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Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts and operating results of Seanergy and its wholly-owned subsidiaries where Seanergy has control. Control is presumed to exist when Seanergy through direct or indirect ownership retains the majority of voting interest. In addition, Seanergy evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities. If the determination is made that the Company is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is included in the consolidated financial statements. The Company deconsolidates a subsidiary or derecognizes a group of assets when the Company no longer controls the subsidiary or group of assets, and a gain or loss is recognized. When the Company does not have a controlling interest in an entity, but exerts a significant influence over the entity, the Company applies the equity method of accounting. All significant intercompany balances and transactions and any intercompany profit or loss on assets remaining with the Group have been eliminated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

A parent company deconsolidates a subsidiary or derecognizes a group of assets when that parent company no longer controls the subsidiary or group of assets specified in ASC 810-10-40-3A. When control is lost, the parent-subsidiary relationship no longer exists and the parent derecognizes the assets and liabilities of the qualifying subsidiary or group of assets. The FASB concluded that the loss of control and the related deconsolidation of a subsidiary or derecognition of a group of assets specified in ASC 810-10-40-3A is a significant economic event that changes the nature of the investment held in the subsidiary or group of assets. Based on this consideration, a gain or loss is recognized upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary or derecognition of a group of assets.

Use Of Estimates

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant items subject to such estimates include evaluation of relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest entities, determination of vessel useful lives, allocation of purchase price in a business combination, determination of vessels impairment and determination of goodwill impairment.

Foreign Currency Translation

(c) Foreign Currency Translation

Seanergy's functional currency is the United States dollar since the Company's vessels operate in international shipping markets and therefore primarily transact business in US Dollars. The Company's books of accounts are maintained in US Dollars. Transactions involving other currencies are translated into the United States dollar using exchange rates, which are in effect at the time of the transaction. At the balance sheet dates, monetary assets and liabilities, which are denominated in other currencies, are translated to United States dollars at the foreign exchange rate prevailing at year-end. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency translation are reflected in the consolidated statements of income/(loss).

Concentration of Credit Risk

(d) Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable and derivative contracts (interest rate swaps). The Company places its cash and cash equivalents, consisting mostly of deposits, with high credit qualified financial institutions. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions in which it places its deposits. The Company limits its credit risk with accounts receivable by performing ongoing credit evaluations of its customers' financial condition. Customers individually accounting for more than 10% of the Company's voyage revenues during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 were:

Customer	2012	2011	2010
A	19%	15%	15%
B	14%	17%	11%
C*	14%	10%	-
D*	-	24%	45%
E	-	10%	10%
F	-	10%	-
Total	47%	86%	81%

* Customers C and D are related parties.

The Company does not obtain rights to collateral to reduce its credit risk in the event of non-performance by counter parties to charter agreements; however, the Company limits its exposure by diversifying among counter parties with high credit ratings.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

(e) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Seanergy considers time deposits and all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash is excluded from cash and cash equivalents. Restricted cash at December 31, 2012, does not include an amount of $3,735, relating to not pledged retention accounts and other compensating cash balances, which the Company should maintain with the accounts of each of the lending banks (Note 11).

Accounts Receivable Trade, net

(f) Accounts Receivable Trade, Net

Accounts receivable trade, net at each balance sheet date, includes receivables from charterers for hire, freight and demurrage billings, net of a provision for doubtful accounts. At each balance sheet date, all potentially uncollectible accounts are assessed individually for purposes of determining the appropriate provision for doubtful accounts. The provision for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2012 and 2011 amounted to $631 and $NIL, respectively.

Inventories

(g) Inventories

Inventories consist of lubricants and bunkers which are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined by the first in, first out method.

Insurance Claims

(h) Insurance Claims

The Company records insurance claim recoveries for insured losses incurred on damage to fixed assets and for insured crew medical expenses. Insurance claim recoveries are recorded, net of any deductible amounts, at the time the Company's fixed assets suffer insured damages or when crew medical expenses are incurred, recovery is probable under the related insurance policies, the claim is not subject to litigation and the Company can make an estimate of the amount to be reimbursed. The classification of the insurance claims into current and non-current assets is based on management's expectations as to their collection dates.

Vessels

(i) Vessels

Vessels acquired as a part of a business combination are recorded at fair market value on the date of acquisition. Vessels acquired as asset acquisitions are stated at historical cost, which consists of the contract price less discounts, plus any material expenses incurred upon acquisition (delivery expenses and other expenditures to prepare for the vessel's initial voyage). Vessels acquired from entities under common control are recorded at historical cost. Subsequent expenditures for conversions and major improvements are capitalized, when they appreciably extend the life, increase the earning capacity or improve the efficiency or safety of the vessels. Expenditures for routine maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Vessel Depreciation

(j) Vessel Depreciation

Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the vessels, after considering the estimated salvage value. Management estimates the useful life of the Company's vessels to be 30 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. Salvage value is estimated by the Company by taking the cost of steel times the weight of the ship noted in lightweight ton (LWT). Salvage values are periodically reviewed and revised to recognize changes in conditions, new regulations or other reasons. Revisions of salvage values affect the depreciable amount of the vessels and affects depreciation expense in the period of the revision and future periods. Up to September 30, 2011, management estimated the salvage value of its vessels at $0.270 per LWT. Effective October 1, 2011, following management's reassessment of the residual values of the company's vessels, the estimated salvage value per LWT was increased to $0.435. This change reduced depreciation expense by $729 (approximately $0.10 per share) for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Long-lived Assets Classified as Held for Sale

(k) Long-lived Assets Classified as Held for Sale

The Company classifies long lived assets and disposal groups as being held for sale in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”, when: (i) management, having the authority to approve the action, commits to a plan to sell the asset; (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets; (iii) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated; (iv) the sale of the asset is probable, and transfer of the asset is expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale, within one year; (v) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (vi) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. Long lived assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. These long lived assets are not depreciated once they meet the criteria to be classified as held for sale and are classified in current assets on the consolidated balance sheet.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Vessels)

(l) Impairment of Long-Lived Assets (Vessels)

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as undiscounted projected operating cash flows, business plans to dispose a vessel earlier than the end of its useful life and prevailing market conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. The current conditions in the dry bulk market with decreased charter rates and decreased vessel market values are conditions that the Company considers indicators of a potential impairment for its vessels.

The Company determines undiscounted projected operating cash flows, for each vessel and compares it to the vessel's carrying value. When the undiscounted projected operating cash flows, excluding interest charges, expected to be generated by the use of the vessel and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount, the Company impairs the carrying amount of the vessel. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset as determined by independent valuators. The undiscounted projected operating cash inflows are determined by considering the charter revenues from existing time charters for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily time charter equivalent for the non-fixed days (based on a combination of 2-year forward freight agreements and the median of the trailing 10-year historical charter rates available for each type of vessel) adjusted for brokerage commissions and expected outflows for scheduled vessels' maintenance. The undiscounted projected operating cash outflows are determined by reference to Company's actual vessel operating expenses, assuming an average annual inflation rate of 2.5%. Effective fleet utilization is assumed to 98% in the Company's exercise.

The Company recorded an impairment loss of $147,143, $188,995 and $NIL for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively (Note 9).

Goodwill

(m) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in business combinations accounted for under the purchase method. The Company tests its goodwill for potential impairment at year end or whenever there is an indication of impairment. The goodwill impairment test is a two-step process. Under the first step, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the carrying value of the reporting unit (including goodwill). If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit, goodwill impairment may exist, and the second step of the test is performed. Under the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is compared to the carrying value of the goodwill and an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. Fair value of the reporting unit is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis and market capitalization analysis. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds it carrying value, step two does not have to be performed.

The fair value for goodwill impairment testing is estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, using judgments and assumptions that management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The future cash flows from operations are determined by considering the charter revenues from existing time charters for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily time charter equivalent for the non-fixed days (based on a combination of 2-year forward freight agreements and the median of the trailing 10-year historical charter rates available for each type of vessel).

The Company has one reporting unit and tested its goodwill for potential impairment, and concluded that indication of impairment existed as of September 30, 2012 and 2011. The fair value for goodwill impairment test was estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows, using judgments and assumptions that management believes were appropriate in the circumstances and using the market capitalization approach. The future cash flows from operations were determined by considering the charter revenues from existing time charters for the fixed fleet days and an estimated daily time charter equivalent for the non-fixed days (based on a combination of 2-year forward freight agreements and the median of the trailing 10-year historical charter rates available for each type of vessel). The weighted average cost of capital used was 7.42%, 8.16% and 8.46% for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, and the year ended December 31, 2011, respectively. As a result, an impairment loss for goodwill of $4,365, $12,910 and $NIL was recorded, for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Dry-Docking and Special Survey Costs

(n) Dry-Docking and Special Survey Costs

The Company follows the deferral method of accounting for dry-docking costs and special survey costs whereby actual costs incurred are deferred and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the period through the expected date of the next dry-docking which is scheduled to become due in 2 to 3 years. Dry-docking costs which are not fully amortized by the next dry-docking period are expensed.

Commitments and Contingencies

(o) Commitments and Contingencies

Liabilities for loss contingencies, arising from claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties, environmental and remediation obligations and other sources are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.

Revenue Recognition

(p) Revenue Recognition

Voyage revenues are generated from time charters, bareboat charters and voyage charters. A time charter is a contract for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charter hire rate, which is generally payable in advance. Some of the time charters also include profit sharing provisions, under which additional revenue can be realized in the event the spot rates are higher than the base rates under the time charters. A bareboat charter is a contract in which the vessel is provided to the charterer for a fixed period of time at a specified daily rate, which is generally payable in advance. Voyage charter agreements are charter hires, where a contract is made in the spot market for the use of a vessel for a specific voyage at a specified charter rate per ton of cargo.

Time charter revenue, including bareboat hire, is recorded over the term of the charter agreement as the service is provided and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured. Under a time charter, revenue is adjusted for a vessel's off hire days due to major repairs, dry dockings or special or intermediate surveys. Voyage charter revenue is recognized on a pro-rata basis over the duration of the voyage, when a voyage agreement exists, the price is fixed or determinable, service is provided and the collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured. A voyage is deemed to commence when a vessel is available for loading and is deemed to end upon the completion of the discharge of the delivered cargo.

Revenue earned from related parties is included in Vessel revenue - related party.

Deferred revenue represents cash received prior to the balance sheet date and is related to revenue applicable to periods after such date.

Commissions

(q) Commissions

Commissions, which include address and brokerage commissions, are recognized in the same period as the respective charter revenues. Address commissions to third parties are included in Commissions. Brokerage commissions to related parties are included in Voyage expenses - related party. Brokerage commissions to third parties are included in Direct voyage expenses.

Vessel Voyage Expenses

(r) Vessel Voyage Expenses

Vessel voyage expenses primarily consist of port, canal, bunker expenses and brokerage commissions that are unique to a particular charter and are paid for by the charterer under time charter agreements and other non-specified voyage expenses.

Repairs and Maintenance

(s) Repairs and Maintenance

All repair and maintenance expenses, including major overhauling and underwater inspection expenses are expensed in the year incurred. Such costs are included in Vessel operating expenses.

Financing Costs

(t) Financing Costs

Underwriting, legal and other direct costs incurred with the issuance of long-term debt or to refinance existing debt are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt using the effective interest method. Unamortized fees relating to loans repaid are expensed in the period the repayment is made.

Income Taxes

(u) Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized, when applicable, for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The Company recognizes the effect of income tax positions only if those positions are more likely than not of being sustained. Recognized income tax positions are measured at the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized. Changes in recognition or measurement are reflected in the period in which the change in judgment occurs. The Company records interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in general and administration expenses.

Maritime Capital Shipping (HK) Limited, the Company's management office in Hong Kong, is subject to Hong Kong profits tax at a rate of 16.5% on the estimated assessable profit for the year.

Seanergy Management Corp. (“Seanergy Management”), the Company's management company, established in Greece under Greek Law 89/67 (as amended to date), is subject to an annual contribution calculated on the total amount of foreign exchange annually imported and converted to Euros during 2012-2015 according to a new tax bill passed in 2013 under the laws of the Republic of Greece. The new tax bill retroactive to 2012 and the contribution to be paid in 2013 by Seanergy Management for 2012 is estimated at approximately $47.

Additionally, effective January 1, 2013 onwards, each foreign flagged vessel managed in Greece by Greek or foreign ship management companies is subject to Greek tonnage tax, under the laws of the Republic of Greece. The Company's vessels' technical management company, Enterprises Shipping and Trading, S.A. (“EST”), an affiliate (Note 3(c)) is responsible for the filing and payment of the respective tonnage tax on behalf of Seanergy. The tonnage tax will be recorded within Vessel operating expenses in the consolidated statements of income/(loss). The 2013 tonnage tax is estimated at approximately $144 and Seanergy will be liable to reimburse EST.

Pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code of the United States (the “Code”), U.S. source income from the international operations of ships is generally exempt from U.S. tax if the company operating the ships meets both of the following requirements, (a) the Company is organized in a foreign country that grants an equivalent exception to corporations organized in the United States and (b) either (i) more than 50% of the value of the Company's stock is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are “residents” of the Company's country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to corporations organized in the United States (50% Ownership Test) or (ii) the Company's stock is “primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market” in its country of organization, in another country that grants an “equivalent exemption” to United States corporations, or in the United States (Publicly-Traded Test).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulations provide, in pertinent part, that each class of the Company's stock will not be considered to be “regularly traded” on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or more of the vote and value of the outstanding shares of such class are owned, actually or constructively under specified stock attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of the value of such class of the Company's outstanding stock (“5 Percent Override Rule”).

The Company and each of its subsidiaries expects to qualify for this statutory tax exemption for the 2012, 2011 and 2010 taxable years, and the Company takes this position for United States federal income tax return reporting purposes. However, there are factual circumstances beyond the Company's control that could cause it to lose the benefit of this tax exemption in future years and thereby become subject to United States federal income tax on its United States source income such as if, for a particular taxable year, other shareholders with a five percent or greater interest in the Company's stock were, in combination with the Company's existing 5% shareholders, to own 50% or more of the Company's outstanding shares of its stock on more than half the days during the taxable year.

The Company estimates that since no more than the 50% of its shipping income would be treated as being United States source income, the effective tax rate is expected to be 2% and accordingly it anticipates that the impact on its results of operations will not be material. The Company has assessed that it satisfies the Publicly-Traded Test and all of its United States source shipping income is exempt from U.S. federal income tax for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010. Based on its U.S. source Shipping Income for 2012, 2011 and 2010, the Company would be subject to U.S. federal income tax of approximately $85, $261 and $378, respectively, in the absence of an exemption under Section 883.

Stock-Based Compensation

(v) Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation represents vested and non-vested common stock granted to directors and employees for their services. The Company calculates stock-based compensation expense for the award based on its fair value on the grant date and recognizes it on a straight-line basis over the vesting period.

Earnings (Losses) per Share

(w) Earnings (Losses) per Share

Basic earnings (losses) per common share are computed by dividing net income (loss) available to Seanergy's shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings (losses) per share, reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted at the beginning of the periods presented, or issuance date, if later. Potential common shares that have an anti-dilutive effect (i.e. those that increase income per share or decrease loss per share) are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

Segment Reporting

(x) Segment Reporting

Seanergy reports financial information and evaluates its operations by total charter revenues and not by the length of vessel employment, customer, or type of charter. As a result, management, including the chief operating decision maker, reviews operating results solely by revenue per day and operating results of the fleet and thus, Seanergy has determined that it operates under one reportable segment. Furthermore, when Seanergy charters a vessel to a charterer, the charterer is free to trade the vessel worldwide and, as a result, disclosure of geographic information is impracticable.

Financial Instruments

(y) Financial Instruments

Derivative instruments (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) are recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its fair value, with changes in the derivatives' fair value recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met. The Company is party to interest swap agreements where it receives a floating interest rate and pays a fixed interest rate for a certain period in exchange. These contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting and as such changes in their fair values are reported to earnings. The fair value of these agreements equates to the amount that would be paid by the Company if the agreements were cancelled at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates.

Fair Value Measurements

(z) Fair Value Measurements

In May 2011, the FASB issued new guidance for fair value measurements intended to achieve common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). The amended guidance provides a consistent definition of fair value to ensure that the fair value measurement and disclosure requirements are similar between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amended guidance changes certain fair value measurement principles and enhances the disclosure requirements, particularly for Level 3 fair value measurements. The amended guidance was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012. The adoption of the new guidance for fair value measurements had no effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

(aa) Recent Accounting Pronouncements

There are no recent accounting pronouncements issued during 2012 whose adoption would have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements in the current year or expected to have an impact on future years.