COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2019

Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(10) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Currency Devaluation and Fluctuation Risk

Due to our international operations, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations and exchange rate risks on all charter hire contracts denominated in foreign currencies. For some of our international contracts, a portion of the revenue and local expenses are incurred in local currencies with the result that we are at risk for changes in the exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies. We generally do not hedge against any foreign currency rate fluctuations associated with foreign currency contracts that arise in the normal course of business, which exposes us to the risk of exchange rate losses. To minimize the financial impact of these items, we attempt to contract a significant majority of our services in U.S. dollars. In addition, we attempt to minimize the financial impact of these risks by matching the currency of our operating costs with the currency of our revenue streams when considered appropriate. We continually monitor the currency exchange risks associated with all contracts not denominated in U.S. dollars.  

Arbitral Award for the Taking of Our Venezuelan Operations

Committees formed under the rules of the World Bank’s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) have awarded two of our subsidiaries compensation for the expropriation of the investments of the two subsidiaries by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. The nature of the investments expropriated and the progress of the ICSID proceeding were previously reported by us in prior filings.  The final aggregate award is $59.9 million as of September 30, 2019 and accrues interest at approximately $0.6 million per quarter. The committees’ decisions are not subject to any further ICSID review, appeal or other substantive proceeding or any stay of enforcement.

We are committed to taking appropriate steps to enforce and collect the award, which is enforceable in any of the 150 member states that are party to the ICSID Convention, but we recognize that collection of the award presents significant practical challenges. We will record any gain in future periods if and when the contingency is resolved.

Legal Proceedings

Various legal proceedings and claims are outstanding which arose in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability, if any, with respect to these actions, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.