XML 19 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.24.4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES This summary of significant accounting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries is presented to assist in understanding the Company’s consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and have been applied in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. Basis of Presentatio n The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP"). The accompanying consolidated financial statements present separately our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, and changes in shareholders’ equity. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior periods to conform to current period presentation. Principles of Consolidation The purpose of consolidated financial statements is to present the financial position and results of operations of a company and its subsidiaries as if the group were a single company. The first step in the Company’s consolidation policy is to determine whether an entity is to be evaluated for potential consolidation based on its outstanding voting interests or its variable interests. Accordingly, the Company first determines whether the entity is a Variable Interest Entity (“VIE”) pursuant to the provisions of ASC 810-10. If the entity is a VIE, consolidation is based on the entity’s variable interests and not its outstanding voting shares. If the entity is not determined to be a VIE, the Company evaluates the entity based on its outstanding voting interests. Amounts pertaining to the non-controlling interests and redeemable noncontrolling interests held by third parties in the financial position and operating results of the Company’s subsidiaries and/or consolidated VIEs are reported as non-controlling interest and redeemable noncontrolling interests in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As part of the Company’s consolidation process, all intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the percentage completion of spot voyages, the establishment of the allowance for doubtful accounts and the estimate of salvage value used in determining vessel depreciation expense. Revenue Recognition Voyage revenues represent revenues earned by the Company, principally from providing transportation services under voyage charters. A voyage charter involves the carriage of a specific amount and type of cargo on a load port to discharge port basis, subject to various cargo handling terms. Under a voyage charter, the service revenues are earned and recognized ratably over the duration of the voyage. Estimated losses under a voyage charter are provided for in full at the time such losses become probable. The voyage contract generally has standard payment terms of 95% freight paid within three days after completion of loading. Demurrage, which is included in voyage revenues, represents payments by the charterer to the vessel owner when loading and discharging time exceed the stipulated time in the voyage charter. The voyage charter party generally has a “demurrage” or “despatch” clause. As per this clause, the charterer reimburses the Company for any potential delays exceeding the allowed laytime as per the charter party clause at the ports visited which is recorded as demurrage revenue. Conversely, the charterer is given credit if the loading/discharging activities happen within the allowed laytime known as despatch resulting in a reduction in revenue. In a voyage charter contract, the performance obligations begin to be satisfied once the vessel begins loading the cargo. The demurrage and despatch represent variable consideration which is estimated at contract inception. Voyage revenue recognized is presented net of address commissions. Charter revenues relate to a time charter arrangement under which the Company is paid to provide transportation services on a per day basis for a specified period of time. Revenues from time charters are earned and recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter, as the charters do not fall under the scope of ASC 606. Revenue is not earned when vessels are offhire. Costs incurred in fulfillment of a contract that meet certain criteria are deferred and recognized when or as the related performance obligations are satisfied. The contract fulfillment costs consist primarily of the fuel consumption that is incurred by the Company from the latter of the end of the previous vessel employment and the contract date until the arrival at the loading port in addition to any port expenses incurred prior to arrival at the load port, as well as any charter hire expenses for third party vessels that are chartered-in. The fuel consumption and any port expenses incurred prior to arrival at the load port during this period are capitalized and recorded in Bunker inventory and Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets, respectively in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized ratably over the total transit time of the voyage from arrival at the loading port until the vessel departs from the discharge port and expensed as part of Voyage expense. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recognized $2.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively, of deferred costs which represents bunker expenses and charter hire expenses incurred prior to commencement of loading. These costs are recorded in Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are expensed as part of Voyage expense and Charter hire expense. Similarly, for any third party vessels that are chartered-in, the charter hire expenses during this period are capitalized and recorded in Advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are expensed as part of Charter hire expense. The performance obligations under our contracts are transportation services, which are received and consumed by our customers over time, as we perform the services. Revenues are recognized using the input method, proportionate to the days elapsed since the service commencement compared to the total days anticipated to complete the service. Under the ASC 606 revenue recognition standard, voyage revenue is recognized over the period between load port and discharge port. Costs to fulfill contracts for voyages for which loading has not commenced are recognized as assets and amortized pro rata over the period between load and discharge. Costs to obtain a contract are expensed as incurred, as provided by a practical expedient, since all such costs are expected to be amortized over less than one year. Assets and liabilities related to our voyage contracts with customers are reported on a contract-by-contract basis at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets also include accounts receivable for amounts billed and currently due from customers, which are reported at their net estimated realizable value. The Company maintains reserves against its accounts receivable for potential credit losses, which were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Other contract assets include accrued receivables which arise when revenue is recognized in advance of billing for certain voyage contracts and hire paid to ship-owners in advance. Contract liabilities consist of deferred revenue which arises when amounts are billed to or collected from customers in advance of revenue recognition and are recognized within twelve months of the balance sheet date. In a stevedore service contract, the Company is paid to provide cargo handling services on a per unit basis for a specified quantity of cargo. The consideration in such a contract is determined on the basis of a rate per unit of cargo handled. The contract may contain minimum quantities. Revenues from stevedore service contracts are earned and recognized on a per unit basis as completed over the performance period. As a practical expedient, the Company has elected not to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to unsatisfied performance obligations for our contracts that had an original expected duration of less than one year. Deferred Revenue Billings for services for which revenue is not recognized in the current period are recorded as deferred revenue. Deferred revenue recognized in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets is expected to be realized within twelve months of the balance sheet date. All deferred revenue recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was recognized during 2023 and 2022, respectively. Voyage Expenses The Company incurs expenses for voyage charters that include bunkers (fuel), port charges, canal tolls, broker commissions and cargo handling operations, which are expensed as incurred. Charter Expenses The Company charters in vessels to supplement its owned fleet to support its voyage charter operations. The Company hires vessels under time charters with third party vessel owners, and recognizes the charter hire payments as an expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the charter. Charter hire payments are typically made in advance, and the unrecognized portion is reflected as advance hire in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Under time charters, the vessel owner is responsible for the vessel operating costs such as crews, maintenance and repairs, insurance, and stores. Vessel Operating Expenses Vessel operating expenses (“VOE”) represent the cost to operate the Company’s owned vessels. VOE include crew wages and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance, the cost of spares and consumables, other miscellaneous expenses, and technical management fees. Technical management services include day-to-day vessel operations, performing general vessel maintenance, ensuring regulatory and classification society compliance, arranging the hire of crew and purchasing stores, supplies and spare parts. These expenses are recognized as incurred. Terminal & Stevedore Expenses Terminal & Stevedore expenses represent the cost to provide the Company's cargo handling services. Terminal & Stevedore expenses include direct labor and related costs, the cost of insurance, expenses relating to repairs and maintenance of shore based equipment, trucking, and other direct miscellaneous expenses. Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents, trade receivables and derivative instruments. The Company maintains its cash accounts with various high-quality financial institutions in the United States, Germany, and Bermuda. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of these financial institutions. The Company does not believe that significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to these cash equivalents. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount, and do not bear interest. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition, but does not require collateral. Historically, credit risk with respect to trade accounts receivable has been considered minimal due to the long-standing relationships with significant customers, and their relative financial stability. However, current economic conditions could impact the collectability of certain customers' trade receivables, which could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. At December 31, 2023, two customers collectively represented 57% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, one accounted for 35% and the other accounted for 22%. At December 31, 2022, there were two customers that accounted for 37% of the Company’s trade accounts receivable, one accounted for 21% and the other accounted for 16%. At December 31, 2023, twenty-seven customers in the United States, and three customers in Canada, account for 70% of accounts receivable. At December 31, 2022, fourteen customers in the United States, four customers in Canada, fifteen customers in Singapore, and one customer in Barbados accounted for 68% of accounts receivable. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had three countries that accounted for at least 10% of revenue; the United States (thirty-nine representing 29%), Canada (four representing 15%), and The United Kingdom (thirteen representing 12%). For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company had one country that accounted for at least 10% of revenue; the United States (twenty-seven representing 25%). For the year ended December 31, 2023, two customers accounted for 10% or more of total revenue. For the year ended December 31, 2022, one customer accounted for 10% or more of total revenue. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value, and have original maturities of three months or less. Allowance for Credit Losses The Company provides a specific reserve for significant outstanding accounts that are considered potentially uncollectible in whole or in part. In addition, the Company’s policy based on experience is to establish a reserve equal to approximately 25% of accounts receivable balances that are 90-360 days past due and approximately 50% of accounts receivable balances that are 360 or more days past due, and which are not otherwise reserved. The reserve estimates are adjusted as additional information becomes available, or as payments are made. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has provided an allowance for credit losses of $5,657,837 and $4,367,848 respectively, for amounts that are not expected to be fully collected. The provision for credit losses was $2,938,879 in 2023 and $2,377,389 in 2022. In 2023, the Company had write-offs totaling $1,648,890 as these amounts were deemed uncollectible. In contrast, there were no write-offs for the Company in 2022. Bunker Inventory Inventory is primarily comprised of fuel oil purchased and stored onboard a vessel. Inventory is measured at the lower of cost under the first-in, first-out method or net realizable value. Advance Hire, Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Advance hire represents payment to ship owners under time-charters for days subsequent to the balance sheet date. Hire is typically paid in advance for the following fifteen days, but intervals vary by time-charter contract. Prepaid expenses include advance funding to the technical manager for vessel operating expenses, lubricating oils and stores kept on board owned vessels, certain voyage expenses paid in advance and direct costs incurred to fulfill a COA ("Contract of Affreightment"). These specifically identified costs are used to satisfy the contract and are expected to be recovered over the term of the COA. Such costs are amortized on a straight-line basis and charged equally to each of the voyages under the contract. Accrued receivables include accrued demurrage and balance of freight receivable. Other assets include deposits held by counterparties to various derivative instruments and the fair value of derivative instruments when it exceeds the settlement price of the instrument. At December 31, advance hire, prepaid expenses and other current assets were comprised of the following:
|  | 2023 |  | 2022
Advance hire |  | $ | 2,509,313 |  |  | $ | 3,491,835 |
Prepaid expenses |  | 7,072,634 |  |  | 4,777,648 |
Accrued receivables |  | 5,777,596 |  |  | 7,721,500 |
Cash margin on deposit |  | 3,751,257 |  |  | 3,239,947 |
Derivative assets |  | 3,384,137 |  |  | 4,892,144 |
Other current assets |  | 5,845,309 |  |  | 4,143,757 |
Total |  | $ | 28,340,246 |  |  | $ | 28,266,831 |
Other Non-current Assets At December 31, other non-current assets were comprised of the following:
Name |  | 2023 |  | 2022
Intangible Assets - Note 15: Acquisitions |  | $ | 1,777,063 |  |  | $ | — |
Investment in Seamar Managements S.A. |  | 706,655 |  |  | 598,725 |
Investment in Pangaea Logistics Solutions (US) LLC |  | 1,667,093 |  |  | 3,954,605 |
Investment in Narragansett Bulk Carriers (US) Corp |  | 519,975 |  |  | 234,141 |
Other investments |  | 919,509 |  |  | 496,656 |
Total |  | $ | 5,590,295 |  |  | $ | 5,284,127 |
Vessels and Depreciation Vessels are stated at cost, which includes contract price and acquisition costs. Significant improvements to vessels are capitalized; maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the vessels are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is provided using the straight-line method over the remaining estimated useful lives of the vessels (excluding the time a vessel is in dry dock), based on cost less salvage value. Each vessel’s salvage value is equal to the product of its lightweight tonnage and an estimated scrap rate of $300 per ton, which was determined by reference to quoted rates and is reviewed annually. The Company estimates the useful life of its vessels to be 25 years to 30 years from the date of initial delivery from the shipyard. The remaining estimated useful lives of the current fleet are 11 - 23 years. The Company does not incur depreciation expense when vessels are taken out of service for dry docking. Vessels held for sale are carried at estimated fair value less cost to sell. No additional depreciation expense is recorded for vessels categorized as held for sale. Deferred Drydock Cost Significant upgrades made to the vessels during dry docking are capitalized when incurred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the 5 year period until the next dry docking for vessels younger than 15 years, and over the 2.5 year period until next dry docking for vessels older than 15 years at time of dry docking. Costs capitalized as part of the dry docking include direct costs incurred to meet regulatory requirements that add economic life to the vessel, that increase the vessel’s earnings capacity or which improve the vessel’s efficiency. Direct costs include the shipyard costs, parts, inspection fees, steel, blasting and painting. These costs are recorded in Fixed assets, net or Finance lease right of use assets, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs, whether incurred as part of the dry docking or not, are expensed as incurred. Unamortized dry-docking costs of vessels that are sold are written off and included in the calculation of the resulting gain or loss on sale. Long-lived Assets Impairment Considerations The Company evaluates the recoverability of its fixed assets and other assets in accordance with ASC 360-10-15, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which requires impairment losses to be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than their carrying amounts. If indicators of impairment are present, we perform an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows to be derived from the related long-lived assets. Our assessment is made at the asset group level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of other groups of assets. The asset groups established by the Company are defined by vessel size and major characteristic or trade. The significant factors and assumptions used in the undiscounted projected net operating cash flow analysis include the Company’s estimate of future time charter equivalent "TCE" rates based on current rates under existing charters and contracts. When existing contracts expire, the Company uses an estimated TCE based on actual results and extends these rates out to the end of the vessel’s useful life. TCE rates can be highly volatile, may affect the fair value of the Company’s vessels and may have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to recover the carrying amount of its fleet. Accordingly, the volatility is contemplated in the undiscounted projected net operating cash flow by using a sensitivity analysis based on percent changes in the TCE rates. The Company prepares a series of scenarios in an attempt to capture the range of possible trends and outcomes. Projected net operating cash flows are net of brokerage and address commissions and assume no revenue on scheduled offhire days. The Company uses the current vessel operating expense budget, estimated costs of drydocking and historical general and administrative expenses as the basis for its expected outflows, and applies an inflation factor it considers appropriate. The net of these inflows and outflows, plus an estimated salvage value, constitutes the projected undiscounted future cash flows. If these projected cash flows do not exceed the carrying value of the asset group, an impairment charge would be calculated. Measurement of the impairment loss is based on the fair value of the asset as provided by third parties. In both the first and fourth quarters of 2023, the Company identified triggering events associated with the sale of vessels, where the carrying value exceeded their fair value. On January 18, 2023, the Company entered into a memorandum of agreement to sell the m/v Bulk Newport for $8.9 million in net consideration after brokerage commissions, resulting in a recorded loss on sale of $1.2 million in the first quarter of 2023. Similarly, on October 17, 2023, the Company signed a memorandum of agreement to sell the m/v Bulk Trident for $9.5 million in net consideration after brokerage commissions, resulting in a loss on sale of $0.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company conducted an impairment analysis on each asset group and determined that the estimated undiscounted future cash flows exceeded their carrying amounts. Therefore, no additional loss on impairment was recognized. Also the Company concluded that no other triggering event had occurred during the remaining period of the 2023 which would require impairment testing. During the first quarter of 2022, the Company determined that a triggering event occurred related to the sale of a vessel, as the carrying value exceeded its fair value. On April 20, 2022, the Company signed a memorandum of agreement to sell the m/v Bulk Pangaea for a total net consideration of $8.6 million after brokerage commissions. As a result, we recorded an impairment charge of $3.0 million in the first quarter of 2022. The impairment analysis did not indicate any impairment on the remaining fleet. Also the Company concluded that no triggering event had occurred during the remaining period of the 2022 which would require impairment testing. Financing Costs Qualifying expenses associated with commercial financing and fees paid to financial institutions to obtain financing are carried as a reduction of the outstanding debt and amortized over the term of the arrangement using the effective interest method. The unamortized portion is included as a reduction of secured long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets. The components of net debt issuance costs and bank fees, which are included in secured long-term debt on the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
|  | December 31,
|  | 2023 |  | 2022
Debt issuance costs and bank fees paid to financial institutions |  | $ | 7,599,543 |  |  | $ | 7,627,351 |
Less: accumulated amortization |  | (4,109,086) |  |  | (3,162,492) |
Unamortized debt issuance costs and bank fees |  | $ | 3,490,457 |  |  | $ | 4,464,859 |
Amortization included in interest expense |  | $ | 946,593 |  |  | $ | 1,005,487 |
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses The components of accounts payable and accrued expenses are as follows:
|  | December 31,
|  | 2023 |  | 2022
Accounts payable |  | $ | 6,277,693 |  |  | $ | 9,979,451 |
Accrued expenses |  | 14,038,418 |  |  | 11,795,973 |
Bunkers suppliers |  | 4,393,533 |  |  | 6,526,725 |
Charter hire payable |  | 8,112,701 |  |  | 9,337,941 |
Other accrued liabilities |  | 3,013,917 |  |  | 914,041 |
Total |  | $ | 35,836,262 |  |  | $ | 38,554,131 |
Taxation Changes to Bermuda tax policies may impact our financial position. Under current Bermuda law, we are not subject to tax on income, profits, withholding, capital gains or capital transfers. Furthermore, we obtained from the Minister of Finance of Bermuda under the Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act 1966 (as amended) (the “EUTP Act”) an assurance that, in the event Bermuda enacts legislation imposing tax computed on profits, income, any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of the tax will not be applicable to us or our operations or to our ordinary shares, debentures or other obligations except insofar as such tax applies to persons ordinarily resident in Bermuda or to any taxes payable by us in respect of real property owned or leased by us in Bermuda until March 31, 2035. As a result of changes made to the EUTP Act by the CIT Act (as defined below), this assurance has been made subject to the application of any taxes pursuant to the CIT Act, as described further below. In the 2023 Budget, the Bermuda government announced the formation of an International Tax Working Group consisting of specialists in international tax matters and representatives of various bodies whose members may be directly impacted by such to examine how Bermuda can appropriately implement the Global Minimum Tax initiative. The Working Group reported its findings and provided recommendations to the Bermuda Government in July 2023. The Bermuda Government subsequently issued three public consultation papers as part of its considerations on the introduction of a corporate income tax in Bermuda, on August 8, 2023, October 5, 2023 and November 10, 2023. On December 15, 2023, the Bermuda House of Assembly passed the Corporate Income Tax Act, 2023 (the “CIT Act”) which was also passed by the Senate on December 18, 2023 and will become fully operative with respect to the imposition of corporate income tax on January 1, 2025. Under the CIT Act, Bermuda corporate income tax will be chargeable in respect of fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025 and will apply only to Bermuda entities that are part of MNE groups with EUR 750 million or more in annual revenues in at least two of the four fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal year in question (“Bermuda Constituent Entity Group”). Where corporate income tax is chargeable to a Bermuda Constituent Entity Group, the amount of corporate income tax chargeable for a fiscal year shall be (1) 15% of the net taxable income of the Bermuda Constituent Entity Group less (2) tax credits applicable to the Bermuda Constituent Entity Group under Part 4 of the CIT Act, or as prescribed. The CIT Act introduces certain “qualified refundable tax credits” which are set to be developed during 2024 to incentivize companies to support Bermuda residents through investments in key areas such as education, healthcare, housing, and other projects to help develop Bermuda’s workforce. Bermuda will continue to monitor further developments around the world as other jurisdictions address the OECD’s standards. The imposition of a Bermuda corporate income tax could, if applicable to the Company (or any Bermuda incorporated subsidiary of the Company), have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Pangaea Denmark, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, is subject to a Danish tonnage tax. Pangaea Denmark is not taxed on the basis of their actual income derived from their business but on an alternative income determination based on the net tons carrying capability of their fleet. As the tax is not determined based on taxable income, Pangaea Denmark’s tax expense of approximately $417,000 and $443,000 is included within voyage expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Shipping income derived from sources outside the United States is not subject to any Unites States federal income tax. U.S. sourced income from the international operation of ships that is considered qualified income and earned by a qualified foreign corporation can also be considered exempt from U.S. federal income taxation. The exemption requires a number of tests be met including qualifying income earned subject to an equivalent exemption in a qualified country and a qualified foreign corporation meeting the qualified foreign country, qualified income, stock ownership tests and substantiation requirements. The Company believes it meets all of the tests to qualify for an exemption from income under Internal Revenue Code section 883. To the extent the Company is unable to qualify for the exemption, the Company would be subject to U.S. federal income taxation of 4% of its U.S. shipping income on a gross basis without deductions. If certain other conditions are present, as defined in the Code, U.S. source shipping income, net of applicable deductions, may be subject to federal income tax of up to 21% and a 30% branch profits tax. The company believes that none of its U.S. source shipping income is effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business. The earnings from shipping operations of the Company are not subject to U.S. or foreign income taxation. However, due to the U.S. based terminal acquisitions that occurred in June 2023, the company's operations within these terminals is subjected to U.S. income taxation from its US-based operations. On June 1, 2023, the Company acquired two port terminal operations, one in Baltimore, Maryland and the other in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. These acquisitions expanded the Company's income that is subject to United States taxes on fully consolidated companies. Consequently, the Company continues to record income tax benefit or expense and deferred tax assets or liabilities for the year ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, which were immaterial for both periods. Where required, the Company complies with income tax filings in its various jurisdictions of operations. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company is not subject to U.S. federal or foreign examinations by tax authorities for years before 2018. Restricted Common Share Awards Compensation cost of restricted share awards is measured using the grant date fair value of the Company's common shares, as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market, multiplied by the total number of shares granted with no forfeiture rate applied. Compensation cost is amortized according to the vesting period indicated in the grant agreement. Total compensation cost recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is $2,087,807 a nd $1,767,726, respectively, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of income. Dividends Dividends on common stock are recorded when declared by the Board of Directors. Refer to Note 14, "Stock Incentive Plans and Non-controlling interest" for additional information related to common stock dividends. Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling interests represent ownership interests attributable to third parties in certain consolidated subsidiaries and VIEs. The portion of equity not owned by us in such entities is reflected as Noncontrolling interests within the equity section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets and, in the case of Redeemable noncontrolling interests, within the long-term liabilities section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Earnings per Common Share Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed using the treasury stock method. Under this method, the amount of unrecognized compensation cost related to future services by employees who were awarded restricted shares is assumed to be used to repurchase common stock at the average market price during the period. The incremental shares (nonvested less repurchased) are considered to be outstanding for diluted EPS. The Company does not have any anti-Dilutive Securities. Foreign Exchange The Company conducts all of its business in U.S. dollars; the functional currency of the Company is the US dollar. Accordingly, transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are measured and recorded in the functional currency at the exchange rate in effect on the date of the transactions. There are no foreign exchange transaction gains or losses reflected in the consolidated statements of income. Derivatives and Hedging Activities The Company accounts for derivatives in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The Company uses interest rate swaps to reduce market risks associated with its operations, principally changes in variable interest rates on its bank debt. Additionally, the Company uses forward freight agreements to protect against changes in charter rates and bunker (fuel) swaps to protect against changes in fuel prices. The Company’s interest rate swaps, forward freight agreements (FFAs) and bunker swaps have not qualified for hedge accounting treatment. As such, unrealized gains or losses are recognized as a component of Other expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Derivative instruments are measured at fair value and are recorded as assets or liabilities. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the interest rate swaps, forward freight agreements and bunker hedges. Segment Reporting Operating segments are components of a business that are evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker ("CODM") for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources. Based on the information that the CODM uses, including consideration of whether discrete financial information is available for the business activities, the Company has identified multiple operating segments which have been aggregated based on considerations such as the nature of its services, customers, operations and economic characteristics. The Company has determined that it operates under one reportable segment. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and short-term debt approximate fair value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments. The carrying amount of the Company’s floating rate long-term debt approximates its fair value due to the variable interest rates associated with these related credit facilities. At December 31, 2023, the Company has six fully fixed rate debt facilities. At December 31, 2022, the Company has five fully fixed rate debt facilities and one facility which was fixed in part. The aggregate carrying amounts and fair values of the long-term debt associated with the fixed rate borrowing arrangements are as follows:
|  | December 31,
|  | 2023 |  | 2022
Carrying amount of fixed rate long-term debt |  | $ | 100,251,477 |  |  | $ | 113,589,539 |
Fair value of fixed rate long-term debt |  | $ | 92,792,065 |  |  | $ | 103,455,979 |
Fair values of these debt obligations were estimated based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues of debt with the same remaining maturities, which is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820. Leases During time charter agreements, the charterers have substantive decision-making rights to direct how and for what purpose the vessel is used. As such, the Company had identified that time charter agreements contain a lease. Accordingly, the Company accounts for amounts earned under these agreements in accordance with Topic 842. During time charter agreements, the Company is responsible for operating and maintaining the vessels. These costs are recorded as vessel operating expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. At December 31, 2023, the Company had ten vessels chartered to customers under time charters that contain leases. These 10 leases varied in original length from 21 days to 180 days. At December 31, 2023, lease payments due under these arrangements totaled approximately $12,525,000 and each of the time charters were due to be completed in one hundred eighty days or less. At December 31, 2022, the Company had four vessels chartered to customers under time charters that contain leases. These four leases varied in original length from 20 days to 105 days. At December 31, 2022, lease payments due under these arrangements totaled approximately $2,789,000 and each of the time charters were due to be completed in one hundred five days or less. The Company does not have any sales-type or direct financing leases. Adoption of the lessee provisions of this guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements because the Company does not have any vessels chartered in (operating leases) for longer than one year and the practical expedient relating to leases with terms of 12 months or less was elected. Furthermore, the Company's finance lease right of use assets and finance lease liabilities were referred to as "assets under finance lease" and "obligations under finance leases" in prior period financial statements, but no other changes resulted from adoption of the standard. In addition, the Company has four non-cancelable office leases and non-cancelable office equipment leases and the lease assets and liabilities are not material. Recently issued accounting standards From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, or other standard setting bodies. Recently issued standards typically do not require adoption until a future effective date. Prior to their effective date, the Company evaluates the pronouncements to determine the potential effects of adoption on our consolidated financial statements. As of January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses" ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 amends the current financial instrument impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. The adoption of the accounting standard did not have any material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting,” which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope,” which clarified that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition due to reference rate reform. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848," which defers the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief under Topic 848. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (“ASU 2023-07”), which amends the existing segment reporting guidance (ASC Topic 280 — Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”)) to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and included within each reported measure of segment profit or loss, an amount for other segment items by reportable segment and a description of its composition, the title and position of the CODM and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measure(s) of segment profit or loss in assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate resources. In addition, companies with a single reporting segment will have to provide all of the disclosures required by ASC 280, including the significant segment expense disclosures. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of this standard on its financial statement disclosures.

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483426/235-10-50-1 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Topic 235 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//235/tableOfContent + Details
Name: | us-gaap_SignificantAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration