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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C.  20549

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FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

OR

OR

OR

Commission file number:  001-32640

DHT HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of the Marshall Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

Clarendon House

2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11

Bermuda

(Address of principal executive offices)

Laila Cecilie Halvorsen

Tel:  +1 (441) 299-4912

Clarendon House

2 Church Street, Hamilton HM 11

Bermuda

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

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Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:  None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

142,700,046 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒  No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company.  See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

If this report is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

 

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INTRODUCTION AND USE OF CERTAIN TERMS			1
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS			4
PART I			6
	ITEM 1.	IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS	6
	ITEM 2.	OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE	6
	ITEM 3.	KEY INFORMATION	6
	ITEM 4.	INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY	22
	ITEM 4A.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	32
	ITEM 5.	OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS	33
	ITEM 6.	DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES	49
	ITEM 7.	MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	55
	ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION	60
	ITEM 9.	THE OFFER AND LISTING	61
	ITEM 10.	ADDITIONAL INFORMATION	62
	ITEM 11.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	79
	ITEM 12.	DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES	79
PART II			80
	ITEM 13.	DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES	80
	ITEM 14.	MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS	80
	ITEM 15.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	80
	ITEM 16.	[RESERVED]	81
	ITEM 16A.	AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT	81
	ITEM 16B.	CODE OF ETHICS	81
	ITEM 16C.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	81
	ITEM 16D.	EXEMPTIONS FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES	82
	ITEM 16E.	PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS	82
	ITEM 16F.	CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT	82

	ITEM 16G.	CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	82
	ITEM 16H.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE	82
PART III			83
	ITEM 17.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	83
	ITEM 18.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	83
	ITEM 19.	EXHIBITS	83

INTRODUCTION AND USE OF CERTAIN TERMS

Explanatory Note

Unless we specify otherwise, all references in this report to “we,” “our,” “us,” “company,” “DHT” and “DHT Holdings” refer to DHT Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries and references to DHT Holdings, Inc. “common stock” are to our common registered shares and references to DHT Holdings, Inc.  All references in this report to “DHT Maritime” or “Maritime” refer to DHT Maritime, Inc., which was a wholly owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings until being dissolved in November 2018.  All references in this report to “convertible senior notes due 2019” are to our 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019, of which there was $32,860,000 in aggregate principal amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018,  all references in this report to “convertible senior notes due 2021” are to our 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2021, of which there was $125,000,000 in aggregate principal amount outstanding as of December 31, 2018, and all references in this report to “convertible senior notes” are to the convertible senior notes due 2019 and the convertible senior notes due 2021 collectively.  All references in this report to “Samco Shipholding” or “Samco” refer to Samco Shipholding Pte. Ltd., which was a wholly owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings until being dissolved in November 2017.  Our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.  All of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. dollars.  All references in this report to “$” and “dollars” refer to U.S. dollars.

Presentation of Financial Information

DHT Holdings prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or “IFRS,” as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or “IASB.”

Certain Industry Terms

The following are definitions of certain terms that are commonly used in the tanker industry and in this report:

 

 

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report contains certain forward-looking statements and information relating to us that are based on beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by us and information currently available to us, in particular under the headings “Item 4.  Information on the Company” and “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.”  When used in this report, words such as “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast,” “plan,” “potential,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “expect” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.  These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties.  Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  We discuss many of these risks in this report in greater detail under the subheadings “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors” and “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results.  Factors that might cause future results to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:

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our future financial condition and liquidity, including our ability to make required payments under our credit facilities and comply with our loan covenants;

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our ability to finance our capital expenditures, acquisitions and other corporate activities;

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our future operating or financial results and future revenues and expenses;

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expectations relating to dividend payments and our ability to make such payments;

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future, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy, areas of possible expansion and expected capital spending or operating expenses;

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tanker industry trends, including charter rates and vessel values and factors affecting vessel supply and demand;

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expectations about the availability of vessels to purchase, or the time which it may take to construct new vessels or vessels’ useful lives;

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the availability of insurance on commercially reasonable terms;

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DHT’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to comply with operating and financial covenants and to repay their debt under the secured credit facilities;

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our ability to obtain additional financing and to obtain replacement charters for our vessels;

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fluctuations in currencies and interest rates;

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changes in production of or demand for oil and petroleum products, either globally or in particular regions;

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greater than anticipated levels of newbuilding orders or less than anticipated rates of scrapping of older vessels;

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the availability of existing vessels to acquire or newbuilds to purchase, or the time that it may take to construct and take delivery of new vessels, including our newbuild vessels currently on order, or the useful lives of our vessels;

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the availability of key employees and crew, the length and number of off-hire days, dry-docking requirements and fuel and insurance costs;

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competitive pressures within the tanker industry;

 

 

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changes in trading patterns for particular commodities significantly impacting overall tonnage requirements;

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changes in the rate of growth of the world and various regional economies;

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risks incident to vessel operation, including discharge of pollutants;

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unanticipated changes in laws and regulations;

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delays and cost overruns in construction projects;

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any malfunction or disruption of information technology (“IT”) systems and networks that our operations rely on or any impact of a possible cybersecurity breach;

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potential liability from future litigation;

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corruption, piracy, militant activities, political instability, terrorism, ethnic unrest and regionalism in countries where we may operate;

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our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations;

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any non-compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or other applicable regulations relating to bribery; and

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other factors discussed in “Item 3.  Key Information—Risk Factors” and “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this annual report.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.  In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur, and our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements.

 

PART I

ITEM 1.

IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2.

OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

Not applicable.

ITEM 3.

KEY INFORMATION

The following selected consolidated financial and other data summarize historical financial and other information for DHT Holdings for the period from January 1 through December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.  This information should be read in conjunction with other information presented in this report, including “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

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(1)

Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new accounting standard IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under IAS 18 Revenue as permitted by the transition options in IFRS 15. For additional information refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2018, included as Item 18 of this report.

(2)

2018, 2017 and 2016 include a non-cash impairment charge of $3.5 million, $8.5 million and $84.7 million, respectively.  2018 and 2016 include a gain from sale of vessels of $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  2017 and 2015 include loss from sale of vessels of $3.5 million and $0.8 million, respectively.  2014 includes a reversal of prior impairment charges of $31.9 million.

 

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

If the events discussed in these Risk Factors occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.  In such a case, the market price of our common stock could decline.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR COMPANY

A renewed contraction or worsening of the global credit markets and the resulting volatility in the financial markets could have a material adverse impact on credit availability, world oil demand and demand for our vessels, which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, and could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

The global financial markets have been highly volatile and the availability of credit from financial markets and financial institutions can vary substantially depending on developments in the global financial markets.  While we have seen improvement in the health of financial institutions and the willingness of financial institutions to extend credit to companies in the shipping industry, there is no guarantee that credit will be available to us going forward.  As the shipping industry is highly dependent on the availability of credit to finance and expand operations, we may be adversely affected by a decline in the global credit and financial markets.

There is still considerable instability in the world economy that could initiate a new economic downturn and result in tightening in the credit markets, low levels of liquidity in financial markets and volatility in credit and equity markets.  A renewal of the financial crisis that affected the banking system and the financial markets over the past ten years may adversely impact our business and financial condition in ways that we cannot predict.  In addition, the uncertainty about current and future global economic conditions caused by a renewed financial crisis may cause our customers to defer projects in response to tighter credit, decreased cash availability and declining confidence, which may negatively impact the demand for our vessels.

We may enter into newbuilding agreements that subject us to certain risks and the failure of our counterparties to meet their obligations thereunder could cause us to suffer losses or otherwise adversely affect our business.

From time to time, we enter into newbuilding agreements. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risk. The ability of our counterparties to perform their obligations thereunder will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the overall financial condition of the counterparty and various expenses. Should our counterparties fail to honor their obligations under our future newbuilding agreements, we could sustain significant losses that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Furthermore, if we are unable to enforce any refund guarantees related to future newbuilding agreements, we may lose all or part of our advance deposits in the newbuildings, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

 

 

We may not pay dividends in the future.

The timing and amount of future dividends for our common stock or preferred stock, if any, could be affected by various factors, including our earnings, financial condition and anticipated cash requirements, the loss of a vessel, the acquisition of one or more vessels, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, including insurance premiums, a change in our dividend policy, increased borrowings, increased interest payments to service our borrowings, prepayments under credit agreements in order to stay in compliance with covenants in the secured credit facilities, repurchases of our convertible senior notes or any other security that may be outstanding from time to time, future issuances of securities or the other risks described in this section of this report, many of which may be beyond our control.  In addition, any shares of our common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible senior notes and any new shares of common stock issued otherwise will increase the cash required to pay future dividends.  Any common or preferred stock that may be issued in the future to finance acquisitions, upon exercise of stock options or other equity incentives, would have a similar effect, and may reduce our ability to pay future dividends.

In addition, our dividends are subject to change at any time at the discretion of our board of directors and our board of directors may elect to change our dividends by establishing a reserve for, among other things, the repayment of the secured credit facilities, repurchases of our convertible senior notes or any other security that may be outstanding from time to time or to help fund the acquisition of a vessel.  Our board of directors may also decide to establish a reserve to repay indebtedness if, as the maturity dates of our indebtedness approach, we are no longer able to generate cash flows from our operating activities in amounts sufficient to meet our debt obligations and it becomes clear that refinancing terms, or the terms of a vessel sale, are unacceptable or inadequate.  If our board of directors were to establish such a reserve, the amount of cash available for dividend payments would decrease.  In addition, our ability to pay dividends is limited by Marshall Islands law.  Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus and while a company is insolvent or if a company would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such dividends.

Restrictive covenants in the secured credit facilities may impose financial and other restrictions on us and our subsidiaries.

We are a holding company and have no significant assets other than cash and the equity interests in our subsidiaries. Our subsidiaries own all of our vessels.  Following the April 2018 refinancing, as described in Item 5, our subsidiaries are party to five secured credit facilities (the “secured credit facilities”), each secured by mortgages over certain vessels owned by our subsidiaries.  The secured credit facilities impose certain operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries.  These restrictions may limit our and our subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things:  pay dividends, incur additional indebtedness, change the management of vessels, permit liens on their assets, sell vessels, merge or consolidate with, or transfer all or substantially all of their assets to, another person, enter into certain types of charters and enter into a line of business.

Therefore, we may need to seek permission from the lenders under the respective secured credit facilities in order to engage in certain corporate actions.  The lenders’ interests may be different from ours and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain their permission when needed.

If we fail to comply with certain covenants, including as a result of declining vessel values, or are unable to meet our debt obligations under the secured credit facilities, our lenders could declare their debt to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on our vessels.

Our obligations under the secured credit facilities include financial and operating covenants, including requirements to maintain specified “value-to-loan” ratios.  Our credit facilities generally require that the fair market value of the vessels pledged as collateral never be less than between 130% and 135%, depending on the applicable credit facility, of the aggregate principal amount outstanding under the loan.  Though we are currently compliant with such ratios under the secured credit facilities, vessel values have generally experienced significant volatility over the last few years.  If vessel values decline meaningfully from current levels, we could be required to make repayments under certain of the secured credit facilities in order to remain in compliance with the value-to-loan ratios.

 

 

If we breach these or other covenants contained in the secured credit facilities or we are otherwise unable to meet our debt obligations for any reason, our lenders could declare their debt, together with accrued interest and fees, to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on those of our vessels securing the applicable facility, which could result in the acceleration of other indebtedness we may have at such time and the commencement of similar foreclosure proceedings by other lenders.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance our indebtedness incurred under the secured credit facilities.

In the event that we are unable to service our debt obligations out of our operating activities, we may need to refinance our indebtedness and we cannot assure you that we will be able to do so on terms that are acceptable to us or at all.  The actual or perceived tanker market rate environment and prospects and the market value of our fleet, among other things, may materially affect our ability to obtain new debt financing.  If we are unable to refinance our indebtedness, we may choose to issue securities or sell certain of our assets in order to satisfy our debt obligations.

We may not have the ability to raise the funds necessary to meet our payment obligations under the convertible senior notes.

Our convertible senior notes due 2019 were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, the first supplemental indenture, dated September 15, 2015 (the “2019 Notes Indenture”), between DHT and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”), to the indenture, dated as of September 15, 2014 (the “Base Indenture”), between DHT and the Trustee. The convertible senior notes due 2019 bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year, beginning on April 1, 2015.  In addition, upon the occurrence of specific events, referred to as a “fundamental change,” we must offer to purchase the convertible senior notes due 2019 plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.  If we fail to pay interest on the convertible senior notes due 2019 or to purchase the convertible senior notes due 2019 upon a fundamental change, we will be in default under the 2019 Notes Indenture.

Our convertible senior notes due 2021 were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, the second supplemental indenture, dated August 21, 2018 (the “2021 Notes Indenture” and together with the “2019 Notes Indenture,” the “Indentures”), between DHT and the Trustee, to the Base Indenture. The convertible senior notes due 2021 bear interest at a rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on February 15, 2019. In addition, upon the occurrence of specific events, referred to as a “fundamental change,” we must offer to purchase the convertible senior notes due 2021 plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.  If we fail to pay interest on the convertible senior notes due 2021 or to purchase the convertible senior notes due 2021 upon a fundamental change, we will be in default under the 2021 Notes Indenture.

In addition, any future credit agreements or other agreements relating to our indebtedness may contain provisions prohibiting purchase of the convertible senior notes under some circumstances or expressly prohibiting our purchase of the convertible senior notes upon a fundamental change or may provide that a fundamental change constitutes an event of default under that agreement.  If a fundamental change occurs at a time when we are prohibited from purchasing the convertible senior notes, we could seek the consent of our lenders to purchase the convertible senior notes or attempt to refinance this debt.  If we do not obtain any required consent, we would not be permitted to purchase the convertible senior notes.  Our failure to purchase tendered notes would constitute an event of default under the Indentures, which could constitute an event of default under our senior indebtedness then outstanding, if any, and might constitute a default under the terms of our other indebtedness then outstanding, if any.

We are dependent on performance by our charterers.

As of December 31, 2018, five of our twenty-seven vessels currently in operation are on time charters.  In the past, a greater percentage of our vessels have been on charter.  We are dependent on the performance by the charterers of their obligations under the charters.  Any failure by the charterers to perform their obligations could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position and cash available for the payment of dividends. 

 

 

The indexes used to calculate the earnings for vessels on index-based charters may, in the future, no longer reasonably reflect the earnings potential of the vessels.

The indexes used to calculate the earnings for vessels on index-based charters may, in the future, no longer reasonably reflect the earnings potential of the vessels due to changing trading patterns or other factors not controlled by us.  If an index used to calculate the earnings for a vessel on an index-based charter incorrectly reflects the earnings potential of a vessel on such charter, this could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.  As of December 31, 2018, we had four vessels on index-based charters for which the profit sharing element is calculated based on the indexes.

We may have difficulty managing growth.

We may grow our fleet by acquiring additional vessels, fleets of vessels or companies owning vessels or by entering into joint ventures in the future.  Such future growth will primarily depend on:

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identifying and acquiring vessels, fleets of vessels or companies owning vessels or entering into joint ventures that meet our requirements, including, but not limited to, price, specification and technical condition;

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consummating acquisitions of vessels, fleets of vessels or companies owning vessels or acquisitions of companies or joint ventures; and

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obtaining required financing through equity or debt financing on acceptable terms.

Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks, such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, the possibility that indemnification agreements will be unenforceable or insufficient to cover potential losses and the difficulties associated with imposing common standards, controls, procedures and policies, obtaining additional qualified personnel, managing relationships with customers and integrating newly acquired assets and operations into existing infrastructure.  We cannot give any assurance that we will be successful in executing any growth plans or that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with any future growth.

We may not be able to re-charter or employ our vessels profitably.

As of December 31, 2018, five of our vessels are currently on charters with four different charterers.  At the expiry of these charters, we may not be able to re-charter our vessels on terms similar to the terms of our existing charters.  We may also employ the vessels on the spot charter market, which is subject to greater rate volatility than the long-term time charter market.  If we receive lower charter rates under replacement charters or are unable to re-charter our vessels, the amounts that we have available, if any, to pay distributions to our stockholders may be significantly reduced or eliminated.

Under the ship management agreements for our vessels, our operating costs could materially increase.

The technical management of our vessels is handled by Goodwood Ship Management Pte. Ltd. (of which DHT owns 50%) and V.Ships France SAS (which manages our three French Flag vessels).  DHT Peony was under management by BW Fleet Management Pte Ltd until January 2018.  Under our ship management agreements, we pay the actual cost related to the technical management of our vessels, plus an additional management fee.  The amounts that we have available, if any, to pay distributions to our stockholders could be significantly impacted by changes in the cost of operating our vessels.

When a tanker changes ownership or technical management, it may lose customer approvals.

Most users of seaborne oil transportation services will require vetting of a vessel before it is approved to service their account.  This represents a risk to our company as it may be difficult to efficiently employ the vessel until such vettings are in place.  Most users of seaborne oil transportation services conduct inspection and assessment of vessels on request from owners and technical managers.  Such inspections must be carried out regularly for a vessel to have valid approvals from such users of seaborne oil transportation services.  Whenever a vessel changes ownership or its technical manager, it loses its approval status and must be re-inspected and re-assessed by such users of seaborne oil transportation services.

 

 

We are a holding company and we depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial and other obligations.

We are a holding company and have no significant assets other than cash and the equity of our subsidiaries.  Our ability to pay dividends depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us.  Our ability or the ability of our subsidiaries to make these distributions are subject to restrictions contained in our subsidiaries’ financing agreements and could be affected by a claim or other action by a third party, including a creditor, or by Cayman Islands, Marshall Islands or Singapore law which regulates the payment of dividends by companies.  If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, we may not be able to pay dividends.

Certain adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences could arise for U.S. stockholders.

A non-U.S. corporation will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income” or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation’s assets are “passive assets,” or assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income.”  “Passive income” includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business.  For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income.”

We believe it is more likely than not that the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities is properly treated as services income, rather than rental income.  Assuming this is correct, our income from our time chartering activities would not constitute “passive income,” and the assets we own and operate in connection with the production of that income would not constitute passive assets.  Consequently, based on our actual and projected income, assets and activities, we believe that it is more likely than not that we are not currently a PFIC and will not become a PFIC in the foreseeable future.

We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting the position that we are not a PFIC consisting of case law and U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters as services income for other tax purposes.  Nonetheless, it should be noted that there is legal uncertainty in this regard because the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has held that, for purposes of a different set of rules under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), income derived from certain time chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income.  However, the IRS has stated that it disagrees with the holding of this Fifth Circuit case, and that income derived from time chartering activities should be treated as services income.  We have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on this matter.  Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept this position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC.  No assurance can be given that this result will not occur.  In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, no assurance can be given that the nature of our operations will not change in the future, or that we will be able to avoid PFIC status in the future.

If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S. stockholders will face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.  In particular, U.S. stockholders who are individuals would not be eligible for the maximum 20% preferential tax rate on qualified dividends.  In addition, under the PFIC rules, unless U.S. stockholders make certain elections available under the Code, such stockholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then prevailing income tax rates on ordinary income upon the receipt of excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of our common stock, with interest payable on such tax liability as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the stockholder’s holding period of such stock.  The maximum 20% preferential tax rate for individuals would not be available for this calculation.

 

 

Our operating income could fail to qualify for an exemption from U.S. federal income taxation, which will reduce our cash flow.

Under the Code, 50% of our gross income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the U.S. is characterized as U.S. source gross transportation income and is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for any deductions, unless we qualify for exemption from such tax under Section 883 of the Code.  Based on our review of the applicable United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) documents, we believe that we qualified for this statutory tax exemption in 2018 and we will take this position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes.

However, there are factual circumstances that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption in the future, and there is a risk that those factual circumstances could arise in 2019 or future years.  For instance, we might not qualify for this exemption if our common stock no longer represents more than 50% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock entitled to vote or of the total value of our outstanding stock.  In addition, we might not qualify if holders of our common stock owning a 5% or greater interest in our stock were to collectively own 50% or more of the outstanding shares of our common stock on more than half the days during the taxable year.

If we are not entitled to this exemption for a taxable year, we would be subject in that year to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source gross transportation income.  This could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our stockholders.

We may be subject to taxation in Norway, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and would subject dividends paid by us to Norwegian withholding taxes.

If we were considered to be a resident of Norway or to have a permanent establishment in Norway, all or a part of our profits could be subject to Norwegian corporate tax.  We operate in a manner so that we do not have a permanent establishment in Norway and so that we are not deemed to reside in Norway, including by having our principal place of business outside Norway. The management functions below the Board level are currently split between Singapore and Norway. Our Singapore office holds senior management, chartering, operations, newbuilding supervision and technical management whereas our Norwegian office retains functions within finance, accounting, investor relations, chartering and operations. Material decisions regarding our business or affairs are made, and our board of directors meetings are held, outside Norway and at our principal place of business (including telephonically, in the case of board meetings). However, because two of our directors reside in Norway and we have entered into a management agreement with our Norwegian subsidiary, DHT Management AS, the Norwegian tax authorities may contend that we are subject to Norwegian corporate tax.  If the Norwegian tax authorities make such a contention, we could incur substantial legal costs defending our position and, if we were unsuccessful in our defense, our results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.  In addition, if we are unsuccessful in our defense against such a contention, dividends paid to you would be subject to Norwegian withholding taxes.

A cyberattack could lead to a material disruption of our IT systems and the loss of business information, which may hinder our ability to conduct our business effectively and may result in lost revenues and additional costs.

Parts of our business depend on the secure operation of our computer systems to manage, process, store and transmit information.  Like other global companies, we have, from time to time, experienced threats to our data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks, internet network scans, systems failures and disruptions.  A cyberattack that bypasses our IT security systems, causing an IT security breach, could lead to a material disruption of our IT systems and adversely impact our daily operations and cause the loss of sensitive information, including our own proprietary information and that of our customers, suppliers and employees.  Such losses could harm our reputation and result in competitive disadvantages, litigation, regulatory enforcement actions, lost revenues, additional costs and liability.  While we devote substantial resources to maintaining adequate levels of cybersecurity, our resources and technical sophistication may not be adequate to prevent all types of cyberattacks.

 

 

Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could result in material misstatements in our financial statements which could negatively impact the market price of our common stock.

We cannot assure you that our internal control over financial reporting will be effective in the future or that a material weakness will not be discovered with respect to a prior period for which we had previously believed that our internal control over financial reporting was effective. In connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2017, we and our independent registered public accounting firm carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and concluded that there was a material weakness in relation to the preparation of our consolidated statement of cash flows.  As a consequence of this material weakness, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting and, consequently, our disclosure controls and procedures, were not effective as of December 31, 2017. We believe we have successfully remediated such material weakness, and no such material weakness was identified by DHT or our independent registered public accounting firm in connection with the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018. However, we cannot assure you that additional material weaknesses will not be identified in the future, which could result in material misstatements in our financial statements or a failure to meet our reporting obligations. This, in turn, could negatively impact our business and operating results, the market price of our shares and our ability to remain listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”).

RISKS RELATING TO OUR INDUSTRY

Vessel values and charter rates are volatile.  Significant decreases in values or rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The tanker industry historically has been highly cyclical.  If the tanker industry is depressed at a time when we may want to charter or sell a vessel, our earnings and available cash flow may decrease.  Our ability to charter our vessels and the charter rates payable under any new charters will depend upon, among other things, the conditions in the tanker market at that time.  Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil products.

The highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry may lead to volatile changes in charter rates from time to time, which may adversely affect our earnings.

Factors affecting the supply and demand for tankers are outside of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable and may adversely affect the values of our vessels and result in significant fluctuations in the amount of revenue we earn, which could result in significant fluctuations in our quarterly or annual results.  The factors that influence the demand for tanker capacity include:

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demand for oil and oil products, which affect the need for tanker capacity;

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global and regional economic and political conditions which, among other things, could impact the supply of oil as well as trading patterns and the demand for various types of vessels;

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changes in the production of crude oil, particularly by OPEC and other key producers, which impact the need for tanker capacity;

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developments in international trade;

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changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns, including changes in the distances that cargoes are transported;

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environmental concerns and regulations;

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international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations and wars;

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weather; and

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competition from alternative sources of energy.

 

 

The factors that influence the supply of tanker capacity include:

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the number of newbuilding deliveries;

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the scrapping rate of older vessels;

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the number of vessels that are out of service; and

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environmental and maritime regulations.

An oversupply of new vessels may adversely affect charter rates and vessel values.

If the capacity of new ships delivered exceeds the capacity of tankers being scrapped and lost, tanker capacity will increase.  As of March 17, 2019, the newbuilding order book for VLCC, Suezmax and Aframax vessels equaled approximately 11.4% of the existing world tanker fleet for these classes of vessels measured in dwt.  We cannot assure you that the order book will not increase further in proportion to the existing fleet.  If the supply of tanker capacity increases and the demand for tanker capacity does not increase correspondingly, charter rates could decline and the value of our vessels could be adversely affected.

Terrorist attacks and international hostilities can affect the tanker industry, which could adversely affect our business.

Terrorist attacks, the outbreak of war or the existence of international hostilities could damage the world economy, adversely affect the availability of and demand for crude oil and petroleum products and adversely affect our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of the charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters.  We conduct our operations internationally, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by changing economic, political and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels are employed.  Moreover, we operate in a sector of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war or international hostilities.

Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia and the South China Sea.  For example, in November 2008, the M/V Sirius Star, a tanker not affiliated with us, was captured by pirates in the Indian Ocean while carrying crude oil estimated to be worth $100 million at the time of its capture.  If these pirate attacks result in regions in which our vessels are deployed being characterized as “war risk” zones by insurers, as the Gulf of Aden temporarily was categorized in May 2008, premiums payable for insurance coverage could increase significantly and such coverage may be more difficult to obtain.  In addition, crew costs, including costs in connection with employing onboard security guards, could increase in such circumstances.  We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, including the payment of any ransom we may be forced to make, which could have a material adverse effect on us.  In addition, any of these events may result in a loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters.

 

 

Our vessels may call on ports located in countries that are subject to restrictions imposed by the governments of the U.S., the United Nations (the “UN”) or the European Union (the “EU”), which could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.

From time to time on charterers’ instructions, our vessels have called and may again call on ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the U.S. government, the UN or the EU, and countries identified by the U.S. government, the UN or the EU as state sponsors of terrorism.  The U.S., UN and EU sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended, strengthened or lifted over time.  For example, in 2010, the U.S. enacted the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act, or “CISADA,” which expanded the scope of the Iran Sanctions Act (as amended, the “ISA”) by amending existing sanctions under the ISA and creating new sanctions.  Among other things, CISADA introduced additional prohibitions and limits on the ability of companies (both U.S. and non-U.S.) and persons to do business or trade with Iran when such activities relate to the investment, supply or export of refined petroleum or petroleum products.  In 2011, the President of the United States issued Executive Order 13590, which expanded on the existing energy-related sanctions available under the ISA.  In 2012, the President signed additional relevant executive orders, including Executive Order 13608, which prohibits foreign persons from violating or attempting to violate, or causing a violation of, any sanctions in effect against Iran or facilitating any deceptive transactions for or on behalf of any person subject to U.S. sanctions.  The Secretary of the Treasury may prohibit any transactions or dealings, including any U.S. capital markets financing, involving any person found to be in violation of Executive Order 13608.  Also in 2012, the U.S. enacted the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012 (the “ITRA”) which again created new sanctions and strengthened existing sanctions under the ISA.  Among other things, the ITRA intensifies existing sanctions regarding the provision of goods, services, infrastructure or technology to Iran’s petroleum or petrochemical sector.  The ITRA also includes a provision requiring the President of the United States to impose five or more sanctions from Section 6(a) of the ISA on a person the President determines is a controlling beneficial owner of, or otherwise owns, operates, or controls or insures a vessel that was used to transport crude oil from Iran to another country and (1) if the person is a controlling beneficial owner of the vessel, the person had actual knowledge the vessel was so used or (2) if the person otherwise owns, operates, or controls, or insures the vessel, the person knew or should have known the vessel was so used.  Such a person could be subject to a variety of sanctions, including exclusion from U.S. capital markets, exclusion from financial transactions subject to U.S. jurisdiction, and exclusion of that person’s vessels from U.S. ports for up to two years.  The ITRA also includes a requirement that issuers of securities must disclose to the SEC in their annual and quarterly reports filed after February 6, 2013 if the issuer or “any affiliate” has “knowingly” engaged in certain sanctioned activities involving Iran during the time frame covered by the report.  At this time, we are not aware of any such sanctionable activity, conducted by ourselves or by any affiliate that is likely to prompt an SEC disclosure requirement.  In January 2013, the U.S. enacted the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act of 2012 (the “IFCPA”) which expanded the scope of U.S. sanctions on any person that is part of Iran’s energy, shipping or shipbuilding sector and operators of ports in Iran, and imposes penalties on any person who facilitates or otherwise knowingly provides significant financial, material, technological or other support to these entities.  On November 24, 2013, the P5+1 (the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia and China) entered into an interim agreement with Iran entitled the “Joint Plan of Action” (the “JPOA”).  Under the JPOA, it was agreed that, in exchange for Iran taking certain voluntary measures to ensure that its nuclear program is used only for peaceful purposes, the U.S. and EU would voluntarily suspend certain sanctions for a period of six months.  On January 20, 2014, the U.S. and EU indicated that they would begin implementing the temporary relief measures provided for under the JPOA.  These measures include, among other things, the suspension of certain sanctions on the Iranian petrochemicals, precious metals, and automotive industries from January 20, 2014 until July 20, 2014.  At the end of the six-month period, when no agreement between Iran and the P5+1 could be reached, the measures were extended for a further six months to November 24, 2014, on which date the parties affirmed that they would continue to implement the measures through June 30, 2015.  On July 14, 2015, the P5+1 and EU entered into a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”) with Iran.  Under the JCPOA, it was agreed that, in exchange for Iran taking certain voluntary measures to ensure that its nuclear program is used only for peaceful purposes, certain sanctions would be lifted on the Iranian petrochemicals, precious metals, and automotive industries.  The parties affirmed that the JPOA’s temporary relief measures would remain in effect until the date that Iran implemented certain nuclear-related commitments described in the JCPOA (“Implementation Day”).  On October 18, 2015, the JCPOA came into effect and participants began taking steps necessary to implement their JCPOA commitments.  On January 16, 2016, the International Atomic Energy Agency verified that Iran implemented key nuclear-related commitments described in the JCPOA, and, in accordance with the JCPOA, that day was deemed Implementation Day, and the JPOA ceased to be in effect.  As a result, the following sanctions were lifted on Implementation Day:  (1) U.S. nuclear-related sanctions described in sections 17.1 to 17.2 of Annex V of the JCPOA, (2) EU nuclear-related sanctions described in section 16 of Annex V of the JCPOA and (3) the UN Security Council Resolutions 1696, 1737, 1747, 1803, 1835, 1929 and 2224. On May 8, 2018, the President of the United States announced that the U.S. was withdrawing from the JCPOA.  U.S. nuclear-related sanctions that had been lifted on Implementation Day were reinstated in two phases and became effective on August 7, 2018 and November 5, 2018, respectively.  Finally, certain or future counterparties of ours may be affiliated with persons or entities that are the subject of sanctions imposed by the U.S., and EU or other international bodies as a result of the annexation of Crimea by Russia in March 2014.

 

During 2018, prior to the reinstatement of U.S. nuclear-related sanctions described above, vessels in our fleet made a total of two calls to ports in Iran, representing approximately 0.27% of our 741 calls on worldwide ports during the same period. During 2017, vessels in our fleet made a total of four calls to ports in Iran, representing approximately 0.56% of our 707 calls on worldwide ports during the same period.  During 2016, vessels in our fleet made a total of three calls to ports in Iran, representing approximately 0.48% of our 629 calls on worldwide ports during the same period.  Prior to 2016, the last call to a port in Iran made by a vessel in our fleet was in January 2012.  The port calls made to ports in Iran in 2018, 2017 and 2016 were made at the direction of the time charterer of the vessels.  Prior to making port calls to Iran, the charterer is required to conduct a due diligence to ensure that the port calls are in compliance with applicable sanctions against Iran.  To our knowledge, none of our vessels made port calls to Syria, Sudan, Cuba or the Crimea Region during the period from 2011 to 2018.

We monitor compliance of our vessels with applicable restrictions through, among other things, communication with our charterers and administrators regarding such legal and regulatory developments as they arise.  Although we believe that we are in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future, particularly as the scope of certain laws may be unclear and may be subject to changing interpretations.  Any such violation could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company.  Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company simply because we do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries.  Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation.  Investor perception of the value of our common stock may also be adversely affected by the consequences of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest or governmental actions in these and surrounding countries.

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other anti-bribery legislation in other jurisdictions could result in fines, criminal penalties, contract terminations and an adverse effect on our business.

We operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including some countries known to have a reputation for corruption.  We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws and have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics which is consistent and in full compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, or the “FCPA.”  We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or our or their respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA.  Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil or criminal penalties, curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.  In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business.  Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and attention of our management.

Political decisions may affect our vessels’ trading patterns and could adversely affect our business and operation results.

Our vessels are trading globally, and the operation of our vessels is therefore exposed to political risks.  The political disturbances in Egypt, Iran and the Middle East in general may potentially result in a blockage of the Strait of Hormuz or a closure of the Suez Canal.  Geopolitical risks are outside of our control, and could potentially limit or disrupt our access to markets and operations and may have an adverse effect on our business.

Adverse conditions and disruptions in European economies could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our business can be affected by a number of factors that are beyond our control, such as general geopolitical, economic and business conditions.  In recent years, the EU has faced both financial and political turmoil which, if it continues or worsens, could have a material adverse effect on our business. For example, following the global financial crisis of 2008, several countries in Europe faced a sovereign debt crisis (commonly referred to as the “European Debt Crisis”) that negatively affected economic activity in that region and adversely affected the strength of the euro versus the U.S. dollar and other currencies. Although some of these countries are no longer facing a serious debt crisis, the lingering effects of the European Debt Crisis are unclear and may have a material adverse effect on our business, particularly if any European countries face sovereign debt default.

 

Political uncertainty has created financial and economic uncertainty, most recently as a result of the United Kingdom’s June 2016 referendum to withdraw from the EU (commonly referred to as “Brexit”).  The economic consequences of Brexit, including the possible repeal of open-skies agreements, could have a material adverse effect on our business.  Further, many of the structural issues facing the EU following the European Debt Crisis and Brexit remain, and problems could resurface that could affect financial market conditions, and, possibly, our business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, particularly if they lead to the exit of one or more countries from the European Monetary Union (the “EMU”) or the exit of additional countries from the EU.  If one or more countries exited the EMU, there would be significant uncertainty with respect to outstanding obligations of counterparties and debtors in any exiting country, whether sovereign or otherwise, and it would likely lead to complex and lengthy disputes and litigation.  Additionally, it is possible that the recent political events in Europe may lead to the complete dissolution of the EMU or EU.  The partial or full breakup of the EMU or EU would be unprecedented and its impact highly uncertain, including with respect to our business.

The value of our vessels may be depressed in the event that we sell a vessel.

Tanker values have generally experienced high volatility.  Investors can expect the fair market value of our tankers to fluctuate, depending on general economic and market conditions affecting the tanker industry and competition from other shipping companies, types and sizes of vessels and other modes of transportation.  In addition, as vessels age, they generally decline in value.  These factors will affect the value of our vessels for purposes of covenant compliance under the secured credit facilities and at the time of any vessel sale.  If for any reason we sell a tanker at a time when tanker prices have fallen, the sale may be at less than the tanker’s carrying amount on our financial statements, with the result that we would also incur a loss on the sale and a reduction in earnings and surplus, which could reduce our ability to pay dividends.

The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their charter-free market value at any point in time.  The carrying values of our vessels held and used by us are reviewed for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a particular vessel may not be fully recoverable.

Vessel values may be depressed at a time when our subsidiaries are required to make a repayment under the secured credit facilities or when the secured credit facilities mature, which could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to refinance the secured credit facilities.

In the event of the sale or loss of a vessel, certain of the secured credit facilities require us and our subsidiaries to prepay the facility in an amount proportionate to the market value of the sold or lost vessel compared with the total market value of all of our vessels financed under such credit facility before such sale or loss.  If vessel values are depressed at such a time, our liquidity could be adversely affected as the amount that we and our subsidiaries are required to repay could be greater than the proceeds we receive from a sale.  In addition, declining tanker values could adversely affect our ability to refinance our secured credit facilities as they mature, as the amount that a new lender would be willing to lend on the same terms may be less than the amount we owe under the expiring secured credit facilities.

We operate in the highly competitive international tanker market, which could affect our financial position.

The operation of tankers and transportation of crude oil are extremely competitive.  Competition arises primarily from other tanker owners, including major oil companies, as well as independent tanker companies, some of whom have substantially larger fleets and substantially greater resources than we do.  Competition for the transportation of oil and oil products can be intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the tanker and its operators to charterers.  We will have to compete with other tanker owners, including major oil companies and independent tanker companies, for charters.  Due in part to the fragmented tanker market, competitors with greater resources may be able to offer better prices than us, which could result in our achieving lower revenues from our vessels.

 

Compliance with environmental laws or regulations may adversely affect our business.

Our operations are affected by extensive and changing international, national and local environmental protection laws, regulations, treaties, conventions and standards in force in international waters, the jurisdictional waters of the countries in which our vessels operate, as well as the countries of our vessels’ registration.  Many of these requirements are designed to reduce the risk of oil spills and other pollution, and our compliance with these requirements can be costly.

These requirements can affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, require a reduction in carrying capacity, ship modifications or operational changes or restrictions, lead to decreased availability of insurance coverage for environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in, certain ports.  Under local, national and foreign laws, as well as international treaties and conventions, we could incur material liabilities, including cleanup obligations, in the event that there is a release of petroleum or other hazardous substances from our vessels or otherwise in connection with our operations.  We could also become subject to personal injury or property damage claims relating to the release of or exposure to hazardous materials associated with our current or historic operations, as well as natural resource damages.  Violations of or liabilities under environmental requirements also can result in substantial penalties, fines and other sanctions, including in certain instances, seizure or detention of our vessels.  For example, the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended, or the “OPA,” affects all vessel owners shipping oil to, from or within the U.S.  The OPA allows for potentially unlimited liability without regard to fault for owners, operators and bareboat charterers of vessels for oil pollution in U.S. waters.  Similarly, the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage, 1969, as amended, which has been adopted by most countries outside of the U.S., imposes liability for oil pollution in international waters.  The OPA expressly permits individual states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to hazardous materials and oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries.  Coastal states in the U.S. have enacted pollution prevention liability and response laws, many providing for unlimited liability.

In addition, in complying with the OPA, International Maritime Organization, or “IMO,” regulations, EU directives and other existing laws and regulations and those that may be adopted, shipowners may incur significant additional costs in meeting new maintenance and inspection requirements, developing contingency arrangements for potential spills and obtaining insurance coverage.  Government regulation of vessels, particularly in the areas of safety and environmental requirements, can be expected to become more strict in the future and require us to incur significant capital expenditures on our vessels to keep them in compliance, or even to scrap or sell certain vessels altogether.  For example, the U.S. and the IMO recently enacted ballast water discharge standards that will likely require the installation of ballast water treatment systems in existing ships, which would increase compliance costs for us and other similarly regulated ocean carriers.  In the past, the IMO and EU accelerated non-double-hull phase-out schedules in response to highly publicized oil spills and other shipping incidents involving companies unrelated to us.  Although all of our tankers are double-hulled, future accidents can be expected in the industry, and such accidents or other events could be expected to result in the adoption of even stricter laws and regulations, which could limit our operations or our ability to do business and which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

The shipping industry has inherent operational risks, which could impair the ability of charterers to make payments to us.

Our tankers and their cargoes are at risk of being damaged or lost because of events such as marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, environmental accidents and other circumstances or events.  In addition, transporting crude oil across a wide variety of international jurisdictions creates a risk of business interruptions due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes and boycotts, the potential for changes in tax rates or policies, and the potential for government expropriation of our vessels.  Any of these events could impair the ability of charterers of our vessels to make payments to us under our charters.

 

Our insurance coverage may be insufficient to make us whole in the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, or fail to cover all of the inherent operational risks associated with the tanker industry.

In the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, we will rely on our insurance to pay the insured value of the vessel or the damages incurred, less the agreed deductible that may apply.  Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., both wholly owned subsidiaries of ours, will be responsible for arranging insurance against those risks that we believe the shipping industry commonly insures against, and we are responsible for the premium payments on such insurance.  This insurance includes marine hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes pollution risks and crew insurance, and war risk insurance.  We may also enter into loss of hire insurance, in which case each of DHT Management AS or DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is responsible for arranging such loss of hire insurance, and we are responsible for the premium payments on such insurance.  This insurance generally provides coverage against business interruption for periods of more than 60 days per incident (up to a maximum of 180 days per incident) per year, following any loss under our hull and machinery policy.  We will not be reimbursed under the loss of hire insurance policies, on a per incident basis, for the first 60 days of off-hire.  Currently, the amount of coverage for liability for pollution, spillage and leakage available to us on commercially reasonable terms through protection and indemnity associations and providers of excess coverage is $1 billion per vessel per occurrence.  We cannot assure you that we will be adequately insured against all risks.  If insurance premiums increase, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at reasonable rates for our fleet.  Additionally, our insurers may refuse to pay particular claims.  Any significant loss or liability for which we are not insured could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.  In addition, the loss of a vessel would adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations.

Maritime claimants could arrest our tankers, which could interrupt charterers’ or our cash flow.

Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages.  In many jurisdictions, a maritime lien-holder may enforce its lien by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings.  The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt the charterers’ or our cash flow and require us to pay a significant amount of money to have the arrest lifted.  In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the “sister ship” theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel that is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner.  Claimants could try to assert “sister ship” liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to another vessel in our fleet.

Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency without adequate compensation.

A government could requisition one or more of our vessels for title or for hire.  Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes her owner, while requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes her charterer at dictated charter rates.  Generally, requisitions occur during periods of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances.  Although we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of payment would be uncertain.  Government requisition of one or more of our vessels may negatively impact our revenues and reduce the amount of cash we have available for distribution as dividends to our stockholders.

RISKS RELATING TO OUR CAPITAL STOCK

The market price of our common stock may be unpredictable and volatile.

The market price of our common stock may fluctuate due to factors such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry, mergers and strategic alliances in the tanker industry, market conditions in the tanker industry, changes in government regulation, shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts, announcements concerning us or our competitors and the general state of the securities market.  The tanker industry has been unpredictable and volatile.  The market for common stock in this industry may be equally volatile.  Therefore, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell any of our common stock you may have purchased at a price greater than or equal to the original purchase price.

Future sales of our common stock could cause the market price of our common stock to decline.

The market price of our common stock could decline due to sales of our shares in the market or the perception that such sales could occur.  This could depress the market price of our common stock and make it more difficult for us to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate, or at all.

 

We have shares of common stock that are available for resale.

We have shares of common stock that are available for resale, including the issuance in March 2017 of a total of 47,724,395 shares of common stock (including shares issued upon the mandatory exchange of our Series D Junior Participating Preferred Stock).  We do not know when or in what amount these shareholders, or their respective transferees, donees, pledgees, or other successors in interest may offer their shares of common stock for sale, if any.  These shares may create an excess supply of our stock if any significant resale were to occur.

Conversion of our convertible senior notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders.

In September 2014, we closed a private placement of approximately $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 to institutional accredited investors.  In 2017 and 2016, we repurchased a total of $27,000,000 and $17,174,000, respectively, in aggregate principal amount of the convertible senior notes due 2019. In August 2018, we issued $44.7 million aggregate principle amount of convertible senior notes due 2021 in a private placement. Also in August 2018, approximately $73.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the convertible senior notes due 2019 were exchanged for approximately $80.3 million in aggregate principal amount of the convertible senior notes due 2021. As of March 18, 2019, $32,860,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 remains outstanding and $125,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021 remains outstanding. The convertible senior notes are convertible into our common stock at any time until one business day prior to their maturity.  The initial conversion price of the convertible senior notes due 2019 was $8.125 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 123.0769 shares of common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019) and the initial conversion price of the convertible senior notes due 2021 was $6.2599 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 159.7470 shares of common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021).  The conversion price is subject to adjustment based on cash dividends paid on our common stock and as of March 18, 2019, the conversion price of each of the convertible senior notes due 2019 and the convertible senior notes due 2021 is $6.1285 per share of common stock.  The conversion of some or all of the convertible senior notes may dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders and any sales in the public market of the shares of our common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock.  In addition, the existence of the convertible senior notes may encourage short-selling by market participants because the conversion of the convertible senior notes could depress the market price of our common stock.

Holders of our convertible senior notes may have to pay tax with respect to distributions on our capital stock that they do not receive.

The terms of our convertible senior notes allow for changes in the conversion rate of the notes in certain circumstances.  A change in conversion rate that allows holders of our convertible senior notes to receive more shares of capital stock on conversion may increase those note holders’ proportionate interests in our earnings and profits or assets.  In that case, U.S. Holders (as defined in Item 10.E. under the heading “U.S. Federal Income Taxation of ‘U.S. Holders’”) could be treated as though they received a dividend in the form of our capital stock under U.S. tax laws.  Such a constructive stock dividend could be taxable to those note holders, although they would not actually receive any cash or other property.

We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law,  a bankruptcy act or an insolvency act.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or the “BCA.”  The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the U.S.  However, there have been few judicial cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA, and the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in the U.S.  Therefore, the rights of stockholders of the Marshall Islands may differ from the rights of stockholders of companies incorporated in the U.S.  While the BCA provides that it is to be interpreted and construed according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few, if any, court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands.  We cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions that any particular U.S. court would reach or has reached.  Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling stockholders than would stockholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction which has developed a relatively more substantial body of case law.

 

In addition, the Marshall Islands has no established bankruptcy act, and as a result, any bankruptcy action involving our company would have to be initiated outside the Marshall Islands, and our public stockholders may find it difficult or impossible to pursue their claims in such other jurisdictions.

Our amended and restated bylaws restrict stockholders from bringing certain legal action against our officers and directors.

Our amended and restated bylaws contain a broad waiver by our stockholders of any claim or right of action, both individually and on our behalf, against any of our officers or directors.  The waiver applies to any action taken by an officer or director, or the failure of an officer or director to take any action, in the performance of his or her duties, except with respect to any matter involving any fraud or dishonesty on the part of the officer or director.  This waiver limits the right of stockholders to assert claims against our officers and directors unless the act or failure to act involves fraud or dishonesty.

The anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated bylaws and certain provisions in our convertible senior notes may discourage a change of control.

Our amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us without the consent of our board of directors.  These provisions provide for:

●

a classified board of directors with staggered three-year terms, elected without cumulative voting;

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removal of directors only for cause and with the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the common stock issued and outstanding;

●

advance notice for nominations of directors by stockholders and for stockholders to include matters to be considered at annual meetings;

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a limited ability for stockholders to call special stockholder meetings; and

●

board of directors authority to determine the powers, preferences and rights of our preferred stock and to issue the preferred stock without stockholder approval.

In addition, if a fundamental change occurs under the terms of our convertible senior notes, we must offer to purchase the convertible senior notes at 100% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to the purchase date.

We adopted a shareholder rights plan (the “Rights Plan”), which expired in accordance with its terms on January 28, 2018.  The Rights Plan allowed our board of directors to cause the substantial dilution of the holdings of any person that attempts to acquire us without the approval of our board of directors.  The Rights Plan was not replaced.  Our board of directors may, subject to its fiduciary duties under applicable law, choose to implement a shareholder rights plan in the future.

These provisions could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if the third party’s offer may be considered beneficial by many stockholders.  As a result, stockholders may be limited in their ability to obtain a premium for their shares.

 

ITEM 4.

INFORMATION ON THE COMPANY

General Information

The company was incorporated under the name of Double Hull Tankers, Inc., or “Double Hull,” in April 2005 under the laws of the Marshall Islands.  In June 2008, Double Hull’s stockholders voted to approve an amendment to Double Hull’s articles of incorporation to change its name to DHT Maritime, Inc. On February 12, 2010, DHT Holdings, Inc. was incorporated under the laws of the Marshall Islands, and DHT Maritime became a wholly owned subsidiary of DHT Holdings in March 2010.  Shares of DHT Holdings, Inc. common stock trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “DHT.”

We operate a fleet of crude oil tankers.  As of March 18, 2019, our fleet consisted of 27 VLCC crude oil tankers, all of which are wholly owned by DHT Holdings. VLCCs are tankers ranging in size from 200,000 to 320,000 deadweight tons.  As of the date of this report, four of our twenty-seven vessels are on time charters and 23 vessels are operating in the spot market.  The fleet operates globally on international routes. The 27 VLCCs have a combined carrying capacity of 8,360,850 dwt and an average age of approximately 7.4 years as of the date of this report.

Our principal capital expenditures during the last three fiscal years and through the date of this report comprise the acquisition of 20 VLCCs (including the acquisition of 11 VLCCs including two newbuilding contracts pursuant to the Vessel Acquisition Agreement, dated March 23, 2017 (“VAA”) with BW Group Limited (“BW Group”), and the delivery of nine newbuildings) and capital expenditures related to two scrubbers for a total of $1,264 million.  Our principal divestitures during the same period comprise the sale of one Suezmax tanker, six VLCC tankers and two Aframax tankers for a total of $179 million.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Sale of vessels

In October 2018, the company entered into an agreement to sell the two Aframaxes, DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie, built 2004 and 2003, respectively, to one buyer for a total price of $24.3 million. The DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie were delivered to the buyer in December 2018.  $8.7 million of the net proceeds was applied to repay debt under the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility (as defined in Item 5) and we recorded a book gain of $0.1 million in connection with the sale.

In January 2018, DHT Utik, built 2001, was delivered to the buyer pursuant to our agreement with such buyer executed in November 2017 for the sale of DHT Utik as well as DHT Utah and DHT Eagle. DHT Utah, built 2001, and DHT Eagle, built 2002, were previously delivered to the buyer during the fourth quarter of 2017.

Financing of scrubbers

In September 2018, we secured commitment to a $50 million financing for our scrubber retrofit project. The financing was structured through an increase of our existing $300 million Nordea BW VLCC Acquisition Credit Facility (as defined in Item 5). All seven banks participating in the existing facility participated in the increased facility: Nordea, ABN Amro, Danish Ship Finance, DNB, ING, SEB and Swedbank.

 

Issuance of convertible senior note due 2021 and exchange of convertible senior notes due 2019

In August 2018, we entered into private placement purchase agreements with investors to issue approximately $44.7 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021 for gross proceeds of approximately $41.6 million. The company also entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the convertible senior notes due 2019 to exchange approximately $73.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 for approximately $80.3 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021. Upon the completion of such private placement and exchange, $32,860,000 and $125,000,000 in aggregate principle amount remained outstanding of the convertible senior notes due 2019 and the convertible senior notes due 2021, respectively.

April 2018 refinancing and increase in revolving credit facility

In April 2018, we entered into the $484 million senior secured 2018 ABN Amro Credit Facility (as defined in Item 5) to refinance the following credit facilities and amounts: $215.2 million Nordea Samco Credit Facility, $44.4 million Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, $118.4 million 2014 ABN Amro Credit Facility and undrawn DNB/Nordea Credit Facility (each as defined in Item 5). We also entered into an agreement with ABN Amro to increase the ABN Amro Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in Item 5) to $57.3 million from the previous amount of $43.4 million.

Repurchase of common stock

In 2018, we repurchased 1,228,440 shares of our common stock in the open market at an average price of $4.07 per share.

CHARTER ARRANGEMENTS

The following summary of the material terms of the employment of our vessels does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the charters.  Because the following is only a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful.

Vessel employment

The following table presents certain features of our vessel employment as of March 18, 2019:

 

SHIP MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

The following summary of the material terms of our ship management agreements does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of the ship management agreements.

Our technical management providers (the “Technical Managers”) during 2018 were Goodwood, V.Ships France SAS and, until January 28, 2018, BW Fleet Management Pte Ltd.  Under our ship management agreements with the Technical Managers, the Technical Managers are responsible for the technical operation and upkeep of the respective vessels, including crewing, maintenance, repairs and dry-dockings, maintaining required vetting approvals and relevant inspections, and to ensure our fleet complies with the requirements of classification societies as well as relevant governments, flag states, environmental and other regulations and each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the technical management and an annual management fee for the relevant vessel.

We may obtain loss of hire insurance that will generally provide coverage against business interruption for periods of more than 60 days per incident (up to a maximum of 180 days per incident per year) following any loss under our hull and machinery policy (mechanical breakdown, grounding, collision or other incidence of damage that does not result in a total loss or constructive total loss of the vessel).

Each ship management agreement with the Technical Managers is cancelable by us or the Technical Managers for any reason at any time upon 60 days’ prior written notice to the other.  Upon termination, we are required to cover actual crew support cost and severance cost and pay a management fee for a further three months.  We will be required to obtain the consent of any applicable charterer and our lenders before we appoint a new manager; however, such consent may not be unreasonably withheld.

We place the insurance requirements related to the fleet with mutual clubs and underwriters through insurance brokers.  Such requirements are, but not limited to, marine hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance (including pollution risks and crew insurances), war risk insurance, and when viewed as appropriate, loss of hire insurance.  Each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the insurance placed for the relevant vessel.

 

OUR FLEET

The following chart summarizes certain information about the vessels in our fleet as of December 31, 2018:

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*	HK: Hong Kong, IOM: Isle of Man, RIF: French International Registry.

**	HHI: Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., BSHIC: Bohai Shipbuilding Heavy Industries Co., Ltd., NACKS: Nantong Cosco KHI Engineering Co. Ltd, DSME: Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.

 

(1)	Acquired on February 17, 2014.

(2)	Acquired on May 30, 2014.

(3)	Acquired on September 17, 2014.

(4)	Delivery dates from HHI for six newbuildings were as follows:  DHT Jaguar on November 23, 2015, DHT Leopard on January 4, 2016, DHT Lion on March 15, 2016, DHT Panther on August 5, 2016, DHT Puma on August 31, 2016 and DHT Tiger on January 16, 2017.

(5)	Delivery dates for the seven vessels acquired from BW Group were as follows: DHT Raven and DHT Opal on April 24, 2017, DHT Edelweiss on April 28, 2017, DHT Peony on April 29, 2017, DHT Lake on May 7, 2017, DHT Bauhinia on June 13, 2017 and DHT Lotus on June 20, 2017.

(6)	Delivery dates from DSME for the two newbuildings were as follows: DHT Stallion on April 27, 2018 and DHT Colt on May 25, 2018.

(7)	Delivery dates from HHI for the two newbuildings were as follows: DHT Bronco on July 27, 2018 and DHT Mustang on October 8, 2018.

 

 

In March 2017, we entered into an agreement with BW Group for the acquisition of BW’s VLCC fleet, including two newbuildings that were delivered in the first half of 2018.  The total cost to us for each of the two DSME newbuildings was approximately $82.0 million.

In January 2017, we entered into an agreement with HHI for the construction of two VLCCs at an average contract price of $82.4 million each. The two newbuildings, DHT Bronco and DHT Mustang, were delivered in the second half of 2018.

RISK OF LOSS AND INSURANCE

Our operations may be affected by a number of risks, including mechanical failure of the vessels, collisions, property loss to the vessels, cargo loss or damage and business interruption due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities and labor strikes.  In addition, the operation of any ocean-going vessel is subject to the inherent possibility of catastrophic marine disaster, including oil spills and other environmental mishaps, and the liabilities arising from owning and operating vessels in international trade.

Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is responsible for arranging the insurance of our vessels on terms in line with standard industry practice.  We are responsible for the payment of premiums.  Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. has arranged for marine hull and machinery and war risks insurance, which includes the risk of actual or constructive total loss, and protection and indemnity insurance with mutual assurance associations.  Each of DHT Management AS and DHT Ship Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. may also arrange for loss of hire insurance in respect of each of our vessels, subject to the availability of such coverage at commercially reasonable terms.  Loss of hire insurance generally provides coverage against business interruption following any loss under our hull and machinery policy.  Currently, we have obtained loss of hire insurance that generally provides coverage against business interruption for periods of more than 60 days (up to a maximum of 180 days) following any loss under our hull and machinery policy (mechanical breakdown, grounding, collision or other incidence of damage that does not result in a total loss of the vessel).  Currently, the amount of coverage for liability for pollution, spillage and leakage available to us on commercially reasonable terms through protection and indemnity associations and providers of excess coverage is $1 billion per vessel per occurrence.  Protection and indemnity associations are mutual marine indemnity associations formed by shipowners to provide protection from large financial loss to one member by contribution towards that loss by all members.

We believe that our anticipated insurance coverage will be adequate to protect us against the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business and that we will maintain appropriate levels of environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage, consistent with standard industry practice.  However, there is no assurance that all risks are adequately insured against, that any particular claims will be paid or that we will be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future following termination of the ship management agreements.

INSPECTION BY A CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY

Every commercial vessel’s hull and machinery is evaluated by a classification society authorized by its country of registry.  The classification society certifies that the vessel has been built and maintained in accordance with the rules of the classification society and complies with applicable rules and regulations of the vessel’s country of registry and the international conventions of which that country is a member.  Each vessel is inspected by a surveyor of the classification society in three surveys of varying frequency and thoroughness:  every year for the annual survey, every two to three years for intermediate surveys and every four to five years for special surveys.  Should any defects be found, the classification surveyor will issue a “recommendation” for appropriate repairs which have to be made by the shipowner within the time limit prescribed.  Vessels may be required, as part of the annual and intermediate survey process, to be drydocked for inspection of the underwater portions of the vessel and for necessary repair stemming from the inspection.  Special surveys always require drydocking.

Each of our vessels has been certified as being “in class” by a member society of the International Association of Classification Societies, indicated in the table on page 25 of this report.

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION

Government regulation significantly affects the ownership and operation of our tankers.  They are subject to international conventions, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the countries in which our tankers operate or are registered.  Under our ship management agreements, the Technical Managers have assumed technical management responsibility for the vessels in our fleet, including compliance with all government and other regulations.  If our ship management agreements with the Technical Managers terminate, we would attempt to hire another party to assume this responsibility, including compliance with the regulations described herein and any costs associated with such compliance.  However, in such event, we may be unable to hire another party to perform these and other services, and we may incur substantial costs to comply with environmental requirements.

A variety of governmental and private entities subject our tankers to both scheduled and unscheduled inspections.  These entities include the local port authorities (U.S. Coast Guard, harbor master or equivalent), classification societies, flag state administration (country of registry) and charterers, particularly terminal operators and oil companies.  Certain of these entities require us to obtain permits, licenses and certificates for the operation of our tankers.  Failure to maintain necessary permits or approvals could require us to incur substantial costs or temporarily suspend operation of one or more of our tankers.

We believe that the heightened level of environmental and quality concerns among insurance underwriters, regulators and charterers is leading to greater inspection and safety requirements on all tankers and may accelerate the scrapping of older tankers throughout the industry.  Increasing environmental concerns have created a demand for tankers that conform to the stricter environmental standards.  Under our ship management agreements, the Technical Managers are required to maintain operating standards for our tankers emphasizing operational safety, quality maintenance, continuous training of our officers and crews and compliance with U.S. and international regulations.  We believe that the operation of our vessels is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations; however, because such laws and regulations are frequently changed and may impose increasingly stringent requirements, it is difficult to accurately predict the ultimate cost of complying with these requirements, or the impact of these requirements on the resale value or useful lives of our tankers.  In addition, a future serious marine incident that results in significant oil pollution or otherwise causes significant adverse environmental impact could result in additional legislation or regulation that could negatively affect our profitability.

International Maritime Organization

In September 1997, the IMO adopted Annex VI to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships to address air pollution from ships.  Annex VI, which became effective in May 2005, sets limits on sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ship exhausts and prohibits deliberate emissions of ozone depleting substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons.  Annex VI also includes a global cap on the sulfur content of fuel oil and allows for special areas, known as emission control areas, or “ECAs,” to be established with more stringent controls on sulfur emissions.  Currently, the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, certain coastal areas of North America and the U.S. Caribbean Sea are designated ECAs.  We believe that all of our vessels are currently compliant with these regulations.  In July 2010, the IMO amendments to Annex VI regarding emissions of sulfur oxide, nitrogen oxide particulate matter and ozone depleting substances came into effect.  These standards seek to reduce air pollution from vessels by, among other things, establishing a series of progressive standards to further limit the sulfur content of fuel oil, which are to be phased in by 2020, and by establishing new standards to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, with a more stringent “Tier III” emission limit applicable to engines installed on or after January 1, 2016. In particular, as of January 1, 2020, all ships will be required to comply with a lower global sulfur limit by using fuel with a sulfur content of 0.5% m/m, by using liquefied natural gas for fuel, or by installing an exhaust scrubber.  The U.S. ratified the Annex VI amendments in 2008, thereby rendering its emissions standards equivalent to IMO requirements.  Please see the discussion of the U.S. Clean Air Act under “U.S. Requirements” below for information on the ECA designated in North America and the Hawaiian Islands.

Under the International Safety Management Code, or “ISM Code,” promulgated by the IMO, the party with operational control of a vessel is required to develop an extensive safety management system that includes, among other things, the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for operating its vessels safely and describing procedures for responding to emergencies.  The Technical Managers will rely upon their respective safety management systems.

 

The ISM Code requires that vessel operators obtain a safety management certificate for each vessel they operate.  This certificate evidences compliance by a vessel’s management with code requirements for a safety management system.  No vessel can obtain a certificate unless its operator has been awarded a document of compliance, issued by each flag state, under the ISM Code.  All requisite documents of compliance have been obtained with respect to the operators of all our vessels and safety management certificates have been issued for all our vessels for which the certificates are required by the IMO.  These documents of compliance and safety management certificates are renewed as required.

Noncompliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject the shipowner or charterer to increased liability, lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels and result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports.  For example, the U.S. Coast Guard and European Union authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from trading in U.S. and European Union ports.

Many countries have ratified and follow the liability plan adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969, or the “1969 Convention.”  Some of these countries have also adopted the 1992 Protocol to the 1969 Convention, or the “1992 Protocol.”  Under both the 1969 Convention and the 1992 Protocol, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable, subject to certain affirmative defenses, for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil, subject to certain complete defenses.  These conventions also limit the liability of the shipowner under certain circumstances to specified amounts that have been revised from time to time and are subject to exchange rates.

In addition, the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, or BWM Convention, was ratified in September 2016 and came into force in September 2017.  The BWM Convention provides for a phased introduction of mandatory ballast water exchange requirements, to be replaced in time with mandatory concentration limits.  The cost of compliance with such ballast water treatment requirements, including the installation of ballast water treatment systems, could increase for ocean carriers, and these costs may be material.  Although a number of our vessels already include ballast water treatment systems, our other vessels will require installation of such systems at a future drydocking.  In July 2017, the IMO MEPC Committee agreed to amend the BWMC and accept delay in the treatment system mandatory installation schedule for two years after the entry into force date of the convention, giving vessels 2 to 7 years from September 8, 2017 before needing to fit a treatment system, depending on their IOPP renewal survey dates.

The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Damage (the “Bunker Convention”), which became effective in November 2008, imposes strict liability on vessel owners for pollution damage in jurisdictional waters of ratifying states caused by discharges of bunker fuel.  The Bunker Convention also requires registered owners of vessels over 1,000 gross tons to maintain insurance in specified amounts to cover liability for bunker fuel pollution damage.  Each of our vessels has been issued a certificate attesting that insurance is in force in accordance with the Bunker Convention.

IMO regulations also require owners and operators of vessels to adopt Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plans, or “SOPEPs.”  Periodic training and drills for response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required.  In addition to SOPEPs, the Technical Managers have adopted Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plans for our vessels, which cover potential releases not only of oil but of any noxious liquid substances.

U.S. Requirements

The U.S. regulates the tanker industry with an extensive regulatory and liability regime for environmental protection and cleanup of oil spills, consisting primarily of the OPA, and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or “CERCLA.”  OPA affects all owners and operators whose vessels trade with the U.S. or its territories or possessions, or whose vessels operate in the waters of the U.S., which include the U.S. territorial sea and the 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S.  CERCLA applies to the discharge of hazardous substances (other than petroleum) whether on land or at sea.  Both OPA and CERCLA impact our business operations.

Under OPA, vessel owners, operators and bareboat or demise charterers are “responsible parties” who are liable, without regard to fault, for all containment and clean-up costs and other damages, including property and natural resource damages and economic loss without physical damage to property, arising from oil spills and pollution from their vessels.

 

Per U.S. Coast Guard regulation, limits of liability under OPA are equal to the greater of $2,200 per gross ton or $18.796 million for any double-hull tanker, such as our vessels, that is over 3,000 gross tons (subject to periodic adjustment for inflation).  CERCLA, which applies to owners and operators of vessels, contains a similar liability regime and provides for cleanup, removal and natural resource damages.  Liability under CERCLA for a release or incident involving a release of hazardous substances is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5 million for vessels carrying a hazardous substance as cargo and the greater of $300 per gross ton or $0.5 million for any other vessel.  These OPA and CERCLA limits of liability do not apply if an incident was directly caused by violation of applicable U.S. federal safety, construction or operating regulations or by a responsible party’s gross negligence, willful misconduct, refusal to report the incident or refusal to cooperate and assist in connection with oil removal activities.

OPA specifically permits individual U.S. coastal states to impose their own liability regimes with regard to oil pollution incidents occurring within their boundaries, and some states have enacted legislation providing for unlimited liability for oil spills.

OPA also requires owners and operators of vessels to establish and maintain with the U.S. Coast Guard evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the limit of their potential strict liability under the Act.  The U.S. Coast Guard has enacted regulations requiring evidence of financial responsibility consistent with the aggregate limits of liability described above for OPA and CERCLA.  Under the regulations, evidence of financial responsibility may be demonstrated by insurance, surety bond, self-insurance, guaranty or an alternative method subject to approval by the Director of the U.S. Coast Guard National Pollution Funds Center.  Under OPA regulations, an owner or operator of more than one tanker is required to demonstrate evidence of financial responsibility for the entire fleet in an amount equal only to the financial responsibility requirement of the tanker having the greatest maximum strict liability under OPA and CERCLA.  The Technical Managers have provided the requisite guarantees and received certificates of financial responsibility from the U.S. Coast Guard for each of our tankers that are required to have one.

We have arranged insurance for each of our tankers with pollution liability insurance in the amount of $1 billion.  However, a catastrophic spill could exceed the insurance coverage available, in which event there could be a material adverse effect on our business and on the Technical Managers’ business, which could impair the Technical Managers’ ability to manage our vessels.

OPA also amended the federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act (the “CWA”), to require owners and operators of vessels to adopt vessel response plans for reporting and responding to oil spill scenarios up to a “worst case” scenario and to identify and ensure, through contracts or other approved means, the availability of necessary private response resources to respond to a “worst case discharge.”  In addition, periodic training programs and drills for shore and response personnel and for vessels and their crews are required.  Vessel response plans for our tankers operating in the waters of the U.S. have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.  In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard has proposed similar regulations requiring certain vessels to prepare response plans for the release of hazardous substances.

The CWA prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances in U.S. navigable waters unless authorized by a duly-issued permit or exemption, and imposes strict liability in the form of penalties for any unauthorized discharges.  The CWA also imposes substantial liability for the costs of removal, remediation and damages.  Furthermore, most U.S. states that border a navigable waterway have enacted laws that impose strict liability for removal costs and damages resulting from a discharge of oil or a release of a hazardous substance.  These laws may be more stringent than U.S. federal law.

The EPA regulates the discharge of ballast water and other substances in U.S. waters under the CWA.  Effective February 6, 2009, EPA regulations require vessels 79 feet in length or longer (other than commercial fishing and recreational vessels) to comply with a Vessel General Permit, or “VGP,” authorizing ballast water discharges and other discharges incidental to the operation of vessels.  The VGP requires owners and operators to comply with a range of best management practices, reporting requirements and other standards for a number of vessel discharges.  The current VGP, which became effective in December 2013, contains more stringent requirements, including numeric ballast water discharge limits (that generally align with the most recent U.S. Coast Guard standards issued in 2012), requirements to ensure ballast water treatment systems are functioning correctly, and more stringent limits for oil to sea interfaces and exhaust gas scrubber wastewater.  Vessels calling U.S. ports are required to have Coast Guard approved “ballast water management systems installed by their first regular dry-docking after January 1, 2016 with few exceptions. The 2013 VGP was issued with an effective period of December 19, 2013 to December 18, 2018. The Vessel Incidental Discarge Act, or “VIDA,” enacted on December 4, 2018, requires the EPA and Coast Guard to develop new performance standards and enforcement regulations and extends the 2013 VGP provisions until new regulations are final and enforceable. U.S. Coast Guard regulations adopted under the U.S. National Invasive Species Act, or NISA, also impose mandatory ballast water management practices for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks entering or operating in U.S. waters, including limits regarding ballast water releases.

 

The U.S. Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977 and 1990, or the CAA, requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of volatile organic compounds and other air contaminants.  Our vessels are subject to vapor control and recovery requirements for certain cargoes when loading, unloading, ballasting, cleaning and conducting other operations in regulated port areas and emission standards for so-called Category 3 marine diesel engines operating in U.S. waters.  In April 2010, the EPA adopted new emission standards for Category 3 marine diesel engines equivalent to those adopted in the amendments to Annex VI to MARPOL.  The emission standards apply in two stages:  near-term standards apply to engines constructed on or after January 1, 2011, and long-term standards, requiring an 80% reduction in nitrogen dioxides (NOx), apply to engines constructed on or after January 1, 2016.  Compliance with these standards may cause us to incur costs to install control equipment on our vessels.

The CAA also requires states to draft State Implementation Plans, or SIPs, designed to attain national health-based air quality standards.  Several SIPs regulate emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor control equipment.  As indicated above, our vessels operating in covered port areas are already equipped with vapor recovery systems that satisfy these existing requirements.  Under regulations that became effective in January 1, 2014, vessels sailing within 24 miles of the California coastline whose itineraries call for them to enter any California ports, terminal facilities, or internal or estuarine waters must use marine fuels with a sulfur content equal to or less than 0.1% (1,000 ppm).

The IMO’s Maritime Environmental Protection Committee, or “MEPC,” has designated the area extending 200 miles from the U.S. and Canadian territorial sea baseline adjacent to the Atlantic/Gulf and Pacific coasts and the eight main Hawaiian Islands as an ECA under the MARPOL Annex VI amendments.  As of January 1, 2015, fuel used by all vessels operating in the ECA cannot exceed 0.1% sulfur.  Effective January 1, 2016, NOx after-treatment requirements also apply.  Additional ECAs include the Baltic Sea, North Sea and Caribbean Sea.  If other ECAs are approved by the IMO or other new or more stringent requirements relating to emissions from marine diesel engines or port operations by vessels are adopted by the EPA or the states where we operate, compliance with these regulations could entail significant capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.

European Union Tanker Restrictions

The European Union has adopted legislation that will:  (1) ban manifestly sub-standard vessels (defined as those over 15 years old that have been detained by port authorities at least twice in a six-month period) from European waters and create an obligation of port states to inspect vessels posing a high risk to maritime safety or the marine environment; and (2) provide the European Union with greater authority and control over classification societies, including the ability to seek to suspend or revoke the authority of negligent societies.

The European Union has implemented regulations requiring vessels to use reduced sulfur content fuel for their main and auxiliary engines.  The EU Directive 2005/EC/33 (amending Directive 1999/32/EC) introduced parallel requirements in the European Union to those in MARPOL Annex VI in respect of the sulfur content of marine fuels.  In addition, it has introduced a 0.1% maximum sulfur requirement for fuel used by ships at berth in EU ports, effective January 1, 2010.

Greenhouse Gas Regulation

Concerns surrounding climate change may lead certain international, or multinational bodies or individual countries to propose and/or adopt new climate change initiatives.  For example, in 2015 the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or UNFCCC, adopted the Paris Agreement, an international framework with the intent of reducing global GHG emissions, which is set to take effect by 2020.  In October 2016, the EU formally ratified the Paris Agreement, thus establishing its entry into force on November 4, 2016.  Although the Paris Agreement does not require parties to the agreement to adopt emissions controls for the shipping industry, a new treaty or other applicable requirements could be adopted in the future that includes such restrictions.

 

Additionally, the MEPC has implemented two energy efficiency standards for new and old vessels–the Energy Efficiency Design Index and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, which entered into force in January 2013.  Effective January 1, 2018, the EU’s MRV Regulation requires all ships over 5,000 tons loading or unloading cargo or passengers in EU ports to monitor, report and verify their carbon dioxide emissions.

The U.S. has adopted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions from certain mobile and large stationary sources.  Although these regulations do not apply to greenhouse gas emissions from ships, the EPA may regulate greenhouse gas emissions from ocean-going vessels in the future.  Any passage of climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, EU, the U.S. or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted or amended at the international level that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could require us to make significant financial expenditures that we cannot predict with certainty at this time.

VESSEL SECURITY REGULATIONS

A number of initiatives have been introduced to enhance vessel security.  On November 25, 2002, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (the “MTSA”) was signed into law.  To implement certain portions of the MTSA, the U.S. Coast Guard issued regulations in July 2003 requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S.  Similarly, in December 2002, amendments to SOLAS created a new chapter of the convention dealing specifically with maritime security.  This new chapter came into effect in July 2004 and imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities, most of which are contained in the International Ship and Port Facilities Security Code (the “ISPS Code”).

The ISPS Code requires vessels to develop and maintain a ship security plan that provides security measures to address potential threats to the security of ships or port facilities.  Although each of our vessels is ISPS Code-certified, any failure to comply with the ISPS Code or maintain such certifications may subject us to increased liability and may result in denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.  Furthermore, compliance with the ISPS Code requires us to incur certain costs.  Although such costs have not been material to date, if new or more stringent regulations relating to the ISPS Code are adopted by the IMO and the flag states, these requirements could require significant additional capital expenditures or otherwise increase the costs of our operations.  Among the various requirements are:

●

on-board installation of automatic information systems to enhance vessel-to-vessel and vessel-to-shore communications;

●

on-board installation of ship security alert systems;

●

the development of ship security plans; and

●

compliance with flag state security certification requirements.

The U.S. Coast Guard regulations, intended to align with international maritime security standards, exempt non-U.S. vessels from MTSA vessel security measures; provided such vessels have on board a valid “International Ship Security Certificate” that attests to the vessel’s compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code.  We have implemented the various security measures required by the IMO, SOLAS and the ISPS Code and have approved ISPS certificates and plans certified by the applicable flag state on board all our vessels.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The nature of our business, which involves the acquisition, chartering and ownership of our vessels, exposes us to the risk of lawsuits for damages or penalties relating to, among other things, personal injury, property casualty and environmental contamination.  Under rules related to maritime proceedings, certain claimants may be entitled to attach charter hire payable to us in certain circumstances.  There are no actions or claims pending against us as of the date of this report.

 

The following table sets forth our significant subsidiaries and the vessels owned or operated by each of those subsidiaries, if any, as of December 31, 2018.

Refer to “Item 4.  Information on the Company—Business Overview—Our Fleet” above for a discussion of our property, plant and equipment.

ITEM 4A.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 5.

OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion and analysis in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements, and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.  This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions about our future business.  Please see “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to these statements.  Our actual results may differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements and such differences may be material.

BUSINESS

We currently operate a fleet of 27 VLCC crude oil tankers, all of which are wholly owned by DHT Holdings.  VLCCs are tankers ranging in size from 200,000 to 320,000 deadweight tons, or “dwt”.  As of the date of this report, four of the vessels are on time charters and 23 vessels are operating in the spot market.  The fleet operates globally on international routes. The 27 VLCCs have a combined carrying capacity of 8,360,850 dwt and an average age of approximately 7.4 years as of the date of this report.

In January 2017, we entered into an agreement with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the construction of two VLCCs of 318,000 dwt. The vessels were delivered on July 27, 2018 and October 8, 2018, respectively.

In March 2017, we entered into an agreement with BW Group providing for the acquisition of BW’s VLCC fleet including two newbuildings of 319,000 dwt. The two newbuilding vessels were delivered on April 27, 2018 and May 25, 2018.

As of March 2019, we have entered into ship management agreements with two Technical Managers:  Goodwood and V.Ships (France).  Goodwood is owned 50% by DHT and manages our vessels flying the Hong Kong and Isle of Man flags. V.Ships (France) manages the three vessels flying the French flag.  The Technical Managers are generally responsible for the technical operation and upkeep of our vessels, including crewing, maintenance, repairs and dry-dockings, maintaining required vetting approvals and relevant inspections, and to ensure our fleet complies with the requirements of classification societies as well as relevant governments, flag states, environmental and other regulations.  Under the ship management agreements, each vessel subsidiary pays the actual cost associated with the technical management and an annual management fee for the relevant vessel.

FACTORS AFFECTING OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

The principal factors that affect our results of operations and financial condition include:

●

with respect to vessels on charter, the charter rate that we are paid;

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with respect to vessels operating in the spot market, the revenues earned by such vessels and cost of bunkers;

●

our vessels’ operating expenses;

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our insurance premiums and vessel taxes;

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the required maintenance capital expenditures related to our vessels;

●

the required capital expenditures related to newbuilding orders;

●

our ability to access capital markets to finance our fleet;

●

our vessels’ depreciation and potential impairment charges;

●

our general and administrative and other expenses;

 

 

●

our interest expense including any interest swaps;

●

any future vessel sales and acquisitions;

●

general market conditions when charters expire; and

●

prepayments under our credit facilities to remain in compliance with covenants.

Our revenues are principally derived from time charter hire and by vessels operating in the spot market.  Freight rates are sensitive to patterns of supply and demand.  Rates for the transportation of crude oil are determined by market forces, such as the supply and demand for oil, the distance that cargoes must be transported and the number of vessels available at the time such cargoes need to be transported.  The demand for oil shipments is affected by the state of the global economy and commercial and strategic stockbuilding, among other things.  The number of vessels is affected by the construction of new vessels and by the retirement of existing vessels from service.  The tanker industry has historically been cyclical, experiencing volatility in freight rates, profitability and vessel values (refer to “Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Industry”).

Our expenses consist primarily of cost of bunkers, vessel operating expenses, interest expense, depreciation expense, impairment charges, insurance premium expenses, vessel taxes, financing expenses and general and administrative expenses.

With respect to vessels on time charters, the charterers generally pay us charter hire monthly, fully or partly, in advance.  With respect to vessels operating in the spot market, our customers typically pay us the freight upon discharge of the cargo.  We fund daily vessel operating expenses under our ship management agreements monthly in advance.  We are required to pay interest under our secured credit facilities quarterly or semiannually in arrears, insurance premiums either annually or more frequently (depending on the policy) and our vessel taxes, registration dues and classification expenses annually.

OUTLOOK FOR 2019

Following a weak freight market during the first three quarters of 2018, freight rates strengthened during the last quarter of 2018 and continued to strengthen in the beginning of 2019. The freight rates have since fallen, and we expect a weaker first half of 2019.  Estimated asset values have strengthened in 2018, although there was a limited number of transactions to support such estimates. Newbuilding prices have increased approximately 10 - 15% since the most recent trough in 2017.

We believe the freight market is in the early phase of its recovery but will still experience seasonal swings and volatility.  We believe the following are the key indicators that there will be a market recovery:

 

●

Continued growth in global demand for oil.

●

Oil inventory draw-down cycle approaching an end.

●

Expansion of transportation distances.

●

Aging industrywide fleet with numerous ships approaching the end of their economic life and retirement.

●

New regulations coming into force (each as described in Item 4.B. above):

 

a.

Requirement to install ballast water treatment systems during the first drydock after September 2019, and

b.

IMO2020 requiring ships to reduce sulfur emissions through either consuming compliant fuel with less sulfur content, installing exhaust gas cleaning systems to reduce sulfur emissions or converting to enable LNG as fuel.

We will continue to focus on prudent capital management and robust cash break-even levels for our fleet in combination with quality and cost efficient operations.  We expect the freight market to continue to be cyclical, volatile and seasonal and given our significant spot market exposure, this could impact our results by increasing the volatility in our revenues.

 

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our financial statements for the fiscal years 2018, 2017 and 2016 have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, or “IFRS,” as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, or the “IASB,” which require us to make estimates in the application of our accounting policies based on the best assumptions, judgments and opinions of management.  Following is a discussion of the accounting policies that involve a higher degree of judgment and the methods of their application.  For a complete description of all of our material accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2018, included as Item 18 of this report.

Revenue Recognition

During 2018, our vessels generated revenues from time charters and by operating in the spot market (voyage charters). Revenues from time charters are accounted for as operating leases and are recognized on a straight line basis over the periods of such charters, as service is performed.

The Company has adopted IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers with effect from January 1, 2018. IFRS 15 introduces a 5-step approach to revenue recognition. Far more prescriptive guidance has been added in IFRS 15 to deal with specific scenarios. Details of the new requirements are described below and the impact on the company’s consolidated financial statements is described in Note 2.

The Company has adopted IFRS 15 using the modified retrospective method by recognizing the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated deficit. The comparative information has not been restated and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.

IFRS 15 uses the terms “contract assets” and “contract liability” to describe what might more commonly be known as “accrued revenue” and “deferred revenue,” however the Standard does not prohibit an entity from using alternative descriptions in the statement of financial position. The company uses the term “capitalized voyage expenses” for costs related to the transportation of the vessel to the load port from its previous destination.

For vessels operating on spot charters, under the current revenue standard, voyage revenues have been recognized ratably over the estimated length of each voyage, calculated on a load-to-discharge basis. Voyage expenses are capitalized between the previous discharge port, or contract date if later, and the next load port if they qualify as fulfillment costs under IFRS 15. To recognize costs incurred to fulfill a contract as an asset, the following criteria shall be met: (i) the costs relate directly to the contract, (ii) the costs generate or enhance resources of the entity that will be used in satisfying performance obligations in the future and (iii) the costs are expected to be recovered. Capitalized voyage expenses are amortized between load port and discharge port.

Time charters continue to be accounted as operating leases in accordance with IAS 17 and related interpretations and the implementation of the new revenue standard therefore did not have an effect on income recognition from such contracts.

The company’s accounting policies for its revenue streams are disclosed in detail in Note 2 below.

Vessel Lives

The company estimates the average useful life of a vessel to be 20 years.  The actual life of a vessel may be different and the useful lives of the vessels are reviewed at fiscal year end, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.  New regulations, market deterioration or other future events could reduce the economic lives assigned to our vessels and result in higher depreciation expense and impairment losses in future periods.

The carrying value of each vessel represents its original cost at the time it was delivered from the shipyard less depreciation calculated using an estimated useful life of 20 years from the date such vessel was originally delivered from the shipyard plus the cost of drydocking and the cost of the scrubber less impairment, if any, or, as is the case with ships acquired in the second-hand market, its acquisition cost less depreciation calculated using an estimated useful life of 20 years.  The depreciation per day is calculated based on the vessel’s original cost less a residual value which is equal to the product of the vessel’s lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate per ton.  Capitalized drydocking costs are depreciated on a straight-line basis from the completion of a drydocking to the estimated completion of the next drydocking.  The vessels are required by their respective classification societies to go through a dry dock at regular intervals.  In general, vessels below the age of 15 years are docked every five years and vessels older than 15 years are docked every 2½ years. Depreciation of scrubbers, determined on the same basis as other property assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use (i.e., from the actual installation and through 2022)

 

 

Carrying Value and Impairment

The carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time since the market prices of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of constructing new vessels. The carrying amounts of vessels held and used by us are reviewed for potential impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a particular vessel may not accurately reflect the recoverable amount of a particular vessel.  In instances where a vessel is considered impaired, it is written down to its recoverable amount.  In instances where a vessel’s recoverable amount is above its carrying value and the vessel has been subject to impairment charges in prior years, the vessel’s carrying value is adjusted to its recoverable amount, though not to an extent higher than the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment charges been recognized in prior years.  In evaluating impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges under IFRS, we consider the higher of (i) fair market value less cost of disposal and (ii) the present value of the future cash flows of a vessel, or “value in use.”  The fair market value of our vessels is monitored by obtaining charter-free broker valuations as of specific dates.  This assessment has been made at the individual vessel level.

In developing estimates of future cash flows, we must make significant assumptions about future charter rates, future use of vessels, ship operating expenses, drydocking expenditures, utilization rate, fixed commercial and technical management fees, residual value of vessels, the estimated remaining useful lives of the vessels and the discount rate.  These assumptions, and in particular for estimating future charter rates, are based on historical trends and current market conditions, as well as future expectations.  Estimated outflows for ship operating expenses and drydocking expenditures are based on a combination of historical and budgeted costs and are adjusted for assumed inflation.  Utilization, including estimated off-hire time, is based on historical experience.

The more significant factors that could impact management’s assumptions regarding time charter equivalent rates include (i) unanticipated changes in demand for transportation of crude oil cargoes, (ii) changes in production or supply of or demand for oil, generally or in specific geographical regions, (iii) the levels of tanker newbuilding orders or the levels of tanker scrappings and (iv) changes in rules and regulations applicable to the tanker industry, including legislation adopted by international organizations such as the IMO or by individual countries and vessels’ flag states.  Please see our risk factors under the headings “Vessel values and charter rates are volatile.  Significant decreases in values or rates could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations” and “The highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry may lead to volatile changes in spot or time charter rates from time to time, which may adversely affect our earnings” in Item 3.D of this report for a discussion of additional risks relating to the volatility of charter rates.

Although management believes that the assumptions used to evaluate potential impairment or reversal of prior impairment charges are reasonable and appropriate at the time they were made, such assumptions are highly subjective and could change, possibly materially, in the future.  Reasonable changes in the assumptions for the discount rate or future charter rates could lead to a value in use for some of our vessels that is higher than, equal to or less than the carrying amount for such vessels.  There can be no assurance as to how long charter rates and vessel values will remain at their current levels or whether or when they will change by any significant degree.  Charter rates may decline significantly from current levels, which could adversely affect our revenue and profitability and future assessments of vessel impairment.

When calculating the charter rate to use for a particular vessel class in its impairment testing, we rely on the contractual rates currently in effect for the remaining term of existing charters and estimated daily time charter equivalent rates for each vessel class for the unfixed days over the estimated remaining useful lives of each of the vessels as described below.

 

In the third quarter of 2018, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.5 million related to the agreed upon sale of DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie. The impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value of the vessels and the estimated net sales price. The sale was agreed to in October 2018 and the vessels were delivered to the buyer in December 2018.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, we adjusted the carrying value of our fleet through a non-cash impairment charge totaling $7.9 million and a reversal of prior impairment totaling $7.4 million.  The impairment test was performed on each individual vessel using an estimated weighted average cost of capital, or “WACC,” of 8.57%.  As DHT operates in a non-taxable environment, the WACC is the same on a before- and after-tax basis.  The rates used for the impairment testing were as follows:  (a) the current Freight Forwards Agreements (“FFA”) for the first two years and (b) the 25-year historical average spot earnings as reported by Clarksons Shipping Intelligence thereafter.  The time charter equivalent FFA rates used for the impairment test as of December 31, 2017 for the VLCCs was $15,154 per day for the first year and $21,349 per day for the second year.  Thereafter, the time charter equivalent rate used for the VLCCs was $40,347.  The time charter equivalent FFA rates used for the impairment test as of December 31, 2017 for the Aframaxes was $1,368 per day for the first year and $6,363 per day for the second year.  Thereafter, the time charter equivalent rates used for the Aframaxes 24,705 per day.  The above rates are reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  Also, reflecting the lower fuel consumption for modern vessels, $4,000 per day has been added through 2025 for VLCCs built in 2015 and later and $1,400 per day has been added through 2021 for VLCCs built between 2011 and 2014.  If the estimated WACC had been 1% higher, the impairment charge would have been $55.8 million.  If the estimated future net cash flows after the expiry of fixed charter periods had been 10% lower, the impairment charge would have been $104.5 million.

In the first quarter of 2017, we recorded an impairment charge of $7.5 million related to the sale of DHT Ann and DHT Phoenix which was agreed to be sold.  The impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value of the vessel and the estimated net sales price.  The vessels were delivered to the buyers in May 2017 and June 2017, respectively.

In the third quarter of 2016, we adjusted the carrying value of our fleet through a non-cash impairment charge totaling $76.6 million due to the decline in values for second-hand tankers.  The impairment test was performed on each individual vessel using an estimated weighted average cost of capital, or “WACC,” of 8.26%.  As DHT operates in a non-taxable environment, the WACC is the same on a before- and after-tax basis.  The estimated daily time charter equivalent rates used for unfixed days were based on (i) the current one-year time charter rate for the first three years estimated by brokers and (ii) the 10-year historical average one-year time charter rate thereafter with both (i) and (ii) reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  The above rates are reduced by 20% for vessels above the age of 15 years.  Also, reflecting the lower fuel consumption for modern vessels, $4,000 per day has been added through 2025 for VLCCs built 2015 and later and $1,400 per day has been added through 2021 for VLCCs built between 2011 and 2014.  If the estimated WACC had been 1% higher, the impairment charge for that quarter would have been $136.3 million and if the estimated WACC had been 1% lower, the impairment charge for that quarter would have been $34.2 million.  If the estimated future net cash flows after the expiry of fixed charter periods had been 10% lower, the impairment charge would have been $178.9 million.

In the first quarter of 2016, we recorded an impairment charge of $8.1 million related to the DHT Target which was agreed sold.  The impairment charge reflected the difference between the carrying value of the vessel and the estimated net sales price.  The vessel was delivered to the buyers in May 2016.

 

The following chart sets forth our fleet information, purchase prices, carrying values and estimated charter free fair market values as of December 31, 2018.

---

*

Estimated charter-free fair market value is provided for informational purposes only.  These estimates are based solely on third-party broker valuations as of the reporting date and may not represent the price we would receive upon sale of the vessel.  They have been provided as a third party’s indicative estimate of the sales price less cost to sell which we could expect, if we decide to sell one of our vessels, free of any charter arrangement.  Management uses these broker valuations in calculating compliance with debt covenants.  Management also uses them as one consideration point in determining if there are indicators of impairment, however management does not believe that a broker value lower than book value in itself is an indicator of impairment.  Management calculates recoverable amounts, using the value-in-use model, only when indicators of impairment exist.  In connection with the vessels’ increasing age and market development, a decline in market value of the vessels could take place in 2019.

**	Carrying value does not include value of time charter contracts.

 

 

As of December 31, 2018, we believe some of our vessels had charter-free fair market value less than their carrying value and some of our vessels had charter-free fair market value above their carrying value.  In aggregate, the carrying value of our vessels as of December 31, 2018 was above the charter-free fair market value by approximately $8.1 million.  Please see our risk factor under the heading “The value of our vessels may be depressed in the event that we sell a vessel” in Item 3.D of this report for a discussion of additional risks relating to fair market value in assessing the value of our vessels.  However, we concluded that no vessels had indicators of impairment or reversal of prior impairment during 2018.  For additional information, refer to Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2018, included as Item 18 of this report.

 

Stock Compensation

Management of the company receives, amongst others, remuneration in the form of restricted common stock that is subject to vesting conditions, which has been granted under the 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”) as well as, in prior years, under the 2005 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time, the 2011 Incentive Compensation Plan, the 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan and the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan (collectively, the “Prior Plans”).  Equity-settled share-based payment is measured at the fair value of the equity instrument at the grant date and is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

For the year 2018, a total of 560,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management pursuant to the Plan, of which 120,000 will vest in January 2020, 120,000 will vest in January 2021 and 120,000 will vest in January 2022.  The remaining 200,000 shares will vest subject to certain market conditions prior to February 8, 2022. The above vesting is subject to continued employment or office, as applicable, as of the relevant vesting date. The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date for 360,000 shares and $3.04 per share for 200,000 shares.  For the year 2018, a total of 210,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to the board of directors pursuant to the Plan. The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date and the shares will vest in June 2020.

 

For the year 2017, a total of 567,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors pursuant to the Plan, of which 264,000 shares vested in February 2018 and 78,500 shares vested in February 2019, while 12,500 shares were forfeited in October 2018.  The remaining 202,000 shares will vest subject to certain market conditions prior to February 8, 2021, while 10,000 shares were forfeited in October 2018. The above vesting is subject to continued employment or office, as applicable, as of the relevant vesting date.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date for 355,000 shares and $2.30 per share for 212,000 shares.

For the year 2016, a total of 900,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors pursuant to the Prior Plans, vesting in equal amounts in February 2017, February 2018 and February 2019 subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.

For the year 2015, a total of 824,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors pursuant to the Prior Plans, vesting in equal amounts in February 2016, February 2017 and February 2018 subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.

For the year 2014, a total of 850,000 shares of restricted stock were awarded to management and the board of directors pursuant to the Prior Plans, vesting in equal amounts in January 2016, January 2017 and January 2018 subject to continued employment or office, as applicable.  The estimated fair value at grant date was equal to the share price at grant date.  In January 2016, the vesting dates in January 2017 and January 2018 were changed to February 2017 and February 2018.

The foregoing description of the Plan and the Prior Plans is qualified by reference to the full texts thereof, copies of which are filed as exhibits to this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Income from Vessel Operations

 

Voyage expenses increased by $48.6 million to $161.9 million in 2018 from $113.3 million in 2017. The increase was mainly due to higher bunker prices, an increase in the fleet and more vessels operating in the spot market. Voyage expenses increased by $48.0 million to $113.3 million in 2017 from $65.3 million in 2016.  The increase was mainly due to an increase in the fleet and more vessels operating in the spot market.

Vessel operating expenses increased by $3.4 million to $75.8 million in 2018 from $72.4 million in 2017. The increase was mainly due to an increase in the fleet. Vessel operating expenses increased by $10.6 million to $72.4 million in 2017 from $61.9 million in 2016.  The increase was mainly due to an increase in the fleet.

Depreciation and amortization expenses, including depreciation of capitalized dry docking cost, increased by $6.7 million to $103.5 million in 2018 from $96.8 million in 2017. The increase was mainly due to an increase in the fleet. Depreciation and amortization expenses, including depreciation of capitalized dry docking cost, increased by $12.4 million to $96.8 million in 2017 from $84.3 million in 2016.  The increase was mainly due to an increase in the fleet due to the acquisition of BW Group’s VLCC fleet partly offset by the sale of the VLCCs DHT Chris in January 2017, DHT Ann in May 2017, DHT Phoenix in June 2017, DHT Utah in November 2017 and DHT Eagle in December 2017

Impairment charges totaled $3.5 million in 2018 due to the sale of the two Aframaxes, DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie. Impairment charges totaled $8.5 million in 2017 mainly due to the sale of the VLCCs DHT Ann, DHT Phoenix and DHT Utik.  Impairment charges totaled $84.7 million in 2016 due to the decline in values for second-hand tankers. Please refer to “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Critical Accounting Policies—Carrying Value and Impairment” for a discussion of the key reasons for the impairment charges in 2018, 2017 and 2016.

General and administrative expenses in 2018 was $15.1 million (of which $2.5 million was non-cash cost related to restricted share agreements for our management and board of directors), compared to $17.2 million in 2017 (of which $4.8 million was non-cash). General and administrative expenses in 2017 was $17.2 million (of which $4.8 million was non-cash cost related to restricted share agreements for our management and board of directors), compared to $19.4 million in 2016 (of which $6.9 million was non-cash).  Cash general and administrative expenses for 2017 included $1.9 million in advisory fees related to the Frontline proposals to acquire all outstanding shares in DHT.

General and administrative expenses for 2018, 2017 and 2016 include directors’ fees and expenses, the salary and benefits of our executive officers, legal fees, fees of independent auditors and advisors, directors and officers insurance, rent and miscellaneous fees and expenses.

Interest Expense and Amortization of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost

Net financial expenses were $63.1 million in 2018 compared to $36.6 million in 2017. The increase includes a non-cash finance expense of $4.3 million in connection with the refinancing of certain of our secured credit facilities described below, a non-cash finance expense of $3.6 million in connection with the private exchange of convertible senior notes due 2019, a non-cash loss of $5.2 million in 2018 compared to a non-cash gain of $2.2 million in 2017 related to interest rate derivatives, increased borrowings in connection with an increase in the fleet and higher LIBOR. Net financial expenses were $36.6 million in 2017 compared to $31.2 million in 2016.  The increase was mainly due to increased borrowings in connection with the acquisition of VLCCs.

 

LIQUIDITY AND SOURCES OF CAPITAL

We operate in a capital-intensive industry.  Our use of cash relates to our voyage expenses, operating expenses, charter hire expenses, payments of interest, payments of insurance premiums, payments of vessel taxes, the payment of principal under our secured credit facilities, capital expenses related to periodic maintenance of our vessels, payment of dividends, securities repurchases and investment in vessels including newbuilding contracts.  In addition to investing cash generated from operations in vessels including newbuilding contracts, we also finance our vessel acquisitions with a combination of debt secured by our vessels, the issuance of convertible senior notes and the sale of equity.  We fund our working capital requirements with cash from operations.  We collect our time charter hire from our vessels on charters monthly in advance and fund our estimated vessel operating costs monthly in advance.  With respect to vessels operating in the spot market, the charterers typically pay us upon discharge of the cargo.

In January 2017, our board of directors approved the repurchase through March 2018 of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  In 2017, the company repurchased $17.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 in the open market at an average price of 99.0% of the face amount.  In March 2018, our board of directors approved the repurchase through March 2019 of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  In 2018, we repurchased and retired 1,228,440 shares of our common stock in the open market at an average price of $4.07 per share.  In March 2019, our board of directors approved the repurchase through March 2020 of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions, or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.  All shares of DHT common stock acquired by DHT are expected to be retired and restored to authorized but unissued shares.

Since 2015, we have paid the dividends set forth in the table below.  The aggregate and per share dividend amounts set forth in the table below are not expressed in thousands.  While dividends are subject to the discretion of our board of directors, with the timing and amount potentially being affected by various factors, including our cash earnings, financial condition and cash requirements, the loss of a vessel, the acquisition of one or more vessels, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, a change in our dividend policy, additional borrowings or future issuances of securities, many of which will be beyond our control.  In July 2015, our board of directors approved a dividend policy to pay stockholders of record an intended dividend of at least 60% of ordinary net income per share (adjusted for extraordinary items) commencing with the second quarter of 2015.  In November 2016, our board of directors revised the dividend and capital allocation policy to return at least 60% of its ordinary net income (adjusted for exceptional items) to shareholders in the form of quarterly cash dividends and/or through repurchases of securities (refer to “Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Company—we may not pay dividends in the future”).

 

Operating Period				Total Payment		Per Common Share			Record Date		Payment Date
Jan. 1 – March 31, 2015			$	13.9 million		$	0.15		May 13, 2015		May 22, 2015
April 1 – June 30, 2015			$	13.9 million		$	0.15		Aug. 12, 2015		Aug. 20, 2015
July 1 – Sep. 30, 2015			$	16.7 million		$	0.18		Nov. 17, 2015		Nov. 25, 2015
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2015			$	19.7 million		$	0.21		Feb. 16, 2016		Feb. 24, 2016
Jan. 1 – March 31, 2016			$	23.3 million		$	0.25		May 16, 2016		May 25, 2016
April 1 – June 30, 2016			$	21.5 million		$	0.23		Aug. 24, 2016		Aug. 31, 2016
July 1 – Sep. 30, 2016			$	1.9 million		$	0.02		Nov. 16, 2016		Nov. 23, 2016
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2016			$	7.6 million		$	0.08		Feb. 14, 2017		Feb. 22, 2017
Jan. 1 – March 31, 2017			$	10.1 million		$	0.08		May 22, 2017		May 31, 2017
April 1 – June 30, 2017			$	2.8 million		$	0.02		Aug. 24, 2017		Aug. 31, 2017
July 1 – Sep. 30, 2017			$	2.8 million		$	0.02		Nov. 28, 2017		Dec. 6, 2017
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2017			$	2.8 million		$	0.02		Feb. 20, 2018		Feb. 28, 2018
Jan. 1 – March 31, 2018			$	2.9 million		$	0.02		May 21, 2018		May 30, 2018
April 1 – June 30, 2018			$	2.9 million		$	0.02		Aug 24, 2018		Aug 31, 2018
July 1 – Sep. 30, 2018			$	2.9 million		$	0.02		Nov 16, 2018		Nov 23, 2018
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2018			$	7.1 million		$	0.05		Feb 19, 2019		Feb 26, 2019

 

Although market conditions have remained strong recently, the cash flow from the operations of our vessels in 2019 may not be sufficient to fund the vessel operating expenses, interest payments and possible prepayments under our secured credit facilities.

Working capital, defined as total current assets less total current liabilities, was $69.6 million at December 31, 2018 compared to $84.1 million at December 31, 2017. The decrease in working capital in 2018 was mainly due to an increase in current portion long-term debt due to the reclassification of our convertible senior notes due 2019 from long-term debt to short-term debt. We believe that our working capital is sufficient for our present requirements. The cash and cash equivalents was $94.9 million at December 31, 2018 and $77.3 million at December 31, 2017. In 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $54.0 million, net cash used in investing activities was $188.2 million (mainly related to investments in vessels under construction of $223.0 million and investments in vessels of $11.8 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $46.4 million) and net cash provided by financing activities was $151.8 million (mainly related to issuance of long-term debt of $577.7 million and issuance of convertible senior notes due 2021 of $38.9 million offset by repayment of long-term debt of $448.3 million, cash dividends paid of $11.5 million and purchase of treasury shares of $5.0 million).

Working capital, defined as total current assets less total current liabilities, was $84.1 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $104.2 million at December 31, 2016.  The decrease in working capital in 2017 was mainly due to a reduction in the cash balance as a result of paying pre-delivery newbuilding installments and an increase in the current portion of long-term debt offset by an increase in accounts receivables and accrued expenses and bunkers, lube oils and consumables. The cash and cash equivalents was $77.3 million at December 31, 2017 and $109.3 million at December 31, 2016.  In 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $101.8 million, net cash used in investing activities was $186.5 million (mainly related to investment in vessels of $165.6 million and investment in vessels under construction of $132.5 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $111.4 million) and net cash provided by financing activities was $52.7 million (mainly related to issuance of long-term debt of $200.5 million offset by cash dividends paid of $23.3 million, repayment of long-term debt of $107.3 million and repurchase convertible bonds totaling $17.1 million).  As of December 31, 2017, we had commitments for capital expenditures (other than for mandatory interim and special surveys) totaling $218.8 million related to four newbuildings and had secured a total of $178.5 million in financing related to the newbuildings.

In 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was $54.0 million compared to $101.8 million in 2017. This decrease is mainly due to lower net income in 2018 and negative change in working capital in 2018. In 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $101.8 million compared to $194.0 million in 2016.  This decrease is mainly due higher net income in 2016 (after adjusting for the impairment charge) and negative change in working capital in 2017. Net cash used in investing activities was $188.2 million in 2018 compared to $186.5 million in 2017. In 2018, investing activities mainly related to investment in vessels under construction of $223.0 million and $11.8 million related to investment in vessels offset by $46.4 million related to sale of vessels. Net cash used in investing activities was $186.5 million in 2017 compared to $213.0 million in 2016.  In 2017, investing activities mainly related to investment in vessels of $165.6 million and investment in vessels under construction of $132.5 million offset by proceeds from sale of vessels of $111.4 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2018 was $151.8 million compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $52.7 million in 2017. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2018 was $151.8 million comprising $577.6 million related to issuance of debt and $38.9 million related to issuance of convertible bonds offset by $448.3 million related to repayment of long-term debt, $11.5 million related to cash dividends paid and $5.0 million related to repurchase of shares. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2017 was $52.7 million, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $38.5 million in 2016. Net cash provided by financing activities in 2017 mainly related to issuance of long-term debt of $200.5 million offset by cash dividends paid of $23.3 million, repayment of long-term debt of $107.3 million and purchase convertible bonds totaling $17.1 million. We had $967.3 million of total debt outstanding at December 31, 2018, compared to $786.2 million at December 31, 2017 and $701.5 million at December 31, 2016.

During 2019, one of our vessels, the VLCC DHT Condor, is required to be drydocked. In addition, 14 vessels including DHT Condor are scheduled for scrubber installations. We estimate our 2019 capital expenditures to be $3 million for drydock and $50.7 million related to the scrubber installations scheduled in 2019. We have secured a total of $50 million in financing related to the scrubber installations, of which $45 million is still at our disposal as of December 31, 2018. We plan to finance the remaining balance for the scrubber installations and our other planned capital expenditures through our internal financial resources.

 

For additional information on events in 2019, please refer to “Item 4.B.  Recent Developments.”

Secured Credit Facilities and Convertible Senior Notes

The following summary of the material terms of our secured credit facilities does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions of our secured credit facilities. Because the following is only a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful.

The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility

In November 2014, we entered into a credit facility to fund the acquisition of one of the VLCCs to be constructed at HHI through a secured term loan facility between and among Danish Ship Finance A/S as lender, a special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiary as borrower, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility”). The full amount of the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility was borrowed in November 2015.  The borrower is permitted to borrow up to $49.4 million under the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility.  The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility is for a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown in November 2015, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.25% and are repayable in 10 semiannual installments of $1.3 million each commencing six months after drawdown and a final payment of $36.4 million at final maturity. The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the credit facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person. The Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secures the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility be no less than 130% of borrowings.  Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

The Credit Agricole Credit Facility

In June 2015, we entered into a credit facility between and among Credit Agricole, as lender, two special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “Credit Agricole Credit Facility”) to refinance the outstanding amount under a credit agreement with Credit Agricole that financed the DHT Scandinavia (“Tranche A”) as well as a financing commitment of up to $50 million to fund the acquisition of one VLCC from HHI (“Tranche B”). Samco Gamma Ltd. was permitted to borrow the full amount of Tranche A. In 2016, in advance of the delivery of DHT Tiger from HHI on January 16, 2017, we borrowed $48.7 million under Tranche B.  Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.1875%.  Tranche A is repayable in 34 consecutive quarterly installments of $1.1 million from September 2015 to December 2023.  Subsequent to a voluntary prepayment of $5.0 million in June 2016, Tranche A is repayable with quarterly installments of $1.0 million each.  Tranche B is repayable in 28 quarterly installments of $0.7 million from March 2017 to December 2023 and a final payment of $29.7 million in December 2023. The Credit Agricole Credit Facility is secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the credit facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of the borrowers’ bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in the borrowers. The Credit Agricole Credit Facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the Credit Agricole Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $200 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of the value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $20 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt and DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker). The Credit Agricole Credit Facility contains covenants that prohibit the Borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person.

 

 

The Nordea BW VLCC Acquisition Credit Facility

In April 2017, we entered into a six-year credit facility in the amount of $300 million with Nordea, DNB, ABN Amro, Danish Ship Finance, ING, SEB and Swedbank as lenders, several special-purpose vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “Nordea BW VLCC Acquisition Credit Facility”) for the financing of the cash portion of the acquisition of BW’s VLCC fleet as well as the remaining installments under the two newbuilding contracts.  $204 million of the $300 million credit facility was borrowed during the second quarter of 2017 in connection with delivery of the nine VLCCs in water from BW.  The remaining $96 million was borrowed in connection with the delivery of DHT Stallion and DHT Colt in the second quarter of 2018. Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.40%.  The credit facility is secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the credit facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrowers’ bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The credit facility contains covenants that prohibit the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person. The credit facility also contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of the value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by one approved broker). Subsequent to the sale of DHT Utah in November 2017 and DHT Utik in January 2018, and the delivery of DHT Stallion in April 2018 and DHT Colt in May 2018, the quarterly installments are $5.4 million with a final payment of $156.3 million in the second quarter of 2023.

In September 2018 DHT secured commitment to a $50 million scrubber financing structured through an increase of the existing $300 million Nordea BW VLCC Acquisition Credit Facility. Borrowings under the increased facility bear the same interest rate equal to LIBOR + 2.40%. As of December 31, 2018, a total of $5.0 million was drawn and $45.0 million was available. The facility will have quarterly installments of $2.5 million commencing second quarter 2020. The terms and conditions are unchanged from the existing facility.

The 2018 ABN AMRO Credit Facility

In April 2018, we entered into a $484 million credit facility between and among ABN Amro, Nordea, Credit Agricole, DNB, ING, Danish Ship Finance, SEB, DVB and Swedbank as lenders, two special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “2018 ABN AMRO Credit Facility”), for the financing of eleven VLCCs and two newbuildings as part of our April 2018 refinancing. Borrowings bear interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.40% and the loan is repayable in quarterly installments of $8.3 million through the second quarter of 2024 and a final payment of $286.1 with the last installment. The credit facility is secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the credit facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrowers’ bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers. The credit facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash of at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest bearing debt. “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker). The credit facilities refinanced in connection with our April 2018 refinancing are described in detail below.

 

The ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility

In November 2016, we entered into a secured five-year $50.0 million revolving credit facility between and among ABN AMRO Bank N.V. Oslo Branch (“ABN AMRO”) or any of its affiliates, as lender, two special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility”), to be used for general corporate purposes including security repurchases and acquisition of ships. The financing bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.50%. In April 2018, we entered into an agreement with ABN AMRO to increase the revolving credit facility to $57.3 million with a quarterly reduction of $1.8 million starting July 31, 2018. The credit facility is secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the credit facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrowers’ bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers. As of December 31, 2018, there were no amounts outstanding under the ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility. The credit facility contains a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secure the credit facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. Also, DHT covenants that, throughout the term of the credit facility, DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth shall be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash shall be at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis, shall have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” is defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

Credit Facilities Refinanced or Repaid in 2018

As part of our April 2018 refinancing, we refinanced our $302 million secured credit facility entered into in December 2014 with Nordea, DNB and DVB as lenders, several special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “Nordea Samco Credit Facility”) for the refinancing of the DHT Europe, DHT China, DHT Amazon, DHT Redwood, DHT Sundarbans and DHT Taiga as well as the financing of the DHT Condor.  Borrowings initially bore interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.50% and were repayable in 20 quarterly installments of $5.1 million from March 2015 to December 2019 and a final payment of $199.8 million in December 2019. In July 2016, the credit facility was amended whereby the DHT Amazon and the DHT Europe were replaced by DHT Hawk, DHT Falcon and DHT Eagle and the quarterly installments changed to $5.8 million with a final payment of $190.4 million in December 2019. Subsequent to the repayment of $16.4 million in connection with the sale of the DHT Eagle in December 2017, the quarterly installments were $5.0 million with a final payment of $180.1 million in December 2019. The Nordea Samco Credit Facility was secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the Nordea Samco Credit Facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The Nordea Samco Credit Facility contained covenants that prohibited the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person. The Nordea Samco Credit Facility also contained a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secured the Nordea Samco Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. The credit facility also contained a covenant requiring DHT, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $200,000 thousand, the value adjusted tangible net worth should be at least 25% of the value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash should be at least the higher of (i) $20,000 thousand and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” was defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by one approved broker).

 

 

 

Also as part of our April 2018 refinancing, we refinanced our credit facility between and among ABN AMRO, DVB and Nordea as lenders, three special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “2014 ABN AMRO Credit Facility”) entered into in June 2014.  The borrowers were permitted to borrow up to $141.0 million across three tranches under the ABN AMRO Credit Facility.  The ABN AMRO Credit Facility was for a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, but in any event the final maturity date would be no later than December 31, 2021, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Borrowings bore interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.60% and each tranche was repayable in 20 quarterly installments totaling approximately $2.0 million and a final payment of $31.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 and $60.2 million in the third quarter of 2021 (assuming no additional repayments discussed below). In addition, for the first three years, each of the three borrowers was required to make additional repayments of a variable amount equal to “free cash flow” in the prior quarter capped at $0.3 million per quarter to be applied against the balloon. Free cash flow was defined as an amount calculated as of the last day of each quarter equal to the positive difference, if any, between (a) the sum of the earnings of the vessels during the quarter and (b) the sum of ship operating expenses, voyage expenses, estimated capital expenses for the following two quarters, general & administrative expenses, interest expenses and change in working capital. The ABN AMRO Credit Facility was secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the ABN AMRO Credit Facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of each of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in each of the borrowers.  The ABN AMRO Credit Facility contained covenants that prohibited the borrowers from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of their assets to another person. The credit facility contained a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secured the ABN AMRO Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  The credit facility also contained a covenant requiring DHT, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, value adjusted tangible net worth should be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets and unencumbered consolidated cash should be at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt.  “Value adjusted” was defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

Also as part of our April 2018 refinancing, we refinanced the Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility, which allowed borrowings up to $82.5 million to fund the acquisition of two VLCCs to be constructed at HHI. The Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility was between and among Nordea Bank Norge ASA and DNB Bank ASA, as lenders, two special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility”).  The Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility had a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances. Borrowings bore interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.50% and were repayable in 20 quarterly installments of $1.0 million each commencing three months after drawdown and a final payment of $61.9 million at final maturity. The Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility was secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessels financed by the Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility contained covenants that prohibited the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person. The credit facility contained a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessels that secured the Nordea/DNB Newbuilding Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings.  The credit facility also contained a covenant requiring DHT, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth should be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash should be at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis, should have working capital greater than zero.  “Value adjusted” was defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

 

 

In December 2018, in connection with the sale of DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie, we repaid in full our $50.0 million credit facility entered into in October 2015 to fund the acquisitions of one of the VLCCs to be constructed at HHI, between and among Nordea Bank Norge ASA and DNB Bank ASA, as lenders, a special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiary as borrower, and DHT Holdings as guarantor (the “Nordea/DNB Credit Facility”).  The full amount of the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility was borrowed in December 2015. The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility had a five-year term from the date of the first drawdown, subject to earlier repayment in certain circumstances.  Initial borrowings bore interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.25% and was repayable in 10 semiannual installments of $0.6 million, each commencing three months after drawdown and a final payment of $37.5 million at final maturity. In September 2016, the remaining four vessels financed under the RBS Credit Facility (DHT Ann, DHT Chris, DHT Cathy and DHT Sophie) were included in the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility as a separate tranche totaling $40.0 million.  Borrowings under the $40.0 million tranche bore interest at a rate equal to LIBOR + 2.75% and were repayable in 11 quarterly installments of $2.1 million from December 2016 to June 2019 and a final payment of $17.3 million in August 2019. Subsequent to the sale of DHT Chris and DHT Ann in 2017, the separate tranche was repayable in quarterly installments of $0.4 million with a final payment of $6.9 million in August 2019. The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility was secured by, among other things, a first-priority mortgage on the vessel financed by the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility, a first-priority assignment of earnings, insurances and intercompany claims, a first-priority pledge of the balances of the borrower’s bank accounts and a first-priority pledge over the shares in the borrower.  The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility contained covenants that prohibited the borrower from, among other things, incurring additional indebtedness without the prior consent of the lender, permitting liens on assets, merging or consolidating with other entities or transferring all or any substantial part of its assets to another person. The Nordea/DNB Credit Facility contained a covenant requiring that at all times the charter-free market value of the vessel that secured the Nordea/DNB Credit Facility be no less than 135% of borrowings. The credit facility also contained a covenant requiring DHT, on a consolidated basis, to maintain a value adjusted tangible net worth of $300 million, the value adjusted tangible net worth should be at least 25% of value adjusted total assets, unencumbered consolidated cash should be at least the higher of (i) $30 million and (ii) 6% of our gross interest-bearing debt and the borrower and DHT, on a consolidated basis, should have working capital greater than zero. “Value adjusted” was defined as an adjustment to reflect the difference between the carrying amount and the market valuations of the company’s vessels (as determined quarterly by an approved broker).

Convertible Senior Notes due 2019

In September 2014, in connection with the acquisition of the shares in Samco, we issued $150 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 in a private placement to institutional accredited investors.  The net proceeds of approximately $145.5 million (after placement agent expenses, but before other transaction expenses) were used, along with the net proceeds of the September 2014 registered direct offering of common stock and cash on hand, to fund the acquisition of shares in Samco. We pay interest at a fixed rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears.  The convertible senior notes due 2019 are convertible into common stock of DHT at any time until one business day prior to their maturity.  The initial conversion price for the convertible senior notes due 2019 was $8.125 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 123.0769 shares of common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019), subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The conversion price is subject to adjustment based on cash dividends paid on our common stock and as of March 18, 2019, the conversion price is $6.1285 per share of common stock.  In 2017, we acquired in the open market $17.2 million in aggregate principal amount of our convertible senior notes due 2019 at an average price of 99.0% of par.  In August 2018, approximately $73.0 million of the convertible senior notes due 2019 were exchanged for approximately $80.3 million aggregate principal amount of the convertible senior notes due 2021. The repurchased convertible senior notes due 2019 have been cancelled and the subsequent aggregate principal amount outstanding is approximately $32.9 million.

Convertible Senior Notes due 2021

In August 2018, the company entered into private placement purchase agreements with investors to issue approximately $44.7 million aggregate principal amount of the company’s new 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2021 for gross proceeds of approximately $41.6 million and net proceeds of approximately $38.9 million (after placement agent expenses). The company also entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of its outstanding 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2019 to exchange approximately $73.0 million aggregate principle amount of the convertible senior notes due 2019 for approximately $80.3 million aggregate principal amount of the company’s new 4.5% convertible senior notes due 2021. Upon the completion of such private exchanges and private placement, the aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021 outstanding was $125.0 million and the aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 outstanding was approximately $32.9 million. We pay interest at fixed rate of 4.50% per annum, payable semiannually in arrears. The convertible senior notes due 2021 are convertible at the option of the holder and may be converted at any time prior to the business day immediately preceding the maturity date of the convertible senior notes due 2021 as specified in the 2021 Notes Indenture. Upon conversion, holders will receive shares of the company’s common stock. The initial conversion price for the convertible senior notes due 2021 was $6.2599 per share of common stock (equivalent to an initial conversion rate of 159.7470 shares of common stock per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021), subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments. The conversion price is subject to adjustment based on cash dividends paid on our common stock and as of March 18, 2019, the conversion price is $6.1285 per share of common stock.

 

AGGREGATE CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

As of December 31, 2018, our long-term contractual obligations were as follows:

---

(1)

Amounts shown include contractual installment and interest obligations on $469.6 million under the ABN Amro Credit Facility, $62.7 million under the Credit Agricole Credit Facility, $41.6 million under the Danish Ship Finance Credit Facility, $258.5 million under the Nordea BW VLCC Acquisition Credit Facility and $157.9 million under the convertible senior notes. The interest obligations have been determined using a LIBOR of 2.80% per annum plus margin. The interest on $469.6 million is LIBOR + 2.40%, the interest on $62.7 million is LIBOR + 2.19%, the interest on $41.6 million is LIBOR + 2.25%, the interest on $258.5 million is LIBOR + 2.40% and the interest on $157.9 million is 4.50%. Also, the nine floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional amount totaling $402.0 million pursuant to which we pay a fixed rate ranging from 2.8715% to 3.02% plus the applicable margin and receive a floating rate based on LIBOR have been included. The interest on the balance outstanding is generally payable quarterly and in some cases semiannually. We have also included commitment fees for the undrawn $53.7 million ABN AMRO Revolving Credit Facility and the undrawn $45 million of the Nordea BW VLCC Acquisition Credit Facility.

(2)	Amounts shown include contractual obligations related to scrubber equipment only and are subject to changes in foreign exchange and installation expense.

Due to the uncertainty related to the market conditions for oil tankers we can provide no assurances that our cash flow from the operations of our vessels will be sufficient to cover our vessel operating expenses, vessel capital expenditures, including installments on our newbuildings ordered, interest payments and contractual installments under our secured credit facilities, insurance premiums, vessel taxes, general and administrative expenses and other costs, and any other working capital requirements for the short term.  Our longer-term liquidity requirements include increased repayment of the principal balance of our secured credit facilities.  We may require new borrowings or issuances of equity or other securities to meet this repayment obligation.  Alternatively, we can sell assets and use the proceeds to pay down debt.

MARKET RISKS AND FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, which could affect our results of operation and financial position.  Borrowings under our secured credit facilities contain interest rates that fluctuate with the financial markets.  Our interest expense is affected by changes in the general level of interest rates, particularly LIBOR.  As an indication of the extent of our sensitivity to interest rate changes, a one percentage point increase in LIBOR would have increased our interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2018 by approximately $4.3 million based upon our debt level as of December 31, 2018.  There are no material changes in market risk exposures from 2017 to 2018.  The notional amount as of December 31, 2018 includes the $32.9 million principal amount of the convertible senior notes due 2019 which have a fixed interest rate of 4.50% and the $125.0 million principal amount of the convertible senior notes due 2021 which have a fixed interest rate of 4.50%.

As of December 31, 2018, we were party to nine floating-to-fixed interest rate swaps with a notional amount totaling $402.0 million pursuant to which we pay a fixed rate ranging from 2.8715% to 3.02% plus the applicable margin and receive a floating rate based on LIBOR.  As of December 31, 2018, we recorded a liability of $5.7 million relating to the fair value of the swaps.  The change in fair value of the swaps in 2018 has been recognized in our income statement.  The fair value of the interest rate swaps is the estimated amount that we would receive or pay to terminate the agreement at the reporting date.  We use swaps as a risk management tool and not for speculative or trading purposes.  For a complete description of all of our material accounting policies, see Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for December 31, 2018, included as Item 18 of this report.

 

Like most of the shipping industry, our functional currency is the U.S. dollar.  All of our revenues and most of our operating costs are in U.S. dollars.  The limited number of transactions in currencies other than U.S. dollars are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the date of each transaction.  Differences in exchange rates during the period between the date a transaction denominated in a foreign currency is consummated and the date on which it is either settled or translated, are recognized.  Expenses incurred in foreign currencies against which the U.S. dollar falls in value can increase, thereby decreasing our income or vice versa if the U.S. dollar increases in value.

We hold cash and cash equivalents mainly in U.S. dollars.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not currently have any liabilities, contingent or otherwise, that we would consider to be off-balance sheet arrangements.

SAFE HARBOR

Applicable to the extent the disclosures required by this Item 5. of Form 20-F require the statutory safe harbor protections provided to forward-looking statements.

ITEM 6.

DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors:

Set forth below is a brief description of the business experience of our current directors and executive officers.

Erik A. Lind—Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Erik A. Lind’s professional experience dates back to 1980 and encompasses corporate banking, structured finance, investment as well as asset management focusing primarily on the maritime shipping sector. Mr. Lind is currently group Chief Executive Officer of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited and a director of the group’s principal subsidiaries (including Tufton Oceanic (Isle of Man) Limited). He joined Tufton Oceanic in 2003. Prior to this he served two years as Managing Director of GATX Capital and six years as Executive Vice President at IM Skaugen ASA. Mr. Lind has also held senior and executive positions with Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company and Oslobanken. Mr. Lind currently serves on the boards of Gram Car Carriers Holding Pte. Limited and on the advisory board of A.M. Nomikos. Mr. Lind holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Denver. Mr. Lind is a resident of Cyprus and a citizen of Norway.

 

 

Einar Michael Steimler—Director.  Mr. Einar Michael Steimler has over 45 years’ experience in the shipping industry.  From 2008 to 2011 he served as chairman of Tanker (UK) Agencies, the commercial agent to Tankers International.  He was instrumental in the formation of Tanker (UK) Agencies in 2000 and served as its CEO until the end of 2007.  Mr. Steimler serves as a non-executive director on the board of Scorpio Bulkers, Inc.  From 1998 to 2010, Mr. Steimler served as a Director of Euronav.  He was also Managing Director of Euronav from 1998 to 2000.  He has been involved in both sale and purchase and chartering brokerage in the tanker, gas and chemical sectors and was a founder of Stemoco, a Norwegian ship brokerage firm.  He graduated from the Norwegian School of Business Management in 1973 with a degree in Economics.  Mr. Steimler is a resident and citizen of Norway.

Joseph H. Pyne—Director. Mr. Joseph H. Pyne is the Chairman of Kirby Corporation and served as the Chief Executive Officer of Kirby from 1995 to April 29, 2014.  Mr. Pyne served as Executive Vice President from 1992 to 1995 and also served as President of Kirby Inland Marine, LP, Kirby Corp.’s principal transportation subsidiary, from 1984 to November 1999.  He served at Northrop Services, Inc. and served as an Officer in the Navy.  He has been Executive Chairman of Kirby Corporation since April 2013 and its Director since 1988.  He is a director of the Genesee & Wyoming Railroad and serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Webb Institute.  Mr. Pyne holds a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of North Carolina.  Mr. Pyne is a resident and citizen of the U.S.

Anders Onarheim—Director.  Mr. Anders Onarheim has more than 30 years experience in capital markets, both in Norway and internationally. His experience includes 16 years at Carnegie Investment Bank in Norway, where he served as Managing Director and then CEO, as well as several years as Executive Director in the investment banking division of Goldman Sachs in London, and as Vice President of institutional sales at Merrill Lynch in New York and London. He has held a number of board directorships within both industrial companies and investment firms. Current directorships include North Energy ASA, Reach Subsea ASA and BW LPG. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University of St. Louis where he graduated in 1986. Mr. Onarheim is a resident and citizen of Norway.

Jeremy Kramer—Director.  Mr. Jeremy Kramer is on the Board of Directors of Golar LNG Partners and serves on its Conflicts Committee.  He is also on the Board of Directors of 2020 Bulkers Ltd.  Mr. Kramer was a Senior Portfolio Manager in the Straus Group at Neuberger Berman from 1998 to 2016, managing equity portfolios primarily for high net-worth clients.  Prior to that, he worked at Alliance Capital from 1994 to 1998, first as a Securities Analyst and then as a Portfolio Manager focused on small and mid-cap equity securities.  Mr. Kramer also managed a closed-end fund, the Alliance Global Environment Fund.  He worked at Neuberger Berman from 1988 to 1994 as a Securities Analyst. Mr. Kramer earned an MBA from Harvard University Graduate School of Business in 1988.  He graduated with a BA from Connecticut College in 1983. Mr. Kramer is a resident and citizen of the U.S.

Susan Reedy—Director.  Ms. Susan Reedy has over 17 years of corporate legal experience.  She is currently Head of Legal–Special Projects for BW Group and served as Deputy Managing Director & General Counsel of BW Ventures from 2011–2016.  Prior to that Ms. Reedy was an Associate counsel at Conyers, Dill & Pearman where she advised shipping and energy clients and prior to that was a Partner in the corporate department of Owen, Bird.  Ms. Reedy received her Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Victoria, Canada and studied international law at the University of Utrecht, Netherlands.  She is called to the Bar in Bermuda and Canada and has served on the Women’s Oil & Gas Council Committee as well as on the Boards of various private companies.  Ms. Reedy is a resident of Bermuda and citizen of Canada.

Svein Moxnes Harfjeld—Co-Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Svein Moxnes Harfjeld joined DHT on September 1, 2010.  Mr. Harfjeld has over 25 years of experience in the shipping industry.  He was most recently with the BW Group, where he held senior management positions including Group Executive Director, CEO of BW Offshore, Director of Bergesen dy and Director of World-Wide Shipping.  Previously he held senior management positions at Andhika Maritime, Coeclerici and Mitsui O.S.K.  He started his shipping career with The Torvald Klaveness Group.  Mr. Harfjeld is a citizen of Norway.

Trygve P. Munthe—Co-Chief Executive Officer.  Mr. Trygve P. Munthe joined DHT on September 1, 2010.  Mr. Munthe has over 30 years of experience in the shipping industry.  He was previously CEO of Western Bulk, President of Skaugen Petrotrans, Director of Arne Blystad AS and CFO of I.M. Skaugen.  Mr. Munthe is a citizen of Norway.

 

Laila Cecilie Halvorsen—Chief Financial Officer.  Ms. Laila Cecilie Halvorsen joined DHT in 2014 after 17 years at Western Bulk AS, where she served first as Accountant for 4 years, then as Finance Manager for 4 years and later as Group Accounting Manager for 9 years.  Ms. Halvorsen served as Chief Accountant & Controller of DHT from September 2014 until she was appointed CFO in June 2018.  Ms. Halvorsen has more than 20 years of experience in international accounting and shipping.  Ms. Halvorsen is a citizen of Norway.

DIRECTORS’ COMPENSATION

During the year ending December 31, 2018, we paid the members of our board of directors aggregate cash compensation of $608,127. In addition, in March 2019, our directors were awarded an aggregate of 210,000 shares of restricted stock pursuant to the Plan. We have no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION, EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

During the year ending December 31, 2018, we paid our executive officers aggregate cash compensation of approximately $3,381,370. An aggregate amount of approximately $135,505 was accrued on our executive officers’ behalf for pension and retirement benefits and an aggregate amount of approximately $66,390 was paid subject to certain savings agreements with a Norwegian life insurance company on behalf of our co-chief executive officers. These amounts have been translated from the Norwegian kroner at an exchange rate of 1 United States dollar to 8.1338 Norwegian kroner. In addition, in January 2019, our executive officers were awarded an aggregate of 440,000 shares of restricted stock for the year 2018 pursuant to the Plan with certain vesting conditions.

Executive Officer Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Ms. Halvorsen that set forth their rights and obligations as our co-chief executive officers, in the case of Mr. Harfjeld and Mr. Munthe, and chief financial officer, in the case of Ms. Halvorsen.  Either the executive or the company may terminate the employment agreements for any reason and at any time, subject to certain provisions of the employment agreements described below.

In the event that we terminate either Mr. Harfjeld’s or Mr. Munthe’s employment other than for “cause” (as defined in each executive’s employment agreement), subject to the executive’s execution of certain employment termination agreements and the executive’s compliance with certain requests from us related to termination as well as with certain restrictive covenants, we will continue to pay such executive’s base monthly salary in arrears on a monthly basis for 18 months from the month immediately following the expiration of the notice period (as provided for in each executive’s employment agreements).  In the event that either Mr. Harfjeld or Mr. Munthe terminates his employment within six months following a change of control (as defined in each executive’s employment agreements) for good reason (as defined in each executive’s employment agreement), then we will continue to pay such executive officer his base monthly salary in arrears on a monthly basis for 18 months from the month immediately following the expiration of the notice period (as provided for in each executive’s employment agreement).  In addition, in the event that either Mr. Harfjeld or Mr. Munthe terminates his employment within six months following a change of control for good reason, such executive will be entitled to 100% of his bonus (as provided for in each executive’s employment agreement), prorated for the actual period he has worked during the year of termination, and all of his granted but not yet vested shares will vest immediately and become exercisable.

 

 

In the event that we terminate Ms. Halvorsen’s employment other than due to summary dismissal or reaching the company’s age limit, we will continue to pay her base salary through the first anniversary of such date of termination.  In the event that Ms. Halvorsen terminates her employment following a change of control (as defined in her employment agreement) as a consequence of the change in control, we will continue to pay her base salary through the first anniversary of such date of termination.

Pursuant to each executive’s employment agreement, each of Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Ms. Halvorsen has agreed (i) to protect our confidential information and (ii) that during the term of the agreements, and for a period of one year following his or her termination, to abide by certain non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions.   Mr. Harfjeld and Mr. Munthe have also agreed, pursuant to their employment agreements, that all intellectual property that they respectively create or develop during the course of their employment will fully and wholly be given to us.  

We have also entered into an indemnification agreement with each of Mr. Harfjeld, Mr. Munthe and Ms. Halvorsen pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify them substantially in accordance with the indemnification provisions related to our officers and directors in our bylaws.

Incentive Compensation Plan

We currently maintain one equity compensation plan, the 2016 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”).  The Plan was approved by our stockholders at our annual meeting on June 1, 2016.

The Plan was established to promote the interests of the company and our stockholders by (i) attracting and retaining exceptional directors, officers, employees, consultants and independent contractors (including prospective directors, officers, employees, consultants and independent contractors) and (ii) enabling such individuals to participate in the long-term growth and financial success of our company.  The aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the Plan is 2,900,000. The aggregate number of shares of our common stock that have been granted under the Plan is 2,292,002, which does not include shares with respect to non-vested awards.

The following description of the Plan is qualified by reference to the full text thereof, a copy of which is filed as an exhibit to this report.

Awards

The Plan provides for the grant of options intended to qualify as incentive stock options, or “ISOs,” under Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and non-statutory stock options, or “NSOs,” restricted share awards, restricted stock units, or “RSUs,” cash incentive awards, dividend equivalents and other equity-based or equity-related awards.

Plan administration

The Plan is administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors or such other committee as our board of directors may designate to administer the Plan. Subject to the terms of the Plan and applicable law, the compensation committee has sole and plenary authority to administer the Plan, including, but not limited to, the authority to (i) designate participants, (ii) determine the type or types of awards to be granted to a participant, (iii) determine the number of shares of our common stock to be covered by awards, (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any awards, including vesting schedules and performance criteria, (v) amend or replace an outstanding award in response to changes in tax law or unforeseen tax consequences of such awards and (vi) make any other determination and take any other action that the compensation committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.

 

 

Shares available for awards

Subject to adjustment as provided below, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to awards granted under the Plan is 2,900,000.  If an award granted under the Plan is forfeited, or otherwise expires, terminates or is canceled without the delivery of shares, then the shares covered by such award will again be available to be delivered pursuant to awards under the Plan.

In the event of any corporate event affecting the shares of our common stock, the compensation committee in its discretion may make such adjustments and other substitutions to the Plan and awards under the Plan as it deems equitable or desirable in its sole discretion.

For a description of the terms of the shares of restricted stock awarded under the Plan see, “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Stock Compensation.”

Amendment and termination of the Plan

Subject to any government regulation and to the rules of the NYSE or any successor exchange or quotation system on which shares of our common stock may be listed or quoted, the Plan may be amended, modified or terminated by our board of directors without the approval of our stockholders, except that stockholder approval will be required for any amendment that would (i) increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the Plan or increase the maximum number of shares of our common stock that may be delivered pursuant to ISOs granted under the Plan or (ii) modify the requirements for participation under the Plan.  No modification, amendment or termination of the Plan that is adverse to a participant will be effective without the consent of the affected participant, unless otherwise provided by the compensation committee in the applicable award agreement.

The compensation committee may waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate any award previously granted, prospectively or retroactively; provided, however, that, unless otherwise provided in the Plan or by the compensation committee in the applicable award agreement, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would materially and adversely impair the rights of any participant to any award previously granted will not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected participant, holder or beneficiary.

Change of control

The Plan provides that, unless otherwise provided in an award agreement, in the event we experience a change of control (as defined in the Plan), unless provision is made in connection with the change of control for assumption for, or substitution of, awards previously granted:

·	all options outstanding as of the date the change of control is determined to have occurred will become fully exercisable and vested, as of immediately prior to the change of control;

·	all outstanding restricted shares that are still subject to restrictions on forfeiture will become fully vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto will lapse as of immediately prior to the change in control;

·	all cash incentive awards will be paid out as if the date of the change of control were the last day of the applicable performance period and “target” performance levels had been attained; and

·	all other outstanding awards will automatically be deemed exercisable or vested and all restrictions and forfeiture provisions related thereto will lapse as of immediately prior to such change of control.

Unless otherwise provided pursuant to an award agreement, a “change of control” is defined to mean any of the following events, generally:

·	the consummation of a merger, reorganization or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of our assets;

·	the approval by our stockholders of a plan of our complete liquidation or dissolution; or

 

 

 

·	an acquisition by any individual, entity or group of beneficial ownership of 50% or more of either the then outstanding shares of our common stock or the combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.

Term of the Plan

No award may be granted under the Plan after June 1, 2019, the third anniversary of the date the Plan was approved by our stockholders.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our board of directors.  Our board is currently composed of six directors, five of whom are independent under the rules of the NYSE applicable to U.S. companies.  Ms. Susan Reedy is not independent under those rules solely because she is an employee of BW Group, which in 2017 engaged in the transaction with us described below under “Item 7.  Major Stockholders and Related Party Transactions.”  Notwithstanding that, as a foreign private issuer under the rules of the NYSE, we have elected to add Ms. Susan Reedy to our board’s compensation committee, as set forth below.

We have no service contracts between us and any of our directors providing for benefits upon termination of their employment or service.

Our board of directors is elected annually on a staggered basis and each director elected holds office for a three-year term.  Mr. Erik Lind was initially elected in July 2005.  Mr. Einar Michael Steimler was initially appointed in March 2010.  Mr. Joseph H. Pyne was initially appointed in September 2015.  Mr. Jeremy Kramer was initially elected in June 2017.  Ms. Susan Reedy was initially appointed in November 2017.  Mr. Anders Onarheim was initially elected in October 2018.  The term of our Class III directors, Mr. Lind and Mr. Onarheim, expires in 2021, the term of our Class I directors, Mr. Kramer and Ms. Reedy, expires in 2020 and the term of our Class II directors, Mr. Steimler and Mr. Pyne, expires in 2019.  Mr. Steimler and Mr. Pyne were re-elected as our Class II directors at our annual stockholders meeting on June 1, 2016 and Mr. Lind was re-elected as our Class III director at our annual stockholders meeting on June 14, 2018.

Pursuant to the VAA, and in accordance with the Investor Rights Agreement between DHT and BW Group dated April 20, 2017 (the “IRA”),  Ms. Susan Reedy (Head of Legal—Special Projects of BW Group) and Mr. Anders Onarheim were designated by BW Group and appointed to the company’s board of directors. Additionally, Ms. Susan Reedy was appointed to the compensation committee and Mr. Anders Onarheim was appointed to the audit committee and the nominating and corporate governance committee.

BOARD COMMITTEES

The purpose of our audit committee is to oversee (i) management’s conduct of our financial reporting process (including the development and maintenance of systems of internal accounting and financial controls); (ii) the integrity of our financial statements; (iii) our risk management systems and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and ethical standards; (iv) significant financial transactions and financial policy and strategy; (v) the qualifications and independence of our outside auditors; (vi) the performance of our internal audit function; and (vii) the outside auditors’ annual audit of our financial statements.  Mr. Erik Lind is our “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.  The members of the audit committee are Mr. Kramer (chairperson), Mr. Lind, Mr. Pyne and Mr. Onarheim.

The purpose of our compensation committee is to (i) discharge the board of director’s responsibilities relating to the evaluation and compensation of our executives, (ii) oversee the administration of our compensation plans, (iii) review and determine director compensation and (iv) prepare any report on executive compensation required by the rules and regulations of the SEC.  The members of the compensation committee are Mr. Steimler (chairperson), Ms. Reedy, Mr. Kramer and Mr. Pyne.

 

The purpose of our nominating and corporate governance committee is to (i) identify individuals qualified to become members of our board of directors in accordance with criteria approved by the board of directors and recommend such individuals to the board of directors for nomination for election to the board of directors, (ii) make recommendations to the board of directors concerning committee appointments, (iii) review and make recommendations for executive management appointments, (iv) develop, recommend and annually review our corporate governance guidelines and oversee corporate governance matters and (v) coordinate an annual evaluation of the board of directors and its chairman.  The members of the nominating and corporate governance committee are Mr. Lind (chairperson), Mr. Steimler, Mr. Pyne and Mr. Onarheim.

DIRECTORS

Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote.  There is no provision for cumulative voting.

Section 5.01 of our amended and restated articles of incorporation provides that our board of directors must consist of not less than three nor more than twelve members, the exact number of directors comprising the entire board of directors as determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors.  Stockholders may change the number of directors only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock.

As of December 31, 2018, we had 17 employees.  Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining agreements and we have never experienced a work stoppage.

See “Item 7.A. Major Stockholders.”  See “Item 6.B.  Compensation” for a description of the company’s Incentive Compensation Plan under which employees of the company can be awarded restricted shares of the company.

ITEM 7.

MAJOR STOCKHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding (i) the owners of more than 5% of our common stock that we are aware of based on Schedule 13G and Schedule 13D filings with the SEC and (ii) the total amount of common stock owned by all of our officers and directors, individually and as a group, as of March 18, 2019.  We have one class of common stock outstanding with each outstanding share entitled to one vote.

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC based on voting and investment power with respect to such shares of common stock.  Shares of common stock issuable pursuant to options, warrants, convertible notes or other similar convertible or derivative securities that are currently exercisable or exercisable or convertible within 60 days are deemed to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding such options, warrants or notes for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

---

*Less than 1%

(1)

Assumes conversion of all of the holder’s convertible senior notes at a conversion price of $6.1285 per share of common stock.  The conversion price of the convertible senior notes is subject to adjustments.  As a result, the number of shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the convertible senior notes may increase or decrease in the future.

(2)	Calculated based on Rule 13d-3(d)(1) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), using 142,235,435 shares of common stock issued and outstanding on March 18, 2019.

(3)

Based upon a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on February 26, 2019 by BW Group, which at that date beneficially owned 51,572,416 shares of DHT (including the 15,700,000 shares of common stock issued upon the conversion of the Series D Preferred Stock) constituting 36.1% of the outstanding common stock of DHT.  All shares beneficially owned are shares of common stock.  All common shares issued to BW Group were issued pursuant to the VAA in connection with the acquisition of BW Group’s VLCC fleet. In addition, for the year 2017, BW Group was assigned 17,500 shares of restricted stock that were awarded under the Plan to Mr. Carsten Mortensen and Ms. Susan Reedy (after giving effect to the forfeiture of 22,500 shares of restricted stock in connection with the resignation of Mr. Mortensen in October 2018) pursuant to such directors’ employment arrangements with BW Group.  BW Group possesses the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 51,572,416 shares of DHT and the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 51,572,416 shares of DHT.

(4)

Based upon a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 12, 2019 by Wellington Management Group LLP (“Wellington”), which, as investment manager, possesses the power to direct investments or power to vote shares owned by various investment companies, commingled group trusts and separate accounts. Wellington possesses shared power to vote or direct the vote of 7,825,820 shares of DHT and shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 9,435,055 shares of DHT.  All shares beneficially owned are shares of common stock.

(5)

Based upon a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019 by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”), which, as investment manager, possesses the power to direct investments or power to vote shares owned by various investment companies, commingled group trusts and separate accounts.  For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, Dimensional is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such shares; however, Dimensional expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial owner of such shares.  Dimensional possesses the sole power to vote or direct the vote of 8,859,300 shares of DHT and the sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 9,205,894 shares of DHT.  All shares beneficially owned are shares of common stock.

 

 

Subject to the discussion of the IRA below, our major stockholders generally have the same voting rights as our other stockholders.  To our knowledge, no corporation or foreign government or other natural or legal person(s) owns more than 50% of our outstanding stock.  We are not aware of any arrangements, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change of control. As of March 18, 2019, we had 25 shareholders of record, 20 of which were located in the U.S. and held an aggregate of 94,332,288 of our common shares, representing 66.3% of our outstanding common shares.  However, one of the U.S. shareholders of record is CEDE & CO., a nominee of The Depository Trust Company, which held 94,310,650 of our common shares as of March 18, 2019.   Accordingly, we believe that the shares held by CEDE & CO. include common shares beneficially owned by both holders in the U.S. and non-U.S. beneficial owners.

Investor Rights Agreement (“IRA”)

We have granted BW Group, as a significant minority investor in DHT, certain minority rights under the IRA. BW Group also agreed under the IRA to take certain actions consistent with a minority position and accept certain limitations on its rights as a shareholder.

Standstill Obligations

The IRA imposes a standstill on BW Group, in effect until it no longer holds at least 25% of the total voting power of DHT capital stock (the period ending on such date, the “Standstill Period”).  The standstill, among other things, ensures that control over DHT resides with the board of directors during the Standstill Period.  During the Standstill Period, BW Group cannot take any of the following actions:

1.

Hold more than 45% of the total voting power of DHT capital stock;

2.

Solicit any proposal for a business combination or a sale of all or a substantial portion of the DHT assets;

3.

Participate in a proxy solicitation, or vote with or grant a proxy to any shareholder that undertakes a proxy solicitation from DHT shareholders;

4.

Participate in any “group” as defined under Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (a “13D group”);

5.

Attempt to increase BW Group’s representation on our board of directors or otherwise change the composition of the DHT board of directors if inconsistent with the arrangements described below under the heading “—Minority Representation on Board of Directors and Committees”;

6.

Call special meetings of the shareholders; or

7.

Assist a third party with any of the foregoing prohibited actions.

 

 

 

Limited Matching Rights

If during the Standstill Period any third party makes a written tender or exchange offer to holders of DHT’s capital stock that remains open and is reasonably capable of being completed, BW Group may exercise limited matching rights to propose a counteroffer to our board of directors.

Our board of directors may determine to accept or reject the counteroffer in its sole discretion. All directors that were designated for nomination by BW Group will recuse themselves from the board’s deliberations on the counteroffer.

BW Group has the right to launch a tender offer or exchange offer comprising the terms of its counteroffer (including the terms required by the IRA) only if  (1) our board of directors rejects BW Group’s counteroffer in favor of the third-party offer and (2) the third-party offer would, if consummated, result in a change of control of DHT.

Non-Coercive Offers

On October 20, 2018 (the “Fall Away Date”), BW Group held less than 35% of DHT’s issued and outstanding common stock. As a result, as of such date, notwithstanding the Standstill Period set forth above, BW Group and its controlled affiliates are permitted, after a minimum of 45 days of review, consultation and good faith negotiation with our board of directors, to make a “Non-Coercive Offer” to our shareholders. As defined in the IRA, a Non-Coercive Offer is an offer to acquire all of our outstanding common stock subject to certain parameters, including that such offer must (i) not be subject to any financing condition, (ii) comply with applicable securities laws, (iii) be for consideration that is in the form of cash or of shares of capital stock of an entity publicly traded on the NYSE or the NASDAQ Stock Market with an aggregate public float equal to or greater than that of our outstanding common stock (excluding shares held by BW Group, its controlled affiliates or any 13D group to which any of them belongs), or a combination thereof, (iv) be for a premium of at least 15% to the per share volume-weighted average price of shares of our common stock as displayed under the heading VWAP Bloomberg on Bloomberg (or, if Bloomberg ceases to publish such price, a successor service to be reasonably agreed) for the 10 trading days most recently ended immediately prior to the opening of the third trading day prior to the earliest of (X) the public announcement of such offer, (Y) the public announcement of an intention to commence such offer and (Z) the communication of such offer to our board of directors by BW Group, (v) be held open for a minimum of 45 days and (vi) include a minimum tender condition of at least 50% of our outstanding common stock not owned by BW Group, its controlled affiliates or any 13D group to which any of them belongs.

Shareholder Rights Plans

Until the end of the Standstill Period, we are not permitted to enter into any shareholder rights plan, rights agreement or any other “poison pill,” “proxy put” or other antitakeover arrangement (collectively, an “Arrangement”), if such Arrangement would restrict BW Group from engaging in any transaction, or taking any action, otherwise permitted by the Standstill exceptions as outlined in the IRA. Following the Standstill Period, until BW Group ceases to hold at least 10% of DHT common stock, we are not permitted to extend, declare or enter into any Arrangement that would restrict BW Group from consummating, or that would otherwise be triggered by, a Non-Coercive Offer by BW Group.

Minority Representation on Board of Directors and Committees

Nominees to the DHT board of directors will be composed of four individuals selected by DHT’s nominating and corporate governance committee plus up to two individuals that BW Group has the right to nominate as a minority shareholder.

BW Group is entitled to designate two director nominees while it continues to hold at least 75% of the aggregate number of shares it received as consideration under VAA, and one director nominee while it continues to hold at least 40%, but less than 75%, of the aggregate number of shares it received as consideration under VAA.  If at any time BW Group does not hold at least 10% of voting power of DHT capital stock, it will lose all director nominee designation rights.

 

In addition, the IRA provides BW Group’s designees with representation on each committee of our board of directors, so long as these designees comprise less than half of the total number of members on each committee.

Obligation to Support DHT Nominees

BW Group is required to vote all of its shares of DHT common and other capital stock in favor of each of the nominating and corporate governance committee’s nominees for election to the company’s board of directors, and against any proposal for his or her removal from the board of directors.

An exception to this rule applies to the extent that BW Group holds shares representing more than 35% of the total voting power of DHT capital stock.  For so long as BW Group holds more than 35% of the total voting power of DHT capital stock, it is permitted to vote the amount of its excess holdings above 35% in its sole discretion (subject to the standstill requirement that BW Group never hold more than 45% of the total voting power of DHT capital stock) during the Standstill Period.

Interested Transactions Between DHT and BW Group

BW Group is prohibited from entering into any material transaction with DHT unless the transaction is approved by the DHT board of directors, with each director that was nominated by BW Group being required to recuse himself or herself from the deliberations.

Transfer Limitations

The IRA prohibits BW Group from transferring shares of voting DHT capital stock outside of BW Group and its controlled affiliates without the prior written consent of DHT if, to BW Group’s knowledge, the acquiring party would beneficially own 15% or more of the voting power of all DHT capital stock as a result of the transfer, except in the case of a tender or exchange offer for shares of DHT capital stock that our board of directors has not recommended that shareholders reject.

Minority Investor Protections

The IRA also grants BW Group certain customary minority investor rights, including registration rights under applicable securities laws and approval rights over certain corporate actions, including engaging in new lines of business, taking actions to discriminate against BW Group in favor of other shareholders. These minority investor protections expire once BW Group no longer holds at least 25% of the voting power of the DHT capital stock.

Effective as of the Fall Away Date in accordance with the IRA, BW Group no longer has the approval rights previously provided for in the IRA with regard to any merger or other transaction resulting in a change of control of DHT, or a sale of all or substantially all of DHT’s assets or stock, if the per-share value of the consideration in such transaction received by the holders of common stock is less than the per-share value implied by the sale and purchase of the vessels under the VAA (i.e., $5.37 per share, subject to an annual uptick of 10%).

The above summary of the IRA does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by the IRA, a copy of which is incorporated by reference to this report.

 

Additionally, pursuant to the VAA, BW Group agreed, among other things, to vote all of its shares in the capital stock of DHT at the 2017 Annual General Meeting (“2017 AGM”) in favor of an amendment to our articles of incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of common stock and capital stock.  As of the record date for the 2017 AGM, BW Group’s total ownership amounted to 24.8% of both the voting power of DHT capital stock and of the issued and outstanding common stock of DHT.  As of December 31, 2017, BW Group was the technical manager for the DHT Peony.  In 2017, total technical management fees paid to BW Group were $0.1 million.  In January 2018, BW Group ceased being the technical manager for the DHT Peony.

Subsequent to DHT’s acquisition of the shares in Samco, the company owns 50% of Goodwood.  As of December 31, 2018, Goodwood is the technical manager for 24 of the company’s vessels.  In 2018, total technical management fees paid to Goodwood were $3.3 million.  In 2017, total technical management fees paid to Goodwood were $3.0 million.

Mr. Erik A. Lind, the chairman of our board of directors, is the group Chief Executive Officer and a director of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited. In connection with the February 2014 Registered Direct Offering, we sold 1,352,800 shares of common stock to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited.  In connection with the September 2014 Registered Direct Offering, we sold 769,000 shares of common stock to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited. In connection with the private placement of $150 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 in September 2014, we sold convertible senior notes due 2019 amounting to $11,380,000 to affiliates of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited. In August 2018, we entered into privately negotiated exchange agreements with certain holders of the convertible senior notes due 2019 to exchange approximately $73.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 for approximately $80.3 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021.  Such exchange agreements included an exchange agreement entered into with an affiliate of Tufton Oceanic Finance Group Limited to exchange approximately $1,500,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2019 for approximately $1,650,000 aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2021.

Further, we have issued certain guarantees for certain of our subsidiaries. This mainly relates to our secured credit facilities, all of which which are entered into by special-purpose wholly owned vessel-owning subsidiaries as borrowers and guaranteed by DHT Holdings. A summary of these secured credit facilities can be found under “Item 5.  Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Liquidity and Sources of Capital.”

Not applicable.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

1.	AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See Item 18.

2.	THREE YEARS COMPARATIVE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

See Item 18.

3.	AUDIT REPORTS

See Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on pages F-2 and F-3.

4.	LATEST AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS MAY BE NO OLDER THAN 15 MONTHS

We have complied with this requirement.

5.	INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS IF DOCUMENT IS MORE THAN NINE MONTHS SINCE LAST AUDITED FINANCIAL YEAR

Not applicable.

 

 

6.	EXPORT SALES IF SIGNIFICANT

Not applicable.

7.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The nature of our business, i.e., the acquisition, chartering and ownership of our vessels, exposes us to risk of lawsuits for damages or penalties relating to, among other things, personal injury, property casualty and environmental contamination.  Under rules related to maritime proceedings, certain claimants may be entitled to attach charter hire payable to us in certain circumstances.  There are no actions or claims pending against us as of the date of this report.

8.

DIVIDENDS

In November 2016, the company revised its capital allocation policy.  DHT intends to return at least 60% of its ordinary net income (adjusted for extraordinary items) to shareholders in the form of quarterly cash dividends and/or through repurchases of its securities.  Further, DHT intends to allocate surplus cash flow, after dividends and/or repurchases, to acquire ships or to be used for general corporate purposes.  The extent and allocation will depend on market conditions and other corporate considerations (refer to “Item 3.D. Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Company—we may not pay dividends in the future”).  DHT has applied its updated capital allocation policy starting with the fourth quarter of 2016.

The timing and amount of dividend payments will be determined by our board of directors and could be affected by various factors, including our cash earnings, financial condition and cash requirements, the loss of a vessel, the acquisition of one or more vessels, required capital expenditures, reserves established by our board of directors, increased or unanticipated expenses, a change in our dividend policy, additional borrowings or future issuances of securities, many of which will be beyond our control.  As described above in reference to the capital allocation policy announced on July 22, 2015, our board of directors approved a dividend policy to pay stockholders of record an intended dividend of at least 60% of ordinary net income per share (adjusted for extraordinary items) commencing with the second quarter of 2015.

The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2014 amounted to $0.02, $0.02, $0.02 and $0.05 per common share, respectively.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2015 amounted to $0.15, $0.15, $0.18 and $0.21 per share of common stock, respectively.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2016 amounted to $0.25, $0.23, $0.02 and $0.08 per share of common stock, respectively.  The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2017 amounted to $0.08, $0.02, $0.02 and $0.02 per share of common stock, respectively. The dividends paid related to the four quarters of 2018 amounted to $0.02, $0.02, $0.02 and $0.05 per share of common stock, respectively.

Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend.  We do not expect to pay any income taxes in the Marshall Islands.  We also do not expect to pay any income taxes in the U.S.  Please see the sections of this report entitled “Item 10. E. Additional Information—Taxation.”

None.

ITEM 9.

THE OFFER AND LISTING

Our common stock is listed for trading on the NYSE and is traded under the symbol “DHT.”

Not applicable.

 

Our common stock is listed for trading on the NYSE and is traded under the symbol “DHT.”

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

ITEM 10.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Not applicable.

The following is a description of the material terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that are currently in effect.  Because the following is only a summary, it does not contain all information that you may find useful.  For more complete information you should read our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, each listed as an exhibit to this report.

PURPOSE

Our purpose, as stated in Article II of our amended and restated articles of incorporation, is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the BCA.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws do not impose any limitations on the ownership rights of our stockholders.

We are registered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Registrar of Corporations for non-resident corporations, under registration number 39572.

AUTHORIZED CAPITALIZATION

In January 2017, our board of directors approved the repurchase through March 2018 of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  In 2017, the company repurchased $17.2 million in aggregate principal amount of the 4.50% convertible senior notes due 2019 in the open market at an average price of 99.0% of the face amount.  In March 2018, our board of directors approved the repurchase through March 2019 of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  In 2018, we repurchased 1,228,440 shares of our common stock in the open market at an average price of $4.07 per share.  In March 2019, our board of directors approved the repurchase through March 2020 of up to $50 million of DHT securities through open market purchases, negotiated transactions, or other means in accordance with applicable securities laws.  The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.  Any shares of DHT common stock acquired by DHT will be available for reissuance.

 

Description of Common Stock

The rights of our stockholders are set forth in our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as well as the BCA. Amendments to our amended and restated articles of incorporation generally require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares entitled to vote. Amendments to our amended and restated bylaws require the affirmative vote of a majority of our entire board of directors.

Each outstanding share of common stock entitles the holder to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders.  Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding shares of preferred stock, holders of shares of common stock are entitled to receive ratably all dividends, if any, declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available for dividends.  Upon our dissolution or liquidation or the sale of all or substantially all or our assets, after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution.  Holders of common stock do not have conversion, redemption or preemptive rights to subscribe to any of our securities.  The rights, preferences and privileges of holders of common stock are subject to the rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock which we have issued or may issue in the future.  Our common stock is not subject to any sinking fund provisions and no holder of any shares will be required to make additional contributions of capital with respect to our shares in the future. There are no provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws discriminating against a stockholder because of his or her ownership of a particular number of shares.

We are not aware of any limitations on the rights to own our common stock, including rights of non-resident or foreign stockholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our common stock, imposed by foreign law or by our amended and restated articles of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws.

Description of Preferred Stock

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock and to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the terms and rights of that series, including:

●

the designation of the series;

●

the number of shares of the series;

●

the preferences and relative, participating, option or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such series; and

●

the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series.

Shareholder Rights Plan

On January 28, 2018, the Rights Plan and related preferred share purchase rights expired in accordance with their terms, and they have not been renewed or replaced. Our board of directors previously adopted the Rights Plan in January 2017 and declared a dividend of one preferred share purchase right for each outstanding share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT to purchase from DHT one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of DHT at a price of $22.00 per one ten-thousandth of a share of Series C Junior Participating Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the rights agreement, dated as of January 29, 2017, as amended on April 20, 2017 (the “Rights Agreement”), between DHT and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent. For a complete description of the Rights Plan, we encourage you to read the Rights Agreement, which is incorporated by reference herein.

DIRECTORS

Our directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote.  There is no provision for cumulative voting.

 

Section 5.01 of our amended and restated articles of incorporation provides that our board of directors must consist of not less than three nor more than twelve members, the exact number of directors comprising the entire board of directors as determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors.  Stockholders may change the number of directors only by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common stock.

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that no contract or transaction between us and a director, or one in which a director has a financial interest, is void or voidable solely for this reason, or solely because the director is present at or participates in a board of directors meeting or committee thereof which authorizes the contract or transaction, or solely because his or her vote is counted for such purpose, if: (i) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the board of directors or the committee and the board of directors or committee in good faith authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, or, if the votes of the disinterested directors are insufficient to constitute an act of the board of directors as defined in Section 55 of the BCA, by unanimous vote of the disinterested directors; (ii) the material facts as to his or her relationship or interest and as to the contract or transaction are disclosed or are known to the stockholders entitled to vote thereon, and the contract or transaction is specifically approved in good faith by vote of the stockholders; or (iii) the contract or transaction is fair as to us as of the time it is authorized, approved or ratified by the board of directors, a committee thereof or the stockholders.  Common or interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the board of directors or of a committee which authorizes the contract or transaction.

Our board of directors may, in its discretion, fix the amounts which shall be payable to members of the DHT board of directors and to members of any committee, for attendance at the meetings of the board of directors or of such committee and for services rendered to the company.

STOCKHOLDER MEETINGS

Under our amended and restated bylaws, annual stockholder meetings will be held at a time and place selected by our board of directors.  The meetings may be held in or outside of the Marshall Islands.  Special meetings may be called by stockholders holding not less than one-fifth of all the outstanding shares entitled to vote at such meeting.  Our board of directors may set a record date between 15 and 60 days before the date of any meeting to determine the stockholders that will be eligible to receive notice and vote at the meeting.

DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS OF APPRAISAL AND PAYMENT

Under the BCA, our stockholders have the right to dissent from various corporate actions, including any merger or consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets not made in the usual course of our business, and receive payment of the fair value of their shares.  In the event of any further amendment of our articles of incorporation, a stockholder also has the right to dissent and receive payment for his or her shares if the amendment alters certain rights in respect of those shares.  The dissenting stockholder must follow the procedures set forth in the BCA to receive payment.  In the event that we and any dissenting stockholder fail to agree on a price for the shares, the BCA procedures involve, among other things, the institution of proceedings in the high court of the Republic of the Marshall Islands or in any appropriate court in any jurisdiction in which our shares are primarily traded on a local or national securities exchange.

STOCKHOLDERS’ DERIVATIVE ACTIONS

Under the BCA, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of common stock both at the time the derivative action is commenced and at the time of the transaction to which the action relates.

LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

The BCA authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors and officers to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties.  Our amended and restated bylaws include a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages for actions taken as a director to the fullest extent permitted by law.  In February 2013, we amended our bylaws to clarify the scope of indemnification rights provided to directors and officers.

 

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by law.  We are also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees and disbursements and court costs) to our directors and offices and carry directors’ and officers’ insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities.  We believe that these indemnification provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.

The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty.  These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.  In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions.

There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF OUR ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS

Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which are summarized below, may have anti-takeover effects.  These provisions are intended to avoid costly takeover battles, lessen our vulnerability to a hostile change of control and enhance the ability of our board of directors to maximize stockholder value in connection with any unsolicited offer to acquire us.  However, these anti-takeover provisions, which are summarized below, could also discourage, delay or prevent (1) the merger or acquisition of our company by means of a tender offer, a proxy contest or otherwise that a stockholder may consider in its best interest or (2) the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Issuance of Capital Stock

Under the terms of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, our board of directors has authority, without any further vote or action by our stockholders, to issue any remaining authorized shares of blank check preferred stock and any remaining authorized shares of our common stock.  Our board of directors may issue shares of preferred stock on terms calculated to discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or the removal of our management.

Classified Board of Directors

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation provide for the division of our board of directors into three classes of directors, with each class as nearly equal in number as possible, serving staggered, three-year terms.  Approximately one-third of our board of directors will be elected each year.  This classified board provision could discourage a third party from making a tender offer for our shares or attempting to obtain control of us.  It could also delay stockholders who do not agree with the policies of our board of directors from removing a majority of our board of directors for two years.

Election and Removal of Directors

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting in the election of directors.  Our amended and restated bylaws require parties other than the board of directors to give advance written notice of nominations for the election of directors.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation also provide that our directors may be removed only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors.  These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent the removal of incumbent officers and directors.

Our amended and restated bylaws provide that stockholders are required to give us advance notice of any person they wish to propose for election as a director if that person is not proposed by our board of directors.  These advance notice provisions provide that the stockholder must have given written notice of such proposal not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting.  In the event the annual general meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder must be given not later than 10 days following the earlier of the date on which notice of the annual general meeting was mailed to stockholders or the date on which public disclosure of the date of the annual general meeting was made.

 

In the case of a special general meeting called for the purpose of electing directors, notice by the stockholder must be given not later than 10 days following the earlier of the date on which notice of the special general meeting was mailed to stockholders or the date on which public disclosure of the date of the special general meeting was made.  Any nomination not properly made will be disregarded.

A director may be removed only for cause by the stockholders, provided notice is given to the director of the stockholders meeting convened to remove the director and provided such removal is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote for those directors.  The notice must contain a statement of the intention to remove the director and must be served on the director not less than fourteen days before the meeting.  The director is entitled to attend the meeting and be heard on the motion for his removal.

Limited Actions by Stockholders

Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders must be effected at an annual or special meeting of stockholders or by the unanimous written consent of our stockholders.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws provide that, subject to certain exceptions, our chairman or co-chief executive officers, at the direction of the board of directors or holders of not less than one-fifth of all outstanding shares, may call special meetings of our stockholders and the business transacted at the special meeting is limited to the purposes stated in the notice.  Accordingly, a stockholder may be prevented from calling a special meeting for stockholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors and stockholder consideration of a proposal may be delayed until the next annual meeting.

TRANSFER AGENT

The registrar and transfer agent for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC.

LISTING

Our common stock is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “DHT.”

COMPARISON OF MARSHALL ISLANDS CORPORATE LAW TO DELAWARE CORPORATE LAW

Our corporate affairs are governed by our amended and restated articles of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and by the BCA.  The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the U.S.  For example, the BCA allows the adoption of various anti-takeover measures such as stockholder “rights” plans.  While the BCA also provides that it is to be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few court cases interpreting the BCA in the Marshall Islands and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as U.S. courts.  Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling stockholders than would stockholders of a corporation incorporated in a U.S. jurisdiction which has developed a substantial body of case law.  The following table provides a comparison between the statutory provisions of the BCA and the Delaware General Corporation Law relating to stockholders’ rights.