Höegh LNG Partners LP Friday reported its financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021.
Highlights
• Continued measures to mitigate the risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure health and safety of crews and staff, whose wellbeing is the Partnership’s highest priority
• No reported cases of COVID-19; 100% availability of FSRUs for the second quarter of 2021
• Reported total time charter revenues of $34.7 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to $34.4 million of time charter revenues for the second quarter of 2020
• Generated operating income of $24.1 million, net income of $2.6 million and limited partners’ interest in net loss of $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2021 compared to operating income of $27.7 million, net income of $19.7 million and limited partners’ interest in net income of $16.0 million for the second quarter of 2020
• Operating income, net income and limited partners’ interest in net income were impacted by unrealized gains on derivative instruments for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, mainly on the Partnership’s share of equity in earnings of joint ventures in the second quarter of 2021 and 2020
• Excluding the impact of unrealized gains on derivative instruments for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020 impacting the equity in earnings of joint ventures, operating income would have been $24.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with $25.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020
• A tax provision of $10.9 million was recorded for a tax uncertainty for the potentially disallowed interest deduction following the conclusion by the Indonesian tax authority’s 2019 tax audit. $2.7 million of the amount became payable in July 2021. We disagree with the conclusion of the tax audit and intend to contest the tax authority’s position
• Generated Segment EBITDA1 of $34.3 million and $36.0 million for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, respectively
• On August 13 and 25, 2021, paid a $0.01 per unit distribution on common units with respect to the second quarter of 2021
• On August 16, 2021, paid a cash distribution of $0.546875 per 8.75% Series A cumulative redeemable preferred unit (the “Series A preferred unit”), for the period commencing on May 15, 2021 to August 14, 2021
• The charterer under the lease and maintenance agreement for the PGN FSRU Lampung (“LOM”) served a notice of arbitration (“NOA”) on August 2, 2021 to declare the LOM null and void, and/or to terminate the LOM, and/or seek damages. PT Hoegh LNG Lampung (“PT HLNG”) has served a reply refuting the claims as baseless and without legal merit and has also served a counterclaim against the charterer for multiple breaches of the LOM. PT HLNG will take all necessary steps and will vigorously defend against the charterer’s claims in the legal process. Notwithstanding the NOA, both parties are continuing to perform their respective obligations under the LOM
Sveinung Støhle, Chief Executive Officer stated: “Höegh LNG Partners’ fleet of modern, full-size FSRUs once again achieved 100% operational availability during the second quarter of 2021, generating a stable operating income in spite of the continuing challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. While maintaining this level of operational excellence across our fleet, we are highly focused on our pending arbitration and securing a near-term solution for the refinancing of the PGN FSRU Lampung. As always, the Partnership is truly grateful for the extraordinary effort and professionalism displayed by its seafarers during these challenging times.”
1 Segment EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used by investors to measure financial and operating performance. Please see Appendix A for a reconciliation of Segment EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
Financial Results Overview
For the three months ended June 30, 2021, each of the Partnership’s FSRUs have had 100% availability due to the diligent efforts of the crew and staff to ensure all aspects of operations continued to function smoothly in spite of challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Partnership has mitigated the risk on an outbreak of COVID-19 on board its vessels by extending time between crew rotations on the vessels and developing mitigating actions for crew rotations. Management and administrative staffs have largely transitioned to working remotely from home to address the specific COVID-19 situation in the applicable geographic location. The Partnership has fulfilled its obligations under the time charter contracts and not experienced any off-hire for its FSRUs for three months ended June 30, 2021.
The Partnership reported net income of $2.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of $17.1 million from net income of $19.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Net income was impacted by unrealized gains on derivative instruments for the second quarter of 2021 and 2020, mainly included in the Partnership’s share of equity in earnings of joint ventures.
Excluding all of the unrealized gains on derivative instruments, net income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 would have been $2.6 million, a decrease of $14.8 million from $17.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding the impact of the unrealized gains on derivatives, the decrease is primarily due to higher interest expense and a higher tax expense for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020.
Preferred unitholders’ interest in net income was $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, an increase of $0.2 million from $3.7 million due to additional preferred units issued as part of the at-the-market offering program (“ATM program”). Limited partners’ interest in net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $1.2 million, a decrease of $17.2 million from limited partners’ interest in net income of $16.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding all of the unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments, limited partners’ interest in net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2021 would have been $1.3 million, a decrease of $15.0 million from limited partners’ interest in net income of $13.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Equity in earnings of joint ventures for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $3.3 million, a decrease of $3.2 million from equity in earnings of joint ventures of $6.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Unrealized gains on derivative instruments in the Partnership’s joint ventures significantly impacted the equity in earnings of joint ventures for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding the unrealized gain on derivative instruments for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the equity in earnings of joint ventures would have been $3.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, a decrease of $1.0 million from $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding the unrealized gain on derivative instruments for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the decrease was mainly due to lower time charter revenues related to lower reimbursement of maintenance and project costs, partially offset by lower operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to those for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The Partnership’s share of its joint ventures’ operating income was $6.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2021, compared with $7.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $24.1 million, a decrease of $3.7 million from operating income of $27.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Excluding the impact of the unrealized gains on derivatives impacting the equity in earnings of joint ventures for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, operating income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 would have been $24.0 million, a decrease of $1.5 million from $25.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Segment EBITDA1 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $34.3 million, a decrease of $1.7 million from $36.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Total operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 were $13.9 million, an increase of $0.7 million from $13.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. The increase is principally due to higher vessel operating expenses and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2020.
Total financial expense, net for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $10.2 million, an increase of $3.6 million from $6.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2020. Interest expense consists of the interest incurred, amortization and gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, commitment fees and amortization of debt issuance costs for the period. The increase in interest expense in the second quarter of 2021 was principally due to the amortization of all debt issuance costs on the new Lampung debt facility which has been entered into, but not successfully completed by June 30, 2021.
Financing and Liquidity
As of June 30, 2021, the Partnership had cash and cash equivalents of $23.8 million. Current restricted cash for operating obligations of the PGN FSRU Lampung was $8.8 million and long-term restricted cash required under the long-term debt for the PGN FSRU Lampung (the “Lampung facility”) was $10.6 million as of June 30, 2021. As of August 26, 2021, the Partnership had an undrawn balance of $14.7 million on the $63 million revolving credit tranche of the $385 million facility and an undrawn balance of $60.6 million on the $85 million revolving credit facility from Höegh LNG, respectively. However, the Partnership recently received notice from Höegh LNG that it will not extend the $85 million revolving credit facility when it matures on January 1, 2023, and that it will have very limited capacity to extend any additional advances to the Partnership thereunder beyond what is currently drawn under such facility. Further drawdowns on the $85 million revolving credit facility and the $63 million revolving credit facility may be subject to lenders’ consent because of the arbitration notice received from the charterer of PGN FSRU Lampung, as described below.
The Partnership is continuously working on its financing and liquidity needs. The commercial tranche of the Lampung facility becomes due on September 29, 2021 and the export credit tranche can be called if the commercial tranche is not refinanced. The ongoing refinancing of the Lampung credit facility that had been scheduled to close by the end of the second quarter of 2021 is not yet completed due to the failure by the charterer to countersign certain customary documents related to the new credit facility. These circumstances have left the Partnership exposed to having to arrange alternative refinancing, or rearrange the existing refinancing, in the short term in advance of the commercial tranche of the Lampung facility’s maturity on September 29, 2021. The Partnership has asked the existing lenders to approve a six-months extension to the maturity date to allow for more time to complete a refinancing and has commenced discussions with existing lenders and certain other potential lenders about this. The Partnership expects that the terms of any alternative refinancing, if the Partnership is successful in finalizing such refinancing, are likely to be less favorable than the terms of the originally agreed refinancing. In addition, progress is being made for the refinancing of the Neptune facility and Cape Ann facility which mature and become payable by the Partnership’s Joint Ventures in November 2021 and June 2022, respectively. However, should the Partnership be unable to secure an extension to the maturity date of the Lampung facility, or to refinance this facility, or to obtain refinancing for the Neptune and Cape Ann facilities or its other debt maturities on a timely basis or at all, the Partnership may not have sufficient funds or other assets to satisfy all its obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to unitholders.
As of June 30, 2021, the Partnership has no material commitments for capital expenditures. However, during the second quarter of 2021, the on-water renewal survey for the Höegh Grace was completed. There was no off-hire in relation to this during the second quarter of 2021. Incurred expenditures of $1.6 million have been capitalized to the vessel as at June 30, 2021, in connection with the survey.
During the second quarter of 2021, the Partnership made quarterly repayments of $4.8 million on the Lampung facility and $6.4 million on the $385 million facility.
The Partnership’s book value and outstanding principal of total long-term debt was $417.7 million and $423.6 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2021, including the Lampung facility, the $385 million facility and the $85 million revolving credit facility.
On July 27, 2021, the Partnership’s board of directors announced a reduction in the quarterly cash distribution on its common units to $0.01 per common unit, down from a distribution of $0.44 per common unit in the first quarter of 2021, commencing with the distribution for the second quarter of 2021. The Partnership intends to conserve its internally generated cash flow to resolve issues related to the ongoing refinancing of the Lampung facility as described below. Thereafter, the Partnership expects to use its internally generated cash flow to reduce debt levels and strengthen its balance sheet.
As of June 30, 2021, the Partnership’s total current liabilities exceeded total current assets by $30.5 million. This is partly a result of the current portion of long-term debt of $57.0 million being classified as current while restricted cash of $10.6 million associated with the Lampung facility is classified as long-term. The current portion of long-term debt reflects principal payments for the next twelve months and the balloon payment on the commercial tranche of the Lampung facility that is due on September 29, 2021. Due to the ongoing refinancing of the Lampung facility and in case of the export credit facility being called, also the long-term portion of the Lampung facility would be classified as current. The funding for the Lampung facility will come for the most part, from future cash flows from operations, and refinancing or amendment of the Lampung facility. The Partnership does not intend to maintain a cash balance to fund the next twelve months’ net liabilities. The Partnership believes its cash flows from operations, including distributions to the Partnership from PT HLNG, Höegh LNG Cyprus Limited, and Höegh LNG FSRU Ltd. as payment of intercompany interest and/or intercompany debt or dividends, will be sufficient to meet the Partnership’s debt amortization and working capital needs and maintain cash reserves against fluctuations in operating cash flows and pay distributions to its unitholders at its current level of distributions, for the next twelve months, assuming the amendment or refinancing of the Lampung facility, the Neptune and Cape Ann facilities on a timely basis and the Partnership’s continuing compliance with the covenants under its credit facilities.
As of June 30, 2021, the Partnership had outstanding interest rate swap agreements for a total notional amount of $306.2 million to hedge against the floating interest rate risks of its long-term debt under the Lampung facility and the $385 million facility. The Partnership applies hedge accounting for derivative instruments related to these facilities. The Partnership receives interest based on three-month US dollar LIBOR and pays fixed rates of 2.8% for the Lampung facility. The Partnership receives interest based on the three-month US dollar LIBOR and pays a fixed rate of an average of approximately 2.8% for the $385 million facility.
The Partnership’s share of the joint ventures is accounted for using the equity method. As a result, the Partnership’s share of the joint ventures’ cash, restricted cash, outstanding debt, interest rate swaps and other balance sheet items are reflected net on the lines “accumulated earnings in joint ventures” and “accumulated losses in joint ventures” on the consolidated balance sheet and are not included in the balance sheet figures disclosed above.
On May 7, 2021, the Partnership drew $6.0 million on the $85 million revolving credit facility from Höegh LNG.
On May 14, 2021, the Partnership paid a distribution of $15.1 million, or $0.44 per common unit, with respect to the first quarter of 2021.
On May 17, 2021 the Partnership paid a distribution of $3.9 million, or $0.546875 per Series A preferred unit, for the period commencing on February 15, 2021 to May 14, 2021.
On August 13 and 25, 2021, the Partnership paid a cash distribution of $0.3 million, or $0.01 per common unit, with respect to the second quarter of 2021.
On August 16, 2021, the Partnership paid a cash distribution of $3.9 million, or $0.546875 per Series A preferred unit, for the period commencing on May 15, 2021 to August 14, 2021.
For the period from April 1, 2021 to August 26, 2021, no Series A preferred units or common units were sold under the Partnership’s ATM program.
Outlook
The Partnership believes its primary risk and exposure related to uncertainty of cash flows from its long-term time charter contracts is due to the credit risk and counterparty risk associated with the individual charterers. Payments are due under time charter contracts regardless of the demand for the charterer’s gas output or the utilization of the FSRU. It is therefore possible that charterers may not make payments for time charter services in times of reduced demand. While there is a pending arbitration as further discussed below, as of August 26, 2021, the Partnership has not experienced any reduced or non-payments for obligations under the Partnership’s time charter contracts. In addition, the Partnership has not provided concessions or made changes to the terms of payment for its customers.
Höegh LNG has indemnified the Partnership for the joint ventures’ boil-off settlement, leased the Höegh Gallantunder lease and maintenance agreement with a subsidiary of Höegh LNG (the “Subsequent Charter”) and provided the Partnership the $85 million revolving credit facility. However, in July 2021, the Partnership received notice from Höegh LNG that the revolving credit line of $85 million will not be extended when it matures on January 1, 2023, and that Höegh LNG will have very limited capacity to extend any additional advances to the Partnership beyond what is currently drawn under such facility. Also, further drawdowns on the $85 million revolving credit facility and the $63 million revolving credit facility may be subject to lenders’ consent because of the NOA received from the charterer of PGN FSRU Lampung. With these recent changes, the Partnership’s liquidity and financial flexibility will be reduced. If Höegh LNG is unable to meet its obligations to us under the Subsequent Charter or meet funding requests or indemnification obligations, our financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to unitholders could be materially adversely affected. Furthermore, if the Partnership’s other charterparties or third-party lenders are unable to meet their obligations to the Partnership under their respective contracts or if the Partnership is unable to fulfill its obligations under time charters, its financial condition, results of operations and ability to make distributions to unitholders could be materially adversely affected.
Höegh LNG’s ability to make payments to the Partnership under the Subsequent Charter and funding requests under the $85 million revolving credit facility and any claims for indemnification may be affected by events beyond the control of Höegh LNG or the Partnership, including opportunities to obtain new employment for the Höegh Gallantand prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If market or other economic conditions deteriorate, Höegh LNG’s ability to meet its obligations to the Partnership may be impaired.
If financial institutions providing the Partnership’s interest rate swaps or lenders under the revolving credit facilities are unable to meet their obligations, the Partnership could experience a higher interest expense or be unable to obtain funding. If the Partnership’s charterers or lenders are unable to meet their obligations under their respective contracts or if the Partnership is unable to fulfill its obligations under time charters, its financial condition, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions to unitholders could be materially adversely affected.
As previously reported, by letter dated July 13, 2021, the charterer under the LOM for the PGN FSRU Lampung raised certain issues with PT HLNG in relation to the operations of the PGN FSRU Lampung and the LOM and by further letter dated July 27, 2021, stated that it would commence arbitration against PT HLNG. On August 2, 2021 the charterer served a notice of arbitration to declare the LOM null and void, and/or to terminate the LOM, and/or seek damages. PT HLNG has served a reply refuting the claims as baseless and without legal merit and has also served a counterclaim against the charterer for multiple breaches of the LOM. PT HLNG will take all necessary steps and will vigorously defend against the charterer’s claims in the legal process.
The commercial tranche of the Lampung facility becomes due on September 29, 2021 and the export credit tranche can be called if the commercial tranche is not refinanced. The ongoing refinancing of the Lampung credit facility, which had been scheduled to close by the end of the second quarter of 2021, is not yet completed due to the failure by the charterer to countersign certain customary documents related to the new credit facility. These circumstances have left the Partnership exposed to having to arrange alternative refinancing, or rearrange the existing refinancing, in the short term in advance of the commercial tranche of the Lampung facility’s maturity on September 29, 2021. The Partnership has asked the existing lenders to approve a six-month extension to the maturity date to allow for more time to complete a refinancing and has commenced discussions with existing lenders and certain other potential lenders about this. The Partnership expects that the terms of any alternative refinancing, if the Partnership is successful in finalizing such refinancing, are likely to be less favorable than the terms of the originally agreed refinancing.
No assurance can be given at this time as to the outcome of the dispute with the charterer of the PGN FSRU Lampung, or of the aforementioned discussions with lenders. Notwithstanding the NOA, both parties are continuing to perform their respective obligations under the LOM. In the event that the Partnership is unable to amend or refinance the Lampung facility or if the outcome of such dispute is unfavorable to the Partnership, it could have a material adverse impact on its business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay distributions to unitholders.
In addition, progress is being made for the refinancing of the Neptune facility and Cape Ann facility which mature and become payable by the Partnership’s Joint Ventures in November 2021 and June 2022, respectively. However, should the Partnership be unable to secure an extension to the maturity date of the Lampung facility, or to refinance this facility, or to obtain refinancing for the Neptune and Cape Ann facilities or its other debt maturities on a timely basis or at all, the Partnership may not have sufficient funds or other assets to satisfy all its obligations, which would have a material adverse effect on its business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make distributions to unitholders.
The outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) has negatively affected economic conditions in many parts of the world which may impact the Partnership’s operations and the operations of its customers and suppliers. Although the Partnership’s operations have not been materially affected by the Coronavirus outbreak to date, the ultimate length and severity of the COVID-19 outbreak and its potential impact on the Partnership’s operations and financial condition is uncertain at this time. Furthermore, should there be an outbreak of the COVID-19 on board one of the Partnership’s FSRUs or an inability to replace critical supplies or replacement parts due to disruptions to third-party suppliers, adequate crewing or supplies may not be available to fulfill the Partnership’s obligations under its time charter contracts. This could result in off-hire or warranty payments under performance guarantees which would reduce revenues for the impacted period. To date, the Partnership has mitigated the risk of an outbreak of the COVID-19 on board its vessels by extending time between crew rotations on the vessels and developing mitigating actions for crew rotations. As a result, the Partnership expects that it may incur somewhat higher crewing expenses to ensure appropriate mitigation actions are in place to minimize the risk of outbreaks. To date, the Partnership had not had service interruptions on the Partnership’s FSRUs. Management and administrative staffs have largely transitioned to working remotely from home to address the specific COVID-19 situation in the applicable geographic location. The Partnership has supported staffs by supplying needed internet boosters and office equipment to facilitate an effective work environment.
On March 8, 2021, Höegh LNG announced a recommended offer by Leif Höegh & Co. Ltd. (“LHC”) and funds managed by Morgan Stanley Infrastructure Partners (“MSIP”) through a 50/50 joint venture, Larus Holding Limited (“JVCo”), to acquire the remaining issued and outstanding shares of Höegh LNG not currently owned by LHC or its affiliates (the “Amalgamation”). The Amalgamation was approved by Höegh LNG’s shareholders and bondholders and closed on May 4, 2021. Höegh LNG is now wholly owned by JVCo, and the common shares of Höegh LNG were delisted from the Oslo Stock Exchange. Following the consummation of the Amalgamation, some provisions of the omnibus agreement entered into in connection with the IPO (the “omnibus agreement”) terminated by their terms, including (i) the prohibition on Höegh LNG from acquiring, owning, operating or chartering any Five-Year Vessels (as defined in the omnibus agreement), (ii) the prohibition on the Partnership from acquiring, owning, operating or chartering any Non-Five-Year Vessels (as defined in the omnibus agreement), and (iii) the rights of first offer associated with those rights. As a consequence, following the consummation of the Amalgamation, Höegh LNG is not required to offer the Partnership Five-Year Vessels and is permitted to compete with it.
Financial Results on Form 6-K
[The Partnership has filed a Form 6-K with the SEC with detailed information on the Partnership’s results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements. The Form 6-K can be viewed on the SEC’s website: http://www.sec.gov and at HMLP’s website: http://www.hoeghlngpartners.com]
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning future events and the Partnership’s operations, performance and financial condition. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements, and may contain the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” “plan,” “intend” or words or phrases of similar meanings. These statements involve known and unknown risks and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond the Partnership’s control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to:
• the effects of outbreaks of pandemic or contagious diseases, including the length and severity of the recent worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, including its impact on the Partnership’s business liquidity, cash flows and operations as well as operations of our customers, suppliers and lenders;
• market conditions and trends for floating storage and regasification units (“FSRUs”) and liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) carriers, including hire rates, vessel valuations, technological advancements, market preferences and factors affecting supply and demand of LNG, LNG carriers, and FSRUs;
• the Partnership’s distribution policy and ability to make cash distributions on its units or any changes in the quarterly distributions on the units;
• restrictions in the Partnership’s debt agreements and pursuant to local laws on the Partnership’s joint ventures’ and the subsidiaries’ ability to make distributions;
• the ability of Höegh LNG to meet its financial obligations to the Partnership pursuant to the Subsequent Charter and the $85 million revolving credit facility and its guarantee and indemnification obligations;
• the change in the ability of Höegh LNG to compete with the Partnership as a result of its completion of the Amalgamation;
• the Partnership’s ability to compete successfully for future chartering and newbuilding opportunities;
• demand in the FSRU sector or the LNG shipping sector; including demand for the Partnership’s vessels;
• the Partnership’s ability to purchase additional vessels from Höegh LNG in the future;
• the Partnership’s ability to integrate and realize the anticipated benefits from acquisitions;
• the Partnership’s anticipated growth strategies; including the acquisition of vessels;
• the Partnership’s anticipated receipt of dividends and repayment of indebtedness from subsidiaries and joint ventures;
• effects of volatility in global prices for crude oil and natural gas;
• the effect of the worldwide economic environment;
• turmoil in the global financial markets;
• fluctuations in currencies and interest rates;
• general market conditions, including fluctuations in hire rates and vessel values;
• changes in the Partnership’s operating expenses, including drydocking, on-water class surveys, insurance costs and bunker costs;
• the Partnership’s ability to comply with financing agreements and the expected effect of restrictions and covenants in such agreements;
• the financial condition, liquidity and creditworthiness of the Partnership’s existing or future customers and their ability to satisfy their obligations under the Partnership’s contracts;
• the Partnership’s ability to replace existing borrowings (including the Lampung facility, the Joint Venture facilities and the $85 million revolving credit facility), make additional borrowings and to access public equity and debt capital markets;
• planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;
• the exercise of purchase options by the Partnership’s customers;
• the Partnership’s ability to perform under its contracts and maintain long-term relationships with its customers;
• the Partnership’s ability to leverage Höegh LNG’s relationships and reputation in the shipping industry;
• the Partnership’s continued ability to enter into long-term, fixed-rate charters and the hire rate thereof;
• the operating performance of the Partnership’s vessels and any related claims by Total S.A., PGN LNG or other customers;
• the Partnership’s ability to maximize the use of its vessels, including the redeployment or disposition of vessels no longer under long-term charters;
• the results of the arbitration with the charterer of PGN FSRU Lampung;
• timely acceptance of the Partnership’s vessels by their charterers;
• termination dates and extensions of charters;
• the cost of, and the Partnership’s ability to comply with, governmental regulations and maritime self-regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by its charterers applicable to its business;
• economic substance laws and regulations adopted or considered by various jurisdictions of formation or incorporation of the Partnership and certain of its subsidiaries;
• availability and cost of skilled labor, vessel crews and management, including possible disruptions, including but not limited to the supply chain of spare parts and service engineers, caused by the COVID-19 outbreak;
• the number of offhire days and drydocking requirements, including the Partnership’s ability to complete scheduled drydocking on time and within budget;
• the Partnership’s general and administrative expenses as a publicly traded limited partnership and fees and expenses payable under the Partnership’s ship management agreements, the technical information and services agreement and the administrative services agreements;
• the anticipated taxation of the Partnership, its subsidiaries and affiliates and distributions to unitholders;
• estimated future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures;
• the Partnership’s ability to hire or retain key employees;
• customers’ increasing emphasis on environmental and safety concerns;
• potential liability from any pending or future litigation;
• risks inherent in the operation of the partnership’s vessels including potential disruption due to accidents, political events, piracy or acts by terrorists;
• future sales of Partnership’s common units, Series A preferred units and other securities in the public market;
• Partnership’s business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations;
• Partnership’s ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and effective disclosure controls and procedures; and
• other factors listed from time to time in the reports and other documents that the Partnership files with the SEC, including the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2020 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 6-K.
Source: Hoegh LNG Partners LP