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[65 FR 45152, July 20, 2000, as amended at 68 FR 62538, Nov. 5, 2003; 69 FR 61451, Oct. 19, 2004]
§ 298.14 Economic soundness.
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(a) Economic Evaluation. We shall not issue a Letter Commitment for guarantees unless we find that the proposed project, regarding the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project for which you seek Title XI financing or refinancing, will be economically sound. The economic soundness and your ability to repay the Obligations will be the primary basis for our approval of a Letter Commitment. We will consider the value of the collateral for which we will issue the Obligations as only a secondary consideration in determining your ability to repay the Obligations.
(b) Basic feasibility factors. In making the economic soundness findings, we shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
(1) The need in the particular segment of the maritime industry for new or additional capacity, including any impact on existing equipment for which a guarantee under this title is in effect;
(2) The market potential for the employment of the Vessel or utilization of the Shipyard Project of a General Shipyard Facility over the life of the guarantee;
(3) Projected revenues and expenses associated with employment of the Vessel or utilization of the Shipyard Project of a General Shipyard Facility;
(4) Any charters, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements, or similar agreements or undertakings relevant to the employment of the Vessel or utilization of the Shipyard Project of a General Shipyard Facility;
(5) For inland waterways, the need for technical improvements including but not limited to increased fuel efficiency, or improved safety; and
(6) Other relevant criteria.
(c) Project Feasibility. To demonstrate the economic feasibility of the project over the Guarantee period, you must submit the following information:
(1) Purpose. A detailed purpose for the obligations to be guaranteed.
(2) Necessary exhibits. Necessary exhibits to support your project feasibility as supplements to the application.
(3) Relevant market information. Information regarding the relevant market including a written narrative of the market (or potential market) for the project including full details on the following, as applicable:
(i) Nature and amount of cargo/passengers available for carriage and your projected share (provide also the number of units; that is containers, trailers, etc.);
(ii) Services or routes in which the Vessel(s) will be employed, including an itinerary of ports served, with the arrival and departure times, sea time, port time, hours working or idle in port, off hire days and reserve or contingency time, proposed number of annual sailings and number of annual working days for the Vessel(s) or, with respect to Shipyard Project, how the equipment will be employed;
(iii) Suitability of the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project for their anticipated use;
(iv) Significant factors influencing your expectations for the future market for the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project, for example, competition, government regulations, alternative uses, and charter rates; and
(v) Particulars of any charters, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements, etc. You should supplement the narrative by providing copies of any marketing studies and/or supporting information (for instance, existing or proposed charters, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements, and letters of intent from prospective customers).
(vi) The potential for purchasing existing equipment of a reasonable condition and age from another source, including information regarding:
(A) Market assessment concerning the availability and cost of existing equipment that may be an alternative to new construction or the new Shipyard Project;
(B) The cost of modification, reconditioning, or reconstruction of existing equipment to make it suitable for intended use; and
(C) Descriptions of any bids or offers which you had made to purchase existing equipment, especially Vessels which currently are financed with Title XI Obligations including date of offer, Vessels, and amount of offer.
(4) Revenues. A detailed statement of the revenues expected to be earned from the project based upon the information in paragraph (c) of this section. Vessel revenue projections shall include shipping/hire rates for current market conditions or market conditions expected to exist at the time of Vessel delivery taking into account seasonal or temporary fluctuations. The revenues shall be based on a realistic estimate of the Vessel(s) or the new Shipyard Project utilization rate and at a breakeven rate for the project. A justification for the utilization rate shall be supplied and should indicate the number of days per year allowed for maintenance, drydocking, inspection, etc.
(5) Expenses for Vessel financing. For applications for Vessel financing, a detailed statement of estimated Vessel expenses including the following (where applicable):
(i) Estimated Vessel daily operating expenses, including wages, insurance, maintenance and repair, fuel, etc. and a detailed projection of anticipated costs associated with long term maintenance of the Vessel(s) such as drydocking and major mid-life overhauls, with a time frame for these events over the period of the Guarantee;
(ii) If applicable, a detailed breakdown of those expenses associated with the Vessel(s) voyage, such as port fees, agency fees and canal fees that are assessed as a result of the voyage; and
(iii) A detailed breakdown of annual capital costs and administrative expenses, segregated as to:
(A) Interest on debt;
(B) Principal amortization; and
(C) Salaries and other administrative expenses (indicate basis of allocation).
(6) Expenses for a Shipyard Project. For applications for a Shipyard Project, a statement of estimated expenses related to the Shipyard Project, including the following (where applicable):
(i) A detailed breakdown of estimated daily operating expenses for the shipyard, such as wages, including staffing, and segregated as to straight-time, overtime and fringe benefits; utility costs; costs of stores, supplies, and equipment; maintenance and repair cost; insurance costs; and, other expenses (indicate items included); and
(ii) A detailed breakdown of annual capital costs and administrative expenses, segregated as to:
(A) Interest on debt;
(B) Principal amortization; and
(C) Salaries and other administrative expenses (indicate basis of allocation).
(7) Forecast of Operations. Utilizing the revenues and expenses provided in paragraphs (c)(4),(5) and (6) of this section, you shall provide a forecast of operating cash flow, as defined in paragraph (d)(4) of this section, for the Title XI project for the first full year of operations and the next four years. The cash flow statements should be footnoted to explain the assumptions used.
(d) Objective Criteria. We must make a finding of economic soundness as to each project based on an assessment of the entire project. In order for the project to receive approval, we must determine that a project meets the following criteria:
(1) The projected long-term demand (equal to length of time that you request financing) for the particular Vessel(s) or new Shipyard Project to be financed must exceed the supply of similar vessels or new shipyard project in the applicable markets. We will determine the supply of similar vessels and similar shipyard projects based on:
(i) Existing equipment,
(ii) Similar vessels or new shipyard project under construction, and
(iii) The projected need for new equipment in that particular segment of the maritime industry.
(2) We will base our determination of the project's economic soundness on the following:
(i) Conformity of your projections with our supply and demand analyses;
(ii) Availability of charters, letters of intent, outstanding contractual commitments, contracts of affreightment, transportation agreements or similar agreements or undertakings; and
(iii) Your existing market share compared with the market share necessary to meet projected revenues.
(3) In cases where market conditions are temporarily inadequate for you to service the Obligation indebtedness at the time of Vessel delivery, or completion of the Shipyard Project, we may approve your application only if you have sufficient outside sources of cash flow to service your indebtedness during this temporary period.
(4) With respect to the asset for which Obligations are to be issued, the operating cash flow to Obligation debt service ratio over the term of the Guarantee must be in excess of 1:1. Operating cash flow means revenues less operating and capital expenses including taxes paid but exclusive of interest, accrued taxes, depreciation and amortization for the Title XI asset. Debt service means interest plus principal.
§ 298.15 Investigation fee.
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(a) In general. Before we issue a Letter Commitment, you shall pay us an investigation fee. The Letter Commitment will state the fee which is based on the formula in paragraph (b) of this section.
(1) The investigation fee covers the cost of the investigation of the project described in the application and the participants in the project, the appraisal of properties offered as security, Vessel inspection during construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning (where applicable) and other administrative expenses.
(2) If, for any reason, we disapprove the application, you shall pay one-half of the investigation fees.
(b) Base Fee. (1) The investigation fee shall be one-half ( 1/2) of one percent on Obligations to be issued up to and including $10,000,000, plus
(2) One-eighth ( 1/8) of one percent on all Obligations to be issued in excess of $10,000,000.
(c) Credit for filing fee. You will receive credit for the $5,000 filing fee that you paid upon filing the original application (described in §298.3) towards the investigation fee.
§ 298.16 Substitution of participants.
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(a) You may request our permission to substitute participants to a Mortgage and/or Security Agreement in a financing that is receiving assistance authorized by Title XI of the Act.
(b) A non-refundable fee of $3,000 is due, payable at the time of the request. The fee defrays all costs of processing and reviewing a joint application by a mortgagor and/or Obligor and a proposed transferee of a Vessel or Shipyard Project, which is security for Title XI debt, if the proposed transferee is to assume the Mortgage and/or the Security Agreement.
§ 298.17 Evaluation of applications.
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(a) In evaluating project applications, we shall also consider whether the application provides for:
(1) The capability of the Vessel(s) serving as a naval and military auxiliary in time of war or national emergency.
(2) The financing of the Vessel(s) within one year after delivery.
(3) The acquisition of Vessel(s) currently financed under Title XI by assumption of the total obligation(s).
(4) The Guarantees extend for less than the normal term for that class of vessel.
(5) In the case of an Eligible Shipyard, the capability of the shipyard to engage in naval vessel construction in time of war or national emergency.
(6) In the case of Shipyard Project, the Guarantees extend for less than the technological life of the asset.
(b) In determining the amount of equity which you must provide, we will consider, among other things, the following:
(1) Your financial strength;
(2) Adequacy of collateral; and
(3) The term of the Guarantees.
§ 298.18 Financing Shipyard Projects.
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(a) Initial criteria. We may issue Guarantees to finance a Shipyard Project at a General Shipyard Facility. We may approve such Guarantees after we consider whether the Guarantees will result in shipyard modernization and support increased productivity.
(b) Detailed statement. You must provide a detailed statement, with the Guarantee application, which will provide the basis for our consideration.
(c) Required conditions. We shall approve your application for loan guarantees under this section if we determine the following:
(1) The term for such Guarantees will not exceed the reasonable economic useful life of the collective assets which comprise this Shipyard Project;
(2) There is sufficient collateral to secure the Guarantee; and
(3) Your application will not prevent us from guaranteeing debt for a Shipyard Project that, in our sole opinion, will serve a more desirable use of appropriated funds. In making this determination, we will consider:
(i) The types of vessels which will be built by the shipyard,
(ii) The productivity increases which will be achieved,
(iii) The geographic location of the shipyard,
(iv) The long-term viability of the shipyard,
(v) The soundness of the financial transaction,
(vi) Any financial impact on other Title XI transactions, and
(vii) The furtherance of the goals of the Shipbuilding Act.
§ 298.19 Financing Eligible Export Vessels.
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(a) Notification to Secretary of Defense. (1) We will provide prompt notice of our receipt of an application for a loan Guarantee for an Eligible Export Vessel to the Secretary of Defense.
(2) During the 30-day period, beginning on the date on which the Secretary of Defense receives such notice, the Secretary of Defense may disapprove the loan guarantee if the Secretary of Defense makes an assessment that the Vessel's potential use may cause harm to United States national security interests.
(3) The Secretary of Defense may not disapprove a loan Guarantee under this section solely on the basis of the type of vessel to be constructed with the loan Guarantee. The authority of the Secretary of Defense to disapprove a loan Guarantee under this section may not be delegated to any official other than a civilian officer of the Department of Defense appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. We will not approve a loan guarantee disapproved by the Secretary of Defense.
(b) Vessel eligibility. We may not approve a Guarantee for an Eligible Export Vessel unless:
(1) We find that the construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of the Vessel will aid in the transition of United States shipyards to commercial activities or will preserve shipbuilding assets that would be essential in time of war or national emergency;
(2) The owner of the Vessel agrees with us that the Vessel shall not be transferred to any country designated by the Secretary of Defense as a country whose interests are hostile to the interests of the United States; and
(3) We determine that the countries in which the shipowner, its charterers, guarantors, or other financial interests supporting the transaction, if any, have their chief executive offices or have located a substantial portion of their assets, present an acceptable financial or legal risk to our collateral interests. Our determination will be based on confidential risk assessments provided by the Inter-Agency Country Risk Assessment System and will take into account any other factors related to the loan guarantee transaction that we deem pertinent.
Subpart C—Guarantees
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§ 298.20 Term, redemptions, and interest rate.
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(a) In general. The maturity date of the Obligations must be satisfactory to us and must not exceed the anticipated physical and economic life of the Vessel or Vessels or Shipyard Project, and may be less than but no more than:
(1) Twenty-five years from the date of delivery from the shipbuilder of a single new Vessel which is to be security for Guarantees;
(2) Twenty-five years from the date of delivery from the shipyard of the last of multiple Vessels which are to be security for the Guarantees but that the amount of the Guarantees will relate to the amount of the depreciated actual cost of the multiple Vessels as of the Closing;
(3) The later of twenty-five years from the date of original delivery of a reconstructed, or reconditioned Vessel which is to be security for the Guarantees, or at the expiration of the remaining useful life of the Vessel, as we determine; or
(4) The technological life of the Shipyard Project.
(b) Required redemptions. Where multiple Vessels or multiple Shipyard Project assets are to be used as security for the Guarantees, as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, we may require payments of principal prior to maturity (redemptions) regarding all related Obligations, as we may deem necessary to maintain adequate security for the Guarantees.
(c) Interest rate. We will make a determination as to the reasonableness of the interest rate of each Obligation, taking into account the range of interest rates prevailing in the private market for similar loans and the risks that we assume.
§ 298.21 Limits.
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(a) Actual Cost basis. We will issue a guarantee on an amount of the Obligation satisfactory to us based on the economic soundness of the transaction. The Obligation amount may be less than but not more than 75 percent or 87 1/2 percent, whichever is applicable, under the provisions of section 1104A(b)(2) or section 1104B(b)(2) of the Act of the Actual Cost of the Vessel or Vessels or Shipyard Project asset(s).
(1) If minimum horsepower of the main engine is a requirement for Guarantees up to 87 1/2 percent of the Actual Cost, the standard for the horsepower will be continuous rated horsepower.
(2) Where we refinance existing debt, the amount of new Obligations we issue for the existing debt may not exceed the lesser of:
(i) The amount of outstanding debt being refinanced (whether or not receiving assistance under Title XI); or
(ii) Seventy-five or 87 1/2 percent, whichever is applicable, of the Depreciated Actual Cost of the Vessel or Shipyard Project with respect to which the new Obligations are being issued.
(b) Actual Cost items. Actual Cost is comprised essentially of those items which would customarily be capitalized as Vessel or Shipyard Project construction costs such as designing, engineering, constructing (including performance bond premiums that we approve), inspecting, outfitting and equipping.
(1) Cost items include those items usually specified in Vessel or Shipyard Project construction contracts, e.g., changes and extras, cost of owner furnished equipment, shoreside spare parts and commitment fees and interest on the Obligations or other borrowings incurred during the construction period (excluding interest paid on subordinated debt considered to be Equity), and less income realized from investment of Escrow Fund deposits during the construction period.
(2) Commissions (which represent a portion of the total shipyard contract price) may be included in the foreign equipment and services amount of the Actual Cost of an export project, provided:
(i) A majority of the work done by the parties receiving the commissions is in the form of design and engineering work, and
(ii) The commissions represent a small amount of the total contract price.
(3) You may include Guarantee Fees determined in accordance with the provisions of section 1104(e) of the Act as an item of Actual Cost.
(4) In approving an item of Actual Cost, we will consider all pertinent factors.
(c) Items excludible from Actual Cost. Actual Cost shall not include any other costs such as the following:
(1) Legal fees or expenses;
(2) Accounting fees or expenses;
(3) Commitment fees or interest other than those specifically allowed;
(4) Fees, commissions or charges for granting or arranging for financing;
(5) Fees or charges for preparing, printing and filing an application for Title XI Guarantees and supporting documents, for services rendered to obtain approval of the application and for preparing, printing and processing documents relating to the application for Guarantees;
(6) Underwriting or trustee's fees;
(7) Foreign, federal, state or local taxes, user fees, or other governmental charges;
(8) Investigation fee determined in accordance with section 1104(f) of the Act and §298.15;
(9) Predelivery Vessel operating expenses, Vessel insurance premiums and other items which may not be properly capitalized by the owner as costs of the Vessel under GAAP;
(10) The cost of the condition survey required by §298.11(f) and all work necessary to meet the standards set forth in that paragraph;
(11) The cost to the Shipowner of a Vessel which is to be reconstructed, or reconditioned, e.g., cost of acquisition or repair work;
(12) Generally, any amount payable to the shipyard for early delivery of the Vessel;
(13) Generally, any amount payable to the manufacturer of the Shipyard Project for early delivery of the equipment to the General Shipyard Facility;
(14) Predelivery Shipyard Project expenses which may not be properly capitalized by the General Shipyard Facility as costs of the Shipyard Project under GAAP; and
(15) The cost of major foreign components and other foreign components for which there is no waiver and their assembly when comprising any part of the hull and superstructure of a Vessel.
(d) Substantiation of Actual Cost. (1) Before we make distribution from the Escrow Fund or Construction Fund (described in §§298.33 and 298.34), and prior to our final Actual Cost determination for each Vessel or Shipyard Project, you must submit to us documents substantiating all claimed costs eligible under paragraph (b) of this section or, alternatively, appropriate certification of such costs by an agent who has received our approval.
(2) These documents may include, but need not be limited to, copies of invoices, change orders, subcontracts, and where we require, statements from independent certified or independent licensed public accountants that the costs for which you seek payment or reimbursement were actually paid or are payable for the construction of a Vessel or Shipyard Project.
(3) You must summarize, index and arrange these documents according to cost categories by following the directions contained in our forms.
(e) Escalation as part of Actual Cost. Escalation clauses in construction contracts shall be subject to our approval. After a review of the base contract price and the escalation clauses, we shall, in order to estimate the Actual Cost amount to be stated in the Letter Commitment, add to the approved base contract price the amount of estimated escalation as approved by us. We must subsequently approve the amount of escalation cost you claimed as a component of Actual Cost.
(f) Monies received in respect of construction. (1) If you or any Person acting on your behalf, from time to time receives moneys due for construction of a Vessel or Shipyard Project (described in the Security Agreement) from the shipbuilder, guarantors, sureties or other Persons, you shall give us written notice of such fact.
(2) As long as we have not paid the Guarantees, you or other recipient shall promptly deposit these moneys with us to be held by the Depository in accordance with the Depository Agreement.
(3) We will determine the extent to which Actual Cost is to be reduced by these moneys.
(4) In no event shall Actual Cost be reduced with respect to payments by the shipyard to a Vessel or Shipyard Project owner of liquidated damages for late delivery of the Vessel or Shipyard Project .
(5) If we have paid the Guarantees, you or other recipient must promptly pay these moneys, including any liquidated damages, to us for deposit into the Maritime Guaranteed Loans account.
(g) Depreciated Actual Cost. After a Vessel or Shipyard Project has been delivered or redelivered (in the case of reconstruction or reconditioning), the limitation on the amount of Guarantees will be 75 or 87 1/2 percent, whichever is applicable, of the Depreciated Actual Cost of the Vessel or Shipyard Project.
[65 FR 45152, July 20, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 61282, Sept. 30, 2002]
§ 298.22 Amortization of Obligations.
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(a) Generally, after delivery or completion of Shipyard Project, and until maturity of the Obligations, provisions of the Trust Indenture or other part of the Documentation require you to make periodic payment of principal and interest on the Obligations.
(b) Usually, the payment of principal (amortization) shall be made semi-annually, but in no event, less frequently than on an annual basis, and in either case the amortization shall be in equal payments of principal (level principal), unless we consent to the periodic payment of a constant aggregate amount, comprised of both interest and principal components which are variable in amount (level payment). No other proposed method of amortization will be allowed which would reduce the amount of periodic amortization below that determined under the level principal or level payment basis at any time prior to maturity of the Obligations, except where:
(1) You can demonstrate to our satisfaction that there will be adequate funds to discharge the Obligations at maturity;
(2) You establish a fund with the Depository in which you deposit an equal annual amount necessary to redeem the outstanding Obligations at maturity; or
(3) With regard to Eligible Export Vessels, in accordance with such other terms as we determine to be more favorable and to be compatible with export credit terms offered by foreign governments for the sale of vessels built in foreign shipyards.
[65 FR 45152, July 20, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 61282, Sept. 30, 2002]
§ 298.23 Refinancing.
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(a) We may approve guarantees of Obligations to be secured by one or more Vessels or a Shipyard Project issued to refinance existing Title XI debt for either Vessels or for Shipyard Project and existing non-Title XI debt, so long as the existing debt has been previously issued for one of the purposes set forth in sections 1104(a)(1) through (4) of the Act. Section 1104 (a) (1) of the Act requires that, if the existing indebtedness was incurred more than one year after the delivery or redelivery of the related Vessel or Shipyard Project, the proceeds of such Obligations will be applied to the construction, reconstruction or reconditioning of other Vessels or Shipyard Project or as provided in §298.24.
(b) We shall require any security lien on the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project to be discharged immediately before we place a Mortgage or other security interest on any of the above assets. You must satisfy all necessary eligibility requirements as set forth in subpart B of this part, including economic soundness.
§ 298.24 Financing a Vessel more than a year after delivery.
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(a) We may approve Guarantees for a Vessel which has been delivered (or redelivered in the case of reconstruction or reconditioning of a Vessel) more than one year prior to the issuance of the Guarantees only if:
(1) The issuance of the Guarantees would otherwise satisfy the requirements of the Act and the regulations in this part, and
(2) The proceeds of the Obligation financing such existing Vessel are used to finance:
(i) The construction, reconstruction, or reconditioning of a different Vessel within one year of that Vessel's delivery or redelivery, as the case may be, or
(ii) Facilities or equipment pertaining to marine operations. Such facilities or equipment must be of a specialized nature, used principally for servicing vessels and in handling waterborne cargo in the close proximity of the berthing area, excluding over-the-road equipment (other than chassis and containers), permanent or semipermanent structures and real estate, as well as new or less than one year old.
(b) At the Closing of Guarantees covered by this section, you must deposit the proceeds of the Obligation into an Escrow Fund established to pay for the cost unless you demonstrate to our satisfaction that all such costs have been paid.
§ 298.25 Excess interest or other consideration.
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We shall not execute Guarantees if any agreement in the Documentation directly or indirectly provides for:
(a) The payment to an Obligee of interest, or other compensation for services which have not been performed, in a manner that such compensation or payment is being provided as interest in excess of the rate approved by us; or
(b) Grants of security to an Obligee in addition to the Guarantees.
§ 298.26 Lease payments.
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You must obtain our approval of the amount and conditions of lease or charter hire payments if the payment of principal and interest on Obligations would be dependent, in any way, upon the lease or charter hire payments for a Vessel or Shipyard Project.
§ 298.27 Advances.
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(a) In general. (1) In accordance with section 207 and Title XI of the Act, we have the discretion to make or commit to make an advance or payment of funds to, or on behalf of the owner, or operator or directly to any other person or entity for items, including, but not limited to:
(i) Principal,
(ii) Interest,
(iii) Insurance, and
(iv) Other vessel-related expenses or fees.
(2) We will make advances or payments only to protect, preserve or improve the collateral held as our security for Title XI debt.
(3) When requesting an advance, you must demonstrate that:
(i) Your problems are short term (less than two years) by using market and cash flow analysis and other projections.
(ii) An advance(s), would assist you over temporary difficulties; and
(iii) There is adequate collateral for the advance.
(b) Filing requirements. (1) You shall apply for an advance or other payment as early as is reasonably possible.
(2) Principal and interest payments. We must receive a request for an advance for principal and interest payments at least 30 days before the initial payment date.
(3) Insurance payments. We must receive a request for an advance of insurance payments at least 30 days before a renewal or termination date.
(4) Extenuating circumstances. We may consider requests for assistance with less notice, upon written documentation of extenuating circumstances.
(5) Supporting data. Any requests for assistance must be accompanied by supporting data regarding:
(i) Need for the advance,
(ii) Financial assistance you sought from other sources,
(iii) The measures that you are taking and have taken to alleviate the situation,
(iv) Financial projections,
(v) Proposed term of the repayment,
(vi) Current and projected market conditions,
(vii) Information on other available collateral,
(viii) Liens and other creditor information, and
(ix) Any other information which we may request.
Subpart D—Documentation
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§ 298.30 Nature and content of Obligations.
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(a) Single page. An Obligation, in the form of a note, bond of any type, or other debt instrument, when engraved, printed or lithographed on a single sheet of paper must include on its face the:
(1) Name of the Obligor,
(2) Principal sum,
(3) Rate of interest,
(4) Date of maturity, and
(5) Guarantee of the United States, authenticated by the Indenture Trustee, if any.
(b) Several pages. If the Obligation is typewritten, printed or reproduced by other means on several pages of paper, the Guarantee of the United States and the authentication certificate of the Indenture Trustee, if any, may appear at the end of the typewritten Obligation.
(c) Rights and responsibilities. The instrument which is evidence of indebtedness shall also contain all information necessary to apprise the Obligees of their rights and responsibilities including, but not limited to:
(1) Time and manner for payment of principal and interest,
(2) Redemptions,
(3) Default procedure, and
(4) Notification (in case of registered Obligations) of sale or other transfer of the instruments.
§ 298.31 Mortgage.
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(a) In general. Under normal circumstances, a Guarantee shall not be endorsed on any Obligation until we receive satisfactory evidence that we hold a Mortgage in one or more Vessels or a Mortgage or other security interest in the Shipyard Project. During construction of a new Vessel or any Shipyard Project, a security interest may be perfected by a filing under the Uniform Commercial Code.
(b) Ensuring validity of security interest. In order to ensure that our Mortgages or other security interests are valid and enforceable, we shall require that the Obligor obtain legal opinions, in form and substance satisfactory to us, from independent, outside legal counsel satisfactory to us, including foreign independent outside legal Counsel for Eligible Export Vessels, which opinions shall state, among other things, that the Mortgage or other security interest(s) are valid and enforceable:
(1) In the country in which the Vessel is documented (or, in the case of a security interest, in jurisdictions acceptable to us);
(2) In the United States; and
(3) For vessels operating on specified trade routes, in the country or countries involved in this service, unless we determine that those destinations are too numerous, in which case, we will instead require an opinion of foreign validity and enforceability in the Vessel's primary port of operation.
(c) Alternative forms of security. In the case where a Mortgage or security interest on the financed assets may not be available or enforceable, we will require alternative forms of security.
(d) Mortgage in our favor. The Security Agreement shall provide that upon delivery of a new Vessel or upon final completion of the Shipyard Project, or at the time Guarantees are issued with respect to an existing Vessel or the Shipyard Project, a Mortgage on the Vessel and a Mortgage or other security interest on the Shipyard Project will be executed in our favor, unless we determine that a Mortgage or a security interest is not available or enforceable in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(e) Filing. You must file the Mortgage with the United States Coast Guard's National Vessel Documentation Center. You must file the Mortgage for an Eligible Export Vessel with the proper foreign authorities. For assets of a General Shipyard Facility, you must file a Mortgage and security interest with the proper authorities within the appropriate state for recording. After you have recorded the Mortgage, you must deliver to us the Mortgage and evidence of the filing of the security interest.
(f) Mortgage secured by multiple Vessels. (1) When two or more Vessels are to be security for Guarantees, the Security Agreement may provide that one Mortgage relating to all the Vessels (Fleet Mortgage) shall be executed, perfected and delivered to us by the Obligor.
(2) If the Fleet Mortgage relates to undelivered Vessels, the Fleet Mortgage will be executed upon delivery of the first vessel. At the time of each subsequent Vessel delivery, the Obligor shall execute a supplement to the Fleet Mortgage which makes that Vessel subject to our Mortgage lien.
(3) The Fleet Mortgage shall provide that payment by the Obligor of the entire amount of Obligations covered or to be covered by Guarantees shall be required to discharge the Fleet Mortgage, regardless of the amount of the Secretary's Note or Notes issued and outstanding at the time of execution and delivery of the Fleet Mortgage or the number of Vessels covered by the Fleet Mortgage.
(4) The discharge date of the Fleet Mortgage shall be the maturity date of the Secretary's Note. We may require, as authorized by section 1104(c)(2) of the Act, such payments of principal prior to maturity (redemptions), regarding all related Obligations, as deemed necessary to maintain adequate security for the Guarantees.
(5) Each Fleet Mortgage shall provide that in the event of constructive total loss, requisition of title or sale of any Vessel covered by the Fleet Mortgage, indebtedness represented by the Obligations shall be paid, unless we otherwise determine that there remains adequate security for the Guarantees, and the Vessel shall be discharged from the Mortgage lien.
(g) Adequacy of collateral. (1) Under normal circumstances, a First Preferred Mortgage on the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project will be adequate security for the Guarantees.
(2) If, however, we determine that the Mortgage on the Vessel(s) or Shipyard Project is not sufficient to provide adequate security, as a condition to approving the Letter Commitment or processing the application, we may require additional collateral, such as a mortgage(s) on other vessel(s) or Shipyard Project or on other assets, special escrow funds, pledges of stock, charters, contracts, notes, letters of credit, accounts receivable assignments, and guarantees.
§ 298.32 Required provisions in documentation.
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(a) Performance under shipyard and related contracts. Generally, shipyard and related contracts must contain provisions for:
(1) Furnishing by the shipyard or contractor of the Shipyard Project of satisfactory insurance and a satisfactory performance bond where Obligations are issued during the construction period, except that if the shipyard or contractor of the Shipyard Project demonstrates to our satisfaction that it has sufficient financial resources and operational capacity to complete the project, posting of a bond will not be required;
(2) Allowing access to the Vessel or Shipyard Project, as well as all related work projects being performed by the contractor and subcontractors, to our representative, at all reasonable times, to inspect performance of the work and to observe trials and other tests for the purpose of determining that the Vessel or Shipyard Project is being constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned in accordance with contract plans and specifications approved by us;
(3) Submitting to us, upon request, one set of shipyard plans, in form and substance satisfactory to us, for the Vessel or Shipyard Project as built;
(4) Making periodic payments for the work in accordance with an agreed schedule, submitted by the shipyard or contractor, as appropriate, in a form acceptable to us, based on percentage of completion, after such percentage and satisfactory performance are certified by the Obligor, shipyard or contractor, as appropriate, and our representative as to each payment;
(5) Prohibiting the use of proceeds from the sale of Obligations for the payment of work performed outside the shipyard, unless we consent in writing to such use; and
(6) Requiring that all components of the hull and superstructure of a U.S.-documented Vessel and an Eligible Export Vessel shall be assembled in the United States.
(7) If Obligation will not be issued during the construction period of the Vessel and Shipyard Project, requiring that shipyard-related contracts shall generally include the provisions specified in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3) and (a)(6) of this section.
(b) Assignments and general covenants from Obligor to us. The Obligor shall assign rights and shall covenant with us, as we require, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) Assignment of all or part of the right, title and interest under the construction contract and related contracts, except those rights expressly reserved therein by the Obligor relating to such things as patent infringement and liquidated damages;
(2) Assignment of rights to receive all moneys which from time to time become due regarding Vessel or Shipyard Project construction;
(3) Assignment, where applicable, of all or a part of the bareboat charter, time charter, contracts of affreightment or other agreements relating to the use of the Vessel or Shipyard Project and all hire payable to the Obligor, and delivery to us of required consents by appropriate parties to any such assignments;
(4) Covenants relating to the filing of satisfactory evidence of continuing United States citizenship, in accordance with 46 CFR part 355, with the exception of Eligible Export Vessels and shipyards with Shipyard Projects; warranty of Vessel or Shipyard Project title free from all liens other than those specifically excepted; maintaining United States documentation of the Vessel or documentation under the laws of a country other than the United States with regard to an Eligible Export Vessel; compliance with the provisions of 46 U.S.C. 31301–31343, except that Eligible Export Vessels shall comply with the definition of a “preferred mortgage” in 46 U.S.C. 31301(6)(B), requiring, among other things, that the Mortgage shall comply with the mortgage laws of the foreign country where the Vessel is documented and shall have been registered under those laws in a public register; Notice of Mortgage, payment of all taxes (except if being contested in good faith); annual financial statements audited by independent certified or independent licensed public accountant.
(5) Covenants to keep records of construction costs paid by or for the Obligor's account and to furnish us with a detailed statement of those costs, distinguishing between:
(i) Items paid or obligated to be paid, attested to by independent certified public accountants unless otherwise verified by us; and
(ii) Costs of American and foreign materials (including services) in the hull and superstructure.
(6) Covenants to maintain Marine and War Risk Hull and Machinery insurance on the Vessel or Eligible Export Vessel in an amount equal to 110% of the outstanding Obligations or up to the full commercial value of the Vessel or Eligible Export Vessel, whichever is greater; Marine and War Risk Protection and Indemnity insurance; Interim War Risk Binders for Hull and Machinery, and Protection and Indemnity coverages underwritten by us as authorized by Title XII of the Act; and such additional insurance as may be required by us. All insurance required to be maintained shall be placed with the United States Government and American and/or British (and/or other foreign, if permitted by us by prior written notice) insurance companies, underwriters' associations or underwriting funds approved by us through marine insurance brokers and/or underwriting agents approved by us. All insurance required to be maintained shall be placed under the latest (at the time of issue) forms of American Institute of Marine Underwriters policies approved by us and/or under such other forms of policies which we may approve in writing and/or policies issued by or for us insuring the Vessel or Eligible Export Vessel against the usual risks provided for under such forms, including such amounts of increase value or other forms of “that total loss only” insurance permitted by the Hull and Machinery insurance policies;
(7) Collateralize other debt due to us under other Title XI financings;
(8) Covenants to maintain shipyard insurance on the Shipyard Project in an amount equal to 110% of the outstanding Obligations or up to the full commercial value of the Shipyard Project, whichever is greater, and such additional insurance as may be required by us; and
(9) Covenants to maintain additional types of insurance as may be required by us with respect to Eligible Export Vessels, i.e. political risk insurance, to cover such items as the political, financial, and/or economic risk in a foreign country.
§ 298.33 Escrow fund.
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(a) Escrow Fund Deposits. At the time of the sale of the Obligations, the Obligor shall deposit with the Depository in an escrow fund (the “Escrow Fund”) all of the proceeds of that sale unless the Obligor is entitled to withdraw funds under paragraph (b) of this section. The Obligor must also deposit into the Escrow Fund on the Closing date an amount equal to six months interest at the rate borne by the Obligations, unless we find the existence of adequate consideration or accept other consideration in lieu of the interest deposit.
(b) Escrow Fund Withdrawals. You, as Obligor, may make a written request for us to disburse funds from the Escrow Fund. Within a reasonable time thereafter, we shall disburse directly to the Indenture Trustee, any Paying Agent for such Obligations, or any other Person entitled to payment any amount which you are obligated to pay or have paid, on account of the items and amounts or any other item approved by us, provided that we are satisfied with the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in the following submissions:
(1) A responsible officer of the Obligor shall deliver an officer's certificate, in form and substance satisfactory to us, stating that:
(i) There is no default under the construction contract or the Security Agreement;
(ii) There have been no occurrences which have or would adversely and materially affect the condition of the Vessel, its hull or any of its component parts, or the Shipyard Project;
(iii) The amounts of the request are in accordance with the construction contract including the approved disbursement schedule and each item in these amounts is properly included in our approved estimate of Actual Cost;
(iv) With respect to the request, once the contractor is paid there will be no liens or encumbrances on the applicable Vessel, its hull or component parts, or the Shipyard Project for which the withdrawal is being requested except for those already approved by us; and
(v) If the Vessel or Shipyard Project has already been delivered or completed, it is in class, if required, and is being maintained in the highest and best condition. The Obligor must also attach an officer's certificate of the shipyard and other general contractors, in form and substance satisfactory to us, stating that there are no liens or encumbrances as provided in paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section and attaching the invoices and receipts supporting each proposed withdrawal to our satisfaction.
(2) No payment or reimbursement under this section shall be made:
(i) To any Person until the total amount paid by or for the account of the Obligor from sources other than the proceeds of such Obligations equals at least 12 1/2 percent or 25 percent as applicable, of the Actual Cost of the Vessel or Shipyard Project is made;
(ii) To the Obligor which would have the effect of reducing the total amounts paid by the Obligor pursuant to paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section; or
(iii) To any Person on account of items, amounts or increases representing changes and extras or owner furnished equipment, if any, unless such items, amounts and increases shall have been previously approved by us; provided, however, that when the amount guaranteed by us equals 75 percent or less of the Actual Cost and the Obligor demonstrates to our satisfaction the ability to pay in the remaining 25 percent, or more, then after the initial 12 1/2 percent of Actual Cost has been paid by or on behalf of the Obligor for such Vessel or completed Shipyard Project and up to 37 1/2 percent of Actual Cost has been withdrawn from the Escrow Fund for such Vessel or Shipyard Project, the Obligor must pay the remaining Obligor's equity of at least 12 1/2 percent (as determined by us) before additional monies can be withdrawn from the Escrow Fund relating to such Vessel or Shipyard Project.
(3) We will not be required to make any disbursement except out of the cash available in the Escrow Fund. If any sale or payment on maturity results in a loss in the principal amount of the Escrow Fund invested in securities so sold or matured, the requested disbursement from the Escrow Fund shall be reduced by an amount equal to such loss, and the Obligor must pay to any Person entitled thereto, the balance of the requested disbursement from the Obligor's funds other than the proceeds of such Obligations.
(4) If we assume the Obligor's rights and duties under the Obligations or we pay the Guarantees, all amounts in the Escrow Fund (including realized income which has not yet been paid to the Obligor), shall be paid to us and be credited against any amounts due or to become due to us under the Security Agreement and the Secretary's Note.
(5) Other rights and duties with respect to withdrawals from the Escrow Fund shall be set out in the closing documentation in form and substance satisfactory to us.
(c) Investment and liquidation of the Escrow Fund. We may invest the Escrow Fund in obligations of the United States. We will deposit amounts in the Escrow Fund into an account with the U.S. Treasury Department and upon agreement with the Obligor, shall deliver to the U.S. Treasury Department instructions for the investment, reinvestment and liquidation of the Escrow Fund. We will have no liability to the Obligor for acting in accordance with such instructions.
(d) Income on the Escrow Fund. Unless there is an existing default, any income realized on the Escrow Fund shall be paid to the Obligor upon our receipt of such income.
(e) Termination date of the Escrow Fund. The Escrow Fund shall terminate 90 days after the delivery date of the last Vessel or Shipyard Project covered by the Security Agreement (the “Termination Date”). In the event that on such date the payment of the full amount of the aggregate Actual Cost of all of the Vessels or Shipyard Project has not been made or the amounts with respect to such Actual Cost are not then due and payable, then we and the Obligor by written agreement shall extend the Termination Date for such period as we and the Obligor shall determine is sufficient to allow for such contingencies. Any amounts remaining in the Escrow Fund on the Termination Date which are in excess of 87 1/2 percent or 75 percent of Actual Cost, as the case may be, shall be applied to retire a pro rata portion of the Obligations.
[65 FR 45152, July 20, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 61282, Sept. 30, 2002]§ 298.34 [Reserved] (continued)