelines) issued by OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum)
Operate the vessels with continuously properly trained, informed and motivated crews. Awilco LNG aims to ensure a stable and motivating work environment for both onshore and offshore employees, ensuring high retention rates. The Group is proactively seeking to identify requirements and needs for additional training through regular audits, master and management reviews. A healthy lifestyle is promoted by providing fresh and healthy food and physical exercise opportunities
Provide, equip and maintain the ships to the necessary standard as required by national regulation and international convention
Avoid safety hazards through preventive safety measures, for instance by maintaining armed guards on all vessels passing through High Risk Areas
Establish contingency plans and execute drills and training to improve emergency preparedness to meet situations which represent dangers to life, health, environment, ship and cargo
See to it that a safety management culture is implemented within the Company
Use a reporting system for accidents, near accidents, non-conformities and improvements, with special attention to the learning effect through feedback of experience and suggestions for improvement
Use performing measures to continuously improve our operations
To accomplish the objectives Awilco LNG will plan, organise, perform, document and verify performance. Awilco LNG has a comprehensive Risk Management Program which includes detailed step by step risk assessment procedures. Risk assessments are performed during revisions of the Safety Management System (SMS), and are included as a fixed agenda item during safety meetings onboard and ashore. Verification of implementation is based on monitoring of risk assessment forms filed from each vessel in the fleet. The TMSA guidelines are used to improve the way we work in order to reach our objectives.
The Company's senior management is actively engaged in monitoring Awilco LNG's performance in order to further encourage and promote positive trends, to provide advice and to take corrective action where negative trends are detected. Performance and results are measured using certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). KPI targets are resolved by senior management on an annual basis, and results are reported to senior management on a quarterly basis. Procedures and any new initiatives shall be part of the management review and include monitoring and measurements, adjustment of targets, and recording of achieved improvements. The procedures and activities shall be audited on a routine basis. The following main KPIs are the focus of Awilco LNG with regards to health and safety:
| KPI | DEFINITION | RESULT 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| LTIF (Lost time injury frequency) | Number of accidents per one-million man hours worked | 2.0 |
| TRCF (Total recordable case frequency) | The sum of all work related, lost time injuries, restricted work | 3.0 |
| injuries and medical treatment injuries | ||
| Number of fatalities due to injuries | Number of deaths among the crew resulting from a work injury | NIL |
2014 was the first full year of in-house technical management of the whole fleet, and in view of this the performance is considered acceptable.
In 2015 Awilco LNG will continue efforts to improve and strengthen the safety culture to improve the results. The Company's ambition is no fatalities and to minimise the number of personnel injuries.
Awilco LNG's potential environmental impact can be divided in three:
Although the shipping industry contributes with 3 to 4 % of the global annual CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, marine transportation is generally considered as the most efficient form of transporting natural gas over long distances.
Awilco LNG's fleet consists of vessels with either dual or trifuel propulsion systems which are able to run on boil-off gas from the LNG cargo when laden. When natural gas is cooled down to liquefied state at minus 160 degrees celsius, a certain amount of the LNG will naturally condensate and regasify into its gaseous state (boil off gas). The boil off gas is produced at a rate dependent on the outside temperature and the level of filling of the tanks, and can either be reliquified into LNG or used as fuel for propulsion of the vessels. Due to the cost and energy needed to power a reliquefaction process plant on a LNG carrier very few vessels are outfitted with such plants. The boil off gas is thus used for propulsion, which makes sense both economically, as natural gas is usually cheaper than the alternatives, and environmentally, as natural gas is a considerably cleaner fuel than heavy fuel oil and gasoil. Natural gas emits less CO2 than regular fuels, relatively low levels of NOx and almost no SOx and particulates. Based on both environmental and economic factors LNG fuelled vessels are considered by many as the future in shipping; LNG carriers have used LNG as a fuel since the start of the business in the 1970s.
On ballast voyages the vessels run on ordinary heavy fuel oil or gasoil, or potential LNG cargo heel. As the vessels carry regular bunkers the potential environmental impact related to major environmental accidents mainly relate to the risk of a ship suffering a breach and subsequently leak substantive amounts of bunkers oil into the environment.
The last potential impact mainly relate to waste produced by the vessels, discharge of untreated ballast water and potential spills of chemicals, bilge water and sludge etc. into the environment. Discharge of untreated ballast water may potentially introduce non-native organisms into marine environments worldwide. IMO is in the process of ratifying regulations on this matter, which are expected to be effective in a few years.
Based on the long term goal of environmental excellence, and as set out in the Company's Safety Management & Environmental Protection Policy, Awilco LNG works toward minimising the environmental impact from its vessels with the goal of zero spills. The Company has adapted a zero tolerance policy towards:
Spills to the environment
Emissions of ozone depleting substances
Dumping of any type of garbage or waste to the marine environment
Additionally Awilco LNG aims to minimise as far as practically possible the emission of CO2, NOx and SOx from diesel combustion engines, boilers, incinerators and emission cargo and fuel oil tanks and systems through evaporation.
Awilco LNG shall adhere to national and international environmental laws and regulations, and constantly promote best practices identified within its own operations and the industry in order to improve the impact on the environment.
Our objectives are operationalised in the Company's Safety Management & Environmental Protection Policy. The objective of this policy is to ensure that the Company gives the highest priority to the environment through the following measures:
Provide support to ships' operation by implementation of a well-structured Safety Management System (SMS) based on a well-defined management organisation. The SMS is an integral part of all our activities, and includes instructions and procedures which contribute to the highest safety standards onboard our ships, ensuring that cargo is handled correctly and preventing situations which threaten the environment. The SMS is based on national and international requirements and standards for quality and safety, including the ISM code and the TMSA issued by OCIMF
Operate the vessels with continuously properly trained, informed and motivated crews
Provide, equip and maintain the ships to the necessary standard as required by national regulation and international convention. As an example, both the WilForce and WilPride are built and specified to the highest standard and latest eco-friendly technology, and both are equipped with USCG approved ballast water treatment systems
Establish contingency plans and execute drills and training to improve emergency preparedness to meet situations which represent dangers to life, health, environment, ship and cargo
See to it that a safety management culture is implemented within the Company
Use a reporting system for accidents, near accidents, non-conformities and improvements, with special attention to the learning effect through feedback of experience and suggestions for improvement
Optimisation of hull and propeller cleaning intervals to reduce fuel consumption
Implement a policy of environmentally friendly purchasing, where procurement and purchasing activities shall address environmental aspects, such as:
Reducing packaging volumes; Encouraging recycling activities; and Use of non-disposable and recyclable equipment and materials
Use performing measures to continuously improve our operations
The same risk assessment procedures and continuous improvement tools and initiatives as described under Health and Safety above is utilised in Awilco LNG's work to reduce its environmental impact.
The Company's senior management is actively engaged in monitoring Awilco LNG's performance, in order to further encourage and promote positive trends, to provide advice and to take corrective action where negative trends are detected. Performance and results are measured using certain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). KPI targets are resolved by senior management on an annual basis, and results are reported to senior management on a quarterly basis. Procedures and any new initiatives shall be part of the management review and include monitoring and measurements, adjustment of targets, and recording of achieved improvements. The procedures and activities shall be audited on a routine basis. The following main KPIs are the focus of Awilco LNG with regards to environmental impact:
2014 was the first full year of in-house technical management of the whole fleet, and in view of this the performance is considered acceptable.
To further improve the Company's environmental management system, and reduce our environmental footprint, Awilco LNG is aiming to obtain ISO 14001 certification in 2015.
| KPI | DEFINITION | RESULT 2014 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of releases of substances to | The number of releases of substances covered by | Nil |
| the environment | MARPOL Annex 1-6 to the environment | |
| CO2 efficiency | The total mass of emitted CO2 in grams per cargounit-mile | 10.3 |
| NOx efficiency | The total mass of emitted NOx in grams per cargounit-mile | 0.0332 |
| SOx efficiency | The total mass of emitted SOx in grams per cargounit-mile | 0.0331 |
Corruption is generally estimated to cost approx. 5 % of global GDP each year. Reduced corruption would increase safety for seafarers, reduce costs of operations and reduce complexity. Awilco LNG is a firm opponent of corruption in any form, and is committed to the highest ethical standard in business conduct worldwide. Awilco LNG desires fair and open competition in all markets, both nationally and internationally. Awilco LNG's policy is to comply with all applicable laws and governmental rules and regulations in the country in which it is operating.
The Company's anti-corruption policies are described in our Code of Ethics and Conduct document. The following policies to address the objectives have been implemented in the Company:
No employee of the Company shall directly or indirectly offer, promise, give or receive bribe, illegal or inappropriate gifts or other undue advantages or remuneration in order to achieve business or other personal advantage
Under no circumstances shall the Company or any of its employees be part of actions that breach applicable competition legislation. Any employee is to confer with his or her immediate superior, the executive management or the board if he or she has a question with respect to the possible anti-competitive effect of particular transactions or becomes aware of any possible violation of applicable competitive legislation
Implementation of the Company's policies takes place through emphasis on awareness and the use of risk assessments on a Group level.
Management has not become aware of any breaches of the Company's Code of Ethics and Conduct throughout the year.
Going forward Awilco LNG will continue work to ensure that our standards of behavior are according to the Code of Ethics and Conduct, and the Company expects that the positive results from 2014 are upheld.
0118 Oslo Norway
Tel +47 22 01 42 00 Org no. 996 564 894
awilcolng.no
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