GMS Gulf Marine Services Plc

GULF MARINE SERVICES PLC

Notes to the consolidated financial statements (continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2023

2              Adoption of new and revised International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) (continued)

New and revised IFRSs

 

The following new and revised IFRSs have been adopted in these consolidated financial statements. The application of these new and revised IFRSs has not had any material impact on the amounts reported for the current and prior years but may affect the accounting for future transactions or arrangements.

	Effective for annual periods beginning on or after
IFRS 17 Insurance Contracts	1 January 2023
Amendments to IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements and IFRS Practice Statement 2 Making Materiality Judgements-Disclosure of Accounting Policies	1 January 2023
Amendments to IAS 8 Accounting Policies Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors-Definition of Accounting Estimates	1 January 2023
Amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes-Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction	1 January 2023
Amendments to IAS 12 International tax reform -Pillar two model rules	23 May 2023

New and revised IFRSs in issue but not yet effective

At the date of authorisation of these consolidated financial statements, the following new and revised IFRSs were in issue but not yet effective:

	Effective for annual periods beginning on or after
Amendments to IAS 1 Classification of Liabilities as Current or Non-Current and Non-Current Liabilities with Covenants	1 January 2024
Amendments to IAS 7 and IFRS 7 Supplier Finance Arrangements	1 January 2024
Amendments to IFRS 16 Lease Liability in a Sale and Leaseback	1 January 2024
Amendments to IAS 21 Lack of Exchangeability	1 January 2025
Amendments to IFRS 10 and IAS 28 Sale or Contribution of Assets between an Investor and its Associate or Joint Venture	Optional

 

Management anticipates that these new standards, interpretations and amendments will be adopted in the Group's consolidated financial statements as and when they are applicable and the impact of adoption of these new standards, interpretations and amendments is currently being assessed on the consolidated financial statements of the Group before the period of initial application.

 

3            Material accounting policies

The Group's material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are set out below. Except as noted in Note 2, these policies have been consistently applied to each of the years presented. During the year we amended the presentation of the change in fair value of the warrants in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income to provide better information to the users of the consolidated financial statements. Please see note 39 for further information.

Statement of compliance

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted international accounting standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.  

 

Basis of preparation

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments that are measured at fair values at the end of each reporting period. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.

3            Material accounting policies  (continued)

For financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:

·      Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity can access at the measurement date;

·      Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

·      Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

 

 

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

 

Going concern

The Directors have assessed the Group's financial position through to June 2025 and hold a reasonable expectation of its ability to continue as going concern for the foreseeable future. With three consecutive years of reported profit and a forecast of continued positive operating cash flows, particularly in light of the market outlook, the Group remains well-positioned for sustained success.

During the year, the Group made a repayment of US$ 56.2 million (2022: US$ 51.4 million) towards its borrowings, of which, US$ 26.2 million (2022: US$ 3.8 million) were over and above its contractual obligations, resulting in a reduction in the current ratio. A total of US$ 33.7 million (2022: US$ 3.8 million) was prepaid during 2023. Hence, the Group was in a net current liability position as of 31 December 2023, amounting to US $52.1 million (2022: US$15.8 million). Management closely monitors the Group's liquidity position including focus on the forecasted short-term cash flows which would be sufficient to meet the Group's current liabilities, including the current portion of the bank borrowings which represents the principal repayments due over the next 12 months. The loan prepayments were also made after ensuring that forecasted cash inflows are sufficient to meet the Group's short-term obligations.

The Group also has a revolving working capital facility which amounts to US$ 40.0 million (31 December 2022: US$ 45.0 million). US$ 25.0 million (31 December 2022: US$ 25.0 million) of the working capital facility is allocated to performance bonds and guarantees and US$ 15.0 million (31 December 2022: US$ 20 million) is allocated to funded portion, of which US$ 2.0 million was utilised as of 31 December 2023, leaving US$ 13.0 million available for drawdown (31 December 2022: US$ 20.0 million). The working capital facility expires alongside the main debt facility in June 2025.

The Group is in the process of refinancing its term facility in advance as the bullet payment becomes due in June 2025. Management's ongoing discussions with various lending entities are aimed at securing terms that align with our long-term strategic objectives, ensuring continued financial stability. Given the improved financial performance reported during 2023 and the current high levels of utilisation secured, combined with higher day rates, the Group expects the financial performance to continue to improve. As such, we are optimistic about the outcome of these negotiations.

The forecast used for Going Concern reflects management's key assumptions including those around utilisation, vessel day rates on a vessel-by-vessel basis and refinancing of its term facility during latter half of the coming year. Specifically, these assumptions are:

·      average day rates across the fleet are assumed to be US$ 34.0k for the 18-month period to 30 June 2025;

·      94% forecast utilisation for the 18-month period to 30 June 2025;

·      pipeline of tenders and opportunities for new contracts that would commence during the forecast period.

 

3              Material accounting policies (continued)

Going concern (continued)

A downside case was prepared using the following assumptions:

·      no work-to-win during the 18-months period to 30 June 2025;

·      17 percentage points reduction in utilisation for the 18-months period to 30 June 2025;

·      interest rate to remain at current levels instead of a forecasted decline of 25 basis points commencing second quarter of 2024.

Based on the above scenario, the Group would not be in breach of its current term loan facility. The downside case is considered to be severe, but it would still leave the Group with US$ 7.9 million of liquidity and in compliance with the covenants under the Group's banking facilities throughout the assessment period.

In addition to the above downside sensitivity, the Directors have also considered a reverse stress test, where EBITDA has been sufficiently reduced to breach debt covenant. This scenario assumes a substantial increase in operational downtime to 7%, compared to the base case cashflows with a 2.5% operational downtime. The significant increase in operational downtime for 2024 would result in breach of the Finance Service Cover ratio as at 31 December 2024.

Should circumstances arise that differ from the Group's projections, the Directors believe that a number of mitigating actions can be executed successfully in the necessary timeframe to meet debt repayment obligations as they become due and in order to maintain liquidity. Potential mitigating actions include the vessels off hire for prolonged periods could be cold stacked to minimise operating costs on these vessels which has been factored into the downside case. Additional mitigations could be considered including but not limited to reduction in overhead costs, relaxation / waiver from covenant compliance and rescheduling of repayments with lenders.

Management is aware of the broader operating context and acknowledges the potential impact of climate change on the Group's consolidated financial statements. However, it is anticipated that the effect of climate change will be negligible during the going concern assessment period.

After considering reasonable risks and potential downsides, the Group's forecasts suggest that its bank facilities, combined with increased utilization at higher day rates and a pipeline of near-term opportunities for additional work, will provide sufficient liquidity to meet its needs in the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements for the Group for the year ended 31 December 2023 have been prepared on a going concern basis.

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation

 

These consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of GMS and subsidiaries controlled by GMS. The Group has assessed the control which GMS has over its subsidiaries in accordance with IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, which provides that an investor controls an investee when the investor is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to affect those returns through its power over the investee.

 

Details of GMS's subsidiaries at 31 December 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

				Proportion of Ownership Interest
Name	Place of Registration	Registered Address		2023	2022			Type of Activity
Gulf Marine Services W.L.L.	United Arab Emirates	Office 403, International Tower, 24th Karama Street, P.O. Box 46046, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates		100%	100%			Marine Contractor
Gulf Marine Services W.L.L. - Qatar Branch	United Arab Emirates	Office 403, International Tower, 24th Karama Street, P.O. Box 46046, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates		100%	100%			Marine Contractor
GMS Global Commercial Invt LLC	United Arab Emirates	Office 403, International Tower, 24th Karama Street, P.O. Box 46046, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates		100%	100%			General Investment
Gulf Marine Middle East FZE	United Arab Emirates	ELOB, Office No. E-16F-04, P.O. Box 53944, Hamriyah Free Zone, Sharjah		100%	100%			Operator of offshore barges
Gulf Marine Saudi Arabia Co. Limited	Saudi Arabia	King Fahad Road, Al Khobar, Eastern Province , P.O. Box 31411 Kingdom Saudi Arabia		75%	75%			Operator of offshore barges
Gulf Marine Services LLC	Qatar	41 Floor, Tornado Tower, West Bay, Doha, Qatar, POB 6689		100%	100%			Marine Contractor
Gulf Marine Services (UK) Limited	United Kingdom	c/o MacKinnon's, 14 Carden Place, Aberdeen, AB10 1UR		100%	100%			Operator of offshore barges
GMS Jersey Holdco. 1* Limited	Jersey	12 Castle Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RT		100%	100%			General Investment
GMS Jersey Holdco. 2 Limited	Jersey	12 Castle Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE2 3RT		100%	100%			General Investment
Offshore Holding Invt SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama		100%	100%			Holding Company
Offshore Accommodation Invt SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama		100%	100%			Dormant
3              Material accounting policies (continued)
Basis of consolidation (continued)
				Proportion of Ownership Interest
Name	Place of Registration	Registered Address		2023	2022			Type of Activity
Offshore Jack-up Invt SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama		100%	100%			Owner of Barge "Kamikaze"
Offshore Structure  Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Owner of Barge "Kikuyu"
Offshore Craft Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Owner of Barge "GMS Endeavour"
Offshore Maritime Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Dormant
Offshore Tugboat Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Dormant
Offshore Boat Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Owner of Barge "Kawawa"
Offshore Kudeta Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Owner of Barge "Kudeta"
GMS Endurance Invt SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Owner of Barge "Endurance"
GMS Enterprise Investment SA	Panama		Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%		100%	Owner of Barge "Enterprise"

 

3              Material accounting policies (continued)
Basis of consolidation (continued)
			Proportion of Ownership Interest
Name	Place of Registration	Registered Address	2023	2022	Type of Activity
GMS Sharqi Investment SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Owner of Barge "Sharqi"
GMS Scirocco Investment SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Owner of Barge "Scirocco"
GMS Shamal Investment SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Owner of Barge "Shamal"
GMS Keloa Invt SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Owner of Barge "Keloa"
GMS Pepper Invt SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Owner of Barge "Pepper"
GMS Evolution Invt SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Owner of Barge "Evolution"
GMS Phoenix Investment SA	Panama	Bloc Office Hub, Fifth Floor, Santa Maria Business District, Panama, Republic of Panama	100%	100%	Dormant
Mena Marine Limited**	Cayman Islands	Ugland House, Grand Cayman, KY1-1104, Cayman Islands, P.O. Box 309	0%	100%	General investment and trading
Gulf Marine Services (Asia) Pte. Limited	Singapore	1 Scotts Road, #21-07, Shaw Centre, Singapore, 228208	100%	100%	Operator of offshore barges
Gulf Marine Services (Asia) Pte. Limited - Qatar branch	Qatar	22 Floor, Office 22, Tornado Tower, Majilis Al Tawoon Street, P.O. Box 27774, Doha, Qatar	100%	100%	Operator of offshore barges

* Held directly by Gulf Marine Services PLC.

** The subsidiary wound up on 29 December 2023.

 

3              Material accounting policies (continued)

Basis of consolidation (continued)

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income from the effective date of acquisition or up to the effective date of disposal, as appropriate.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the results of subsidiaries to bring their accounting policies in line with those used by other members of the Group. All intra-group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated in full on consolidation.

Non-controlling interests in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group's equity therein. The interests of non-controlling shareholders are initially measured either at fair value or at the non-controlling interests' proportionate share of the fair value of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement basis is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of non-controlling interests is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the non-controlling interests' share of subsequent changes in equity. Total comprehensive income is attributed to non-controlling interests even if this results in the non-controlling interests having a deficit balance.

Changes in the Group's interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amounts of the Group's interests and the non-controlling interests are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the non-controlling interests are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to owners of the Group. Acquisitions of subsidiaries and businesses are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed, and equity instruments issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in profit or loss as incurred. Fair value is  determined as the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a liability transferred, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction.

 

The acquiree's identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities that meet the conditions for recognition under IFRS 3 (2008) are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date.

 

When the Group loses control of a subsidiary, the profit or loss on disposal is calculated as the difference between (i) the aggregate of the fair value of the consideration received and the fair value of any retained interest and (ii) the previous carrying amount of the assets (including goodwill), and liabilities of the subsidiary and any non-controlling interests. Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income in relation to the subsidiary are accounted for (i.e. reclassified to profit or loss or transferred directly to retained earnings) in the same manner as would be required if the relevant assets or liabilities were disposed of. The fair value of any investment retained in the former subsidiary at the date when control is lost is regarded as the fair value on initial recognition for subsequent accounting under IFRS 9 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement or, when applicable, the cost on initial recognition of an investment in an associate or jointly controlled entity.

 

Revenue recognition

The Group recognises revenue from contracts with customers as follows:

·      Charter revenue;

·      Lease income;

·      Revenue from messing and accommodation services;

·      Manpower income;

·      Maintenance income;

·      Contract mobilisation revenue;

·      Contract demobilisation revenue; and

·      Sundry income.

 

Revenue is measured as the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the provision of services in the ordinary course of business, net of trade discounts, volume rebates, and sales taxes excluding amounts collected on behalf of third parties. Revenue is recognised when control of the services is transferred to the customer.

 

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Revenue recognition (continued)

 

Consequently, revenue for the provision of services is recognised either:

·      Over time during the period that control incrementally transfers to the customer and the customer simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits. The Group has applied the practical expedient and recognises revenue over time in accordance with IFRS 15 i.e. the amount at which the Group has the right to invoice clients.

·      Wholly at a single point in time when GMS has completed its performance obligation.

Revenue recognised over time

The Group's activities that require revenue recognition over time includes the following performance obligation:

Performance obligation 1 - Charter revenue, contract mobilisation revenue, revenue from messing and accommodation services, and manpower income

Chartering of vessels, mobilisations, messing and accommodation services and manpower income are considered to be a combined performance obligation as they are not separately identifiable and the Group's clients cannot benefit from these services on their own or together with other readily available resources. This performance obligation, being the service element of client contracts, is separate from the underlying lease component contained within client contracts which is recognised separately.

Revenue is recognised for certain mobilisation related reimbursable costs. Each reimbursable item and amount is stipulated in the Group's contract with the customer. Reimbursable costs are included in the performance obligation and are recognised as part of the transaction price, because the Group is the primary obligor in the arrangement, has discretion in supplier selection and is involved in determining product or service specifications.

Performance obligation 2 - Sundry income

Sundry income that relates only specifically to additional billable requirements of charter hire contracts are recognised over the duration of the contract. For the component of sundry income that is not recognized over time, the performance obligation is explained below.

Revenue recognised at a point in time

The Group's activities that require revenue recognition at a point in time include the following performance obligations.

Performance obligation 1 - Contract demobilisation revenue

Lump-sum fees received for equipment moves (and related costs) as part of demobilisations are recognised when the demobilisation has occurred at a point in time.

Performance obligation 2 - Sundry income

Includes in Sundry income are handling charges, which are applied to costs paid by the Group and then recharged to the customer. The revenue is recognised when the costs are recharged to customers as this is when the performance obligation is fulfilled and control has passed to the customer.

Deferred and accrued revenue

Clients are typically billed on the last day of specific periods that are contractually agreed upon. Where there is delay in billing, accrued revenue is recognised in trade and other receivables for any services rendered where clients have not yet been billed (see Note 9).

As noted above, lump sum payments are sometimes received at the outset of a contract for equipment moves or modifications. These lump sum payments give rise to deferred revenue in trade and other payables (see Note 21).

 

 

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Leases

The Group as lessee

The Group assesses whether a contract is or contains a lease, at inception of the contract. The Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease arrangements in which it is the lessee, except for certain short-term leases (defined as leases with a lease term of 12 months or less) and leases of low value assets.

Low value assets have a low value purchase price when new, typically $5,000 or less, and include items such as tablets and personal computers, small items of office furniture and telephones. For these leases, the Group recognises the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased assets are consumed. Leases of operating equipment linked to commercial contracts are recognised to match the length of the contract even where the contract term is less than 12 months.

The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted by using the Group's incremental borrowing rate. This is the rate that would be available on a loan with similar conditions to obtain an asset of a similar value.

Lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability comprise:

·      Fixed lease payments (including in-substance fixed payments), less any lease incentives receivable;

·      Variable lease payments that depend on an index or rate, initially measured using the index or rate at the commencement date;

·      The amount expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees;

·      The exercise price of purchase options, if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise the options; and

·      Payments of penalties for terminating the lease if the lease term reflects the exercise of an option to terminate the lease.

The lease liability is presented as a separate line in the consolidated statement of financial position.

The lease liability is subsequently measured by increasing the carrying amount to reflect interest on the lease liability (using the effective interest method) and by reducing the carrying amount to reflect the lease payments made.

The Group remeasures the lease liability (and makes a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset) whenever:

·      The lease term has changed or there is a significant event or change in circumstances resulting in a change in the assessment of exercise of a purchase option, in which case the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate.

·      The lease payments change due to changes in an index or rate or a change in expected payment under a guaranteed residual value, in which cases the lease liability is remeasured by discounting the revised lease payments using an unchanged discount rate (unless the lease payments change is due to a change in a floating interest rate, in which case a revised discount rate is used).

·      A lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease, in which case the lease liability is remeasured based on the lease term of the modified lease by discounting the revised lease payments using a revised discount rate at the effective date of the modification.

There were no such remeasurements made during the year (2022: nil).

The right-of-use assets comprise the initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability, lease payments made at or before the commencement day, less any lease incentives received and any initial direct costs. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.

Whenever the Group incurs an obligation for costs to dismantle and remove a leased asset, restore the site on which it is located or restore the underlying asset to the condition required by the terms and conditions of the lease, a provision is recognised and measured under IAS 37. To the extent that the costs relate to a right-of-use asset, the costs are included in the related right-of-use asset, unless those costs are incurred to produce inventories.

 

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Leases (continued)

The Group as lessee (continued)

Right-of-use assets are depreciated over the shorter period of lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. If a lease transfers ownership of the underlying asset or the cost of the right-of-use asset reflects that the Group expects to exercise a purchase option, the related right-of-use asset is depreciated over the useful life of the underlying asset. The depreciation starts at the commencement date of the lease.

The right-of-use assets are presented as a separate line in the consolidated statement of financial position. The Group applies IAS 36 to determine whether a right-of-use asset is impaired and accounts for any identified impairment loss as described in the 'Property and Equipment' policy.

 

As a practical expedient, IFRS 16 permits a lessee not to separate non-lease components, and instead account for any lease and associated non-lease components as a single arrangement. The Group has not used this practical expedient. For a contract that contains a lease component and one or more additional lease or non-lease components, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of the relative stand-alone price of the lease component and the aggregate stand-alone price of the non-lease components.

The Group as a lessor

At inception or on modification of a contract that contains a lease component, the Group allocates the consideration in the contract to each lease component on the basis of their relative stand‑ alone prices.

When the Group acts as a lessor, it determines at lease inception whether each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease.

To classify each lease, the Group makes an overall assessment of whether the lease transfers substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of the underlying asset. If this is the case, then the lease is a finance lease; if not, then it is an operating lease. As part of this assessment, the Group considers certain indicators such as whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life of the asset.

When the Group is an intermediate lessor, it accounts for its interests in the head lease and the sub‑lease separately. It assesses the lease classification of a sub‑lease with reference to the right‑of‑use asset arising from the head lease, not with reference to the underlying asset. If a head lease is a short‑term lease to which the Group applies the exemption described above, then it classifies the sub‑lease as an operating lease.

The Group's contracts with clients contain an underlying lease component separate to the service element. These leases are classified as operating leases and the income is recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

The Group applies IFRS 15 to allocate consideration under each component based on its standalone selling price. The standalone selling price of the lease component is estimated using a market assessment approach by taking the market rate, being the contract day rate and deducting all other identifiable components, creating a residual amount deemed to be the lease element.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost which includes capitalised borrowing costs less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses (if any). The cost of property and equipment is their purchase cost together with any incidental expenses of acquisition. Subsequent expenditure incurred on vessels is capitalised where the expenditure gives rise to future economic benefits in excess of the originally assessed standard of performance of the existing assets.

The costs of contractual equipment modifications or upgrades to vessels that are permanent in nature are capitalised and depreciated in accordance with the Group's fixed asset capitalisation policy. The costs of moving equipment while not under contract are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write-off the cost of property and equipment less their estimated residual values over their useful lives, using the straight-line method. The estimated residual values of vessels and related equipment are determined taking into consideration the expected scrap value of the vessel, which is calculated based on the weight and the market rate of steel at the time of asset purchase.

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Property and equipment (continued)

If the price per unit of steel at the balance sheet date varies significantly from that on date of purchase, the residual value is reassessed to reflect changes in market value.

The estimated useful lives used for this purpose are:

Vessels*	35 years
Vessel spares, fittings and other equipment*	3 - 20 years
Others**	3 - 5 years

Taking into consideration independent professional advice, management considers the principal estimated useful lives of vessels for the purpose of calculating depreciation to be 35 years from the date of construction of the vessel.

 

*Depreciation of these assets is charged to cost of sales.

** Depreciation of these assets is charged to general and administrative expenses.

The estimated useful life depends on the type and nature of the vessel. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation method are reviewed at each year end, with the effect of any changes in estimate accounted for on a prospective basis.

The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property and equipment is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised within administrative expenses in the profit or loss. The depreciation charge for the year is allocated between cost of sales and administrative expenses, depending on the usage of the respective assets.

 

Dry docking

Dry docking costs are costs of repairs and maintenance incurred on a vessel to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and to maintain certification for vessels. The cost incurred for periodical dry docking or major overhauls of the vessels are identified as a separate inherent component of the vessels. These costs depreciate on a straight-line basis over the period to the next anticipated dry docking being approximately 30 months. Costs incurred outside of the dry docking period which relate to major works, overhaul / services, that would normally be carried out during the dry docking, as well as surveys, inspections and third party maintenance of the vessels are initially treated as capital work-in-progress ("CWIP") of the specific vessel. Following the transfer of these balances to property and equipment, depreciation commences at the date of completion of the survey. Costs associated with equipment failure are recognised in the profit and loss as incurred.

 

Capital work-in-progress

Properties and vessels under the course of construction, are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Cost includes professional fees and, for qualifying assets, borrowing costs capitalised in accordance with the Group's accounting policy. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other property assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.

 

Impairment of tangible assets

At the end of each reporting period, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss or impairment reversal.

If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). When it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. When a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual cash-generating units, or otherwise they are allocated to the smallest group of cash-generating units for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified. The Group also has separately identifiable equipment which are typically interchangeable across vessels and where costs can be measured reliably. These assets are not included as part of the cash generating unit.

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Property and equipment (continued)

Impairment of tangible assets (continued)

Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate. The discount rate reflects risk free rates of returns as well as specific adjustments for country risk in the countries the Group operates in, adjusted for a Company specific risk premium, to determine an appropriate discount rate. 

If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

When an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset (or a cash-generating unit) is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, but so that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset (or cash-generating unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

 

Borrowing costs

 

Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

All other borrowing costs are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they are incurred.

Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Group will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flows estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of those cash flows (when the effect of the time value of money is material).

When some or all of the economic benefits required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, the receivable is recognised as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.

Employees' end of service benefits

In accordance with Labour Laws of some of the countries in which we operate, the Group is required to provide for End of Service Benefits for certain employees.

The only obligation of the Group with respect to end of service benefits is to make the specified lump-sum payments to employees, which become payable when they leave the Group for reasons other than gross misconduct but may be paid earlier at the discretion of the Group. The amount payable is calculated as a multiple of a pre-defined fraction of basic salary based on the number of full years of service.

To meet the requirement of the laws of the countries in which we operate, a provision is made for the full amount of end of service benefits payable to qualifying employees up to the end of the reporting period. The provision relating to end of service benefits is disclosed as a non-current liability. The provision has not been subject to a full actuarial valuation or discounted as the impact would not be material.

The actual payment is typically made in the year of cessation of employment of a qualifying employee but may be pre-paid. If the payment is made in the year of cessation of employment, the payment for end of service benefit will be made as a lump-sum along with the full and final settlement of the employee.

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Employees' end of service benefits (continued)

The total expense recognised in profit or loss of US$ 0.7 million (2022: US$ 0.3 million) (Note 20) represents the end of service benefit provision made for employees in accordance with the labour laws of companies where we operate.

Foreign currencies

The Group's consolidated financial statements are presented in US Dollars (US$), which is also the functional currency of the Company. All amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand, unless otherwise stated. For each entity, the Group determines the functional currency and items included in the financial statements of each entity are measured using that functional currency.

In preparing the financial statements of the individual companies, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency (foreign currencies) are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions.

At the end of each reporting period, monetary items denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.

Exchange differences are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise, except for exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur, which form part of the net investment in a foreign operation, and which are recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve and recognised in profit or loss on disposal of the net investment.

For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial information, the assets and liabilities of the Group's subsidiaries are expressed in US$ using exchange rates prevailing at the end of the reporting period. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuated significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the dates of the transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (attributed to non-controlling interests as appropriate).

On the disposal of a foreign operation (i.e. a disposal of the Group's entire interest in a foreign operation, or a disposal involving loss of control over a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, loss of joint control over a jointly controlled entity that includes a foreign operation, or loss of significant influence over an associate that includes a foreign operation), all of the accumulated exchange differences in respect of that operation attributable to the Group are reclassified to profit or loss. Any exchange differences that have previously been attributed to non-controlling interests are derecognised, but they are not reclassified to profit or loss.

Adjusting items

Adjusting items are significant items of income or expense in cost of sales, general and administrative expenses, and net finance costs, which individually or, if of a similar type, in aggregate, are relevant to an understanding of the Group's underlying financial performance because of their size, nature or incidence. Adjusting items together with an explanation as to why management consider them appropriate to adjust are disclosed separately in Note 31. The Group believes that these items are useful to users of the Group's consolidated financial statements in helping them to understand the underlying business performance through alternate performance measures that are used to derive the Group's principal non-GAAP measures of adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation ("EBITDA"), adjusted EBITDA margin, adjusted gross profit/(loss), adjusted operating profit/(loss), adjusted net profit/(loss) and adjusted diluted earnings/(loss) per share, all of which are before the impact of adjusting items and which are reconciled from operating profit/(loss), profit/(loss) before taxation and diluted earnings/(loss) per share. Adjusting items include but are not limited to reversal of impairment credits/(impairment charges), restructuring costs, exceptional legal & tax costs, and non-operational finance related costs.

 

 

 

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Taxation

Income tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable.

Current tax

The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for each subsidiary based on the jurisdiction in which it operates. Current tax comprises the expected tax payable or receivable on the taxable income or loss for the year and any adjustment to the tax payable or receivable in respect of previous years. The amount of current tax payable or receivable is the best estimate of the tax amount expected to be paid or received that reflects uncertainty related to income taxes, if any. It is measured using tax rates enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.

 

Deferred tax

 

Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences.

Deferred tax assets are generally recognised for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which those deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.

Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, and interests in joint ventures, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each balance sheet date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.

Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit or loss, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set-off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

Share based payments

Long term incentive plans

The fair value of an equity instrument is determined at the grant date based on market prices if available, taking into account the terms and conditions upon which those equity instruments were granted. If market prices are not available for share awards, the fair value of the equity instruments is estimated using a valuation technique to derive an estimate of what the price of those equity instruments would have been at the relevant measurement date in an arm's length transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties.

Equity-settled share-based payments to employees are measured at the fair value of the instruments, using a binomial model together with Monte-Carlo simulations as at the grant date, and is expensed over the vesting period. The value of the expense is dependent upon certain key assumptions including the expected future volatility of the Group's share price at the date of grant. The fair value measurement reflects all market based vesting conditions. The impact of the revision of the original estimates, if any, is recognised in profit or loss such that the cumulative expense reflects the revised estimate, with a corresponding adjustment to equity reserves.

 

 

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Financial assets

Financial assets including derivatives are classified, at initial recognition, and subsequently measured at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive income, or fair value through profit or loss.

The Group has the following financial assets: cash and cash equivalents and trade and other receivables (excluding prepayments and advances to suppliers). These financial assets are classified at amortised cost.

The classification of financial assets at initial recognition depends on the financial asset's contractual cash flow characteristics and the Group's business model for managing them. With the exception of trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient, the Group initially measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value through profit or loss, transaction costs.

Trade receivables that do not contain a significant financing component or for which the Group has applied the practical expedient are measured at the transaction price determined under IFRS 15.

In order for a financial asset to be classified and measured at amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income ("OCI"), it needs to give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest ("SPPI") on the principal amount outstanding. This assessment is referred to as the SPPI test and is performed at an instrument level.

The Group's business model for managing financial assets refers to how it manages its financial assets in order to generate cash flows. The business model determines whether cash flows will result from collecting contractual cash flows, selling the financial assets, or both.

Purchases or sales of financial assets that require delivery of assets within a time frame established by regulation or convention in the market place (regular way trades) are recognised on the trade date, i.e. the date that the Group commits to purchase or sell the asset.

The Group measures financial assets at amortised cost if both of the following conditions are met:

·      the financial asset is held within a business model with the objective to hold financial assets in order to collect contractual cash flows; and

·      the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.

As the business model of the Group is to hold financial assets to collect contractual cashflows, they are held at amortised cost.             

Financial assets at amortised cost are subsequently measured using the effective interest rate ("EIR") method and are subject to impairment. Gains and losses are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised, modified or impaired.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include balances held with banks with original maturities of three months or less and cash on hand.

Trade receivables

Trade receivables represent the Group's right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (i.e. only the passage of time is required before the payment of the consideration is due).

 

 

 

 

 

3              Material accounting policies (continued)

 

Financial assets (continued)

Impairment of financial assets

The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses ("ECLs") for all financial assets that are measured at amortised cost or debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at the EIR.

 

For trade and other receivables and contract assets, the Group applies a simplified approach.

 

For trade receivables and contract assets, the Group recognises loss allowances based on lifetime ECLs at each reporting date.

 

The Group has established a provision matrix that is based on its historical credit loss experience, adjusted for forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and the economic environment.

 

The provision rates are grouped together based on days due for various customer segments that have similar loss patterns (geography, customer type and rating and coverage by letters of credit and other forms of credit insurance).

The Group had an expected credit loss provision of US$ 2.2 million as at 31 December 2023
(31 December 2022: US$ 2.0 million), refer to Note 9 for further details.

The Group considers a financial asset to move into stage 3 and be in default when there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows of the investment have been affected.

Objective evidence of impairment could include:

·   significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

·   default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

·   it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation.

A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.

Derecognition of financial assets

The Group derecognises a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire, or when it transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset to another entity. If the Group neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership and continues to control the transferred asset, the Group recognises its retained interest in the asset and an associated liability for amounts it may have to pay. If the Group retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Group continues to recognise the financial asset and also recognises a collateralised borrowing for the proceeds received.

Financial liabilities and equity instruments

Classification as debt or equity

Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangements and the definitions of a financial liability and an equity instrument.

 

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Financial liabilities and equity instruments (continued)

Equity instruments

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

Financial liabilities

The Group's financial liabilities include trade and other payables, derivatives, lease liabilities and bank borrowings. All financial liabilities are classified at amortised cost unless they can be designated as at Fair Value Through Profit or Loss ("FVTPL").

Derivatives that are not designated and effective as hedging instruments are classified as financial liabilities and are held at FVTPL. Derivatives held at FVTPL are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period with the resulting gain or loss recognised in profit or loss immediately.

Trade and other payables, bank borrowings, lease liabilities, amounts due to related parties and contract liabilities are classified at amortised cost and are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the EIR method, with interest expense recognised based on its effective interest rate, except for short-term payables or when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

The EIR method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The EIR is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

The Group's loan facility is a floating rate financial liability as interest rates are based on variable SOFR rates. The Group's accounting policy is to treat the loan as a floating rate financial liability and the Group performs periodic estimations to reflect movements in market interest rates and alters the effective interest rate accordingly.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled or they expire. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss.

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid is recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.

When an existing financial liability is replaced by another on terms which are not substantially modified, the exchange is deemed to be a continuation of the existing liability and the financial liability is not derecognised.

Derivative financial instruments

The Group uses derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to hedge its interest rate risks. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as cash flow hedges when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction or the foreign currency risk in an unrecognised firm commitment.

At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which it wishes to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge.

The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the Group will assess whether the hedging relationship meets the hedge effectiveness requirements (including the analysis of sources of hedge ineffectiveness and how the hedge ratio is determined).

 

3            Material accounting policies (continued)

Financial liabilities and equity instruments (continued)

Derivative financial instruments (continued)

A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting if it meets all of the following effectiveness requirements:

·      there is 'an economic relationship' between the hedged item and the hedging instrument;

·      the effect of credit risk does not 'dominate the value changes' that result from that economic relationship;

·      the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantity of the hedged item that the Group actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument that the Group actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item.

Hedges that meet all the qualifying criteria for hedge accounting are accounted for as described below:

Cash flow hedges

The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in other comprehensive income ("OCI") and accumulated in the cash flow hedge reserve, while any ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The cash flow hedge reserve is adjusted to the lower of the cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument and the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item.

The ineffective portion relating for cash flow hedges are recognised in finance expenses in the profit or loss.

The Group designates interest rate swaps ("IRS") as hedging instruments. The Group designates the change in fair value of the entire derivative contracts in its cash flow hedge relationships.

For cash flow hedges, the amount accumulated in OCI is reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment in the same period or periods during which the hedged cash flows affect profit or loss. The amount remaining in the cashflow hedge reserve is reclassified to profit or loss as reclassification adjustments in the same period or periods during which the hedged expected future cashflows affected profit or loss. The Group reclassify amounts remaining in the cashflow hedge reserve on a time apportionments basis.  

If cash flow hedge accounting is discontinued, the amount that has been accumulated in OCI must remain in accumulated OCI if the hedged future cash flows are still expected to occur. Otherwise, the amount will be immediately reclassified to profit or loss as a reclassification adjustment. After discontinuation, once the hedged cash flow occurs, any amount remaining in accumulated OCI must be accounted for depending on the nature of the underlying transaction as described above.

Warrants

The Group measures the warrants issued at fair value with changes in fair value recognised in the profit or loss.

4              Key sources of estimation uncertainty and critical accounting judgements

In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are described in Note 3, the Directors are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

In applying the Group's accounting policies during the year, there was one critical accounting judgement relating to a subsidiary of the Group that received a tax assessment from the Saudi tax authorities (ZATCA) for an amount related to the transfer pricing of our inter-group bareboat agreement. While the Directors, guided by the Group's tax advisors, believe that the Group has complied with the relevant tax legislation and a zero balance is due, a provision of US$ 0.5 million is recognised for potential outcome in an attempt to reach an amicable solution. Further details of the tax assessment are disclosed in Note 8.

 

 

4              Key sources of estimation uncertainty and critical accounting judgements (continued)

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.

The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that may have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying value of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are outlined below:

 

Impairment and reversal of previous impairment of property and equipment

The Group obtained an independent valuation of its vessels as at 31 December 2023 for the purpose of its banking covenant compliance requirements. However, consistent with prior years, management does not consider these valuations to represent a reliable estimate of the fair value for the purpose of assessing the recoverable value of the Group's vessels, noting that there have been limited, if any, "willing buyer and willing seller" transactions of similar vessels in the current offshore vessel market on which such values could reliably be based. Due to these inherent limitations, management concluded that recoverable amount should be based on value in use.

Management carried out an impairment assessment of property and equipment for year ended 31 December 2023. Following this assessment management determined that the recoverable amounts of the cash generating units to which items of property and equipment were allocated, being vessels and related assets, were most sensitive to future day rates, vessel utilisation and discount rate. It is reasonably possible that changes to these assumptions within the next financial year could require a material adjustment of the carrying amount of the Group's vessels.

Management would not expect an assumption change of more than 10% in aggregate for the entire fleet within the next financial year, and accordingly, believes that a 10% sensitivity to day rates and utilisation is appropriate. Further, for discount rate, management would not expect an assumption change of more than 1% and accordingly, believes that a 1% sensitivity to discount rate is appropriate.

As at 31 December 2023, the total carrying amount of the property and equipment, drydocking expenditure, and right of use assets subject to estimation uncertainty was US$ 621.0 million (2022: US$ 605.3 million). Refer to Note 5 for further details including sensitivity analysis.

Impairment of financial assets

The Group recognises an allowance for expected credit losses ("ECLs") for all financial assets that are measured at amortised cost or debt instruments measured at fair value through other comprehensive income. ECLs are based on the difference between the contractual cash flows due in accordance with the contract and all the cash flows that the Group expects to receive, discounted at the EIR.

Management carried out an impairment assessment of trade receivables and contract assets for the year ended 31 December 2023. Following this assessment management considered the following criteria for impairment:

Objective evidence of impairment could include:

·   significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or

·   default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or

·   it becoming probable that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganisation.

A financial asset is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows.

Management concluded that the Group had an expected credit loss provision expense of US$ 0.2 million as at 31 December 2023 (31 December 2022: US$ 2.0 million), refer to Notes 9 for further details.

Fair valuation of Warrants

Management commissioned an independent valuation expert to measure the fair value of the warrants, which was determined using Monte Carlo option-pricing model. The simulation considers sensitivity by building models of possible results by substituting a range of values. The increase in fair value of the warrants is primarily due to increase in share price and its volatility. A 10% change in share price will increase or decrease the valuation by US$ 0.2 million.