Trico Marine Services, Inc. announced that Trico and GE Commercial Equipment Financing have entered into an agreement that will provide approximately $11.4 million of funding for the marine services company.
Under the operating lease arrangement, GE will pay Trico approximately $11.4 million for three 155-foot crew boats currently being built for the company by Gulf Craft, Inc. Upon the completion of each vessel, GE will charter the vessels to Trico. The charters will have 10-year terms and include options for Trico to purchase the vessels after eight years at specified prices, and also at the end of the 10-year term for their fair market value. Shipyard deliveries of the vessels are expected in October and December 2002, and January 2003.
Trico also announced that it has entered into an amendment to its $45 million U.S. bank credit facility to revise certain financial covenants. As a result of the amendment, Trico expects to be able to continue to comply with the financial covenants in the facility during current market conditions.