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LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2023
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS  
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

14 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

On December 14, 2022, a sub-charterer of the Genco Constellation asserted a claim for monetary losses in connection with alleged delays of the loading of their cargo, short loading, or both at the port of Longkou, China. Hizone Group Co. Ltd (“Hizone”) had sub-chartered the vessel from SCM Cooperation Limited, which had subchartered the vessel from BG Shipping Co. Limited, which in turn had chartered the vessel from us. A dispute arose due to the need to restow the cargo to ensure the safety of the crew and the vessel. Following the vessel’s arrival at Tema Harbour in Ghana, Hizone petitioned the Superior Court of Judicature to have the vessel arrested in connection with a claim alleging damages. The petition was granted on December 14, 2022 and although Genco offered security to release the vessel shortly thereafter, the vessel was only released at the end of February 2023. Moreover, Hizone petitioned the Superior Court of Judicature to have the vessel arrested again on February 2, 2023 on an allegedly different claim. The vessel was not generating revenue while it was subject to arrest. The Company believes that these claims are without merit and has valid defenses against them and is vigorously defending them while continuing to seek reimbursement of damages arising from the arrest of the vessel, including the recovery of lost revenue while arrested and reimbursement of legal fees. The Company obtained security from BG Shipping Co. Limited and has begun the process of arbitration proceedings.

From time to time, the Company may be subject to other legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of its business, principally personal injury and property casualty claims. Such claims, even if lacking merit, could result in the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. The Company is not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that it believes will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material effect on the Company, its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.