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LONG-TERM DEBT
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014
LONG-TERM DEBT  
LONG-TERM DEBT

(12) LONG-TERM DEBT

        On March 9, 2011, we entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit facility, or "credit facility", which has been subsequently amended from time to time. The credit facility replaced in its entirety the senior secured credit facility that was in place as of December 31, 2010. The credit facility provides for a maximum borrowing line of credit equal to the lesser of (i) $350 million and (ii) 4.75 times Consolidated EBITDA (as defined: $331.6 million at March 31, 2014). We may elect to have loans under the credit facility bear interest either (i) at a rate of LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 2% to 3% depending on the total leverage ratio then in effect, or (ii) at the base rate plus a margin ranging from 1% to 2% depending on the total leverage ratio then in effect. We also pay a commitment fee on the unused amount of commitments, ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per annum, depending on the total leverage ratio then in effect. Our obligations under the credit facility are secured by a first priority security interest in favor of the lenders in the majority of our assets.

        The terms of the credit facility include covenants that restrict our ability to make cash distributions, acquisitions and investments, including investments in joint ventures. We may make distributions of cash to the extent of our "available cash" as defined in our partnership agreement. We may make acquisitions and investments that meet the definition of "permitted acquisitions"; "other investments" which may not exceed 5% of "consolidated net tangible assets"; and "permitted JV investments". Permitted JV investments include up to $225 million of investments in BOSTCO, the "Specified BOSTCO Investment". In addition to the Specified BOSTCO Investment, under the terms of the credit facility, we may make an additional $75 million of other permitted JV investments (including additional investments in BOSTCO). The principal balance of loans and any accrued and unpaid interest are due and payable in full on the maturity date, March 9, 2016.

        Under the credit facility, an event of default will occur if certain specified transactions occur that constitute a change of control with respect to TransMontaigne Inc., our general partner or the partnership, among others. Morgan Stanley has previously announced that it is exploring strategic options for the sale or other disposition of its ownership interest in TransMontaigne Inc. and TransMontaigne Partners L.P., which would result in a change of control for purposes of the credit agreement. Accordingly, prior to the consummation of any such transaction, we will need to seek a waiver or amendment to our credit facility or a replacement financing arrangement. We cannot be certain that we will be successful or, if successful, that any such waiver or amendment to our credit facility, or replacement financing arrangement will be available on favorable terms or without material additional costs to the partnership.

        The credit facility also contains customary representations and warranties (including those relating to organization and authorization, compliance with laws, absence of defaults, material agreements and litigation) and customary events of default (including those relating to monetary defaults, covenant defaults, cross defaults and bankruptcy events). The primary financial covenants contained in the credit facility are (i) a total leverage ratio test (not to exceed 4.75 times), (ii) a senior secured leverage ratio test (not to exceed 3.75 times) in the event we issue senior unsecured notes, and (iii) a minimum interest coverage ratio test (not less than 3.0 times).

        If we were to fail any financial performance covenant, or any other covenant contained in the credit facility, we would seek a waiver from our lenders under such facility. If we were unable to obtain a waiver from our lenders and the default remained uncured after any applicable grace period, we would be in breach of the credit facility, and the lenders would be entitled to declare all outstanding borrowings immediately due and payable. We were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the credit facility as of March 31, 2014.

        For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, the weighted average interest rate on borrowings under the credit facility was approximately 2.6% and 2.2%, respectively. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our outstanding borrowings under the credit facility were $234 million and $212 million, respectively. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, our outstanding letters of credit were approximately $nil at both dates.

        We have an effective universal shelf-registration statement and prospectus on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission that expires in June 2016. TLP Finance Corp., a 100% owned subsidiary of Partners, may act as a co-issuer of any debt securities issued pursuant to that registration statement. Partners and TLP Finance Corp. have no independent assets or operations. Our operations are conducted by subsidiaries of Partners through Partners' 100% owned operating company subsidiary, TransMontaigne Operating Company L.P. Each of TransMontaigne Operating Company L.P. and Partners' other 100% owned subsidiaries (other than TLP Finance Corp., whose sole purpose is to act as co-issuer of any debt securities) may guarantee the debt securities. We expect that any guarantees will be full and unconditional and joint and several, subject to certain automatic customary releases, including sale, disposition, or transfer of the capital stock or substantially all of the assets of a subsidiary guarantor, exercise of legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option, and designation of a subsidiary guarantor as unrestricted in accordance with the indenture. There are no significant restrictions on the ability of Partners or any guarantor to obtain funds from its subsidiaries by dividend or loan. None of the assets of Partners or a guarantor represent restricted net assets pursuant to the guidelines established by the Securities and Exchange Commission.