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Omega President and CEO George Kassiotis commented, "We are very pleased to have entered this joint venture with a very strong partner and thus reinforce the already strong relationship with the Glencore group. Megacore will allow Omega to enjoy significant operating and commercial synergies with one of the largest commodities trading companies in the world. The joint venture will have access to Glencore's global trading network and system cargoes and ST Shipping's commercial chartering experience and will enable us to deploy collectively with our partner a fleet of vessels with significant scale and geographic coverage. Also, the amendment of the newbuilding order has allowed Omega to better manage its capital exposure in this very difficult operating and credit environment. In addition, by spreading the deliveries into 2010, 2011 and 2012, while maintaining the same pre delivery payment terms it allows time for a market recovery and extends out our required cash outlays for the vessels. It is apparent that our 2010 equity requirements have thus been significantly reduced. The conversion into LR1 vessels is also beneficial as the LR1 sector arguably has been the strongest sector in these difficult times both in terms of asset value as well as chartering rates demonstrating the market perception for strong fundamentals based on the increased use of longer haul routes. This off balance sheet structure and revised delivery dates has enabled the Company to shore up its balance sheet and be better able to face these challenging economic times we are in. The LR1 vessels have been contracted at a very high specification and we feel very happy to enjoy such a strong relation and good cooperation with a preeminent shipyard like Hyundai Mipo. Megacore gives both Omega and the Glencore group a very strong platform to build upon going forward." About Omega Navigation Enterprises, Inc. Omega Navigation Enterprises, Inc. is an international provider of global marine transportation services through the ownership and operation of double hull product tankers. The current fleet includes nine double hull product tankers (one through a joint venture) with a carrying capacity of 559,358 dwt all of which are under time charter contracts with an average age of less than three years. In addition to the above mentioned nine newbuilding vessels the Company has also announced the purchase of an additional product tanker with a capacity of 47,000 dwt (through a joint venture) scheduled for delivery in the third quarter 2010. With the addition of these ten vessels, Omega's fleet will expand to 19 product tankers with a total deadweight capacity of 1,252,358 dwt. The Company was incorporated in the Marshall Islands in February 2005. Its principal executive offices are located in Athens, Greece and it also maintains an office in the United States. Omega Navigation's Class A Common Shares are traded on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol "ONAV" and are also listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the symbol "ONAV 50". Omega Navigation Enterprises, Inc. |
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