Star Bulk Carriers Corp. [SBLK] Filings

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

 ☐ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OR 12(G) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31,2023

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

☐ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report

For the transition period from _____________ to ______________ 

Commission file number 001-33869

STAR BULK CARRIERS CORP.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

--12-31

Not Applicable

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Republic of the Marshall Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

c/o Star Bulk Management Inc., 40 Agiou Konstantinou Str., Maroussi 15124, Athens, Greece

(Address of principal executive offices)

Petros Pappas, 011 30 210 617 8400, mgt@starbulk.com,

c/o Star Bulk Management Inc., 40 Agiou Konstantinou Str.

Maroussi 15124, Athens, Greece 

(Name, telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act. 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act: None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

As of December 31, 2023, there were 84,016,892 common shares issued and outstanding. 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

YES   ☒                 NO   ☐

If this report is an annual report or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

YES   ☐                 NO   ☒

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES   ☒                 NO   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).

YES  ☒                 NO   ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer, "accelerated filer,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐ 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

ITEM 17   ☐                ITEM 18   ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES   ☐                 NO  ☒

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. ☐ Yes ☐ No

1163

ABOUT THIS REPORT

Throughout this annual report, unless otherwise indicated:

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”, “our”, “us” or similar terms) desire to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts.

This document includes “forward-looking statements,” as defined by U.S. federal securities laws, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations and business and our expectations or beliefs concerning future events. Words such as, but not limited to, “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “targets,” “projects,” “likely,” “would,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “forecasts,” “potential,” “continue,” “possible” and similar expressions or phrases may identify forward-looking statements.

All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. The occurrence of the events described, and the achievement of the expected results, depend on many events, some or all of which are not predictable or within our control. Actual results may differ materially from expected results.

In addition, important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include:

We have based these statements on assumptions and analyses formed by applying our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. All future written and verbal forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We undertake no obligation, and specifically decline any obligation, except as required by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this annual report might not occur. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

See the section entitled “Item 3. Key Information –– D. Risk Factors” of this annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 for a more complete discussion of these risks and uncertainties and for other risks and uncertainties. These factors and the other risk factors described in this annual report are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors also could harm our results. Consequently, there can be no assurance that actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us. Given these uncertainties, prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I.

Not Applicable.

Not Applicable.

A.       [Reserved]

B.       Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not Applicable.

C.       Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not Applicable.

D.       Risk Factors

Risk Factor Summary

Risks Related to Our Industry

Risks Related to Our Company

Risks Related to the Eagle Merger

Risks Related to Taxation

Risks Related to Our Relationships with Mr. Pappas, Oaktree and Other Parties

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Our Common Shares

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 shares. The occurrence of any of the events described in this section could significantly and negatively affect our business, financial condition, operating results or the trading price of our common shares.

Risks Related to Our Industry

Our results of operations and financial condition depend significantly on charter rates for dry bulk vessels, which may be highly volatile and are affected by macroeconomic factors outside of our control. If we cannot charter our vessels on favorable terms, there could be a material adverse effect on our earnings and our ability to comply with our loan covenants.

The dry bulk shipping industry continues to be cyclical with high volatility in charter rates and profitability among the various types of dry bulk vessels. In 2023, charter rates for dry bulk vessels decreased from 2022’s levels but were sustained slightly above the 10-year average. The Baltic Dry Index, or the “BDI”, an index published by The Baltic Exchange of shipping rates for key dry bulk routes, decreased by 29% from 2022 levels but averaged 1% above the decade average. During 2023, there was elevated demand for commodities, but this was offset by the increased fleet utilization as a result of the easing of the COVID-19 related inefficiencies. See “Item 4. Information on the Company –– B. Business Overview –– The International Dry Bulk Shipping Industry” for further details.

Charter rate fluctuations result from changes in the supply of and demand for vessel capacity and major commodities carried on water internationally. Because most factors affecting the supply of and demand for vessels are outside of our control and are unpredictable, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in charter rates are also unpredictable. Since we charter our vessels principally in the spot market, we are exposed to the spot market’s cyclicality and volatility. We may not be able to predict whether future spot rates will be sufficient to enable our vessels to be operated profitably. Factors that influence the demand for dry bulk vessel capacity include:

supply of and demand for energy resources, commodities, and semi-finished consumer and industrial products and the location of consumption versus the location of their regional and global exploration, production or manufacturing facilities; the globalization of production and manufacturing; global and regional economic and political conditions and developments, including armed conflicts such as the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the recent Houthi seizures and attacks on vessels traveling through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and terrorist activities; natural disasters and weather; pandemics; embargoes and strikes; disruptions and developments in international trade, including trade disputes or the imposition of tariffs on various commodities or finished goods; changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns, including the distance cargo is transported by sea; environmental and other legal regulatory developments; and currency exchange rates. Factors that influence the supply of dry bulk vessel capacity include: the number of newbuilding orders and deliveries including slippage in deliveries; number of shipyards and ability of shipyards to deliver vessels; port and canal congestion; speed of vessel operation; vessel casualties; the degree of recycling of older vessels, depending, among other things, on recycling rates and international recycling regulations; number of vessels that are out of service, namely those that are laid-up, dry docked, awaiting repairs or otherwise not available for hire; availability of financing for new vessels and shipping activity; changes in national or international regulations that may effectively cause reductions in the carrying capacity of vessels or early obsolescence of tonnage; and changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the useful lives of vessels. In addition to the prevailing and anticipated freight rates, factors that affect the rate of newbuilding, scrapping and laying-up include newbuilding prices, secondhand vessel values in relation to scrap prices, costs of bunkers and other operating costs, costs associated with classification society surveys, normal maintenance costs, insurance coverage costs, the efficiency and age profile of the existing dry bulk fleet in the market, and government and industry regulation of maritime transportation practices, particularly environmental protection laws and regulations, given that they may impose technological and other requirements upon our vessels.

As described above, many of the factors influencing the supply of and demand for shipping capacity are outside of our control, and we may not be able to correctly assess the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions. If we are required to charter our vessels at a time when demand and charter rates are very low, we may not be able to secure employment for our vessels at all, or we may have to accept reduced and potentially unprofitable rates. If we are unable to secure profitable employment for our vessels, we may decide to lay-up some or all unemployed vessels until such time that charter rates become attractive again. During the lay-up period, we will continue to incur some expenditures, such as insurance and maintenance costs, for each such vessel. Additionally, before exiting lay-up, we will have to pay reactivation costs for any such vessel to regain its operational condition. As a result, adverse economic, political, social or other developments affecting charter rates could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows, ability to pay dividends and compliance with covenants in our credit facilities.

Global economic conditions may continue to negatively impact the dry bulk shipping industry and may materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

The world economy is currently facing a number of ongoing challenges as a result of significant inflation and increased interest rates due to interest raises by the U.S. Federal Reserve and other central banks. Inflation and rising interest rates may raise the cost of acquiring capital, increase our operating costs and generally reduce economic growth, disrupting global trade and shipping. Concerns over inflation, rising interest rates and the availability and cost of capital, as well as geopolitical issues, including acts of war and recent turmoil and hostilities in various regions, including Iraq, North Korea, Venezuela, North Africa, Ukraine, Israel and Palestine have contributed to increased volatility and diminished expectations for the economy and the markets going forward. Further, these factors, combined with volatile oil prices, declining business and consumer confidence, have precipitated fears of a possible economic recession. Domestic and international equity markets continue to experience heightened volatility and turmoil. The weakness in the global economy has caused, and may continue to cause, a decrease in worldwide demand for certain goods and, thus, shipping.

Our business could also be adversely impacted by trade tariffs, trade embargoes or other economic sanctions that limit trading activities by the United States or other countries against countries in the Middle East, Asia or elsewhere as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or diplomatic or political pressures. In 2022, in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the U.S. and several European countries imposed various economic sanctions against Russia, prohibitions on imports of Russian energy products, including crude oil, petroleum, petroleum fuels, oils, liquefied natural gas and coal, and prohibitions on investments in the Russian energy sector by US persons, among other restrictions. The geopolitical situation in Eastern Europe intensified in late February 2022, with the commencement of Russia’s military action against Ukraine. Three of our vessels, the Star Pavlina, Star Helena and Star Laura, had arrived in three different Ukrainian ports to load various grain cargos under charterers’ instructions, well ahead of the commencement of the war activities, but following the beginning of the conflict, the loading operations were suspended by the port authorities. Following a multilateral agreement among Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations to resume grain exports from the Black Sea regions, we succeeded in safely navigating the Star Helena and the Star Laura out of Ukraine in August 2022 when the two said vessels returned to normal trading. During the first quarter of 2023, we agreed with the war risk insurers of the vessel Star Pavlina, that the vessel became a constructive total loss as of February 24, 2023, given its prolonged detainment in Ukraine following the commencement of Russia’s military action against Ukraine on February 24, 2022. By May 4, 2023, we collected the total corresponding insurance value of this vessel.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the recent Houthi attacks and seizures of vessels may lead to further regional and international conflicts or armed action. It is possible that such conflicts could disrupt supply chains and cause instability in the global economy, particularly as some companies have decided to reroute vessels to avoid the Suez Canal and Red Sea. As of February 13, 2024, we have been rerouting our vessels to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as a result of the recent Houthi attacks and seizures of vessels traveling through this area. Additionally, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine could result in the imposition of further economic sanctions by the United States and the European Union against Russia. While much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the aforementioned conflicts, it is possible that such tensions could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. Furthermore, it is possible that third parties with whom we have charter contracts may be impacted by events in Russia, Ukraine, Israel and Palestine, which could adversely affect our operations.

The U.K.’s exit from the EU in 2020 (informally known as “Brexit”) has led to ongoing political and economic uncertainty and periods of increased volatility in both the U.K. and in wider European markets for some time. Brexit’s long-term effects are still yet to be determined at this time and will depend on the effects of the implementation and application of the trade and cooperation agreement signed by the U.K. and EU in 2020 and any other relevant agreements between the U.K. and EU. It remains possible that there will be increased regulatory and legal complexities, including those relating to tax, trade and employees. Brexit has also given rise to calls of other EU member states’ governments to consider withdrawal. These developments and uncertainties, or the perception that they may occur, have had and may continue to have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, and may significantly reduce global market liquidity and restrict the ability of key market participants to operate in certain financial markets. Additionally, Brexit or similar events in other jurisdictions, could impact global markets, including foreign exchange and securities markets. The foregoing factors could depress economic activity and restrict our access to capital, causing a material adverse effect on our business and on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.

The U.S.-China trade tension, including the introduction by the U.S. government of tariffs affecting certain goods imported by China, may provoke further retaliatory trade actions from the affected countries. It is unknown whether and to what extent new tariffs (or other new laws or regulations) will be adopted, or the effect that any such actions would have on us or our industry. If any new tariffs, legislation and/or regulations are implemented, or if existing trade agreements are renegotiated, such changes could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Relatively weak global economic conditions have had and may continue to have a number of adverse consequences for dry bulk and other shipping sectors, including, among other things; low charter rates, particularly for vessels employed on short-term time charters or in the spot market; decreases in the market value of dry bulk vessels and limited secondhand market for the sale of vessels; limited financing for vessels; widespread loan covenant defaults; and declaration of bankruptcy by certain vessel operators, vessel owners, shipyards and charterers. The occurrence of one or more of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

An economic slowdown or changes in the economic and political environment in the Asia Pacific region could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We anticipate a significant number of the port calls made by our vessels will continue to involve the loading or discharging of dry bulk commodities in ports in the Asia Pacific region. As a result, economic slowdown in the Asia Pacific region, particularly in China, may have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, a number of our newbuilding vessels are being built at Chinese shipyards. We conduct a substantial portion of our business in China or with Chinese counter parties. A decrease in the level of imports to and exports from China could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Changes in the economic conditions of China, and policies adopted by the government to regulate its economy, tax matters and environmental concerns (such as achieving carbon neutrality) and their implementation by local authorities could affect our vessels that are either chartered to Chinese customers or that call to Chinese ports, our vessels that undergo dry docking at Chinese shipyards and the financial institutions with whom we have entered into financing agreements, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A variety of shipping industry factors, including among our competitors, along with general economic conditions may cause a decline in the market values of our vessels which could limit the amount of funds that we can borrow, cause us to breach certain financial covenants in our credit facilities, result in impairment charges or losses on sale.

The fair market values of dry bulk vessels have generally experienced high volatility. The fair market value of our vessels depends on a number of factors, including: prevailing level of charter rates, general economic and market conditions affecting the shipping industry, types, sizes and ages of vessels, supply of and demand for vessels, other modes of transportation, distressed asset sales, including newbuilding contract sales below acquisition costs due to lack of financing, cost of new buildings, governmental or other regulations, the need to upgrade vessels as a result of charterer requirements, technological advances in vessel design or equipment or otherwise, changes in environmental and other regulations that may limit the useful life of vessels, technological advances; and competition from other shipping companies and other modes of transportation. If the fair market value of our vessels declines, we might not be in compliance with various covenants in our ship financing facilities, some of which require the maintenance of a certain percentage of fair market value of the vessels securing the facility to the principal outstanding amount of the loans under the facility or a maximum ratio of total liabilities to market value adjusted total assets or a minimum market value adjusted net worth. In addition, if the fair market value of our vessels declines, our access to additional funds may be affected or we may need to record impairment charges in our consolidated financial statements or incur loss on sale of vessels which can adversely affect our financial results. Conversely, if vessel values are elevated at a time when we wish to acquire additional vessels, the cost of such acquisitions may increase and this could adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flow and financial condition. 

We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental regulations, international safety regulations and vessel requirements imposed by classification societies that can adversely affect the cost, manner or feasibility of doing business.

Our operations are subject to numerous international, national, state and local laws, regulations, treaties and conventions in force in international waters and the jurisdictions in which our vessels operate or are registered, which can significantly affect the ownership and operation of our vessels. See “Item 4. Information on the Company –– B. Business Overview –– Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry” for further details. Compliance with such requirements may require vessels to be altered, costly equipment to be installed (such as ballast water treatment systems or “BWTS”) or operational changes to be implemented and may decrease the resale value or reduce the useful lives of our vessels or require us to obtain certain permits or authorizations prior to commencing operations. Such compliance costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any vessel does not comply (i.e. fails to maintain its class or fails any annual, intermediate or special survey) the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be unemployable and uninsurable until such failures are remedied, which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, given frequent regulatory changes, we cannot predict their effect on our ability to do business, the cost of complying with them, or their impact on vessels’ useful lives or resale value. Our failure to comply with any such conventions, laws, or regulations could cause us to incur substantial liability.

Climate change and related legislation or regulations may adversely impact our business, including potential financial, operational and physical impacts.

Growing concern about the sources and impacts of global climate change has led to the proposal or enactment of a number of domestic and foreign legislative and administrative measures, as well as international agreements and frameworks, to monitor, regulate and limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions. Although the Paris Agreement, which was adopted under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015, does not specifically require controls on GHG emissions from ships, it is possible that countries seek to impose such controls as they implement the Paris Agreement or any new treaty that may be adopted in the future. In the European Union, emissions are regulated under the EU Emissions Trading System (the “EU ETS”), an EU-wide trading scheme for industrial GHG emissions. Effective January 1, 2024, the EU ETS was extended to cover CO₂ emissions from all ships of 5,000 gross tonnage and above, entering EU ports, regardless of the flag they fly. The system covers: a) 50% of emissions from voyages starting or ending outside of the EU (allowing the third country to decide on appropriate action for the remaining share of emissions) and b) 100% of emissions that occur between two EU ports and when ships are within EU ports. The EU ETS covers CO₂ (carbon dioxide) initially, and will be extended to CH₄ (methane) and N₂O (nitrous oxide) emissions in 2026. Shipping companies will need to surrender to the relevant EU authorities the allowances that correspond to the emissions covered by the system. These allowances are normally purchased by the entity responsible for the purchase of bunkers. For example, for time charter agreements, the responsible entity is the charterer. For voyage charter agreements, the cost of the allowances is normally included in the charter rate. In addition, in June 2021, the IMO adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI that entered into force on November 1, 2022 and require ships to reduce GHG emissions using technological and operational approaches to improve energy efficiency and that provide important building blocks for future GHG reduction measures.

These requirements and any passage of additional climate control legislation or other regulatory initiatives by the IMO, the European Union, the United States or other countries where we operate, or any treaty adopted at the international level, that restrict emissions of GHGs could require us to make significant financial expenditures, including the installation of pollution controls and the purchase of emissions credits, as well as have other impacts on our business or operations, that we cannot predict with certainty at this time. While we have installed scrubbers on 108 vessels out of the 112 vessels in our fleet, as of the date of this annual report, pursuant to IMO sulfur cap regulations, we may be required in the future to expend more capital to modify, upgrade or replace vessels as a result of new climate- or GHG- related rules and regulations. While IMO has set specific targets for 2030 and 2050 within the scope of its GHG emissions reduction strategy, currently only short-term measures have been adopted thus far, which we do not believe at this time will require material capital expenditures. Should additional medium-term measures be adopted and come into force, including market-based measures to put a price on carbon emissions, we may need to incur additional capital expenditures to comply with the relevant GHG emission regulations. Even in the absence of climate control legislation and regulations, our business and operations may be materially affected to the extent that climate change results in sea level changes or more intense weather events. For additional information see “Item 4. Information on the Company –– B. Business Overview –– Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping Industry”.

Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders, charterers and other market participants with respect to our ESG practices may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks.

Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny relating to their ESG policies from investor advocacy groups, certain institutional investors, lenders, charterers and other market participants (collectively, the “Market Participants”), who, in recent years, have focused on the implications and social cost of their investments. Such increased attention and activism related to ESG and similar matters (such as climate change) may hinder access to capital, as Market Participants may decide to reallocate capital or to decline to commit capital as a result of their assessment of a company’s ESG practices, and may also affect the commercial tradability of our vessels should our vessels fail to comply with charterers’ ESG requirements. For example, due to such increasing pressures from Market Participants to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce our carbon footprint, and promote sustainability, we may be required to implement more stringent ESG procedures or standards so that our existing and future Market Participants remain invested in us, make further investments in us and continue chartering our vessels. However, if we do not adapt to or comply with such evolving expectations and standards, or are perceived to have failed to respond appropriately to the growing concern for ESG issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, we may suffer from reputational damage and our business, financial condition, and/or stock price could be materially and adversely affected. Furthermore, certain Market Participants in the equity and debt capital markets may exclude transportation companies, such as us, from their investing portfolios altogether due to ESG factors, which may affect our ability to grow, as our plans for growth may include accessing the foregoing markets. If those markets are unavailable, or if we are unable to access alternative means of financing on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to implement our business strategy, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to service our indebtedness. Overall, it is likely that we will incur additional costs and require additional resources to monitor, report and comply with wide ranging ESG requirements. The occurrence of any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. Please see “Item 4. Information on the Company –– B. Business Overview –– Our ESG Performance” for additional information with respect to our ongoing ESG efforts.

Increased inspection procedures, tighter import and export controls and new security regulations could increase costs and cause disruption of our business.

International shipping is subject to security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin, destination and trans-shipment points. Under the U.S. Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (the “MTSA”), the United States Coast Guard (“USCG”) issued regulations requiring the implementation of certain security requirements aboard vessels operating in waters subject to the jurisdiction of the United States and at certain ports and facilities. These security procedures can result in the seizure of contents of our vessels, delays in the loading, offloading, trans- shipment or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us. Changes to inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us, 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. These additional costs could reduce the volume of goods shipped, resulting in a decreased demand for vessels and have a negative effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows, results of operations and our ability to pay dividends.

The operation of dry bulk carriers entails certain operational risks that could affect our earnings and cash flow.

The international shipping industry faces risks inherent to global operations. Our vessels and their cargoes risk damage or loss as a result of events including, but not limited to, marine disasters, bad weather, mechanical failures, human error, environmental accidents, war, terrorism, piracy and other circumstances or events. In addition, transporting cargoes across a wide variety of international jurisdictions creates a risk of business interruptions due to political circumstances in foreign countries, hostilities, labor strikes and boycotts, the potential for changes in tax rates or policies, and the potential for government expropriation of our vessels. Any of these events may result in loss of revenues, increased costs and decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters. Furthermore, the operation of dry bulk carriers has certain unique risks as: (i) dry bulk cargo itself and its interaction with the vessel can be an operational risk, (ii) dry bulk cargoes are often heavy, dense and easily shifted and react badly to water exposure, and (iii) dry bulk carriers are often subjected to battering treatment during unloading operations with grabs, jackhammers (to pry encrusted cargoes out of the hold) and small bulldozers, causing damage to the vessel. Vessels damaged due to treatment during unloading procedures may be more susceptible to breach at sea. Hull breaches in dry bulk carriers may lead to the flooding of the vessels’ holds. If flooding occurs in the forward holds, the bulk cargo may become so waterlogged that the bulkhead may buckle under the resulting pressure, leading to loss of a vessel. If we are unable to adequately maintain our vessels, we may be unable to prevent these events. If our vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a drydocking facility for substantial and unpredictable costs that may not be fully covered by insurance. Space at drydocking facilities is sometimes limited, and not all drydocking facilities are conveniently located. The total loss or damage of any of our vessels or cargoes could harm our reputation as a safe and reliable vessel owner and operator. Any of these circumstances or events may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. 

If our vessels call on ports or territories located in countries that are subject to restrictions, sanctions, or embargoes imposed by the United States government, the European Union (“EU”), the United Nations (“UN”), or other governments, it could lead to monetary fines or other penalties and adversely affect our reputation and the price for our common shares.

The United States, the European Union, the United Nations and other governments and their agencies impose sanctions and embargoes on certain countries and maintain lists of countries, individuals or entities they consider to be state sponsors of terrorism, involved in prohibited development of certain weapons or engaged in human rights violations. From time to time on charterers’ instructions, our vessels have called and may again call at ports located in countries subject to sanctions and embargoes imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and other governments and their agencies, including ports in Iran.

The applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, as they do not all apply to the same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or expanded over time. We endeavor to take precautions to ensure that our customers are prohibited from entering any countries or conducting any trade which will breach U.S. government, EU, UN or any applicable sanctions regulation. However, on such customers’ instructions, and without our consent, there is a risk that our vessels may call on ports in countries or territories that violate such sanctions or embargoes.

Any violation of sanctions or embargo laws and regulations could result in fines or other penalties and could result in some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. Additionally, some investors may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us simply because our vessels called a sanctionable area, even if that call would not breach any applicable sanctions regulation, or we do business with companies that do business in sanctioned countries. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations as a result of actions that do not involve us or our vessels, and those violations could in turn negatively affect our reputation. War, terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries may adversely affect investor perception of the value of our common stock.

Fuel, or bunker, prices and marine fuel availability have adversely affected our profitability and may adversely affect our profitability in the future.

Since we expect to primarily employ our vessels in the spot market, we expect that vessel fuel, known as bunkers, will be one of the largest single expense items in our shipping operations for our vessels. Changes in fuel prices have adversely affected our profitability and may adversely affect our profitability in the future. The price and supply of fuel are unpredictable and fluctuate based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments (such as the ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas), supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries 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 our profitability and competitiveness of our business versus other forms of transportation, such as truck or rail. Lastly, if sulfur emissions regulations are relaxed in the future, or if the cost differential between low sulfur fuel and high sulfur fuel is lower than anticipated, we may not realize the economic benefits of the Scrubber Retrofitting Program, as further defined below under “Item 4. Information on the Company - B. Business Overview - Our Fleet.” As a result, we may experience a material, adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations due to any of the foregoing changes.

The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.

Our vessels may call in ports where smugglers attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessel and whether with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face governmental or other regulatory claims or restrictions which could have an adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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 its owner, while requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a vessel and effectively becomes its 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.

Failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) and other anti-corruption laws could result in fines, criminal penalties, charter terminations and an adverse effect on our business.

We may operate in a number of countries throughout the world, including countries known to have a reputation for corruption. We are committed to doing business in accordance with applicable anti-corruption laws, including the FCPA. We are subject, however, to the risk that we, our affiliated entities or respective officers, directors, employees and agents may take actions determined to be in violation of such anti-corruption laws. Any such violation could result in substantial fines, sanctions, civil and/or criminal penalties and curtailment of operations in certain jurisdictions, and might adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. In addition, actual or alleged violations could damage our reputation and ability to do business. Furthermore, detecting, investigating, and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and time- and attention-consuming for our senior management.

Because we collect almost all of our revenues in U.S. dollars but incur a portion of our expenses in other currencies, exchange rate fluctuations could have an adverse impact on our results of operations.

We collect almost all of our revenues in U.S. dollars, and the majority of our expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars. However, a portion of our ship operating and administrative expenses are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. If our expenditures on such costs and fees were significant, and the U.S. dollar were weak against such currencies, our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends could be adversely affected. 

Our operating results are subject to seasonal fluctuations.

We operate our vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, in charter rates. This seasonality may result in volatility in our operating results to the extent that we enter into new charter agreements or renew existing agreements during a time when charter rates are weaker or we operate our vessels on the spot market or index-based time charters, which may result in quarter-to-quarter volatility in our operating results. The dry bulk sector is typically stronger during the second half of the year in anticipation of increased consumption of coal and other raw materials in the northern hemisphere. In addition, unpredictable weather patterns in these months tend to disrupt vessel scheduling and supplies of certain commodities. Since we charter our vessels principally in the spot market, our revenues from our dry bulk carriers are historically weaker during the fiscal quarters ended March 31 and June 30, and stronger during the fiscal quarters ended September 30 and December 31.

Acts of piracy and attacks on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business.

Acts of piracy and attacks have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in certain regions of the world, such as the South China Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Piracy continues to occur in the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Somalia, and increasingly in the Gulf of Guinea. We consider potential acts of piracy to be a material risk to the international shipping industry, and protection against this risk requires vigilance. Our vessels regularly travel through regions where pirates are active. Furthermore, the recent Houthi seizures and attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden have impacted the global economy as some companies have decided to reroute vessels to avoid the Suez Canal and Red Sea. As of February 13, 2024, we have been rerouting our vessels to avoid the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden as a result of the recent Houthi attacks and seizures of vessels traveling through this area. We may not be adequately insured to cover losses from acts of terrorism, piracy, regional conflicts and other armed actions, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends. Crew costs could also increase in such circumstances.

Our financial results and operations may be adversely affected by COVID-19 and related governmental responses thereto.

In 2020, the initial outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in numerous actions taken by governments and governmental agencies in an attempt to mitigate the spread or any resurgence of the virus, including travel bans, quarantines, and other emergency public health measures such as lockdown measures. Initially, these measures resulted in a significant reduction in global economic activity and extreme volatility in the global financial markets. While many of these measures have since been relaxed, we cannot predict whether and to what degree such measures will be reinstituted in the event of any resurgence in COVID-19 or any new variants thereof, which may adversely affect global economic activity and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, the carrying value of the Company’s assets, the fair values of the Company’s vessels, and the Company’s ability to pay dividends.

COVID-19 and measures to contain its spread have negatively impacted regional and global economies and trade patterns in markets in which we operate, the way we operate our business, and the businesses of our charterers and suppliers. For example, measures against COVID-19 in a number of countries had restricted crew rotations on our vessels, and those restrictions may recommence. In 2021 and 2022, we experienced disruptions to our normal vessel operations caused by increased deviation time associated with positioning our vessels to countries in which we can undertake a crew rotation in compliance with such measures. We have had increased expenses due to incremental fuel consumption and days in which our vessels were unable to earn revenue in order to deviate to certain ports on which we would ordinarily not call during a typical voyage. We have incurred additional expenses associated with testing, personal protective equipment, quarantines, and travel expenses such as airfare costs in order to perform crew rotations in the current environment. In 2021, 2022 and part of 2023, delays in crew rotations had also caused us to incur additional costs related to crew bonuses paid to retain the existing crew members on board and may continue to do so. We continue to focus on our employees’ well-being, whilst making sure that their operations continue undisrupted and at the same time, adapting to the new ways of operating. As such employees are encouraged, and in certain cases required, to operate remotely, this significantly increases the risk of cybersecurity attacks. 

Risks Related to Our Company

We may face liquidity issues if conditions in the dry bulk market worsen for a prolonged period and cause us to fail to comply with the terms of our debt agreements which could adversely affect our business, including our ability to refinance our indebtedness and pay dividends.

If the dry bulk shipping market declines over a prolonged period of time, we may have insufficient liquidity to fund ongoing operations or satisfy our obligations under our credit facilities, which may lead to a default under one or more of our credit facilities. In addition, our outstanding debt agreements impose on us certain operating and financial restrictions and require us or our subsidiaries to maintain various financial ratios. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects –– B. Liquidity and Capital Resources –– Senior Secured Credit Facilities –– Credit Facility Covenants” for further details. Therefore, we may need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in certain corporate actions, which permission we may be unable to obtain. This may prevent us from taking actions that are in our best interest and from executing our business strategy and may limit our ability to pay dividends and finance our future operations. Further, a breach of any of the covenants in, or our inability to maintain the required financial ratios under, our debt agreements could result in a default thereunder. If a default occurs under our credit facilities, the lenders could elect to declare the outstanding debt, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable and foreclose on the collateral securing that debt, which could constitute all or substantially all of our assets (considering the cross default provisions included in our debt agreements), which would have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

An increase in the Secured Overnight Finance Rate could affect our earnings and cash flow.

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates because obligations under our bank loans and lease financings bear interest at rates that fluctuate with the financial markets, and our interest expense is affected by changes in the general level of interest rates. As a result, a change in market interest rates could have an adverse effect on our earnings and cash flow. As of December 31, 2023, our obligations under our bank loans and lease financings bear interest at SOFR plus a margin. Between the start of 2022 and the end of 2023, SOFR increased from 0.05% to 5.38%. In order to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations under SOFR, we have and may from time to time use interest rate derivatives to effectively fix some of our floating rate debt obligations. No assurance can, however, be given that the use of these derivative instruments, if any, may effectively protect us from adverse interest rate movements. The use of interest rate derivatives may affect our results through mark to market valuation of these derivatives. Also, adverse movements in interest rate derivatives may require us to post cash as collateral, which may impact our free cash position. For additional information, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects –– B. Liquidity and Capital Resources –– Senior Secured Credit Facilities.” 

We have considerable risks relating to the construction of our newbuilding vessels.

As of February 9, 2024, we had contracts for 5 newbuilding vessels. We expect to take delivery of two of these vessels in September 2025, another two in April 2026 and the last one in July 2026. Vessel construction projects are generally subject to risks of delay or cost overruns that are inherent in any large construction project, which may be caused by numerous factors, including shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor, unscheduled delays in the delivery of ordered materials and equipment or shipyard construction, failure of equipment to meet quality and/or performance standards, financial or operating difficulties experienced by equipment vendors or the shipyard, unanticipated actual or purported change orders, inability to obtain required permits or approvals, unanticipated cost increases between order and delivery, design or engineering changes and work stoppages and other labor disputes, adverse weather conditions or any other events of force majeure. Significant cost overruns or delays could adversely affect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Additionally, failure to complete a project on time may result in the delay of revenue from that vessel, and we will continue to incur costs and expenses related to delayed vessels, such as supervision expense and interest expense for the outstanding debt.

As of February 9, 2024, the total payments for our 5 vessels under construction were expected to be $177.5 million, of which we had already paid $7.1 million. We expect to fund our remaining newbuilding commitments through credit facilities, the proceeds of equity and existing cash but may not be able to do so. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain such financings on a timely basis or on terms we deem reasonable or acceptable. If we are not able to borrow additional funds, raise other capital or utilize available cash on hand, we may not be able to acquire our vessels under construction, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. To the degree we raise equity financing to fund our capital expenditures, such equity raises may dilute the ownership of our existing shareholders and may be dilutive to our earnings per share. If for any reason we fail to make a payment when due, which may result in a default under our newbuilding contracts, or otherwise fail to take delivery of our vessels under construction, we would be prevented from realizing potential revenues from these vessels, we could also lose all or a portion of our yard payments that were paid by us and we could be liable for penalties and damages under such contracts.

We rely on our information systems to conduct our business, and failure to protect these systems against security breaches could adversely affect our business.

The safety and security of our vessels and efficient operation of our business, including processing, transmitting and storing electronic and financial information, depends on computer hardware and software systems, which are increasingly vulnerable to security breaches and other disruptions. Our vessels rely on information systems for a significant part of their operations, including navigation, provision of services, propulsion, machinery management, power control, communications and cargo management. We have in place safety and security measures on our vessels and onshore operations to secure our vessels against cybersecurity attacks and any disruption to their information systems. However, these measures and technology may not adequately prevent security breaches which are constantly evolving and have become increasingly sophisticated. If security threats are not recognized or detected until they have been launched, we may be unable to anticipate these threats and may not become aware in a timely manner of such a security breach, which could exacerbate any damage we experience. A disruption to the information system of any of our vessels could lead to, among other things, incorrect routing, collision, grounding and propulsion failure. Beyond our vessels, we rely on industry accepted security measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information maintained on our information systems. However, these measures and technology may not adequately prevent security breaches. In addition, the foregoing events could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws. If confidential information is inappropriately accessed and used by a third-party or an employee for illegal purposes, we may be responsible to the affected individuals for any losses they may have incurred as a result of misappropriation. In such an instance, we may also be subject to regulatory action, investigation or liable to a governmental authority for fines or penalties associated with a lapse in the integrity and security of our information systems.

We may be required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against and remedy any potential or existing security breaches and their consequences. A cyber-attack could also lead to litigation, fines, other remedial action, heightened regulatory scrutiny and diminished customer confidence. In addition, our remediation efforts may not be successful, and we may not have adequate insurance to cover these losses. The unavailability of the information systems or the failure of these systems to perform as anticipated for any reason could disrupt our business and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Moreover, cyber-attacks against the Ukrainian government and other countries in the region have been reported in connection with the conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. To the extent such attacks have collateral effects on global critical infrastructure or financial institutions or us, such developments could adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. At this time, it is difficult to assess the likelihood of such threat and any potential impact at this time. 

We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts.

We have entered into, and may enter in the future into, various contracts, including charter parties and contracts of affreightment with our customers, newbuilding contracts with shipyards, credit facilities with our lenders and operating leases as charterers. These agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the maritime industry, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for specific types of vessels, and various expenses. Should our counterparties fail to honor their obligations under agreements with us, we could sustain significant losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We may not have adequate insurance to compensate us if we lose our vessels or they suffer significant damages or to compensate third parties for any damages to their property.

In the event of a casualty to a vessel or other catastrophic event, we rely on our insurance to pay the insured value of the vessel or the damages incurred. Through our management agreements with our technical managers, we procure insurance for the vessels in our fleet against those risks that we believe the shipping industry commonly insures against. This insurance includes marine hull and machinery insurance, protection insurance and indemnity insurance, which include pollution risks and crew insurances, and war risk insurance. Currently, the amount of coverage for liability for pollution, spillage and leakage available to us on commercially reasonable terms through protection and indemnity associations and providers of excess coverage is $1.0 billion per vessel per occurrence. 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, and we may not be able to obtain certain insurance coverages. 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. In addition, we may be subject to increased premium payments, or calls, in amounts based on our claim records and the claim records of our fleet managers as well as the claim records of other members of the protection and indemnity associations (P&I Associations) through which we receive insurance coverage for tort liability, including pollution-related liability. Our payment of these calls and any significant loss or liability for which we are not insured could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.

We depend upon third-party and/or affiliated managers to provide the technical management of our fleet.

We have contracted the technical management of certain portion of our fleet, including crewing, maintenance, and repair services, to third-party and/or affiliated technical management companies. The failure of these technical managers to perform their obligations could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends. Although we may have rights against our third-party and/or affiliated managers if they default on their obligations to us, our shareholders will share that recourse only indirectly to the extent that we recover funds.

The aging of our fleet and our practice of purchasing and operating secondhand vessels may result in increased operating costs and vessels off- hire, which could adversely affect our earnings.

Our current business strategy includes additional growth which may, in addition to the acquisition of newbuilding vessels, include the acquisition of modern secondhand vessels. While we expect that we would typically inspect secondhand vessels prior to acquisition, this does not provide us with the same knowledge about their condition that we would have had if these vessels had been built for and operated exclusively by us. Generally, we, as a purchaser of secondhand vessels will not receive the benefit of warranties from the builders for the secondhand vessels that we acquire. In addition, unforeseen maintenance, repairs, special surveys or dry docking may be necessary for acquired secondhand vessels, which could also increase our costs and reduce our ability to employ the vessel to generate revenue. In general, the cost of maintaining a vessel in good operating condition increases with the age of the vessel. As our vessels age, they will typically become less fuel-efficient and more costly to maintain than more recently constructed vessels due to improvements in engine technology. Cargo insurance rates increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to charterers. Governmental regulations and safety or other equipment standards related to the age of vessels may also require expenditures for alterations or the addition of new equipment to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities in which our vessels may engage. As our vessels age, market conditions may not justify those expenditures or may not enable us to operate our vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives. In addition, if new dry bulk carriers are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than our vessels, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charter hire payments we receive for our vessels once their initial charters expire and the resale value of our vessels could significantly decrease.

We may be subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material adverse effect on us.

From time to time we are involved in various litigation matters. These matters may include, among other things, contract disputes, shareholder litigation, personal injury claims, environmental claims or proceedings, asbestos and other toxic tort claims, property casualty claims, employment matters, governmental claims for taxes or duties, and other litigation that arises in the ordinary course of our business. Although we intend to defend these matters vigorously, we cannot predict with certainty the outcome or effect of any claim or other litigation matter, and the ultimate outcome of any litigation or the potential costs to resolve them may have a material adverse effect on us. Insurance may not be applicable or sufficient in all cases and/or insurers may not remain solvent which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

We may have difficulty managing our planned growth properly.

Historically, we have grown through acquisitions and building newbuilding vessels. One of our strategies is to continue expanding our operations and fleet. Our future growth will primarily depend upon a number of factors, some of which may not be within our control, including our ability to: identify suitable dry bulk carriers, including newbuilding slots at shipyards and/or shipping companies for acquisitions at attractive prices; obtain required financing for our existing and new operations; identify businesses engaged in managing, operating or owning dry bulk carriers for acquisitions or joint ventures; integrate any acquired dry bulk carriers or businesses successfully with our existing operations, including obtaining any approvals and qualifications necessary to operate vessels that we acquire; hire, train and retain qualified personnel and crew to manage and operate our growing business and fleet; identify new markets; enhance our customer base; and improve our operating, financial and accounting systems and controls. Our failure to effectively identify, acquire, develop and integrate any dry bulk carriers or businesses could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The number of employees that perform services for us and our current operating and financial systems may not be adequate as we implement our plan to expand our fleet size in the dry bulk sector, and we may not be able to effectively hire more employees or adequately improve those systems. In addition, our growth through acquisitions and investments bears inherent risks including: the possibility that we may not receive a favorable return on our investments or that we may incur losses therefrom, or the original investment may become impaired; failure to satisfy or set effective strategic objectives; our assumption of known or unknown liabilities or other unanticipated events or circumstances, the diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business; difficulties in integrating the operations, technologies, products and personnel of an acquired company or its assets; difficulties in supporting acquired operations, difficulties or delays in the transfer of vessels, equipment or personnel; failure to retain key personnel, unexpected capital equipment outlays and related expenses; insufficient revenues to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions; under-performance problems with acquired assets or operations, issuance of common shares that could dilute our current shareholders; recording of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets that will be subject to periodic impairment testing and potential impairment charges against our future earnings; the opportunity cost associated with committing capital in such investments; undisclosed defects, damage, maintenance requirements or similar matters relating to acquired vessels; and becoming subject to litigation.

We may not be able to address these risks successfully without substantial expense, delay or other operational or financial issues. Any delays or other such operations or financial issues could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot give any assurance that we will be successful in executing our growth plans, obtain appropriate financings on a timely basis or on terms we deem reasonable or acceptable or that we will not incur significant expenses and losses in connection with our future growth.

We may be unable to attract and retain qualified, skilled employees or crew necessary to operate our business.

Our success depends in large part on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel, both shoreside personnel and crew. In crewing our vessels, we require technically skilled employees with specialized training who can perform physically demanding work. Competition to attract and retain qualified crew members and shoreside personnel is intense due to the increase in the size of the global shipping fleet. In addition, if we are not able to obtain higher charter rates to compensate for any crew cost and salary increases, or if we cannot hire, train and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, we may be unable to manage, maintain and grow our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to the Eagle Merger

The completion of the Eagle Merger is subject to a number of conditions and the Eagle Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms. As a result, there is no assurance when or if the Eagle Merger will be completed.

The completion of the Eagle Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of a number of conditions as set forth in the Eagle Merger Agreement. These include, among others, at or prior to the effective time, (a) the approval and authorization of the Eagle Merger Agreement and the Eagle Merger at the Eagle shareholders special meeting scheduled for April 5, 2024 (the “Eagle special meeting”) by the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of Eagle, $0.01 par value per share (“Eagle common stock”) entitled to vote thereon; (b) the approval of the proposal that holders of Eagle common stock (the “Eagle shareholders”) authorize and approve the issuance of shares of Eagle common stock issuable upon the potential future conversion of Eagle’s 5.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 (the “convertible notes”) in excess of the conversion share cap set forth in the Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2019, between Eagle and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (such proposal, the “convertible note share issuance proposal”) at the Eagle special meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by holders of shares of Eagle common stock entitled to vote thereon; (c) no governmental entity of competent jurisdiction having entered, enacted, promulgated, enforced or issued any restraints preventing, making illegal or prohibiting the consummation of the Eagle Merger; (d) the expiration or termination of all applicable waiting periods (and extensions thereof) under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (“HSR Act”) and the receipt of certain other approvals from applicable governmental entities; (e) the approval for listing of the common shares of Star Bulk, par value $0.01 per share (“Star Bulk common stock”) constituting the Eagle Merger consideration on Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance; (f) the accuracy of the representations and warranties contained in the Eagle Merger Agreement (subject to specified materiality qualifiers); (g) compliance with the pre-closing covenants and agreements in the Eagle Merger Agreement in all material respects; (h) the absence of a material adverse effect with respect to Eagle and Star Bulk; and (i) the delivery to Star Bulk or Eagle, as applicable, of a certificate signed on behalf of Eagle or Star Bulk, as applicable by a duly authorized executive officer of Eagle or Star Bulk, as applicable, certifying as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in (f) and (g) hereof. There can be no assurance as to when these conditions will be satisfied or waived, if at all, or that other events will not intervene to delay or result in the failure to close the merger.

In addition, if the Eagle Merger is not completed on or before the end date of September 11, 2024, either Star Bulk or Eagle may choose to terminate the Eagle Merger Agreement; provided, however, that the end date of September 11, 2024 may be extended by either Star Bulk or Eagle to a date not beyond December 11, 2024 if the only remaining condition to closing to be satisfied is the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act or the receipt of certain approvals from applicable governmental entities. However, this right to terminate the Eagle Merger Agreement will not be available to Star Bulk or Eagle if such party has materially breached the Eagle Merger Agreement and the breach is the cause of or resulted in the failure of the Eagle Merger to be completed prior to the end date. Star Bulk or Eagle may elect to terminate the Eagle Merger Agreement in certain other circumstances, and Star Bulk and Eagle can mutually decide to terminate the Eagle Merger Agreement at any time prior to the effective time, before or after the required approval by the Eagle shareholders. If the Eagle Merger Agreement is terminated, Star Bulk may incur substantial fees in connection with the termination of the Eagle Merger Agreement and Star Bulk will not recognize the anticipated benefits of the Eagle Merger.

The pendency of the Eagle Merger could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Beginning at the time of the execution of the Eagle Merger Agreement and continuing until the Eagle Merger closes or the Eagle Merger Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, the pendency of the Eagle Merger could cause disruptions in and create uncertainty surrounding Star Bulk’s business, including affecting Star Bulk’s relationships with our existing and future customers, suppliers, partners in the business community and employees. This could have an adverse effect on Star Bulk’s business, results of operations and financial condition, as well as the market prices of our shares, regardless of whether the Eagle Merger is completed. Any adverse effect could be exacerbated by a prolonged delay in closing the Eagle Merger. Star Bulk could also potentially lose customers or suppliers, existing customers or suppliers may seek to change their existing business relationships or renegotiate their contracts with Star Bulk or defer decisions concerning Star Bulk, and potential customers or suppliers could defer entering into contracts with Star Bulk, each as a result of uncertainty relating to the Eagle Merger. In addition, in an effort to complete the Eagle Merger, Star Bulk has expended, and will continue to expend, significant management resources, which are being diverted from Star Bulk’s day-to-day operations, and significant demands are being, and will continue to be, placed on the managerial, operational and financial personnel and systems of Star Bulk in connection with efforts to complete the Eagle Merger. These foregoing risks related to the pendency of the Eagle Merger described above could also have an adverse effect on Eagle’s business, results of operations and financial condition. To the extent Eagle is adversely affected by such factors, Star Bulk may not realize all of the expected benefits of acquiring Eagle if and when the Eagle Merger closes.

We have incurred and expect to incur expenses, transaction fees and costs in connection with the Eagle Merger and the integration of Eagle's and Star Bulk's respective businesses.

Star Bulk has incurred and expects to continue to incur additional expenses in connection with the Eagle Merger and the completion of the transactions contemplated by the Eagle Merger Agreement. Star Bulk has incurred significant legal, financial and other advisory services fees in connection with the process of negotiating and evaluating the terms of the Eagle Merger and will continue to incur significant costs, such as legal, accounting, financial advisory, filing and printing fees, prior to and in connection with the completion of the Eagle Merger.

We also expect to incur expenses to integrate a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems of Eagle and Star Bulk. The majority of these costs will be non-recurring expenses related to the transactions and facilities and systems consolidation costs. These incremental transaction-related costs may exceed the savings Star Bulk expects to achieve from the elimination of duplicative costs and the realization of other efficiencies related to the integration of the businesses, particularly in the near term and in the event, there are material unanticipated costs.

Irrespective of whether the Eagle Merger is completed, Star Bulk will need to pay certain costs relating to the Eagle Merger incurred prior to the date the Eagle Merger was abandoned, including legal, accounting, financial advisory, filing and printing fees. These costs could have an adverse effect on our future results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

Uncertainties associated with the Eagle Merger may cause a loss of management personnel and other key employees, which could adversely affect our future business and operations following completion of the Eagle Merger.

Star Bulk is dependent on the experience and industry knowledge of our officers and other key employees to execute our business plans. Star Bulk’s success after the completion of the Eagle Merger will depend in part upon our ability to retain certain key management personnel and employees of Star Bulk and Eagle. Prior to the completion of the Eagle Merger, current and prospective employees of Eagle and Star Bulk may experience uncertainty about their roles following the completion of the transactions, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to attract or retain key management and other key personnel. In addition, no assurance can be given that Star Bulk, after the completion of the merger, will be able to attract or retain key management personnel and other key employees to the same extent that Star Bulk and Eagle have previously been able to attract or retain their own employees.

We and Eagle may be targets of shareholder class actions or derivative actions, which could result in substantial costs and may delay or prevent the Eagle Merger from being completed.

Shareholder class action lawsuits or derivative lawsuits are often brought against companies that have entered into merger agreements. Even if the lawsuits are without merit, defending against these claims can result in substantial costs and divert management time and resources. Additionally, if a plaintiff is successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting consummation of the Eagle Merger, then that injunction may delay or prevent the Eagle Merger from being completed. One of the conditions to consummating the Eagle Merger is that no governmental entity has enacted or promulgated any statute, rule, regulation or law that prohibits or makes illegal the consummation of the Eagle Merger and that there is no order or injunction issued by any governmental entity in effect preventing the consummation of the Eagle Merger. Consequently, if a claimant secures injunctive or other relief prohibiting, delaying or otherwise adversely affecting Star Bulk’s or Eagle’s ability to complete the Eagle Merger on the terms contemplated by the Eagle Merger Agreement, then such law or injunctive or other relief may prevent consummation of the Eagle Merger in a timely manner or at all.

If the completion of the Eagle Merger occurs, we may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of the Eagle Merger or those benefits may take longer to realize than expected. We may also encounter significant difficulties in integrating the two businesses.

Star Bulk anticipates that the Eagle Merger will generate significant annual cost and revenue synergies within 12-18 months after closing. However, there is a risk that some or all of the expected benefits of the Eagle Merger may fail to materialize, or may not occur within the anticipated time periods. The realization of the anticipated benefits may be affected by a number of factors, many of which will be beyond the control of Star Bulk. The challenge of combining previously independent businesses makes evaluating the business and future financial prospects of Star Bulk following the Eagle Merger difficult. Star Bulk and Eagle have operated and, until the completion of the Eagle Merger, will continue to operate, independently. The past financial performance of each of Star Bulk and Eagle may not be indicative of the future financial performance of Star Bulk following completion of the Eagle Merger. Realization of the anticipated benefits in the Eagle Merger will depend, in part, on the ability of Star Bulk and Eagle to successfully integrate their operations in an efficient and timely manner and without adversely affecting current revenues and investments in future growth.

Star Bulk will be required to devote significant management attention and resources to integrating its business practices and support functions, including aligning policies and internal controls of the two companies. The diversion of management’s attention and any delays or difficulties encountered in connection with the Eagle Merger and the subsequent coordination of the two companies’ operations could have an adverse effect on the business, financial results, financial condition or the share price of Star Bulk following the Eagle Merger. The coordination process may also result in additional and unforeseen expenses.

Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage our expanded operations following the Eagle Merger.

Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from combining our and Eagle’s businesses, including the need to integrate the operations and business of Eagle into our existing business in an efficient and timely manner, to combine systems and management controls and to integrate relationships with customers, vendors, industry contacts and business partners.

The anticipated benefits and cost savings of the Eagle Merger may not be realized fully or at all, may take longer to realize than expected or could have other adverse effects that Star Bulk does not currently foresee. Some of the assumptions that Star Bulk has made, such as the achievement of operating synergies, may not be realized.

Risks Related to Taxation

A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or their interpretation could result in a significant negative impact on our earnings and cash flows from operations.

We are an international company that conducts business throughout the world. Tax laws and regulations are highly complex and subject to interpretation. Consequently, a change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof, or in and between countries in which we operate, could result in a materially high tax expense or higher effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings, and such change could be significant to our financial results. If any tax authority successfully challenges our operational structure, intercompany pricing policies or the taxable presence of our key subsidiaries in certain countries, or if the terms of certain income tax treaties are interpreted in a manner that is adverse to our structure, or if we lose a material tax dispute in any country, our effective tax rate on our worldwide earnings from our operations could increase substantially and our earnings and cash flows from these operations could be materially adversely affected. We and our subsidiaries may be subject to taxation in the jurisdictions in which we and our subsidiaries conduct business. Such taxation would result in decreased earnings. Investors are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors concerning the overall tax consequences of the ownership of our common shares arising in an investor’s particular situation under U.S. federal, state, local and foreign law.

The Internal Revenue Service could treat us as a “passive foreign investment company,” (or “PFIC”) which could have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.

As further described under “Item 10. Additional Information –– E. Taxation –– U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders” we believe that we currently are not a PFIC, and we do not expect to become a PFIC in the future. However, there is no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our characterization of income from our voyage and time chartering activities nor our characterization of contracts for newbuilding vessels, if any. Moreover, the determination of PFIC status for any year can only be made on an annual basis after the end of such taxable year and will depend on the composition of our income, assets and operations from time to time. Because of the above described uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service will not challenge the determination made by us concerning our PFIC status or that we will not be a PFIC for any taxable year. If we were classified as a PFIC for any taxable year during which a U.S. shareholder owns common shares (regardless of whether we continue to be a PFIC), the U.S. shareholder would be subject to special adverse rules, including taxation at maximum ordinary income rates plus an interest charge on both gains on sale and certain dividends, unless the U.S. shareholder makes an election to be taxed under an alternative regime. Certain elections may be available to U.S. shareholders if we were classified as a PFIC.

Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could materially and adversely affect the taxes we pay, results of operations and financial results.

We are subject to income and other taxes in the United States and foreign jurisdictions, and our results of operations and financial results may be affected by tax and other initiatives around the world. For instance, there is a high level of uncertainty in today’s tax environment stemming from global initiatives put forth by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (“OECD”) two-pillar base erosion and profit shifting project. In October 2021, members of the OECD put forth two proposals: (i) Pillar One reallocates profit to the market jurisdictions where sales arise versus physical presence; and (ii) Pillar Two compels multinational corporations with €750 million or more in annual revenue to pay a global minimum tax of 15% on income received in each country in which they operate. The reforms aim to level the playing field between countries by discouraging them from reducing their corporate income taxes to attract foreign business investment. Over 140 countries agreed to enact the two-pillar solution to address the challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy and, in 2024, these guidelines were declared effective and must now be enacted by those OECD member countries. It is possible that these guidelines, including the global minimum corporate tax rate measure of 15%, could increase the burden and costs of our tax compliance, the amount of taxes we incur in those jurisdictions and our global effective tax rate, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial results.

Risks Related to Our Relationships with Mr. Pappas, Oaktree and Other Parties

Affiliates of Oaktree are the largest shareholder of our common shares, subject to certain restrictions on voting, acquisitions and dispositions thereof.

As of February 9, 2024, Oaktree and its affiliates beneficially own 6,107,983 common shares, representing approximately 7.3% of our outstanding common shares. However, pursuant to the Oaktree Shareholders Agreement, Oaktree and certain affiliates thereof have agreed to certain voting restrictions. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions –– B. Related Party Transactions –– Oaktree Shareholders Agreement” for further details. Additionally, Oaktree is in the business of making investments in companies. If Oaktree pursues acquisitions or makes further investments in the shipping industry, those acquisitions and investment opportunities may not be available to us, and we have agreed to renounce any interest or expectancy in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, any corporate opportunities that may be presented to or become known to Oaktree or any of its affiliates. In addition, the member of the Board of Directors (“Board of Directors”) nominated by Oaktree will have fiduciary duties to us and in addition may have duties to Oaktree. As a result, such circumstances may entail real or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters affecting both us and Oaktree, whose interests, in some circumstances, may be adverse to ours. 

Members of management and our directors may have relationships and affiliations with other entities that could create conflicts of interest.

While we do not expect our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Petros Pappas, will have any material relationships with any companies in the dry bulk shipping industry other than us, he will continue to be involved in other areas of the shipping industry, which could cause conflicts of interest not in the best interest of us or our shareholders. This could result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We use our best efforts to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in addressing such conflicts of interest. In addition, our executive officers participate in business activities not associated with us, including serving as members of the management teams of Oceanbulk Maritime S.A, a dry cargo shipping company, and PST Tankers LLC, a joint venture between Oaktree and entities controlled by Mr. Pappas’ family involved in the product tanker businesses, and are not required to work full-time on our affairs. Initially, we expect that each of our executive officers will devote a substantial portion of his/her business time to the management of our Company.

Our executive officers may devote less time to us than if they were not engaged in other business activities and may owe fiduciary duties to the shareholders of other companies with which they may be affiliated, including those companies listed above. One of our directors is affiliated with Oaktree. Our Oaktree-affiliated director has fiduciary duties to us and to Oaktree. In addition, under the Oaktree Shareholders Agreements, none of our officers or directors who is also an officer, director, employee or other affiliate of Oaktree or an officer, director or employee of an affiliate of Oaktree will be liable to us or our shareholders for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any such individual directs a corporate opportunity to Oaktree or its affiliates instead of us, or does not communicate information regarding a corporate opportunity to us that such person or affiliate has directed to Oaktree or its affiliates. As a result, such circumstances may entail real or apparent conflicts of interest with respect to matters affecting both us and Oaktree, whose interests, in some circumstances, may be adverse to ours. In addition, as a result of Oaktree’s ownership interest, conflicts of interest could arise with respect to transactions involving business dealings between us and Oaktree or their affiliates, including potential business transactions, potential acquisitions of businesses or properties, the issuance of additional securities, the payment of dividends by us and other matters. This structure may create conflicts of interest in matters involving or affecting us and our customers and it is not certain that any of these conflicts of interest will be resolved in our favor. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Risks Related to Our Corporate Structure and Our Common Shares

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 and to make dividend payments.

We are a holding company, and our subsidiaries conduct all of our operations and own all of our operating assets. We have no significant assets other than the equity interests in our subsidiaries. Our ability to satisfy our financial obligations and to make dividend payments in the future 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 declare or pay dividends. We do not intend to obtain funds from other sources to pay dividends. Furthermore, certain of our outstanding financing arrangements restrict the ability of some of our subsidiaries to pay us dividends under certain circumstances, such as if an event of default exists.

We may need to raise additional capital in the future, which may not be available on favorable terms or at all or which may dilute our common stock or adversely affect its market price.

We may require additional capital to expand our business and increase revenues, add liquidity in response to negative economic conditions, meet unexpected liquidity needs, and reduce our outstanding debt. To the extent our existing capital and borrowing capabilities are insufficient, we will need to raise additional funds through debt or equity financings, including offerings of our common stock, securities convertible into our common stock, or rights to acquire our common stock or curtail our growth and reduce our assets or restructure arrangements with existing security holders. Any equity or debt financing, or additional borrowings, if available at all, may be on terms that are not favorable to us. Equity financings could result in dilution to our stockholders, and the securities issued in future financings may have rights, preferences, and privileges that are senior to those of our common stock. To the extent that an existing shareholder does not purchase shares of voting stock, that shareholder’s interest in our Company will be diluted, representing a smaller percentage of the vote in our Board of Directors’ elections and other shareholder decisions. If our need for capital arises because of significant losses, the occurrence of these losses may make it more difficult for us to raise the necessary capital. If we cannot raise funds on acceptable terms if and when needed, we may not be able to take advantage of future opportunities, grow our business or respond to competitive pressures or unanticipated requirements.

Our financing arrangements impose a number of restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, and we may not be able to pay dividends even though we have an established dividend policy.

Under the terms of a number of our outstanding financing arrangements, we are subject to various restrictions on our ability to pay dividends. Our financing arrangements prevent us from paying dividends if an event of default exists under our credit facilities or if certain financial ratios are not met. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects –– B. Liquidity and Capital Resources –– Senior Secured Credit Facilities –– Credit Facility Covenants” for further details. In general, when dividends are paid, they are distributed from our operating surplus, in amounts that 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. See “Item 8. Financial Information –– A. Consolidated statements and other financial information — Dividend Policy” for further details. In addition, the declaration and payment of dividends, if any, will be subject at all times to the discretion of our Board of Directors. The timing and amount of dividends, if any, will depend on our earnings, financial condition, cash requirements and availability, fleet renewal and expansion, restrictions in our loan agreements, if any, the provisions of Marshall Islands law affecting the payment of dividends, future changes in our dividend policy, and other factors, many of which may be beyond our control. Furthermore, the dry bulk shipping industry is volatile, and we cannot predict with certainty the amount of cash, if any, that will be available for distribution as dividends in any period. In addition, any new shares of common stock issued will increase the cash required to pay future dividends.

The laws of the Republic of Marshall Islands generally prohibit the payment of dividends other than from surplus (retained earnings and the excess of consideration received for the sale of shares above the par value of the shares), or if there is no surplus, from the net profits for the current and prior fiscal year, or while a company is insolvent or would be rendered insolvent by the payment of such a dividend. We may not have sufficient surplus or net profits in the future to pay dividends and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient funds or surplus to make distributions to us. We can give no assurance that dividends will be paid at any level or at all.

Our reliance upon “foreign private issuer” exemptions may afford less protection to holders of our common shares.

Nasdaq Global Select Market’s (“Nasdaq”) corporate governance rules require, subject to exceptions, listed companies to have, among other things, a majority of their board members be independent and independent director oversight of executive compensation, nomination of directors and corporate governance matters. As a “foreign private issuer” as defined in Rule 3b-4 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or FPI, we may follow the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, our home country, with respect to the foregoing requirements. For example, although our Board of Directors currently includes nine members who would likely be deemed independent under the Nasdaq rules, we may in the future have less than a majority of directors who would be deemed independent, as permitted under Marshall Islands law. In addition, as a FPI we are not required to comply with all of the periodic disclosure and current reporting requirements of the Exchange Act applicable to U.S. domestic companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act.

Because we are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands and because substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States, it may be difficult to serve us with legal process or enforce judgments against us, our directors or our management.

We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands and substantially all of our assets are located outside of the United States. In addition, the majority of our directors and officers are or will be non-residents of the United States and all or a substantial portion of the assets of these non- residents are located outside of the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us or against our directors and officers 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 or officers.

We are incorporated in the Marshall Islands, which does not have a well-developed body of corporate law.

Our corporate affairs are governed by our Fourth Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles of Incorporation”) and our Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”) and by the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act (the “MIBCA”). The provisions of the MIBCA resemble provisions of the corporation laws of a number of states in the United States. However, there have been few judicial cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the MIBCA. The rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws 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 the United States. The rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in the Marshall Islands may differ from the rights of shareholders of companies incorporated in the United States. While the MIBCA provides that it is to be interpreted according to the laws of the State of Delaware and other states with substantially similar legislative provisions, there have been few, if any, court cases interpreting the MIBCA in the Marshall Islands and we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as United States courts. Thus, you may have more difficulty in protecting your 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 that has developed a relatively more substantial body of case law. Additionally, the Republic of the Marshall Islands does not have a legal provision for bankruptcy or a general statutory mechanism for insolvency proceedings. As such, any bankruptcy action involving our Company would have to be initiated outside of the Marshall Islands, and our shareholders and creditors may experience delays in their ability to recover their claims after any such insolvency or bankruptcy.

The international nature of our operations may make the outcome of any bankruptcy proceedings difficult to predict.

We are incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and certain of our subsidiaries are also incorporated under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Liberia, British Virgin Islands, Cyprus, Singapore and Germany, and we conduct operations in countries around the world.

The Marshall Islands has passed an act implementing the U.N. Commission on Internal Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, or the Model Law. The adoption of the Model Law is intended to implement effective mechanisms for dealing with issues related to cross-border insolvency proceedings and encourages cooperation and coordination between jurisdictions. Notably, the Model Law does not alter the substantive insolvency laws of any jurisdiction and does not create a bankruptcy code in the Marshall Islands. Instead, the Act allows for the recognition by the Marshall Islands of foreign insolvency proceedings, the provision of foreign creditors with access to courts in the Marshall Islands, and the cooperation with foreign courts. Consequently, in the event of any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar proceedings involving us or one of our subsidiaries, bankruptcy laws other than those of the United States could apply. We have limited operations in the United States. If we become a debtor under the United States bankruptcy laws, bankruptcy courts in the United States may seek to assert jurisdiction over all of our assets, wherever located, including property situated in other countries. There can be no assurance, however, that we would become a debtor in the United States or that a United States bankruptcy court would be entitled to, or accept, jurisdiction over such bankruptcy case or that courts in other countries that have jurisdiction over us and our operations would recognize a United States bankruptcy court’s jurisdiction if any other bankruptcy court would determine it had jurisdiction.

As a Marshall Islands corporation and with some of our subsidiaries being Marshall Islands entities and also having subsidiaries in other offshore jurisdictions, our operations may be subject to economic substance requirements, which could impact our business.

We are a Marshall Islands corporation and some of our subsidiaries are Marshall Islands entities. The Marshall Islands has enacted economic substance laws and regulations with which we may be obligated to comply. We believe that we and our subsidiaries are compliant with the Marshall Islands economic substance requirements. However, if there were a change in the requirements or interpretation thereof, or if there were an unexpected change to our operations, any such change could result in noncompliance with the economic substance legislation and related fines or other penalties, increased monitoring and audits, and dissolution of the non-compliant entity, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

EU Finance ministers rate jurisdictions for tax rates and tax transparency, governance and real economic activity. Countries that are viewed by such finance ministers as not adequately cooperating, including by not implementing sufficient standards in respect of the foregoing, may be put on a “grey list” or a “blacklist”. Effective as of October 17, 2023 the Marshall Islands has been designated as a cooperating jurisdiction for tax purposes.  If the Marshall Islands is added to the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions in the future and sanctions or other financial, tax or regulatory measures were applied by European Member States to countries on the list or further economic substance requirements were imposed by the Marshall Islands, our business could be harmed.

Future sales of our common shares could cause the market price of our common shares to decline.

Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue 300,000,000 common shares, of which 84,016,892 shares were issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2023. In addition, certain shareholders hold registration rights, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions –– A. Major Shareholders.” Furthermore, pursuant to our two currently effective, At-the-Market offering programs, we may offer and sell a number of our common shares, having an aggregate offering price of up to $150.0 million at any time and from time to time. As of December 31, 2023, cumulative gross proceeds under our At-the-Market offering programs were $33.6 million. Sales of a substantial number of our common shares in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, may depress the market price for our common shares. These sales could also impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future. We intend to issue additional common shares in the future. Our shareholders may incur dilution from any future equity offering and upon the issuance of additional common shares pursuant to our equity incentive plans.

We may fail to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, which could cause our common shares to be delisted.

There can be no assurance that we will remain in compliance with Nasdaq’s listing qualification rules, or that our common shares will not be delisted, which could have an adverse effect on the market price of, and the efficiency of the trading market for, our common shares and could cause a default under certain senior secured credit facilities.

The price of our common shares may be highly volatile.

The price of our common shares 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 dry bulk shipping industry; market conditions in the dry bulk shipping industry; changes in market valuations of companies in our industry; changes in government regulation; the failure of securities analysts to publish research about us, or shortfalls in our operating results from levels forecast by securities analysts; announcements concerning us or our competitors; and the general state of the securities markets. Hence, the market for our common shares may be unpredictable and volatile. Further, there may be no continuing active or liquid public market for our common shares. Consequently, you may not be able to sell the common shares at prices equal to or greater than those paid by you, or you may not be able to sell them at all. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies. Such litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. There can be no guarantee that our stock price will remain at current levels.

Anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents could have the effect of discouraging, delaying or preventing a merger or acquisition, or could make it difficult for our shareholders to replace or remove our current Board of Directors, which could adversely affect the market price of our common shares.

Several provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and our Bylaws could make it difficult for our shareholders 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 shareholders may consider favorable. These provisions include: authorizing our Board of Directors to issue “blank check” preferred stock without shareholder approval; providing for a classified Board of Directors with staggered, three-year terms; establishing certain advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings; prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors; limiting the persons who may call special meetings of shareholders; authorizing the removal of directors only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of our outstanding common shares entitled to vote for the directors; and establishing supermajority voting provisions with respect to amendments to certain provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and our Bylaws. These anti-takeover provisions could substantially impede the ability of public shareholders to benefit from a change in control and, as a result, may adversely affect the market price of our common shares and your ability to realize any potential change of control premium.

A.       History and Development of the Company

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. was incorporated in the Marshall Islands on December 13, 2006. Our executive offices are located at c/o Star Bulk Management Inc., 40 Agiou Konstantinou Str., Maroussi 15124, Athens, Greece and its telephone number is 011-30-210-617-8400. Our registered office is located at Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Road, Ajeltake Island, Majuro, Marshall Islands, MH 96960. The name of our registered agent at such address is The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc.

Eagle Merger Agreement

On December 11, 2023, we entered into the Eagle Merger Agreement with Eagle, pursuant to which the Company and Eagle have agreed, subject to the terms and conditions of the Eagle Merger Agreement, to effect a stock-for-stock merger whereby Merger Sub will merge with and into Eagle, resulting in Eagle surviving the merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Eagle Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Eagle Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of Eagle common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (excluding Eagle common stock owned by Eagle, the Company, Merger Sub or any of their respective direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries) will be converted into the right to receive 2.6211 common shares, par value $0.01 per share, of Star Bulk common stock. Upon the consummation of the Eagle Merger, and after taking into account the shares underlying existing Eagle equity awards and the shares expected to be issued upon the conversion of the convertible notes, Star Bulk shareholders will own approximately 71% of the outstanding shares of Star Bulk common stock and Eagle Bulk shareholders will own approximately 29% of the outstanding shares of Star Bulk common stock on a fully diluted basis.

The completion of the Eagle Merger is subject to, among other closing conditions, the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, including (i) the approval and authorization of the Eagle Merger Agreement and the Eagle Merger by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares of Eagle common stock entitled to vote thereon; (ii) the approval of the convertible note share issuance proposal at the Eagle special meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the holders of shares of Eagle common stock entitled to vote thereon and (iii) the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act, as amended, and the receipt of certain other governmental approvals. The obligation of each of Eagle and Star Bulk to consummate the Eagle Merger is also conditioned on, among other things, the truth and correctness of the representations and warranties made by the other party as of the closing date (subject to certain “materiality” and “material adverse effect” qualifiers), material compliance by the other party with pre-closing covenants, and the absence of a material adverse effect with respect to each party.

On January 19, 2024, we filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form F-4 (the “F-4”), which was amended on February 8, 2024 and declared effective on February 12, 2024, with respect to the shares of Star Bulk Common Stock to be issued to Eagle shareholders pursuant to the Eagle Merger Agreement. The F-4 included a proxy statement of Eagle under Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and a notice of meeting with respect to the Eagle special meeting, at which Eagle shareholders will be asked to consider and vote upon the Eagle Merger proposal and certain other proposals. The board of directors of Eagle fixed the close of business on February 12, 2024 as the record date for the determination of Eagle shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Eagle special meeting. The Eagle special meeting will be held on April 5, 2024.

The Eagle Merger is expected to close in the first half of 2024, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions. For additional information, see “Item 10. Additional Information –– C. Material Contracts –– Eagle Merger Agreement”.

Significant Changes to Our Fleet During the Years 2023-2024

In October 2023 we entered into four shipbuilding contracts with Qingdao Shipyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of four 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax newbuilding vessels. In addition, in November 2023 we entered into an additional firm shipbuilding contract with Qingdao Shipyard Co., Ltd. for the construction of another 82,000 dwt Kamsarmax newbuilding vessel. We expect to take delivery of two of these vessels in September 2025, another two in April 2026 and the last one in July 2026.

From time to time, in response to changing market conditions, we have disposed certain of our vessels (the majority of which were older vessels). As a result, we currently have a fleet of 112 vessels, with an aggregate capacity of 12.5 million dwt, consisting of Newcastlemax, Capesize, Post Panamax, Kamsarmax, Panamax, Ultramax and Supramax vessels with carrying capacities between 53,489 dwt and 209,537 dwt.

We are subject to the informational requirements of the Exchange Act. In accordance with these requirements, we file reports and other information as a foreign private issuer with the SEC. You may obtain copies of all or any part of such materials from the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. You may also inspect reports and other information regarding registrants, such as us, that file electronically with the SEC without charge at a website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. These documents and other important information on our governance are posted on our website and may be viewed at https://www.starbulk.com. The information contained on or connected to our website is not part of this annual report.

B.       Business Overview

We are a leading global shipping company that owns and operates a modern and diverse fleet of dry bulk vessels. Our vessels transport a broad range of major and minor bulk commodities, including iron ore, minerals and grain, bauxite, fertilizers and steel products, along worldwide shipping routes. Our executive management team, which has extensive shipping industry expertise, is led by Mr. Petros Pappas, who has long-standing shipping experience and has managed hundreds of vessel acquisitions and dispositions.

We are committed to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) practices into our operational and strategic decision making within the scope of our vision to be a leader in sustainable dry bulk shipping. In this respect we are a signatory to the United Nations (UN) Global Compact supporting its Ten Principles on areas of human rights, labor, environment and anticorruption and committing to the broader Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. In addition, we publish an annual ESG Report, which presents our ESG strategy and goals, identifies ESG related risks, and reports on our ESG performance across all our business operations. In October 2023, we released our fifth annual ESG Report. All of our ESG Reports may be found on our website at www.starbulk.com. The information contained on or connected to our website is not part of this annual report.

Our ESG Performance:

Environment

We endeavor to comply with all applicable environmental regulations timely and efficiently and implement measures to improve our environmental performance, protect the marine environment and reduce our carbon footprint.

Social

We are focused on continuously improving our social impact, including with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of employees, both on board and ashore, to operational excellence, and to community support.

Governance

We endeavor to apply corporate governance best practices, adhere to strong ethical principles and ensure the high commercial performance of our fleet.

Our Fleet

We have built a fleet through timely and selective acquisitions of secondhand vessels and vessels under construction. We believe our fleet is well-positioned to take advantage of economies of scale in commercial, technical and procurement management. We have a large, modern, fuel-efficient and high-quality fleet, which emphasizes the largest Eco-type Capesize and Newcastlemax vessels, built at leading shipyards and featuring the latest technology. As a result, we believe we will have an opportunity to capitalize on rising market demand during a period of reduced fleet growth, customer preferences for our ships and economies of scale, while enabling us to capture the benefits of fuel cost savings through spot time charters or voyage charters.

The majority of our operating fleet is equipped with a vessel remote monitoring system that provides data to monitor fuel and lubricant consumption and efficiency on a real-time basis. While these monitoring systems are generally available in the shipping industry, we believe that they can be cost-effectively employed only by large-scale shipping operators, such as us.

In addition, pursuant to the IMO sulfur cap regulations, which limited emission to 0.5% m/m sulfur content and came into force in January 2020, we decided to install scrubbers on the vast majority of our vessels (“Scrubber Retrofitting Program”). As of the date of this annual report, we have successfully completed the installation of scrubbers on 108 vessels out of the 112 vessels in our fleet. We believe that the new maritime regulations will have a strong impact on the maritime industry and will distinguish us from other dry bulk owners that will have conventional dry bulk vessels that will not be able to consume less expensive bunker fuel with higher sulfur content. We believe installation of scrubbers has increased and will continue to increase our competitive advantage commercially making our fleet more attractive to charterers and cargo owners.

Furthermore, we are actively investing in reducing the carbon emissions of our vessels using a variety of technologies such as hull cleaning robots, voyage optimization software, low friction paints, variable frequency drivers for engine room fans and sea water cooling pumps and installation of Energy Saving Devices (“ESD”) (mainly Mewis ducts and Propeller boss cap fins) on our vessels. As of the date of this report, we have completed the installation of 31 ESD on our vessels and we have planned for another 16 vessels to be equipped with such devices in 2024. We also actively research the retrofitting of shaft generators and exhaust gas economizers for the vessels’ diesel generators and expect to complete the first applications of such technology in 2024.

Our vessels under construction meet the latest requirements of Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI Phase 3) in relation to carbon dioxide (CO₂) intensity and comply with the latest NO_X regulations, NO_X TIER III. In addition, these vessels are fitted with the latest available and most fuel-efficient main engine produced by MAN B&W, a shaft generator and Alternate Marine Power optionality, all of which help to ensure best-in-class daily fuel consumption and emissions reductions.

The following tables summarize key information about our operating fleet, as of the date of this annual report:

Operating Fleet