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Aries Maritime Transport Limited Announces Letter of Intent for Dropdown of Six Vessels and Ship Management Company

 

$20.0 Million Conversion of 7% Senior Unsecured Convertible Notes

Exit from Container Market

Third Quarter 2009 Financial Results

ATHENS, Greece, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Aries Maritime Transport Limited (Nasdaq: RAMS) ("Aries" or "the Company") today announced that it has engaged in a range of transactions focused on repositioning and recapitalizing Aries, as well as, reported its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

"We acquired Aries because we believe that we can use it as a platform for growth. Today, we announce the dropdown of Newlead Shipmanagement, a technical and commercial management company, and six vessels, of which four are dry bulk vessels and two are product tankers. All of these assets are owned by Grandunion Inc., and Aries will be exchanging shares of common stock in Aries for these assets. We believe that Newlead Shipmanagement will improve Aries' operating efficiency, which has been poor to date, by bringing in house the necessary technical and commercial expertise to manage a broad range of vessels. The six vessels to be added to our fleet are subject to quality time charters and will expand our fleet, increase operating efficiency and add to cash flow. We are also pleased to announce the exit of the container market through the proposed sale of the last two container vessels," said Michail S. Zolotas, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Zolotas continued, "My commitment to the success of Aries is evidenced by Focus Maritime Corp.'s conversion of $20.0 million in principal amount of notes into approximately 26.67 million shares of common stock as well as Grandunion's willingness to accept equity in exchange for the assets being dropped down."

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

  • Completed $400.0 million recapitalization
    • Entered into a new $221.4 million credit facility agreement
    • Issued $145.0 million senior unsecured convertible 7% notes
    • Acquired three dry bulk carriers with a net asset value of $36.0 million
  • New management team and Board of Directors
  • Signed non-binding Letter of Intent for Dropdown of six vessels and shipmanagement company
  • Preliminary agreement to sell two container vessels for $11.4 million

DROPDOWN DETAILS

Six Vessels

Grandunion Inc. ("Grandunion") has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to drop down Newlead Ship Management Ltd. and six vessels, consisting of four dry bulk vessels and two product tankers (identified below) in a transaction valued at approximately $180.0 million, of which approximately $20.0 million will be paid through the issuance of Aries common shares at a price of not less than $2.25 per share, a premium of almost 125% from the recent closing price of Aries' common shares. The balance of the purchase price will be paid through the assumption of existing liabilities. The transaction is subject to board approval and consents from existing creditors. No assurance can be provided that this transaction will be closed and if it is closed in the form contemplated.

Newlead Shipmanagement Ltd.

Newlead Shipmanagement Ltd. ("Newlead") is an integrated technical and commercial management company, appropriately licensed and staffed, providing a broad spectrum of technical and commercial management to all segments within the maritime industry. Newlead has the following accreditations:

  • ISO 9001 from American Bureau of Shipping for a quality management system, by consistently providing a service that meets customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and enhancing customer satisfaction through, among other things, processes for continual improvement
  • ISO 14001 from American Bureau of Shipping for environmental management, including policy and objectives targeting legal and other requirements
  • Safety, Quality and Environmental from American Bureau of Shipping

Newlead's management has broad expertise, including specialized knowledge required for managing oil tankers, gas carriers, chemical carriers and bulkers. Senior personnel have a record of successfully performing and have a dedicated pool of senior engineers and top-class masters.

Six Vessels: Commercial and Other Details


    Vessel           Year   Type       DWT       Rate              Commissions
                     Built                      (USD)
    ==========================================================================
    Dry Bulkers

    Grand Ocean      1990   Capesize   149,498  15,000 1st year;   3.75%+0.25%
                                                16,000 2nd year;
                                                16,000 3rd
                                                option year

    Grand Venetico   1990   Capesize   134,982  16,500 1st year;   3.75%+0.25%
                                                18,500 balance;
                                                18,500 option
                                                6 mos

    Grand Victoria   2002   Panamax    75,966   18,000             3.75%+1.25%
                                                                   +1.25%

    Grand Rodosi     1990   Panamax    68,788   10,200 net;        0.25%
                                                plus profit
                                                sharing 50/50

    Product Tankers

    Hiona            2003   Handysize  37,337   19,500             1.25%+1.25%
                                                plus profit
                                                sharing

    Hiotissa         2004   Handysize  37,330   19,500             1.25%+1.25%
                                                plus profit
                                                sharing



                                                                C/P Expected
    Vessel          C/P          C/P          C/P Expected      End Date Incl.
                    Commencement Duration     End Date          Max. Option
    ==========================================================================
    Dry Bulkers

    Grand Ocean     2/10/2009    2 years      min 12/10/2010 -    4/10/2012
                                 +/- 60       max 4/10/2011
                                 days

    Grand Venetico  3/1/2009     abt. 2.5     min 7/10/2011 -     5/10/2012
                                 years +/-    max 11/10/2011
                                 60 days

    Grand Victoria  11/22/2009   abt. 11 -    min 10/7/2010 -     1/6/2011
                                 abt 13 mos.  max 1/6/2011


    Grand Rodosi    7/22/2009    abt. 3       min 5/23/2012 -     9/20/2012
                                 years +/-    max 9/20/2012
                                 60 days

    Product Tankers

    Hiona           4/18/2008    36 months    min 3/18/2011 -     5/18/2011
                                 +/- 30       max 5/18/2011
                                 days chopt

    Hiotissa        5/6/2008     36 months    min 4/6/2011 -      6/6/2011
                                 +/- 30       max 6/6/2011
                                 days chopt


EXIT FROM CONTAINER MARKET

Aries has preliminarily agreed to sell the MSC Seine and Saronikos Bridge for an aggregate purchase price of $11.4 million, payable in cash at closing. If the sales proceed, they are expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2009.

Each of the MSC Seine and Saronikos Bridge is a 2,917 TEU container vessel built in 1990. Upon the closing of these transactions, Aries will have exited the container market.

CONVERSION OF NOTES

Pursuant to the recapitalization of Aries on October 13, 2009, Aries issued $145.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7% senior unsecured convertible notes due 2015 (the "Notes"). The principal amount of the Notes is convertible into common shares at a conversion price of $0.75 per share. Focus Maritime Corp ("Focus"), 100% owned by Mr. Zolotas, purchased substantially all of the Notes and recently commenced a conversion of $20.0 million in principal amount. As a result of this conversion, approximately 26.67 million new common shares will be issued in the name of Focus. After this conversion, the remaining new principal balance of the Note will be $125.0 million and will be convertible into approximately 166.67 million common shares.

The conversion by Focus will save Aries $1.4 million annually in interest cost.

THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

For the three months ended September 30, 2009, total revenues from continuing operations were $12.2 million compared to total revenues of $21.5 million recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2008. For the three months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, the Company's TCE rates were $9,675 per day and $13,861 per day, respectively.

TCE rates are defined as voyage, time charter and bareboat charter revenues, less voyage expenses during a period, divided by the number of available days during the period. The TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare daily earnings generated by vessels on time charters with daily earnings generated by vessels on voyage charters, because charter hire rates for vessels on voyage charters are generally not expressed in per day amounts, while charter hire rates for vessels on time charters generally are expressed in such amounts.

The decrease in revenues and TCE rates were primarily attributable to (a) low vessel utilization, (b) the general economic environment and market conditions for tankers that resulted in lower charter/ spot rates, (c) out-of-service days related to the MSC Seine, which did not generate revenue during two months of the third quarter, and (d) the Nordanvind's failure to generate revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2009. In general, the increase in scheduled dry-dockings and repairs during the period, adversely impacted revenue during the three months. Also, eight out of 11 vessels operated in the spot market during the three months ended September 30, 2009.

Fleet utilization for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was 77.3% compared to 86.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2008. Given the significant number of dry-docking days in the third quarter, fleet utilization for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 would be 61.4% and 86.2%, respectively, after giving effect to dry-docking.

Net loss from continuing operations was $110.9 million or $3.86 basic and diluted loss per share, for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to net loss of $4.9 million, or $0.17 basic and diluted loss per share, recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2008. The results for the third quarter of 2009 include a $91.6 million vessel impairment charge, $3.6 million provision for charter claims, as well as a $0.2 million non-cash gain from the change in the fair value of derivatives. The results for the same period of 2008 included a $0.8 million non-cash loss from the change in the fair value of derivatives.

Net loss from continuing and discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2009, was $111.3 million, or $3.87 basic and diluted loss per share, compared to net loss of $4.3 million, or $0.15 basic and diluted loss per share, recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2009, was $(7.1) million, compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2008. This decrease is mainly attributable to the fleets lower utilization as well as higher voyage expenses due to the fact that much of the fleet operated on the spot market. Furthermore there were approximately $2.6 million of expenses related to the Company's recapitalization during the quarter.

Allan L. Shaw, Chief Financial Officer, commented, "In a few weeks, we have strengthened Aries balance sheet and have taken significant steps to restructure and reposition with the purpose of creating value for all stakeholders."

NINE MONTH RESULTS

Total revenues of $42.9 million from continuing operations were recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to total revenues of $58.1 million recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2008, the Company's TCE rates were $13,064 per day and $16,149 per day, respectively, TCE rates are defined as voyage and time charter revenues, less voyage expenses during a period, divided by the number of available days during the period.

The decrease in revenues and TCE rates were primarily attributable to (a) low vessel utilization, (b) the general economic environment and market conditions for tankers that resulted in lower charter/ spot rates, (c) out-of-service days related to the MSC Seine, which did not generate revenue during two months of the third quarter, and (d) the Nordanvind's failure to generate revenue during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. In general, the increase in scheduled dry-docking and repairs adversely impacted revenue during the course of the nine months. Also, eight out of 11 vessels operated in the spot market during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Fleet utilization for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was 83.5%, compared to 90.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. Given the significant number of dry-docking days during the year, fleet utilization for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 would be 75.9% and 89.3%, respectively, after giving effect to dry-docking.

Net loss from continuing operations was $117.9 million or $4.10 basic and diluted loss per share, for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to a net loss of $8.2 million, or $0.29 basic and diluted loss per share, recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. The results for the third quarter of 2009 included a $91.6 million vessel impairment charge, $3.6 million provision for charter claims, as well as a $1.4 million non-cash gain from the change in the fair value of derivatives. The results for the same period of 2008 include a $0.8 million non-cash loss from the change in the fair value of derivatives.

Net loss from continuing and discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $123.8 million, or $4.30 basic and diluted loss per share, compared to net income of $2.0 million, or $0.07 basic and diluted income per share, recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, was $1.6 million compared to $16.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2008. This decrease is mainly attributable to the deterioration in revenue, increased voyage expenses due to the fleet's spot exposure, as well as transaction costs associated with the Company's recapitalization.

BALANCE SHEET

The Company had a negative working capital position of approximately $244.4 million, reflecting $0 cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2009 compared with $4.0 million as of December 31, 2008. The Long Term Debt decreased to $221.4 million for the period ending September 30, 2009, compared to $223.7 million as of September 30, 2008. Giving effect to the Company's recapitalization, working capital improved to approximately $90.0 million.

RECAPITALIZATION

As previously announced, on October 13, 2009, in connection with Aries' recapitalization, Grandunion, a company controlled by Michail Zolotas and Nicholas Fistes, undertook certain transactions with Aries.

Aries' existing syndicate of lenders entered into a new $221.4 million Facility Agreement to refinance its existing revolving credit facility, and Aries issued $145.0 million aggregate principal amount of the Notes. Aries also assumed a $37.4 million credit facility in relation to the three vessels transferred to the Company as part of the recapitalization.

Grandunion transferred to Aries three dry bulk carriers with an approximate net asset value of $36.0 million in exchange for 18,977,778 newly issued shares of the Company, of which 2,666,667 shares were transferred to Rocket Marine, Inc. in exchange for Rocket and its affiliates entering into a voting agreement with Grandunion. Under this voting agreement, Grandunion controls the voting rights relating to the shares owned by Rocket and its affiliates. Currently, Grandunion owns approximately 34.2% of the Company and, as a result of the voting agreement, controls the vote of approximately 71.0% of the Company's outstanding shares.

FLEET UPDATE

Not including the six dropdown vessels described above, following the closing of the transactions completed on October 13, 2009 in connection with the recapitalization, Aries operates a fleet of nine double-hull product tankers, two container ships and three dry bulk vessels. Currently, six of the Company's 14 vessels are secured on period charters with established international charterers. The charters for the product tankers and container vessels have remaining periods ranging from seven to 13 months. Charters for two of Aries' product tanker vessels and one of its dry bulk vessels, currently have profit-sharing components. It is anticipated that Aries will have 18 vessels, giving effect to the dropdown of six vessels and sale of two vessels.

The charters for the dry bulk vessels have approximately remaining periods ranging as follows:

  • China - Minimum six years - Maximum six years, 11 months, plus an option to extend further by approximately 159 days due to dry-docking duration.
  • Australia - one month.
  • Brazil - Minimum four years, 11 months - Maximum five years, three months.

The Company received redelivery for the MSC Seine in accordance with the terms of its charter in September 2009.

On November 5, 2009, the Company announced a two-year time charter for the 1993-built, 172,972 dwt dry bulk vessel Australia at a net daily charter hire rate of $20,391 per day. This charter has an expiration date ranging from a minimum of one year, 11 months and a maximum two years, one month.


    The following table details Aries' fleet deployment as of November 16,
     2009:

                                           Year     Expiration    Charterhire
    Vessels                  Size          Built    of Charter   (net per day)
    -------                  ----          -----    ----------   -------------

    Product Tanker Vessels
    ----------------------
    Altius                   73,400 dwt    2004     -            -

    Fortius                  73,400 dwt    2004     -            -

    Nordanvind               38,701 dwt    2001     -            -

    Ostria                   38,701 dwt    2000     -            -

    High Land                41,450 dwt    1992     -            -

    High Rider               41,502 dwt    1991     -            -

    Stena Compass            72,750 dwt    2006     Through      Bareboat
                                                    8/10         charter rate
                                                                 of $18,232.50
                                                                 + 30% of
                                                                 profits above
                                                                 $26,000

    Stena Compassion         72,750 dwt    2006     Through      Bareboat
                                                    12/10        charter rate
                                                                 of $18,232.50
                                                                 + 30% of
                                                                 profits above
                                                                 $26,000

    Chinook                  38,701 dwt    2001     -            -

    Container Vessels
    -----------------
    Saronikos Bridge         2,917 TEU     1990     Through      $20,400
                                                    6/10

    MSC Seine                2,917 TEU     1990     -            -

    Dry Bulk Vessels
    ----------------

    China                    135,364 dwt   1992     Through      $12,753
                                                    3/17
                                                    (max option)

    Australia                172,972 dwt   1993     12/09        $14,250*

    Brazil                   151,738 dwt   1995     2/15         $28,985
                                                                 1st/2nd year
                                                                 $26,180
                                                                 balance
                                                                 years, all
                                                                 plus profit
                                                                 sharing above
                                                                 $26,600.

    * On November 5, 2009, the Company announced a two-year time charter for
     the 1993-built, 172,972 dwt dry bulk vessel Australia at a net daily
     charter hire rate of $20,391 per day.  This charter has an expiration
     date ranging from a minimum of one year, 11 months and a maximum two
     years, one month.




    Summary of Selected Data

                                        Three Months Ended  Three Months Ended
                                        September 30, 2009  September 30, 2008

    ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (1)
    ----------------------------------
    (All amounts in US$000's unless
     otherwise stated)
    NET LOSS                                     (110,890)             (4,854)
    PLUS : NET INTEREST EXPENSE                     3,340               4,236
    PLUS : DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION            5,025               1,389
    PLUS : IMPAIRMENT LOSS                         91,601                   -
    PLUS : CLAIM PROVISIONS                         3,619                   -
    PLUS: DOUBTFUL RECEIVABLES AND BAD DEBTS          356                   -
    PLUS: CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVES        (247)                793
    PLUS: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION                     77                 391

    ADJUSTED EBITDA                                (7,119)              1,955

    FLEET DATA

    NUMBER OF VESSELS                                  11                  11
    NUMBER OF VESSELS ON PERIOD CHARTER                 3                   9
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE AGE OF FLEET                    10.7                 9.7
    AVAILABLE DAYS (2)                                803               1,012
    OPERATING DAYS (3)                                621                 872
    FLEET UTILIZATION (4)                            77.3%               86.2%
    EQUIVALENT VESSELS (5)                           79.3%                100%

    AVERAGE DAILY RESULTS

    TIME CHARTER EQUIVALENTS (6)                    9,675              13,861
    TOTAL VESSEL OPERATING EXPENSES (7)            17,131              12,626


                                         Nine Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
                                        September 30, 2009  September 30, 2008

    ADJUSTED EBITDA RECONCILIATION (1)
    ----------------------------------
    (All amounts in US$000's unless
     otherwise stated)
    NET LOSS                                     (117,922)             (8,163)
    PLUS : NET INTEREST EXPENSE                    10,327              11,736
    PLUS : DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION           14,653              11,599
    PLUS : IMPAIRMENT LOSS                         91,601                   -
    PLUS : CLAIM PROVISIONS                         3,619                   -
    PLUS: DOUBTFUL RECEIVABLES AND BAD DEBTS          362                   -
    PLUS: CHANGE IN FAIR VALUE OF DERIVATIVES      (1,385)                761
    PLUS: STOCK BASED COMPENSATION                    371                 885

    ADJUSTED EBITDA                                 1,626              16,818

    FLEET DATA

    NUMBER OF VESSELS                                  11                  11
    NUMBER OF VESSELS ON PERIOD CHARTER                 3                   9
    WEIGHTED AVERAGE AGE OF FLEET                    10.7                 9.7
    AVAILABLE DAYS (2)                              2,727               2,965
    OPERATING DAYS (3)                              2,278               2,690
    FLEET UTILIZATION (4)                            83.5%               90.7%
    EQUIVALENT VESSELS (5)                           90.8%               98.4%

    AVERAGE DAILY RESULTS

    TIME CHARTER EQUIVALENT RATE (6)               13,064              16,149
    TOTAL VESSEL OPERATING EXPENSES (7)            12,351              10,361


(1) Aries considers Adjusted EBITDA to represent the aggregate of net loss from continuing operations, net of interest expense, depreciation, amortization (excluding the effect of the amortization of the deferred revenue due to the assumption of charters associated with certain vessels acquisitions), change in the fair value of derivatives, stock-based compensation expense, claim provisions, doubtful receivables and impairment loss. The Company's management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a performance measure. The Company believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors, because the shipping industry is capital intensive and may involve significant financing costs. Adjusted EBITDA is not an item recognized by GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to net income/ loss, operating income/ loss or any other indicator of a company's operating performance required by GAAP. The Company's definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as that used by other companies in the shipping or other industries.

(2) Available days is the total number of days a vessel is controlled by a company less the aggregate number of days that the vessel is off-hire due to scheduled repairs or repairs under guarantee, vessel upgrades or special surveys.

(3) Operating days is the number of available days in a period less the aggregate number of days that the vessels are off-hire due to any reason, including lack of demand or unforeseen circumstances.

(4) Fleet utilization is the percentage of time that the Company's vessels were available for revenue generating available days, and is determined by dividing the number of operating days during a relevant period by the number of available days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding suitable employment for its vessels.

(5) Equivalent vessels data is the available days of the fleet divided by the number of the calendar days in the respective period.

(6) Adjusted to reflect that the Stena Compass and the Stena Compassion were each employed on a bareboat charter; an assumed TCE of $24,500 per day, reflecting assumed operating costs of $5,800 per day, has been included in respect of:

(a) the 92 calendar days of the vessels during the three month period ended September 30, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

(b) the 273 and 274 calendar days of the vessels during the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

(7) Total vessel operating expenses are defined as the sum of the vessel operating expenses, amortization of dry-docking and special survey expense and management fees adjusted to exclude the following calendar days with respect to the Stena Compass and the Stena Compassion, which were employed on bareboat charters:

(a) the 92 calendar days of the vessels during the three month period ended September 30, 2009, and 2008, respectively.

(b) the 273 and 274 calendar days of the vessels during the nine month period ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Basis of presentation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (US GAAP). Where necessary, comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to changes in presentation in the current year.

CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION

Aries will hold a conference call on Monday, November 16, 2009, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss results for the third quarter of 2009. To access the conference call, dial (888) 694-4702 for domestic callers or (973) 582-2741 for international callers, and use the conference ID 41283423. Following the teleconference, a replay of the call may be accessed by dialing (800) 642-1687 for domestic callers, or (706) 645-9291 for international callers, and the conference ID 41283423. The replay will be available through November 30, 2009. The conference call will also be broadcast live over the Internet. To access the live webcast, please go to the Company's website: www.ariesmaritime.com. The conference call will not include a question and answer session.

In addition, Aries will be publishing a supplemental slide presentation which will also be available on Aries' website on the morning of the call.

About Aries Maritime Transport Limited

Aries Maritime Transport Limited is an international shipping company that owns and operates product tankers, container and dry bulk vessels. The Company's products tanker fleet consists of five MR tankers and four Panamax tankers, all of which are double-hulled. The Company also owns a fleet of two container vessels in capacity of 2,917 TEU each and three dry bulk vessels secured on period charters.

"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

This press release includes assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events. These statements are intended as ''forward-looking statements.'' We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions and beliefs about future events may and often do vary from actual results and the differences can be material. All statements in this document that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, such matters as future operating or financial results; statements about planned, pending or recent acquisitions, business strategy, future dividend payments and expected capital spending or operating expenses, including dry-docking and insurance costs; statements about trends in the container vessel and products tanker shipping markets, including charter rates and factors affecting supply and demand; our ability to obtain additional financing; expectations regarding the availability of vessel acquisitions; and anticipated developments with respect to pending litigation. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although Aries Maritime Transport Limited believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, Aries Maritime Transport Limited cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections described in the forward looking statements contained in this press release. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including changes in charter rates and vessel values, failure of a seller to deliver one or more vessels, failure of a buyer to accept delivery of a vessel, default by one or more charterers of our ships, changes in demand for oil and oil products, the effect of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels, worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers, scheduled and unscheduled dry-docking, changes in Aries Maritime Transport Limited's voyage and operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, international hostilities and political events or acts by terrorists and other factors discussed in Aries Maritime Transport Limited's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. When used in this document, the words ''anticipate,'' ''estimate,'' ''project,'' 'forecast,'' ''plan,'' ''potential,'' ''may,'' ''should,'' and ''expect'' reflect forward-looking statements.


    Investor and Media Contact:
    Laura A. Kowalcyk, Account Supervisor
    CJP Communications
    (212) 279 3115




    ARIES MARITIME TRANSPORT LIMITED
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share and per
     share amounts)

                                               (Unaudited)        (Unaudited)
                                               Three month        Three month
                                              period ended       period ended
                                              September 30,      September 30,
                                                      2009               2008

    OPERATING REVENUES                             $12,167            $21,509

    EXPENSES:
         Commissions                                  (233)              (225)
         Voyage expenses                            (4,698)            (3,139)
         Vessel operating expenses                 (12,933)            (8,932)
         General & administrative expenses          (4,650)            (2,043)
         Depreciation and amortization expenses     (5,560)            (6,574)
         Impairment loss                           (91,601)                 -
         Management fees                              (265)              (458)
                                                  (119,940)           (21,371)
         Net operating (loss)/ income             (107,773)               138

    OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES), NET:
         Interest & finance expense, net            (3,342)            (4,227)
         Interest income                                 2                  -
         Other (expenses)/ income, net                 (24)                28
         Change in fair value of derivatives           247               (793)
         Total other expenses, net                  (3,117)            (4,992)

    Net loss from continuing operations           (110,890)            (4,854)

    Net (loss)/ income from
     discontinued operations                          (410)               579

    Net loss                                     $(111,300)           $(4,275)

    (Loss)/ Earnings per share:
    Basic and diluted

         Continuing operations                      $(3.86)            $(0.17)

         Discontinued operations                    $(0.01)             $0.02

         Total                                      $(3.87)            $(0.15)

    Weighted average number of shares:
    Basic                                       28,796,877         28,692,964
    Diluted                                     28,796,877         28,699,128




    ARIES MARITIME TRANSPORT LIMITED
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
    (All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars, except share and per
    share amounts)

                                                 (Unaudited)      (Unaudited)
                                                  Nine month       Nine month
                                                period ended     period ended
                                                September 30,    September 30,
                                                        2009             2008

    OPERATING REVENUES                               $42,898          $58,085

    EXPENSES:
         Commissions                                    (831)            (432)
         Voyage expenses                              (7,990)          (5,404)
         Vessel operating expenses                   (26,445)         (21,419)
         General & administrative expenses            (7,772)          (5,932)
         Depreciation and amortization expenses      (16,274)         (19,145)
         Impairment loss                             (91,601)               -
         Management fees                                (931)          (1,396)
                                                    (151,844)         (53,728)
         Net operating  (loss)/ income              (108,946)           4,357

    OTHER INCOME/(EXPENSES), NET:
         Interest & finance expense, net             (10,336)         (11,904)
         Interest income                                   9              168
         Other expenses, net                             (34)             (23)
         Change in fair value of derivatives           1,385             (761)
         Total other expenses, net                    (8,976)         (12,520)

    Net loss from continuing operations             (117,922)          (8,163)

    Net (loss)/ income from discontinued
     operations (includes $5,584 loss on
     disposal of vessel in 2009, and $13,569
     gain on disposal of vessels in 2008)             (5,840)          10,177

    Net (loss)/ income                             $(123,762)          $2,014

    (Loss)/ Earnings per share:
    Basic and diluted

         Continuing operations                        $(4.10)          $(0.29)

         Discontinued operations                      $(0.20)           $0.36

         Total                                        $(4.30)           $0.07

    Weighted average number of shares:
    Basic                                         28,747,152       28,605,563
    Diluted                                       28,747,152       28,611,728




    ARIES MARITIME TRANSPORT LIMITED
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (All amounts expressed in thousands of U.S. Dollars except share amounts)

                                                 (Unaudited)
                                                 As of            As of
                                                 September 30,    December 31,
                                                 2009             2008

    ASSETS
    Current assets
         Cash and cash equivalents                         $-          $4,009
         Restricted cash                                3,543           8,510
         Trade receivables, net                         2,928           2,533
         Other receivables                                662           2,289
         Inventories                                    3,015           1,224
         Prepaid expenses                               1,227             967
         Due from managing agent                            -             160
         Due from related parties                          78              49
         Total current assets                          11,453          19,741

         Vessels and other fixed assets, net          185,521         296,463
         Deferred charges, net                          1,018           1,573
         Total non-current assets                     186,539         298,036
         Total assets                                $197,992        $317,777

    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
    Current liabilities
         Current portion of long-term debt           $221,430        $223,710
         Accounts payable, trade                        7,204           3,601
         Accrued liabilities                           14,066           7,776
         Deferred income                                  143           1,807
         Derivative financial instruments              11,066          12,451
         Deferred charter revenue                       1,296           2,144
         Due to managing agent                            662               -
         Total current liabilities                    255,867         251,489

         Deferred charter revenue                           -             772
         Total liabilities                            255,867         252,261

    Stockholders' equity
         Preferred Stock, $0.01 par value,
          500 million shares authorized, none
          issued.
         Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 1 billion
          shares authorized, 29 million shares
          issued and outstanding  at September 30,
          2009 and December 31, 2008                      290             290
         Additional paid-in capital                   114,158         113,787
         Deficit                                     (172,323)        (48,561)
         Total stockholders' equity                   (57,875)         65,516
         Total liabilities and
          stockholders' equity                       $197,992        $317,777


Source: Aries Maritime Transport Limited

SOURCE Aries Maritime Transport Limited

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ariesmaritime.com