If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.   

 

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective Registration Statement for the same offering.   

 

If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.   

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

Title of Each Class of Securities to be Registered

Amount to be Registered (1)

Proposed Maximum  Aggregate Price Per Share(2)

Proposed Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(1)

Amount of Registration Fee

Common Shares, par value $ 0.01 per share	4,606,962	$10.18	$46,898,873.16	$1,850

(1)

Includes 3,803,481 common shares which are beneficially owned by F5 Capital and 803,481 common shares reserved for issuance to TMT Co., Ltd. or its nominee pursuant to the Master Agreement by and among TMT Co., Ltd., Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and Star Maritime Acquisition Corp.  Pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, this Registration Statement includes an indeterminate number of additional shares as may be issuable upon any stock split, dividend or other distribution, recapitalization or similar event.

 

(2)	Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457 under the Securities Act based upon the average high and low prices of the registrant’s Common Shares on August 26, 2008 on the NASDAQ Global Market.

 

The Registrants hereby amend this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrants shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective.  This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

Subject to completion, dated September 2, 2008

4,606,962 Common Shares

 

This prospectus relates to the offer and resale by the selling stockholder identified in this prospectus of up to 4,606,962 shares of our common stock, or the Common Shares.

 

The selling stockholder identified in this prospectus, may offer these securities or interests therein from time to time through public or private transactions at prevailing market prices, at prices related to prevailing market prices or at privately negotiated prices.

 

Although we will incur expenses in connection with the registration of the Common Shares, we will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares by the selling stockholder.

 

Shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbols “SBLK” and “SBLKW,” respectively.

 

An investment in these securities involves risks.  See the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is              , 2008

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

3

 

RISK FACTORS

8

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

20

 

SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

21

 

CAPITALIZATION

22

 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF  OPERATIONS

23

 

THE INTERNATIONAL DRY BULK SHIPPING INDUSTRY

38

 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

49

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

51

 

EXPENSES

52

 

ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

53

 

LEGAL MATTERS

53

 

EXPERTS

53

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

54

 

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

54

 

INDEX TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

F-1

 

 

You should only rely on the information in this prospectus.  We have not authorized any other person to provide you with additional or different information or to make any representations other than those contained in this prospectus.  Do not rely upon any information or representations made outside of this prospectus.  This prospectus is not an offer to sell, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy, (1) any securities other than our Common Shares or (2) our Common Shares in any circumstances in which our offer or solicitation is unlawful.  The information contained in this prospectus may change after the date of this prospectus.  Do not assume after the date of this prospectus that the information contained in this prospectus is still correct.

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

This section summarizes some of the key information that appears later in this prospectus.  You should review carefully the risk factors and the more detailed information, the financial statements included in this registration statement and the financial information that is derived from financial statements incorporated by reference.  Unless otherwise indicated, all references to currency amounts in this prospectus are to U.S. dollars and financial information presented in this prospectus and the financial information that is derived from financial statements incorporated by reference is prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Unless the context otherwise requires, when used in this registration statement, the terms “Star Bulk,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” refer to Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and its subsidiaries.

 

Our Company

 

We were incorporated in the Marshall Islands on December 13, 2006 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Maritime.  Our executive offices are located at 7, Fragoklisias Street, 2nd floor, Maroussi 151 25, Athens, Greece and our telephone number is 011-30-210-617-8400.  We merged with Star Maritime Acquisition Corp., or Star Maritime, on November 30, 2007 and commenced operations on December 3, 2007, which is the date we took delivery of our first vessel.

 

Star Maritime was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 13, 2005 as a blank check company formed to acquire, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or similar business combination, one or more assets or target businesses in the shipping industry.  Star Maritime’s common stock and warrants started trading on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols, SEA and SEA.WS, respectively, on December 21, 2005.

 

On November 27, 2007, Star Maritime obtained shareholder approval for the acquisition of the initial fleet of eight drybulk carriers and for effecting a redomiciliation merger whereby Star Maritime merged with and into Star Bulk with Star Bulk as the surviving entity, which we refer to throughout this prospectus as the Redomiciliation Merger.  The Redomiciliation Merger was completed on November 30, 2007 as a result of which each outstanding share of Star Maritime common stock was converted into the right to receive one share of Star Bulk common stock and each outstanding warrant of Star Maritime was assumed by Star Bulk with the same terms and restrictions except that each became exercisable for common stock of Star Bulk.  Star Bulk’s common stock and warrants are listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbols “SBLK” and “SBLKW,” respectively.

 

As of December 31, 2007, we paid no dividends to our shareholders.  On February 14, April 16, and July 29, 2008, the Company declared dividends amounting to approximately $4.6 million ($0.10 per share, paid on February 28, 2008 to the stockholders of record on February 25, 2008), approximately $18.8 million ($0.35 per share, paid on May 23, 2008 to the shareholders of record on May 16, 2008), and approximately $19.4 million ($0.35 per share, paid on August 18, 2008 to the shareholders of record on August 8, 2008), respectively.

 

For a more detailed summary of our dividend policy, we refer you to the section of this prospectus entitled “Our Dividend Policy.”

 

Our Fleet

 

As of August 21, 2008 we owned and operated a fleet of 12 vessels consisting of three Capesize, one Panamax, and eight Supramax drybulk carriers with an average age of 9.9 years and a combined cargo carrying capacity of approximately 1.0 million dwt.  Following the expected delivery to us of the Star Ypsilon and the delivery of the Star Iota to its purchaser in September 2008, the average age of our fleet will be approximately 9.3 years.

 

Our fleet carries a variety of drybulk commodities including coal, iron ore, and grains, or major bulks, as well as bauxite, phosphate, fertilizers and steel products, or minor bulks.  We charter all of our vessels pursuant to medium- to long-term time charters with terms of approximately one to five years.

 

 

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The following table represents a list of all of the vessels in our fleet as of August 21, 2008:

 

Vessel Name	Vessel Type	Size (dwt.)		Year Built		Average Daily Hire Rate		Type/Remaining Term	Vessel Delivery Date
Star Alpha (ex A Duckling)	Capesize	175,075		1992		$47,500		Time charter/0.9 years	January 9, 2008
Star Beta (ex B Duckling)	Capesize	174,691		1993		$106,500		Time charter/1.5 years	December 28, 2007
Star Gamma (ex C Duckling)	Supramax	53,098		2002		$28,500		Time charter/3.4 years	January 4, 2008
Star Delta (ex F Duckling)	Supramax	52,434		2000		$25,800		Time charter/0.5 year	January 2, 2008
Star Epsilon (ex G Duckling)	Supramax	52,402		2001		$25,550		Time charter/5.4 year	December 3, 2007
Star Zeta (ex I Duckling)	Supramax	52,994		2003		$42,500		Time charter/2.6 years	January 2, 2008
Star Theta (ex J Duckling)	Supramax	52,425		2003		$32,500		Time charter/0.6 year	December 6, 2007
Star Iota (ex Mommy Duckling)(1)	Panamax	78,585		1983		$18,000		Time charter/0.1 year	March 7, 2008
Star Kappa (ex E Duckling)	Supramax	52,055		2001		$47,800		Time charter/2.0 years	December 14, 2007
Star Sigma (ex Sinfonia)	Capesize	184,403		1991		$100,000		Time charter/3.5 years	April 15, 2008
Star Omicron (ex Nord Wave)	Supramax	53,489		2005		$43,000		Time charter/2.4 years	April 17, 2008
Star Cosmo (ex Victoria)	Supramax	52,200		2005		$41,900		Time charter/2.5 years	July 1, 2008
Vessels To Be Delivered
Star Ypsilon (ex Falcon Cape) (2)	Capesize	150,940		1991		$93,333		2.9 from delivery	September 2008 (expected)

 

(1)	On April 24, 2008, we entered into an agreement to sell Star Iota for $18.4 million.  We expect to deliver this vessel to its purchasers by September 2008.

(2)	We expect the Star Ypsilon to be delivered to us by September 2008.

 

We actively manage the deployment of our fleet on time charters, which generally can last up to several years.  Currently, all of our vessels are employed on medium to long-term time charters.  A time charter is generally a contract to charter a vessel for a fixed period of time at a set daily rate.  Under time charters, the charterer pays voyage expenses such as port, canal and fuel costs.  We pay for vessel operating expenses, which include crew costs, provisions, deck and engine stores, lubricating oil, insurance, maintenance and repairs, as well as for commissions.  We are also responsible for the drydocking costs relating to each vessel.

 

Our vessels operate worldwide within the trading limits imposed by our insurance terms and do not operate in areas where United States, European Union or United Nations sanctions have been imposed.

 

As of August 21, 2008, we had 20 employees.  Eighteen of our employees, through Star Bulk Management Inc., or Star Bulk Management, are engaged in the day to day management of the vessels in our fleet.  Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Star Bulk Management performs operational and technical management services for the vessels in our fleet.  Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer are also the senior management of Star Bulk Management.  Star Bulk Management employs such number of additional shore-based executives and employees designed to ensure the efficient performance of its activities.

 

We reimburse and/or advance funds as necessary to Star Bulk Management in order for it to conduct its activities and discharge its obligations, at cost.  We also maintain working capital reserves as may be agreed between Star Bulk and Star Bulk Management from time to time. 

 

Star Bulk Management is responsible for the management of the vessels.  Star Bulk Management’s responsibilities include, inter alia, locating, purchasing, financing and selling vessels, deciding on capital expenditures for the vessels, paying vessels’ taxes, negotiating charters for the vessels, managing the mix of various types of charters, developing and managing the relationships with charterers and the operational and technical management of the vessels.  Technical management includes maintenance, drydocking, repairs, insurance, regulatory and classification society compliance, arranging for and managing crews, appointing technical consultants and providing technical support.

 

We do not intend to pay commissions to our affiliates in connection with the chartering of vessels to or from any of our affiliates or for the purchase of vessels from or sale to our affiliates.

 

Star Bulk Management subcontracts the technical and crew management of our vessels to Combine Marine S.A., or Combine, Bernhardt Schulte Shipmanagement Ltd., or Bernhardt, Union Commercial Inc, or Union and Univan Shipmanagement Ltd., or Univan.

 

On June 18, 2008, we entered into an agreement with Union for the technical management of the Star Cosmo.  Under the agreement, we pay a daily fee of $450, which is reviewed two months before the beginning of each calendar year.  The agreement continues indefinitely unless either party terminates the agreement after the first voyage upon two months' written notice or a certain termination event occurs.

 

 

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On November 2 and December 5, 2007, we entered into agreements with Bernhardt for the technical management of the Star Alpha, the Star Beta, the Star Delta, the Star Epsilon and the Star Theta, the Star Omicron and the Star Kappa, respectively.  Under these agreements, we pay Bernhardt an aggregate annual management fee of $110,000 per vessel.  The agreements continue indefinitely unless either party terminates the agreements upon three months' written notice or a certain termination event occurs.

 

Under an agreement dated May 4, 2007, we appointed Combine, a company affiliated with Mr. Tsirigakis, our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pappas, the Chairman of our Board and one of our directors and Mr. Christos Anagnostou, a former officer of Star Maritime, as interim manager of the vessels in the initial fleet.  Under the agreement, Combine provides interim technical management and associated services, including legal services, to the vessels in exchange for a flat fee of $10,000 per vessel prior to delivery and at a daily fee of $450 U.S. dollars per vessel during the term of the agreement until such time as the technical management of the vessel is transferred to another technical management company.  Combine is entitled to be reimbursed at cost by us for any and all expenses incurred by them in the management of the vessels, but shall provide us the full benefit of all discounts and rebates enjoyed by them.  The term of the agreement is for one year from the date of delivery of each vessel.  Either party may terminate the agreement upon thirty days’ written notice.  The Star Gamma, the Star Zeta and the Star Sigma are currently managed by Combine.

 

On July 4, 2007, we entered into an agreement with Univan for the technical management of the Star Iota.  Under the agreement, we pay a monthly management fee of $8,500, which is reviewed two months before the beginning of each calendar year.  The agreement continues indefinitely unless either party terminates the agreement after one year upon three months' written notice or a certain termination event occurs.

 

Certain Risks

 

Our business is dependant on our ability to manage a number of risks relating to our industry and our operations.  These risks include the following:

 

·

Cyclical nature of charter hire rates.  The cyclical nature of the drybulk shipping industry and the volatility in charter hire rates for our vessels may affect our ability to successfully charter our vessels in the future or renew existing charters at rates sufficient to allow us to meet our obligations or to pay dividends.  Charter rates are affected by, among other factors, the supply of drybulk vessels in the global fleet, which is expected to increase by approximately 20% by 2009 based on current newbuilding orders (Source: Clarkson’s “Dry Bulk Trade Outlook.”  July 2008).  Charter hire rates have risen sharply and are currently at or near their historical highs and the value of secondhand vessels is currently at record high levels.

 

·

Our operations are subject to international laws and regulations.  Our business and the operation of our vessels are materially affected by applicable government regulation in the form of international conventions and national, state and local laws and regulations.  Because such conventions, laws, and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with them or with additional regulations that may be applicable to our operations that are adopted in the future.

 

·

Servicing our current and future debt limits funds available for other purposes, including the payment of dividends.  To finance our future fleet expansion, we expect to incur additional secured debt.  We must dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our debt.  These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital, capital expenditures and other purposes and may limit funds available for other purposes, including distributing cash to our shareholders, and our inability to service debt could lead to acceleration of our debt payments and foreclosure on our fleet.

 

Prospective investors in our Common Shares should also carefully consider the factors set forth in the section of this prospectus entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 8.

 

Drybulk Shipping Industry Trends

 

The maritime shipping industry is fundamental to international trade with ocean-going vessels representing the most efficient and often the only method of transporting large volumes of many essential commodities, finished goods and crude and refined petroleum products between the continents and across the seas.  It is a global industry whose performance is closely tied to the level of economic activity in the world.

 

 

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The drybulk shipping industry involves the carriage of bulk commodities.  According to Drewry Shipping Consultants, Ltd., or Drewry, since the fourth quarter of 2002, the drybulk shipping industry has experienced the highest charter rates and vessel values in its modern history due to the favorable imbalance between the supply of drybulk carriers and demand for drybulk transportation service.  Although charter hire rates have been volatile since the start of 2008 and have fallen from the highs recorded in 2007, they remain at levels well above long term historical averages.

 

Corporate Structure

 

Star Bulk is a holding company that owns its vessels through separate wholly-owned subsidiaries.  Star Bulk’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Star Bulk Management, performs operational and technical management services for the vessels in the initial fleet, including chartering, marketing, capital expenditures, personnel, accounting, paying vessel taxes and maintaining insurance.

 

Star Maritime Acquisition Corp., or Star Maritime, was organized under the laws of the State of Delaware on May 13, 2005 as a blank check company formed to acquire, through a merger, capital stock exchange, asset acquisition or similar business combination, one or more assets or target businesses in the shipping industry.  Following the formation of Star Maritime, our officers and directors were the holders of 9,026,924 shares of common stock representing all of our then issued and outstanding capital stock.  On December 21, 2005, Star Maritime consummated its initial public offering of 18,867,500 units, at a price of $10.00 per unit, each unit consisting of one share of Star Maritime common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of Star Maritime common stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share.  In addition, Star Maritime completed during December 2005 a private placement of an aggregate of 1,132,500 units, or the Private Placement, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one warrant, to Messrs. Tsirigakis and Syllantavos, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively, and Messrs. Pappas and Erhardt, our Chairman of the Board and one of our directors.  The gross proceeds of the private placement of $11.3 million were used to pay all fees and expenses of the initial public offering and as a result, the entire gross proceeds of the initial public offering amounting to $188.7 million were deposited in a trust account maintained by American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, or the Trust Account.  Star Maritime’s common stock and warrants started trading on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols, SEA and SEA.WS, respectively on December 21, 2005.

 

On January 12, 2007, Star Maritime and Star Bulk entered into definitive agreements to acquire a fleet of eight drybulk carriers with a combined cargo-carrying capacity of approximately 692,000 dwt. from certain subsidiaries of TMT Co. Ltd., or TMT, a shipping company headquartered in Taiwan.  These eight drybulk carriers are referred to as the initial fleet, or initial vessels.  The aggregate purchase price specified in the Master Agreement by and among the Company, Star Maritime and TMT, or the Master Agreement for the initial fleet was $224.5 million in cash and 12,537,645 shares of common stock of Star Bulk.  As additional consideration for eight vessels, we are obligated to issue 1,606,962 shares of common stock of Star Bulk to TMT in two installments as follows: (i) 803,481 additional shares of Star Bulk’s common stock, no more than 10 business days following Star Bulk’s filing of its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and (ii) 803,481 additional shares of Star Bulk’s common stock, no more than 10 business days following Star Bulk’s filing of its Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

 

On November 2, 2007, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, declared effective our joint proxy/registration statement filed on Forms F-1/F-4 and on November 27, 2007 we obtained shareholder approval for the acquisition of the initial fleet and for effecting the Redomiciliation Merger as a result of which Star Maritime merged into Star Bulk with Star Maritime merging out of existence and Star Bulk being the surviving entity.  Each share of Star Maritime common stock was exchanged for one share of Star Bulk common stock and each warrant of Star Maritime was assumed by Star Bulk with the same terms and conditions except that each became exercisable for common stock of Star Bulk.  The Redomiciliation Merger became effective after stock markets closed on Friday, November 30, 2007 and the common shares and warrants of Star Maritime ceased trading on the American Stock Exchange under the symbols SEA and SEAU, respectively.  Star Bulk shares and warrants started trading on the NASDAQ Global Market on Monday, December 3, 2007 under the ticker symbols SBLK and SBLKW, respectively.  Immediately following the effective date of the Redomiciliation Merger, TMT and its affiliates owned 30.2% of Star Bulk’s outstanding common stock.

 

 

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We began operations on December 3, 2007 with the delivery of our first vessel the Star Epsilon.  Of the initial fleet of eight drybulk vessels Star Bulk agreed to acquire, three of such eight vessels were delivered by the end of December 2007.  Additionally, on December 3, 2007, we entered into an agreement to acquire an additional Supramax vessel, the Star Kappa from TMT, which was not included in the initial fleet and was delivered to us on December 14, 2007.  On July 17, 2008, we issued 803,481 additional shares to TMT as the first installment of additional shares in accordance with the Master Agreement.

 

We maintain our principal executive offices at 7, Fragoklisias Street, 2nd floor, Maroussi 151 25, Athens, Greece.  Our telephone number at that address is 30-210-617-8400.

 

Our Dividend Policy

 

Based upon and subject to the assumptions contained in this section, we currently intend to pay quarterly dividends to the holders of our common shares, in February, May, August and November, in amounts that will allow us to retain a portion of our cash flows to fund vessel or fleet acquisitions, and for debt repayment and other corporate purposes, as determined by our management and board of directors.  The payment of dividends is not guaranteed or assured and may be discontinued at the sole discretion of our board of directors and may not be paid in the anticipated amounts and frequency set forth in this prospectus.  Our board of directors will continually review its dividend policy and make adjustments that it believes appropriate.

 

The timing and amount of dividend payments will be dependent upon our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our credit facility, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of distributions to stockholders and other factors.  Our ability to pay dividends will be limited by the amount of cash we can generate from operations, primarily the charterhire, net of commissions, received by the Company under the charters for our vessels during the preceding calendar quarter, less expenses for that quarter, consisting primarily of vessel operating expenses (including management fees), general and administrative expenses, debt service, maintenance expenses and the establishment of any reserves as well as additional factors unrelated to its profitability.  These reserves may cover, among other things, future dry-docking, repairs, claims, liabilities and other obligations, interest expense and debt amortization, acquisitions of additional assets and working capital.

 

Because we are a holding company with no material assets other than the shares of our subsidiaries which directly own the vessels in our fleet, our ability to pay dividends depends on the earnings and cash flow of our subsidiaries and their ability to pay dividends to us.  We cannot assure you that, after the expiration or earlier termination of our charters, we will have any sources of income from which dividends may be paid.  If there is a substantial decline in the charter market, this would negatively affect our earnings and limit our ability to pay dividends.  In particular, our ability to pay dividends is subject to our ability to satisfy certain financial covenants that are contained in our credit facility.

 

We believe that, under current law, our dividend payments from earnings and profits will constitute “qualified dividend income” and as such will generally be subject to a 15% United States federal income tax rate with respect to non-corporate individual stockholders.  Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of a United States stockholder’s tax basis in our common stock on a dollar-for-dollar basis and thereafter as capital gain.  

 

On February 14, April 16, and July 29, 2008, the Company declared dividends amounting to approximately $4.6 million ($0.10 per share, paid on February 28, 2008 to the stockholders of record on February 25, 2008), approximately $18.8 million ($0.35 per share, paid on May 23, 2008 to the shareholders of record on May 16, 2008), and approximately $19.4 million ($0.35 per share, paid on August 18, 2008 to the shareholders of record on August 8, 2008), respectively.

 

The Offering

 

This prospectus relates to the resale by the selling stockholder of up to 4,606,962 shares of our common stock.  Shares of our common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “SBLK.”

 

 

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RISK FACTORS

 

Some of the following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general.  Other risks relate principally to the securities market and ownership of our common stock.  The occurrence of any of the events described in this section could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash available for dividends or the trading price of our common stock.

 

Industry Specific Risk Factors

 

Charterhire rates for drybulk carriers are volatile and may decrease in the future, which would adversely affect our earnings

 

The drybulk shipping industry is cyclical with attendant volatility in charterhire rates and profitability.  The degree of charterhire rate volatility among different types of drybulk carriers varies widely.  Charterhire rates for Capesize, Panamax and Supramax drybulk carriers are at their historically high levels.  If the drybulk shipping market is depressed in the future our earnings and available cash flow may decrease.  Our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of their current time charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement charters will depend upon, among other things, economic conditions in the drybulk shipping market.  Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from changes in the supply and demand for drybulk cargoes carried internationally at sea, including coal, iron, ore, grains and minerals.

 

The factors affecting the supply and demand for vessel capacity are outside of our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable.

 

The factors that influence demand for vessel capacity include:

 

·	demand for and production of drybulk products;

 

·	global and regional economic and political conditions;

 

·	the distance drybulk cargo is to be moved by sea; and

 

·	changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns.

 

The factors that influence the supply of vessel capacity include:

 

·	the number of new building deliveries;

 

·	port and canal congestion;

 

·	the scrapping of older vessels;

 

·	vessel casualties; and

 

·	the number of vessels that are out of service.

 

We anticipate that the future demand for our drybulk carriers will be dependent upon continued economic growth in the world’s economies, including China and India, seasonal and regional changes in demand, changes in the capacity of the global drybulk carrier fleet and the sources and supply of drybulk cargo to be transported by sea.  The capacity of the global drybulk carrier fleet seems likely to increase and economic growth may not continue.  Adverse economic, political, social or other developments could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 

The market values of our vessels may decrease, which could limit the amount of funds that we can borrow or trigger certain financial covenants under our current or future credit facilities and or we may incur a loss if we sell vessels following a decline in their market value

 

The fair market values of our vessels have generally experienced high volatility.  The market prices for secondhand Capesize, Panamax and Supramax drybulk carriers are at historically high levels.

 

 

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The fair market value of our vessels may increase and decrease depending on a number of factors including:

 

·	prevailing level of charter rates;

 

·	general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry;

 

·	types and sizes of vessels;

 

·	supply and demand for vessels;

 

·	other modes of transportation;

 

·	cost of newbuildings;

 

·	governmental or other regulations; and

 

·	technological advances.

 

In addition, as vessels grow older, they generally decline in value.  If the fair market value of our vessels declines, we may not be in compliance with certain provisions of our term loans and we may not be able to refinance our debt or obtain additional financing.  In addition, if we sell one or more of our vessels at a time when vessel prices have fallen and before we have recorded an impairment adjustment to our consolidated financial statements, the sale may be less than the vessel’s carrying value on our consolidated financial statements, resulting in a loss and a reduction in earnings.  Furthermore, if vessel values fall significantly we may have to record an impairment adjustment in our financial statements which could adversely affect our financial results.

 

World events could affect our results of operations and financial condition

 

Terrorist attacks in New York on September 11, 2001 and in London on July 7, 2005 and the continuing response of the United States and others to these attacks, as well as the threat of future terrorist attacks in the United States or elsewhere, continues to cause uncertainty in the world’s financial markets and may affect our business, operating results and financial condition.  The continuing conflict in Iraq may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the world, which may contribute to further economic instability in the global financial markets.  These uncertainties could also adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all.  In the past, political conflicts have also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region.  Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected vessels trading in regions such as the South China Sea.  Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues and costs.

 

Terrorist attacks on vessels, such as the October 2002 attack on the M.V. Limburg, a very large crude carrier not related to us, may in the future also negatively affect our operations and financial condition and directly impact our vessels or our customers.  Future terrorist attacks could result in increased volatility of the financial markets in the United States and globally and could result in, or pooling, an economic recession affecting the United States or the entire world.  Any of these occurrences could have a material adverse impact on our revenues and costs.

 

An economic slowdown in the Asia Pacific region could materially reduce the amount and/or profitability of our business

 

A significant number of the port calls made by our vessels involve the loading or discharging of raw materials and semi-finished products in ports in the Asia Pacific region.  As a result, a negative change in economic conditions in any Asia Pacific country, particularly in China, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial position and results of operations, as well as our future prospects.  In particular, in recent years, China has been one of the world’s fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product.  Such growth may not be sustained and the Chinese economy may experience contraction in the future.  Moreover, any slowdown in the economies of the United States of America, the European Union or certain Asian countries may adversely effect economic growth in China and elsewhere.  Our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as well as our future prospects, will likely be materially and adversely affected by an economic downturn in any of these countries.

 

Changes in the economic and political environment in China and policies adopted by the government to regulate its economy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations

 

The Chinese economy differs from the economies of most countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, in such respects as structure, government involvement, level of development, growth rate, capital

 

 

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reinvestment, allocation of resources, rate of inflation and balance of payments position.  Prior to 1978, the Chinese economy was a planned economy.  Since 1978, increasing emphasis has been placed on the utilization of market forces in the development of the Chinese economy.  Annual and five year State Plans are adopted by the Chinese government in connection with the development of the economy.  Although state-owned enterprises still account for a substantial portion of the Chinese industrial output, in general, the Chinese government is reducing the level of direct control that it exercises over the economy through State Plans and other measures.  There is an increasing level of freedom and autonomy in areas such as allocation of resources, production, pricing and management and a gradual shift in emphasis to a “market economy” and enterprise reform.  Limited price reforms were undertaken, with the result that prices for certain commodities are principally determined by market forces.  Many of the reforms are unprecedented or experimental and may be subject to revision, change or abolition based upon the outcome of such experiments.  If the Chinese government does not continue to pursue a policy of economic reform the level of imports to and exports from China could be adversely affected by changes to these economic reforms by the Chinese government, as well as by changes in political, economic and social conditions or other relevant policies of the Chinese government, such as changes in laws, regulations or export and import restrictions, all of which could, adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition.

 

Charter rates are subject to seasonal fluctuations, which may adversely affect our financial condition and ability to pay dividends

 

As of August 21, 2008, our fleet consisted of 12 drybulk carriers comprised of three Capesize, one Panamax and eight Supramax drybulk carriers with an average age of 9.9 years and a combined cargo carrying capacity of approximately 1.0 million dwt.  We have entered into an agreement to acquire one additional drybulk vessel for expected delivery to us by September of 2008.  We employ all of our vessels on medium-to long-term time charters, however, we may in the future employ certain of our vessels in the spot market.  Demand for vessel capacity has historically exhibited seasonal variations and, as a result, in charter rates.  This seasonality may result in quarter-to-quarter volatility in our operating results for vessels trading in the spot market.  The drybulk sector is typically stronger in the fall and winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere.  As a result, our revenues from our drybulk carriers may be weaker during the fiscal quarters ended June 30 and September 30, and, conversely, our revenues from our drybulk carriers may be stronger in fiscal quarters ended December 31 and March 31.  Seasonality in the sector in which we operate could materially affect our operating results and cash available for dividends in the future.

 

Rising fuel prices may adversely affect our profits

 

Fuel is a significant, if not the largest, expense in our shipping operations when vessels are not under period charter.  Changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability.  The price and supply of fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC and other oil and gas producers, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental concerns.  Further, fuel may become much more expensive in the future, which may reduce the profitability and competitiveness of our business versus other forms of transportation, such as truck or rail.

 

We are subject to international safety regulations and the failure to comply with these regulations may subject us to increased liability, may adversely affect our insurance coverage and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports

 

Our business and the operation of our vessels are materially affected by government regulation in the form of international conventions, national, state and local laws and regulations in force in the jurisdictions in which the vessels operate, as well as in the country or countries of their registration.  Because such conventions, laws, and regulations are often revised, we cannot predict the ultimate cost of complying with such conventions, laws and regulations or the impact thereof on the resale prices or useful lives of our vessels.  Additional conventions, laws and regulations may be adopted which could limit our ability to do business or increase the cost of our doing business and which may materially adversely affect our operations.  We are required by various governmental and quasi-governmental agencies to obtain certain permits, licenses, certificates, and financial assurances with respect to our operations.

 

The operation of our vessels is affected by the requirements set forth in the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization’s International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention, or ISM Code.  The ISM Code requires shipowners, ship managers and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive “Safety Management System” that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and procedures for safe operation and

 

 

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describing procedures for dealing with emergencies.  The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to increased liability, may invalidate existing insurance or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports.  If we are subject to increased liability for noncompliance or if our insurance coverage is adversely impacted as a result of noncompliance, we may have less cash available for distribution to our stockholders as dividends.  If any of our vessels are denied access to, or are detained in, certain ports, this may decrease our revenues.

 

Increased inspection procedures and tighter import and export controls could increase costs and disrupt our business

 

International shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and destination.  Inspection procedures may result in the seizure of contents of our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us.

 

It is possible that changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us.  Changes to inspection procedures could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of cargo uneconomical or impractical.  Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Maritime claimants could arrest one or more of our vessels, which could interrupt our cash flow

 

Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien against a vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages.  In many jurisdictions, a claimant may seek to obtain security for its claim by arresting a vessel through foreclosure proceedings.  The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels could interrupt our cash flow and require us to pay large sums of money to have the arrest or attachment lifted.  In addition, in some jurisdictions, such as South Africa, under the “sister ship” theory of liability, a claimant may arrest both the vessel which is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same owner.  Claimants could attempt to assert “sister ship” liability against one vessel in our fleet for claims relating to another of our vessels.

 

Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency, resulting in a loss of earnings

 

A government could requisition one or more of our vessels for title or for hire.  Requisition for title occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes her owner, while requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes her charterer at dictated charter rates.  Generally, requisitions occur during periods of war or emergency, although governments may elect to requisition vessels in other circumstances.  Although we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of payment would be uncertain.  Government requisition of one or more of our vessels may negatively impact our revenues and reduce the amount of cash we have available for distribution as dividends to our stockholders.

 

Company Specific Risk Factors

 

Star Bulk has a limited operating history and may not operate profitably in the future

 

Star Bulk was formed December 13, 2006 and in January 2007 entered into agreements to acquire eight drybulk carriers.  Star Bulk took delivery of its first vessel in December 2007.  Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements do not provide a meaningful basis for you to evaluate its operations and ability to be profitable in the future.  Star Bulk may not be profitable in the future.

 

We are dependent on medium- to long-term time charters in a volatile shipping industry and a decline in charterhire rates would affect our results of operations and ability to pay dividends

 

We charter all of our vessels pursuant to medium- to long-term time charters with remaining terms of approximately one to five years.  The time charter market is highly competitive and spot market charterhire rates (which affect time charter rates) may fluctuate significantly based upon available charters and the supply of, and demand for, seaborne shipping capacity.  Our ability to re-charter our vessels on the expiration or termination of their current time charters and the charter rates payable under any renewal or replacement

 

 

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charters will depend upon, among other things, economic conditions in the drybulk shipping market.  The drybulk carrier charter market is volatile, and in the past, time charter and spot market charter rates for drybulk carriers have declined below operating costs of vessels.  If future charterhire rates are depressed, we may not be able to operate our vessels profitably or to pay you dividends.

 

Our earnings may be adversely affected if we are not able to take advantage of favorable charter rates

 

We charter our drybulk carriers to customers pursuant to medium- to long-term time charters, which generally last from one to five years.  We may in the future extend the charter periods for the vessels in our fleet.  Our vessels that are committed to longer-term charters may not be available for employment on short-term charters during periods of increasing short-term charterhire rates when these charters may be more profitable than long-term charters.

 

If we fail to manage our planned growth properly, we may not be able to successfully expand our fleet which would adversely affect our overall financial position

 

We intend to continue to expand our fleet.  Our growth will depend on:

 

·	locating and acquiring suitable vessels;

 

·	identifying and consummating acquisitions or joint ventures;

 

·	integrating any acquired vessels successfully with our existing operations;

 

·	enhancing our customer base;

 

·	managing our expansion; and

 

·	obtaining required financing.

 

Growing any business by acquisition presents numerous risks such as undisclosed liabilities and obligations, difficulty experienced in obtaining additional qualified personnel and managing relationships with customers and suppliers and integrating newly acquired operations into existing infrastructures.  We may not be successful in executing our growth plans and may incur significant expenses and losses.

 

Our loan agreements may contain restrictive covenants that may limit our liquidity and corporate activities

 

Our current term loan agreements with Commerzbank AG and Piraeus Bank A.E., and any future loan agreements may impose operating and financial restrictions on us.  These restrictions may limit our ability to:

 

·	incur additional indebtedness;

 

·	create liens on our assets;

 

·	sell capital stock of our subsidiaries;

 

·	make investments;

 

·	engage in mergers or acquisitions;

 

·	pay dividends;

 

·	make capital expenditures;

 

·	change the management of our vessels or terminate or materially amend the management agreement relating to each vessel; and

 

·	sell our vessels.

 

Therefore, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in some important corporate actions.  The lenders’ interests may be different from ours, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to obtain the lenders’ permission when needed.  This may prevent us from taking actions that are in our best interest.

 

 

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Servicing debt will limit funds available for other purposes, including capital expenditures and payment of dividends

 

As of August 21, 2008, we had $120.0 million outstanding under our term loan agreement with Commerzbank AG in connection with the purchase of the vessels in our initial fleet and $116.0 million outstanding under our term loan agreements with Piraeus Bank A.E. in connection with the purchase of three additional vessels in our current fleet: the Star Omicron, the Star Sigma and the Star Cosmo.  In the second quarter of 2008, we entered into an agreement to purchase a 1991 built Capesize drybulk carrier for the aggregate purchase price of approximately $156.0 million which we expect to be delivery to us by September of 2008.  On, April 14, 2008, we entered into a loan agreement of up to $170.0 million with Piraeus Bank A.E. in order to partly finance the acquisition cost of vessels the Star Omicron and the Star Sigma and also to provide us with additional liquidity.  The Star Alpha, the Star Beta, and the Star Sigma were used as collateral for this loan.  The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is repayable in twenty-four quarterly installments through April 2014.  As of August 21, 2008, we had outstanding borrowings in the amount of $81.0 million under this loan.  On July 1, 2008 the Company entered into a loan agreement of up to $35.0 million with Piraeus Bank A.E. to partially finance the acquisition of the Star Cosmo.  The loan bears interest at LIBOR plus a margin and is repayable in twenty-four quarterly installments through July 2014.  As of August 21, 2008, we had outstanding borrowings in the amount of $35.0 million under this loan facility.

 

We may be required to dedicate a portion of our cash flow from operations to pay the principal and interest on our debt.  These payments limit funds otherwise available for working capital expenditures and other purposes, including payment of dividends.  If we are unable to service our debt, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Default by our charterers may lead to decreased revenues and a reduction in earnings

We have entered into a time charter with each of Worldlink Shipping Limited for the Star Alpha, Industrial Carriers Inc. for the Star Beta, North China Shipping Limited Bahamas for the Star Epsilon, Essar for the Star Delta, Norden A/S for the Star Zeta, Hyundai Merchant Marine for the Star Theta, TMT Co. Ltd., or TMT, for the Star Iota and Star Gamma, Ishaar Overseas for the Star Kappa, Sun God Navigation S.A. for the Star Sigma and GMI Ltd. for the Star Omicron and K. Line Corp. for the Star Cosmo.  Consistent with drybulk shipping industry practice, we have not independently analyzed the creditworthiness of the charterers. Our revenues may be dependent on the performance of our charterers and, as a result, defaults by our charterers may materially adversely affect our revenues.

 

In the highly competitive international drybulk shipping industry, we may not be able to compete for charters with new entrants or established companies with greater resources which may adversely affect our results of operations

 

We employ our vessels in a highly competitive market that is capital intensive and highly fragmented.  Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of whom have substantially greater resources than us.  Competition for the transportation of drybulk cargoes can be intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the vessel and its managers to the charterers.  Due in part to the highly fragmented market, competitors with greater resources could operate larger fleets through consolidations or acquisitions and may be able to offer more favorable terms.

 

We may be unable to attract and retain key management personnel and other employees in the shipping industry, which may negatively affect the effectiveness of our management and our results of operations

 

Our success depends to a significant extent upon the abilities and efforts of our management team.  As of August 21, 2008, we had 20 employees.  Eighteen of our employees, through Star Bulk Management, are engaged in the day to day management of the vessels in our fleet.  Our success depends upon our ability to retain key members of our management team and the ability of Star Bulk Management to recruit and hire suitable employees.  The loss of any members of our senior management team could adversely affect our business prospects and financial condition.  Difficulty in hiring and retaining personnel could adversely affect our results of operations.  We do not maintain “key-man” life insurance on any of our officers or employees of Star Bulk Management.

 

As we expand our fleet, we will need to expand our operations and financial systems and hire new shoreside staff and seafarers to staff our vessels; if we cannot expand these systems or recruit suitable employees, our performance may be adversely affected

 

Our operating and financial systems may not be adequate as we expand our fleet, and our attempts to implement those systems may be ineffective.  In addition, we rely on our wholly-owned subsidiary, Star Bulk Management, to recruit shoreside administrative and management personnel.  Shoreside personnel are recruited by Star Bulk Management through referrals from other shipping companies and traditional methods of securing personnel, such as placing classified advertisements in shipping industry periodicals.  Star Bulk Management has sub-contracted crew management, which includes the recruitment of seafarers, to Combine, Bernhardt, a major international third-party technical management company, Union and Univan. Star Bulk Management and its crewing agent may not be

 

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able to continue to hire suitable employees as Star Bulk expands its fleet.  If we are unable to operate our financial and operations systems effectively, recruit suitable employees or if Star Bulk Management’s unaffiliated crewing agent encounters business or financial difficulties, our performance may be materially adversely affected.

 

Risks involved with operating ocean going vessels could affect our business and reputation, which would adversely affect our revenues

 

The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks.  These risks include the possibility of:

 

·	crew strikes and/or boycotts;

 

·	marine disaster;

 

·

piracy;

 

·	environmental accidents;

 

·	cargo and property losses or damage; and

 

·	business interruptions caused by mechanical failure, human error, war, terrorism, political action in various countries or adverse weather conditions.

 

Any of these circumstances or events could increase our costs or lower our revenues.

 

Our vessels may suffer damage and may face unexpected drydocking costs, which could adversely affect our cash flow and financial condition

 

If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility.  The costs of drydock repairs are unpredictable and can be substantial.  We may have to pay drydocking costs that our insurance does not cover.  The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and reconditioned, as well as the actual cost of these repairs, would decrease our earnings.

 

Purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessel off-hire, which could adversely affect our earnings

 

Our inspection of secondhand vessels prior to purchase does not provide us with the same knowledge about their condition and cost of any required or anticipated repairs that we would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us.  We will not receive the benefit of warranties on secondhand vessels.

 

Typically, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age of the vessel.  Older vessels are typically less fuel efficient and more costly to maintain than more recently constructed vessels.  Cargo insurance rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers.

 

Governmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which the vessels may engage.  As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.

 

We inspected the nine vessels that we acquired from TMT and the three vessels that we acquired from third parties, considered the age and condition of the vessels in budgeting for their operating, insurance and maintenance costs, and if we acquire additional secondhand vessels in the future, we may encounter higher operating and maintenance costs due to the age and condition of those additional vessels.

 

We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us for the loss of a vessel, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operation

 

We have procured hull and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes environmental damage and pollution insurance coverage and war risk insurance for our fleet.  We do not maintain, for our vessels, insurance against loss of hire,

 

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which covers business interruptions that result from the loss of use of a vessel.  We may not be adequately insured against all risks.  We may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage for our fleet in the future.  The insurers may not pay particular claims.  Our insurance policies may contain deductibles for which we will be responsible and limitations and exclusions which may increase our costs or lower our revenue.  Moreover, insurers may default on claims they are required to pay.  If our insurance is not enough to cover claims that may arise, the deficiency may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to pay dividends

 

We intend to pay a regular quarterly dividend however, we may incur other expenses or liabilities that would reduce or eliminate the cash available for distribution as dividends.  Our loan agreements, including future credit facilities we may enter into, may also prohibit or restrict the declaration and payment of dividends under some circumstances.

 

In addition, the declaration and payment of dividends will be subject at all times to the discretion of our board of directors.  The timing and amount of dividends will depend on our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our loan agreements, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends and other factors.  Marshall Islands law generally prohibits the payment of dividends other than from surplus or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent upon the payment of such dividends, or if there is no surplus, dividends may be declared or paid out of net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and for the preceding fiscal year.

 

We are a holding company, and depend on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute funds to us in order to satisfy our financial obligations or to make dividend payments

 

We are a holding company and our wholly-owned subsidiaries, conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets.  We will have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our wholly-owned subsidiaries.  As a result, our ability to make dividend payments depends on our subsidiaries and their ability to distribute funds to us.  If we are unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries, our board of directors may exercise its discretion not to pay dividends.  We and our subsidiaries will be permitted to pay dividends under our credit facilities only for so long as we are in compliance with all applicable financial covenants, terms and conditions.

 

We depend on officers who may engage in other business activities in the international shipping industry which may create conflicts of interest

 

Prokopios Tsirigakis, our Chief Executive Officer and a member of our board of directors, and George Syllantavos, our Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and member of our board of directors participate in business activities not associated with the Company.  As a result, Mr. Tsirigakis and Mr. Syllantavos may devote less time to the Company than if they were not engaged in other business activities and may owe fiduciary duties to the shareholders of both the Company as well as shareholders of other companies which they may be affiliated, which may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting the Company and its customers.  It is not certain that any of these conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. 

 

In accordance with Star Bulk’s Code of Ethics, all ongoing and future transactions between Star Bulk and any of its officers and directors or their respective affiliates, including loans by Star Bulk’s officers and directors, if any, will be on terms believed by Star Bulk to be no less favorable than are available from unaffiliated third parties, and such transactions or loans, including any forgiveness of loans, will require prior approval, in each instance by a majority of Star Bulk’s uninterested “independent” directors or the members of Star Bulk’s board who do not have an interest in the transaction, in either case who had access, at Star Bulk’s expense, to its attorneys or independent legal counsel.

 

We are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law, which may negatively affect the ability of public shareholders to protect their interests

 

We are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and our corporate affairs are governed by our Articles of Incorporation and bylaws and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, or BCA.  The provisions of the BCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States.  However, there have been few judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the BCA.  The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain United States jurisdictions.  Shareholder rights may differ as well.  While the BCA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by the management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a corporation incorporated in a United States jurisdiction.

 

 

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Our directors and officers are non-U.S. residents, and although shareholders may bring an original action in the courts of the Marshall Islands or obtain a judgment against us, our directors or our management based on U.S. laws in the event you believe your rights as a shareholder have been infringed, it may be difficult to enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management

 

All of our assets are located outside of the United States.  Our business is operated primarily from our offices in Athens, Greece.  In addition, our directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non-residents are located outside the United States.  As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against these individuals in the United States if you believe that your rights have been infringed under securities laws or otherwise.  Even if you are successful in bringing an action of this kind, the laws of the Marshall Islands and of other jurisdictions may prevent or restrict you from enforcing a judgment against our assets or the assets of our directors and officers.  Although you may bring an original action against us, our officers and directors in the courts of the Marshall Islands based on U.S. laws, and the courts of the Marshall Islands may impose civil liability, including monetary damages, against us, our officers or directors for a cause of action arising under Marshall Islands law, it may be impracticable for you to do so given the geographic location of the Marshall Islands.

 

There is a risk that we could be treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes after the merger of Star Maritime with and into Star Bulk, with Star Bulk as the surviving corporation, or Redomiciliation Merger, which would adversely affect our earnings

 

Section 7874(b) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, provides that, unless certain requirements are satisfied, a corporation organized outside the United States which acquires substantially all of the assets (through a plan or a series of related transactions) of a corporation organized in the United States will be treated as a U.S. domestic corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes if shareholders of the U.S. corporation whose assets are being acquired own at least 80% of the non-U.S. acquiring corporation after the acquisition.  If Section 7874(b) of the Code were to apply to Star Maritime and the Redomiciliation Merger, then, among other consequences, the Company, as the surviving entity of the Redomiciliation Merger, would be subject to U.S. federal income tax as a U.S. domestic corporation on its worldwide income after the Redomiciliation Merger.  Upon completion of the Redomiciliation Merger and the concurrent issuance of stock to TMT under the acquisition agreements, the stockholders of Star Maritime owned less than 80% of the Company.  Therefore, the Company believes that it should not be subject to Section 7874(b) of the Code after the Redomiciliation Merger.  Star Maritime obtained an opinion of its counsel, Seward & Kissel LLP, that Section 7874(b) should not apply to the Redomiciliation Merger.  However, there is no authority directly addressing the application of Section 7874(b) to a transaction such as the Redomiciliation Merger where shares in a foreign corporation such as the Company are issued concurrently with (or shortly after) a merger.  In particular, since there is no authority directly applying the “series of related transactions” or “plan” provisions to the post-acquisition stock ownership requirements of Section 7874(b), the United States Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, may not agree with Seward & Kissel’s opinion on this matter.  Moreover, Star Maritime has not sought a ruling from the IRS on this point.  Therefore, IRS may seek to assert that we are subject to U.S. federal income tax for taxable on our worldwide income for taxable years after the Redomiciliation Merger although Seward & Kissel is of the opinion that such an assertion should not be successful.

 

We may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce our earnings

 

Under the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as the Company and its subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source shipping income and such income is subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

We expect that we will qualify for this statutory tax exemption and we intend to take this position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes for our 2007 taxable year.  However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption and thereby become subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. source income.

 

If we are not entitled to this exemption under Section 883 for any taxable year, we would be subject for those years to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on its U.S.-source shipping income.  The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings.

 

U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. holders

 

We will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company,” or PFIC, for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income” or (2) at least 50% of the average value of its assets produce or are held for the production of those types of “passive income.”  For purposes of these tests, “passive income”

 

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includes dividends, interest, and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business.  For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income.” U.S. shareholders of a PFIC may be subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC.

 

Based on our method of operation, we take the position for United States federal income tax purposes we are not a PFIC with respect to any taxable year.  In this regard, we intend to treat the gross income we will derive or will be deemed to derive from our time chartering activities as services income, rather than rental income.  Accordingly, we take the position that our income from our time chartering activities does not constitute “passive income,” and the assets that we will own and operate in connection with the production of that income do not constitute passive assets.

 

There is, however, no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our method of operation.  In addition, we have not received an opinion of counsel with respect to this issue.  Accordingly, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS, or a court of law may not accept our position, and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC.  Moreover, may constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in the nature and extent of its operations.  For example, if we were treated as earning rental income from our chartering activities rather than services income, we would be treated as a PFIC.

 

If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, its U.S. shareholders will face adverse U.S. tax consequences.  Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the Code (which election could itself have adverse consequences for such shareholders), such shareholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then highest income tax rates on ordinary income plus interest upon excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of our common shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of our common shares.

 

Our internal controls over financial reporting do not currently meet all of the standards contemplated by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Section 404.  Since we failed to achieve and maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we may be unable to accurately report our consolidated financial results or prevent fraud and could be required to restate our historical financial statements, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and the price of our common stock

 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of December 31, 2007.  Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective because of the material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting described below.  Management has assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2007, based on the framework established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  Based on the aforementioned assessment, the management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was not effective due to material weaknesses identified in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Star Bulk took delivery of its first vessel in December 2007 and as a result, management began the process to replace the internal controls over financial reporting which previously existed while the Company was a blank check company with those of a company that owns and operates vessels.  Although progress was made,  the Company did not have sufficient time to complete designing and implementing a comprehensive system of internal controls over financial reporting that would prevent or timely detect material adjustments and identify financial statement disclosure requirements.  Consequently, adjustments and disclosures that were material in the aggregate to the consolidated financial statements and necessary to present the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 in accordance with U.S. GAAP were made by the Company after being identified by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.  Specifically, we did not have in place adequate internal controls over our financial close and reporting processes and we lacked sufficient accounting personnel with the necessary level of US GAAP expertise which resulted in the Company not being able to:

 

·

Properly evaluate and account for non-routine or complex transactions, including the determination of the purchase price of the vessels fair value of time charter agreements acquired, the application of SFAS 123(R), the classification of expenses related to the target acquisition process, and the completeness of the accrual of general and administrative expenses; and

 

 

17

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·	Properly identify all financial statement disclosure requirements in accordance with U.S. GAAP including disclosure surrounding related party transactions.

 

We have determined that these adjustments were not prevented or detected due to material weaknesses in our controls due to the absence of sufficient time for management to (1) design and implement a comprehensive system of internal controls and (2) hire sufficient accounting personnel with the requisite US GAAP expertise that are required to support our operation as a shipping company.  However, management has made the necessary adjustments to present the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

 

We will continue to evaluate the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting on an ongoing basis, including consideration of the material weaknesses identified above, or other deficiencies we may identify.  The Company has already and will further implement actions as necessary in its continuing assessment of disclosure controls and internal controls over financial reporting.

 

We may be unable to successfully complete the procedures and attestation requirements of Section 404 or our auditors may identify significant deficiencies, as well as material weaknesses, in internal control over financial reporting in future reporting periods.  If we are not able to implement the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or with adequate compliance, our independent registered public accounting firm may not be able to certify as to the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting.  Matters impacting our internal controls may cause us to be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis and thereby subject us to adverse regulatory consequences, including sanctions by the SEC or violations of NASDAQ Global Market listing rules.  There could also be a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in us and the reliability of our consolidated financial statements.  Confidence in the reliability of our financial statements could also suffer if our independent registered public accounting firm were to report material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting.  This could materially adversely affect us and lead to a decline in the price of our common stock.  We believe that the out-of-pocket costs, the diversion of management’s attention from running our day-to-day operations and operational changes caused by the need to comply with the requirements of Section 404 will be significant.  If the time and costs associated with such compliance exceed our current expectations, our profitability could be affected.

 

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

 

There may be no continuing public market for you to resell our common stock

 

Our common shares commenced trading on the NASDAQ Global Market in December 2007.  We cannot assure you that an active and liquid public market for our common shares will continue.  The price of our common stock may be volatile and may fluctuate due to factors such as:

 

·	actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results and those of other public companies in our industry;

 

·	mergers and strategic alliances in the drybulk shipping industry;

 

·	market conditions in the drybulk shipping industry and the general state of the securities markets;

 

·	changes in government regulation;

 

·	shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts; and

 

·	announcements concerning us or our competitors.

 

You may not be able to sell your shares of our common stock in the future at the price that you paid for them or at all.

 

Certain stockholders hold registration rights, which if exercised, may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock

 

Initial Stockholders of Star Maritime who purchased common stock prior to Star Maritime’s initial public offering are entitled to demand that we register the resale of their shares at any time after the shares are released from escrow which, except in limited

 

 

18

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circumstances, will not be before December 15, 2008.  If such stockholders exercise their registration rights with respect to all of their shares, there will be an additional 9,026,924 shares of common stock eligible for trading in the public market.  In addition, certain of Star Maritime’s officers and directors who purchased units in Star Maritime’s private placement in December 2005 are entitled to demand the registration of the securities underlying the 1,132,500 units, with each unit consisting of one share and one warrant.  If all of these stockholders exercise their registration rights with respect to all of their shares of common stock and warrants, there will be an additional 1,132,500 shares of common stock and 1,132,500 warrants eligible for trading in the public market.  The presence of these additional shares and warrants may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock and warrants.

 

Future sales of our common stock or warrants could cause the market price of our common stock or warrants to decline

 

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock or warrants in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common stock.  These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future.

 

We may issue additional shares of our common stock, warrants or other equity securities or securities convertible into our equity securities in the future and our stockholders may elect to sell large numbers of shares held by them from time to time.  Our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorize us to issue 100,000,000 common shares with par value $0.01 per share of which 42,516,433 shares and warrants to purchase 19,048,136 common shares were outstanding as of December 31, 2007 and 55,352,400 shares and warrants to purchase 5,916,150 common shares were outstanding as of August 21, 2008.

 

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could make it difficult for our stockholders to replace or remove our current board of directors or have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock

 

Several provisions of our amended and restated articles of incorporation and bylaws could make it difficult for our stockholders to change the composition of our board of directors in any one year, preventing them from changing the composition of management.  In addition, the same provisions may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that stockholders may consider favorable.

 

These provisions include:

 

·	authorizing our board of directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock without stockholder approval;

 

·	providing for a classified board of directors with staggered, three year terms;

 

·	prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors; and

 

·	authorizing the board to call a special meeting at any time.

 

 

 

19

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USE OF PROCEEDS

 

All of the Common Shares offered hereby are being sold by the selling stockholder.  We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares by the selling stockholder.

 

20

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SELLING STOCKHOLDER

 

The Common Shares being sold by F5 Capital were issued by us in a series of private transactions to F5 Capital, as the nominee of TMT Co., Ltd.  In connection with those transactions, we granted certain registration rights to F5 Capital with respect to the resale or other disposal of the securities listed below.

 

In accordance with the registration rights granted to F5 Capital, we have filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form F-3, of which this prospectus forms a part, with respect to the resale or other disposal of the shares listed below.

 

 

A statement of cash flows is not presented, since the Disposed Asset has historically been managed as part of the operations of TMT and has not been operated as a stand-alone entity.

 

 

F-19

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Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

 

The Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses include revenue and operating expenses directly attributable to the Disposed Asset.

 

Directly attributable expenses of the Disposed Asset include vessel operating expenses, depreciation, and management fees that are specifically identifiable with the Disposed Asset.

 

Certain other expenses and income, such as TMT corporate overhead, interest income and interest expense are not included in the accompanying Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses, since they are not directly associated with the operations of the Disposed Asset. Corporate overhead expenses include costs incurred for administrative support, such as expenses for legal, professional and executive management functions. The accompanying Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses are not necessarily indicative of the future financial position or results of the operations of the Disposed Asset due to the change in ownership, and the exclusion of certain assets, liabilities and operating expenses, as described herein.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of estimates

 

Preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the statement of revenue and direct operating expenses reported.

 

In the preparation of these financial statements, estimates and assumptions have been made by management including the selection of useful lives of tangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the vessel and is recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over nine years, the estimated remaining useful life of the vessel from the date it was acquired by A Duckling, and with an estimated $3,487,500 salvage value. Depreciation expense amounted to $85,993, $3,487,500 and $1,453,125 for the periods from January 1, 2008 to January 9, 2008, January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007, and August 5, 2006 to December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

 

 

F-25

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F Duckling Corporation

Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

(In U. S. Dollars)

 

 

		From January 1, 2008 to January 2, 2008				From May 7, 2007 to December 31, 2007
Revenue		$	0			$	5,949,947
Direct operating expenses			55,181				2,482,003
Excess of revenue over direct operating expenses ( Excess of direct operating expenses over revenue )		$	( 55,181	)		$	3,467,944

 

 

 

See notes to statements of revenue and direct operating expenses.

 

 

 

A statement of cash flows is not presented, since the Disposed Asset has historically been managed as part of the operations of TMT and has not been operated as a stand-alone entity.

 

Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

 

The Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses includes revenue and operating expenses directly attributable to the Disposed Asset.

 

Directly attributable expenses of the Disposed Asset include vessel operating expenses and depreciation that are specifically identifiable with the Disposed Asset.

 

Certain other expenses and income, such as TMT corporate overhead, interest income and interest expense are not included in the accompanying Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses, since they are not directly associated with the operations of the Disposed Asset. Corporate overhead expenses include costs incurred for administrative support, such as expenses for legal, professional and executive management functions. The accompanying Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses is not necessarily indicative of the future financial position or results of the operations of the Disposed Asset due to the change in ownership, and the exclusion of certain assets, liabilities and operating expenses, as described herein.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of estimates

 

Preparation of this financial statement in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the statement of revenue and direct operating expenses reported.

 

In the preparation of this financial statement, estimates and assumptions have been made by management including the selection of useful lives of tangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

 

F-31

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Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the vessel and is recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over twenty years the estimated remaining useful life of the vessel from the date it was acquired by G Duckling and with an estimated $1,419,048 salvage value. Depreciation expense amounted to $1,189,668 during the period from January 30, 2007 to December 3, 2007.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

 

 

F-33

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I Duckling Corporation

Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

(In U. S. Dollars)

 

 

 

		From January 1, 2008 to January 2, 2008				From February 13, 2007 to December 31, 2007
Revenue		$	0			$	9,507,290
Direct operating expenses			29,823				3,087,107
Excess of revenue over direct operating expenses ( Excess of direct operating expenses over revenue )		$	( 29,238	)		$	6,420,183

 

See notes to statements of revenue and direct operating expenses.

 

 

F-34

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I Duckling Corporation

Notes to Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

(In U. S. Dollars)

 

 

1. Business and Asset Purchase Agreement

 

On January 12, 2007, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the “Buyer”), and I Duckling Corporation (the “Seller,” the “Company,” or “I Duckling”) a Republic of Panama company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) for the Buyer to acquire a marine vessel (the “Disposed Asset”) The total purchase price amounted to $57,853,675 and included cash and buyer’s share consideration.  The Disposed Asset was delivered to the Buyer on January 2, 2008. The Disposed Asset is a 52,994 dwt dry bulk vessel which was built in 2003. In addition, the Buyer and TMT Co., Ltd., (“TMT”, a Taiwan corporation and a related party to the Seller through a common shareholder) entered into a master agreement on January 12, 2007 (the ‘Master Agreement’). Pursuant to the Master Agreement, TMT had guaranteed to procure a three-year time charter agreement at a minimum daily time charter hire rate $28,500. I Duckling acquired the Disposed Asset on May 6, 2006.

 

2. Basis of Presentation

 

Historically, the Disposed Asset operated as an asset within I Duckling and on a consolidated basis within TMT and had no separate legal status. Accordingly, the Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses have been prepared pursuant to a request from the Buyer and derived from the historical records of I Duckling.

 

The cost of the Disposed Asset as of January 2, 2008 and, December 31, 2007 and its related accumulated depreciation from the date it was acquired by I Duckling ,to January 2, 2008 and, December 31, 2007, respectively are as follows:

 

		January 2,  2008				December 31,  2007
Marine vessel
Cost		$	32,500,000			$	32,500,000
Accumulated depreciation			2,347,110				2,339,015
		$	30,152,890			$	30,160,985

 

Operations related to the Disposed Asset are reflected in the Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses for the periods from January 1, 2008 to January 2, 2008 and February 13, 2007 (commencement date of a time charter agreement to be assigned to the Buyer) to December 31, 2007.

 

The accompanying Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses for the periods from January 1, 2008 to January 2, 2008 and February 13, 2007 to December 31, 2007 have been prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The accompanying statements were prepared from the books and records maintained by TMT, of which the Disposed Asset represented only a portion. These statements are therefore not intended to be a complete representation of the results of operations for the Disposed Asset as a stand-alone going concern, nor is it indicative of the results to be expected from future operations of the Disposed Asset. The accompanying statements are also not intended to be a complete presentation of the results of operations of I Duckling as of or for any period. Further, these statements do not include any other adjustments or allocations of purchase price that may be required in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America subsequent to the date of acquisition.

 

 

A statement of cash flows is not presented, since the Disposed Asset has historically been managed as part of the operations of TMT and has not been operated as a stand-alone entity.

 

Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

 

The Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses include revenue and operating expenses directly attributable to the Disposed Asset.

 

Directly attributable expenses of the Disposed Asset include vessel operating expenses, depreciation and management fees that are specifically identifiable with the Disposed Asset.

 

Certain other expenses and income, such as TMT corporate overhead, interest income and interest expense are not included in the accompanying Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses, since they are not directly associated with the operations of the Disposed Asset. Corporate overhead expenses include costs incurred for administrative support, such as expenses for legal, professional and executive management functions. The accompanying Statements of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses are not necessarily indicative of the future financial position or results of the operations of the Disposed Asset due to the change in ownership, and the exclusion of certain assets, liabilities and operating expenses, as described herein.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of estimates

 

Preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the statement of revenue and direct operating expenses reported.

 

In the preparation of these financial statements, estimates and assumptions have been made by management including the selection of useful lives of tangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

 

 

F-35

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Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the vessel and is recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over twenty-one years, the estimated remaining useful life of the vessel from the date it was acquired by I Duckling, and with an estimated $1,477,273 salvage value. Depreciation expense amounted to $8,095 and $1,297,011 during the periods from January 1, 2008 to January 2, 2008, and February 13, 2007 to December 31, 2007, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

 

 

F-37

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J Duckling Corporation

Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

(In U. S. Dollars)

 

		From May 16, 2007 to December 6, 2007
Revenue		$	6,605,243
Direct operating expenses			1,783,210
Excess of revenue over direct operating expenses		$	4,822,033

 

 

 

See notes to statement of revenue and direct operating expenses.

 

 

F-38

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J Duckling Corporation

Notes to Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

(In U. S. Dollars)

 

 

1. Business and Asset Purchase Agreement

 

On January 12, 2007, Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (the “Buyer”), and J Duckling Corporation (the “Seller,” the “Company,” or “J Duckling”), a Republic of Panama company entered into an asset purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) for the Buyer to acquire a marine vessel (the “Disposed Asset”) The total purchase price amounted to $67,140,790 and included cash and buyer’s share consideration. The Disposed Asset was delivered to the Buyer on December 6, 2007. The Disposed Asset is a 52,425 dwt dry bulk vessel which was built in 2003. J Duckling acquired the Disposed Asset on July 12, 2006.

 

2. Basis of Presentation

 

Historically, the Disposed Asset operated as an asset within J Duckling and on a consolidated basis within TMT and had no separate legal status. Accordingly, the Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses has been prepared pursuant to a request from the Buyer and derived from the historical records of J Duckling.

 

The cost of the Disposed Asset as of December 6, 2007 and its related accumulated depreciation from the date it was acquired by J Duckling to December 6, 2007 is as follows:

 

		December 6, 2007
Marine vessel
Cost		$	30,930,000
Accumulated depreciation			1,591,018
		$	29,338,982

 

Operations related to the Disposed Asset are reflected in the Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses for the period from May 16, 2007 (commencement date of a time charter agreement to be assigned to the Buyer) to December 6, 2007.

 

The accompanying Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses for the period from May 16, 2007 to December 6, 2007 has been prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

The accompanying statement was prepared from the books and records maintained by TMT, of which the Disposed Asset represented only a portion. This statement is therefore not intended to be a complete representation of the results of operations for the Disposed Asset as a stand-alone going concern, nor is it indicative of the results to be expected from future operations of the Disposed Asset. The accompanying statement is also not intended to be a complete presentation of the results of operations of J Duckling as of or for any period. Further, this statement does not include any other adjustments or allocations of purchase price that may be required in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America subsequent to the date of acquisition.

 

A statement of stockholder’s equity is not presented, since the Agreement was structured such that only the Disposed Asset was acquired by the Buyer.

 

A statement of cash flows is not presented, since the Disposed Asset has historically been managed as part of the operations of TMT and has not been operated as a stand-alone entity.

 

 

F-39

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Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses

 

The Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses includes revenue and operating expenses directly attributable to the Disposed Asset.

 

Directly attributable expenses of the Disposed Asset include vessel operating expenses, depreciation and management fees that are specifically identifiable with the Disposed Asset.

 

Certain other expenses and income, such as TMT corporate overhead, interest income and interest expense are not included in the accompanying Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses, since they are not directly associated with the operations of the Disposed Asset. Corporate overhead expenses include costs incurred for administrative support, such as expenses for legal, professional and executive management functions. The accompanying Statement of Revenue and Direct Operating Expenses is not necessarily indicative of the future financial position or results of the operations of the Disposed Asset due to the change in ownership, and the exclusion of certain assets, liabilities and operating expenses, as described herein.

 

3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Use of estimates

 

Preparation of this financial statement in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the statement of revenue and direct operating expenses reported.

 

In the preparation of this financial statement, estimates and assumptions have been made by management including the selection of useful lives of tangible assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consists of the vessel and is recorded at cost. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over twenty-two years, the estimated remaining useful life of the vessel from the date it was acquired by J Duckling, and with an estimated $1,344,783 salvage value. Depreciation expense amounted to $750,530, for the period from May 16, 2007 to December 6, 2007.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

J Duckling generates its revenues from charterers for the charterhire of its vessel. A vessel is chartered under time charter, where a contract is entered into for the use of a vessel for a specific period of time and a specified daily charterhire rate. As a charter agreement exists that includes fixed prices, service is provided and collection of the related revenue is reasonably assured, revenue is recognized as it is earned ratably over the duration of the period of a time charter agreement as adjusted for the off-hire days that the vessel spends undergoing repairs, maintenance and upgrade work depending on the condition and specifications of the vessel. On April 23, 2007, J Duckling entered into a time charter agreement with its customer, which has duration of 23 to 25 months and a daily charterhire rate of $32,500. J Duckling reports its revenue net of commission discounts offered to its customer in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 01-9, “Accounting for Consideration Given by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products).” In addition, J Duckling reports its revenue on a gross basis with regard to the vessel fuel charged to its customer when delivering the vessel to its customer in accordance with EITF No. 99-19, “Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent.”

 

Revenue related to a dispute over the charterhire rate from the previous time charter arrangement is recognized when the dispute is resolved and money is received from the customer and such revenue amounted to $130,880 during the period from May 16, 2007 to December 6, 2007.

 

Operating Expenses

 

J Duckling’s operating expenses consist of vessel operating expenses, depreciation and management fees that are specifically identifiable with the Disposed Asset. Vessel operating expenses represent all expenses relating to the operation of the vessel, including crewing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, commissions, stores, lubricants, spares and consumables. Vessel operating expenses and management fees are recognized as incurred.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company is a tax-exempt entity in accordance with the Income Tax Code of the Republic of Panama.

 

4. Significant Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk

 

One customer accounted for 100% of the total revenue of the Disposed Asset.

 

F-40

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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN THE PROSPECTUS

 

Item 8.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers and Limitation of Liability

 

I.	Article VI of the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the of the Registrant provides as follows:

 

1.

The Company shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted by law, any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Company) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

 

2.

The Company shall indemnify, to the full extent permitted by law, any person who was or is a party, or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Company to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Company and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Company unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was properly brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court having proper jurisdiction shall deem proper.

 

 

II-1

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3.

To the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VI, or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection therewith.

 

4.

Any indemnification under Sections 1 or 2 of this Article VI (unless ordered by a court having proper jurisdiction) shall be made by the Company only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee or agent is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in such section.  Such determination shall be made:

 

 

a.	by the Board by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding; or

 

 

b.	if such a quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion; or

 

c.	by the shareholders.

 

5.

Expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by an officer or director in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Company in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company as authorized in this Section.

 

6.

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this Article VI shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

7.

The Company shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article VI.

 

8.

For purposes of this Article VI, references to the “Company” shall include, in addition to the resulting corporation, any constituent corporation (including any constituent of a constituent) absorbed in a consolidation or merger which, if its separate existence had continued, would have had power and authority to indemnify its directors, officers, and employees or agents, so that any person who is or was a director, officer employee or agent of such constituent corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such constituent corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, shall stand in the same position under this Article VI with respect to the resulting or surviving corporation as he would have with respect to such constituent corporation of its separate existence had continued.

 

9.

For purposes of this Article VI, references to “other enterprises” shall include employee benefit plans; references to “fines” shall include any excise taxes assessed on a person with respect to any employee benefit plan; and references to “serving at the request of the Company” shall include any service as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company which imposes duties on, or involves services by, such director, officer, employee, or agent with respect to an employee benefit plan, its participants or beneficiaries; and a person who acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of an employee benefit plan shall be deemed to have acted in a manner “not opposed to the best interests of the Company” as referred to in this Article VI.

 

 

 

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10.

The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other sections of this Article VI shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any Bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

 

11.

No director or officer of the Company shall be personally liable to the Company or to any shareholder of the Company for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director or officer, provided that this provision shall not limit the liability of a director or officer (i) for any breach of the director’s or the officer’s duty of loyalty to the Company or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or (iii) for any transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal benefit.

 

II.	Section 60 of the Associations Law of the Republic of the Marshall Islands provides as follows:

 

1.

Actions not by or in right of the corporation.  A corporation shall have power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful.  The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or upon a plea of no contest, or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the bests interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceedings, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful.

 

2.

Actions by or in right of the corporation.  A corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was a director or officer of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claims, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the court shall deem proper.

 

3.

When director or officer successful.  To the extent that a director or officer of a corporation has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to in subsections (1) or (2) of this section, or in the defense of a claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith.

 

4.

Payment of expenses in advance.  Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding may be paid in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding as authorized by the board of directors in the specific case upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized in this section.

 

5.

Indemnification pursuant to other rights.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, the other subsections of this section shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office.

 

 

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6.

Continuation of indemnification.  The indemnification and advancement of expenses provided by, or granted pursuant to, this section shall, unless otherwise provided when authorized or ratified, continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person.

 

7.

Insurance.  A corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director or officer of the corporation or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director or officer against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in such capacity whether or not the corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this section.

 

Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to our directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

Item 9.  Exhibits

 

A list of exhibits included as part of this registration statement is set forth in the Exhibit Index which immediately precedes such exhibits and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 10.  Undertakings.

 

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes: 

 

a.	Pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act,

 

1.

To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement, unless the information required to be included is to contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission that are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act that is part of this Registration Statement,

 

i.	To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

ii.

To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement.

 

iii.	To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.

 

2.

That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

3.	To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

 

 

 

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4.

To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A.  of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering.  Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Act need not be furnished, provided, that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933 or Rule 3-19 under the Securities Act of 1933 if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Form F-3.

 

5.

Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of this Registration Statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in this Registration Statement.  Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of this Registration Statement for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in this Registration Statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus.  As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.  Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

 

6.

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this Registration Statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

i.	Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

ii.	Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

 

iii.	The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

 

iv.	Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

 

b.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

 

c.	Not Applicable.

 

d.	Not Applicable.

 

e.

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to deliver or cause to be delivered with the prospectus, to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest annual report to security holders that is incorporated by reference in the prospectus and furnished pursuant to and meeting the requirements of Rule 14a-3 or Rule 14c-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and, where interim financial information required to be presented by Article 3 of Regulation S-X is not set forth in the prospectus, to deliver, or cause to be delivered to each person to whom the prospectus is sent or given, the latest quarterly report that is specifically incorporated by reference in the prospectus to provide such interim financial information.

 

f. – l. Not Applicable.

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Athens, Country of Greece, on September 2, 2008.

		STAR BULK CARRIERS CORP.
		By:	/s/  PROKOPIOS (AKIS) TSIRIGAKIS Name: Prokopios (Akis) Tsirigakis Title: Chief Executive Officer and President

POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints each of Prokopios Tsirigakis, George Syllantavos, Gary J. Wolfe and Robert E. Lustrin his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments (including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully for all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent, or his substitute, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons on  September 2, 2008 in the capacities indicated.

Signature		Title
/s/  PROKOPIOS (AKIS) TSIRIGAKIS Prokopios (Akis) Tsirigakis		Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/  GEORGE SYLLANTAVOS George Syllantavos		Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/  PETROS PAPPAS Petros Pappas		Director; Chairman of the Board of Directors
/s/  NOBU SU Nobu Su		Director
/s/  PETER ESPIG Peter Espig		Director
/s/  KOERT ERHART Koert Erhardt		Director
/s/  TOM SOFTELAND Tom Softland		Director

 

 

 

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Authorized Representative

 

Pursuant to the requirement of the Securities Act of 1933, the undersigned, the duly undersigned representative in the United States, has signed this registration statement in the City of Newark, State of Delaware, on September 2, 2008.

 

PUGLISI & ASSOCIATES
By:		/s/  DONALD J. PUGLISI Name: Donald J. Puglisi Title:  Managing Director

 

 

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit Number		Description
5.1		Legality opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP
10.23		Loan Agreement with Piraeus Bank A.E. dated July 1, 2008
23.1		Consent of Seward & Kissel LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1)
23.2		Consent of Deloitte Hadjipavlou, Sofianos & Cambanis S.A.
23.3		Consent of Goldstein Golub Kessler LLP
23.4		Consent of Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd.
23.5		Consent of Deloitte & Touche in Taipei, Taiwan

SK 25767 0001 904060 v7

 

 

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