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Mr. Tavlarios added, "Complementing these efforts, we remain focused on improving our cost structure and increasing fleet utilization. Consistent with these important objectives, we intend to monetize two or three of our older non-core bunkering vessels and divest at least two of our five floating storage facilities by the end of the year. We also expect to redeploy additional bunkering tankers from their existing locations to other markets within our global network to optimize our performance. While market conditions across the global marine fuel supply industry remain challenging, we believe both the positive long-term industry fundamentals and Aegean Marine's growth prospects remain intact. With significant access to capital and a vertically integrated energy logistics chain, both core differentiators, Aegean Marine is well positioned to emerge from the current downturn as a stronger Company." Spyros Gianniotis, Chief Financial Officer, stated, "Aegean Marine's strong capital structure, with more than $700 million in working capital credit facilities, enables our Company to manage fluctuating marine fuel prices and procure large quantities of supply at a discount relative to our competitors. We continue to work closely with our banking group with the goal of expanding our lending facilities under favorable terms." Mr. Gianniotis continued, "In addition, we expect to increase the Company's voyage revenues in the current first quarter. By chartering-out five double-hull bunkering tankers on short-term contracts with high credit quality counterparties, we will add to our revenues line while we ensure a level of stability in our expenses." Conference Call Announcement Aegean Marine plans to hold a conference call on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss its preliminary results for the fourth quarter of 2010. To access the conference call, dial (800) 723-6575 for domestic callers or (785) 830-1997 for international callers, and enter the passcode 8286089. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet on the Company's website, http://www.ampni.com. A replay of the conference call will be available through February 17, 2011 at (888) 203-1112 for domestic callers or (719) 457-0820 for international callers. Enter the passcode 8286089 to access the audio replay. The webcast will also be archived on the Company's website. About Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. is an international marine fuel logistics company that markets and physically supplies refined marine fuel and lubricants to ships in port and at sea. The Company procures product from various sources (such as refineries, oil producers, and traders) and resells it to a diverse group of customers across all major commercial shipping sectors and leading cruise lines. Currently, Aegean has a global presence in more than 16 markets, including Vancouver, Montreal, Mexico, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, West Africa, Gibraltar, U.K., Northern Europe, Piraeus, Patras, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Morocco, the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region, and Las Palmas, and plans to commence operations in Cape Verde during the first quarter of 2011. Source: Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. |