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A. [Reserved]
B. Capitalization and Indebtedness
Not applicable.
C. Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
D. Risk Factors
Summary of Risk Factors
The below bullets summarize the principal risk factors related to an investment in the Company.
•The product tanker sector is cyclical and volatile, and this may lead to reductions and volatility in our charter rates when we
charter out our vessels, in vessel values and in our results of operations.
•Our business is affected by macroeconomic conditions, including rising oil prices, high interest rates, market volatility,
economic uncertainty, and supply chain constraints.
•Our revenues are derived substantially from a single segment, the product tanker segment, which exposes us to adverse
developments in the product tanker market and which may adversely affect our future performance, results of operations,
cash flows and financial position.
•A shift in consumer demand away from oil and oil products towards other energy sources or changes to trade patterns for
refined oil products may have a material adverse effect on our business.
•We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations that can adversely affect our
results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
•We are subject to international safety, environmental and recycling regulations and requirements imposed by classification
societies that can adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
•Climate change and greenhouse gas, or GHG, regulations may adversely impact our operations and markets.
•Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders and other market participants with respect to our ESG
policies may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks.
•If our vessels suffer damage due to the inherent operational risks of the product tanker industry, we may experience
unexpected dry-docking costs and delays or total loss of our vessels.
•If labor interruptions are not resolved in a timely manner, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position.
•Our operations outside the U.S. expose us to global risks, such as political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war,
international hostilities, economic sanctions, and, global public health concerns, or other trade restrictions, which may affect
the seaborne transportation industry and could adversely affect our business.
•If our vessels call at ports located in countries or territories that are the subject of sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S.
government, the European Union, the United Nations or other governmental authorities, or engage in other transactions or
dealings that would be violative of applicable sanctions laws, it could lead to monetary fines or other penalties and adversely
affect our reputation and the market for our Class A common shares and its trading price.
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•If we are unable to operate our vessels profitably, we may be unsuccessful in competing in the highly competitive
international product tanker market, which would negatively affect our financial condition and our ability to expand our
business.
•We are dependent on spot charters and any decrease in spot charter rates in the future may adversely affect our earnings.
•We are subject to certain risks with respect to entering into new time charter-in contracts due to our dependence on spot
charters.
•An inability to effectively time investments in and divestments of vessels could prevent the implementation of our business
strategy and negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
•A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from a limited number of customers, and the loss of any of these customers
could result in a significant loss of revenues and cash flow.
•We may not be able to meet our ongoing operations and working capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional
financing in the future on acceptable terms or at all.
•As our product tanker fleet ages, we are exposed to increased operating costs and decreased competitiveness, which could
adversely affect our earnings, and the risks associated with older vessels could adversely affect our ability to obtain profitable
charters.
•Obligations associated with being a U.S.-listed public company require significant resources and management attention, and
we incur increased costs as a result of being a U.S.-listed public company.
•U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company", or PFIC, which could have adverse U.S.
federal income tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.
•Insurance may be difficult to obtain, or if obtained, may not be adequate to cover our losses that may result from our
operations due to the inherent operational risks of the product tanker industry.
•Cyber incidents can affect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our IT systems, and could negatively impact our
business, including our ability to service customers, and may have a material adverse effect on our compliance, reputation,
future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
•We have a significant amount of financial debt and servicing our current or future indebtedness limits funds available for
other corporate purposes.
•Our financial and operational flexibility is restricted by the covenants contained in our debt facilities, and we may be unable
to comply with the restrictions and financial covenants imposed in such facilities.
•Volatility of interest rate benchmarks under our financing agreements could affect our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
•Change of control and mandatory repayment provisions contained in certain of our debt facilities may lead to a foreclosure of
our vessels.
•The majority of our Class A common shares are held by a limited number of shareholders, which may create conflicts of
interest.
•We are subject to the United Kingdom Bribery Act 2010, or UK Bribery Act, the FCPA and potentially other anti-corruption
laws that apply in the countries where we do business, as well as export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other
laws impacting our operations. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other
remedial measures and legal expenses, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial
condition.
The following risks relate principally to the industry in which we operate and our business in general. The occurrence of any of the risk
factors described herein could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and our
financial position. We may also be subject to other material risks that as of the date of this annual report are not currently known to us or
that we currently deem immaterial but which may significantly impair our business.
Risks Related to Our Business and Our Industry
The product tanker sector is cyclical and volatile, and this may lead to reductions and volatility in our charter rates when we
charter out our vessels, in vessel values and in our results of operations.
We are a pure-play product tanker company, meaning that most of our revenues are generated from operating our product tanker fleet.
The product tanker market is cyclical in nature, which leads to volatility in freight rates, vessel values and industry profitability. In 2024,
we realized time charter equivalent, or TCE, rates of $36,061/day and, in 2025, we realized TCE rates of $28,783/day. The factors
affecting the supply and demand for product tankers are beyond our control, and the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry
conditions are unpredictable and we may not be able to correctly assess the nature, timing and degree of changes in industry conditions.
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Factors affecting the supply and growth of product tanker capacity include:
•supply and demand for energy resources, including oil and petroleum products, seaborne transportation of such energy
resources, and alternative energy resources;
•recycling and scrapping rates, influenced by vessel age, emission compliance costs, and second-hand market liquidity;
•the number and size of newbuilding orders and deliveries and any potential delays in the delivery of newbuilding vessels and/
or cancellations of newbuilding orders;
•the number of vessels used for floating storage;
•the number of vessels recycled for obsolescence or subject to casualties;
•the number of vessels under sanctions and hence not able to trade on the mainstream market;
•prevailing and expected future freight and charter hire rates;
•the number of product tankers trading with crude or “dirty” oil products;
•costs of bunkers and fuel oil and their impact on vessel speed;
•the efficiency, age and sophistication of the world product tanker fleet;
•the number of shipyards and ability of shipyards to deliver vessels;
•availability of financing including with respect to new vessels and shipping activity;
•available interest rates and financing margins;
•port and canal congestion;
•potential disruption, including supply chain disruptions, of shipping route due to accidents, political events and armed
conflicts;
•technological advances in the design, capacity, propulsion technology, and fuel consumption efficiency of vessels;
•government and industry regulation of maritime transportation practices, particularly environmental protection laws and
regulations that may limit the useful lives of vessels, including ballast water management, low sulfur fuel consumption
regulations, and reductions in carbon dioxide, or CO2, emissions;
•developments in international trade, including refinery additions and closures;
•price of steel and vessel equipment;
•the number of conversions of tankers to other uses or conversions of other vessels to tankers;
•the number of vessels that are out of service, namely those that are laid up, dry-docked, undergoing surveys, awaiting repairs
or upgrades or otherwise not available for hire;
•product imbalances and hence lack of or surplus supply in certain regions (affecting the level of trading activity);
•the phasing of maritime shipping into the EU Emission Trading Scheme, or the EU ETS, which applies to all large ships of
5,000 gross tonnage or above;
•speed of vessel operation; and
•crew availability.
Demand for product tankers is primarily determined by the quantity of cargo to be transported and the distance from origin to
destination. The demand is affected by a number of external factors including:
•demand for increased use of renewable and alternative energy resources, and competition from other shipping companies and
other modes of transportation;
•world and regional economic conditions;
•increases in the production of oil in areas linked by pipelines to consuming areas, the extension of existing, or the
development of new, pipeline systems in markets we may serve, or the conversion of existing non-oil pipelines to oil
pipelines in those markets;
•any restrictions on crude oil production imposed by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, or OPEC, and
non-OPEC oil producing countries;
•the regulatory environment and other legal developments;
•environmental issues and concerns;
•currency exchange rates;
•the distance over which oil and oil products are to be moved by sea;
•changes in seaborne and other transportation patterns;
•climate, weather and natural disasters;
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•global and regional economic and political conditions, including “trade wars” and developments and disruptions in
international trade, including the imposition of tariffs and fees, national oil reserves policies, refinery additions and closures,
and fluctuations in industrial and agricultural production and work stoppages;
•international sanctions, embargoes, import and export restrictions, nationalizations, piracy, vessel attacks, wars or other
armed conflicts, and other international hostilities, terrorist activities and strikes; and
•availability of financing and changes in interest rates.
The factors affecting the supply and demand for product tankers have been volatile and are outside of our control, and the nature,
timing, and degree of changes in industry conditions are unpredictable. Market conditions have been volatile in recent years and there
will be a risk to demand for transportation of oil and petroleum products over longer distances and increase the supply of product
tankers, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, ability to pay
dividends and existing contractual obligations.
Our business is affected by macroeconomic conditions, including rising oil prices, high interest rates, market volatility,
economic uncertainty, and supply chain constraints.
Various macroeconomic factors, including rising inflation, high interest rates, global supply chain constraints, downturns in the
worldwide economy and the effects of overall economic conditions and uncertainties such as those resulting from the current and future
conditions in the global financial markets, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and
ability to pay dividends. Inflation and rising interest rates may negatively impact us by increasing our operating costs and our cost of
borrowing. Interest rates, the liquidity of the credit markets and the volatility of the capital markets could also affect the operation of our
business and our ability to raise capital on favorable terms, or at all. Adverse economic conditions also affect demand for goods and oil.
Reduced demand for these or other products could result in significant decreases in rates we obtain for chartering our ships. In addition,
the cost for crew members, oils and bunkers, and other supplies may increase. We may also experience losses on our cash and
investment holdings due to failures of financial institutions and other parties. Difficult economic conditions may also result in a higher
rate of losses on our accounts receivable due to credit defaults.
The global economy continues to face a number of actual and potential challenges, including the war between Ukraine and Russia and
conflicts in the Middle East, potential disruption of shipping routes due to ongoing vessel attacks in the Red Sea, current trade tension
between the U.S. and China, political instability in Venezuela, the Middle East and the South China Sea region and other geographic
countries and areas, Russia and North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, tensions, China and Taiwan disputes, terrorist or other
attacks, war (or threatened war) or international hostilities, banking crises or failures, real estate crises and significant inflationary
pressures.
Certain banks that have historically been significant lenders to the shipping industry may reduce or cease lending activities in the
shipping industry. New banking regulations, including larger capital requirements and the resulting policies adopted by lenders, could
reduce lending activities. We may experience difficulties obtaining financing commitments in the future if current or future lenders are
unwilling to extend financing to us or unable to meet their funding obligations due to their own liquidity, capital or solvency issues. Our
ability to issue additional equity at prices that will not be dilutive to our existing shareholders or preclude us from issuing equity at all
may be adversely impacted by changes to the global financial markets and current economic conditions.
We cannot be certain that financing or refinancing will be available on acceptable terms or at all. If financing or refinancing is not
available when needed, or is available only on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to meet our future obligations as they come due.
Our failure to obtain such funds could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, as
well as our cash flows, including cash available for dividends to our shareholders. In the absence of available financing, we also may be
unable to take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures.
Conducting business in Venezuela may subject us to legal, regulatory, political, and other risks that could have an adverse effect
on our operations and financial results.
Conducting business in Venezuela may subject us to legal, regulatory, political, currency, security, and/or nationalization of assets and
economic risks. Venezuela is extremely well endowed with natural resources such as petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, gold, bauxite,
diamonds and other minerals, and its economy is heavily dependent on export of natural resources to key trading partners. According to
the OPEC 2025 Annual Statistical Bulletin (60th edition), Venezuela had the world’s largest proven crude oil reserves in 2024. Political,
economic, and geopolitical developments in Venezuela could alter crude oil supply, trade flows, and shipping routes, generating
volatility in prices, port disruptions, logistics costs, and insurance costs, among other effects. Following the arrest and extradition of
Venezuela's former President Nicolás Maduro in January of 2026, the Trump Administration has indicated a likely shift in U.S.
sanctions policy concerning the sale and transportation of Venezuelan oil, and the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign
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Assets Control, or OFAC, has subsequently issued general licenses authorizing certain activities and transactions involving Venezuelan-
origin oil and the sale of U.S.-origin diluents to Venezuela. Notwithstanding these recent measures, it remains unknown to what extent
Venezuelan sanctions will be retained, expanded or otherwise modified by the U.S., or the effect that any such actions or any actions
taken by other countries in response will have on us or our industry, but such measures along with continuing political uncertainty could
have an adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.
Our revenues are derived substantially from a single segment, the product tanker segment, which exposes us to adverse
developments in the product tanker market and which may adversely affect our future performance, results of operations, cash
flows and financial position.
Substantially all of our revenues are derived from a single market, the tanker segment, and therefore, our financial results depend on the
development and growth in this segment. External factors that affect the product tanker market will have a significant impact on our
business. Freight rates and asset prices have been volatile. Any adverse development in the product tanker segment, including in respect
of freight rates or the prices of our vessels, would have a material adverse impact on our future performance, results of operations, cash
flows and financial position. Further, our lack of diversification makes us increasingly vulnerable to adverse developments in the
international product tanker market, and this could have a greater material adverse impact on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position than it would if we maintained more diverse lines of business.
An oversupply of product tanker capacity may lead to reductions in charter hire rates, vessel values and profitability.
The supply of product tankers is affected by a number of factors such as supply and demand for energy resources, including oil and
petroleum products, supply and demand for seaborne transportation of such energy resources and the current and expected purchase
orders for newbuildings. If the capacity of new product tankers delivered exceeds the capacity of product tankers being recycled and
converted to non-trading tankers, overall industry capacity in the product tanker will increase. If the supply of product tanker capacity
increases, and if the demand for product tanker capacity decreases or does not increase correspondingly, charter rates could materially
decline, which may also negatively affect freight rates and the value of our vessels. In 2025, the value of our product tanker fleet, based
on independent broker quotes, decreased by approximately 13.3% (excluding vessels that we sold and/or acquired during 2025). A
reduction in charter rates and the value of our vessels may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows, financial position, ability to pay dividends and compliance with current or future covenants with respect to any
of our financing arrangements.
An over-supply of product tankers as well as the uncertainty surrounding the impact of the sanctions on Russian exports of crude oil and
petroleum products has already resulted in an increase in product tanker charter hire rate volatility. In addition, product tankers may be
“cleaned up” from “dirty/crude” trades and swapped back into the product tanker market, which would increase the available tanker
tonnage able to transport refined oil products and which may affect the supply and demand balance for product tankers. Furthermore, as
portion of the tanker fleet has been sanctioned mainly related to Russian, Venezuelan and Iranian trade of oil, any potential lifting of
sanctions on vessels may affect net supply of the mainstream tonnage. All this could have a material adverse effect on our future
performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our results of operations are subject to seasonal fluctuations, which may adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows
and financial position.
We operate our vessels in markets that have historically exhibited seasonal variations in demand and, as a result, freight rates. This
seasonality may result in quarter-to-quarter volatility in operating results. The product tanker segment is typically stronger in the fall and
winter months in anticipation of increased consumption of oil and petroleum products in the northern hemisphere and, as a result,
revenues are typically stronger in fiscal quarters ending December 31 and March 31. This seasonality could have a material adverse
effect quarter to quarter on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
However, there may be periods in the northern hemisphere when the expected seasonal strength does not materialize to the extent
required to support sustainable profitable rates due to tanker overcapacity.
A shift in consumer demand away from oil and oil products towards other energy sources or changes to trade patterns for
refined oil products may have a material adverse effect on our business.
A significant portion of our earnings are related to the oil industry. A shift in or disruption of the consumer demand from oil towards
other energy resources, such as wind energy, solar energy, hydrogen energy, nuclear energy, renewable energy, electricity, natural gas,
or liquified natural gas, or LNG, will potentially affect the demand for our product tankers. While the International Energy Agency, or
the IEA, forecasts “peak oil”, the year when the maximum volume of oil is consumed, to be around 2030 based on countries' stated
energy policies and targets. In the IEA's latest World Energy Outlook report from November 2025, the agency introduced a scenario
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where oil demand would not peak at least before 2050. Nevertheless, a shift in consumer demand away from oil and oil products could
have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Seaborne trading and distribution patterns are primarily influenced by the relative advantage of the various sources of production,
locations of consumption, pricing differentials and seasonality, and, more recently, government sanctions. Changes to the trade patterns
of refined oil products may have a significant negative or positive impact on the ton-mile and therefore the demand for our product
tankers. This could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Increasing growth of electric vehicles and renewable fuels could lead to a decrease in trading and the movement of crude oil and
petroleum products worldwide.
The IEA noted in its Global Electric Vehicles, or EV, Outlook 2025 that more than 20% of new cars sold globally were electric in 2024,
up from around 18% in 2023. The sales of electric cars grew by approximately 35% in the first quarter of 2025, as compared with the
first quarter of 2024, and over one million more electric cars were sold in the first three months in 2025 compared with the same period
in 2024. As reflected in the IEA Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS), every other car sold globally in 2035 is set to be electric based on
today’s energy, climate and industrial policy settings. The IEA has also stated that, the rapid uptake of EVs of all types avoids six
million barrels per day (mb/d) of oil demand in the STEPS in 2030, and over 10 mb/d in 2035. A growth in EVs or a slowdown in
imports or exports of crude or petroleum products worldwide may result in decreased demand for our vessels and lower charter rates,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to make
cash distributions.
Acts of piracy on ocean-going vessels could adversely affect our business.
Acts of piracy have historically affected ocean-going vessels trading in regions of the world such as the South China Sea, the Arabian
Sea, the Red Sea, Suez Canal, the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, Sulu Sea, Celebes Sea, the Malacca and Singaporean Straits,
the Indian Ocean, and, in particular, the Gulf of Guinea region off the coast of Nigeria, which has experienced a continuous presence of
piracy incidents in recent years. Sporadic incidents of robbery are also reported in many parts of Asia and South America. The political
turmoil in the Middle East region may also lead to collateral damages in waters off Yemen as well as in the Gulf of Oman or Arabian
Gulf. In February 2024, one TORM vessel that was externally managed serving U.S. interests was targeted by the Houthi group. The
targeted attempt was effectively averted by U.S. naval forces. The current diplomatic crisis between Gulf Co-operation Council
countries may lead to an uncertain security situation in the Middle East region.
The security arrangements made for ship staff and vessels to counteract the ever-evolving security threat and to comply with Best
Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Guinea region, Indian
Ocean and Arabian Sea add to the cost of operations of our ships.
Our vessels often trade in “war risk” areas due to the nature of our business. Due to the above issues when vessels trade in such areas,
the insurance premiums are increased significantly to cover for the additional risks. In such circumstances, crew and security equipment
costs, including costs which may be incurred to the extent we employ onboard security guards, could increase. We may not be
adequately insured to cover losses from these incidents, which could have a material adverse effect on us.
In addition, hijacking as a result of an act of piracy against our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, or an increase in cost or
unavailability of insurance for our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of
operations, cash flows, financial condition, and ability to pay dividends and may result in loss of revenues, increased costs, and
decreased cash flows to our customers, which could impair their ability to make payments to us under our charters. The above factors
could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Rising fuel, or bunker, prices may adversely affect our profits.
Since we primarily employ our vessels in the spot market, we expect that fuel, or bunkers, will typically be the largest expense in our
shipping operations for our vessels. The cost of fuel, including the fuel efficiency or capability to use lower priced fuel, can also be an
important factor considered by charterers in negotiating charter rates. While we believe that we can transfer increased cost to the
customer and will experience a competitive advantage as a result of increased bunker prices due to the greater fuel efficiency of our
vessels compared to the average global fleet, changes in the price of fuel may adversely affect our profitability. The price and supply of
fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events outside our control, including geopolitical developments, and armed conflicts,
supply and demand for oil and gas, actions by OPEC, and other oil and gas producers, economic or other sanctions levied against oil and
gas producing countries, war and unrest in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and environmental
concerns. Further, fuel may become much more expensive in the future, which may reduce the profitability and competitiveness of our
business versus other forms of transportation, such as truck or rail.
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Upon redelivery of vessels at the end of a time charter, we may be obliged to repurchase the fuel on board at prevailing market prices,
which could be materially higher than fuel prices at the inception of the time charter period. Additionally, our returns are impacted by
the use of scrubbers, which allow us to consume high-sulfur fuel oil, or HSFO, under certain circumstances, as it is typically cheaper
than very low sulfur fuel oil, or VLSFO. However, if the price differential (spread) between VLSFO and HSFO narrows, the financial
benefit of using scrubbers may decline, affecting our overall returns As a result, an increase in the price of fuel may adversely affect our
profitability.
We are subject to complex laws and regulations, including environmental laws and regulations that can adversely affect our
results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our vessels operate worldwide and are thus subject to numerous international laws, rules, regulations, conventions and treaties.
Moreover, our vessels are registered, flagged, and call in ports in multiple countries where the applicable flag and/or port state rules,
regulations and laws can differ. This complex web of rules, regulations, conventions, treaties and laws can be dynamic and influence the
cost of owning and operating our vessels.
These numerous and sometimes conflicting laws and regulations include, among others, data privacy requirements (in particular the
European General Data Protection Regulation, enforceable as from May 25, 2018 and the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield Framework, as
adopted by the European Commission on July 12, 2016), labor relations laws, tax laws, anti-competition regulations, import and trade
restrictions, export requirements, U.S. laws such as the FCPA and other U.S. federal laws and regulations established by the OFAC,
local laws such as the UK Bribery Act or other local laws which prohibit corrupt payments to governmental officials or certain
payments or remunerations to customers.
Compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and standards, where applicable, may require installation of costly equipment or
operational changes and may affect the resale value or useful lives of our vessels, or vessels we acquire, or resale prices or useful lives
of our vessels or require reductions in capacity, vessel modifications, or operational changes or restrictions. We may also incur
additional costs in order to comply with other existing and future regulatory obligations, including, but not limited to, costs relating to
air emissions, the management of ballast waters, maintenance and inspection, development and implementation of emergency
procedures, and insurance coverage or other financial assurance of our ability to address pollution incidents. These costs could have a
material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition. A failure to comply with applicable
laws and regulations may result in administrative and civil penalties, criminal sanctions, or the suspension or termination of our
operations. Failure to comply with these requirements could lead to decreased availability of or more costly insurance coverage for
environmental matters or result in the denial of access to certain jurisdictional waters or ports, or detention in certain ports.
Furthermore, detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations is expensive and can consume significant time and
attention of our Senior Management Team. Though we have implemented monitoring procedures and required policies, guidelines,
contractual terms and audits, these measures may not prevent or detect failures by our agents or intermediaries regarding compliance.
Environmental laws often impose strict liability for remediation of spills and releases of oil and hazardous substances, which could
subject us to liability without regard to whether we were negligent or at fault. To avoid liability in those cases, parties may have to show
they fall into an exception and took all reasonable precautionary steps to prevent a pollution incident. Thus, for remediation of
environmental damage, the liability can include fines, penalties, criminal liability and costs for natural resource damages. In our case,
these could harm our reputation with current or potential charterers of our product tankers.
We are required to satisfy insurance and financial responsibility requirements for potential oil (including marine fuel) spills and other
pollution incidents. Although we arrange insurance to cover environmental risks, there can be no assurance that such insurance will be
sufficient to cover all the risks or that any claims will not have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations,
cash flows and financial position.
Please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Environmental and Other Regulations in the Shipping
Industry” for a discussion of the environmental and other regulations applicable to us.
We are subject to international safety, environmental and recycling regulations and requirements imposed by classification
societies that can adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
The operation of our vessels, or vessels we acquire, is affected by the requirements set forth in the United Nations’ IMO’s The
International Safety Management, or ISM Code which provides an international standard, for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution
Prevention. The ISM Code requires ship owners, ship managers, and bareboat charterers to develop and maintain an extensive “Safety
Management System” that includes the adoption of a safety and environmental protection policy setting forth instructions and
procedures for safe operation and for dealing with emergencies. We expect that any vessels that we acquire in the future will be ISM
Code-certified when delivered to us. The failure of a shipowner or bareboat charterer to comply with the ISM Code may subject it to
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increased liability, invalidate existing insurance, or decrease available insurance coverage for the affected vessels (and any available
insurance coverage may be a higher cost) and may result in a denial of access to, or detention in, certain ports, including U.S. and EU
ports.
In addition, the hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by its country of
registry. The classification society certifies that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of
the country of registry of the vessel and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea. If a vessel does not maintain its class
and/or fails any annual survey, intermediate survey, or special survey, the vessel will be unable to trade between ports and will be
unemployable, which will negatively impact our revenues and results from operations and may breach one or more covenants in our
loan agreements.
The 2009 Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, or the Hong Kong
Convention, which entered into force in June 2025, aims to ensure ships, being recycled once they reach the end of their operational
lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to the environment, human health and safety. As such, each ship sent for recycling will have to
carry an inventory of its hazardous materials. Ships will be required to have surveys to verify their inventory of hazardous materials
initially, throughout their lives and prior to the ship being recycled.
On November 20, 2013, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted the European Union Ship Recycling
Regulation, or EU SRR, which retains the requirements of the Hong Kong Convention and requires that certain commercial seagoing
vessels flying the flag of a EU member state may be recycled only in facilities included on the European list of permitted ship recycling
facilities.
Moreover, vessels are required to set up and maintain an Inventory of Hazardous Materials. Such a system includes information on the
hazardous materials with a quantity above the threshold values specified in relevant EU resolutions and are identified in ship’s structure
and equipment. This inventory should be properly maintained and updated, especially after repairs, conversions or unscheduled
maintenance on board the ship.
Under the EU SRR, commercial EU-flagged vessels of 500 gross tonnage and above may be recycled only at shipyards included on the
European List of Authorised Ship Recycling Facilities, or the European List. As of December 31, 2025, all our EU-flagged vessels met
this tonnage specification. The combined capacity of the European List facilities may prove insufficient to absorb the total recycling
volume of EU-flagged vessels. This circumstance, taken in tandem with the possible decrease in cash sales, may result in longer wait
times for divestment of recyclable vessels as well as downward pressure on the purchase prices offered by European List shipyards.
Furthermore, facilities located in the major ship recycling countries generally offer significantly higher vessel purchase prices, and as
such, the requirement that we utilize only European List shipyards may negatively impact revenue from the residual values of our
vessels.
In addition, the European Waste Shipment Regulation, or the EWSR, requires that non-EU flagged ships departing from EU ports be
recycled only in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, member countries. In March 2018, the
Rotterdam District Court ruled that the sale of four recyclable vessels by third-party Dutch ship owner Seatrade to cash buyers, who
then reflagged and resold the vessels to non-OECD country recycling yards, were effectively indirect sales to non-OECD country yards,
in violation of the EWSR. If EU member state courts widely adopt this analysis, it may negatively impact revenue from the residual
values of our vessels and we may be subject to a heightened risk of non-compliance, due diligence obligations and costs in instances
where we sell older ships to cash buyers.
For more information, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Environmental and Other
Regulations in the Shipping Industry”.
Several countries have announced a ban on using open-loop scrubbers in their ports and inland waters.
To comply with IMO 2020 0.5% global sulfur cap, shipowners have different options: switching to low-sulfur fuels, burning distillates,
using LNG or installing an exhaust gas cleaning system, commonly known as a scrubber, on board their vessels. Scrubbers are currently
an accepted measure in complying with IMO 2020. Scrubbers can be designed either as “closed-loop” or “open-loop”. Open-loop
scrubbers discharge the “cleaned” washwater into the ocean. We have opted to install hybrid-prepared open-loop scrubbers on board all
of our vessels, which in the future can be refitted at further costs into a hybrid scrubber that can operate as both open and closed loops. It
has been widely discussed whether scrubbers in general, and in particular open-loop scrubbers, represent an environmentally sound
option. Some ports and regions, including Singapore, China, Malaysia, Germany, Kenya and certain states within the U.S., have already
prohibited the discharge of washwater from open-loop scrubbers. Prior to investing in scrubbers, we evaluated scrubber economics, and
the effects of local regulations have already been considered to only have a limited negative impact on the investment at this time.
9
Further material restrictions on the use of open-loop scrubbers would likely result in vessels having to use low-sulfur fuel for longer
periods, which in general comes at a higher cost compared to using closed-loop scrubbers.
Climate change and greenhouse gas regulations may adversely impact our operations and markets.
Due to concern over the risk of climate change, a number of countries and the IMO have adopted, or are considering the adoption of,
regulatory frameworks to reduce GHG emissions. These regulatory measures may include, among others, adoption of cap and trade
regimes, carbon taxes, increased efficiency standards and incentives or mandates for renewable energy. Since January 1, 2020, IMO
regulations have required vessels to comply with a global cap on the sulfur in fuel oil used on board of 0.5%. Additionally in 2023,
IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee, or MEPC, 80 adopted a revised strategy - the "2023 IMO Strategy - on Reduction of
GHG Emissions from Ships", identifies "levels of ambition" to reduce GHG emissions. At MEPC 84, in Spring 2025, a new set of
interim measures named "The Net Zero Framework" were approved, however in October 2025 at an Extraordinary MEPC sessions, the
decision for adoption was postponed by 12 months. The outlook for adoption and implementation of "The Net Zero Framework" is
surrounded by significant uncertainty.
The European Commission has added shipping to the ETS as of 2024 with a phase-in period. Shipowners will need to purchase and
surrender a number of emission allowances that represent their MRV-recorded carbon emission exposure for a specific reporting period.
The person or organization responsible for the compliance with the Emissions Trading System, or EU ETS, should be the shipping
company, defined as the shipowner or any other organization or person, such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, that has assumed
the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner. The regulation phase is 40% for verified emissions from 2024, 70%
for 2025 and 100% for 2026. Compliance with the Maritime EU ETS will result in additional compliance and administration costs to
properly incorporate the provisions of the Directive into our business routines. Additional EU regulations which are part of the EU’s Fit-
for-55, could also affect our financial position in terms of compliance and administration costs when they take effect.
In January 2025, the FuelEU Maritime regulation came into force as a part of the EU’s Fit-for-55. This requires shipping companies to
gradually lower the GHG intensity in the fuels being consumed on voyages involving EU ports. Shipping companies are thus required to
purchase more expensive fuels such as biofuels for lowering the GHG intensity. Failure in doing so will trigger penalty payments to
obtain compliance.
Territorial taxonomy regulations in geographies where we are operating and are regulatorily liable, such as European Union Taxonomy,
or EU Taxonomy, might jeopardize the level of access to capital. For example, the EU has already introduced a set of criteria for
economic activities which should be framed as ‘green’, called EU Taxonomy. As long as we are an EU-based company meeting the
Non-Financial Reporting Directive prerequisites, we will be eligible for reporting our Taxonomy eligibility and alignment. Based on the
current version of the Regulation, companies that own assets shipping fossil fuels are considered as not aligned with EU Taxonomy. The
outcome of such provision might be either an increase in the cost of capital and/or gradually reduced access to financing as a result of
financial institutions’ compliance with EU Taxonomy.
Additionally, under MEPC 75, all ships above 400 gross tonnage must have an approved Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan, or
SEEMP, on board. For ships above 5,000 gross tonnage, the SEEMP needs to include certain mandatory content. Effective January 1,
2023, MEPC 75 amended the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships of 1973, as from time to time
amended, or MARPOL, Annex I to prohibit the use and carriage for use as fuel of heavy fuel oil by ships in Arctic waters on and after
July 1, 2024.
MEPC 76 adopted amendments to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, 2001, which
entered into force on January 1, 2023. From this date, all ships shall not apply or re-apply anti-fouling systems containing cybutryne on
or after January 1, 2023; all ships bearing an anti-fouling system that contains cybutryne in the external coating layer of their hulls or
external parts or surfaced on January 1, 2023 shall either: remove the anti-fouling system or apply a coating that forms a barrier to this
substance leaching from the underlying non-compliance anti-fouling system.
In addition, although the emissions of GHGs from international shipping currently are not subject to the Kyoto Protocol or the Paris
Agreement, a new treaty may be adopted in the future that includes restrictions on shipping emissions. Compliance with changes in
laws, regulations and obligations relating to climate change affects the propulsion options in subsequent vessel designs and could
increase our costs related to acquiring new vessels, operating and maintaining our existing vessels and require us to install new emission
controls, acquire allowances or pay taxes related to our GHG emissions or administer and manage a GHG emissions program. Revenue
generation and strategic growth opportunities may also be adversely affected. If not in compliance with certain key indicators, then we
also face the risk of losing the ability to obtaining financing or re-financing with “green” or “sustainability” loans.
For more information, please see “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Environmental and Other
Regulations in the Shipping Industry”.
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Increasing scrutiny and changing expectations from investors, lenders and other market participants with respect to our ESG
policies may impose additional costs on us or expose us to additional risks.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny relating to their ESG policies. Investor advocacy groups, certain
institutional investors, investment funds, lenders and other market participants are increasingly focused on ESG practices, especially as
they relate to the environment health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights in recent years, and have placed increasing
importance on the implications and social cost of their investments. Failure to adapt to or comply with evolving investor, lender or
other industry shareholder expectations and standards or the perception of not responding appropriately to the growing concern for ESG
issues, regardless of whether there is a legal requirement to do so, may damage such a company’s reputation or stock price, resulting in
direct or indirect material and adverse effects on the company’s business and financial condition.
The increase in shareholder proposals submitted on environmental matters and, in particular, climate-related proposals in recent years
indicates that we may face increasing pressures from investors, lenders and other market participants, who are increasingly focused on
climate change, to prioritize sustainable energy practices, reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability. As a result, we may be
required to implement more stringent ESG procedures or standards so that our existing and future investors and lenders remain invested
in us and make further investments in us. If we do not meet these standards, our business and/or our ability to access capital could be
harmed.
Additionally, certain investors and lenders may exclude oil transport companies, such as us, from their investing portfolios altogether
due to ESG. These limitations in both the debt and equity capital markets may affect our ability to grow as our plans for growth may
include accessing the equity and debt capital markets. If those markets are unavailable, or if we are unable to access alternative means of
financing on acceptable terms, or at all, we may be unable to implement our business strategy, which would have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition and results of operations and impair our ability to service our indebtedness. Further, it is likely that we
will incur additional costs and require additional resources to monitor, report and comply with wide ranging ESG requirements.
Members of the investment community are also increasing their focus on ESG disclosures, including disclosures related to GHGs and
climate change in the energy industry in particular, and diversity and inclusion initiatives and governance standards among companies
more generally. As a result, we may face increasing pressure regarding our ESG disclosures. The occurrence of any of the foregoing
could have an adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
Moreover, from time to time, in alignment with our sustainability priorities, we may establish and publicly announce goals and
commitments in respect of certain ESG items. While we may create and publish voluntary disclosures regarding ESG matters from time
to time, many of the statements in those voluntary disclosures are based on hypothetical expectations and assumptions that may or may
not be representative of current or actual risks or events or forecasts of expected risks or events, including the costs associated therewith.
Such expectations and assumptions are necessarily uncertain and may be prone to error or subject to misinterpretation given the long
timelines involved and the lack of an established single approach to identifying, measuring and reporting on many ESG matters. If we
fail to achieve or improperly report on our progress toward achieving our environmental goals and commitments, the resulting negative
publicity could adversely affect our reputation and/or our access to capital.
Finally, organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings
processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their
investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings and recent activism directed at shifting funding away from companies with
fossil fuel-related assets could lead to increased negative investor sentiment toward us and our industry and to the diversion of
investment to other, non-fossil fuel markets, which could have a negative impact on our access to and costs of capital.
Declines in charter rates and other market deterioration could cause us to incur impairment charges.
In accordance with IFRS, we review the carrying amounts of assets on a quarterly basis to determine any indication of impairment either
due to a significant decline in market value or in the cash flows expected to be generated by the vessels. In case of such indication, the
recoverable amounts of the assets are estimated as the higher of the net realizable value and the value in use in accordance with the
requirements of applicable accounting standards. The value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to derive from
an asset. For the purpose of assessing net realizable values, our management estimates the market values of the individual vessels, for
which the most important parameters are the vessels’ tons deadweight, the shipyard they were built at and age. Our Senior Management
Team uses internal as well as external sources of information, including two internationally recognized shipbrokers’ valuations.
Accordingly, the carrying values of our vessels may not represent their fair market value at any point in time because the market prices
of second-hand vessels tend to fluctuate with changes in charter rates and the cost of newbuildings. In 2025, the value of our product
tanker fleet, based on independent broker values, decreased by approximately 13.3% (when excluding vessels sold and/or acquired
during 2025). As a result of further declines in charter rates or vessel values, we may in the future need to record impairment losses and
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loss from sale of vessels, which could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and
financial position. We did not record an impairment charge during the year ended December 31, 2025. Please see the consolidated
financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the accompanying notes included herewith for details on the
impact of changes in charter rates and other key assumptions.
If our vessels suffer damage due to the inherent operational risks of the product tanker industry, we may experience unexpected
dry-docking costs and delays or total loss of our vessels.
The operation of an ocean-going vessel carries inherent risks. Our vessels and their cargoes will be at risk of being damaged or lost
because of events such as marine and environmental disasters, bad weather and other acts of God, business interruptions caused by
mechanical failures, unexpected tank corrosion, grounding, fire, explosions and collisions, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, diseases,
crew strikes and/or boycotts and other circumstances or events. Changing economic, regulatory and political conditions in some
countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways, piracy,
terrorism, labor strikes and boycotts.
Compared to other types of vessels, tanker vessels are exposed to a higher risk of damage and loss by fire, whether ignited by a terrorist
attack, collision, or other cause, due to the high flammability and high volume of the oil transported in tanker vessels. Damage to the
environment could also result from our operations, particularly through spillage of fuel, lubricants or other chemicals and substances
used in operations, or extensive uncontrolled fires. These hazards may result in death or injury to persons, loss of revenue or property,
payment of ransoms, environmental damage, higher insurance rates, damage to our customer relationships and reputation, delay or
rerouting, governmental fines, penalties or restrictions, any of which may subject us to litigation. As a result, we could be exposed to
substantial liabilities not recoverable under our insurances. Further, the involvement of our vessels in a serious accident could harm our
reputation as a safe and reliable vessel operator and lead to a loss of business.
In addition, international shipping is subject to various security and customs inspection and related procedures in countries of origin and
destination and trans-shipment points. Inspection procedures can result in the seizure of the cargo and/or our vessels, delays in the
loading, offloading or delivery and the levying of customs duties, fines or other penalties against us. It is possible that changes to
inspection procedures could impose additional financial and legal obligations on us. Furthermore, changes to inspection procedures
could also impose additional costs and obligations on our customers and may, in certain cases, render the shipment of certain types of
cargo uneconomical or impractical. Any such changes or developments may have a material adverse effect on our future performance,
results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
The protection & indemnity insurance coverage that we have arranged for our vessels covers the vessel owner’s liabilities towards the
owner of any damaged cargo, subject to standard international conventions limiting such liability. If our vessels suffer damage, they
may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-dock repairs are unpredictable and may be substantial. We may have
to pay dry-docking costs that our insurance does not cover in full. The loss of earnings while these vessels are being repaired and
repositioned as well as the actual cost of these repairs would decrease the Company’s earnings. In addition, space at dry-docking
facilities is sometimes limited and not all dry-docking facilities are conveniently located. We may be unable to find space at a suitable
dry-docking facility or the vessels may be forced to travel to a dry-docking facility that is not conveniently located in relation to the
vessels’ positions. The loss of earnings while these vessels are forced to wait for space or to sail to more distant dry-docking facilities
could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
If labor interruptions are not resolved in a timely manner, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position.
We employ masters, officers and crews to man our vessels. Potential labor disputes or labor interruption, including work stoppages,
strikes and/or work disruptions, if not resolved in a timely and cost-effective manner, may lead to industrial action or other labor unrest
that could prevent or hinder our operations from being carried out as we expect and could have a material adverse effect on our future
performance, results of operations, cash flows, financial position, distribution of dividends or the trading price of our Class A common
shares.
Our operations outside the U.S. expose us to global risks, such as political instability, terrorist or other attacks, war,
international hostilities, economic sanctions, and global public health concerns, or other trade restrictions, which may affect the
seaborne transportation industry and could adversely affect our business.
We are an international company and primarily conduct our operations outside of the U.S., and our business, results of operations, cash
flows, financial condition and ability to pay dividends, if any, in the future may be adversely affected by changing economic, political
and government conditions in the countries and regions where our vessels are employed or registered. Moreover, we operate in a sector
of the economy that is likely to be adversely impacted by the effects of political conflicts, geopolitical events, terrorist or other attacks,
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war (or threatened war) and international hostilities. The response of the U.S. and others to terrorist attacks, as well as the threat of
future terrorist attacks around the world, continues to cause uncertainty in the world’s financial markets and may affect our business,
operating results, and financial condition. Continuing conflicts and recent developments in Venezuela, Ukraine, the Middle East, the
South China Sea region and increased tensions between the U.S. and China, Russia, Iran and certain terrorist organizations, as well as
the presence of U.S. or other armed forces in various regions, may lead to additional acts of terrorism and armed conflict around the
world, which may contribute to further economic instability in the global financial markets. As a result of the above, insurers have
increased premiums and reduced or restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally. These uncertainties could also
adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. Any of these occurrences could have a
material adverse impact on our operating results, revenues and costs. Additionally, events in other jurisdictions, could impact global
markets, including foreign exchange and securities markets; any resulting changes in currency exchange rates, tariffs, treaties and other
regulatory matters could in turn adversely impact our business and operations.
Prolonged periods of geopolitical instability may affect key tanker routes, such as those in the Red Sea, Black Sea, Suez Canal and Strait
of Hormuz. In the past, political instability has also resulted in attacks on vessels, mining of waterways and other efforts to disrupt
international shipping, particularly in the Arabian Gulf region, in the Black Sea in connection with the conflict between Russia and
Ukraine, and in the Red Sea in connection with the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Acts of terrorism and piracy have also affected
vessels trading in regions such as the South China Sea and the Gulf of Aden off the coast of Somalia, among others.
Similarly, the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East and the related drone and missile attacks of commercial vessels in the important
trade choke point of the Red Sea have led to a redirection of increasing numbers of vessels sailing around the Cape of Good Hope
instead of transiting the Suez Canal and Red Sea, increasing vessel sailing times and thereby demand for vessels. A solution to this
conflict would remove additional demand for vessels.
In 2022, the U.S., the United Kingdom and the European Union, among other countries, also announced various economic sanctions
against Russia in connection with the aforementioned conflicts in the Ukraine region. The ongoing conflict could result in the
imposition of further economic sanctions or new categories of export restrictions against individuals or entities in or connected to
Russia. While in general much uncertainty remains regarding the global impact of the continuation of the conflict in Ukraine, and any
potential resolution thereof, it is possible that such tensions could adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition,
operating results, and cash flows. However, even though the likelihood (as well as timing) of reversal of sanctions is very uncertain, a
potential removal of these sanctions could lead to a (partial) return of trade flows to the pre-sanction levels and thereby a lower demand
for tankers, that could adversely affect our earnings. Furthermore, it is possible that third parties with whom we have charter contracts or
banking relationships may be impacted by events in Russia and Ukraine, which could adversely affect our operations.
The U.S. has issued several Executive Orders that prohibit certain transactions related to Russia, including prohibitions on the import of
certain Russian energy products into the U.S. (including crude oil, petroleum, petroleum fuels, oils, liquefied natural gas and coal), and
all new investments in Russia by U.S. persons, among other prohibitions and export controls, and has issued numerous determinations
authorizing the imposition of sanctions on persons who operate or have operated in the energy, metals and mining, and marine sectors of
the Russian Federation economy, among others. Designations under these sanctions programs are continuing, including in October 2025
against Lukoil, Rosneft, and certain of their subsidiaries. Increased restrictions on these sectors, or the expansion of sanctions to new
sectors, may pose additional risks that could adversely affect our business and operations.
Furthermore, the U.S., in conjunction with the G7, agreed on September 2, 2022 to implement a Russian petroleum “price cap policy”
which prohibits a variety of specified services related to the maritime transport of Russian Federation origin crude oil and petroleum
products, including trading/commodities brokering, financing, shipping, insurance (including reinsurance and protection and
indemnity), flagging, and customs brokering. An exception exists to permit such services when the price of the seaborne Russian oil into
non-EU countries does not exceed the relevant price cap; but implementation of this price exception relies on a recordkeeping and
attestation process that requires each party in the supply chain of seaborne Russian oil to demonstrate or confirm that oil has been
purchased at or below the price cap. Further, effective as of February 27, 2025, the U.S. has also prohibited the provision of petroleum
services in certain specified circumstances, including for the provision of services for products purchased at or below the
aforementioned price caps. As of September 2025, the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada also agreed to lower their price
cap on Russian crude oil from $60 to $47.60 per barrel, and which was further reduced to $44.10 effective February 1, 2026, based on
an automatic dynamic pricing adjustment setting the cap at 15% below the average market price for Russian crude oil during the
relevant reference period. Violations of the petroleum services prohibition or the price cap policy, including the risk that information,
documentation, or attestations provided by parties in the supply chain are later determined to be false or insufficient may pose additional
risks adversely affecting our business. While much uncertainty remains, the potential that the European Union, in conjunction with the
G7, might replace the price cap policy in favor of a full maritime services ban for Russian crude oil exports and/or other petroleum
products may also pose further risks that could adversely affect our business.
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Our business could also be adversely impacted by trade tariffs, trade embargoes or other economic sanctions that limit trading activities
by the U.S. or other countries against countries in the Middle East, Asia or elsewhere as a result of terrorist attacks, hostilities or
diplomatic or political pressures, including as a result of ongoing tensions involving Russia, Iran, and China and the current conflict in
the Middle East.
Governments may also turn to trade barriers to protect their domestic industries against foreign imports, thereby depressing shipping
demand. Protectionist developments, or the perception that they may occur, may have a material adverse effect on global economic
conditions, and may significantly reduce global trade. Moreover, increasing trade protectionism may cause an increase in (a) the cost of
goods exported from regions globally, (b) the length of time required to transport goods and (c) the risks associated with exporting
goods. Such increases may significantly affect the quantity of goods to be shipped, shipping time schedules, voyage costs and other
associated costs, which could have an adverse impact on our charterers’ business, operating results and financial condition and could
thereby affect their ability to make timely charter hire payments to us. This could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and operating results.
In particular, there is significant uncertainty about the future relationship between the U.S. and China and other exporting countries,
such as Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, among others, with respect to trade policies, treaties, government regulations, and
tariffs, some of which remain subject to legal challenge. For example, in April 2025, the Office of the USTR enacted vessel service fees
under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 which were imposed as scheduled beginning on October 14, 2025, but were suspended for
one year as of November 10, 2025 as a result of broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, after China’s Ministry of
Transport had announced retaliatory port fees applicable to certain vessels calling at Chinese ports that were built or flagged in the U.S.
or owned or operated by certain U.S.-linked persons. China’s retaliatory service fees on U.S. vessels were also suspended for a period of
one year on the same date. On February 20, 2026, President Trump invoked a flat tariff of 10%, which was subsequently increased to
15% the following day, on almost all U.S. imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows for temporary import
surcharges. The temporary import surcharge took effect on February 24, 2026.
Given the magnitude of these port-related fees and the many uncertainties surrounding their implementation, it is not possible at this
time to fully predict the ultimate financial impact to the Company. However, if these fees continue to be levied, port fees for our vessels
or vessels we charter and our operating costs for voyages calling at United States or Chinese ports could materially increase, which
could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If our vessels call at ports located in countries or territories that are the subject of sanctions or embargoes or engage in other
transactions or dealings in violation of applicable sanctions laws, it could lead to monetary fines or other penalties and adversely
affect our reputation and the market for our Class A common shares and its trading price.
Although we intend to maintain compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws, and we endeavor to take precautions
reasonably designed to mitigate such risk, it is possible that, in the future, our vessels may call at ports located in sanctioned countries or
territories, or engage in other such transactions or dealings that would be violative of applicable sanctions, on our charterers’
instructions and/or without our consent. If such activities result in a violation of sanctions or embargo laws, we could be subject to
monetary fines, penalties, or other sanctions, and our reputation and the market for our ordinary shares could be adversely affected.
The applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations vary in their application, and by jurisdiction, as they do not all apply to the
same covered persons or proscribe the same activities, and such sanctions and embargo laws and regulations may be amended or
expanded over time. The U.S., United Kingdom, and European Union have enacted new and more aggressive sanctions programs in
recent years. Additional countries or territories, as well as additional persons or entities within or affiliated with those countries or
territories, have, and in the future will, become the target of sanctions. These require us to be diligent in ensuring our compliance with
sanctions laws. The past few years have seen increased implementation of sanctions and embargoes imposed against trading with certain
countries by in particular the U.S., the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations. Our operations are currently and
may in the future become subject to various economic and trade sanctions.
Further, our lenders may determine that any non-compliance with applicable sanctions and embargoes imposed by the United Kingdom,
the European Union, the United Nations, or the U.S. constitute an event of default under current or future debt facility agreements. An
event of default may lead to an acceleration of the repayment of debt under the facility in question and, due to the cross-default
provisions, under all other facilities as well, which could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations,
cash flows and financial position, and could lead to bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings.
Charterers and other parties that we have previously entered into contracts with regarding our vessels may be affiliated with persons or
entities that are now or may soon be the subject of sanctions or embargoes imposed by the U.S., the United Kingdom, the European
Union, and/or other international bodies. If we determine that such sanctions require us to terminate existing or future contracts to which
14
we, or our subsidiaries, are a party or if we are found to be in violation of such applicable sanctions, our results of operations may be
adversely affected, or we may suffer reputational harm.
As a result of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the war between Israel and Hamas, the U.S., European Union and United Kingdom,
together with numerous other countries, have imposed significant economic sanctions which may adversely affect our ability to operate
in the region and also restrict parties whose cargo we carry.
Although we believe that we have been in compliance with all applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations in 2025, and
intend to maintain such compliance, there can be no assurance that we will be in compliance in the future. Any such violation could
result in fines, penalties, vessel detentions or blacklistings or other sanctions that could severely impact our ability to access U.S. capital
markets and conduct our business and could result in our reputation and the market for our securities to be adversely affected and/or in
some investors deciding, or being required, to divest their interest, or not to invest, in us. In addition, certain institutional investors may
have investment policies or restrictions that prevent them from holding securities of companies that have contracts with countries
identified by the U.S. government as state sponsors of terrorism. The determination by these investors not to invest in, or to divest from,
our Class A common shares may adversely affect the price at which our Class A common shares trade. Additionally, some investors
may decide to divest their interest, or not to invest, in our company simply because we do business with companies that do business in
sanctioned countries. Moreover, our charterers may violate applicable sanctions and embargo laws and regulations, and those violations
could in turn negatively affect our reputation. In addition, our reputation and the market for our securities may be adversely affected if
we engage in certain other activities, such as entering into charters with individuals or entities that are not controlled by the governments
of countries or territories that are the subject of certain U.S. sanctions or embargo laws, or engaging in operations associated with those
countries or territories pursuant to contracts with third parties that are unrelated to those countries or territories or entities controlled by
their governments. Investor perception of the value of our Class A common shares may also be adversely affected by the consequences
of war, the effects of terrorism, civil unrest and governmental actions in these and surrounding countries, which may have a material
adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Maritime claimants could arrest or attach our vessels, which would have a negative effect on our cash flows.
Crew members, suppliers of goods and services to a vessel, shippers of cargo, and other parties may be entitled to a maritime lien
against that vessel for unsatisfied debts, claims or damages.
In many jurisdictions, a maritime lienholder may enforce its lien by "arresting" or "attaching" a vessel through foreclosure proceedings.
The arrest or attachment of one or more of our vessels, or vessels we may acquire, could result in a significant loss of earnings for the
related off-hire period. In addition, in jurisdictions where the "sister ship" theory of liability applies, a claimant may arrest the vessel
which is subject to the claimant’s maritime lien and any “associated” vessel, which is any vessel owned or controlled by the same
owner. In countries with “sister ship” liability laws, claims might be asserted against us or any of our vessels for liabilities of any other
vessels we may own. Any of those events could have an adverse effect on our business, operating results, cash flows, financial
condition, and ability to pay dividends.
Governments could requisition our vessels during a period of war or emergency, which may have an adverse effect on our
future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
A government of a vessel’s registry could requisition for title or hire or seize one or more of our vessels. Requisition for title occurs
when a government takes control of a vessel and becomes the owner. Requisition for hire occurs when a government takes control of a
vessel and effectively becomes the charterer at dictated charter rates. Generally, requisitions occur during a period of war or emergency.
Even if we would be entitled to compensation in the event of a requisition of one or more of our vessels, the amount and timing of the
payment would be uncertain. Although none of our vessels have been requisitioned by a government for title or hire, a government
requisition of one or more of our vessels in the future may adversely affect our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and
financial position.
Technological innovation and quality and efficiency requirements from our customers could reduce our charter hire income
and the value of our vessels.
Our customers, in particular those in the oil industry, have a high and increasing focus on quality and compliance standards with their
suppliers across the entire supply chain, including the shipping and transportation segment. Our continued compliance with these
standards and quality requirements is vital for our operations. Charter hire rates and the value and operational life of a vessel are
determined by a number of factors including the vessel’s efficiency, operational flexibility and physical life. Efficiency includes speed,
fuel economy and the ability to load and discharge cargo quickly. Flexibility includes the ability to enter harbors, utilize related docking
facilities and pass through canals and straits. The length of a vessel’s physical life is related to its original design and construction, its
maintenance and the impact of the stress of operations. Our vessels have an average age of 12 years as of December 31, 2025, and if
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new vessels are built that are more efficient or more flexible or have longer physical lives than the current eco vessels or vessels that we
may acquire, competition from these more technologically advanced vessels could adversely affect the amount of charter hire payments
we receive for our vessels and the resale value of our vessels could significantly decrease, which may have a material adverse effect on
our results of operations, charter hire payments, resale value of vessels, cash flows and financial condition.
Technological developments which affect global trade flows and supply chains may affect the demand for our vessels.
By reducing the cost of labor through automation and digitization and empowering consumers to demand goods whenever and wherever
they choose, technology is changing the business models and production of goods in many industries. Consequently, supply chains are
being pulled closer to the end-customer and are required to be more responsive to changing demand patterns. As a result, fewer
intermediate and raw inputs are traded, which could lead to a decrease in shipping activity. If automation and digitization become more
commercially viable and/or production becomes more regional or local, total containerized trade volumes would decrease, which would
adversely affect demand for maritime fuels and hence demand for our services. Supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical events,
rising tariff barriers and environmental concerns may also accelerate these trends.
The smuggling of drugs or other contraband onto our vessels may lead to governmental claims against us.
Our vessels may call in ports where smugglers attempt to hide drugs and other contraband on vessels, with or without the knowledge of
crew members. To the extent our vessels are found with contraband, whether inside or attached to the hull of our vessel and whether
with or without the knowledge of any of our crew, we may face reputational damage and governmental or other regulatory claims or
restrictions, and our vessels may be detained for a prolonged period of time, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition. Under some jurisdictions, vessels used for the conveyance of illegal drugs could be subject to
forfeiture, resulting in forfeiture of the vessel to the government of such jurisdiction.
Risks Related to Our Company
If we are unable to operate our vessels profitably, we may be unsuccessful in competing in the highly competitive international
product tanker market, which would negatively affect our financial condition and our ability to expand our business.
Our ability to achieve positive cash flows is subject to freight rates, financial, regulatory, legal, technical and other factors, many of
which are beyond our control. In addition, the operation of product tankers and transportation of petroleum products is extremely
competitive, and reduced demand for transportation of oil and oil products could lead to increased competition, especially in our capital
intensive and highly fragmented industry. Competition arises primarily from other product tanker owners, including major oil
companies as well as independent product tanker companies, some of whom have greater resources than we do. Competition for the
transportation of oil and oil products can be intense and depends on price, location, size, age, condition and the acceptability of the
product tanker and its operators to the charterers. Our ability to operate our vessels profitably depends on a variety of factors, including,
but not limited to (i) loss or reduction in business from significant customers, (ii) unanticipated changes in demand for transportation of
crude oil and petroleum products, (iii) changes in production of or demand for oil and petroleum products, (iv) greater than anticipated
levels of tanker newbuilding orders or lower than anticipated levels of tanker recycling, (v) increases in the cost of bunkers, and (vi)
changes in rules and regulations applicable to the tanker industry, including legislation adopted by international organizations such as
IMO and the European Union or by individual countries. Additionally, if we expand our business or provide new services in new
geographic regions, we may not be able to compete profitably. New markets may require different skills, knowledge, or strategies than
we use in our current markets, and the competitors in those new markets may have greater financial strength and capital resources than
we do.
We are dependent on spot charters and any decrease in spot charter rates in the future may adversely affect our earnings.
We employ the majority of our vessels on spot voyage charters or short-term time charters and generate a significant portion of our
revenue from the spot market. The spot charter market may fluctuate significantly based upon product tanker and oil supply and
demand. The successful operation of our vessels in the competitive spot charter market depends on, among other things, obtaining
profitable spot charters and minimizing, to the extent possible, time spent waiting for charters and time spent traveling ballast to pick up
cargo. The spot market is very volatile, and, in the past, there have been periods when spot charter rates have declined below the
operating cost of vessels. During 2025, our product tanker fleet realized average spot TCE earnings of $ 28,703/day. If future spot
charter rates decline, we may be unable to operate our vessels trading in the spot market profitably, meet our obligations, including
payments on indebtedness, or pay dividends in the future. 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, we will generally experience delays in
realizing the benefits from such increases, which may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations,
cash flows and financial position.
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Our ability to renew the charters on our vessels on the expiration or termination of our current charters, or on vessels that we may
acquire in the future, or the charter rates payable under any replacement charters and vessel values will depend upon, among other
things, economic conditions in the sectors in which our vessels operate at that time, changes in the supply and demand for vessel
capacity and changes in the supply and demand for the seaborne transportation of energy resources.
We are subject to certain risks with respect to entering into new time charter-in contracts due to our dependence on spot
charters.
We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on contracts, and failure of such counterparties to meet their obligations
could cause us to suffer losses or negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.
We have the opportunity to charter-in additional vessels for longer or shorter periods. Because we employ the majority of our vessels on
spot voyage charters or short-term time charters, we may be exposed to changes in the freight rates that are significantly below the hire
to be agreed in a time charter-in contract. This exposure could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position.
We have entered, and may enter in the future, into various contracts that are material to the operation of our business, including bunker,
interest rate and foreign exchange hedging contracts, employ vessels on Contracts of Affreightment, or COAs, time charters and voyage
charters, and enter into newbuilding contracts with shipyards. Such agreements subject us to counterparty risks. The ability and
willingness of each of our counterparties to perform its obligations under a contract with us will depend on a number of factors that are
beyond our control and may include, among other things, general economic conditions, the condition of the maritime and offshore
industries, the overall financial condition of the counterparty, charter rates received for specific types of vessels and various expenses.
Charterers are sensitive to the commodity markets and may be impacted by market forces affecting commodities and/or uncertain
industry conditions. In addition, in depressed market conditions, our charterers and customers may no longer need a vessel that is
currently under charter or contract or may be able to obtain a comparable vessel at lower rates. As a result, charterers and customers
may seek to renegotiate the terms of their existing charter agreements or avoid their obligations under those contracts, and it may be
difficult for us to secure substitute employment for such vessel. Furthermore, any new charter arrangements we secure in the spot
market or on time charters may be at lower rates. Should a counterparty fail to honor its obligations under agreements with us or attempt
to renegotiate our agreements, we could sustain significant losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our future
performance, results of operations, cash flows, financial position and ability to pay dividends to holders of our common shares in the
amounts anticipated or at all and compliance with covenants in our loan agreements. To reduce our counterparty risk, we perform a
credit check on the prospective customers, however, we cannot guarantee that this process reveals the embedded default risk. In
addition, if the charterer of a vessel in our fleet that is used as collateral under one or more of our loan agreements defaults on its charter
obligations to us, such default may constitute an event of default under our loan agreements, which may allow the bank to exercise
remedies under our loan agreements.
To reduce our counterparty risk, we perform a credit check on the prospective customers, however, we cannot guarantee that this
process reveals the embedded default risk. Although we assess the creditworthiness of our counterparties, a prolonged period of difficult
industry conditions could lead to changes in a counterparty’s liquidity and increase our exposure to credit risk and bad debts. In
addition, we may offer extended payment terms to our customers in order to secure contracts, which may lead to more frequent
collection issues and adversely affect our financial results and liquidity.
We received cargo claims as a result of a customer’s inability to honor its indemnification obligations, and failure to recover
damages for these claims could adversely affect our business with an immaterial effect.
TORM received two cargo claims, both relating to one of TORM’s customers having issued indemnities to allow TORM for discharge
of cargoes, without the customer being able to honor those indemnity obligations. Both cases involved irregular activities by the
customer in relation to the handling of bills of lading. Legal action has been initiated by TORM in the United Kingdom and in India
against the customer and a number of individual owners and management representatives. During 2022 and 2023, we settled both of the
cargo claims. Failure to recover damages from claims could adversely affect our business although with an immaterial effect. TORM’s
mitigation activities include, but are not limited to, credit assessment of all customers and contract clauses requiring documentation of
the receiver stated in the bills of lading. TORM has adopted a policy that in some cases will require the customer to document that a
discharge to a party - other than the receiver/consignee stated in the bill of lading - is in agreement with such receiver/consignee.
We are subject to certain risks with respect to our counterparties on our newbuilding construction contracts, and the failure of
our counterparties to meet their obligations under our newbuilding contracts could cause us to suffer losses or otherwise
adversely affect our business.
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As of the date of this annual report, we do not have any contracts for newbuilding vessels, and we may enter into contracts for
newbuilding vessels in the future. Timely delivery of any newbuildings we may acquire in the future, are subject to our counterparties
meeting their obligations. We are therefore exposed to the risk of failure, cost overruns, delayed delivery, technical problems, quality or
engineering problems and other counterparty risks. A number of shipping construction companies have reportedly been experiencing
financial challenges. Any such financial challenges may affect operations and the timely delivery of newbuildings. Significant delays
could adversely affect our financial position, operating results, and cash flows. If we already committed to a third party the use of the
vessel upon construction completion, then we may breach such commitment and be subject to pay related damages, such as any
increased costs the counterparty pays to secure an alternate vessel to use. Additionally, failure to complete a project on time may result
in the delay of revenue from that vessel, and we may continue to incur costs and expenses related to delayed vessels, such as supervision
expenses. Furthermore, a cancellation due to financial difficulties or bankruptcy of a shipyard could imply that pre-delivery installments
are not recovered or are recovered only after long arbitration that can last occasionally several years.
Measures have been taken to supervise the quality of the work completed at the shipyard where our newbuildings are being constructed.
In the past we have obtained refund guarantees for the pre-delivery installments as security for pre-delivery installment payments paid.
We can provide no assurance that these, or any other measures we may take, will fully mitigate these risks, and any failure by a
counterparty to meet its obligations in relation to the newbuildings may result in delays or cancellations of the delivery of the
newbuildings, renegotiation of terms, delayed renewal of our product tanker fleet and consequent deterioration of our competitive
position, any of which may result in significant losses for us which could have a material adverse effect on our future performance,
results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
An inability to effectively time investments in and divestments of vessels could prevent the implementation of our business
strategy and negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Our strategy is to own and operate a fleet large enough to provide global coverage, but no larger than what the demand for our services
can support over a longer period by both contracting newbuildings and through acquisitions and disposals in the second-hand market.
Our business is greatly influenced by the timing of investments and/or divestments and contracting of newbuildings. If we are unable to
identify the optimal timing of such investments, divestments or contracting of newbuildings in relation to the shipping value cycle due
to capital restraints, this could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, future performance, results of operations, cash
flows and financial position.
An increase in operating costs would decrease our earnings and have a material adverse effect on our future performance,
results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Our vessel operating expenses include the costs of crew, provisions, deck and engine stores, insurance, security measures and
maintenance and repairs and lubricants. Those expenses depend on a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control and
subject to development in the market of the respective input. Voyage expenses include bunkers (fuel), port and canal charges. If our
vessels suffer damage, they may need to be repaired at a dry-docking facility. The costs of dry-dock repairs are unpredictable and can be
substantial. Some of these costs, primarily relating to insurance, crewing and enhanced security measures, have been increasing on a
relative basis and may increase further in the future. Increases in any of these expenses could decrease our earnings and available cash.
We may expand our fleet through the acquisition of secondhand vessels. When purchasing and managing second-hand vessels, we are
exposed to unforeseen operating costs and vessels off-hire. Second-hand vessels are typically acquired without a warranty period, and
while we generally inspect second-hand vessels prior to purchase, such inspections may not fully reveal the condition of the vessel. We
may therefore be required to perform repair and maintenance resulting in additional operating costs. Any such hidden defects or
problems, when detected may be expensive to repair, and if not detected, may result in accidents or other incidents for which we may
become liable to third parties.
A substantial portion of our revenues is derived from a limited number of customers, and the loss of any of these customers
could result in a significant loss of revenues and cash flow.
We currently derive substantially all of our revenues from a limited number of customers. During 2025, 20 customers accounted for
approximately 72% of our revenue. If these customers cease doing business or do not fulfill their obligations under the charters of our
vessels, due to the increasing financial pressure on these customers or otherwise, and we are not able to find a replacement charter, or if
we encounter any difficulties in our relationships with these charterers, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition
could be adversely affected.
We may not be able to meet our ongoing operations and working capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional
financing in the future on acceptable terms or at all.
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As of December 31, 2025, TORM had available liquidity including undrawn committed facilities of $562.3 million, comprising of cash
and cash equivalents including restricted cash of $163.5 million and undrawn committed credit facilities amounting to $398.8 million.
Restricted cash was $5.4 million.
If we do not generate sufficient cash flows from our operations to finance our ongoing operations and working capital needs, including
funding for, among other things, our newbuilding commitments, we may need to procure additional funding in the future in the public
or private equity or debt capital markets. Adequate sources of funding may not be available when needed or may not be available on
terms acceptable to us. Our ability to obtain such additional capital or financing will in part depend on prevailing market conditions as
well as the financial position of our business and our operating results, which may affect our efforts to arrange additional financing on
satisfactory terms. If new shares are issued, it may result in a dilution of the existing shareholders. There can be no assurance that we
will be able to maintain or obtain required loan or equity financing to meet any additional working capital or capital investment needs.
In line with industry practice, our suppliers provide us with short-term credit, or short-term supply credits, to purchase, among other
things, bunkers and other petroleum products. If our short-term supply credits are reduced or withdrawn, this could have a material
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
In addition, if available and satisfactory funding is insufficient at any time in the future, we may be unable to respond to competitive
pressures or customers’ requirements regarding vessel maintenance and fleet age or take advantage of business opportunities. Failure to
obtain additional financing at all or at a higher than anticipated cost could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position and could lead to bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings.
As our product tanker fleet ages, we are exposed to increased operating costs and decreased competitiveness, which could
adversely affect our earnings, and the risks associated with older vessels could adversely affect our ability to obtain profitable
charters.
In general, the costs to maintain a vessel in good operating condition increase with the age of the vessel. As of December 31, 2025, the
average age of our owned tanker fleet is approximately 12 years. As our fleet ages, we will incur increased costs. Older vessels are
typically less fuel-efficient and more costly to maintain than newer vessels due to improvements in engine technology, as well as
accumulated damage and wear. Cargo insurance rates also increase with the age of a vessel, making older vessels less desirable to
charterers. Governmental regulations, including environmental regulations, safety or other equipment standards related to the age of
vessels may require expenditures for alterations, or the addition of new equipment, to our vessels and may restrict the type of activities
in which our vessels may engage. As our vessels age, market conditions might not justify those expenditures or enable us to operate our
vessels profitably during the remainder of their useful lives.
If we do not set aside funds and are unable to borrow or raise funds for vessel replacement, we will be unable to replace the vessels in
our fleet upon the expiration of their remaining useful lives. Our cash flows and income are dependent on the revenues earned by the
chartering of our vessels. If we are unable to replace the vessels in our fleet upon the expiration of their useful lives, our business, results
of operations, financial condition and ability to pay dividends would be adversely affected. Any funds set aside for vessel replacement
will not be available for cash distributions and dividends.
Any failure to pass vessel inspections by classification societies and other private and governmental entities and operate our
vessels may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Poor performance in the new OCIMF inspection regime (SIRE 2.0) may cause TORM to experience a decline in tradability and
lead to additional vessel inspections.
Our vessels are subject to inspections from government and private entities, and we are required to obtain permits, licenses and
certificates for the operation of our vessels as well as vetting or other types of commercial and operational approvals. In addition, the
hull and machinery of every commercial vessel must be classed by a classification society authorized by the vessel’s country of registry.
Classification societies are non-governmental, self-regulating organizations and certify that a vessel is safe and seaworthy in accordance
with the applicable rules and regulations of the country of registry of the vessel. A vessel must undergo various mandatory surveys. A
vessel’s machinery may be on a continuous survey cycle, under which the machinery would be surveyed periodically over a five-year
period. The Company’s vessels are on survey cycles for hull inspection and continuous survey cycles for machinery inspection. Every
vessel is subject to statutory annual, intermediate and special surveys in a five-year cycle, this will include two surveys of the vessel’s
underwater areas. If any vessel fails any survey, the vessel may be unable to trade between ports and therefore be unemployable, which
may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. We could also be
in violation of provisions in our charters, insurance coverage, covenants in our loan agreements and ship registration requirements.
Our vessels also undergo inspections with a view towards compliance under the Ship Inspection Report Programme, or SIRE, and the
U.S. Coast Guard, or USCG, requirements. At the end of 2024, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum, or OCIMF,
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implemented a more comprehensive inspection process by introducing its Ship Inspection Report Program 2.0, or SIRE 2.0. This new
program facilitates a risk-based approach assessing the safety and quality of a vessel and its crew on an ongoing basis. TORM has
allocated appropriate resources for the new standards, and the implementation has progressed as planned and is operating effectively.
However, poor performance in these inspections may cause TORM to experience a decline in tradability and lead to additional vessel
inspections.
If we cannot meet our customers’ quality and compliance requirements, we may not be able to operate our vessels profitably.
Customers, and in particular those in the oil industry, have a high and increasing focus on quality and compliance standards with their
suppliers across the entire value chain, including the shipping and transportation segment. Our continuous compliance with these
standards and quality requirements is vital for the Company’s operations. Related risks could materialize in multiple ways, including a
sudden and unexpected breach in quality and/or compliance concerning one or more vessels, a continuous decrease in the quality
concerning one or more vessels occurring over time. Moreover, continuously increasing requirements from oil industry constituents can
further complicate our ability to meet the standards. Any non-compliance by the Company, either suddenly or over a period of time, on
one or more vessels, or an increase in requirements by oil operators above and beyond what we deliver, may have a material adverse
effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Obligations associated with being a U.S.-listed public company and internal control requirements require significant resources
and management attention, and we incur increased costs as a result of being a U.S.-listed public company.
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the other
rules and regulations of the SEC, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or Sarbanes-Oxley, and the listing and other requirements
of Nasdaq New York. The various financial and other reporting obligations place significant demands on our management,
administrative, operational and accounting resources and cause us to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we
would not otherwise incur. These rules and regulations increase our legal and financial compliance costs and may divert our Senior
Management Team’s attention to ensure compliance and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. We may need to
upgrade our systems or create new systems, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems and
procedures, create or outsource an internal audit function and hire additional accounting and finance staff. If we are unable to
accomplish these objectives in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with the financial reporting requirements and other
rules that apply to reporting companies could be impaired. We cannot accurately predict the amount of the additional costs we may
incur in the future, the timing of such costs or the degree of impact that our Senior Management Team's attention to these matters will
have on our business.
Sarbanes-Oxley requires, among other things, that we maintain and periodically evaluate our internal control over financial reporting as
well as disclosure controls and procedures. Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that our Senior Management Team assess
and report annually on the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting and identify any material weaknesses in our
internal controls over financial reporting. Compliance with Section 404(a) requires substantial accounting expenses and significant
management efforts. The costs of compliance with the foregoing requirement may have a material adverse effect on our future
performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Additionally, Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires
the external auditor to attest to, and report on, our Senior Management Team's assessment of our internal controls over financial
reporting, which will increase the overall cost of compliance. Evolving regulatory expectations, including new or amended Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, standards, such as the PCAOB’s Quality Control Standard QC 1000, which is
scheduled to take effect on December 15, 2026, may further increase the cost and complexity of compliance.
Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business,
prospects, liquidity, results of operations and financial condition. While we did not identify any material weaknesses or significant
deficiencies in our internal controls under the current assessment for the year ended December 31, 2025, we cannot be certain at this
time that our internal controls will be considered effective in future assessments and that our independent registered public accounting
firm would reach a similar conclusion. Furthermore, if we are unable to satisfy our obligations as a public company, we could be subject
to delisting of our Class A common shares from Nasdaq New York and/or Nasdaq Copenhagen, fines, sanctions and other regulatory
action.
Beginning with accounting periods starting on or after January 1, 2026, the updated United Kingdom Corporate Governance Code
introduces enhanced requirements under Provision 29, including board‑level monitoring and annual declarations of the effectiveness of
all material controls—financial, operational, reporting, and compliance‑related. These obligations will require continued strengthening
of our risk‑management and internal‑control framework, expanded control testing, and increased board oversight. Failure to comply
with these expanded governance expectations, or to provide the required disclosures in our annual report, could likewise expose us to
regulatory or reputational risks.
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The cumulative impact of these regulatory, governance, and reporting requirements may increase the overall cost of compliance and
divert resources from other strategic initiatives. We cannot accurately predict the future costs of compliance or the full extent of the
operational demands these obligations may impose.
Failure to obtain or retain highly skilled personnel, including key executives, key employees or key consultants, could adversely
affect our operations.
We require highly skilled personnel to operate our business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to attract and retain such
employees on reasonable terms in the future. Our ability to attract and retain employees and management in the future may be affected
by circumstances beyond our control. Competition for skilled and other labor required for our operations has increased in recent years as
the number of ocean-going vessels in the worldwide fleet has increased. If this expansion continues and is coupled with improved
demand for seaborne shipping services in general, shortages of qualified personnel could further create and intensify upward pressure on
wages and make it more difficult for us to staff and service vessels. In addition, we employ staff and vessel crews in a number of
countries, all of which are covered by international rules of employment. Changes are made on an ongoing basis to international rules of
employment and this may have a material influence on our flexibility in manning our vessels.
There can be no guarantee that the services of the current directors and Senior Management Team will be retained, or that suitably
skilled and qualified individuals can be identified and employed, which may adversely impact our ability to commercial and financial
performance. The loss of the services of any of the directors or other members of the Senior Management Team may have a material
adverse effect on our commercial and financial performance as well.
Such developments could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain qualified employees and members of the Senior Management
Team on reasonable terms in the future and, in turn, could adversely affect our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and
financial position.
U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a ‘‘passive foreign investment company’’, which could have adverse U.S. federal income
tax consequences to U.S. shareholders.
A foreign corporation will be treated as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes if either (1) at least 75% of its gross income for any
taxable year consists of certain types of ‘‘passive income’’ or (2) at least 50% of the average value of the corporation’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 and gains from the sale or exchange of investment property and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties which are
received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For the purposes of these tests, income
derived from the performance of services does not constitute ‘‘passive income’’. U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to certain
reporting obligations and 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 our current and proposed method of operation, we do not believe that we are or that we expect to become, a PFIC with respect
to any taxable year. In this regard, we intend to treat the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering and
voyage chartering activities as services income rather than rental income. Accordingly, we believe that our income from these activities
does not constitute ‘‘passive income’’, and the assets that we own and operate in connection with the production of that income do not
constitute assets that produce or are held for the production of “passive income”.
Although there is no direct legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our method of operation, there is substantial legal authority
supporting our position, consisting of the Code, legislative history, case law and United States Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS,
pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as services income for other
tax purposes. However, it should be noted that there is also authority that characterizes time charter income as rental income rather than
services income for other tax purposes. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the IRS or a court of law will accept our position,
and there is a risk that the IRS or a court of law could determine that we are a PFIC. Moreover, no assurance can be given that we would
not constitute a PFIC for any future taxable year if there were to be changes in the nature and extent of our operations or the
composition of our income or assets change. If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year, our U.S.
shareholders will face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences and will incur certain information reporting obligations that may
be onerous. Under the PFIC rules, unless those shareholders make an election available under the Code (which election could itself have
adverse tax consequences for such shareholders), such shareholders would be liable to pay U.S. federal income tax at the then prevailing
income tax rates on ordinary income plus interest upon excess distributions and upon any gain from the disposition of our common
shares, as if the excess distribution or gain had been recognized ratably over the shareholder’s holding period of the common shares.
Please see “Item 10. Additional Information—E. Taxation –U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Passive Foreign
Investment Company Status and Significant U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences” for a more comprehensive discussion.
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We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our earnings.
Under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, 50% of the gross shipping income of a vessel owning or
chartering corporation, such as ourselves and our subsidiaries, that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not
both begin and end, in the U.S. may be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction, unless that corporation
qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code or under the terms of a U.S. income tax treaty.
We and/or one or more of our subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “we” for purposes of this paragraph) may qualify for exemption
from tax under the terms of the U.S.-U.K. Income Tax Treaty or the U.S.-Denmark Income Tax Treaty. Whether we so qualify depends,
among other things, on whether we satisfy the Limitation on Benefits article of the applicable U.S. income tax treaty. In particular, we
would generally satisfy the Limitation on Benefits article if we can establish that we are engaged in the active conduct of a trade or
business in the U.K. or Denmark, whichever is applicable, our U.S. source shipping income is derived in connection with, or is
incidental to, such trade or business, and such trade or business activity in the applicable treaty jurisdiction is substantial in relation to
our trade or business activity in the U.S.. Given the legal and factual uncertainties in making the foregoing determination, there can be
no assurance that we will be able to qualify for exemption from tax under a U.S. income tax treaty, or that the IRS or a court of law will
agree with our determination in this regard.
If we or our subsidiaries are not entitled to the exemption under Section 883 of the Code or under the terms of a U.S. income tax treaty
for any taxable year, we and our subsidiaries would be subject to a 4% U.S. federal income tax on gross U.S. source shipping income
for such taxable year. The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on our business and result in decreased earnings
available for distribution to our shareholders. For example, if the benefits of Section 883 and the applicable U.S. income tax treaties
were unavailable for our taxable year ended December 31, 2025, we estimate that our U.S. federal income tax liability for such taxable
year would have increased by approximately $ 9.5 million, although our U.S. federal income tax liability for future taxable years would
vary depending upon the amount of U.S. source shipping income that we earn in each such year. See “Item 10. Additional Information
—E. Taxation—United States Federal Income Taxation of the Company” for a more comprehensive discussion.
Changes to the tonnage tax or the corporate tax regimes applicable to us, or to the interpretation thereof, may impact our
future operating results.
TORM is currently subject to tonnage tax schemes in Denmark, U.K. and the U.S. If our participation in the tonnage tax scheme is
abandoned, or if our level of investments and activities is significantly reduced (e.g. from significant or fully disposal of the Danish
owned fleet), we may have to pay, in part or in full, a non-current tax liability related to held over gains, which as of December 31, 2025
is $ 45.2 million.
Additional taxes may be payable as a result of a change in other tax laws of any country in which we operate or a change in complex tax
laws that affect our international operations.
In the event that tonnage tax schemes or other tax laws are changed in the future, our overall tax burden could increase, which could
have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Moreover, through our acquisition of Marine Exhaust Technology A/S, we are exposed to changes to the corporate tax regimes of
Denmark, China and Hong Kong.
Insurance may be difficult to obtain, or if obtained, may not be adequate to cover our losses that may result from our operations
due to the inherent operational risks of the product tanker industry.
We carry insurance to protect us against most of the accident-related risks involved in the conduct of our business, including marine hull
and machinery insurance, protection and indemnity insurance, which includes pollution risks, crew insurance and war risk insurance.
However, we may not be adequately insured to cover losses from our operational risks, which could have a material adverse effect on
us. Additionally, our insurers may refuse to pay particular claims and our insurance may be voidable by the insurers if we take, or fail to
take, certain action, such as failing to maintain certification of our vessels with applicable maritime regulatory organizations. Any
significant uninsured or under-insured loss or liability could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, cash
flows and financial condition and our available cash. In addition, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance coverage at
reasonable rates in the future during adverse insurance market conditions.
Changes in the insurance markets attributable to terrorist attacks may also make certain types of insurance more difficult for us to obtain
due to increased premiums or reduced or restricted coverage for losses caused by terrorist acts generally.
We may be subject to litigation that, if not resolved in our favor and not sufficiently insured against, could have a material
adverse effect on us.
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We and our activities are subject to both U.K. and foreign laws and regulations many of which include legal standards, which are
subject to interpretation, and we are party to agreements and transactions, involving matters of assessment of interests of various
stakeholders and valuation of assets, liabilities and contractual rights and obligations. Furthermore, we may be subject to the jurisdiction
of courts or arbitration tribunals in many different jurisdictions.
Our counterparties and other stakeholders or authorities may dispute our compliance with laws and regulations or contractual
undertakings or the assessments made by us in connection with our business and the entry into agreements or transactions. The outcome
of any such dispute or legal proceedings is inherently uncertain and may include payment of substantial amounts in legal fees and
damages or that a transaction or agreement is deemed invalid or voidable. Such proceedings or decisions could have a material adverse
effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. With respect to any litigation, our insurance
may not reimburse us or may not be sufficient to reimburse us for the expenses or losses we may suffer in contesting and concluding
such lawsuit. If cases or proceedings in which we may be involved are determined to our disadvantage, it may result in fines, default
under our debt facilities, damages or reputational damage and could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position.
Fluctuations in exchange rates and non-convertibility of currencies could result in losses to us.
As a result of our international operations, we are exposed to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates due to parts of our revenues being
received and operating expenses paid in currencies other than U.S, dollars. We use U.S. dollars as the functional currency because the
majority of the Company’s transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars. Thus, the Company’s exchange rate risk is related to cash
flows not denominated in U.S. dollars, and we have historically generated almost all revenues and incurred the majority part of our
expenses in U.S. dollars. The primary risk relates to transactions denominated in Danish Krone, or DKK, Euro, or EUR, Indian Rupee,
or INR, Singapore Dollar, or SGD, or other major currencies, which relate to administrative and operating expenses. Accordingly, we
may experience currency exchange losses if we have not fully hedged our exposure to a foreign currency. A change in exchange rates
could have a material adverse impact on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Investment in derivative instruments such as freight forward agreements could result in losses to us.
We use the derivative markets and take positions in derivative instruments, such as forward freight agreements, or FFAs, for the
purposes of hedging our exposure to fluctuations in the charter market, interest rates, foreign exchange rates and bunker prices. Our
financing agreements set forth limitations on our level of FFAs exposure and prohibit speculation on interest rates, foreign exchange and
bunker swaps. From time to time, we may take positions in such derivative instruments, and as a result we may incur derivative
exposure that could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position. If
liquidity in these derivative markets decreases or disappears, it could make it difficult or more expensive for us to perform such hedging,
which could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
U.S. and other non-U.K. holders of our Class A common shares may not be able to exercise pre-emptive subscription rights or
participate in future offerings.
Holders of our Class A common shares have certain pre-emption rights with respect to certain of our issuances unless those rights are
disapplied by virtue of a shareholder's resolution at a general meeting. Securities laws of certain jurisdictions may restrict the ability for
shareholders in such jurisdictions to participate in any future issuances of shares carried out on a pre-emptive basis. Shareholders
residing or domiciled in the U.S., as well as certain other countries, may not be able to exercise their pre-emption rights or participate in
future capital increases or securities issuances, including in connection with an offering below market value, unless we decide to comply
with local requirements and, in the case of the U.S., unless a registration statement is effective, or an exemption from the registration
requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, is available with respect to such rights.
In such cases, shareholders resident in such non-U.K. jurisdictions may experience a dilution of their shareholding, possibly without
such dilution being offset by any compensation received in exchange for subscription rights. No assurance can be given that local
requirements will be complied with or that any registration statement would be filed in the U.S. or other relevant jurisdictions, or that
another exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or laws of other relevant jurisdictions would apply, so as to
enable the exercise of such holders’ pre-emption rights or participation in any future securities issuances.
We may be exposed to fraudulent behavior, which may have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position.
The risk of fraud is inherent in all industries and is not specific to the shipping industry. However, historically, the shipping industry has
experienced an increased risk of fraud and fraudulent behavior. We have established a system of internal controls to prevent and detect
fraud and fraudulent behavior. However, there can be no assurance that our fraud prevention measures are sufficient to prevent or
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mitigate our exposure to fraud or fraudulent behavior in the future, and any such behavior can have a material adverse effect on our
future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Cybersecurity incidents can affect the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of our IT systems, and could negatively impact
our business, including our ability to service customers, and may have a material adverse effect on our compliance, reputation,
future performance, results of operations, cash flows, and financial position.
Information systems are vulnerable to security breaches by computer hackers and cyber terrorists. We rely on industry-accepted security
measures and technology to securely maintain confidential and proprietary information kept on our information systems. We employ a
24/7 Security Operations Center with real-time monitoring to detect and respond to potential cyber-attacks. In addition, we continuously
scan our systems for new vulnerabilities, conduct regular risk assessments and perform annual penetration tests to identify
vulnerabilities and evolving threats.
We have increased investments in our cybersecurity by establishing a dedicated IT Risk and Security team. These investments include,
but are not limited to, security solutions (e.g. a privileged access management solution), security services (e.g. 24/7 incident response
service), and user awareness training, such as phishing simulations.
Additionally, there continues to be significant evolution and developments in the use of artificial intelligence technologies, including
generative artificial intelligence. As part of services provided by third-party application providers the risks are assessed as part of the
normal risk assessments. Internally, we deploy Microsoft CoPilot to a limited number of employees following a thorough training
program to ensure awareness and knowledge on the use of artificial intelligence, or AI. We have established a DTAT and AI team to
govern and integrate AI into our operations and implemental technical security protocols as part of the overall Microsoft security setup.
At this stage, we do not expect AI to cause increased risk to our industry or business.
Despite our preventive and detective IT security controls, there is no guarantee that these will prevent a cybersecurity incident from
occurring. For this reason, we have also created business continuity plans to allow our operations to continue for one week following a
cybersecurity incident where a majority of our IT services are compromised. Additionally, we have created disaster recovery plans to
ensure that we are capable to restore our critical IT services following a cybersecurity attack. All plans and procedures are being
reviewed and tested on an annual basis. Our assessment shows that the potential loss of revenue from a cybersecurity attack that would
cause a two-week compromise on our systems would be considered minor.
As of the date of this annual report, we have not experienced any material cybersecurity incident which would be disclosable under SEC
guidelines. We are also not aware of any material risks from cybersecurity threats that are reasonably likely to materially affect the
Company, including our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition.
For additional information on our cybersecurity policies, please see "Item 16K. Cybersecurity."
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness
We have a significant amount of financial debt and servicing our current or future indebtedness limits funds available for other
corporate purposes.
As of December 31, 2025, we had interest-bearing debt, which includes mortgage debt and bank loans, finance lease liabilities net of
loan receivables of $1,011.9 million and cash and cash equivalents, including restricted cash, of $163.5 million. Net debt totaled $848.4
million.
We may also incur additional debt in the future. This level of debt could adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing for
working capital or other capital expenditures on favorable terms. Future creditors may subject us to certain limitations on our business
and future financing activities as well as certain financial and operational covenants. Such restrictions may prevent us from taking
actions that otherwise might be deemed to be in the best interest of us and our shareholders.
In January 2024, we issued five-year senior unsecured bonds of $200 million, or the Bonds. The Bonds will carry a fixed coupon of
8.25%, payable semi-annually. We used the net proceeds from the issuance of the Bonds to partly finance the acquisition of five of the
eight LR2 eco vessels announced in November 2023 and for general corporate purposes. Each potential investor in the Bonds must
determine the suitability of that investment in light of its own circumstances. In particular, each potential investor should: (i) have
sufficient knowledge and experience to make a meaningful evaluation of the Bonds; (ii) have access to and knowledge of the
appropriate analytical tools to evaluate an investment in the Bonds; (iii) have sufficient financial resources and liquidity to bear the risks
associated with investment in the Bonds; (iv) understand the terms of the Bonds and the behavior of the relevant financial markets; and
(v) be able to evaluate possible scenarios for economic interest rate and other factors that may affect its investment. Our ability to make
scheduled payments on or to refinance its obligations under the Bonds will depend upon our financial and operating performance, which
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in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial and business factors, many of which may be
beyond the Issuer's control.
Debt service obligations require us and will require us in the future to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to
payments on principal and interest on our interest-bearing debt, which could limit our ability to obtain additional financing, make capital
expenditures and acquisitions and/or carry out other general corporate activities in the future. Any such obligations may also limit our
flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry where we operate or detract from our ability to
successfully withstand a downturn in our business or the economy in general.
Our ability to service our debt will, among other things, depend on our future financial and operating performance, which will be
affected by prevailing economic conditions as well as financial, business, regulatory, competitive, technical and other factors, some of
which are beyond our control. If our cash flow is not sufficient to service our current or future indebtedness, we will be forced to take
action such as reducing or delaying business activities, acquisitions or investments, selling assets, restructuring or seeking additional
capital, which may not be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. We may not be able to effect any of these remedies on
satisfactory terms, without the consent of our existing lenders or at all. Additionally, a default under any indebtedness or other financial
agreement by a subsidiary may constitute an event of default under other borrowing arrangements pursuant to cross-default provisions.
Our inability to service and repay our debt upon maturity could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position and could lead to bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings.
Our financial and operational flexibility is restricted by the covenants contained in our debt facilities, and we may be unable to
comply with the restrictions and financial covenants imposed in such facilities.
Our current debt facilities impose restrictions on our financial and operational flexibility. Our debt facilities impose, and any future debt
facility may impose, covenants and other operating and financial restrictions on our ability to, among other things, pay dividends,
charter-in vessels, incur additional debt, sell vessels or refrain from procuring the timely release of arrested vessels. Our debt facilities
require us to maintain various financial ratios, including a specified minimum liquidity requirement, a minimum equity requirement and
a collateral maintenance requirement. Our ability to comply with these restrictions and covenants is dependent on our future
performance and our ability to operate our fleet and may be affected by events beyond our control, including fluctuating vessel values.
We may therefore need to seek permission from our lenders in order to engage in certain corporate actions. Our lenders’ and other
financing counterparties’ interests may differ from ours and we may not be able to obtain their permission when needed. Such
restrictions may prevent us from taking actions that otherwise might be deemed to be in the best interest of the Company and our
shareholders, and it may further affect our ability to operate our business moving forward, particularly our ability to incur debt, make
capital expenditures or otherwise take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise.
Failure to comply with the covenants and financial and operational restrictions under our debt facilities may lead to an event of default
under those agreements. An event of default may lead to an acceleration of the repayment of debt and/or foreclosure on the collateral
securing the debt. In addition, any default or acceleration under our existing debt facilities or agreements governing our other existing or
future indebtedness is likely to lead to an acceleration of the repayment of debt under any other debt instruments that contain cross-
acceleration or cross-default provisions. If all or a part of our indebtedness is accelerated, we may not be able to repay that indebtedness
or borrow sufficient funds to refinance that debt, which could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of
operations, cash flows and financial position and could lead to bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings.
As of December 31, 2025, we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our debt facilities.
Volatility of interest rate benchmarks under our financing agreements could affect our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
As certain of our current financing agreements have, and our future financing arrangements may have, floating interest rates, typically
based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR, movements in interest rates could negatively affect our financial
performance.
In order to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations under SOFR or any other variable interest rate, we have a financial policy
in place outlining minimum level of hedging. No assurance can however be given that the use of these derivative instruments, if any,
may effectively protect us from adverse interest rate movements. The use of interest rate derivatives may affect our results through mark
to market valuation of these derivatives. Also, adverse movements in interest rate derivatives may require us to post cash as collateral,
which may impact our free cash position.
Volatility in applicable interest rates among our financing agreements presents a number of risks to our business, including potential
increased borrowing costs for future financing agreements or unavailability of or difficulty in attaining financing, which could in turn
have an adverse effect on our profitability, earnings and cash flow.
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Change of control and mandatory repayment provisions contained in certain of our debt facilities may lead to a foreclosure of
our vessels.
The terms of certain of our debt facilities require us to repay the outstanding borrowings thereunder in full if there is a change of control.
A change of control occurs if any person or group acting in concert obtains direct or indirect control of the Company, including the
ability to cast more than 50% of voting rights, appoint or remove a majority of the Board of Directors, direct our operating or financial
policies, or beneficially own more than 50% of our share capital. Such a change may result from a sale of shares by existing
shareholders or a capital increase that dilutes current ownership. Because our major shareholders are not restricted from selling their
shares, we cannot assure that they will retain their positions. Any mandatory repayment triggered by a change of control could lead to
foreclosure on all or part of our fleet and could materially and adversely affect our operations, liquidity, and financial condition,
potentially resulting in insolvency.
Risks Relating to an Investment in Our Class A Common Shares
The majority of our Class A common shares are held by a limited number of shareholders, which may create conflicts of
interest.
A large portion of our Class A common shares are beneficially held by a limited number of shareholders, including Njord Luxco, a
company affiliated with Oaktree and its affiliates and Hafnia Limited, or Hafnia. Oaktree owns 26,425,059 Class A common shares, or
approximately 26.08% of our issued and outstanding Class A common shares and Hafnia owns 14,156,061 Class A common shares, or
approximately 13.97% of our issued and outstanding Class A common shares. One or a limited number of shareholders may have the
ability, either acting alone or together as a group, to influence or determine the outcome of specific matters submitted to our
shareholders for approval, including the election and removal of directors, the execution of mergers or other strategic transactions, and
amendments to the Articles of Association such as changes to our issued share capital or any merger or acquisition. Our Articles of
Association contain certain restrictions on us undertaking certain actions unless the approval by certain of our directors and/or a
particular majority of our shareholders is obtained. Such restrictions may hamper or impede our ability to take certain corporate actions
in a timely manner or at all. Any changes to the composition of the Board of Directors may lead to material changes to our business
going forward.
An active and liquid market for our Class A common shares may not develop or be sustained.
TORM plc’s Class A common shares trade on both Nasdaq New York and Nasdaq Copenhagen. Active and liquid trading markets
generally result in lower bid ask spreads and more efficient execution of buy and sell orders for market participants. Since the listing of
our Class A common shares on Nasdaq New York, a limited number of our Class A common shares have traded on Nasdaq New York.
If a more active trading market for our Class A common shares does not develop, the price of the Class A common shares may be more
volatile, and it may be more difficult and time-consuming to complete a transaction in the Class A common shares, which could have an
adverse effect on the realized price of the Class A common shares, or we could be delisted from Nasdaq New York. We cannot predict
the price at which our Class A common shares will trade and cannot guarantee investors can sell their shares at or above the issuance
price. There is no assurance that a more active and liquid trading market for our Class A common shares will develop or be sustained in
the U.S..
We cannot guarantee that our Board of Directors will declare dividends.
Our Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, from time to time, declare and pay cash dividends in accordance with our Articles of
Association, applicable law and in accordance with loan agreements. We can only distribute dividends to shareholders out of funds
legally available for such payments. Our Board of Directors makes determinations regarding the payment of dividends in its sole
discretion, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to or decide to pay dividends to shareholders in the future. Pursuant to our
distribution policy, we intend to distribute on a quarterly basis excess liquidity above a fixed threshold cash level as at the balance sheet
day. For each quarter, the threshold cash level will be determined as the product of cash requirement per vessel and the number of
owned and leased vessels in our fleet as at the balance sheet day. Excess liquidity is determined as our readily available liquidity less the
threshold cash level. The cash requirement per vessel has been fixed at: $1.8 million since September 30, 2022. Any changes to our
dividend policy could adversely affect the market price of our common shares. For a description of the amended distribution policy
approved by the Board of Directors on March 7, 2024, please see “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and
Other Financial Information—Distribution Policy”.
In addition, the markets in which we operate our vessels are volatile, and we cannot predict with certainty the amount of cash, if any,
that will be available for distribution as dividends in any period. We may also incur expenses or liabilities or be subject to other
26
circumstances in the future that reduce or eliminate the amount of cash that we have available for distribution as dividends, including as
a result of the risks described herein. If additional financing is not available to us on acceptable terms, our Board of Directors may
determine to finance or refinance acquisitions with cash from operations, which would reduce the amount of any cash available for the
payment of dividends. See “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Distribution
Policy”.
Additional factors that could affect our ability to pay dividends include statutory and contractual limitations on the ability of our
subsidiaries to pay dividends to us, including under current or future debt arrangements, economic conditions, including macroeconomic
impacts on our business and financial condition, such as inflationary pressure, and other factors the Board of Directors may deem
relevant.
We may issue additional securities without shareholder approval, which may dilute ownership interests of existing shareholders
and may depress the market of our securities.
We may issue additional securities of equal or senior rank to existing securities, without shareholder approval, in a number of
circumstances. At the Company’s 2024 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders, our Board of Directors was granted certain
authorizations to increase our issued share capital, both with and without pre-emption rights to the existing shareholders. These share
authorities expire on April 10, 2029.
The issuance by us of additional securities of equal or senior rank to existing securities may have the following effects:
•our existing shareholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us may decrease;
•the amount of cash available for dividends or interest payments may decrease;
•the relative voting strength of previously issued outstanding securities may be diminished; and
•the market price of our securities may decline.
In accordance with our remuneration policy, our Board of Directors has, as part of the long-term incentive program, or the LTIP,
granted certain members of our management and employees Restricted Share Units, or RSUs, in the form of restricted stock options.
The RSUs aim at incentivizing the employees to seek to improve the performance of the Company and thereby our share price for the
mutual benefit of themselves and our shareholders. There was an aggregate of 4,856,527 RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2025.
Subject to vesting, each RSU entitles the holder to acquire one Class A common share. The RSUs will vest over a three-year period
from the grant date with an original exercise price for each Class A common share of DKK 136.3, 204.5 or 153.2, depending on the year
that the RSUs were granted. In 2025, an incentive program was granted on similar terms as outlined above with the exceptions that the
strike price for these RSUs is set to one U.S. cent and that all the RSUs will vest on October 1, 2028. Vested RSUs may be exercised for
a period of 360 days from each vesting date. The exercise price on the RSUs may be adjusted by the Board of Directors to reflect
dividend payments made to shareholders. Assuming full vesting and exercise of RSUs outstanding as of December 31, 2025, this would
result in the issuance of 4,856,527 additional Class A common shares representing approximately 4.79% of our issued and outstanding
Class A common shares. Please see “Item 10. Additional Information-A. Share Capital-Restricted Share Units”.
Our share price may be highly volatile, and future sales of our Class A common shares could cause the market price of our
Class A common shares to decline.
The market price of TORM plc’s shares, has historically fluctuated over a wide range and may continue to fluctuate significantly in
response to many factors, such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results, changes in financial estimates by securities
analysts, economic and regulatory trends, general market conditions, rumors and other factors, many of which are beyond our control.
Both the broader equity markets and the shipping sector have experienced periods of elevated volatility, at times not fully reflecting the
underlying operating performance of individual companies. If the volatility in the market continues or worsens, it could have a material
adverse effect on the market price of our Class A common shares and impact a potential sale price if holders of our Class A common
shares decide to sell their shares.
In addition, a large proportion of our Class A common shares are held by a limited number of shareholders. A potentially limited free
float due to shareholder concentration may have a negative impact on the liquidity of our Class A common shares and may result in a
low trading volume, which could have an adverse effect on the market price and result in increased volatility.
Further, future sales or availability for sale of our Class A common shares may materially affect the price of our Class A common
shares. Sales of substantial amounts of Class A common shares, including sales by Njord Luxco or Hafnia, or the perception that such
sales could occur, may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common shares.
27
In addition, the market price and trading volume of our Class A common shares have very recently and at certain other times in the past
exhibited, and may continue to exhibit, high volatility, including within a single trading day. A proportion of our common shares may
be traded by short sellers which may put pressure on the supply and demand for our Class A common shares, creating further price
volatility. In particular, a possible “short squeeze” due to a sudden increase in demand of our common shares that largely exceeds
supply may lead to sudden extreme price volatility in our Class A common shares. Investors may purchase our common shares to hedge
existing exposure in our common shares or to speculate on the price of our common shares. Speculation on the price of our common
shares may involve long and short exposures. To the extent aggregate short exposure exceeds the number of common shares available
for purchase in the open market, investors with short exposure may have to pay a premium to repurchase our common shares for
delivery to lenders of our common shares. Those repurchases may in turn, dramatically increase the price of our common shares until
investors with short exposure are able to purchase additional common shares to cover their short position. This is often referred to as a
“short squeeze.” Following such a short squeeze, once investors purchase the shares necessary to cover their short position, the price of
our common shares may rapidly decline. A short squeeze could lead to volatile price movements in our shares that are not directly
correlated to the performance or prospects of our company and could cause purchasers of our common shares to incur substantial losses.
In addition, some companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their common shares have been subject to securities
class-action litigation. If instituted against us, such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention
and resources, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and growth prospects.
There can be no guarantee that the price of our common shares will remain at or rise above its post-distribution level or that future sales
of our common shares will not be at prices lower than those initially distributed or sold to investors.
We are thus unable to predict when such instances of trading volatility will occur or how long such dynamics may last. Therefore, we
cannot assure you that you will be able to sell any of our Class A common shares you may have purchased at a price greater than or
equal to its original purchase price, or that you will be able to sell our common shares at all.
Future issuances and sales of our Class A common shares could cause the market price of our Class A common shares to
decline.
As of the date of this annual report, our issued (and fully paid up) share capital is $1,013,327.07, which is represented by 101,332,707
Class A common shares. Issuances and sales of a substantial number of Class A common shares in the public market, or the perception
that these issuances or sales could occur, may depress the market price for our Class A common shares. Such sales could also impair our
ability to raise additional capital through the sale of our equity securities in the future. Our shareholders may incur dilution from any
future equity offering.
Risks Related to Being an English Company Listing Class A Common Shares
The rights of our shareholders may differ from the rights typically offered to shareholders of a U.S. corporation organized in
Delaware.
We are incorporated under the laws of England and Wales. The rights of holders of our Class A common shares are governed by
English law, including the provisions of the U.K. Companies Act 2006, or the UK Companies Act, and by our Articles of Association.
These rights may differ in certain respects from the rights of shareholders in typical U.S. corporations organized in Delaware. The
principal differences are set forth in “Description of Class A Common Shares” contained in Exhibit 2.4 to this annual report.
We are subject to the UK Bribery Act, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and potentially other anti-corruption laws that
apply in the countries where we do business, as well as export control laws, customs laws, sanctions laws and other laws
impacting our operations. If we fail to comply with these laws, we could be subject to civil or criminal penalties, other remedial
measures and legal expenses, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operations are subject to anti-corruption laws, including the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA, as amended, and potentially other anti-
corruption laws that apply in countries where we do business. We and our commercial partners operate in a number of jurisdictions that
may pose a risk of potential UK Bribery Act or FCPA violations, and we participate in collaborations and relationships with third parties
whose actions could potentially subject us to liability under the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA, or other anti-corruption laws. In addition,
we cannot predict the nature, scope or effect of future regulatory requirements to which our internal operations might be subject or the
manner in which existing laws might be administered or interpreted.
We are also subject to other laws and regulations governing our international operations, including regulations administered by the
governments of the United Kingdom and the U.S., and authorities in the European Union, including applicable export controls,
28
economic sanctions, customs requirements, anti-boycott requirements, and currency exchange regulations (collectively, “Trade Control
Laws.
While we maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with applicable anti-corruption laws and Trade
Control Laws, there is no assurance that we will be completely effective in ensuring our compliance with all applicable anti-corruption
laws (including the UK Bribery Act or the FCPA) or other legal requirements, including Trade Control Laws. If we are not in
compliance with the UK Bribery Act, the FCPA and/or other anti-corruption laws or Trade Control Laws, we may be subject to criminal
and civil penalties, disgorgement and other sanctions, remedial measures and legal expenses, which could have an adverse impact on
our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. Likewise, any investigation of any potential violations of the UK
Bribery Act, the FCPA, other anti-corruption laws or Trade Control Laws by the United Kingdom, the U.S. or other authorities could
also have a material adverse impact on our reputation, our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
U.S. investors may have difficulty enforcing civil liabilities against the Company, our directors or members of our Senior
Management Team and the experts named in the Company's annual report.
We are incorporated under the laws of England and Wales, and our executive offices are located outside of the U.S.. Our officers and
the majority of our directors reside outside the U.S., and all or a substantial portion of our assets and the assets of such persons are
located outside the U.S.. As a result, it may be difficult for you to serve legal process on us or our directors or officers or have any of
them appear in a U.S. court, or enforcing any judgments obtained in U.S. courts to the extent assets located in the U.S. are insufficient to
satisfy the judgments. The U.S. and the United Kingdom do not currently have a treaty providing for the recognition and enforcement of
judgments, other than arbitration awards, in civil and commercial matters. The enforceability of any judgment of a U.S. federal or state
court in England will depend on the laws and any treaties in effect at the time, including conflicts of laws principles (such as those
bearing on the question of whether an English court would recognize the basis on which a U.S. court had purported to exercise
jurisdiction over a defendant). In this context, there is doubt as to the enforceability in England of civil liabilities based solely on the
federal securities laws of the U.S.. In addition, awards for punitive damages in actions brought in the U.S. or elsewhere may be
unenforceable in the England. An award for monetary damages under the U.S. securities laws would likely be considered punitive if it
did not seek to compensate the claimant for loss or damage suffered and was intended to punish the defendant.
Civil liabilities based upon the securities and other laws of the U.S. may not be enforceable in original actions instituted in
England or in actions instituted in England to enforce judgments of U.S. courts.
Civil liabilities based upon the securities and other laws of the U.S. may not be enforceable in original actions instituted in England or in
actions instituted in England to enforce judgments of U.S. courts. Actions for the enforcement of judgments of U.S. courts might be
successful only if the English court confirms the jurisdiction of the U.S. court and is satisfied that:
•the effect of the enforcement judgment is not manifestly incompatible with English public policy or natural justice;
•the judgment was not obtained on the basis of fraud;
•the judgment did not violate the human rights of the defendant;
•the judgment is final and conclusive;
•the judgment is not incompatible with a judgment rendered in England or with a subsequent judgment rendered abroad that
might be enforced in England;
•a claim was not filed outside England after the same claim was filed in England, while the claim filed in England is still
pending;
•the judgment was not obtained on the basis of fraud;
•the English courts did not have jurisdiction to rule on the matter; and
•the judgment submitted to the English court is authentic.
English law and provisions in our Articles of Association may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage an acquisition of
us by others, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our shareholders, and may prevent attempts by our shareholders to
replace or remove our current Senior Management Team.
Certain provisions of English law and our Articles of Association may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of
us or changes in our Senior Management Team. For example, English law and our Articles of Association include provisions that
establish an advance notice procedure for shareholder approvals to be brought before a general meeting of our shareholders, including
proposed nominations of persons for election to our Board of Directors. Such provisions could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and
changes in control or changes in our Senior Management Team. In addition, these provisions may adversely affect the market price of
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our Class A common shares or inhibit fluctuations in the market price of our Class A common shares that could otherwise result from
actual or rumored takeover attempts.
The United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, or the UK Takeover Code, does not currently apply to the Company. If at
the time of a takeover offer the UK Takeover Code would apply, we would be subject to a number of rules and restrictions, including -
but not limited to - the following: (i) our ability to enter into deal protection arrangements with a bidder would be extremely limited; (ii)
we might not, without the approval of our shareholders, be able to perform certain actions that could have the effect of frustrating an
offer, such as issuing shares or carrying out acquisitions or disposals; and (iii) we would be obliged to provide equality of information to
all bona fide competing bidders.
Changing laws and evolving reporting requirements could have an adverse effect on our business.
We are subject to data protection laws under United Kingdom legislation, and any breaches of such legislation could adversely affect
our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition. Our ability to obtain, retain and otherwise manage personal data is
governed by data protection and privacy requirements and regulatory rules and guidance. In the United Kingdom, we must comply with
the Data Protection Act 2018 in relation to processing certain personal data. The application of data privacy laws is often uncertain, and
as business practices are challenged by regulators, private litigants and consumer protection agencies, it is possible that these laws may
be interpreted and applied in a manner that is inconsistent with our data protection practices. Additionally, under European data
protection laws, distributing personal data into the U.S. may constitute an offense. Any breaches of such legislation could have a
material adverse effect on our business, reputation, results of operations and financial condition. For more information on our
cybersecurity policies, please see "Item 16K. Cybersecurity."
Pre-emption rights for U.S. and other non-United Kingdom holders of shares may be unavailable.
In the case of certain increases in our issued share capital, under English law, existing holders of shares are entitled to pre-emption
rights to subscribe for such shares, unless shareholders disapply such rights by a special resolution at a shareholders’ meeting. These
pre-emption rights have been disapplied by TORM plc’s shareholders in respect of certain new issuances, see “Item 10. Additional
Information—A. Share Capital”, and we shall propose equivalent resolutions in the future once the initial period of disapplication has
expired. In any event, U.S. Holders of common shares in United Kingdom companies are customarily excluded from exercising any
such pre-emption rights they may have, unless a registration statement under the Securities Act is effective with respect to those rights,
or an exemption from the registration requirements thereunder is available. We do not intend to file any such registration statement, and
we cannot assure prospective U.S. investors that any exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act or applicable
non-U.S. securities laws would be available to enable U.S. or other non-United Kingdom holders to exercise such pre-emption rights or,
if available, that we will utilize any such exemption.
Our tax liabilities may change in the future.
While we believe that being incorporated in England and Wales and resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom should help us
maintain a competitive worldwide effective corporate tax rate, we cannot give any assurance as to what our effective tax rate will be.
This is, among other things, because of uncertainties regarding the tax policies of all the jurisdictions where we operate our business and
uncertainties regarding the application to our structure, which is complex, of the tax laws of various jurisdictions, including, without
limitation, Denmark, the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Because of this uncertainty, our actual effective tax rate may vary from our
expectation and that variance could be material. The G20 and the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development are
currently focused on the taxation of multinational corporations as part of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project, or BEPS. The
implementation of BEPS outcomes in the jurisdictions in which we operate may have an impact on our effective tax rate, which, in turn,
could have a material adverse effect on our future performance, results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could materially and adversely affect the taxes we pay, results of operations
and financial results.
We are subject to income and other taxes in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, and our results of operations and financial results may be
affected by tax and other initiatives around the world. For instance, there is a high level of uncertainty in today’s tax environment
stemming from global initiatives put forth by the OECD two-pillar base erosion and profit shifting project. In October 2021, members of
the OECD put forth two proposals: (i) Pillar One reallocates profit to the market jurisdictions where sales arise versus physical presence;
and (ii) Pillar Two compels multinational corporations with €750 million or more in annual revenue to pay a global minimum tax of
15% on income received in each country in which they operate. The reforms aim to level the playing field between countries by
discouraging them from reducing their corporate income taxes to attract foreign business investment. Over 140 countries agreed to enact
the two-pillar solution to address the challenges arising from the digitalization of the economy and, in 2024, these guidelines were
declared effective and must now be enacted by those OECD member countries.
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We are subject to Pillar Two as of January 1, 2024 as our revenue exceeded the threshold of €750 million in 2022 and 2023. As the
majority of our companies’ revenue consists of shipping income, it is assessed that this income will be excluded from the Global Anti-
Base Erosion, or GloBE, income with reference to the shipping carveout described in Article 3.3 of the model rules.
Based on our fiscal year for 2025, we have prepared a preliminary Transitional Country-by-Country Reporting, or CbCR, Safe Harbor
assessment concluding that we expect to be eligible for the Transitional CbCR Safe Harbor in a majority of jurisdictions in which we are
present. As of December 31, 2025, the calculated top-up tax does not have a material impact on our financial results.
TORM plc and certain of its subsidiaries have entered and may in the future enter into internal agreements which must be at
market value or on terms no more favorable than would have been agreed if the transaction was not conducted on an intra-
group basis.
We have global operations, and the functions related to owning and operating a global scale product tanker fleet are spread across
various subsidiaries, including crewing, technical maintenance, chartering and ownership of vessels. Cross-border business within our
foreign subsidiaries and TORM plc can be complicated. We will likely enter into further agreements by and among our subsidiaries on
the one hand and TORM plc on the other hand in the future. To ensure compliance with transfer pricing regulations, such transactions
must in general be conducted on arm’s length basis. We believe that these transactions are on arm’s length terms, but no assurance can
be given that we would not have been able to secure more favorable terms from third parties.
Regarding any cross-border transactions, we may face significant compliance challenges with the regulations and administrative
requirements around transfer pricing, as they differ from country to country. Tax authorities are increasingly sophisticated in the way
they operate and are focusing more closely on transfer pricing in companies that transact cross-border business.
The Danish Tax Authorities may challenge whether TORM plc is entitled to Danish withholding tax exemption on dividends
from TORM A/S.
TORM plc is a tax resident of the United Kingdom and owns 100% of the shares of TORM A/S and should be entitled to the benefit of
the double tax treaty entered into between Denmark and the United Kingdom. The double tax treaty reduces dividend withholding tax to
nil for wholly-owned subsidiaries (where the relevant conditions are satisfied). In order for the double tax treaty to apply, TORM plc
must be considered the beneficial owner of the dividends and must not be subject to Danish anti-abuse rules.
The Danish tax authorities have, in a binding ruling from May 2024, confirmed that a non-Danish holding company, located in a state
with whom Denmark has a double tax treaty, was the beneficial owner of a dividend distribution from a Danish subsidiary. In their
ruling, the Danish tax authorities emphasized that the dividend received was not in any way determined or pre-determined to be
distributed further up the chain from the non-Danish company.
We believe that the group structure, the level of business activity carried out in the United Kingdom by TORM plc, the economic risk of
TORM plc and TORM plc’s right to dispose of dividends received and that no part of the dividend from TORM A/S to TORM plc is
pre-determined to be distributed up the chain from TORM plc, justify that TORM plc is the beneficial owner of dividends received from
TORM A/S, that TORM plc is not a conduit entity and that Danish anti-abuse rules should not apply.
Consequently, we believe that dividends distributed from TORM A/S to TORM plc should be exempt from Danish dividend
withholding tax according to the double tax treaty entered into between Denmark and the United Kingdom (so long as a claim is made
and the treaty relief is granted). If all of the applicable conditions in the double tax treaty between the United Kingdom and Denmark are
not fulfilled, Danish withholding taxes of 27% (potentially reduced to 22%) will be triggered on such dividend distributions.