Thu 19 Feb 2009, 07:24 GMT

Aegean announces $300m credit facility


President says facility will enable it to manage price fluctuations and supply volumes.



Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. has announced it has received a commitment letter for a new $300 million senior secured revolving and letter of credit facility.

The two-year facility, underwritten by HSH Nordbank AG and The Royal Bank of Scotland plc, is subject to the execution of final documentation.

Under the terms of the commitment, the facility will bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.50% for documentary letters of credit, 1.50% for standby letters of credit and guarantee, and 2.50% for direct borrowings.

The facility also has an accordion feature by which Aegean can increase the availability under the facility subject to lender commitments.

Upon closing of the new facility, Aegean will have a total of $320 million in senior secured revolving credit facilities.

Commenting on the news, E. Nikolas Tavlarios [pictured], President, said "We are pleased to secure a new $300 million credit facility on attractive terms during a challenging credit environment. The new facility, which provides ample liquidity to manage both the fluctuation in marine fuel prices and procurement of supply in large quantities, highlights Aegean's leading industry reputation and underscores the company's strong banking relationships.

By further strengthening our working capital base, a key differentiator for Aegean, we plan to continue to take advantage of the strong worldwide demand for our comprehensive marine fuel services and further expand sales volumes. We also intend to utilize our considerable financial flexibility to capitalize on additional growth opportunities that best serve the interests of our shareholders."

Greece 

Arctic Tern vessel. Wallenius Wilhelmsen takes delivery of first methanol-ready Shaper Class vessel  

The dual-fuel Arctic Tern will enter service on the Asia–Europe trade almost immediately.

Al Muraykh vessel. Hapag-Lloyd signs shore power agreement with Hamburg Port Authority  

Deal commits the carrier to using onshore power supply at all Hamburg terminals.

Dorthe Karin Bendtsen, KPI OceanConnect. KPI OceanConnect reports 21% rise in pre-tax earnings for 2025/26  

Marine fuel firm delivers 13 million tonnes and expands carbon markets capabilities amid geopolitical turbulence.

VTTI logo. VTTI Dalian completes first large-scale 'green methanol' vessel loading  

Cargo to be supplied as marine fuel in Shanghai.

Steff Tan, Oilmar. Oilmar appoints Steff Tan as marine fuels trader in Singapore  

New hire's background spans bunker operations, logistics, commercial trading, marketing, and business development.

Feng Da Hai vessel. Cosco Shipping adds methanol-ready bulk carrier Feng Da Hai to fleet  

The 64,000-tonne vessel is equipped with a methanol fuel system for future low-carbon operations.

Oilmar office in Dubai. Oilmar welcomes summer intern to Dubai branch  

Arpit Aryan will rotate across the bunker fuel trading, finance and operations departments.

Aerial view of the Dubai skyline. Oilmar takes on trading and finance intern in Dubai  

New intern to rotate across trading, operations and finance teams.

Seaspan and Maersk signing. Seaspan and Maersk deepen fleet efficiency collaboration with $75m upgrade programme  

Retrofit package for four 13,000-teu vessels includes installation of shaft generator to reduce auxiliary engine fuel consumption.

European Parliament building in Brussels. EU Parliament vote on soy biofuels could expose bloc to $5.6bn a year in trade sanctions  

MEPs reject regulation that would have phased out soy biofuels, risking WTO retaliation penalties.