United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One) |
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended
OR |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
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(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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(Address of Principal Executive Office) |
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Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ☐ Yes ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ☐ Yes ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer |
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Non-accelerated filer |
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Smaller reporting company |
Emerging growth company |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 (b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
The aggregate market value of the voting stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the Registrant’s last fiscal year is incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SEACOR MARINE HOLDINGS INC.
FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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PART I |
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Item 1. |
1 |
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1 |
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1 |
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6 |
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11 |
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11 |
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Item 1A. |
13 |
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Item 1B. |
38 |
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Item 1C. |
38 |
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Item 2. |
39 |
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Item 3. |
39 |
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Item 4. |
39 |
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40 |
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PART II |
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Item 5. |
41 |
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Item 6. |
42 |
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Item 7. |
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
43 |
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43 |
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43 |
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44 |
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45 |
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47 |
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61 |
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64 |
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64 |
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65 |
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65 |
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Item 7A. |
67 |
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Item 8. |
67 |
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Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
67 |
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Item 9A. |
67 |
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Item 9B. |
68 |
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PART III |
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Item 10. |
69 |
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Item 11. |
69 |
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Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
69 |
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Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
69 |
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Item 14. |
69 |
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PART IV |
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Item 15. |
70 |
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Item 16. |
73 |
i
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements discussed in Item 1. (Business), Item 1A. (Risk Factors), Item 3. (Legal Proceedings), Item 7. (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), Item 7A. (Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk) and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as in other materials and oral statements that the Company releases from time to time to the public constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements concern management’s expectations, strategic objectives, business prospects, anticipated economic performance and financial condition and other similar matters and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements discussed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Certain of these risks, uncertainties and other important factors are discussed in Item 1A. (Risk Factors) and Item 7. (Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations). However, it should be understood that it is not possible to identify or predict all such risks, uncertainties and factors, and others may arise from time to time. All of these forward-looking statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “believe,” “plan,” “target,” “forecast” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the document in which they are made. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based unless required by law. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us,” “its” and the “Company” refer to SEACOR Marine Holdings Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. “SEACOR Marine” refers to SEACOR Marine Holdings Inc., incorporated in 2014 in Delaware, without its subsidiaries. “Common Stock” refers to the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of SEACOR Marine. The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31 of each year.
SEACOR Marine’s principal executive office is located at 12121 Wickchester Lane, Suite 500, Houston, Texas 77079, and its telephone number is (346) 980-1700. SEACOR Marine’s website address is www.seacormarine.com. Any reference to SEACOR Marine’s website is not intended to incorporate the information on the website into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company’s corporate governance documents, including SEACOR Marine’s board of directors’ (“Board of Directors”) Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee charters as well as the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics are available, free of charge, on SEACOR Marine’s website or in print for stockholders who request a copy.
All of the Company’s periodic and other reports filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), are available, free of charge, on SEACOR Marine’s website, including its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements and any amendments to those reports. These reports and amendments are available on SEACOR Marine’s website as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files the reports or amendments with the SEC. The SEC maintains a website (www.sec.gov) that contains these reports, proxy and information statements and other information.
Business
The Company provides global marine and support transportation services to offshore energy facilities worldwide. The Company operates and manages a diverse fleet of offshore support vessels that (i) deliver cargo and personnel to offshore installations, including offshore wind farms, (ii) assist offshore operations for production and storage facilities, (iii) provide construction, well work-over, offshore wind farm installation and decommissioning support, (iv) carry and launch equipment used underwater in drilling and well installation, maintenance, inspection and repair, and (v) handle anchors and mooring equipment for offshore rigs and platforms. Additionally, the Company’s vessels provide emergency response services and accommodations for technicians and specialists.
On January 12, 2021, the Company completed the announced sale of Windcat Workboats Holdings Limited (“Windcat Workboats”), the Company’s indirect wholly owned subsidiary, and the crew transfer vessel (“CTV”) business of Windcat Workboats (the “Windcat Workboats CTV Business”), which was previously classified as assets held for sale as of the end of the fourth quarter 2020. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the results for all periods presented exclude the CTV operations of the Windcat Workboats CTV Business which are classified as CTV - Discontinued Operations.
1
For a discussion of risk and economic factors that may impact the Company’s financial position and its results of operations, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Equipment and Services
The following tables identify the types of vessels that comprise the Company’s fleet as of December 31 for the indicated years. “Owned” are majority owned and controlled by the Company. “Joint-Ventured” are owned or operated by entities in which the Company does not have a controlling interest. “Leased-in” may either be vessels contracted from leasing companies to which the Company may have sold and leased back such vessels or vessels chartered-in from other third party owners. “Managed” are owned by entities not affiliated with the Company but operated by the Company for a fee. A description of vessel classes follows this table.
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Owned Fleet |
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Owned |
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Joint- |
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Leased - |
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Managed |
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Total |
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Average |
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U.S.- |
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Foreign- |
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2023 (2) |
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PSV |
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21 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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21 |
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7 |
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5 |
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16 |
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FSV |
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22 |
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— |
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— |
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3 |
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25 |
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11 |
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6 |
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16 |
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Liftboats |
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8 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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8 |
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13 |
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6 |
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2 |
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AHTS |
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3 |
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— |
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1 |
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— |
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4 |
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14 |
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— |
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3 |
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54 |
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— |
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1 |
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3 |
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58 |
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10 |
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17 |
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37 |
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2022 |
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PSV |
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21 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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21 |
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6 |
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5 |
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16 |
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FSV |
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22 |
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— |
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1 |
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2 |
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25 |
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10 |
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5 |
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17 |
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Liftboats |
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9 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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9 |
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12 |
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7 |
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2 |
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AHTS |
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3 |
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— |
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2 |
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— |
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5 |
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13 |
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— |
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3 |
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55 |
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— |
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3 |
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2 |
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60 |
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9 |
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17 |
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38 |
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2021 |
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PSV |
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20 |
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15 |
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— |
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— |
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35 |
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5 |
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5 |
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15 |
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FSV |
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23 |
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5 |
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1 |
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1 |
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30 |
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9 |
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5 |
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18 |
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Liftboats (3) |
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9 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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9 |
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11 |
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7 |
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2 |
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AHTS |
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4 |
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— |
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2 |
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— |
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6 |
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13 |
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1 |
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3 |
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Specialty (4) |
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1 |
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— |
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— |
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— |
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1 |
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13 |
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— |
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1 |
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57 |
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20 |
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3 |
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1 |
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81 |
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8 |
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18 |
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39 |
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Platform supply vessels (“PSVs”) generally range from 190 to more than 300 feet in length and are primarily used to deliver general cargo, drilling fluids, bulk products, methanol, diesel fuel and water to rigs and platforms where drilling and work-over activity is underway. These vessels can be modified for a wide variety of other uses and missions, including, but not limited to, construction support (typically when fitted with a crane), standby, security, firefighting, and accommodation. Relevant differentiating features of PSVs are total carrying capacity (expressed as deadweight: “dwt”), available area of clear deck space, below-deck capacity for storage of mud and bulk products used in the drilling process, tank storage for water and fuel oil, accommodation capacity and fuel efficiency. To improve fuel efficiency, reduce carbon and other emissions, and provide greater redundancy, PSVs are sometimes equipped with hybrid battery power systems. As of December 31, 2023, six of the 21 owned PSVs were equipped with hybrid battery power systems. The Company has also committed to additional hybrid battery power systems to be installed on five PSVs in 2024 and 2025. Additional factors in the commercial marketability of PSVs are operating draft because certain markets are limited in the size of vessel that can work safely, local flag preference, cabotage requirements and regulations. To improve station keeping ability, many modern PSVs have DP systems capabilities. As of December 31, 2023, all 21 of the owned PSVs were equipped with DP-2.
2
Fast support vessels (“FSVs”) are aluminum hull vessels used primarily to move cargo and personnel to and from offshore drilling rigs, platforms and other installations at greater speeds than traditional steel hull support vessels. FSVs can be catamaran or mono-hull vessels ranging from 145 to 205 feet in length and capable of speeds between 20 to 45 knots with capacities to carry special cargo, support both drilling operations and production services and transport passengers. The Company’s FSV fleet includes vessels that have a passenger capacity of 36 to 150 and, on certain newer FSVs, include reclining seating, ambient lighting and other features to enhance the comfort and marketability of the FSV for passenger transport. FSVs built within the last ten years are sometimes equipped with DP-2 systems, firefighting equipment, hospitals, walk to work and ride control systems for greater comfort and performance. As of December 31, 2023, 20 of the 22 owned FSVs were equipped with DP-2 and two were equipped with DP-3. We have been a pioneer in improving the fuel efficiency of FSVs. For instance, our FSV fleet is comprised of vessels with semi-displacement hulls and many of our vessels include ride control technology that optimizes vessel trim and dampens acceleration to reduce fuel consumption. We have also been exploring additional means to cut down on fuel consumption of FSVs, such as through the installation of whole hull ultrasonic antifouling systems. This antifouling technology is currently on 17 of our FSVs.
In addition to its existing fleet of FSVs, as of December 31, 2023, the Company has a construction project in progress for one U.S.-flag, DP-2 FSV with an undetermined delivery date as the Company, at its option, may defer its construction for an indefinite period of time.
Liftboats provide a self-propelled, stable platform to perform offshore wind farm installation and maintenance, production platform construction, inspection, maintenance and removal, well intervention and work-over, well production enhancement, well plug and abandonment, pipeline installation and maintenance and diving operations. The length of jacking legs (235 feet to 335 feet for the Company’s liftboats) determines the water depth in which these vessels can work. Other differentiating features are crane lifting capacity and reach, clear deck area, helipad and electrical generating power and accommodation capacity. Liftboats are used in all of our operating areas. As of December 31, 2023, three of the eight owned liftboats were equipped with DP-2, one with DP-1 and the remaining liftboats were not equipped with DP. Liftboats can support projects while elevated out of the water, shutting down all main engines and relying on one generator during the project, realizing a significant reduction in fuel consumption over vessels that can perform similar missions but that would have to run all engines for the same performance.
Anchor handling towing supply vessels (“AHTS”) are used primarily to support offshore drilling activities by towing, positioning and mooring drilling rigs and other marine equipment. AHTS are also used to carry and launch equipment such as remote operated vehicles (“ROVs”) used underwater in drilling and well installation, maintenance, and repair and transport supplies and equipment from shore bases to offshore drilling rigs, platforms and other installations, including floating offshore wind farm installations. The defining characteristics of AHTS are: (i) horsepower (“bhp”); (ii) Bollard pull, which is the pulling capacity of the AHTS and is important for towing and positioning rigs; (iii) winch size in terms of “line pull” and brake holding capacity; and (iv) wire storage capacity. The Company’s fleet of AHTS has varying capabilities and supports offshore mooring activities in water depths ranging from 300 to 8,000 feet. Most modern AHTS are equipped with DP systems and can also carry drilling fluids and bulk products below-deck. As of December 31, 2023, all four of the Company’s owned and leased-in AHTS were equipped with DP-2.
Specialty vessels include anchor handling tugs, accommodation, line handling and other vessels. These vessels generally have specialized features adapting them to specific applications including offshore maintenance and construction services, freight hauling services and accommodation services. The Company has not had any specialty vessels in its active fleet since the second quarter of 2022.
Markets
The Company operates its fleet in four principal geographic regions: the United States (“U.S.”), primarily in the Gulf of Mexico; Africa and Europe; the Middle East and Asia; and Latin America, primarily in Mexico and Guyana. The Company’s vessels are highly mobile and regularly and routinely move between countries within a geographic region. In addition, the Company’s vessels are redeployed among geographic regions, subject to flag restrictions, as changes in market conditions dictate.
3
The table below sets forth vessel types by geographic market as of December 31 for the indicated years. The Company sometimes participates in joint venture arrangements in certain geographical locations in order to enhance marketing capabilities and facilitate operations in certain foreign markets or if otherwise required by law allowing for the expansion of its fleet and operations while diversifying risks and reducing capital outlays associated with such expansion. Since September 2022, the Company has not participated in any joint ventures that own or lease in vessels.
Over the past three years, the Company has worked diligently to right size through vessel sales and exiting from joint ventures, and configure its fleet to meet the demands of its markets, including by focusing on environmental stewardship through the reconfiguration of vessels to utilize hybrid battery power systems. In addition, the Company’s fleet reconfiguration has enabled it to meet its goals of focusing on the highest margin vessels and deployments. The Company believes its smaller fleet, together with a simplified capital structure, will allow it to react more quickly and dynamically to a variety of investment opportunities in its industry.
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2023 |
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2022 |
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2021 |
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United States, primarily U.S. Gulf of Mexico: |
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PSV |
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2 |
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3 |
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3 |
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FSV |
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5 |
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5 |
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4 |
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Liftboats |
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6 |
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7 |
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6 |
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AHTS |
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— |
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1 |
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2 |
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13 |
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16 |
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15 |
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Africa and Europe, continuing operations: |
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PSV |
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6 |
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6 |
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3 |
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FSV |
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10 |
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10 |
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10 |
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AHTS |
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3 |
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3 |
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3 |
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19 |
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19 |
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16 |
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Middle East and Asia: |
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PSV |
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5 |
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5 |
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7 |
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FSV |
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8 |
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8 |
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9 |
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Liftboats |
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2 |
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2 |
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2 |
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AHTS |
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1 |
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1 |
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1 |
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Specialty |
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— |
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— |
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1 |
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16 |
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16 |
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20 |
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Latin America: |
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PSV |
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8 |
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7 |
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22 |
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FSV |
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2 |
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2 |
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7 |
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Liftboats |
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— |
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— |
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|
1 |
|
|
|
|
10 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
|
|
30 |
|
Total Foreign Fleet |
|
|
45 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
66 |
|
Total Fleet |
|
|
58 |
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
United States, primarily U.S. Gulf of Mexico. As of December 31, 2023, 13 vessels were located in this region, including 11 owned and two managed. The Company’s vessels in this market consist primarily of a fleet of FSVs, PSVs and liftboats that support oil and natural gas exploration and production activities, seasonal construction, decommissioning and diving support operations, as well as the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms in the Northeast of the U.S.
Africa and Europe, continuing operations. As of December 31, 2023, 19 vessels were located in this region, including 18 owned and one leased-in. The Company’s vessels in this market generally support projects for major oil companies primarily in Angola, Senegal, Namibia, Nigeria and the North Sea. On January 12, 2021, the Company completed the sale of its Windcat Workboats CTV Business, comprised of 46 CTVs (45 active vessels and one vessel previously removed from service) located in Europe providing crew transfer to offshore wind farms.
Middle East and Asia. As of December 31, 2023, 16 vessels were located in this region, including 15 owned and one managed. The Company’s vessels in this area generally support exploration, personnel transport and seasonal construction activities in Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Egypt.
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Latin America. As of December 31, 2023, ten vessels were located in this region, all of which were owned. These vessels consist of a fleet of FSVs and PSVs that provide support for exploration and production activities primarily in Mexico, Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. From time to time, the Company’s vessels also work in Brazil and Colombia. On September 29, 2022, the Company sold its equity interests in Mantenimiento Express Marítimo, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“MexMar”), and Offshore Vessels Holding, S.A.P.I. de C.V. (“OVH”), and acquired 100% of the equity interest in SEACOR Marlin LLC. As a result, the Company no longer operates 19 of the joint-ventured vessels owned by MexMar and OVH, and acquired one previously joint-ventured vessel owned by SEACOR Marlin LLC.
Seasonality
The demand for the Company’s fleet can fluctuate with weather conditions because maintenance, construction and decommissioning activities are planned during times of the year with more favorable weather conditions. Seasonality is most pronounced for the liftboat fleet in the United States and offshore support vessels in Europe, Middle East and West Africa, with peak demand normally occurring during the summer months. As a consequence of this seasonality, the Company typically schedules drydockings or other repair and maintenance activity during the winter months.
Customers and Contractual Arrangements
The Company’s principal customers are major integrated national and international oil companies, independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies, oil field service and construction companies, as well as offshore wind farm operators and offshore wind farm installation and maintenance companies. For oil and natural gas customers, the volatility of commodity prices and an increased focus on capital discipline (e.g., limiting spending to existing free cash flow and prioritizing returning money to shareholders) could limit their field development and production activities which utilize the Company’s services, as these companies continue to focus on increasing or maintaining efficiency, controlling costs and delaying or abandoning exploration activity and facilities with less promise. However, some of our oil and natural gas customers are increasing their capital expenditures in response to higher post-pandemic demand for energy and are increasing their focus on reliable and secure energy sources while maintaining capital discipline. Additionally, increasing offshore wind farm development, particularly in the Northeast of the U.S., has provided opportunities for the Company to work with new customers.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, three customers, ExxonMobil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), SEACOR Marine Arabia LLC (“SEACOR Marine Arabia”), a joint venture that is 45% owned by a subsidiary of SEACOR Marine and through which vessels are in service to Saudi Arabian Oil Company (“Saudi Aramco”), and Azule Energy Angola S.p.A. (“Azule”), a joint venture between BP p.l.c. and Eni S.p.A., were each responsible for over 10% of the Company’s consolidated operating revenues from continuing operations. ExxonMobil, SEACOR Marine Arabia and Azule were responsible for 17%, 15% and 15%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated revenues from continuing operations in 2023. The Company’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 73% of the consolidated revenues from continuing operations in 2023. The loss of one or more of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company earns revenue primarily from the time charter and bareboat charter of vessels to customers. Since the Company charges customers based upon daily rates of hire, vessel revenues are recognized on a daily basis throughout the contract period. Under a time charter, the Company provides a vessel to a customer and is responsible for all operating expenses, typically excluding fuel. Under a bareboat charter, the Company provides a vessel to a customer and the customer assumes responsibility for all operating expenses and assumes all risks of operation. In the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, time charter durations and rates are typically established in the context of master service agreements that govern the terms and conditions of the charter.
In the Company’s operating areas, contracts or charters vary in length from several days to multi-year periods. Many of the Company’s contracts and charters include cancellation clauses without early termination penalties. As a result of cancellations, options and frequent renewals, the stated duration of charters may not correlate with the length of time the vessel is contracted for to provide services to a particular customer.
Competitive Conditions
The market for offshore marine services is highly fragmented and competitive depending upon the region of operation. The most important competitive factors are pricing, availability and specifications of equipment to fit customer requirements. Other important factors include service, reputation, flag preference, local marine operating and regulatory conditions, the ability to provide and maintain logistical support given the complexity of a project, and the cost of moving equipment from one geographic region to another.
The Company has numerous competitors in each of the geographic regions in which it operates, ranging from international companies that operate in many regions to smaller local companies that typically concentrate their activities in one specific country or region.
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Risks of Foreign Operations
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, 79%, 72%, and 88%, respectively, of the Company’s operating revenues from continuing operations and $3.6 million, $7.0 million and $15.4 million, respectively, of the Company’s equity in earnings from 50% or less owned companies, net of tax, were derived from its foreign operations.
Foreign operations are subject to inherent risks, which, if they materialize, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. See the risk factors regarding international operations in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Government Regulation
The Company’s ownership, operation, construction and staffing of vessels is subject to significant regulation under various international, federal, state and local laws, regulations and conventions, including international conventions and ship registry laws of the nations under which the Company’s vessels are flagged, especially with respect to foreign ownership, health, safety, environmental protection and vessel and port security. The following summary is intended to highlight key regulations applicable to the Company’s operations and vessels, and is not intended to be comprehensive.
The Company does not expect that it will be required to make capital expenditures in the near future to comply with applicable laws and regulations that would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, cash flows or prospects. The Company is subject to extensive federal, state, local and international environmental and safety laws and regulations and to comprehensive international conventions, including laws and regulations related to the discharge of oil and pollutants into waters regulated thereunder. Violations of these laws may result in civil and criminal penalties, fines, injunctions, or other sanctions, any of which could be material. However, because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly strict requirements, the Company cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with these laws and regulations.
Regulatory Matters
Most of the vessels operated by the Company are registered in foreign jurisdictions, with the remainder registered in the U.S. Vessels are subject to the laws of the applicable jurisdiction of registration regarding several matters, including ownership, manning, environmental protection and safety. In addition, the Company’s vessels are subject to the requirements of a number of international conventions that are applicable to vessels depending on their jurisdiction of registration. Among the more significant of these conventions are: (i) the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (“MARPOL”); (ii) the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and 1978 Protocols (“SOLAS”); (iii) the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (“STCW”); (iv) the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (the “MLC”); and (v) the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (the “ISPS Code”).
Domestically registered vessels are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Coast Guard (“USCG”), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (“MARAD”), as well as in certain instances applicable state and local laws. The Company’s operations may be, from time to time, regulated by the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (“BSEE”) and its Safety and Environmental Management System regulations, and the Company must also periodically certify that its maritime operations adhere to those regulations. These agencies and organizations establish safety requirements and standards and, together with the National Transportation Safety Board (“NTSB”), are authorized to investigate vessels and accidents and to recommend improved maritime safety standards. The Company is also subject to the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and comparable state laws and regulations that govern the protection of the health and safety of employees.
The Company is subject to regulation under the U.S. Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (“Jones Act”) and related U.S. cabotage laws, which restrict ownership and operation of vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade (defined as trade between points in the U.S.), including the transportation of cargo. Subject to limited exceptions, the Jones Act requires that vessels engaged in U.S. coastwise trade be built in the U.S., registered under the U.S.-flag, manned by predominantly U.S. crews, and be owned, operated and controlled by U.S. citizens. Violation of the Jones Act could prohibit operation of vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade during the period of such non-compliance, result in material fines and subject Company vessels to seizure and forfeiture.
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SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated By-Laws include various provisions designed to facilitate compliance with the Jones Act, including provisions that: (i) limit the aggregate percentage ownership by non-U.S. citizens of any class of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock (including Common Stock) to 22.5% of the outstanding shares of each such class to ensure that ownership by non-U.S. citizens will not exceed the maximum percentage permitted by applicable maritime law (presently 25%) but authorize the Board of Directors, under certain circumstances, to increase the foregoing percentage to 24%; (ii) permit the use of a dual stock certification system to help determine such ownership; (iii) provide that any issuance or transfer of shares in excess of such permitted percentage shall be ineffective as against SEACOR Marine and prohibit SEACOR Marine and its transfer agent from registering such purported issuance or transfer of shares or be required to recognize the purported transferee or owner as a stockholder of SEACOR Marine for any purpose whatsoever except to exercise its remedies; (iv) provide that the purported transferee of any such excess shares shall not have any voting or dividend rights; (v) permit SEACOR Marine to redeem any such excess shares; and (vi) permit the Board of Directors to make such reasonable determinations as may be necessary to ascertain such ownership and implement such limitations. In addition, SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated By-Laws limit the number of non-U.S. citizens that may serve as directors and restrict any non-U.S. citizen from, among other things, holding certain specified senior officer positions. For more information, see SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated By-Laws, which are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (the “MLC”) establishes comprehensive minimum requirements for working conditions of seafarers including, among other things, conditions of employment, hours of work and rest, grievance and complaints procedures, accommodations, recreational facilities, food and catering, health protection, medical care, welfare, and social security protection. The MLC defines seafarer to include all persons engaged in work on a vessel in addition to the vessel’s crew. Under this MLC definition, the Company may be responsible for proving that customer and contractor personnel aboard its vessels have contracts of employment that comply with the MLC requirements. The Company could also be potentially responsible for salaries and/or benefits of third parties that may board one of its vessels. The MLC requires certain vessels that engage in international trade to maintain a valid Maritime Labour Certificate issued by their flag administration. Although the U.S. is not a party to the MLC, U.S.-flag vessels operating internationally must comply with the MLC when visiting a port in a country that is a party to the MLC. As part of its safety management system (“SMS”), the Company maintains a fleetwide plan designed to comply with the MLC to the extent applicable to its vessels.
The hull and machinery of most commercial vessels are classed by an international classification society authorized by its country of registry and subject to survey and inspection by shipping regulatory bodies. The international classification society certifies that a vessel is maintained in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the vessel’s country of registry and SOLAS. Certain of the Company's vessels are subject to the periodic inspection, survey, drydocking and maintenance requirements of the USCG, the American Bureau of Shipping (“ABS”) and other marine classification societies.
Under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 (“Merchant Marine Act”) and Chapter 563 of Title 46 of the U.S. Code, the Company’s U.S.-flag vessels are subject to requisition, charter or purchase by the U.S. government under certain terms and conditions during a national emergency as described further in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” under the heading “Under certain circumstances, the Company’s vessels are subject to requisition for ownership or use by governmental agencies” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Vessels registered under other flag states may also be subject to requisition or purchase in accordance with applicable local law.
A wide range of domestic governmental agencies, including the USCG, the EPA, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Pipeline Safety, the BSEE and certain individual states, regulate vessels and other structures in accordance with the requirements of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (“OPA 90”) or analogous state law. There is currently little uniformity among the regulations issued by these agencies, which increases the Company’s compliance costs and risk of non-compliance.
The International Safety Management Code (“ISM Code”), adopted by the International Maritime Organization (the “IMO”) as an amendment to SOLAS, provides international standards for the safe management and operation of ships and for the prevention of marine pollution from ships. The U.S. enforces the ISM Code for all U.S.-flag vessels and those foreign-flag vessels that call at U.S. ports. All of the Company’s vessels that are 500 or more gross tons are certified as required under the standards set forth in the ISM Code’s safety and pollution protocols. The Company also voluntarily complies with these protocols for some vessels that are under the mandatory 500-gross ton threshold and many of the Company’s customers contractually require compliance with these protocols regardless of the gross tonnage of the vessel. Under the ISM Code, vessel operators are required to develop an extensive SMS applicable to the vessel and shoreside personnel that includes, among other things, the adoption of a written system of safety and environmental protection policies setting forth instructions and procedures for operating their vessels subject to the ISM Code and describing procedures for responding to emergencies. The ISM Code also requires a Document of Compliance to be obtained for the vessel manager and a Safety Management Certificate to be obtained for each vessel subject to the ISM Code that it operates or manages. The Company believes that it has complied with these requirements in all material respects.
Noncompliance with the ISM Code and other IMO regulations may subject the shipowner or charterer to increased liability, may lead to decreases in available insurance coverage for affected vessels, may cause the loss of customers, and may result in the denial of access to, or detention in, some ports. For example, the USCG authorities have indicated that vessels not in compliance with the ISM Code will be prohibited from utilizing U.S. ports.
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Regulatory Compliance
OPA 90 establishes a regulatory and liability regime for the protection of the environment from oil spills. OPA 90 applies to owners and operators of facilities operating near navigable waters of the U.S., and owners, operators and bareboat charterers of vessels operating in U.S. waters, which include the navigable waters of the U.S. and the 200-mile exclusive economic zone around the U.S. (the “EEZ”). For purposes of its liability limits and financial responsibility and response planning requirements, OPA 90 differentiates between tank vessels (such as chemical and petroleum product vessels and liquid tank barges) and “other vessels” (such as the Company’s offshore support vessels).
Under OPA 90, owners and operators of regulated facilities and owners and operators or bareboat charterers of vessels are “responsible parties” and may be jointly, severally and strictly liable for removal costs and damages arising from facility and vessel oil spills or threatened spills up to certain limits of liability as discussed below. Damages are defined broadly to include: (i) injury to natural resources and the costs of remediation thereof; (ii) injury to, or economic losses resulting from, the destruction of real and personal property; (iii) net loss by various governmental bodies of taxes, royalties, rents, fees or profits; (iv) lost profits or impairment of earning capacity due to property or natural resources damage; (v) net costs of providing increased or additional public services necessitated by a spill response, such as protection from fire or other hazards or taking additional safety precautions; and (vi) loss of subsistence use of available natural resources.
OPA 90 limits liability for responsible parties for non-tank vessels, such as the Company’s, to the greater of $1,300 per gross ton or $1,076,000. These liability limits do not apply (a) if an incident is caused by the responsible party’s violation (or the violation of a person acting pursuant to a contract with the responsible party) of federal safety, construction or operating regulations or by the responsible party’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, (b) if the responsible party fails or refuses to report the incident or to provide reasonable cooperation and assistance in connection with oil removal activities as required by a responsible official or (c) if the responsible party fails or refuses to comply with an order issued under OPA 90.
OPA 90 requires vessel owners and operators to establish and maintain with the USCG evidence of insurance or qualification as a self-insurer or other evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet their potential liabilities under OPA 90. In recent years, the Company has satisfied USCG regulations by providing evidence of financial responsibility demonstrated by commercial insurance and self-insurance. OPA 90 regulations also implement the financial responsibility requirements of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), which imposes liability for any discharge of hazardous substances, similar to OPA 90, and provides compensation for cleanup, removal and natural resource damages. Liability per vessel under CERCLA is limited to the greater of $300 per gross ton or $5.0 million, unless the incident is caused by gross negligence, willful misconduct, or a violation of certain regulations, in which case liability is unlimited.
Under the USCG regulations, owners and operators of non-tank vessels are required to prepare response plans. The Company expects its current pollution liability insurance to cover spill removal costs and damage, subject to coverage deductibles and limitations, including a cap of $1.0 billion. The Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be material adversely affected if the Company incurs spill liability under circumstances in which the Company’s insurance does not provide coverage, the Company’s underwriters fail or refuse to pay a covered claim, or the loss exceeds the Company’s coverage limitations.
MARPOL is the main international convention covering prevention of marine pollution by vessels from operational or accidental discharges. It is implemented in the U.S. pursuant to the Act to Prevent Pollution from Ships. Since the 1990s, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) has been aggressively enforcing U.S. criminal laws against vessel owners, operators, managers, crew members, shore side personnel, and corporate officers related to violations of MARPOL. Violations have related to pollution prevention devices, such as the oily-water separator, and include falsifying records, obstructing justice, and making false statements. In certain cases, responsible shipboard officers and shoreside officials have been sentenced to prison. In addition, the DOJ has required most defendants to implement a comprehensive environmental compliance plan (“ECP”) or risk losing the ability to operate in U.S. waters. If the Company is subjected to a DOJ prosecution, it could suffer material adverse effects, including substantial criminal penalties and defense costs, reputational damages and costs associated with the implementation of an ECP.
The Clean Water Act (“CWA”) prohibits the discharge of “pollutants” into the navigable waters of the U.S. The CWA also prohibits the discharge of oil or hazardous substances into navigable waters of the U.S. and the EEZ around the U.S. and imposes civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized discharges, thereby exposing the Company to potential liability that is in addition to its exposure arising under OPA 90 and CERCLA. The CWA also imposes liability for removal and cleanup costs.
8
The CWA also established the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permitting program, which governs discharges of pollutants into navigable waters of the U.S. Pursuant to the NPDES permitting program, the EPA has issued Vessel General Permits covering discharges incidental to normal vessel operations. The EPA issued the 2013 Vessel General Permit (“2013 VGP”) with an initial five-year term. In light of the legislation described below, the 2013 VGP continues to apply to the Company’s U.S.-flag and foreign-flag commercial vessels that are at least 79 feet in length and operate within the three-mile territorial sea of the U.S. The 2013 VGP requires vessel owners and operators to adhere to “best management practices” to manage the covered discharges that occur normally in the operation of a vessel, including ballast water, and implements various training, inspection, monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements, as well as corrective actions upon identification of deficiencies. The Company has filed a Notice of Intent to be covered by the 2013 VGP for each of its ships that operate in U.S. waters.
On December 4, 2018, the U.S. Congress enacted the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (“VIDA”), establishing a new framework for the regulation of discharges incidental to the normal operations of vessels. In October of 2020, the EPA published proposed performance standards for vessel incidental discharges, and in October 2023 the EPA supplemented the proposed rulemaking in response to public comments, providing additional USCG data and supplemental regulatory options being considered by the EPA for discharge from ballast tanks, hulls and niche areas, and graywater systems. The final rule is expected to be published in the Federal Register in the fall of 2024, which will be followed by a USCG rulemaking process to issue enforcement regulations, with a deadline set by the VIDA of two years after the EPA’s final rule. VIDA extends the 2013 VGP’s provisions, leaving them in effect until new regulations are final and enforceable. Non-military, non-recreational vessels greater than 79 feet in length must continue to comply with the requirements of the 2013 VGP, including submission of annual reports. The Company believes it is premature to predict what additional costs it may incur to comply with any such new regulations and performance standards.
Many countries have ratified and apply the liability scheme adopted by the IMO and set out in the International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil Pollution Damage of 1969 (the “1969 Convention”). Some of these countries have also adopted the 1992 Protocol to the 1969 Convention (the “1992 Protocol”). Under both the 1969 Convention and the 1992 Protocol, a vessel’s registered owner is strictly liable for pollution damage caused in the territorial waters of a contracting state by discharge of persistent oil from ships carrying oil in bulk as cargo, subject to certain defenses. These conventions also limit the liability of the shipowner under certain circumstances, provided the discharge was not caused by the shipowner’s actual fault or intentional or reckless misconduct.
Vessels trading to countries that are parties to these conventions must provide evidence of insurance covering the liability of the owner. The Company believes that its Protection and Indemnity insurance should cover any liability under these conventions, subject to applicable policy deductibles, exclusions and limitations.
The U.S. is not a party to the 1969 Convention or the 1992 Protocol, and thus OPA 90, CERCLA, CWA and other federal and state laws apply in the U.S. as discussed above. In other jurisdictions where the 1969 Convention has not been adopted, various local legislative and regulatory schemes or common law govern, and liability is imposed either on the basis of fault or in a manner similar to the 1969 Convention.
The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001, was adopted to ensure that adequate, prompt and effective compensation is available to persons who suffer damage caused by spills of oil when used as fuel by vessels. The convention applies to damage caused to the territory, including the territorial sea, and in the EEZs, of the countries that are party to it. Although the U.S. has not ratified this convention, U.S.-flag vessels operating internationally are subject to it when they sail within the territorial waters of those countries that have implemented its provisions. The Company believes that its vessels comply with these requirements.
The U.S. National Invasive Species Act (“NISA”) was enacted in 1996 in response to growing reports of harmful organisms being released into U.S. waters through ballast water received in foreign ports. The USCG adopted regulations under NISA that impose mandatory ballast water management practices for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks entering U.S. waters. All new vessels constructed on or after December 1, 2013, regardless of ballast water capacity, must comply with these requirements on delivery from the shipyard absent an extension from the USCG. For non-exempt vessels, ballast water treatment equipment may be required to be used on the vessel. Some U.S. states have enacted legislation or regulations to address the introduction of invasive species through ballast water and hull cleaning management, and permitting requirements, which in many cases have also become part of the state’s 2013 VGP certification. Other states may proceed with the enactment of similar requirements that could increase the Company’s costs of operating in state waters. The Company believes that all of its vessels maintain a ballast water management plan compliant with applicable regulations.
The IMO ratified the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, otherwise known as the Ballast Water Management Convention (the “BWM Convention”), effective September 8, 2017. Under the BWM Convention, all ships engaged in international voyages are required to manage their ballast water and sediments under a ship-specific ballast water management plan. The U.S. is not a party to the BWM Convention, but U.S. flagged vessels that undertake international voyages may have to install a USCG/EPA approved ballast water treatment system (“BWTS”) or use one of the other management options under the USCG/EPA ballast water management rules and the BWM Convention to achieve compliance. The Company installs BWTS on its vessels as required by the USCG/EPA and BWM Convention.
9
The Endangered Species Act, related regulations and comparable state laws protect species threatened with possible extinction. Protection may include restrictions on the speed of vessels in certain ocean waters and may require the Company to change the routes of vessels during particular periods.
The Clean Air Act (as amended, the “CAA”) requires the EPA to promulgate standards applicable to emissions of various air contaminants. The CAA also requires states to submit State Implementation Plans (“SIPs”), which are designed to attain national health-based air quality standards throughout the U.S., including major metropolitan and industrial areas. Several SIPs regulate emissions resulting from vessel loading and unloading operations by requiring the installation of vapor control equipment. The EPA and some U.S. states have each proposed more stringent regulations of air emissions from propulsion and auxiliary engines on oceangoing vessels.
MARPOL also addresses air emissions, including emissions of sulfur and nitrous oxide (“NOx”), from vessels, including a requirement to use low sulfur fuels worldwide in both auxiliary and main propulsion diesel engines on vessels. Since January 1, 2020, vessels worldwide have been required to use fuel with a sulfur content no greater than 0.5%, which is a reduction from the prior limit of 3.5%. MARPOL also imposes NOx emissions standards on installed marine diesel engines of over 130 kW output power other than those used solely for emergency purposes irrespective of the tonnage of the vessel into which such an engine is installed. The actual NOx limit is determined by a variety of factors, including the vessel’s construction date, rated engine speed, and operating area.
More stringent sulfur and NOx requirements apply in certain designated Emission Control Areas (“ECAs”). There are currently four ECAs worldwide: the Baltic Sea ECA, North Sea ECA, North American ECA, and U.S. Caribbean ECA. As of January 1, 2015, vessels operating in an ECA must burn fuel with a sulfur content no greater than 0.1%. Further, marine diesel engines on vessels constructed on or after January 1, 2016 that are operated in an ECA must meet the stringent NOx standards described above.
The Company’s operations occasionally generate and require the transportation, treatment and disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous solid wastes that are subject in the U.S. to the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) or comparable state, local or foreign requirements. From time to time the Company arranges for the disposal of hazardous waste or hazardous substances at offsite disposal facilities. As a general matter, with certain exceptions, vessel owners and operators are required to determine if their wastes are hazardous, obtain a generator identification number, comply with certain standards for the proper management of hazardous wastes, and use hazardous waste manifests for shipments to disposal facilities. Moreover, vessel owners and operators may be subject to more stringent state hazardous waste requirements. If such materials are improperly disposed of by third parties with which the Company contracts, the Company could potentially be held liable for cleanup costs under applicable laws.
MARPOL also governs the discharge of garbage from ships. MARPOL defines certain sea areas, such as the “wider Caribbean region” as “special areas” requiring a higher level of protection than other areas of the sea. Applicable MARPOL regulations provide for strict garbage management procedures and documentation requirements for all vessels and fixed and floating platforms. These regulations impose a general prohibition on the discharge of all garbage unless the discharge is expressly provided for under the regulations. The regulations have greatly reduced the amount of garbage that the Company’s vessels are allowed to dispose of at sea.
Various international conventions and federal, state and local laws and regulations have been considered or implemented to address the environmental effects of emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane. At United Nations climate change conferences over the past few decades, various countries have agreed to specific international accords or protocols to establish limitations on greenhouse gas emissions. In December 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was adopted pursuant to which member parties agreed to implement national programs to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. At the 2015 United Nations climate change conference in Paris, the U.S. and various other countries adopted the Paris Agreement, which seeks to reduce emissions in an effort to slow global warming. At the 2023 COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai, the U.S. and nearly 200 other countries agreed to transition away from using fossil fuels in energy systems. None of these U.N. accords specifically mention shipping.
The IMO has announced its intention to develop limits on greenhouse gases from international shipping and is working on proposed mandatory technical and operational measures to achieve these limits. The first step toward this goal occurred in October 2016, when the IMO adopted a system for collecting data on ships’ fuel-oil consumption, which will be mandatory and apply globally. In 2020, the IMO proposed amendments to MARPOL that would require vessels to combine a technical and an operational approach to reduce their carbon intensity. The measures are aimed at reducing carbon intensity of international shipping by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008. The IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee adopted a revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and has set a target to reach net-zero GHG emissions from shipping by or around 2050.
For operation within the European Union (“E.U.”), the Company’s vessels need to meet the E.U. Ship Recycling Regulation (“E.U. SRR”) that requires survey and record of Inventory of Hazardous Materials (“IHM”). The Company’s fleet is being impacted by changes to MARPOL and the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (“IBC Code”) which sets out the international standards for the safe carriage, in bulk by sea, of dangerous chemicals and noxious liquid substances (“NLS”). These changes limit the number of dangerous chemicals and NLS cargoes that the Company’s vessels can carry and impose additional requirements that could, in certain instances, functionally preclude their carriage. Any future adoption of climate control treaties, legislation or other regulatory measures by the United Nations, IMO, the E.U., U.S. or other countries where the Company operates that restrict emissions of greenhouse gases could result in financial and operational impacts on the Company’s business (including potential capital expenditures to reduce such emissions).
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The Company manages exposure to losses from the above-described treaties, laws and regulations through its development of appropriate risk management programs, including compliance programs, safety management systems and insurance programs. Although the Company believes these programs mitigate its legal risk, there can be no assurance that these programs will be able to prevent all infractions, nor can the Company provide assurances that future regulations or requirements or any discharge or emission of pollutants by the Company will not have a material adverse effect on its business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows or prospects.
In addition to the above description of U.S. and E.U. laws and international conventions, the Company’s foreign operations are subject from time to time to similar laws of other countries.
Security
The USCG, the IMO, states and local ports continue to adopt heightened security procedures related to ports and vessels.
To implement certain portions of the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (“MTSA”), the USCG issued regulations in 2003 requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Similarly, in December 2002, the IMO adopted amendments to SOLAS, known as the ISPS Code, creating a new chapter dealing specifically with maritime security. The chapter imposes various detailed security obligations on vessels and port authorities. Included in the various requirements under MTSA and/or the ISPS Code are the following:
The USCG regulations, which are intended to align with international maritime security standards, generally deem foreign-flag vessels to be in compliance with MTSA vessel security measures provided such vessels have onboard a valid International Ship Security Certificate that attests to the vessel’s compliance with SOLAS security requirements and the ISPS Code. However, U.S.-flag vessels that are engaged in international trade must comply with all of the security measures required by MTSA, as well as SOLAS and the ISPS Code.
In response to these security programs, the Company has implemented red flag security plans and other procedures designed to address applicable security standards.
Industry Hazards and Insurance
Vessel operations involve inherent risks associated with carrying large volumes of cargo and rendering services in a marine environment. Hazards include adverse weather conditions, collisions, fire and mechanical failures, which may result in death or injury to personnel, damage to equipment, loss of operating revenues, contamination of cargo, pollution and other environmental damages and increased costs. The Company maintains hull, liability and war risk, general liability, workers compensation and other customary insurance subject to various deductions, exclusions and coverage caps. The Company also conducts training, drills and safety awareness programs to promote a safe working environment and minimize and respond to hazards. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors – The Company is subject to hazards inherent in the operation of offshore support and related vessels and has experienced accidents that have resulted in the loss of life, disrupted operations and caused reputational harm.”
Employees and Human Capital Management
The Company’s sustainability council (the “Sustainability Council”), established on September 17, 2020, is mandated to oversee the Company’s enhanced environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) program. The Sustainability Council is an internal committee led by SEACOR Marine’s Chief Executive Officer with membership made up of senior executives, operational heads, and safety and health, compliance, and human resources professionals. The Sustainability Council that reports to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee of the Board of Directors. The Sustainability Council collaborates and drives initiatives on all matters related to sustainability, including, but not limited to environmental protection, clean energy technology, social responsibility, employee, lender, contractor and community engagement, health and safety, and community empowerment. Together with the Board of Directors, the Sustainability Council helps establish sustainability goals and integrate them into strategic and tactical business activities across the Company to contribute to risk management and long-term value for all stakeholders.
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The Company periodically publishes a Sustainability Report, offering in-depth insights into the Company’s sustainability efforts and ESG practices. Additionally, the Company’s website features a dedicated section specifically focusing on its ESG efforts and its sustainable and responsible business practices.
As part of the Company’s ESG efforts and with the assistance of the Sustainability Council, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer has the primary responsibility for developing, managing, and executing the Company’s human capital strategy. As of December 31, 2023, the Company employed 1,256 individuals directly and indirectly (through crewing or manning agreements), none of whom are members of a union under the terms of an ongoing agreement. Management considers relations with its employees to be good. The Company believes that its success is driven by its employees, and its human capital strategy focuses on the following key areas:
Health and Safety: The health and safety of the Company’s employees is its highest priority. The Company’s health and safety programs, namely its SMS, are implemented to comply with applicable regulations and follow global standards, as well as address the specific hazards of the Company’s various work environments. The Company continues to implement enhanced health and safety protocols throughout its operations, including through the provision of personal protective equipment for offshore operation and installation of hydroxyl generators in vessel heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems primarily to destroy pathogens, viruses and bacteria on surfaces and in the air. For the Company’s onshore employees, the Company has enhanced remote working capabilities as well as other arrangements. The Company regularly conducts management reviews, audits, and inspections onboard its vessels and shore side locations to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, policies, and procedures. Among other periodic audits by flag states and customers, the Company is also audited annually by an independent classification society to confirm compliance with applicable regulations and standards. The Company utilizes several metrics to assess the performance of its health and safety policies, procedures, and initiatives, including pollution incidents, lost time incidents, medical incidents, and fatalities. In fiscal year 2023, the Company worked over 5.9 million man-hours across its global businesses, and recorded zero pollution incidents, zero medical incidents, three lost time incidents and a total recordable incident rate of 0.100.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The Company recognizes the value of diversity, equity and inclusion within its organization and strives to ensure that its workplace reflects the diverse communities in which it operates in order to promote collaboration, innovation, creativity and belonging. The Sustainability Council has been mandated by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee to develop strategies to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and oversees the Company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, which is responsible for developing policies and practices to recruit, support, promote and retain staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences and attributes.
The Company is proud of its diverse workforce and cross-cultural competences and, as of December 31, 2023, employed individuals from over 38 countries. The Company further recognizes that the maritime industry has traditionally been male dominated, and as a result, the Company is seeking to increase the representation of females by developing practical and innovative strategies. As of December 31, 2023, 33% of SEACOR Marine’s onshore workforce was female, while only a small fraction of its at sea workforce were female seafarers. SEACOR Marine is committed to continuing to recruit and employ qualified candidates regardless of their gender or cultural background or identity.
Training and Talent Development: The Company is committed to the education of its employees and has committed to provide its employees with a variety of learning opportunities, including, but not limited to, leadership training, technical skill development, soft skills development, workplace conduct guidance, and health, safety and security training. The Sustainability Council works collaboratively with SEACOR Marine’s human resources department to continually enhance and promote its training programs to attract new talent as well as develop and retain talent within the organization.
Employee Benefits: The Company believes in the importance of offering its employees competitive salaries and wages, together with comprehensive insurance options. The Company recognizes the importance of comprehensive benefits, including medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, disability and flexible spending, employees and their family members are provided with tools and resources to assist in adopting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The Company pays the cost of basic life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability for its employees. Additionally, employees may purchase supplemental life, dependent life, and additional long-term disability insurance. Other valuable benefits provided by the Company include life and travel assistance programs, will preparation and a 401(k) plan.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Summary of Risk Factors
The Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects may be materially adversely affected by numerous risks. Carefully consider the risks described below, which represent the material risk factors that affect the Company and are known to the Company at this time, as well as the other information that has been provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional risks, not presently known to the Company or not perceived as material, may also materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. Material risks that may affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects include, but are not necessarily limited to, those relating to:
Risk Factors Related to the Company’s Business and Industry
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Risk Factors Related to the Company’s Common Stock
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Risk Factors Related to the Company’s Business and Industry
The Company is exposed to fluctuating prices of oil and natural gas and decreased demand for oil and natural gas.
The market for the Company’s offshore support services is impacted by the comparative price for exploring, developing, and producing oil and natural gas and by the corresponding supply and demand for oil and natural gas, both globally and regionally. The prices of these commodities are subject to significant volatility. Among other factors, the increased supply of oil and natural gas from the development of unconventional oil and natural gas supply sources, particularly shale, and technologies to improve recovery from current sources have caused volatility in the price of oil and natural gas as well as a reduction of demand and prices charged for offshore support services globally. The increased use of electric cars and the development of alternative sources of energy to hydrocarbons, such as solar and wind power and other developing technology, as well as increasing regulations on greenhouse gas emissions and actions taken and expected to be taken by companies, governments and investors to reduce dependence on hydrocarbon-based fuels, are widely expected to further diminish the demand for oil and natural gas in the coming years. Other factors that influence the supply and demand and the relative price of oil and natural gas include operational issues, natural disasters, weather, political instability, conflicts, civil unrest, the worldwide economic, political and military environment, acts of terrorism, foreign exchange rates, economic conditions and actions by major hydrocarbon-producing countries, as well as sanctions on such countries that prohibit the sale of these commodities. The price of oil and natural gas and the relative cost to extract, proximity to market and political imperatives of countries with offshore deposits affect the willingness to commit investment for contract drilling rigs and offshore support vessels used for offshore exploration, field development and production activities, which in turn affects the Company’s results of operations. Prolonged periods of low oil and natural gas prices or rising costs result in lower demand for the Company’s services and can give rise to impairments of the Company’s assets.
The Company’s operations depend on the level of spending by oil and natural gas companies for exploration, development and production, maintenance and decommissioning activities. Both short-term and long-term trends in oil and natural gas prices affect these activity levels. Oil and natural gas prices, as well as the level of drilling, exploration and production activity, have been highly volatile over the past few years and are expected to continue to be volatile for the foreseeable future. The volatility of the energy markets generally makes it extremely difficult to predict future oil and natural gas price movements over the long term. For example, oil prices were as high as $107 per barrel during 2014, followed by a near ten-year low of $26 per barrel in February 2016, and then back to $76 per barrel in October 2018. The West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) front month oil prices experienced unprecedented volatility during 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related impact on the global economy, including going negative for a short period of time. Oil prices have recovered since the lows hit at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and in June 2022 hit a multi-year high of $122 per barrel primarily as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine as well as the related economic sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S., Canada and European countries. During 2023, WTI oil prices hit a low of $67 per barrel and a high of $94 per barrel, ending the year in the $72 per barrel range.
Declines in oil prices are primarily caused by, among other things, an excess of supply of crude oil in relation to demand. Since developing offshore oil fields, particularly in deep waters, is one of the most capital intensive sources of hydrocarbons and providing transportation and logistics services to these markets is the largest component of the Company’s business, the Company is particularly exposed to depressed oil and natural gas prices that last for some period of time. When the Company’s customers experience low commodity prices or come to believe that they will be low in the future, they generally reduce their capital spending for offshore drilling, exploration and field development. The significant decrease in oil and natural gas prices experienced in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the related effects of the pandemic on the global economy caused a reduction in many of the Company’s customers’ exploratory, drilling, completion and other production activities and, as a result, reduced related spending on the Company’s services. While spending on the Company’s services has steadily improved, the Company’s overall fleet utilization for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, was 75%, 75% and 66%, respectively. The prolonged reduction in the overall level of exploration and development activities has materially and adversely affected the Company by negatively impacting its fleet utilization, which in turn has negatively affected its revenues, cash flows, profitability and the fair market value of the Company’s vessels. It could also affect the collectability of the Company’s receivables and its ability to retain skilled personnel. Periods of low activity intensify price competition in the industry, which erodes operating margins, and can lead to the Company’s vessels being idle for long periods of time and, in turn, could lead to significant expenses upon reactivation.
Demand for many of the Company’s services is impacted by the level of activity in the offshore oil and natural gas exploration, development and production industry.
The level of offshore oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activity has historically been volatile. This volatility is likely to continue. The level of activity is subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor changes in a variety of factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including:
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The prolonged material downturn in oil and natural gas prices until the recent recovery experienced in 2021 caused a substantial decline in expenditures for exploration, development and production activity, which resulted in a decline in demand and lower rates for the Company’s offshore energy support services and, in turn, lower utilization levels. Although activity levels and day rates have recovered somewhat over the past few years, continued under-investment by our customers or a new decrease in activity could once again reduce the Company’s day rates and its utilization, which would in turn have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. In addition, increases in commodity demand and prices will not necessarily result in an immediate increase in offshore drilling activity since project development lead and planning times, reserve replacement needs, expectations of future commodity demand, energy transition, customer capital discipline, prices and supply of available competing vessels all combine to affect demand for the Company’s vessels.
The Company operates in four primary regions: the U.S., primarily the U.S. Gulf of Mexico; Africa and Europe; the Middle East and Asia; and Latin America, primarily in Mexico and Guyana. The volume of work contributed by each region changes periodically due to a number of factors including how active each region is, how many vessels are working in each region and the changing political, economic or regulatory landscape of the applicable region. For instance, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, approximately 21%, 28% and 12%, respectively, of the Company’s operating revenues were earned in the U.S. The Company has some ability to shift the location of its assets between regions depending upon local regulation and cost of doing business, among many other factors, and, while it has repositioned some assets from less active regions to other regions and may continue to do so in the future, such efforts may not be sufficient to counter any changes in demand in any particular region.
The Company’s business operations and workforce face risks related to public health emergencies, which could significantly disrupt the Company’s operations.
Public health emergencies, including pandemics, epidemics and other outbreaks, pose significant risks to our business through their effect on the economy and subsequent effect on supply and demand for our services, labor shortages, and operational processes, among other factors.
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Additionally, an outbreak of contagious disease on any of the Company’s vessels may result in the vessel, or some or all of the vessel crew, being quarantined or unable to work, which would hinder the vessel’s ability to generate revenue and the crew’s ability to man any substitute vessel. The Company may also experience challenges in connection with offshore crew changes due to health and travel restrictions and precautionary measures related to a public health emergency. Any such restrictions or precautionary measures may curtail travel or impact the delivery or mobilization of vessels to and from certain countries, or geographic regions, or the ability to crew vessels appropriately. The risks posed by a public health emergency could not only materially adversely affect the demand for the Company’s services but could also impact the Company’s ability to provide such services, either of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Adverse effects of a public health emergency could exacerbate many of the other risks set forth in this “Risk Factors” section and the Company’s other SEC filings, such as those relating to the Company’s financial performance and debt obligations and ability to crew its vessels.
Restrictions imposed by the terms of the Company’s existing credit facilities or future indebtedness it may incur can limit the Company’s operating and financial flexibility. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will meet the requirements of its financial covenants on an ongoing basis or that if it should fail to meet such covenants in the future, the lender under the relevant credit agreement will agree to waivers or amendments with respect thereto.
The Company’s existing credit facilities impose, and its future credit facilities may impose, restrictions, such as negative covenants and maintenance of financial ratio covenants, which may limit the Company’s operating and financial flexibility. Negative covenants such as limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness or liens may affect the Company’s ability to incur additional debt if needed, while asset sale covenants could affect its ability to sell assets to generate liquidity and properly manage its fleet size. Requirements to maintain a minimum level of liquidity could also affect cash available for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service and general corporate purposes. For instance, the 2023 SMFH Credit Facility (as defined below) contains covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness or liens (subject to important exceptions) and also requires the Company to maintain a minimum of Cash and Cash Equivalents equal to the higher of $20.0 million and 7.5% of Net Interest-Bearing Debt (as each are defined in the 2023 SMFH Credit Facility) (see “Note 6. Long-Term Debt” in the audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). While the Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with these financial ratio covenants may be affected by general economic conditions or other events beyond the Company’s control and no assurance can be given that such ratios will be met in the future. If the Company is unable to meet such ratios or is otherwise unable to comply with covenants in these facilities, it may be unable to reach agreements with the lenders under such credit facilities for waivers and/or amendments to the applicable covenants. Failure to comply with these restrictions could result in the lenders accelerating all amounts due under the credit facility and potentially trigger a cross-default or acceleration of the Company’s other credit facilities.
There are risks associated with the Company’s indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company has $353.0 million of outstanding indebtedness, including $90.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Company’s 8.0% / 9.5% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due 2026 (the “Guaranteed Notes”), $35.0 million in aggregate principal amount of SEACOR Marine’s 4.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2026 (the “New Convertible Notes”) and obligations under credit facilities secured by mortgages on various vessels. These obligations include: (i) $119.0 million of outstanding indebtedness under the loan facility entered into by SEACOR Marine Foreign Holdings Inc. (“SMFH”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, on September 8, 2023 (the “2023 SMFH Credit Facility”); (ii) $14.2 million of outstanding indebtedness under the loan facility entered into by Sea-Cat Crewzer III LLC (“Sea-Cat Crewzer III”), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, on April 21, 2016 (the “Sea-Cat Crewzer III Loan Facility”); (iii) $68.6 million of outstanding indebtedness under the deferred purchase agreements entered into by eight vessel owning subsidiaries (the “SEACOR Delta SPVs”), each wholly owned by the Company (the “SEACOR Delta Shipyard Financing”); and (iv) $26.2 million of outstanding indebtedness under the loan facility entered into by three vessel owning subsidiaries (the “SEACOR Alpine Borrowers”), each wholly owned by the Company, on June 16, 2023 (the “SEACOR Alpine Credit Facility”). As of December 31, 2023, $68.6 million of the Company’s outstanding indebtedness bore interest at a floating rate, with the remainder bearing interest at fixed rates.
The Company’s ability to meet its debt service obligations and refinance its current indebtedness, as well as any future debt that it may incur, will depend upon its ability to generate cash in the future from operations, financings or asset sales, which are subject to general economic conditions, the Company’s results of operations, industry cycles, seasonality, the interest rate environment and its effect on the Company’s floating rate debt, the general state of the capital markets at the time it seeks to refinance its debt, financial, business and other factors, some of which may be beyond the Company’s control. If the Company cannot repay or refinance its debt as it becomes due, the Company may be forced to sell assets or take other disadvantageous actions, including undertaking alternative financing plans, which may have onerous terms or may be unavailable, dedicating an unsustainable level of the Company’s cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and interest on its indebtedness and/or reducing the amount of liquidity available for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. The Company’s failure to pay or refinance its current or future debt under a credit facility when it becomes due could potentially trigger a cross-default or acceleration of the Company’s other credit facilities. The Company’s obligations to repay indebtedness and comply with restrictive and/or financial maintenance covenants could also impair its ability to rapidly respond to changes in its business or industry and withstand competitive pressures. For additional information, see
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“Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company’s overall debt level and/or market conditions could limit its ability to issue additional debt in amounts and/or on terms that it considers reasonable.
Unconventional crude oil and natural gas sources and improved economics of producing natural gas and oil from such sources has and will likely continue to exert downward pricing pressures on the price of crude oil and natural gas.
The rise in production of crude oil and natural gas from shale in North America and the increased use of large Liquefied Natural Gas export facilities around the world are, at least to date, significant contributors of supply to the crude oil and natural gas market. Production of crude oil and natural gas from unconventional sources has benefited from improved drilling efficiencies that have lowered the costs of extraction from these sources. The rise in production of natural gas and oil from these sources not only affects the price of natural gas and oil but can also result in a reduction of capital invested in offshore oil and natural gas exploration. Because the Company provides vessels servicing offshore oil and natural gas exploration, a significant reduction in investments in offshore exploration and development in favor of investments in these unconventional resources could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company may record additional losses or impairment charges related to sold or idle vessels.
Prolonged periods of low utilization or low day or charter rates, the sale of assets below their then carrying value or the decline in market value of the Company’s assets may cause the Company to record additional impairments. If there are indications that the carrying value of any of the Company’s vessels or other tangible assets may not be recoverable or if the Company sells assets for less than their carrying value, the Company may recognize additional impairment charges on its fleet. During 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized impairment charges of $0.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, related to tangible assets.
There is a high level of competition in the offshore marine service industry.
The Company operates in a highly fragmented and competitive industry, and the competitive nature of its industry could depress charter and utilization rates and adversely affect the Company’s financial performance. The Company competes for business on the basis of price, reputation for excellent service, quality, suitability and technical capabilities of its vessels, availability of vessels, safety and efficiency (including with respect to fuel usage and carbon emissions), cost of mobilizing vessels from one market to a different market, and national flag preference. In addition, the Company’s ability to compete in international markets may be adversely affected by regulations requiring, among other things, local construction, flagging, ownership or control of vessels, the awarding of contracts to local contractors, the employment of local citizens and/or the purchase of supplies from local vendors. Furthermore, the Company competes with companies that have undergone significant capital restructuring which has substantially reduced their debt levels thereby vastly improving their balance sheets.
The process of obtaining new charter agreements is highly competitive and generally involves an intensive screening and a competitive bidding process, which, in certain cases, may extend for several months. The Company’s existing and potential competitors may have significantly greater financial resources than the Company. In addition, competitors with greater resources may have larger fleets, or could operate larger fleets through consolidations, acquisitions, new buildings or pooling of their vessels with other companies, and, therefore, may be able to offer a more competitive service than the Company, including better charter rates. The Company expects competition from a number of experienced companies providing contracts to potential customers, including state-sponsored entities and major energy companies affiliated with the projects requiring offshore vessel services. As a result, the Company may be unable to expand its relationships with existing customers or to obtain new customers on a profitable basis, if at all. If the Company is unable to successfully compete, it could have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
Furthermore, competition may begin to emerge on the basis of information technology infrastructure as well. The Company expects its competitors to improve their information technology systems, including with the use of artificial intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning solutions, to interact with customers and vendors, capture knowledge regarding vessel operation systems including vessel positioning and scheduling, provide regular updates on maintenance status and predict maintenance requirements and to provide real time emission tracking. The Company’s ability to innovate its own technology infrastructure and appropriately address user experience will affect our ability to compete.
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An oversupply of vessels or equipment that serve offshore oil and natural gas operations could have an adverse impact on the charter rates earned by the Company’s vessels and equipment.
The Company’s industry is highly competitive, with intense price competition and highly sensitive to the supply of vessel capacity. For example, expansion of the supply of vessels and equipment that serve offshore oil and natural gas operations in the decade prior to 2017 increased competition in the Company’s markets and affected prices charged by operators. Additionally, the refurbishment of disused or “mothballed” vessels, conversion of vessels from uses other than oil and natural gas exploration and production support and related activities or construction of new vessels and equipment could add vessel and equipment capacity to current worldwide levels. While the Company does not anticipate any significant expansion of the supply of vessels in the near-term, any oversupply of vessels and equipment capacity in the offshore marine market could lower charter rates and result in lower operating revenues, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company relies on several customers for a significant share of its revenues, the loss of any of which could adversely affect the Company’s business and operating results.
The Company derives a significant portion of its revenues from a limited number of oil and natural gas exploration, development and production companies, and wind farm construction companies. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 73%, 66% and 81%, respectively, of its operating revenues. During the year ended December 31, 2023, three customers, ExxonMobil, SEACOR Marine Arabia, a joint venture through which vessels are chartered to Saudi Aramco, and Azule were together responsible for 48% or more of the Company’s operating revenues from continuing operations. In addition, one or more of the Company's joint ventures may rely primarily on a single customer for their revenues. The portion of the Company’s revenues or any of its joint ventures’ revenues attributable to any single customer may change over time, depending on the level of activity by any such customer, the Company’s ability to meet the customer’s needs and other factors, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Additionally, most of the Company’s contracts with its customers can be canceled on relatively short notice and do not commit its customers to acquire specific amounts of services or require the payment of significant liquidated damages upon cancellation. The loss of business from any of the Company’s significant customers, whether temporary or permanent, the result of competition, military conflict or changes in consumer preferences, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. Further, to the extent any of the Company’s customers experience an extended period of operating difficulty, it may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operation, cash flows and prospects.
Consolidation of the Company’s customer base could adversely affect demand for its services and reduce its revenues.
In recent years, oil and natural gas companies, energy companies, drilling contractors and other offshore service providers have undergone substantial consolidation and additional consolidation is possible. Consolidation results in fewer companies to charter or contract for the Company’s services. Also, merger activity among both major and independent oil and natural gas companies affects exploration, development and production activity as the consolidated companies integrate operations to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Less promising exploration and development projects of a combined company may be dropped or delayed. Such activity may result in an exploration and development budget for a combined company that is lower than the total budget of both companies before consolidation, which could adversely affect demand for the Company’s vessels thereby reducing its revenues. While increasing offshore wind farm development, particularly in the U.S., has provided opportunities to work with new customers, such opportunities may be insufficient to offset a decline in oil and natural gas customers.
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The Company may be unable to maintain or replace its vessels as they age.
As of December 31, 2023, the average age of the Company’s owned vessels was approximately ten years. The Company believes that after a vessel has been in service for approximately 20 years, the expense (which typically increases with age) necessary to satisfy required marine certification standards may not be economically justifiable. In addition, the Company must maintain its vessels to remain attractive to its customers and comply with regulations, including updating or replacing systems and equipment. However, the Company may be unable to carry out drydockings of its vessels, may be limited by insufficient shipyard capacity or its systems and equipment may become obsolete and unsupported by the manufacturer or other service providers, which could adversely affect its ability to maintain its vessels. In addition, market conditions may not justify these expenditures or enable the Company to operate its older vessels profitably during the remainder of their economic lives. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain its fleet by extending the economic life of existing vessels, or that its financial resources will be sufficient to enable it to make expenditures necessary for these purposes or to acquire or build replacement vessels, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The failure to successfully complete construction or conversion, repairs, maintenance or routine drydockings of the Company's vessels on schedule and on budget could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
From time to time, the Company may have a number of vessels under conversion and may plan to construct or convert other vessels in response to current and future market conditions. The Company also routinely engages shipyards to drydock vessels for regulatory compliance and to provide repair and maintenance. Construction and conversion projects, drydockings and other repair and maintenance are subject to risks of delay and cost overruns, resulting from shortages of equipment, supply chain disruptions, lack of shipyard availability, lack of sufficient skilled personnel at the shipyards, unforeseen engineering problems, work stoppages, weather interference, unanticipated cost increases arising from inflation or otherwise, inability to obtain necessary certifications and approvals and shortages of materials or skilled labor. A significant delay in construction, drydockings or other repair and maintenance could have a material adverse effect on contract commitments and revenues with respect to vessels under construction, conversion or undergoing drydockings or other repair and maintenance. Significant cost overruns or delays for such vessels could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company’s inability to attract and retain qualified personnel and crew its vessels could have an adverse effect on its business.
Attracting and retaining skilled personnel is an important factor in the Company’s future success. In addition, the success of the Company is dependent upon its ability to adequately crew its vessels. The market for qualified personnel is highly competitive, particularly in the last few years, and global and/or regional conflicts, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East, may further reduce or restrict the availability of qualified personnel or the willingness of qualified personnel to operate in certain regions, particularly with respect to certain technical and engineering positions, including marine officers.
The Company cannot be certain that it will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel and crewing its vessels in the future. The Company has faced and may continue to face difficulties attracting, hiring and retaining highly-skilled personnel with appropriate qualifications and may not be able to fill open positions. To attract top talent, the Company has had to offer, and believes it will need to continue to offer, attractive compensation and benefits packages before the Company can validate the productivity of those employees. The Company has increased, and expects to continue to increase, its employee compensation levels in response to competition, as necessary. In addition, the pressures of inflation have led to increased costs of labor over the past few years and will likely continue to do so. Many of the companies with which the Company competes for personnel have greater financial and other resources than the Company does and may be able to absorb the increasing costs of labor easier than the Company can. If the Company fails to retain key personnel and hire, train and retain qualified employees, the Company may not be able to compete effectively and may have increased incident rates as well as regulatory and other compliance failures, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
As part of the Company’s ongoing management of its fleet and personnel, the Company may need to improve its operations and financial systems and recruit additional staff; if the Company cannot improve these systems or recruit suitable employees, the Company’s business and results of operations may be adversely affected.
The Company has and may continue to need to invest in upgrading its operating and financial systems. In addition, the Company may have to recruit additional well‑qualified shoreside administrative and management personnel. The Company may not be able to hire suitable employees. For example, the Company’s operations require technically skilled staff with specialized training. Competition for these employees is intense. If the Company is unable to employ such technically skilled staff, the Company may not be able to adequately support the operations of the Company’s vessels. If the Company is unable to operate its financial and operations systems effectively or is unable to recruit suitable employees, the Company’s results of operation and its ability to manage and expand its fleet may be adversely affected.
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The operations of the Company’s fleet may be subject to seasonal factors.
Demand for the Company’s offshore support services is directly affected by the levels of offshore drilling and production activity of its oil and natural gas customers, and construction and maintenance activity for its wind farm customers. Budgets of many of the Company’s customers are based upon a calendar year, and demand for the Company’s services has historically been stronger in the second and third calendar quarters when allocated budgets are expended by its customers and weather conditions are more favorable for offshore activities in the northern hemisphere. In particular, the demand for the Company’s liftboat fleet in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and offshore support vessels in Europe, the Middle East and West Africa, are seasonal with peak demand normally occurring during the summer months. Adverse events relating to the Company’s vessels or business operations during peak demand periods could have a significant adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. In addition, seasonal volatility can create unpredictability in activity and utilization rates, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company has high levels of fixed costs that will be incurred regardless of its level of business activity.
The Company’s business has high fixed costs, including administrative and general expenses. Maintenance downtime or low productivity due to reduced demand can have a significant negative effect on the Company’s operating results and financial condition. Some of the Company’s fixed costs will not decline during periods of reduced revenue or activity. During times of reduced utilization, the Company may not be able to reduce its costs immediately as it may incur additional costs associated with preparing vessels for cold stacking. Moreover, the Company may not be able to fully reduce the cost of its support operations in a particular geographic region due to the need to support the remaining vessels in that region or otherwise reduce its administrative and general expenses. A decline in revenue due to lower day rates and/or utilization may not be offset by a corresponding decrease in the Company’s fixed costs and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company may be required to incur higher than expected costs to return previously cold-stacked vessels to class.
As of December 31, 2023, three of 55 owned and leased-in vessels were cold-stacked worldwide and, if the industry experiences another downturn, the Company may determine to cold-stack additional vessels in response to such downturn. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to quickly bring these cold-stacked vessels back into service or that the cost of doing so would not be significant. Cold-stacked vessels do not receive the same level of maintenance as active vessels. As a result and depending on the length of time the vessels are cold-stacked, the Company could incur deferred drydocking costs for regulatory recertification to return these vessels to active service and may incur costs to hire and train mariners to operate such vessels. These costs are difficult to estimate and could be substantial. Delay in reactivating cold-stacked vessels and the costs and other expenses related to the reactivation of cold-stacked vessels could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
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Inflation and increased interest rates may increase the Company’s operating and capital costs.
In 2022, the U.S. and other developed countries experienced significantly heightened inflationary pressures related to the policies implemented during COVID-19 and the ensuing economic recovery, causing disruptions in demand, supply chains, and labor markets. The general economy in 2022 was also affected by the war in Ukraine and associated increase in energy costs. While the global inflation rate began to stabilize and, in some cases decline, in 2023 as a result of central bank policy tightening, core inflation has proved persistent as a result of the preceding factors, in addition to others such as the escalating number of significant conflicts throughout the globe. The Company expects these inflationary pressures to continue to impact its margins and more generally, its business in 2024.
The Company may not be able to renew or replace expiring contracts for its vessels.
The Company’s ability to renew or replace expiring contracts or obtain new contracts, and the terms of any such contracts, will depend on various factors, including market conditions and the specific needs of its customers. Given the highly competitive and historically cyclical nature of the industry, the Company may not be able to renew or replace expiring contracts or it may be required to renew or replace expiring contracts or obtain new contracts at rates that are below, and potentially substantially below, existing day rates, or that have terms that are less favorable to the Company than its existing contracts, or it may be unable to secure contracts for these vessels. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The early termination of contracts on the Company’s vessels could have a material adverse effect on its operations.
Most of the long-term contracts for the Company’s vessels contain early termination options in favor of the customer. Although some of such contracts have early termination remedies or other provisions designed to discourage the customer from exercising such options, the Company cannot assure investors that its customers would not choose to exercise their termination rights in spite of such remedies or the threat of litigation with the Company. Often these remedies do not fully compensate the Company for loss of the contract. Until replacement of such business with other customers, any termination could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. The Company might not be able to replace such business on economically equivalent terms. In addition, during prior downturns, the Company has experienced customers requesting contractual concessions even though such concessions were contrary to existing contractual terms. While the Company may not be legally required to give concessions, commercial considerations may dictate that it do so. If the Company is unable to collect amounts owed to it or long-term contracts for its vessels are terminated and its vessels are not sufficiently utilized, this could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company relies on information technology, and if it is unable to protect against service interruptions, data corruption, cyber-based attacks or network security breaches, its operations could be disrupted and its business could be negatively affected.
The Company relies on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet and cloud services, to process, transmit and store electronic and financial information, manage a variety of business processes and activities, and comply with regulatory, legal and tax requirements. The Company also depends on its information technology infrastructure to capture knowledge of its business including its vessel operation systems containing information about vessel positioning and scheduling; monitor its vessel maintenance and engine systems; to coordinate its business across its bases of operation including cargo delivery and equipment tracking; and communicate within its organization and with customers, suppliers, partners and other third parties. The Company’s ability to service customers and operate vessels is dependent on the continued operation of these systems. While the Company takes various precautions and has enhanced controls around its IT systems, like other technology systems, they are susceptible to damage, disruptions or shutdowns, hardware or software failures, power outages, computer viruses, telecommunication failures, user errors, catastrophic events, or cyber-attacks including malware, other malicious software, phishing email attacks, attempts to gain unauthorized access to its data, the unauthorized release, corruption or loss of its data, loss or damage to its data delivery systems, ransomware, and other electronic security breaches. Over time, the techniques used to conduct these cyber-attacks, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, have changed and become increasingly sophisticated and, in some cases, are not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for some time. In addition, there has been an increase in cyber-attacks conducted or sponsored by capable and well-funded “nation state” operators. The Company expects that sophistication and techniques of cyber-threats will continue to evolve as threat actors increase their use of AI and machine-learning technologies.
The Company’s information technology systems are in some cases integrated, such that damage, disruption or shutdown to one system could result in a more widespread impact. If the Company’s information technology systems suffer severe damage, disruption or shutdown, and its business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, the Company’s business could be negatively affected. In addition, cyber-attacks could lead to potential unauthorized access and disclosure of confidential information, data loss and corruption. As a result of a cyber-attack the Company could also be vulnerable to fraud. While the Company is not currently aware of any material impact from cyber-attacks and the Company continues to devote time and resources to the remediation of such risks, there is the possibility of a material impact from such an attack in the future.
Recent action by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee and U.S. agencies indicate that cybersecurity regulations for the maritime industry are likely to be further developed in the near future in an attempt to combat cybersecurity threats. The Company is
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unable to predict the impact of such regulations at this time. Further, as the threat of cyber-attacks continues to grow, the Company will be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance its protective measures or to investigate and remediate any vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks.
Failure to comply with data protection and privacy laws could lead to financial penalties and reputational harm.
Data protection laws apply to the Company in certain countries in which the Company does business. Specifically, the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”), increased penalties up to a maximum of 4% of global annual turnover for breach of the regulation. The GDPR requires mandatory breach notification, the standard for which is also followed outside the E.U., particularly in Asia. Non-compliance with data protection laws could expose the Company to regulatory investigations, which could result in fines and penalties. In addition to imposing fines, regulators may also issue orders to stop processing personal data, which could disrupt operations. The Company could also be subject to litigation from persons or corporations allegedly affected by data protection violations. Violation of data protection laws is a criminal offence in some countries, and individuals can be imprisoned or fined. Any violation of these laws or harm to the Company’s reputation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
Increased domestic and international laws and regulations may materially adversely impact the Company, and the Company may become subject to additional international laws and regulations in the event of high-profile incidents.
Regulation of the offshore marine industry has intensified over the past several decades, and the Company expects this trend to continue. Changes in laws or regulations regarding offshore oil and natural gas exploration and development activities and technical and operational measures may increase the Company’s costs and the costs of its customers’ operations. For instance, in response to fatalities and environmental damages caused by a 2010 explosion on the Deepwater Horizon, a drilling rig operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, various regulatory agencies imposed temporary moratoria on drilling operations and enacted several permanent regulations designed to enhance the safety of operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. Compliance with these new regulations and new interpretations of existing regulations have materially increased the cost of drilling operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. New or additional government regulations or laws concerning drilling operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and other regions have in the past and could in the future materially increase the cost of drilling operations in those markets or cause additional moratoria on drilling activities. These changes could decrease offshore operations or investments by the Company’s current or prospective customers, and thereby reduce the demand for the Company’s services. Moreover, continuing changes in regulation increase our compliance costs and make it more difficult for the Company to implement long-term plans. In addition, the bodies that regulate maritime operations are considering enacting regulations meant to safeguard the industry and its participant from cyber-threats. These regulations could lead to additional costs for the Company, as well as disruption to its information technology systems. For these reasons, further changes in regulation could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, as amended, provides the federal government with broad discretion in regulating the leasing of offshore resources for the production of oil and natural gas.
The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act provides the federal government with broad discretion in regulating the release or continued use of offshore resources for oil and natural gas production. Various political leaders and public interest groups oppose further leasing, which creates uncertainties regarding the current and future level of permitted offshore leasing. New offshore oil and natural gas drilling may be subject to continuing or newly enacted moratoriums. Because the Company’s operations rely on offshore oil and natural gas exploration and production, the government’s exercise of authority under the provisions of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to restrict the availability of offshore oil and natural gas leases (due to accidents, environmental concerns or otherwise) could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company is subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations, that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.
Increasingly stringent federal, state, local and international laws and regulations governing worker safety and health and the staffing, construction and operation of vessels significantly affect the Company’s operations. Many aspects of the marine industry are subject to extensive governmental regulation and oversight, including by the USCG, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), the NTSB, the IMO, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, MARAD, CBP, BSEE, the EPA and various other foreign, state or local environmental protection agencies for those jurisdictions in which the Company operates, and to regulation by various international bodies and classification societies (such as ABS). The Company is also subject to regulation under international treaties, such as (i) MARPOL, (ii) SOLAS, (iii) MLC, (iv) BWM Convention, (v) STCW and (vi) other port regulations. These agencies, organizations, regulations and treaties establish safety requirements and standards and are authorized to investigate vessels and accidents and to recommend improved safety standards. CBP and USCG are authorized to inspect vessels at will. The Company has and will continue to spend significant funds to comply with these regulations and treaties. Failure to comply with these regulations and treaties may cause the Company to incur significant liabilities or restrictions on its operations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
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The Company’s business and operations are subject to federal, state, local and international laws, regulations and treaties relating to environmental protection, including laws and regulations that govern the handling, storage and discharge of various hazardous substances. Violations of these laws may result in civil and criminal penalties, fines, injunctions, or other sanctions, or the suspension or termination of the Company’s operations. Compliance with such laws and regulations frequently requires installation of costly equipment, increased staffing, increased fuel costs, specific training, or operational changes. Some environmental laws impose strict and, under certain circumstances, joint and several liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous materials and damage to natural resources, which could subject the Company to liability without regard to whether it is negligent or at fault. Under OPA 90, owners, operators and bareboat charterers are jointly and severally strictly liable for the removal costs and damages resulting from the discharge of oil within the navigable waters of the U.S. and the EEZ. In addition, an oil spill could result in significant liability, including fines, penalties, criminal liability and costs for natural resource and other damages under other federal and state laws and civil actions. Liability for a catastrophic spill could exceed the Company’s available insurance coverage and result in adverse impacts on the Company, including having to liquidate assets to pay claims. These laws and regulations may expose the Company to liability for the conduct of or conditions caused by others, including charterers. Because such laws and regulations frequently change and may impose increasingly strict requirements, the Company cannot predict the ongoing cost of complying with these laws and regulations. Additionally, reduced enforcement of existing safety and other laws or regulations may result in a decline in the demand for the Company’s offshore support services that are provided in connection with compliance with such laws or regulations. The Company cannot be certain that existing laws, regulations or standards (and the enforcement thereof), as currently interpreted or reinterpreted in the future, or future laws and regulations and standards will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. Regulation of the offshore marine services industry will likely continue to become more stringent and more expensive for the Company. In addition, a serious marine incident that results in significant pollution or injury could result in additional regulation and lead to strict governmental enforcement or other legal challenges. The variability and uncertainty of current and future shipping regulations could hamper the ability of the Company and its customers to plan for the future or establish long-term strategies. Additional environmental and other requirements, as well as more stringent enforcement policies, may be adopted that could limit the Company’s ability to operate, require the Company to incur substantial additional costs or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. For more information, see “Item 1. Business—Governmental Regulations—Regulatory Compliance” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company is required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain, maintain and periodically renew certain permits, licenses and certificates with respect to its operations or vessels. In certain instances, the failure to obtain, maintain or renew these authorizations could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
There are risks associated with climate change, environmental regulations and evolving environmental expectations.
Governments, supranational groups and various other parties around the world, including some of the world’s largest investment managers and proxy advisors, have, in recent years, proposed or adopted new laws, regulations and/or policies pertaining to climate change, carbon emissions or energy use that could result in a reduction in demand for hydrocarbon-based fuel. In fact, many countries and organizations have adopted, or are considering the adoption of, regulatory frameworks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These regulatory measures, international treaties and policies may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards, and incentives or mandates for renewable energy and could include specific restrictions on shipping emissions. In addition, recent regulations proposed by, among others, the SEC, will require reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by U.S. public reporting companies annually (including us), which may result in an increased effort by such companies to reduce such emissions through energy transition initiatives.
Additionally, some institutional investors and other groups have focused on matters affecting the environment, which may result in reduced investment in, or financing available to, companies engaged in the hydrocarbon-based industry, or that provide services to such companies. Many of these groups have developed environmental, social and governance standards as benchmarks and are using those benchmarks to inform their investment criteria. Customers are also becoming increasingly focused on these matters and have started choosing suppliers based on factors other than price and availability, such as supplier focus on ESG matters and use of more energy efficient equipment and vessels. If the Company is unable to keep up with best practices on a climate basis, the Company could fall behind its competitors and industry trends. Although the Company formed a new Sustainability Council in 2020 to oversee the Company’s enhanced environmental, social and governance program and published its Inaugural Sustainability Report, the Company may not meet these evolving standards or benchmarks and even if it does, these investors and groups may choose to forego investments in oil and natural gas related industries. The Company’s ability to achieve any of its stated sustainability commitments is subject to numerous factors and conditions, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. The Company’s efforts to research, establish, accomplish, and accurately report on these commitments expose it to numerous operational, reputational, financial, legal, and other risks, any of which could have a negative impact on the Company’s business takes and could negatively impact the Company’s business. Similarly, any actual or perceived failure to achieve the Company’s environmental, social or governance commitments, goals, initiatives or mandates could harm the Company’s reputation, expose it to potential claims or adversely impact its business, stock price or access to capital. Additionally, positions the Company takes or does not take on these issues could negatively impact the Company’s ability to attract or retain customers or employees.
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Several governmental and non-governmental bodies continue to request further disclosures of information relating to environmental, social and governance matters. The Company will be exposed to higher costs and enhanced risks of the type described above to the extent it increases its required or voluntary disclosures regarding these matters. The Company’s processes and controls for reporting environmental, social and governance matters are evolving along with multiple disparate standards for identifying, measuring and reporting related metrics. The Company cannot assure you that its processes and controls will successfully permit it to report such data in a manner that complies with its standards or those of others, or is otherwise satisfactory to its various stakeholders and regulators.
Governments could also pass laws or regulations encouraging or mandating the use of alternative energy sources such as wind power and solar energy. These requirements could reduce demand for oil and natural gas and therefore the services provided by the Company. In addition, new environmental or emissions control laws or regulations may require an increase in the Company’s operating costs and/or in its capital spending for additional equipment or personnel to comply with such requirements and could also result in a reduction in revenues due to downtime required for the installation of such equipment. Moreover, various international conventions and federal, state or international laws have significantly increased their regulation of vessel fuel and emissions in recent years, and the Company expects this trend to continue. Any of these developments, requirements or initiatives could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
From time to time, extreme weather causes the Company or its customers to suspend business operations. Climate change may increase the frequency and severity of these extreme weather events and certain adverse weather patterns in the future, which could increase the Company’s exposure to suspended operations and/or put the Company’s properties at risk for weather related damage. Climate change may also affect our ability to procure insurance for the Company’s vessels as well as its facilities in areas with higher exposure to the effects of climate change or to repair and rebuild such facilities if needed in the future. Concern over climate change may also result in new or increased legal or regulatory requirements, which could accelerate the above-described trends towards enhanced regulation of the Company’s operations. In addition, there may be significant physical effects of climate change from such emissions that have the potential to negatively impact the Company’s customers, personnel, and physical assets, any of which could adversely impact cargo levels, the demand for the Company’s services, or the Company’s ability to recruit personnel and operate efficiently.
Climate change-related regulatory activity and developments may adversely affect the Company’s business and financial results by requiring the Company to make capital investments in new equipment or technologies, pay for carbon emissions, purchase carbon offset credits, or otherwise incur additional costs or take additional actions related to its emissions. Such activity may also impact the Company indirectly by increasing our operating costs, including fuel costs. Regulatory developments may also result in the inability to operate ships that do not meet certain standards, the acceleration of the removal of less fuel-efficient ships from the Company’s fleet and impact the resale value of its vessels in the future. In addition, regulatory developments may restrict or limit the Company’s access to certain countries or curtail the Company’s services.
The Company has significant international operations, which subjects it to risks. Unstable political, military and economic conditions in foreign countries where a significant proportion of the Company’s operations is conducted could materially adversely impact its business.
The Company operates vessels and transacts other business worldwide. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, 79%, 72% and 88%, respectively, of the Company’s operating revenues and $3.6 million, $7.0 million and $15.4 million, respectively, of its equity in earnings from 50% or less owned companies, net of tax, were derived from foreign operations. These operations are subject to risks, including potential vessel seizure, terrorist acts, piracy, kidnapping, nationalization of assets, currency restrictions, import or export quotas, tariffs and other forms of public and government regulation, all of which are beyond the Company’s control. Economic sanctions or an oil embargo, for example, could have significant impact on activity in the oil and natural gas industry and, correspondingly, on the Company should it operate in an area subject to any sanctions or embargo, or in the surrounding region to the extent any sanctions or embargo disrupts its operations.
In addition, the Company’s ability to compete in international markets may be adversely affected by foreign government regulations that favor or require the awarding of contracts to local competitors, or that require foreign persons to employ citizens of, or purchase supplies from, a particular jurisdiction. Further, the Company’s foreign subsidiaries may face governmentally imposed restrictions on their ability to transfer funds to their parent company.
Activity outside the U.S. involves additional risks, including the possibility of:
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Some of the Company’s customers are located in emerging markets, which can further exacerbate the foregoing risks.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, and its resulting impacts, including supply chain disruptions, increased fuel prices, international sanctions and other measures that have been imposed, have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, the Company’s business and services, including our employees from or located in Ukraine. These factors may also have the effect of heightening many other risks to the Company’s business, any of which could materially and adversely affect the business and results of operations.
In addition, the current hostilities in Gaza Strip have and could continue to escalate and involve surrounding countries in the Middle East. For example, the Yemen-based Houthi rebels and other agitators have attacked several ships, including commercial and military vessels, in the Bab al-Mandeb strait, one of the densest shipping lanes in the world. Although the length, impact, and outcome of the hostilities in the Middle East is highly unpredictable, this conflict could lead to significant market and other disruptions, including disruptions to the Company’s operations in the region. One of our largest customers is SEACOR Marine Arabia, a joint venture that is 45% owned by a subsidiary of SEACOR Marine and through which vessels are in service to Saudi Aramco, the national oil company of Saudi Arabia.
The Company is subject to hazards inherent in the operation of offshore support and related vessels and has experienced accidents that have resulted in the loss of life, disrupted operations and caused reputational harm.
The operation of offshore support and related vessels is highly dangerous and is inherently subject to various risks including, but not limited to, adverse and sea conditions, catastrophic disaster, mechanical failure, navigation errors, capsizing, grounding, hazardous substance spills, and collision, each of which could result in the loss of life, injury to personnel, and damage to equipment and the environment. For instance, the Company’s operations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico may be adversely affected by weather. The Atlantic hurricane season typically runs from June through November. Tropical storms and hurricanes may limit the Company’s ability to operate vessels in the proximity of storms, reduce oil and natural gas exploration, development and production activity, and could result in the Company incurring additional expenses to secure equipment and facilities. They may also require the Company to evacuate its vessels, personnel and equipment out of the path of a storm. If any of these events were to occur, the Company could be held liable for resulting damages, including loss of revenues from or termination of charter contracts, higher insurance rates, increased operating costs, increased governmental regulation and reporting and damage to the Company’s reputation and customer relationships. Any such events would likely result in negative publicity for the Company and adversely affect its safety record, which would affect demand for its services in a competitive industry. In addition, the affected vessels could be removed from service and would then not be available to generate revenues.
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Our vessels have been involved in accidents in the past, some of which included loss of life, personal injury and property damage, and we, or third parties operating our vessels, may experience accidents in the future. For example, on April 13, 2021, the SEACOR Power, a liftboat owned by a subsidiary of the Company with nineteen individuals on board, capsized off the coast of Port Fourchon, Louisiana. The incident resulted in the death of several crew members, including the captain of the vessel and five other employees of the Company. The incident also resulted in the constructive total loss of the SEACOR Power. In 2023, another one of the Company’s liftboats experienced an incident that did not cause any casualties but led to significant downtime for the vessel.
The NTSB and the USCG have each conducted an investigation to determine the cause of the incident and released their respective final reports. The NTSB’s report determined that the probable cause of the capsizing of the SEACOR Power was a loss of stability that occurred when the vessel was struck by severe thunderstorm winds, which exceeded the vessel’s operation wind speed limits. The NTSB further determined that contributing to the loss of life on the vessel was the speed at which the vessel capsized and the angle at which it came to rest, which made egress difficult, and the high winds and seas in the aftermath of the capsizing, which hampered rescue efforts. The USCG’s report is consistent with the determinations of the NTSB.
Numerous civil lawsuits were filed against the Company and other third parties by the family members of deceased crew members and the surviving crew members employed by the Company or by third parties. On June 2, 2021, the Company filed a Limitation of Liability Act complaint in federal court in the Eastern District of Louisiana (“Limitation Action”), which had the effect of enjoining all existing civil lawsuits and requiring the plaintiffs to file their claims relating to the capsizing of the SEACOR Power in the Limitation Action. All injury and death claims in the Limitation Action for which the Company has financial exposure have been resolved, and the remaining claims are those for which the Company is owed contractual defense and indemnity or will be covered by insurance.
Failure to maintain an acceptable safety record may have an adverse impact on the Company’s ability to retain customers.
The Company’s customers consider safety and reliability a primary concern in selecting a service provider. The Company must maintain a record of safety and reliability that is acceptable to its customers. Should this not be achieved, the ability to retain current customers and attract new customers may be adversely affected, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company’s insurance coverage may be inadequate to protect it from the liabilities that could arise in its business.
Although the Company maintains insurance coverage against the risks related to its business, risks may arise for which it may not be insured. Claims covered by insurance are subject to deductibles, the aggregate amount of which could be material, and certain policies impose caps on coverage. Insurance policies are also subject to compliance with certain conditions, the failure of which could lead to a denial of coverage as to a particular claim or the voiding of a particular insurance policy. There also can be no assurance that existing insurance coverage can be renewed at commercially reasonable rates or that available coverage will be adequate to cover future claims. If a loss occurs that is partially or completely uninsured, or the carrier is unable or unwilling to cover the claim, the Company could be exposed to substantial liability. Further, to the extent the proceeds from insurance are not sufficient to repair or replace a damaged asset, the Company would be required to expend funds to supplement the insurance and in certain circumstances may decide that such expenditures are not justified, which, in either case, could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
The Company may not be fully indemnified by its customers for damage to their property or the property of their other contractors.
The Company’s contracts are individually negotiated, and the levels of indemnity and allocation of liabilities in them can vary from contract to contract depending on market conditions, particular customer requirements and other factors existing at the time a contract is negotiated. Additionally, the enforceability of indemnification provisions in the Company’s contracts may be limited or prohibited by applicable law or may not be enforced by courts having jurisdiction, and the Company could be held liable for substantial losses or damages and for fines and penalties imposed by regulatory authorities. The indemnification provisions of the Company’s contracts may be subject to differing interpretations, and the laws or courts of certain jurisdictions may enforce such provisions while other laws or courts may find them to be unenforceable, void or limited by public policy considerations, including when the cause of the underlying loss or damage is the Company’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, when punitive damages are attributable to the Company or when fines or penalties are imposed directly against the Company. The law with respect to the enforceability of indemnities varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Current or future litigation in particular jurisdictions, whether or not the Company is a party, may impact the interpretation and enforceability of indemnification provisions in the Company’s contracts. There can be no assurance that the Company’s contracts with its customers, suppliers and subcontractors will fully protect the Company against all hazards and risks inherent in its operations. There can also be no assurance that those parties with contractual obligations to indemnify the Company will be financially able to do so or will otherwise honor their contractual obligations.
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The Company may undertake one or more significant corporate transactions that may not achieve their intended results, may adversely affect its financial condition and its results of operations, and may result in additional risks to its business.
The Company continuously evaluates the acquisition and disposition of assets relevant to participants in the offshore energy industry and may in the future undertake significant transactions. Any such transaction could be material to the Company’s business and could take any number of forms, including mergers, joint ventures, investments in new lines of business and the purchase of equity interests or other assets. The form of consideration associated with such transactions may include, among other things, cash, Common Stock, securities convertible into Common Stock or other securities (privately or through a public offering), equity interests in the Company’s subsidiaries, or other assets of the Company. The Company also evaluates the disposition of its assets, in whole or in part, which could take the form of asset sales, mergers or sales of equity interests in its subsidiaries (privately or through a public offering).
These types of significant transactions may present material risks and uncertainties, including distraction of management from current operations, insufficient revenue to offset liabilities assumed, potential loss of significant revenue and income streams, unexpected expenses, inadequate return of capital, potential acceleration of taxes currently deferred, regulatory or compliance issues, the triggering of certain covenants in the Company’s debt instruments (including accelerated repayment) and other unidentified issues not discovered in due diligence. If the Company was to complete such an acquisition, disposition, investment or other strategic transaction, it may require additional debt or equity financing that could result in a significant increase in the amount of debt the Company has or the number of outstanding shares of its Common Stock. As a result of the risks inherent in such transactions, the Company cannot guarantee that any such transaction will ultimately result in the realization of the anticipated benefits of the transaction or that significant transactions will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s business, financial positions, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
If the Company does not restrict the amount of ownership of its Common Stock by non-U.S. citizens, it could be prohibited from operating offshore support vessels in the U.S., which would adversely impact the Company’s business and operating results.
The Company is subject to the Jones Act, which governs, among other things, the ownership and operation of vessels used to carry passengers and cargo between points in the U.S. Subject to limited exceptions, the Jones Act requires that vessels engaged in the U.S. coastwise trade be built in the U.S., registered under the U.S.-flag, manned by predominantly U.S. crews and be owned and operated by “U.S. citizens” within the meaning of the Jones Act. Compliance with the Jones Act requires that non-U.S. citizens own no more than 25% in the entities that directly or indirectly own or operate the vessels that the Company operates in U.S. coastwise trade. Although SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Third Amended and Restated By-Laws contain provisions intended to assure compliance with these provisions of the Jones Act, a failure to maintain compliance could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects by, among other things (i) temporarily or permanently prohibiting the Company from operating vessels in the U.S. coastwise trade, (ii) subjecting the Company to fines and (iii) subjecting the Company’s vessels to seizure and forfeiture.
Repeal, amendment, suspension or non-enforcement of the Jones Act would result in additional competition for the Company and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business.
Substantial portions of the Company’s operations are conducted in the U.S. coastwise trade and thus subject to the provisions of the Jones Act (discussed above). For years, there have been attempts to repeal or amend such provisions, and such attempts are expected to continue in the future.
Repeal, substantial amendment, waiver or substantial reinterpretation of provisions of the Jones Act could significantly adversely affect the Company by, among other things, resulting in additional competition from competitors with lower operating costs, because of their ability to use vessels built in lower-cost foreign shipyards, owned and manned by foreign nationals with promotional foreign tax incentives and with lower wages and benefits than U.S. citizens. In addition, the Company’s advantage as a U.S.-citizen operator of Jones Act vessels could be eroded by periodic efforts and attempts by foreign interests to circumvent certain aspects of the Jones Act. If maritime cabotage services were included in the General Agreement on Trade in Services or other international trade agreements, or if the restrictions contained in the Jones Act were otherwise altered, the shipping of maritime cargo between covered U.S. points could be opened to foreign-flag or foreign-built vessels. Because foreign vessels may have lower construction costs and operate at significantly lower costs than companies operating in the U.S. coastwise trade, such a change could significantly increase competition in the U.S. coastwise trade, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
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Restrictions on non-U.S. citizen ownership of the Company’s vessels could limit its ability to sell off any portion of its business or result in the forfeiture of its vessels.
As noted above, compliance with the Jones Act requires that non-U.S. citizens own no more than 25% in the entities that directly or indirectly own or operate the vessels that the Company operates in the U.S. coastwise trade. If the Company were to seek to sell any portion of its business that owns any of these vessels, it may have fewer potential purchasers, since some potential purchasers might be unable or unwilling to satisfy the U.S. citizenship restrictions described above. As a result, the sales price for that portion of the Company’s business may not attain the amount that could be obtained through unconstrained bidding. Furthermore, if at any point the Company or any of the entities that directly or indirectly own its vessels cease to satisfy the requirements to be a U.S. citizen within the meaning of the Jones Act, the Company would become ineligible to operate in the U.S. coastwise trade and may become subject to penalties and risk forfeiture of its vessels.
SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and its Third Amended and Restated By-laws limit the ownership of Common Stock by individuals and entities that are not U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act. These restrictions may affect the liquidity of SEACOR Marine’s Common Stock and may result in non-U.S. citizens being required to sell their shares at a loss or relinquish their voting, dividend and distribution rights.
Under the Jones Act, at least 75% of the outstanding shares of each class or series of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock must be owned and controlled by U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act. Certain provisions of SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and its Third Amended and Restated By-Laws are intended to facilitate compliance with this requirement and may have an adverse effect on holders of shares of SEACOR Marine’s Common Stock. These restrictions may affect the liquidity of SEACOR Marine’s Common Stock.
Under the provisions of SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the aggregate percentage of ownership by non-U.S. citizens of any class or series of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock is limited to 22.5% of the outstanding shares of each such class or series to ensure that such ownership by non-U.S. citizens will not exceed the maximum percentage permitted by the Jones Act, which is presently 25%. SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation also restricts ownership of shares of any class or series of its capital stock by a single non-U.S. citizen (and any other non-U.S. citizen whose ownership position would be aggregated with such non-U.S. citizen for purposes of the Jones Act) to not more than 4.9% of the outstanding shares of each such class or series. SEACOR Marine refers to such percentage limitations on ownership by persons who are not U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act as the “applicable permitted percentage.”
SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that any transfer or purported transfer of any shares of any class or series of its capital stock that would otherwise result in ownership (of record or beneficially) by non-U.S. citizens of shares of such class or series in excess of the applicable permitted percentage will be void and ineffective, and neither SEACOR Marine nor its transfer agent will register any such transfer or purported transfer in the Company records or recognize any such transferee or purported transferee as a stockholder of SEACOR Marine for any purpose (including for purposes of voting and dividends) except to the extent necessary to effect the remedies available to SEACOR Marine under its Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
In the event such transfer restriction would be ineffective for any reason, SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that if any transfer would otherwise result in ownership (of record or beneficially) by non-U.S. citizens of shares of such class or series in excess of the applicable permitted percentage, such transfer will cause such excess shares to be automatically transferred to a trust for the exclusive benefit of one or more charitable beneficiaries that are U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act. The proposed transferee will have no rights in the shares transferred to the trust, and the trustee, who will be a U.S. citizen chosen by SEACOR Marine and unaffiliated with SEACOR Marine or the proposed transferee, will have all voting, dividend and distribution rights associated with the shares held in the trust. The trustee will sell such excess shares to a U.S. citizen within 20 days of receiving notice from SEACOR Marine (or as soon thereafter as a sale may be effected in compliance with all applicable securities laws) and distribute to the proposed transferee the lesser of the price that the proposed transferee paid for such shares and the amount received from the sale, and any gain from the sale will be paid to the charitable beneficiary of the trust.
These trust transfer provisions also apply to situations where ownership of a class or series of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock by non-U.S. citizens in excess of the applicable permitted percentage would result from a change in the status of a record or beneficial owner thereof from a U.S. citizen to a non-U.S. citizen or from a repurchase or redemption by SEACOR Marine of shares of its capital stock, in which case such person will receive the lesser of the market price of the shares on the date of such status change or such share repurchase or redemption and the amount received from the sale. As part of the foregoing trust transfer provisions, the trustee will be deemed to have offered the excess shares in the trust to the Company at a price per share equal to the lesser of (i) the market price on the date SEACOR Marine accepts the offer and (ii) the price per share in the purported transfer or original issuance of shares, as described in the preceding paragraph, or the market price per share on the date of the status change or share repurchase or redemption, that resulted in the transfer to the trust.
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As a result of the above trust transfer provisions, a proposed transferee that is a non-U.S. citizen, or a record or beneficial owner whose citizenship status change results in excess shares, or whose shares become excess shares as a result of a repurchase or redemption by SEACOR Marine of its capital stock may not receive any return on its investment in shares it purportedly purchases or owns, as the case may be, and it may sustain a loss.
To the extent that the above trust transfer provisions would be ineffective for any reason to prevent ownership (of record or beneficially) by non-U.S. citizens of the shares of any class or series of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock in excess of the applicable permitted percentage, SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides that SEACOR Marine, in its sole discretion, shall be entitled to redeem all or any portion of such excess shares most recently acquired (as determined by SEACOR Marine in accordance with guidelines that are set forth in its Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), by non-U.S. citizens, or owned (of record or beneficially) by non-U.S. citizens as a result of a change in citizenship status or a repurchase or redemption by SEACOR Marine of shares of its capital stock, at a redemption price based on a fair market value formula that is set forth in SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The per share redemption price may be paid, as determined by the Board of Directors, by cash, promissory notes, warrants or a combination thereof. Such excess shares shall not be accorded any voting, dividend or distribution rights until they have ceased to be excess shares, provided that they have not been already redeemed by SEACOR Marine. As a result of the above provisions, a proposed transferee or owner of SEACOR Marine’s Common Stock that is a non-U.S. citizen may not receive any return on its investment in shares it purportedly purchases or owns, as the case may be, and it may sustain a loss. Further, SEACOR Marine may have to incur additional indebtedness, or use available cash (if any), to fund all or a portion of such redemption, in which case its financial condition may be materially weakened.
So that SEACOR Marine may ensure its compliance with the Jones Act, its Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation permits SEACOR Marine to require that any record or beneficial owner of any shares of its capital stock provide SEACOR Marine with certain documentation concerning such owner’s citizenship. These provisions include a requirement that every person acquiring, directly or indirectly, five percent (5%) or more of the shares of any class or series of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock must provide SEACOR Marine with specified citizenship documentation. In the event that any person does not submit such requested or required documentation to SEACOR Marine, SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides it with certain remedies, including the suspension of the voting rights of such person's shares of SEACOR Marine’s capital stock and the payment of dividends and distributions with respect to those shares into an escrow account. As a result of non-compliance with these provisions, a record or beneficial owner of the shares of Common Stock may lose significant rights associated with those shares.
In addition to the risks described above, the foregoing restrictions on ownership by non-U.S. citizens could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or change in control that might involve a premium price for SEACOR Marine’s Common Stock or otherwise be in the best interest of its stockholders.
The Company could be forced to suspend its operations in the U.S. coastwise trade if the provisions in its organizational documents fail to prevent a violation of the Jones Act.
SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and its Third Amended and Restated By-Laws contain provisions prohibiting ownership of its Common Stock by persons who are not U.S. citizens within the meaning of the Jones Act, in the aggregate, in excess of 22.5% of such shares, in order to ensure that such ownership by non-U.S. citizens will not exceed the maximum percentage permitted by the Jones Act, which is presently 25%. SEACOR Marine’s Third Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and its Third Amended and Restated By-Laws permit SEACOR Marine to redeem such excess shares in the event that the transfer of such excess shares to a trust for sale would be ineffective. The per share redemption price may be paid, as determined by the Board of Directors, by cash, promissory notes or warrants. However, SEACOR Marine may not be able to redeem such excess shares for cash because its operations may not have generated sufficient excess cash flow to fund such redemption. If, for any reason, SEACOR Marine is unable to effect such a redemption when such ownership of shares by non-U.S. citizens is in excess of 25% of the Common Stock, or otherwise prevent non-U.S. citizens in the aggregate from owning shares in excess of 25% of any such class or series of its capital stock, or fail to exercise its redemption rights because it is unaware that such ownership exceeds such percentage, SEACOR Marine will likely be unable to comply with the Jones Act and will likely be required by the applicable governmental authorities to suspend its operations in the U.S. coastwise trade. Any such actions by governmental authorities would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.
Under certain circumstances, the Company’s vessels are subject to requisition for ownership or use by governmental agencies.
The Merchant Marine Act provides that, during a national emergency declared by presidential proclamation or a period for which the U.S. President has proclaimed that the security of the national defense makes it advisable, the Secretary of Transportation may requisition the ownership or use of any vessel owned by U.S. citizens (which includes the Company) and any vessel under construction in the U.S. If any of the Company’s vessels were purchased or chartered by the federal government under this law, the Company would be entitled to just compensation, which is generally the fair market value of the vessel in the case of a purchase or, in the case of a charter, the fair market value of charter hire, but the Company would not be entitled to compensation for any consequential damages it may suffer. The purchase or charter for an extended period of time by the federal government of one or more of the Company’s vessels under this law could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial position, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. Vessels registered under other flag states may also be subject to requisition or purchase in accordance with applicable local law.
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The Company may not be able to sell vessels to improve its liquidity because it may be unable to locate buyers with access to financing or to complete any sales on acceptable terms or within a reasonable time frame.
The Company may seek to sell some of its vessels to provide liquidity. However, given the volatility in the oil and natural gas industry in general, and the offshore oil and natural gas industry in particular, there may not be sufficient activity in the market to sell the Company’s vessels and the Company may not be able to identify buyers with access to financing or to complete any such sales. Even if the Company is able to locate appropriate buyers for its