EXMAR: LNG Fleet Earns USD 7.9 Million in Q3 (Belgium)

The Executive Committee of EXMAR NV gave its trading update for the third quarter of 2011.

Key-figures are:

LPG

The operating result (EBIT) of the LPG fleet in the third quarter was USD 2.3 million (compared to USD 1.8 million for the third quarter of 2010), including 72 offhire days.

Midsize – EXMAR’s fleet continued to be supported by its contract portfolio during the third quarter. The coverage for the balance of this year is about 90% and 2012 is already covered for 58% at improved levels with first class counterparties. Spot market conditions further strengthened as the Midsize vessels’ availability has been remarkably tight over the last months. Time Charter levels edged up on this basis.

During the third quarter, EXMAR took over 4 BW Gas Midsize vessels and has therefore started to handle the North Sea Contracts of Affreightment, which is a beneficial addition to the EXMAR Midsize portfolio.

The LPG/C Gent (25.000 cbm fully Ref, built in 1985) has been sold 27th October 2011. EXMAR will make a book profit of approximatively USD 4.0 million on this transaction in the fourth quarter 2011.

VLGC – The spot market is enjoying a strong recovery. On 30th June the Baltic Freight index was at USD 45 pmt (per metric ton) and is now at USD 75 pmt, which would improve the contribution of the VLGC even further in the fourth quarter 2011.

EXMAR’s cover at fixed rates for the balance of the year is 55% and 2012 stands at 46% which therefore leaves a fair upside to the expected strong market.

LNG

The LNG fleet contributed USD 7.9 million to the operating result (EBIT) of the third quarter (compared to USD 9.9 million for the same period in 2010).

The current EXMAR fleet (LNG/c’s en LNGRV’s) was in full operation on time charter during the third quarter. Results for fourth quarter are expected to be in line with the third quarter.

OFFSHORE

The Offshore activities contributed USD 36.6 million to the operating result (EBIT) of the third quarter (USD -0.7 million for the third quarter in 2010). The result includes a profit on the sale of the OPTI-EX® of USD 41.9 million before tax. In accordance with IFRS accounting rules, the balance of the profit will be recognized as financial income over the duration of the contract (approximatively 62 months). The commissioning of the OPTI-EX® is still ongoing and first production is expected during the fourth Quarter.

SERVICES & HOLDING

The contribution to the operating result of the Services activities (EXMAR Shipmanagement, BELGIBO and TRAVEL PLUS) is USD -0.3 million for the third quarter. Combined with Holding activities, the operating result becomes USD -0.5 million (compared to USD -1.0 million for the third quarter of 2010).

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Source: EXMAR, October 28, 2011