As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2011

Registration No. 333-      

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM F-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Capital Product Partners L.P.

(as specified in its charter)

 

 

4412

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification of Code Number)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.

 

If only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. o

 

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. x

 

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

 

If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

 

If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. o

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

(1) There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount or number of our common units, preferred units, debt securities, guarantees or warrants which may be issued in primary offerings from time to time at indeterminate prices, with an aggregate offering price not to exceed $500,000,000. This registration statement shall also cover any additional securities to be offered or issued from stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations or similar transactions.

 

(2) Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) of the Act. The table does not specify by each class information as to the amount to be registered or the proposed maximum offering price per security.

 

(3) If any debt securities are issued at an original issue discount, then the offering price of such debt securities shall be in such greater principal amount as shall result in a maximum aggregate offering price not to exceed $500,000,000, less the aggregate dollar amount of all securities previously issued hereunder.

 

(4) The debt securities may be guaranteed pursuant to guarantees by certain subsidiaries of Capital Product Partners L.P. No separate compensation will be received for the guarantees. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) of the Act, no separate fees for the guarantees are payable.

 

(5) Represents warrants to purchase common units, preferred units or debt securities which may be issued by Capital Product Partners L.P.

 

(6) Also includes such indeterminate amount of debt securities and number of preferred units and common units as may be issued upon conversion of, or in exchange for, any other debt securities or preferred units that provide for conversion or exchange into other securities.

 

(7) Pursuant to Rule 457(p) of the Act, the registration fee of $7,552.56 relating to the unsold securities previously registered under our Registration Statement No. 333-153274 is being offset against the total registration fee currently due for this registration statement. Registration Statement No. 333-153274 was filed with the Commission on August 29, 2008.

 

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

 

 

PROSPECTUS (subject to completion, dated October 24, 2011)

 

$500,000,000

 

 

Capital Product Partners L.P.

 

 

 

Common Units

 

Preferred Units

 

Debt Securities

 

Guarantees

 

Warrants

 

 

 

 

This prospectus relates to:

 

 

The aggregate offering price of the securities issued under this prospectus may not exceed $500,000,000. We may offer these common units, preferred units, debt securities, guarantees or warrants directly or to or through underwriters, dealers or other agents. The names of any underwriters or dealers will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

 

Our common units trade on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CPLP.”

 

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the common units, preferred units, debt securities, guarantees and warrants. Each time we offer to sell common units, preferred units, debt securities, guarantees or warrants, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about those securities and the terms of that offering. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus may be used to offer and sell securities only if accompanied by a prospectus supplement. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. You should also read the documents we refer to in the “Where You Can Find More Information” section of this prospectus for information about us and our financial statements.

 

Limited partnerships are inherently different from corporations. You should carefully consider each of the factors described under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9 of this prospectus before you make an investment in our securities.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

The date of this prospectus is  , 2011

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or “the Commission”) using a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell, in one or more offerings, up to $500,000,000 in total aggregate offering price of the common units, preferred units, debt securities, guarantees or warrants, each as described in this prospectus. This prospectus generally describes Capital Product Partners L.P. and the securities we may offer. Each time we offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide this prospectus and a prospectus supplement that will describe, among other things, the specific amounts and prices of the securities being offered and the terms of the offering, including the specific terms of the securities being offered. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

 

Unless otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to “Capital Product Partners,” “we,” “us” and “our” and similar terms refer to Capital Product Partners L.P. and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this prospectus to “dollars” and “$” are to, and amounts are presented in, U.S. Dollars, and financial information presented in this prospectus is prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States or “GAAP.” References to our “Annual Report” are to our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 incorporated by reference herein.

 

You should read carefully this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the additional information described below under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information.” You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where an offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

 

We are a limited partnership incorporated as Capital Product Partners L.P. under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands on January 16, 2007, by Capital Maritime & Trading Corp. (“Capital Maritime”), an international shipping company with a long history of operating and investing in the shipping market. We maintain our principal executive headquarters at 3 Iassonos Street, Piraeus, 18537 Greece and our telephone number is +30 210 4584 950.

 

We are an international tanker company and our vessels trade on a worldwide basis and are capable of carrying crude oil, refined oil products, such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and jet fuel, as well as edible oils and certain chemicals such as ethanol. As of the date of this prospectus, our fleet of 27 high specification vessels (2.2 million dwt) consists of 2 very large cargo carriers (“VLCCs”), 4 Suezmaxes, 18 medium range product tankers, 2 smaller product tankers and one Capesize dry cargo vessel with an average age (weighted by dwt) of approximately 3.6 years as of September 30, 2011.

 

On April 3, 2007, we completed our initial public offering (the “IPO”) on the Nasdaq Global Market of 13,512,500 common units at a price of $21.50 per unit. Capital Ship Management Corp., a subsidiary of Capital Maritime (“Capital Ship Management”), provides management and technical services in connection with our vessels under fixed or floating rate arrangements. Since the IPO we have increased the size of our fleet in terms of both number of vessels and carrying capacity, including through our acquisition of the M/V Cape Agamemnon Capesize dry cargo vessel on June 10, 2011 and the completion of our merger with Crude Carriers Corp. on September 30, 2011. We intend to continue to make strategic acquisitions and to take advantage of our relationship with Capital Maritime. Capital Maritime has granted us a right of first offer for any product or crude oil tankers with a carrying capacity greater than or equal to 30,000 dwt in its fleet. As of September 30, 2011, Capital Maritime owned a 27.1% interest in us, including 17,763,305 common units and a 2% interest through its ownership of our general partner, Capital GP L.L.C.

 

This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we filed with the SEC, utilizing a “shelf” registration process or continuous offering process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, sell up to $500,000,000 of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings. Each time we offer securities, we will provide you with this prospectus and a prospectus supplement that will describe, among other things, the specific amounts and prices of the securities being offered and the terms of the offering.

 

That prospectus supplement may include additional risk factors or other special considerations applicable to those securities and may also add, update, or change information in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in that prospectus supplement.

 

We are subject to the information requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and, in accordance therewith, are required to file with the SEC annual reports on Form 20-F within four months of our fiscal year-end, and provide to the SEC other material information on Form 6-K. These reports and other information may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC or obtained from the SEC’s website as provided above.

 

As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Securities Exchange Act from, among other things, certain rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our directors and principal unitholders and the executive officers of our general partner are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly reports or current reports on Form 8-K. However, we furnish or make available to our unitholders annual reports containing our audited consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and make available to our unitholders quarterly reports containing our unaudited interim financial information for the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year.

 

CPLP files annual reports with and furnishes other reports and information to the SEC. You may read and copy any document CPLP files with or furnishes to the SEC free of charge at the SEC’s public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. You may also obtain documents CPLP files with or furnishes to the SEC on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. The address of the SEC’s website is provided solely for the information of prospective investors and is not intended to be an active link. Please visit the website or call the SEC at 1 (800) 732-0330 for further information about its public reference room. Reports and other information concerning the business of CPLP may also be inspected at the offices of the Nasdaq Global Market at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York, NY 10006.

 

We also make our periodic reports as well as other information filed with or furnished to the SEC available, free of charge, through our website, at www.capitalpplp.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports and other information are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC.

 

The SEC allows CPLP to “incorporate by reference” certain information filed with or furnished to the SEC, which means that CPLP can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. With respect to this prospectus, information that CPLP later files with or furnishes to the SEC and that is incorporated by reference will automatically update and supersede information in this prospectus and information previously incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

 

Each document incorporated by reference into this prospectus is current only as of the date of such document, and the incorporation by reference of such document is not intended to create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs or CPLP since the date of the relevant document or that the information contained in such document is current as of any time subsequent to its date. Any statement contained in such incorporated documents is deemed to be modified or superseded for the purpose of this prospectus to the extent that a subsequent statement contained in another document that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus at a later date modifies or supersedes that statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

 

This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below, which CPLP has previously filed with or furnished to the SEC, as well as the annual report on Form 20-F of Crude Carriers Corp., filed with the SEC on April 18, 2011, and Current Report on Form 6-K furnished to the SEC on August 5, 2011. Crude Carriers Corp. became a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPLP through a merger completed on September 30, 2011. These documents contain important information about CPLP and its financial condition, business and results.

 

CPLP Filings (File No. 001-33373):

 

 

Crude Carriers Corp. Filings (File No. 001-34651):

 

 

We are also incorporating by reference all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F that we file with the SEC and certain Current Reports on Form 6-K that we furnish to the SEC after the date of this prospectus (if they state that they are incorporated by reference into this prospectus) until we file a post-effective amendment indicating that the offering of the securities made by this prospectus has been terminated. In all cases, you should rely on the later information over different information included in this prospectus or the prospectus supplement.

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. We have not, and any underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement as well as the information we previously filed with the SEC and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the dates on the front cover of those documents only. Our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

You may obtain copies of these documents in the manner described above under the section captioned “Where You Can Find More Information.” You may also request copies of these documents (excluding exhibits) at no cost by contacting CPLP as follows:

 

Capital Product Partners L.P.

Investor Relations Representative

Nicolas Bornozis, President

Capital Link, Inc.

230 Park Avenue — Suite 1536

New York, NY 10160, USA

Tel: +1 212 661-7566

 

Our disclosure and analysis in the prospectus concerning our business, operations, cash flows, and financial position, including, in particular, the likelihood of our success in developing and expanding our business, include forward-looking statements. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or written statements which are also forward looking statements. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “projects,” “forecasts,” “will,” “may,” “potential,” “could,” “continue,” “would,” “predict,” “should,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, are forward-looking statements. Although these statements are based upon assumptions we believe to be reasonable based upon available information, including projections of revenues, operating margins, earnings, cash flow, working capital and capital expenditures, they are subject to risks and uncertainties that are described more fully in this prospectus in the section titled “Risk Factors.” These forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this prospectus and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

 

 

 

 

These and other forward-looking statements are made based upon management’s current plans, expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed in “Risk Factors.” The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involve known and unknown risks and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

 

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. 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. You should carefully review and consider the various disclosures included in this Annual Report and in our other filings made with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, prospects and results of operations.

 

An investment in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Some of the following risks relate principally to the countries and the industry in which we operate and the nature of our business in general. Although many of our business risks are comparable to those that a corporation engaged in a similar business would face, limited partner interests differ from the capital stock of a corporation in certain respects. In particular, if any of the following risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected. In that case, we might not be able to pay distributions on our common units, the trading price of our common units could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. You should carefully consider the following risk factors together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the information that we have incorporated herein by reference in evaluating an investment in us. When we offer and sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such securities in the prospectus supplement.

 

We hereby incorporate by reference all of our risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 or included in any Annual Report on Form 20-F or Current Report on Form 6-K filed or furnished after the date of this prospectus.

 

RISKS RELATING TO THE BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS OF CPLP

 

Global economic conditions may have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial position, distributions and results of operations as well as on its ability to recharter its vessels at favorable rates.

 

Oil has been one of the world’s primary energy sources for a number of decades. The global economic growth of previous years had a significant impact on the demand for oil and subsequently on the oil trade and shipping demand. However, the second half of 2008, the year 2009 and parts of 2010 were marked by a major economic slowdown which has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on world trade, including the oil trade. Demand for oil and refined petroleum products contracted sharply as a result of the global economic slowdown, which in combination with the diminished availability of trade credit, deteriorating international liquidity conditions and declining financial markets, led to decreased demand for tanker vessels, creating downward pressure on charter rates. This economic downturn also affected vessel values overall. Despite certain indications of recovery during 2010 and upward revisions of expected global oil demand growth for 2011, there has not been a material increase in crude or product tanker charter rates and global economic conditions remain fragile with significant uncertainty remaining with respect to recovery prospects, levels of recovery and long-term effects. Such upward revisions are primarily based on increased demand from countries not part of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD, such as China and India, and if economic growth in these countries slows global oil demand and seaborne transport of oil may be significantly affected.

 

If these global economic conditions persist CPLP may not be able to operate its vessels profitably or employ its vessels at favorable charter rates as they come up for rechartering. Furthermore, a significant decrease in the market value of CPLP’s vessels may cause it to recognize losses if any of its vessels are sold or if their values are impaired, and may affect CPLP’s ability to comply with its loan covenants. A deterioration of the current economic and market conditions or a negative change in global economic conditions or the product or crude tanker markets would be expected to have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial position, results of operations and ability to make cash distributions and comply with its loan covenants, as well as its future prospects and ability to grow its fleet.

 

Charter rates for tanker vessels are highly volatile and are currently near historically low levels and may further decrease in the future, which may adversely affect CPLP’s earnings and its ability to make cash distributions as it may not be able to recharter its vessels, or it may not be able to recharter them at competitive rates.

 

CPLP currently charters four vessels in the spot charter market and the charters of 10 of its vessels are scheduled to expire during 2012. CPLP may only be able to recharter these vessels at reduced or unprofitable

rates as their current charters expire, or it may not be able to recharter these vessels at all. Throughout 2010 and 2011 the period charter market was, and continues to be, at close to historically low levels and many of CPLP’s vessels which entered into new charters during this period were rechartered at rates lower than their original charters. In the event the current low rate environment continues and charterers do not display an increased interest in chartering vessels for longer periods at improved rates, CPLP may not be able to obtain competitive rates for its vessels and its earnings and distributions may be adversely affected.

 

Alternatively, CPLP may have to deploy these vessels in the spot market, which, although common in the tanker industry, is cyclical and highly volatile, with rates fluctuating significantly based upon demand for oil and oil products and tanker supply, amongst others. In the past, the spot charter market has also experienced periods when spot rates have declined below the operating cost of vessels and currently charter rates in the spot market are also close to historical lows. The successful operation of CPLP’s vessels in the spot charter market depends upon, among other things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling unladen to pick up cargo. Furthermore, as charter rates for spot charters are fixed for a single voyage which may last up to several weeks, during periods in which spot charter rates are rising, CPLP will generally experience delays in realizing the benefits from such increases.

 

The demand for period charters may not increase and the tanker charter market may not significantly recover over the next several months or may decline further. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and ability to meet our obligations and to make cash distributions.

 

CPLP may not be able to grow or to effectively manage its growth.

 

CPLP’s future growth will depend upon a number of factors, some of which it cannot control. These factors include its ability to:

 

 

CPLP’s ability to grow is in part dependent on its ability to expand its fleet through acquisitions of suitable vessels. CPLP may not be able to acquire newbuildings or product and crude tankers on favorable terms, which could impede its growth and negatively impact its financial condition and ability to pay distributions. CPLP may not be able to contract for newbuildings or locate suitable vessels or negotiate acceptable construction or purchase contracts with shipyards and owners, or obtain financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, or at all.

The failure to effectively identify, purchase, develop, employ and integrate any vessels or businesses could adversely affect CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Fees and cost reimbursements paid by CPLP to Capital Maritime for services provided to CPLP and certain of its subsidiaries are substantial, fluctuate and may reduce CPLP’s cash available for distribution to its unitholders.

 

CPLP has entered into management agreements with Capital Ship Management, a subsidiary of Capital Maritime, for the management of its fleet. As of the date of this prospectus, 20 of CPLP’s vessels are managed under a fixed fee management agreement under which CPLP pays a fixed daily fee and reimburses Capital Maritime for all expenses it incurs on CPLP’s behalf. The fixed daily fee to be paid to Capital Maritime includes all costs incurred in providing certain commercial and technical management services to CPLP, including vessel maintenance, crewing, purchasing and insurance and also includes the expenses for each vessel’s next scheduled special or intermediate survey, as applicable, and related drydocking. In addition to the fixed daily fees payable under the management agreement, Capital Maritime is entitled to supplementary remuneration for Extraordinary Fees (as defined below) and costs of any direct and indirect expenses it reasonably incurs in providing these services which may vary from time to time, and which include, among others, certain costs associated with the vetting of CPLP’s vessels, repairs related to unforeseen events, and insurance deductibles in accordance with the terms of the management agreement (the “Extraordinary Fees”).

 

At such time, and in the event any new vessels are acquired, CPLP will have to enter into new agreements with Capital Ship Management or a third party for the provision of the above services. It is possible that any such new agreement may not be on the same or similar terms as our existing agreements, and that the level of our operating costs may materially change following any such renewal. Any increase in the costs and expenses associated with the provision of these services by our manager in the future, such as the condition and age of our vessels, costs of crews for our time chartered vessels and insurance, will lead to an increase in the fees CPLP would have to pay to Capital Ship Management or another third party under any new agreements CPLP enters into. The payment of fees to Capital Ship Management or a third party and reimbursement of expenses to such manager could adversely affect CPLP’s business, financial condition, and results of operations, including its ability to make cash distributions.

 

The remaining seven vessels of CPLP’s fleet are managed under a floating fee management agreement. Under the management agreement, however, CPLP must pay for vessel operating expenses (including crewing, repairs and maintenance, insurance, stores, lube oils and communication expenses) as incurred. These expenses depend upon a variety of factors, many of which will be beyond CPLP’s or its manager’s control. Some of these costs, primarily relating to crewing, insurance and enhanced security measures, have been increasing and may increase in the future. Increases in any of these costs would decrease CPLP’s earnings, cash flows and the amount of cash available for distribution to its unitholders.

 

In addition, the manager has the right to terminate the management agreement for five of these vessels and, under certain circumstances, could receive substantial sums in connection with such termination; however, even if the board of directors of CPLP (the “CPLP Board”) or its unitholders are dissatisfied with the manager, there are limited circumstances under which CPLP can terminate such management agreement. If the manager elects to terminate the management agreement, in accordance with the terms of the agreement a termination payment, which could be substantial, will be payable to the manager. This termination payment was initially set at $9.0 million and increases on each one-year anniversary during which the management agreement remains in effect (on a compounding basis) in accordance with the total percentage increase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index over the immediately preceding twelve months.

 

CPLP is exposed to various risks in the international drybulk shipping industry, which is cyclical and volatile.

 

Following its acquisition of the Cape Agamemnon from Capital Maritime on June 10, 2011, CPLP became subject to various risks of the drybulk shipping industry. The drybulk shipping industry is cyclical

with attendant volatility in charter rates, vessel values and profitability. In addition, the degree of charter hire rate volatility among different types of drybulk carriers has varied widely. After reaching historical highs in mid-2008, charter hire rates for Capesize drybulk carriers such as the Cape Agamemnon reached near historically low levels at the end of 2008, from which they have not significantly recovered. Although the Cape Agamemnon is currently deployed on a period time charter, in the future CPLP may have to charter it pursuant to short-term time charters, and may be exposed to changes in spot market and short-term charter rates for drybulk carriers, and such changes may affect CPLP’s earnings and the value of the Cape Agamemnon at any given time.

 

Moreover, the factors affecting the supply and demand for drybulk vessels are outside of CPLP’s control and are difficult to predict with confidence. As a result, the nature, timing, direction and degree of changes in industry conditions are also unpredictable.

 

Factors that influence demand for vessel capacity include:

 

 

Factors that influence the supply of vessel capacity include:

 

 

CPLP currently anticipates that the future demand for the Cape Agamemnon following completion of its charter and, in turn, drybulk charter rates, will be dependent, among other things, upon economic growth in the global economy including the world’s developing economies such as China, India, Brazil and Russia, seasonal and regional changes in demand, changes in the capacity of the global drybulk vessel fleet and the sources and supply of drybulk cargo to be transported by sea. A decline in demand for commodities transported in drybulk vessels or an increase in supply of drybulk vessels could cause a significant decline in charter rates, which could materially adversely affect CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Cape Agamemnon is currently chartered at rates that are at a substantial premium to the spot and period market, and the loss of this charter could result in a significant loss of expected future revenues and cash flows.

 

The Cape Agamemnon is currently under a 10 year time charter to Cosco Bulk Carrier Co. Ltd (“Cosco”), an affiliate of the COSCO Group and one of the largest dry bulk charterers globally, which commenced in July 2010, and the earliest expiry under the charter is June 2020. The gross charter rate is $53,100 ($50,445 net) per day until July 2015 and from July 2015 until the end of the term $33,100 gross ($31,445 net) per day, which is a substantial premium to current market levels.

The loss of this customer could result in a significant loss of revenues, cash flow and CPLP’s ability to maintain or improve distributions longer term. CPLP could lose this customer or the benefits of the charter entered into with it if, among other things:

 

 

In the event CPLP loses the benefit of the charter with Cosco prior to its expiration date, it would have to recharter the vessel at the then prevailing charter rates. In such event, CPLP may not be able to obtain competitive, or profitable, rates for this vessel and CPLP’s earnings and ability to make cash distributions may be adversely affected.

 

A negative change in the economic conditions in the United States, the European Union or the Asian region, especially in China, Japan or India, could reduce drybulk trade and demand, which could reduce charter rates and have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

A significant number of the port calls made by Capesize bulk carriers involve the loading or discharging of raw materials in ports in the Asian region, particularly China, Japan and India. As a result, a negative change in economic conditions in any Asian country, particularly China, Japan or, to a lesser extent, India, could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial position and results of operations, as well as its future prospects, by reducing demand and, as a result, charter rates and affecting CPLP’s ability to re-charter the Cape Agamemnon at a profitable rate. In past years, China and India have had two of the world’s fastest growing economies in terms of gross domestic product and have been the main driving force behind increases in marine drybulk trade and the demand for drybulk vessels. If economic growth declines in China, Japan, India and other countries in the Asian region, CPLP may face decreases in such drybulk trade and demand. Moreover, a slowdown in the United States and Japanese economies, as has occurred recently, or the economies of the European Union or certain Asian countries will likely adversely affect economic growth in China, India and elsewhere. Such an economic downturn in any of these countries could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

An oversupply of drybulk vessel capacity may lead to reductions in charter rates and profitability.

 

The market supply of drybulk vessels has been increasing, and the number of drybulk vessels on order as of September 30, 2011, was approximately 39.3% of the then-existing global drybulk fleet in terms of dwt, with deliveries expected mainly during the succeeding 24 months, although available data with regard to cancellations of existing newbuild orders or delays of newbuild deliveries are not always accurate.

During the recent economic crisis, it was also observed that significantly fewer vessels were being scrapped as compared with prior periods. As a result, the drybulk fleet remains an aged fleet that has not decreased in number. An oversupply of drybulk vessel capacity will likely result in a reduction of charter hire rates. Upon the expiration of its current period time charter in June 2020, if CPLP cannot enter into a new period time charter for the Cape Agamemnon on acceptable terms, it may have to secure charters in the spot market, where charter rates are more volatile and revenues are, therefore, less predictable, or it may not be able to charter the vessel at all.

 

In addition, a material increase in the net supply of drybulk vessel capacity without corresponding growth in drybulk vessel demand could have a material adverse effect on the Cape Agamemnon’s utilization, and could, accordingly, materially adversely affect CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The international drybulk shipping industry is highly competitive, and as a new entrant in this industry with only one drybulk vessel in its fleet, CPLP may not be able to compete successfully for charters with established companies or other new entrants with greater resources, and it may not be able to successfully operate the vessel.

 

CPLP has historically owned tanker vessels and has been active in the tanker market only. CPLP employs the Cape Agamemnon in the highly competitive drybulk market in which it has no prior experience. The drybulk market is capital intensive and highly fragmented. Competition arises primarily from other vessel owners, some of which have substantially greater resources than CPLP has or will have. Competition for the transportation of drybulk cargo by sea is intense and depends on price, customer relationships, operating expertise, professional reputation and size, age, location and condition of the vessel. In this highly fragmented market, established companies operating larger fleets as well as additional competitors with greater resources may be able to offer lower charter rates than CPLP is able to offer, which could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s ability to utilize the Cape Agamemnon and, accordingly, its profitability.

 

The operation of drybulk vessels has certain unique operational risks, and failure to adequately maintain the Cape Agamemnon could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

The Cape Agamemnon is the only drybulk vessel in CPLP’s fleet. With a drybulk vessel, the cargo itself and its interaction with the vessel may create operational risks. By their nature, drybulk cargoes are often heavy, dense and easily shifted, and they may react badly to water exposure. In addition, drybulk vessels are often subjected to battering treatment during unloading operations with grabs, jackhammers (to pry encrusted cargoes out of the hold) and small bulldozers. This treatment may cause damage to the vessel. Vessels damaged due to treatment during unloading procedures may be more susceptible to breach while at sea. Breaches of a drybulk vessel’s hull may lead to the flooding of the vessel’s holds. If a drybulk vessel suffers flooding in its forward holds, the bulk cargo may become so dense and waterlogged that its pressure may buckle the vessel’s bulkheads, leading to the loss of a vessel. If CPLP or Capital Maritime, as manager, does not adequately maintain the Cape Agamemnon, it may be unable to prevent these events. The occurrence of any of these events could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

U.S. tax authorities could treat CPLP as a “passive foreign investment company,” which could have adverse United States federal income tax consequences to U.S. persons who hold CPLP common units.

 

A foreign entity taxed as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes will be treated as a “passive foreign investment company” (a “PFIC”) for United States federal income tax purposes if (i) at least 75% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of certain types of “passive income,” or (ii) at least 50% of the average value of the entity’s assets produce or are held for the production of those types of “passive income.” For purposes of these tests, “passive income” includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property, and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties that are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests,

income derived from the performance of services does not constitute “passive income.” U.S. persons who own shares of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their shares in the PFIC.

 

Based on CPLP’s current and projected method of operation, CPLP believes that it is not currently a PFIC and does not expect to become a PFIC in the future. CPLP intends to treat its income from time chartering activities as non-passive income, and the vessels engaged in those activities as non-passive assets, for PFIC purposes. However, no assurance can be given that the IRS will accept this position. There are legal uncertainties involved in this determination. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a United States court will accept the position that CPLP is not a PFIC and there is a risk that the IRS or a United States court could determine that CPLP is a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that CPLP would not become a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in CPLP’s assets, income or operations. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Ownership and Disposition of CPLP Common Units—Certain PFIC Considerations Applicable to U.S. Holders” beginning on page 56.

 

CPLP may have to pay tax on United States source income, which would reduce earnings.

 

Under the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel-owning or chartering corporation that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the U.S. is characterized as U.S. source shipping income, and such income generally is subject to a 4% United States federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code. CPLP believes that it and each of its subsidiaries will qualify for this statutory tax exemption, and CPLP will take this position for United States federal income tax return reporting purposes. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—Certain Considerations Relating to the United States Federal Income Taxation of CPLP—The Section 883 Exemption and the Taxation of Operating Income” beginning on page 61. However, there are factual circumstances, including some that may be beyond CPLP’s control, which could cause CPLP to lose the benefit of this tax exemption.

 

Additionally, a prerequisite for this statutory tax exemption is that CPLP’s common units represent more than 50% of the voting power and value of CPLP, and while CPLP believes that the CPLP common units represent more than 50% of the voting power of CPLP because holders of the common units (other than Capital Maritime and its affiliates) can elect a majority of the CPLP Board, the IRS could disagree with CPLP’s position. In particular, although CPLP has elected to be treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes, for corporate law purposes CPLP is organized as a limited partnership under Marshall Islands law, and CPLP’s general partner will be responsible for managing CPLP’s business and affairs on a day-to-day basis and has been granted certain veto rights over decisions of the CPLP Board. The IRS could assert that the aforementioned powers of the general partner effectively reduce the voting power of the CPLP common units to 50% or less of the overall voting power of CPLP. Therefore, CPLP can give no assurances that the IRS will not take a different position regarding CPLP’s qualification, or the qualification of any of CPLP’s subsidiaries, for this tax exemption.

 

If CPLP or its subsidiaries are not entitled to this exemption under Section 883 for any taxable year, CPLP or its subsidiaries generally would be subject for those years to a 4% gross income tax on their U.S. source shipping income. The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on CPLP’s business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to holders of common units.

RISKS RELATING TO FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

CPLP has incurred significant indebtedness, which could adversely affect its ability to further finance its operations, pursue desirable business opportunities or successfully run its business in the future, as well as its ability to make cash distributions. In the event CPLP is not able to extend the non-amortizing period under its credit facilities or refinance its debt on similar terms its business, financial condition, and results of operations, including its ability to make cash distributions, may be impaired. Any new or amended credit facilities CPLP enters into in order to refinance its debt will contain restrictive covenants, which may limit its business and financing activities, and adversely affect its business, financial condition, and results of operations, including its ability to make cash distributions.

 

CPLP has entered into three non-amortizing credit facilities to date and, as of the date of this prospectus, CPLP had drawn (i) $366.5 million of $370.0 million available under its 2007 credit facility, (ii) $242.1 million of $350.0 million available under its 2008 credit facility, and (iii) $25.0 million of $25.0 million available under its 2011 credit facility.

 

The non-amortizing periods under these facilities are scheduled to expire as early as June 2012 for the 2007 facility and March 2013 for the 2008 and 2011 facilities. CPLP may not be successful in refinancing its existing indebtedness on favorable terms or similar terms or at all, and any new indebtedness it may enter into may have additional restrictions that CPLP will need to comply with. In the event these facilities are not refinanced on similar terms, CPLP’s obligation to make principal payments following the expiration of the respective non-amortizing periods may start as early as September 2012. In such event, CPLP’s ability to make cash distributions to unitholders may be substantially impaired.

 

CPLP’s leverage and debt service obligations could have significant additional consequences, including the following:

 

 

The occurrence of any one of these events could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and ability to make distributions and to satisfy its obligations under its credit facilities or any debt securities.

If CPLP defaults under its credit facilities, it could forfeit its rights in certain of its vessels and their charters and its ability to make cash distributions may be impaired.

 

CPLP has pledged its vessels as security to the lenders under its credit facilities. Default under these credit facilities, if not waived or modified, would permit the lenders to foreclose on the mortgages over the vessels and the related collateral, and CPLP could lose its rights in the vessels and their charters.

 

When final payment is due under loan agreements, CPLP must repay any borrowings outstanding, including balloon payments. To the extent that cash flows are insufficient to repay any of these borrowings or asset cover is inadequate due to a deterioration in vessel values, CPLP will need to refinance some or all of its loan agreements, replace them with alternate credit arrangements or provide additional security. CPLP may not be able to refinance or replace its loan agreements or provide additional security at the time they become due.

 

In the event CPLP is not able to refinance its existing debt obligations, or if its operating results are not sufficient to service current or future indebtedness, or to make relevant principal repayments if necessary, it may be forced to take actions such as reducing or eliminating distributions, reducing or delaying business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring or refinancing debt, or seeking additional equity capital or bankruptcy protection. In addition, the terms of any refinancing or alternate credit arrangement may restrict CPLP’s financial and operating flexibility and its ability to make cash distributions.

 

If CPLP is in breach of any of the terms of its credit facilities, a significant portion of its obligations may become immediately due and payable and its lenders’ commitments to make further loans to it may terminate. It may also be unable to execute its business strategy or make cash distributions.

 

CPLP’s ability to comply with the covenants and restrictions contained in its credit facilities and any other debt instruments it may enter into in the future may be affected by events beyond its control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If vessel valuations or market or other economic conditions deteriorate further, CPLP’s ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired. If CPLP is in breach of any of the restrictions, covenants, ratios or tests in CPLP’s credit facilities, especially if CPLP triggers a cross-default currently contained in its credit facilities or any interest rate swap agreements it has entered into pursuant to their terms, a significant portion of CPLP’s obligations may become immediately due and payable, and its lenders’ commitment to make further loans to it may terminate. CPLP may not be able to reach agreement with its lenders to amend the terms of the loan agreements or waive any breaches and it may not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make any accelerated payments. In addition, obligations under CPLP’s credit facilities are secured by its vessels, and if it is unable to repay debt under the credit facilities, the lenders could seek to foreclose on those assets. Furthermore, if funds under CPLP’s credit facilities become unavailable as a result of a breach of CPLP’s covenants or otherwise, it may not be able to execute its business strategy, which could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, results of operations and financial condition, including its ability to make cash distributions.

 

Decreases in asset values due to circumstances outside of CPLP’s control may limit its ability to refinance existing debt or make further draw-downs under existing credit facilities, which may limit CPLP’s ability to purchase additional vessels or pay distributions in the future and affect its ability to extend the non-amortizing periods under its credit facilities. In addition, if asset values continue to decrease significantly, CPLP may have to pre-pay part of its outstanding debt or provide additional security in order to remain in compliance with covenants under existing credit facilities.

 

Each of the credit facilities of CPLP requires that a specific aggregate fair market value of the vessels in the fleet be maintained as a percentage of the aggregate amount outstanding under such credit facility. Any contemplated vessel acquisitions will have to be at levels that do not impair the required ratios. The recent global economic downturn has had an adverse effect on tanker asset values which is likely to persist if the economic slowdown resumes. If the estimated asset values of the vessels in CPLP’s fleet continue to decrease, such decreases may limit the amounts CPLP can draw down under its current credit facilities to purchase additional vessels and the ability to expand CPLP’s fleet. In addition, CPLP may be obligated to pre-pay part

of its outstanding debt or provide additional security in order to remain in compliance with the relevant covenants under its existing credit facilities. Furthermore, under the terms of its credit facilities and subject to compliance with certain ratios and provisions, including its loan to asset ratio, CPLP has the option to request an extension of the non-amortizing period under its credit facilities. The granting of such an extension is at the discretion of the respective financing bank. However, in the event that asset values decrease due to circumstances outside of CPLP’s control, the loan to asset ratios under the facilities may be affected to such a degree that CPLP’s option to request, and the banks’ ability to grant, any such extension may be prohibited under the terms of the credit facilities. Such decreases could have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, results of operations and financial condition and its ability to refinance its existing facilities or to make cash distributions.

 

A limited number of financial institutions hold CPLP’s cash, including financial institutions located in Greece.

 

CPLP maintains all of its cash with a limited number of financial institutions, including institutions located in Greece. The financial institutions located in Greece may be subsidiaries of international banks or Greek financial institutions. These balances may not be covered by insurance in the event of default by these financial institutions. The ongoing fiscal situation in Greece, including the possibility of further sovereign credit rating downgrades and the restructuring of Greece’s sovereign debt, may result in an event of default by some or all of these financial institutions. The occurrence of such a default could therefore have a material adverse effect on CPLP’s business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

RISK RELATING TO CPLP’s COMMON UNITS

 

CPLP cannot assure you that it will pay any distributions.

 

CPLP currently observes a cash dividend and cash distribution policy implemented by its board of directors. The actual declaration of future cash distributions, and the establishment of record and payment dates, is subject to final determination by the CPLP Board each quarter after its review of financial performance. CPLP’s ability to pay distributions in any period will depend upon factors including but not limited to financial condition, results of operations, prospects and applicable provisions of Marshall Islands law.

 

The timing and amount of distributions, if any, could be affected by factors affecting cash flows, results of operations, required capital expenditures, or reserves. Maintaining the distribution policy will depend on CPLP’s cash earnings, financial condition and cash requirements and could be affected by factors, including the loss of a vessel, required capital expenditures, reserves established by the CPLP Board, increased or unanticipated expenses, additional borrowings and ability to refinance existing indebtedness, asset valuations, or future issuances of securities, which may be beyond CPLP’s control.

 

Under Marshall Islands law, a limited partnership shall not make a distribution to a partner to the extent that at the time of the distribution, after giving effect to the distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specified property of the limited partnership, exceed the fair value of the assets of the limited partnership, except that the fair value of property that is subject to a liability for which the recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in the assets of the limited partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds that liability.

 

CPLP’s distribution policy may be changed at any time, and from time to time, by its board of directors.

 

Future sales of CPLP common units could cause the market price of CPLP common units to decline.

 

The market price of CPLP common units could decline due to sales of a large number of units in the market, including sales of units by CPLP’s large unitholders, or the perception that these sales could occur.

These sales could also make it more difficult or impossible for CPLP to sell equity securities in the future at a time and price that it deems appropriate to raise funds through future offerings of common units.

 

CPLP’s organization as a limited partnership under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands may limit the ability of unitholders to protect their interests.

 

CPLP’s affairs are governed by the CPLP Partnership Agreement and the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act (“MILPA”). The provisions of the MILPA resemble provisions of the limited partnership laws of a number of states in the United States, most notably Delaware. The MILPA Act also provides that it is to be applied and construed to make it uniform with the Delaware Revised Uniform Partnership Act and, so long as it does not conflict with the MILPA or decisions of the Marshall Islands courts, interpreted according to the non-statutory law (or case law) of the State of Delaware. However, there have been few, if any, judicial cases in the Republic of the Marshall Islands interpreting the MILPA. For example, the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands are not as clearly established as the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of directors under statutes or judicial precedent in existence in certain U.S. jurisdictions. Although the MILPA does specifically incorporate the non-statutory law, or judicial case law, of the State of Delaware, CPLP’s public unitholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions by management, directors or controlling shareholders than would shareholders of a limited partnership organized in a U.S. jurisdiction.

 

It may not be possible for investors to enforce U.S. judgments against CPLP.

 

CPLP is organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, as is its general partner, and most of its subsidiaries are incorporated or organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. Substantially all of CPLP’s assets and those of its subsidiaries are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for U.S. investors to serve process within the United States upon CPLP or to enforce judgment upon CPLP for civil liabilities in U.S. courts. In addition, you should not assume that courts in the countries in which CPLP or its subsidiaries are incorporated or organized or where CPLP’s assets or the assets of its subsidiaries are located (i) would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained in actions against CPLP or its subsidiaries based upon the civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws or (ii) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against CPLP or its subsidiaries based upon these laws.

 

Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from our sale of securities covered by this prospectus for general partnership purposes, which may include, among other things:

 

 

The actual application of proceeds from the sale of any particular offering of securities covered by this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to the offering.

 

Our common units started trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “CPLP” on March 30, 2007. The following table sets forth the high and low closing market prices in U.S. Dollars for our common units for each of the periods indicated.

 

 

 

The following table sets forth our unaudited ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the preceding four fiscal years, and for the six month period ended June 30, 2011. CPLP conducted its initial public offering on April 3, 2007, so figures for fiscal year 2007 are for the period from April 4, 2007 through December 31, 2007.

 

For the purpose of calculating such ratios, “earnings” consist of CPLP’s net income before fixed charges. “Fixed charges” consist of interest expense and amortization of debt issuance finance costs.

 

 

 

On September 30, 2011, CPLP completed the acquisition of Crude Carriers Corp. (“Crude”) in a unit-for-share transaction, whereby Crude became a wholly-owned subsidiary of CPLP.

 

The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as at June 30, 2011 is presented in thousands of U.S. dollars and reflects the combination of Crude and CPLP using the acquisition method of accounting as if the acquisition of Crude by CPLP closed on June 30, 2011. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement for the year ended December 31, 2010 and six months ended June 30, 2011 are presented in thousands of U.S. dollars and reflect the combination of Crude and CPLP as if the proposed transaction closed on January 1, 2010 and was carried forward through the six months ended June 30, 2011.

 

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information was derived from and should be read in conjunction with Crude’s audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in Crude’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on April 18, 2011, Crude’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2011, furnished to the SEC on August 5, 2011, CPLP’s audited consolidated financial statements included in CPLP’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2010 filed with the SEC on February 4, 2011, and CPLP’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2011, furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K on August 5, 2011, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect future events that may occur, including the potential realization of operating cost savings, general and administrative synergies or restructuring or other costs relating to the integration of the two companies. The unaudited pro forma condensed financial information was prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X of the SEC.

 

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information is provided for informational purposes only and is not necessarily indicative of the financial position or results of operations that would have occurred if the acquisition had been completed on June 30, 2011 in the case of balance sheet information, and January 1, 2010 and carried forward through the six months ended June 30, 2011 in the case of income statement information, nor are they necessarily indicative of the future operating results or financial position of CPLP. In addition, the unaudited pro forma financial information does not purport to indicate the financial position or results of operations of any future date or any future period. The pro forma adjustments are preliminary, subject to change and are based upon available information and certain assumptions that CPLP believes are reasonable on the date of this registration statement.

 

The accompanying unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements and the managements’ discussion and analysis of Crude and CPLP in the Annual Reports on Form 20-F and other reports furnished to the SEC described above, as well as the other reports incorporated by reference herein. See the sections captioned “Where You Can Find More Information,” beginning on page 3 and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference” beginning on page 4.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF JUNE 30, 2011

 

 

 

The financial information above should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements included in this prospectus.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010

 

 

 

 

The financial information above should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements included in this prospectus.

The two class method which was used to calculate pro forma combined earnings per unit for the year ended December 31, 2010 as follows:

 

 

The pro forma adjustment of 394,925 for the year ended December 31, 2010 represents the weighted average number of 499,190 common units that must be converted into general partner units in order for Capital GP to maintain its 2% interest in CPLP.

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED INCOME STATEMENT
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2011

 

 

 

The financial information above should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements included in this prospectus.

The two class method was used to calculate pro forma combined earnings per unit for the six months ended June 30, 2011 as follows:

 

 

The pro forma adjustment of 471,605 for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 represents the weighted average number of 499,346 common units that must be converted into general partner units in order for Capital GP to maintain its 2% interest in CPLP.

Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements
(Amounts expressed in thousands of United States Dollars — except for unit/share
and per
unit/share data, unless otherwise stated)

 

 

Description of Merger

 

On May 5, 2011, CPLP announced that it had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 5, 2011, with Crude, Capital GP and MergerCo. The merger is more fully described in CPLP’s prospectus on Form F-4 filed with the SEC on August 18, 2011, and should be read in conjunction with these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

 

Assumptions

 

Pro forma adjustments giving effect to the merger have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statements assuming the merger was completed on January 1, 2010 and carried forward to the six-months period ended June 30, 2011 and are discussed in Note 2. Pro forma adjustments giving effect to the merger have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet assuming the merger was completed on June 30, 2011 and are discussed in Note 2.

 

With respect to the pro forma adjustments related to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet, recurring and non recurring adjustments are taken into consideration.

 

With respect to the pro forma adjustments related to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statements, only adjustments that are expected to have a continuing effect on the financial information are taken into consideration.

 

Only adjustments that are factually supportable and that can be estimated reliably are taken into consideration. For example, the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information does not reflect any cost savings potentially realizable from the elimination of certain expenses.

 

 

The pro forma adjustments giving effect to the merger are as follows:

 

(a) In accordance with U.S. GAAP, the fair value of the common unit consideration to be issued by CPLP representing the consideration transferred for the acquisition of Crude, has been allocated as of June 30, 2011 to the estimated fair value of Crude identifiable assets and liabilities to be acquired in accordance with the acquisition method prescribed by Accounting Standards Codification, “Business Combinations,” or ASC-805 and is based on preliminary estimates of their respective fair values. The merger consideration will be determined on the acquisition date value of CPLP common units, which will be the date on which CPLP will obtain control of Crude and when CPLP will legally transfer units issued as consideration to Crude and will acquire its assets and assume its liabilities.

 

 

The gain from bargain purchase of $79,141 has resulted from the difference between the unit price of CPLP units issued to Crude stockholders and the fair value of Crude’s net assets. Gain from bargain purchase is presented as a non recurring transaction in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet under Partners’ Capital / Stockholders’ Equity, and is allocated between the Partnership’s general partner and limited partners based on their ownership percentage. A sensitivity analysis showing how the merger consideration is impacted from a change in the CPLP’s unit price is presented below:

 

 

(b)      The amount of $6,423 represents the difference between the fair market value of Crude’s vessels of $391,750, which reflects the average of two valuations from independent third party ship brokers, and their respective net book value of $385,327 as of June 30, 2011;

 

(c)      Crude’s credit facility is expected to be refinanced by the available liquidity in CPLP’s credit facility of $350,000, which is non-amortizing up to June 30, 2013. Therefore the current portion of long term debt of $19,305 will be converted into long term debt. As a result deferred financing charges of Crude’s existing credit facility of $1,464 as reflected in the June 30, 2011 balance sheet will be written off.

 

(d)      Upon the closing of the merger each share of Crude common stock and Crude Class B stock was converted into 1.56 CPLP common units. The amount of $186,233 (Note 2a) reflects the result of this conversion and is the product of 13,500,000 shares of Crude common stock and 2,105,263 shares of Crude Class B stock issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2011 multiplied by the exchange ratio of 1.56 times the price per CPLP’s unit of $7.65 as quoted on Nasdaq on August 3, 2011. Furthermore out of the $186,233 the amount of $3,725 has been allocated to Capital GP in order for it to maintain its 2% interest in CPLP and the remaining amount of $182,508 is allocated to CPLP’s limited partners.

 

(e)      The equity of Crude was eliminated upon the consummation of the merger.

 

(f)      Upon the effective time of the merger, Crude’s share based payment awards granted on August 31, 2010 were converted into equivalent CPLP common unit awards using an exchange ratio of 1.56 and all the terms of such awards remain the same. Crude’s share based payment awards to the members of the Crude Independent Committee who are not designated by Crude to serve as a member of the CPLP Board,

lapsed immediately prior to the effective time of the merger, and such 20,000 shares of Crude common stock based payment awards vested in full immediately prior to the effective time of the merger.

 

The acquisition date fair value of the awards vesting upon merger as noted above is included as part of the consideration transferred in the business combination (Note 2a) and is calculated based on 20,000 shares multiplied by the price per Crude common share of $10.87 on the NYSE on August 3, 2011. The acquisition date fair value is estimated at $217 as of August 3, 2011.

 

The remaining unvested share based payment awards were valued at fair value as of the acquisition date. The fair-value-based measure of the replaced awards (Crude measured awards) was split into two portions: (i) fair value assigned to pre-combination services recognized as part of the consideration transferred in the business combination; and (ii) fair value assigned to post-combination services recognized as equity compensation expense in the post-combination financial statements of CPLP over the remaining vesting period.

 

The calculation related to unvested awards is as follows:

 

 

 

 

(g)     Vessel depreciation was adjusted by replacing the Crude vessels’ carrying values with their respective fair values and using Crude vessels’ estimated useful life of 25 years from vessels’ delivery from

respective shipyards. In the case of four out of five of Crude’s vessels that were acquired during 2010, vessel depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2010 was calculated from the dates of their acquisitions. In the case of the fifth Crude vessel, depreciation for the year ended December 31, 2010 was calculated for the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010 as the vessel owning company of the respective vessel and Crude were under common control prior to Crude’s initial public offering that was completed in March 2010. An analysis of vessel depreciation for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

 

(h)     Interest expense was recalculated as if the refinancing of the amount of $134,580 drawn-down under Crude’s credit facility by CPLP’s credit facility of up to $350,000 had occurred in June 2010 when the two advances of $75,000 and $59,580 under the Crude credit facility were originally drawn down. Calculations of the interest expense for these two advances have been based on the six months actual LIBOR plus the funding cost plus the margin of CPLP’s credit facility of up to $350,000 according to the last interest fixation for the three month period starting on June 30, 2011 and ending on September 30, 2011. In addition non-cash amortization expense of deferred finance charges as well as loan commitment fees calculated on the undrawn portion of the Crude credit facility for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 has been reversed. For the same period commitment fees calculated on the undrawn portion of CPLP’s credit facility of up to $350,000 have been reduced by the assumed drawn-down of $134,580 in June 2010. For the refinancing of the Crude credit facility expenses that could affect materially the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statements for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 are not expected to be recognized. An analysis of the pro forma adjustments in the interest expense and finance cost in the unaudited pro forma condensed combined income statement as a result of the refinancing of Crude credit facility for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and for the year ended December 31, 2010 is as follows:

 

 

An increase of 0.125% in the interest rate of CPLP’s credit facility of up to $350,000 will cause pro-forma interest expense to increase by $85 and $94 for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively. A decrease of 0.125% in the interest rate of CPLP’s credit facility of up to $350,000 will cause pro-forma interest expense to decrease by $85 and $94 for the six month period ended June 30, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

The Units

 

The common units represent limited partner interests in us. The holders of units are entitled to participate in partnership distributions and exercise the rights and privileges available to limited partners under CPLP’s limited partnership agreement (as amended, the “Partnership Agreement”).

 

For a description of the rights and privileges of holders of common units in and to partnership distributions, please read “How We Make Cash Distributions” in the prospectus included in our registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on March 19, 2007 as well as the section “Cash Distributions” beginning on page 36 of this prospectus. For a description of the rights and privileges of limited partners under the Partnership Agreement, including voting rights, please read “The Partnership Agreement” in the prospectus included in our registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the SEC on March 19, 2007.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

 

Duties

 

The Bank of New York will serve as registrar and transfer agent for the common units. We pay all fees charged by the transfer agent for transfers of common units, except the following, which must be paid by common unitholders:

 

 

There is no charge to unitholders for disbursements of our cash distributions. We will indemnify the transfer agent, its agents and each of their stockholders, directors, officers and employees against all claims and losses that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to any gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the indemnified person or entity.

 

Resignation or Removal

 

The transfer agent may resign, by notice to us, or be removed by us. The resignation or removal of the transfer agent will become effective upon our appointment of a successor transfer agent and registrar and its acceptance of the appointment. If a successor has not been appointed or has not accepted its appointment within 30 days after notice of the resignation or removal, our general partner may, at the direction of our board of directors, act as the transfer agent and registrar until a successor is appointed.

 

Transfer of Common Units

 

By transfer of common units in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, each transferee of common units shall be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records. Each transferee:

 

 

 

A transferee will become a substituted limited partner of our partnership for the transferred common units automatically upon the recording of the transfer on our books and records. Our general partner will cause any transfers to be recorded on our books and records no less frequently than quarterly.

 

We may, at our discretion, treat the nominee holder of a common unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holder’s rights are limited solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.

 

Common units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee the right to become a limited partner in our partnership for the transferred common units.

 

Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations.

 

 

Rationale for Our Cash Distribution Policy

 

Our cash distribution policy reflects a basic judgment that our unitholders will be better served by our distributing our cash available (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves) rather than retaining it. Because we believe we will generally finance any expansion capital expenditures from external financing sources, we believe that our investors are best served by our distributing all of our available cash. Our cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, which requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves). In connection with terminating subordinated units we previously had outstanding, the CPLP Board unanimously determined to distribute available cash amounting to $39.3 million to our unitholders through an exceptional non-recurring distribution of $1.05 per unit for the fourth quarter of 2008, including a payment of $12.5 million for IDRs held by our general partner.

 

Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy

 

There is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from us. In particular, you should carefully consider the relevant risks included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 9. Our distribution policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time, including:

 

 

 

Quarterly Distributions

 

Our unitholders are entitled under the Partnership Agreement to receive a quarterly distribution to the extent we have sufficient cash on hand to pay the distribution after we establish cash reserves and pay fees and expenses. Although we intend to continue to make strategic acquisitions and to take advantage of our unique relationship with Capital Maritime in a prudent manner that is accretive to our unitholders and to long-term distribution growth, there is no guarantee that we will pay a quarterly distribution on the common units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our board of directors, taking into consideration the terms of the Partnership Agreement and other factors. We will be prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default is existing, under the terms of our credit facilities.

 

CPLP has generally declared distributions in January, April, July and October of each year and paid those distributions in the subsequent month. In January 2010, CPLP introduced an annual distribution guidance of $0.90 per annum, or $0.225 per quarter. In July 2010, CPLP revised its annual distribution guidance to $0.93 per annum, or $0.2325 per quarter. CPLP made distributions in accordance with its guidance in November 2010, February 2011, May 2011 and July 2011.

 

Incentive Distribution Rights

 

Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Our general partner currently holds the incentive distribution rights, but may transfer these rights separately from its general partner interest, subject to restrictions in the partnership agreement. Except for transfers of incentive distribution rights to an affiliate or another entity as part of our general partner’s merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of substantially all of its assets to such entity, the approval of a majority of our common units (excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates), voting separately as a class, generally is required for a transfer of the incentive distribution rights to a third party prior to March 31, 2017. Any transfer by our general partner of the incentive distribution rights would not change the percentage allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such rights.

Percentage Allocations of Available Cash From Operating Surplus

 

The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional available cash from operating surplus among the unitholders and our general partner up to the various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under “Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions” are the percentage interests of the unitholders and our general partner in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column “Total Quarterly Distribution Target Amount,” until available cash from operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for the unitholders and our general partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests shown for our general partner assume that our general partner maintains its 2% general partner interest and assume our general partner has not transferred the incentive distribution rights.