Scrubber Installations
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company completed the installation of modular, carbon capture-ready scrubbers on two additional vessels during their scheduled drydockings. Prior to the end of 2024, the Company intends to install scrubber systems on an additional five vessels during their scheduled drydockings.
Geopolitical Conflicts
The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has disrupted energy supply chains, caused instability and significant volatility in the global economy and resulted in economic sanctions by several nations. The ongoing conflict has contributed significantly to related increases in spot tanker rates.
Geopolitical tensions have increased since commencement of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023. Since mid-December 2023, Houthi rebels in Yemen have carried out numerous attacks on vessels in the Red Sea area. As a result of these attacks, many shipping companies have routed their vessels away from the Red Sea, which has affected trading patterns, rates and expenses. Further escalation or expansion of hostilities of such crisis could continue to affect the price of crude oil and the oil industry, the tanker industry and demand for the Company’s services.
Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
The Company reported net income of $26.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, or $0.63 earnings per basic and diluted share, as compared to net income of $53.1 million, or $1.31 earnings per basic and $1.28 earnings per diluted share for the three months ended December 31, 2022.
Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
The Company reported net income of $113.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, or $2.76 earnings per basic share and $2.71 earnings per diluted share, as compared to net income of $135.1 million, or $3.63 earnings per basic and $3.52 earnings per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended December 31, 2023 was $98.9 million, a decrease of $33.9 million from $132.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022.
The Company’s average number of operating vessels was 26.0 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 27.0 for the three months ended December 31, 2022.
The Company had 2,293 spot revenue days for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 2,399 for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The Company had 26 vessels employed directly in the spot market as of December 31, 2023, as compared to 27 vessels as of December 31, 2022. Changes in spot rates resulted in a decrease in revenue of $27.1 million and the decrease in spot revenue days resulted in a decrease in revenue of $5.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2022.
The Company had no product tankers employed under time charter as of December 31, 2023 and as of December 31, 2022. There were no revenue days derived from time charters for the three months ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 47 for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The decrease in revenue days for time-chartered vessels resulted in a decrease in revenue of $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023.
Voyage Expenses. Voyage expenses were $33.2 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, a decrease of $6.3 million from $39.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2022. The overall decrease included a $4.7 million decrease from lower bunker prices and a $1.6 million decrease in port and agency expenses plus commission costs.