SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 13, 2015
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated December 23, 2014)
Units
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Dynagas LNG Partners LP
% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
(Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Unit)
We are offering of our % Series A C lathe Redeemable Preferred Units, liquidation preference $25.00
eO per ' , or the Series A Preferred Units.
'6' -6 Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units are entttttlative from the date of original issue and will be payable
quarterly in arrears on the 12th day ofFebruary, May, August and November of each year, when, as and if declared
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= E by our Board of Directors. The initial distribution on the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be payable on
co - November 12. 2015 in an amount equal to $ per ' . Distributions will be payable out of amounts legally
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available therefor at an initial rate equal to % per annum of the stated liquidation preference.
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0. T. At any time on or after August 12, 2020, the Series A Preferred Units may be redeemed. in whole or in part, out of
0 0 amounts legally available therefor, at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to all
.17) accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of redemption, whether or not declared.
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We intend to apply to have the Series A Preferred Units listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under
co = the symbol "DLNGPRA." If the application is approved, we expect trading of the Series A Preferred Units on the
NYSE to begin within 30 days after their original issue date. Currently, there is no public market for the Series A
Preferred Units.
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Investing in our Series A Preferred Units involves a high degree of risk Our Series A Preferred
E Units have not been rated and are subject to the risks associated with nitrated securities. Please
ea .4O read "Risk Factors" beginning on page 5.15 of this prospectus supplement and under the heading
= "Item 3.—D. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form 20•F for the year ended
am- December 31, 2014,filed with the Commission on March 10, 2015.
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o Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
"3
co disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base
prospectus is truthfkil or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Per Una Total
Public offeringprice $ $
Underwriting discount" $ $
Proceeds to us (before expenses) $ $
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(1) We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional
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Series A Preferred Units. If the underwriters exercise the option in full, the total underwriting
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a discount will be $ and the total proceeds to us before expenses will be $ .
E 'a" Delivery of the Series A Preferred Units is expected to be made in book-entry form through the facilities of The
a= Depository Trust Company on or about , 2015.
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A en Joint Book-Running Managers
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EFTA01083794
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement Prospectus
Page Page
ALTERNATIVE SETTLEMENT DATE . .. ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE
SUPPLEMENT iii INFORMATION 2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS.. .. v FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 4
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY S-1 ABOUT DYNAGAS LNG PARTNERS LP .. 6
RISK FACTORS S-15 RISK FACTORS 10
USE OF PROCEEDS S-21 USE OF PROCEEDS
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CAPITALIZATION 12
CHARGES AND TO FIXED CHARGES RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED
AND PREFERRED UNIT CHARGES 13
DISTRIBUTIONS S-22 PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND
CAPITALIZATION S-23 DISTRIBUTIONS 14
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON
UNITS S-24 UNITS 15
THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT S-30 DESRIPTION OF PREFERRED UNITS 19
MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED
CONSIDERATIONS S-46 UNITS 19
NON-UNITED STATES TAX DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 19
CONSIDERATIONS S-55 DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES .... 21
UNDERWRITING S-56 SUMMARY OF THE PARTNERSHIP
SERVICE OF PROCESS AND AGREEMENT 30
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL OUR CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND
LIABILITIES S-59 RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS . . 31
LEGAL MATTERS 5.59 MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL
EXPERTS 5.59 INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS 44
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL NON-UNITED STATES TAX
INFORMATION S-59 CONSIDERATIONS 52
OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 53
DISTRIBUTION S-61 SERVICE OF PROCESS AND
ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL
LIABILITIES 55
LEGAL MATTERS 55
EXPERTS 55
EXPENSES 56
EFTA01083795
ALTERNATIVE SETTLEMENT DATE
It is expected that delivery of the Series A Preferred Units will be made on or about the date specified
on the cover page of this prospectus, which will be the fifth business day following the date of pricing of the
Series A Preferred Units (this settlement cycle being referred to as "T+5"). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in three
business days, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to
trade the Series A Preferred Units on the initial pricing date of the Series A Preferred Units or the next
succeeding business day will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Series A Preferred Units initially
will settle in T+S, to specify alternative settlement arrangements at the time of any such trade to prevent a
failed settlement and should consult their own advisors.
(ii)
EFTA01083796
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
This document is in two parts. The first part is the prospectus supplement. which describes the specific
terms of this offering of Series A Preferred Units. The second part is the accompanying base prospectus, which
gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering. Generally, when we refer to the
"prospectus." we are referring to both parts combined. If information in the prospectus supplement conflicts with
information in the accompanying base prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus
supplement.
Any statement made in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the
extent that a statement contained in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document that is also
incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified
or superseded will be deemed not to constitute a part of this prospectus except as so modified or superseded.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any related free writing prospectus and
the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Neither we nor any of the underwriters have
authorized anyone else to give you different information. If anyone provides you with additional. different or
inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or
any free writing prospectus. as well as the information we previously filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, or the Commission, that is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, is accurate as of any date
other than its respective date. We will disclose material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this prospectus, a
free writing prospectus or a future filing with the Commission incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
We are offering to sell the Series A Preferred Units, and are seeking offers to buy the Series A Preferred
Units, only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus and the
offering of the Series A Preferred Units in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the
United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any
restrictions relating to the offering of the Series A Preferred Units and the distribution of this prospectus outside
the United States. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or
solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the
person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make
such offer or solicitation.
Unless otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to "Dynagas LNG Partners," the "Partnership,"
"we," "our" and "us" or similar terms refer to Dynagas LNG Partners LP and its wholly-owned subsidiaries,
including Dynagas Operating LP. Dynagas Operating LP owns, directly or indirectly, a 100% interest in the
entities that own the LNG carriers the Clean Energy. the Ob River and the Amur River (renamed in June 2015
from Clean Force), collectively, our "Initial Fleet." In addition. Dynagas Operating LP owns 100% of the entities
that own the LNG carriers Arctic Aurora and Yenisei River, which together with the vessels Initial Fleet
comprise the vessels in our "Reel." References in this prospectus to "our General Partner" refer to Dynagas GP
LLC, the General Partner of Dynagas LNG Partners LP. References in this prospectus to our "Sponsor" are to
Dynagas Holding Ltd. and its subsidiaries other than us or our subsidiaries and references to our "Manager" refer
to Dynagas Ltd., which is wholly owned by the chairman of our Board of Directors, Mr. George Prokopiou.
References in this prospectus to the "Prokopiou Family" are to our Chairman. Mr. George Prokopiou, and
members of his family. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to "unitholders" refer to
common unitholders and Series A Preferred unitholders, and references to "units" refer to common units and
Series A Preferred Units.
All references in this prospectus to us for periods prior to our initial public offering of common units, or
IPO, on November 18, 2013 refer to our predecessor companies and their subsidiaries, which are former
subsidiaries of our Sponsor that have interests in the vessels in our Initial Fleet, or the "Sponsor Controlled
Companies."
(iii)
EFTA01083797
All references in this prospectus to "BG Group," "Gazprom" and "Statoil" refer to BG Group Plc, Gazprom
Global LNG Limited, and Statoil ASA, respectively, and certain of each of their subsidiaries that are our
charterers. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "U.S. dollars," "dollars" and "5" in this prospectus are to
the lawful currency of the United States and financial information presented in this prospectus is prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or GAAP. We use the term
"LNG" to refer to liquefied natural gas and we use the term "cbm" to refer to cubic meters in describing the
carrying capacity of our vessels.
Except where we or the context otherwise indicate, the information in this prospectus assumes no exercise
of the underwriters' option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units described on the cover page of this
prospectus.
You should read carefully this prospectus, any related free writing prospectus, and the additional
information described under the heading "Where You Can Find Additional Information."
(iv)
EFTA01083798
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains certain fonvard-looking statements (as such term is defined in Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act) concerning future events and our operations,
performance and financial condition, including, in particular, the likelihood of our success in developing and
expanding our business. Statements that are predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or
conditions, or that include words such as expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes?' "estimates,"
"projects," "forecasts," "will," "may," "potential," "should," and similar expressions are forward-looking
statements. These forward-looking statements reflect management's current views only as of the date of this
prospectus and are not intended to give any assurance as to future results. As a result, unitholders are cautioned
not to rely on any forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and include statements with
respect to, among other things:
• LNG market trends, including charter rates, factors affecting supply and demand, and opportunities for
the profitable operations of LNG carriers;
• our anticipated growth strategies;
• the effect of a worldwide economic slowdown;
• potential turmoil in the global financial markets;
• fluctuations in currencies and interest rates;
general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values;
• changes in our operating expenses, including drydocking and insurance costs and bunker prices;
• our distribution policy and our ability to make cash distributions on the units or any increases in our
cash distributions;
• our future financial condition or results of operations and our future revenues and expenses;
• the repayment of debt and settling of interest rate swaps (if any);
• our ability to make additional borrowings and to access debt and equity markets;
• planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;
• our ability to maintain long-term relationships with major LNG traders;
• our ability to leverage our Sponsor's relationships and reputation in the shipping industry;
• our ability to realize the expected benefits from acquisitions;
• our ability to purchase vessels from our Sponsor in the future, including the Optional Vessels (defined
later);
• our continued ability to enter into long-term time charters;
• our ability to maximize the use of our vessels, including the re-deployment or disposition of vessels no
longer under long-term time charters:
• future purchase prices of newbuildings and secondhand vessels and timely deliveries of such vessels;
• our ability to compete successfully for future chartering opportunities and newbuilding opportunities (if
any);
• acceptance of a vessel by its charterer;
• termination dates and extensions of charters;
(v)
EFTA01083799
• the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations, maritime self-
regulatory organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by our charterers applicable
to our business;
• availability of skilled labor, vessel crews and management;
• our anticipated incremental general and administrative expenses as a publicly traded limited
partnership and our fees and expenses payable under the fleet management agreements and the
administrative services agreement with our Manager;
• the anticipated taxation of our Partnership and distributions to our unitholders;
• estimated future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures;
• our ability to retain key employees;
• charterers' increasing emphasis on environmental and safety concerns;
• potential liability from any pending or future litigation;
• potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events, piracy or acts by terrorists;
• future sales of our securities in the public market;
• our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations; and
• other factors detailed in this Prospectus and from time to time in our periodic reports.
Forward-looking statements in this prospectus are estimates reflecting the judgment of senior management
and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are based upon a
number of assumptions and estimates that are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies,
many of which are beyond our control. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by
such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be considered in light of
various important factors, including those set forth in this prospectus under the heading "Risk Factors."
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors
emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the
effect of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause
actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
We make no prediction or statement about the performance of our securities. The various disclosures
included in this prospectus and in our other filings made with the Commission that attempt to advise interested
parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, prospects and results of operations should be
carefully reviewed and considered.
(vi)
EFTA01083800
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
This section summarizes material information that appears later in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying base prospectus and is qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information and financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference. This summary
may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. As an investor or prospective investor, you
should carefully review the entire prospectus and the documents we incorporate by reference, including the risk
factors beginning on page S-15 of this prospectus supplement and under the heading "Item 3.—D. Risk Factors"
of our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Commission on
March 10, 2015.
OVERVIEW
We are a growth-oriented limited partnership focused on owning and operating LNG carriers. We intend to
leverage the reputation, expertise, and relationships of ow Sponsor and ow Manager in maintaining cost-efficient
operations and providing reliable seaborne transportation services to our charterers. We intend to grow our
business by making additional vessel acquisitions of LNG carriers from ow Sponsor and from third parties.
There is no guarantee that we will grow the size of our Fleet or the per unit distributions that we intend to pay or
that we will be able to make further vessel acquisitions from our Sponsor or third parties.
OUR FLEET
As of July 2, 2015, our Fleet consisted of five LNG carriers, with an average age of 5.5 years and an
aggregate carrying capacity of 759,100 cbm. Our vessels are employed on multi-year time charters, which we
define as charters of two years or more, with BG Group, Gazprom and Statoil, providing us with the benefits of
stable cash flows and high utilization rates. The contracted revenue backlog of our Fleet as of July 2, 2015 was
approximately $618.0 million with an average remaining contract duration of 4.7 years. The contracted revenue
backlog of our Fleet excludes options to extend and assumes full utilization for the full term of the charter. The
actual amount of revenues earned and the actual periods during which revenues are earned may differ from the
backlog amounts and periods described above due to, for example, off-hire for shipyard and maintenance
projects, downtime, scheduled or unscheduled dry-docking and other factors that result in lower revenues than
our average contract backlog per day.
Our Fleet is managed by our Manager. Dynagas Ltd., a company beneficially owned by our Chairman.
Mr. George Prokopiou. Our Manager is responsible for providing our Fleet with technical, commercial and
administrative management support pursuant to management agreements between our Manager and each of our
wholly owned vessel owning subsidiaries.
The following table sets forth additional information about our Fleet as of July 2, 2015:
Vessel Name Shipyard• Year Built Capacity (cbm) Ice Class Flag Stale
Clean Energy HHI 2007 149,700 No Marshall Islands
Ob River HHI 2007 149,700 Yes Marshall Islands
Amur River HHI 2008 149,700 Yes Marshall Islands
Arctic Aurora HHI 2013 155,000 Yes Malta
Yenisei River HHI 2013 155,000 Yes Marshall Islands
As used in this prospectus, "HHI" refers to Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., the shipyard where the
vessels in our Fleet were built.
S-I
EFTA01083801
We have secured multi-year time charter contracts for the five LNG carriers in our Fleet. The following
table summarizes our current time charters for the vessels in our Fleet and the expirations and extension options.
as of July 2, 2015:
Latest Charter
Contract Charter Expiration Date
Backlog Commencement Earliest Charter Including Non-
Vessel Name Charterer (in millions)th Date Expiration Date Exercised Options
Clean Energy BG Group $55.4 February 2012 April 2017 August 2020(2)
Ob River Gazprom $69.8 September 2012 September 2017 May 20I8(71
Amur River Gazprom $311.1 June 2015 June 2028 August 2028
Arctic Aurora Statoil $86.4 August 2013 July 2018 Renewal Optionso)
Yenisei River Gazprom $95.3 July 2013 July 2018 August 2018
(I) The Partnership calculates its contracted revenue backlog by multiplying the contractual daily hire rate by
the minimum expected number of days committed under the contracts (excluding options to extend),
assuming full utilization. The actual amount of revenues earned and the actual periods during which
revenues are earned may differ from the amounts and periods shown in the table below due to, for example,
off-hire for shipyard and maintenance projects, downtime, scheduled or unscheduled dry-docking and other
factors that result in lower revenues than our average contract backlog per day.
(2) BG Group has the option to extend the duration of the charter for an additional three-year term until August
2020 at an escalated daily rate, upon notice to us before January 2016.
(3) Gazprom has the option to extend the duration of the charter until May 2018 on identical terms, upon notice
to us before March 2017.
(4) Statoil may renew its charter for consecutive additional one-year periods each year following the initial five
year period.
The following table summarizes ow contracted charter revenues and contracted days for the vessels in our
Fleet as of July 2, 2015:
2015 2016 2017
No. of Vessels whose contracts expire — — 2
Contracted Time Charter Revenues (in millions of U.S. Dollars)(') $73.2 $147.1 $115.8
Contracted Days 910 1,830 1,463
Available Days 910 1,830 1,781(2)
Contracted/Available Days 100% 100% 82%
(I) Annual revenue calculations are based on: (a) the earliest redelivery dates possible under our charters, (b) no
exercise of any option to extend the terms of those charters except for those that have already been
exercised.
(2) Reflects 22 estimated drydocking days for each of the Clean Energy and the Ob River in 2017.
Although these expected revenues are based on contracted charter rates, any contract is subject to various
risks, including performance by the counterparties or an early termination of the contract pursuant to its terms. If
the charterers are unable to make charter payments to us, if we agree to renegotiate charter terms at the request of
a charterer or if contracts are prematurely terminated for any reason, our results of operations and financial
condition may be materially adversely affected. For these reasons, the contracted charter revenue information
presented is an estimate and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this information. Neither our independent auditors, nor any other
independent accountants, have compiled, examined or performed any procedures with respect to the information
presented in the table, nor have they expressed any opinion or any other form of assurance on such information
or its achievability, and assume no responsibility for, and disclaim any association with, the information in the
table.
S-2
EFTA01083802
THE OPTIONAL VESSELS
We have the right to purchase five ice class designated and fully winterized newbuilding LNG carriers from our
Sponsor, two of which have been contracted to operate under multi-year charters with Gazprom and Cheniere
Marketing, LLC, or Cheniere, which we refer to as the Optional Vessels. Each of the five Optional Vessels has the Ice
Class designation, or its equivalent. for hull and machinery. One of these vessels was delivered to ow Sponsor in 2013,
two of these vessels were delivered to our Sponsor in 2014, and the remaining two vessels are scheduled to be
delivered to our Sponsor during the second half of 2015. The vessel delivered in 2013 is a sister-vessel with vessels in
our Fleet and the four other vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 162,000 cbm, are sister-vessels. In the event we
acquire the Optional Vessels in the future, we believe the staggered delivery dates of these newbuilding LNG carriers
have and will facilitate a smooth integration of the vessels into our Fleet, contributing to our annual Fleet growth
through 2017.
The Optional Vessels are compatible with a wide range of LNG terminals, providing charterers with the
flexibility to trade the vessels worldwide. Each vessel is equipped with a membrane containment system. The
compact and efficient utilization of the hull structure reduces the required principal dimensions of the vessel
compared to earlier LNG designs and results in higher fuel efficiency and smaller quantities of LNG required for
cooling down vessels' tanks. In addition, the Optional Vessels will be equipped with a tri-fuel diesel electric
propulsion system, which is expected to reduce both fuel costs and emissions.
The following table provides certain information about the Optional Vessels as of July 2, 2015.
Delivery
Date/
Expected Earliest Latest
Vessel Name / Delivery Capacity Ice Charter Charter Charter
Hull Number Shipyard Date Cbm Class Commencement Charterer Expiration Expiration
Lena River HHI Q4-2013 155,000 Yes Q4 2013 Gazprom Q4 2018 Q4 2018
Clean Ocean HHI Q2-2014 162,000 Yes Q2 2015 Cheniere Q2 2020 Q3 2022
Clean Planet" HHI Q3.2014 162,000 Yes
Hull 2566 HHI 2H-2015 162,000 Yes
Hull 2567 HHI 2H-2015 162,000 Yes
(I) The Clean Planet is employed in the short-term charter market.
RIGHTS TO PURCHASE OPTIONAL VESSELS
We have the right to purchase the Optional Vessels from our Sponsor at a purchase price to be determined
pursuant to the terms and conditions of an omnibus agreement that we entered into with ow Sponsor at the
closing of our IPO, or the Omnibus Agreement. These purchase rights expire 24 months following the respective
delivery of each Optional Vessel from the shipyard. If we are unable to agree with our Sponsor on the purchase
price of any of the Optional Vessels, the respective purchase price will be determined by an independent
appraiser, such as an investment banking firm, broker or firm generally recognized in the shipping industry as
qualified to perform the tasks for which such firm has been engaged, and we will have the right, but not the
obligation, to purchase each vessel at such price. The independent appraiser will be mutually appointed by our
Sponsor and a committee comprised of certain of our independent directors, or the conflicts committee.
The purchase price of the Optional Vessels, as finally determined by an independent appraiser, may be an
amount that is greater than what we are able or willing to pay or we may be unwilling to proceed to purchase
such vessel if such acquisition would not be in ow best interests. We will not be obligated to purchase the
Optional Vessels at the determined price, and, accordingly, we may not complete the purchase of such vessels.
which may have an adverse effect on our expected plans for growth. In addition, our ability to purchase the
Optional Vessels, should we exercise our right to purchase such vessels, is dependent on our ability to obtain
additional financing to fund all or a portion of the acquisition costs of these vessels.
S-3
EFTA01083803
In 2014, we acquired the Arctic Aurora and the Yenisei River from our Sponsor. As of the date of this
prospectus supplement. we have not secured any financing in connection with the potential acquisition of the five
remaining Optional Vessels.
Our Sponsor has entered into loan agreements in connection with the five remaining Optional Vessels. In
the event we acquire the Optional Vessels in the future, we may enter into agreements with our Sponsor to novate
these loan agreements to us. Any such novation would be subject to each respective lender's consent.
OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR SPONSOR AND MEMBERS OF THE PROKOPIOU FAMILY
We believe that one of our principal strengths is our relationships with our Sponsor. our Manager and
members of the Prokopiou Family, including Mr. George Prokopiou, the Chairman of our Board of Directors.
and his daughters Elisavet Prokopiou, Johanna Prokopiou, Marina Kalliope Prokopiou and Maria Eleni
Prokopiou, (who in addition to Mr. Prokopiou, own 100% of the interests in our Sponsor). which provide us
access to their long-standing relationships with major energy companies and shipbuilders and their technical.
commercial and managerial expertise. As of July 2, 2015, our Sponsor's LNG carrier fleet consisted of five LNG
carriers of which one of these vessels was delivered to our Sponsor in 2013, two of these vessels were delivered
to our Sponsor in 2014, and the remaining two vessels are scheduled to be delivered to our Sponsor by the second
half of 2015. While our Sponsor intends to utilize us as its primary growth vehicle to pursue the acquisition of
LNG carriers employed on time charters of four or more years, we can provide no assurance that we will realize
any benefits from our relationship with our Sponsor or the Prokopiou Family and there is no guarantee that their
relationships with major energy companies and shipbuilders will continue. Our Sponsor, our Manager and other
companies controlled by members of the Prokopiou Family are not prohibited from competing with us pursuant
to the terms of the Omnibus Agreement that we have entered into with our Sponsor and our General Partner.
As of July 2, 2015, there were 20,505,000 common units, 14.985,000 subordinated units and 35,526 General
Partner units outstanding. Our Sponsor currently beneficially owns 44.0% of the equity interests in us and our
General Partner, which owns a 0.1% General Partner interest in us and 100% of our incentive distribution rights.
RECENT AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS
On April 16, 2015, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash distribution, for the quarter ended
March 31, 2015, of $0.4225 per common and subordinated unit, or $15.0 million, which was paid on May 12,
2015, to all unitholders of record as of May 5, 2015.
In June 2015. the Amur River completed its time charter with BG Group and commenced employment under
a new 13-year time charter with Gazprom with an estimated contracted revenue backlog of approximately
$311.0 million.
We expect to commence negotiations with our Sponsor to acquire one of the operating Optional Vessels
together with its respective charter contract. We refer to this transaction as the Optional Vessel Acquisition. To
finance a portion of the purchase price of the Optional Vessel Acquisition, we plan to enter into a new secured
debt facility, or the New Secured Debt Facility.
We intend to use the net proceeds of this offering together with a portion of borrowings under the New
Secured Debt Facility to finance the purchase price of the Optional Vessel Acquisition. If we are unable to
complete the Optional Vessel Acquisition, we will use the net proceeds of this offering for general partnership
purposes, including working capital. The closing of the Optional Vessel Acquisition is subject to. among other
things, (i) the identification of the vessel to be acquired; (ii) agreement on the purchase price; (iii) approval of the
Optional Vessel Acquisition and the purchase price by our conflicts committee; (iv) entry into the New Secured
Debt Facility; and (v) the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation. We can provide no assurance
that we will be able to complete the Optional Vessel Acquisition.
S-4
EFTA01083804
OUR CORPORATE STRUCTURE AND CERTAIN COMPANY INFORMATION
Dynagas LNG Partners LP was organized as a limited partnership in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on
May 29, 2013. We own (i) a 100% limited partner interest in Dynagas Operating LP, which owns a 100% interest
in our Fleet through intermediate holding companies and (ii) the noneconomic General Partner interest in
Dynagas Operating LP through our 100% ownership of its General Partner, Dynagas Operating GP LLC. We
own ow vessels through separate wholly-owned subsidiaries that are incorporated in the Republic of the Marshall
Islands, Republic of Malta, Republic of Liberia and the Island of Nevis.
The address of our principal executive offices is 23, Rue Basse, 98000 Monaco. Our telephone number at
that address is We maintain a website at www.dynagaspartners.com. Information contained on
our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.
S-5
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THE OFFERING
Issuer Dynagas LNG Partners LP
Securities Offered of our % Series A Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Units, liquidation preference $25.00 per
unit, plus up to an additional Series A
Preferred Units if the underwriters exercise in full
their option to purchase additional units.
For a detailed description of the Series A Preferred
Units. please read "Description of Series A Preferred
Units."
Price per Unit $25.00
Conversion; Exchange and Preemptive Rights The Series A Preferred Units will not have any
conversion or exchange rights or be subject to
preemptive rights.
Distributions Distributions on Series A Preferred Units will accrue
and be cumulative from the date that the Series A
Preferred Units are originally issued and will be
payable on each Distribution Payment Date (as
defined below) when, as and if declared by our Board
of Directors out of legally available funds for such
purpose.
Distribution Payment Dates February 12, May 12, August 12 and November 12.
commencing on November 12, 2015 (each, a
Distribution Payment Date). If any Distribution
Payment Date would otherwise fall on a date that is
not a business day then the Distribution Payment Date
in that case will be the immediately succeeding
business day without accumulation of additional
distributions.
Distribution Rate The distribution rate for the Series A Preferred Units
will be % per annum per $25.00 of liquidation
preference per unit (equal to $ per annum per
unit). The distribution rate is not subject to
adjustment.
Ranking The Series A Preferred Units will represent perpetual
equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness,
will not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal
amount at a particular date.
The Series A Preferred Units will rank:
• senior to our common units and to each
other class or series of limited partner
interests or other equity securities
established after the original issue date of
the Series A Preferred Units that is not
expressly made senior to or on a parity with
the Series A Preferred Units as to the
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payment of distributions and amounts
payable upon a liquidation event, or the
Junior Securities;
• on a parity with any other class or series of
limited partner interests or other equity
securities established after the original issue
date of the Series A Preferred Units with
terms expressly providing that such class or
series ranks on a parity with the Series A
Preferred Units as to the payment of
distributions and amounts payable upon a
liquidation event, or the Parity Securities;
and
junior to all of our indebtedness and other
liabilities with respect to assets available to
satisfy claims against us, and each other
class or series of limited partner interests or
other equity securities expressly made
senior to the Series A Preferred Units as to
the payment of distributions and amounts
payable upon a liquidation event, or the
Senior Securities.
Optional Redemption At any time on or after August 12,2020, we may
redeem, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred
Units at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit plus an
amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid
distributions thereon to the date of redemption,
whether or not declared. Any such redemption would
be effected only out of funds legally available for
such purpose. We must provide not less than 30 days'
and not more than 60 days' written notice of any such
redemption.
Voting Rights Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally
have no voting rights. However, if and whenever
distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units
are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods,
whether or not consecutive, holders of Series A
Preferred Units (voting together as a class with any
other class or series of Parity Securities (if
applicable)) will be entitled to elect one additional
director to serve on our Board of Directors, and the
size of our Board of Directors will be increased a.
needed to accommodate such change (unless the
holders of Series A Preferred Units and Parity
Securities (if applicable) upon which like voting
rights have been conferred, voting as a class, have
previously elected a member of our Board of
Directors, and such director continues then to serve
on the Board of Directors). Distributions payable on
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the Series A Preferred Units will be considered to be
in arrears for any quarterly period for which full
cumulative distributions through the most recent
distribution payment date have not been paid on all
outstanding Series A Preferred Units. The right of
such holders of Series A Preferred Units to elect a
member of our Board of Directors will continue until
such time as all accumulated and unpaid distributions
on the Series A Preferred Units have been paid in full.
Unless we have received the affirmative vote or
consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the
outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a
single class, we may not adopt any amendment to our
partnership agreement, or the Partnership Agreement.
that would have a material adverse effect on the terms
of the Series A Preferred Units.
In addition, unless we have received the affirmative
vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of
the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a
class together with holders of any other Parity
Securities (if applicable) upon which like voting
rights have been conferred and are exercisable, we
may not (i) issue any Parity Securities if the
cumulative distributions on Series A Preferred Units
are in arrears or (ii) create or issue any Senior
Securities.
Fixed Liquidation Price In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary.
holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have the
right to receive the liquidation preference of S25.00
per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and
unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment,
whether or not declared, before any payments are
made to holders of our common units or any other
Junior Securities. A consolidation or merger of us
with or into any other entity, individually or in a
series of transactions, will not be deemed to be a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.
Sinking Fund The Series A Preferred Units will not be subject to
any sinking fund requirements.
No Fiduciary Duties We, our officers and directors and our General
Partner will not owe any fiduciary duties to holders of
the Series A Preferred Units other than an implied
contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing
pursuant to the Partnership Agreement.
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Use of Proceeds We intend to use the net proceeds of the sale of the
Series A Preferred Units, which are expected to total
approximately $ million (or approximately
million if the underwriters exercise in full their
option to purchase additional units), after deducting
undenvriting discounts and estimated offering
expenses, together with borrowings under the New
Secured Debt Facility to finance the purchase price of
the Optional Vessel Acquisition. If we are unable to
complete the Optional Vessel Acquisition, we will
use the net proceeds of this offering for general
partnership purposes, including working capital. The
closing of the Optional Vessel Acquisition is subject
to, among other things, (i) the identification of the
vessel to be acquired; (ii) agreement on the purchase
price; (iii) approval of the Optional Vessel
Acquisition and the purchase price by our conflicts
committee; (iv) entry into the New Secured Debt
Facility; and (v) the negotiation and execution of
definitive documentation. We can provide no
assurance that we will be able to complete the
Optional Vessel Acquisition. Please read "Use of
Proceeds."
Ratings The Series A Preferred Units will not be rated by any
Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating
Organization.
Listing We intend to file an application to list the Series A
Preferred Units on the NYSE under the symbol
"DLNGPRA." If the application is approved, trading
of the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE is
expected to begin within 30 days after the original
issue date of the Series A Preferred Units. The
undenvriters have advised us that they intend to make
a market in the Series A Preferred Units prior to
commencement of any trading on the NYSE.
However, the underwriters will have no obligation to
do so, and no assurance can be given that a market for
the Series A Preferred Units will develop prior to
commencement of trading on the NYSE or, if
developed, will be maintained.
Tax Considerations Although we are organized as a partnership. we have
elected to be taxed as a corporation solely for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. We believe that all or a
portion of the distributions you would receive from us
with respect to your Series A Preferred Units would
constitute dividends. If you are an individual citizen or
resident of the United States or a U.S. estate or trust and
meet certain holding period requirements, such
dividends would be expected to be treated as "qualified
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EFTA01083809
dividend income" that is taxable at preferential capital
gain tax rates. Any portion of your distribution that is not
treated as a dividend will be treated first as a non-taxable
return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in your
Series A Preferred Units and, thereafter, as capital gain.
In addition, there are other tax matters you should
consider before investing in the Series A Preferred
Units, including our tax status as a non-U.S. issuer.
Please read "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations." "Non•United States Tax
Considerations" and "Risk Factors—Tax Risks."
Form The Series A Preferred Units will be issued and
maintained in book-entry form registered in the name
of the nominee of The Depository Trust Company. or
DTC, except under limited circumstances.
Settlement Delivery of the Series A Preferred Units offered
hereby will be made against payment therefor on or
about 2015.
Risk Factors An investment in our Series A Preferred Units involves
risks. You should consider carefully the factors set forth
in the section of this prospectus entitled "Risk Factors"
beginning on page S-15 of this prospectus and under the
heading "Item 3.—D. Risk Factors" of our Annual
Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31.
2014. filed with the Commission on March 10.2015 and
incorporated by reference herein, to determine whether
an investment in our Series A Preferred Units is
appropriate for you.
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SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
The following table summarizes our summary historical consolidated financial and other operating data. Our
historical consolidated financial statements have been prepared according to a transaction that constitutes a
reorganization of companies under common control and has been accounted for in a manner similar to a pooling of
interests, as the Sponsor Controlled Companies were indirectly wholly-owned by the Prokopiou family prior to the
transfer of ownership of these companies to us. Accordingly, our financial statements have been presented. giving
retroactive effect to the transaction described above, using consolidated financial historical carrying costs of the assets
and liabilities of Dynagas LNG Partners and the Sponsor Controlled Companies as if Dynagas LNG Partners and the
Sponsor Controlled Companies were consolidated for all periods presented.
The summary historical consolidated financial data in the table as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and for
the years then ended are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and are incorporated herein by reference.
The summary historical consolidated financial data in the table as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2015
and 2014 have been derived from our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
included in our report on Form 6-K filed with the Commission on May 19, 2015, incorporated by reference in this
prospectus, which should be read in their entirety. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may
be expected for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Our financial position. results of operations and cash flows could differ from those that would have resulted if we
operated autonomously or as an entity independent of our Sponsor in the periods prior to our IPO for which historical
financial data are presented below, and such data may not be indicative of our future operating results or financial
performance.
Three Months Ended
March 31. Year Ended December 31.
2015 2014 2014 2013 2012
(In thousands of Dollars, except for unit and per unit data
Income Statement Data
Voyage revenues $ 35,620 $ 21,009 $ 107,088 $ 85,679 $ 77,498
Voyage expenseso) (720) (439) (2,273) (1,686) (3,468)
Vessel operating expenses (5,491) (3,124) (16,813) (11,909) (15,722)
General and administrative expenses-including
related party (537) (580) (1,951) (387) (278)
Management fees-related party (1,194) (695) (3,566) (2,737) (2,638)
Depreciation (5,968) (3,348) (17,822) (13,579) (13,616)
Dry-docking and special survey costs — — (2,109)
Operating income $ 21,710 $ 12,823 $ 64,663 $ 55,381 $ 39,667
Interest income 34 221 1
Interest and finance costs (6,919) (1,944) (14,524) (9,732) (9,576)
Loss on derivative financial instruments — — (1%)
Other, net 53 150 201 (29) (60)
Net Income $ 14,878 $ 11,029 $ 50,561 $ 45,620 $ 29,836
Earnings per Unit (basic and diluted):
Common Unit (basic and diluted) $ 0.42 $ 0.37 $ 1.58 $ 2.95 $ 1 1-
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Three Months Ended
March 31. Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2014 2013 2012
(In thousands of Dollars. except for unit and per unit data )
Weighted average number of units
outstanding (basic and diluted):
Common units 20,505,000 14.985.000 17.964,288 7,729,521 6,735,000
Balance Sheet Data:
Total current assets $ 21,061 $ 14,348 $ 7,606 $ 8,981
Vessels, net 833,915 839,883 453,175 466,754
Total assets 887,264 887,376 488,735 476,275
Total current liabilities 38,437 33,249 14,903 398,434
Total long term debt, including current
portion 570,000 575,000 219,585 380,715
Total partners' equity 297,550 297,698 257,699 75,175
Cash Flow Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 26,386 $ 14,529 $ 76,443 $ 44,204 $ 27,902
Net cash used in investing activities — — (404,530) — —
Net cash provided by/ (used in) financing
activities (20,101) (11,438) 334,359 (38,527) (27,902)
Fleet Data:
Number of vessels at the end of the
period/year 5 3 5 3 3
Average number of vessels in operationm 5.0 3.0 3.8 3.0 3.0
Average age of vessels in operation at end of
period/year (years) 5.3 6.7 5.0 6.4 5.4
Available daysai 450 270 1,384 1,095 1.056
Fleet utilizationa) 100% 100% 100% 100% 99.5%
Other Financial Data:
Cash distributions per unit $ 0.4225 $ 0.365 $ 1.294661) — —
Time Charter Equivalent (in US dollars)(5) $ 77,556 $ 76,185 $ 75,733 $ 76,706 $ 70,104
Adjusted EBITDAto $ 28.066 $ 16.482 $ 84,751 $ 64,749 $ 55,889
Represents the number of vessels that constituted our Fleet for the relevant year, as measured by the sum of the
number of days each vessel was a part of our Fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in
the period.
Available days are the total number of calendar days our vessels were in our possession during a period. less the
total number of scheduled off-hire days during the period associated with major repairs, or drydockings.
We calculate fleet utilization by dividing the number of our revenue earning days. which are the total number of
Available days of our vessels net of unscheduled off-hire days, during a period, by the number of our Available
days during that period. The shipping industry uses fleet utilization to measure a company's efficiency in finding
employment for its vessels and minimizing the amount of days that its vessels are offhire for reasons other than
scheduled off-hires for vessel upgrades. drydockings or special or intermediate surveys.
(4) Includes a prorated quarterly distribution for the period beginning on November 18, 2013 and ending on
December 31, 2013 that was declared on January 31. 2013 and paid on February 14, 2014. The cash distribution
for the fourth quarter of 2014 of $0.4225 per unit was approved on January, 14, 2015 and paid on February 12.
2015 to all unitholders of record as of February 5. 2015.
(5) Time charter equivalent rates, or TCE rates, is a measure of the average daily revenue performance of a vessel. For
time charters, this is calculated by dividing total voyage revenues, less any voyage expenses, by the number of
Available days during that period. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel voyage
related expenses. However, we may incur voyage related expenses when positioning or repositioning vessels before
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EFTA01083812
or after the period of a time charter, during periods of commercial waiting time or while off-hire during dry-
docking or due to other unforeseen circumstances. The TCE rate is not a measure of financial performance
under U.S. GAAP (non•GAAP measure), and should not be considered as an alternative to voyage revenues.
the most directly comparable GAAP measure, or any other measure of financial performance presented in
accordance with U.S. GAAP. However, TCE rate is standard shipping industry performance measure used
primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company's performance and assists our management in
making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial
performance. Our calculation of TCE rates may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The
following table reflects the calculation of our TCE rates for the three month periods ended March 31, 2015 and
2014 and for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 (amounts in thousands of U.S. dollars.
except for TCE rates, which are expressed in U.S. dollars and Available days):
Three months ended
March 31. Year Ended December 31.
2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 2011
(In thousands of Dollars)
Voyage revenues $35,620 $21,009 $107,088 $85,679 $77.498 $52,547
Voyage expensesm (720) (439) (2,273) (1,686) (3,468) (1,353)
Time charter equivalent revenues 34,900 20,570 104,815 83,993 74,030 51,194
Total Available days(2) 450 270 1,384 1,095 1,056 1,095
Time charter equivalent (TCE) rate $77,556 $76,185 $ 75,733 $76,706 $70,104 $46,753
(6) Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest and finance costs, net of interest income, gains/
losses on derivative financial instruments (if any), taxes (when incurred), depreciation and amortization
(when incurred) and significant non-recurring items, such as accelerated time charter amortization. Adjusted
EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of financial
statements, such as investors, to assess our operating performance. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA
assists our management and investors by providing useful information that increases the comparability of
our performance operating from period to period and against the operating performance of other companies
in our industry that provide Adjusted EBITDA information. This increased comparability is achieved by
excluding the potentially disparate effects between periods or companies of interest, other financial items.
depreciation and amortization and taxes, which items are affected by various and possibly changing
financing methods, capital structure and historical cost basis and which items may significantly affect net
income between periods. We believe that including Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of operating
performance benefits investors in (a) selecting between investing in us and other investment alternatives and
(b) monitoring our ongoing financial and operational strength in assessing whether to continue to hold
common units.
Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance under U.S. GAAP, does not represent and
should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating
activities or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted
EBITDA excludes some. but not all, items that affect net income and these measures may vary among other
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companies. Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA as presented below may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures of other companies. The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most
directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure, for the periods presented:
Three Months Ended
March 31, Year Ended December 31,
2015 2014 2014 2013 2012 2011
Reconciliation to Net Income
Net Income $14,878 $11,029 $50,561 $45,620 $29,836 $18,820
Net interest and finance costs( 6,885 1,944 14,303 9,732 9,771 4,797
Depreciation 5,968 3,348 17,822 13,579 13,616 13,579
Non• recurring expense from
accelerated time charter
amortization 908
Charter hire amortization and other
non•cash revenue adjustments 335 161 1.157 (4,182) 2,666
Adjusted EBITDA $28,066 $16,482 $84,751 $64,749 $55,889 $37,196
( I) Includes interest and finance casts, net of interest income, and (gain)/ loss on derivative instruments, if
any.
(7) Voyage expenses include commissions of 1.25% paid to our Manager and third party ship brokers.
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RISK FACTORS
Before investing in our Series A Preferred Units, you should carefully consider all of the information
included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Although many of our business risks are comparable
to those ofa corporation engaged in a similar business, limited partner interests are inherently different from the
capital stock of a corporation. When evaluating an investment in our Series A Preferred Units, you should
carefully consider the following risk factors together with all other information included in this prospectus,
including those risks discussed under the heading "Item 3.—D. Risk Factors" of our Annual Report on Form
20•F for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed with the Commission on March 10, 2015, which is
incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and information included in any applicable free writing
prospectus.
If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows could
be materially adversely affected. In that case, we might be unable to pay distributions on our Series A Preferred
Units, the trading price of our Series A Preferred Units could decline, and you could lose all or part of your
investment.
Risks Related to the Series A Preferred Units
The Series A Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests.
The Series A Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, will not
give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As a result, holders of the Series A
Preferred Units may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment in the Series A Preferred Units for an
indefinite period of time. in addition, the Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to all our indebtedness and
other liabilities, and any other senior securities we may issue in the future with respect to assets available to
satisfy claims against us.
The Series A Preferred Units have not been rated.
We have not sought to obtain a rating for the Series A Preferred Units, and the Series A Preferred Units may
never be rated. It is possible, however, that one or more rating agencies might independently determine to assign
a rating to the Series A Preferred Units or that we may elect to obtain a rating of our Series A Preferred Units in
the future. In addition, we may elect to issue other securities for which we may seek to obtain a rating. If any
ratings are assigned to the Series A Preferred Units in the future or if we issue other securities with a rating, such
ratings. if they are lower than market expectations or are subsequently lowered or withdrawn, could adversely
affect the market for or the market value of the Series A Preferred Units. Ratings only reflect the views of the
issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely
at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any
particular security, including the Series A Preferred Units. Ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a
security for a particular investor and any future rating of the Series A Preferred Units may not reflect all risks
related to us and our business, or the structure or market value of the Series A Preferred Units.
We distribute all of our available cash and are not required to accumulate cash for the purpose of
meeting ourfuture obligations to holders of the Series A Preferred Units, which may limit the cash
available to make distributions on the Series A Preferred Units.
Subject to the limitations in the Partnership Agreement, we distribute all of our available cash each quarter.
"Available cash" is defined in the Partnership Agreement, and it generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash
on hand at the end of the quarter:
less the amount of cash reserves established by our Board of Directors to:
provide for the proper conduct of our business (including reserves for future capital expenditures and
for ow anticipated credit needs);
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• comply with applicable law, any debt instruments, or other agreements: or
• provide funds for distributions to our limited partners and to our General Partner for any one or more of
the next four quarters;
plus all cash on hand on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter resulting from working
capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter. Working capital borrowings are generally borrowings
that are made under our credit agreements and in all cases are used solely for working capital purposes or to
pay distributions to partners.
As a result, we do not expect to accumulate significant amounts of cash. Depending on the timing and
amount of our cash distributions, these distributions could significantly reduce or eliminate the cash available to
us in subsequent periods to make payments on the Series A Preferred Units.
Our Series A Preferred Units are subordinated to our debt obligations, andyour interests could be diluted
by the issuance ofadditional limited partner interests, including additional Series A Preferred Units, and
by other transactions.
Our Series A Preferred Units are subordinated to all of ow existing and future indebtedness. As of
March 31, 2015, our total outstanding debt was $570.0 million and we had the ability to borrow an additional
$30.0 million under our interest free $30.0 million revolving credit facility with our Sponsor. We may incur
additional debt under these or future credit facilities. The payment of principal and interest on our debt reduces
cash available for distribution to us and on our limited partner interests, including the Series A Preferred Units.
The issuance of additional limited partner interests on a parity with or senior to our Series A Preferred Units
would dilute the interests of the holders of our Series A Preferred Units, and any issuance of Senior Securities or
Parity Securities or additional indebtedness could affect our ability to pay distributions on, redeem or pay the
liquidation preference on our Series A Preferred Units. No provisions relating to our Series A Preferred Units
protect the holders of our Series A Preferred Units in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction,
including a merger or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all our assets or business, which might
adversely affect the holders of our Series A Preferred Units.
The Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to any Senior Securities andparipassu with any Parity
Securities.
Our Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to any Senior Securities and pan passu with any Parity
Securities (if applicable) and any other class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities
established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units that is not expressly subordinated or
senior to the Series A Preferred Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation,
dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary. If less than all distributions payable with respect to
the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable) are paid, any partial payment shall be made
pro rata with respect to Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable) entitled to a distribution
payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate amounts remaining due in respect of such units at such time.
As a holder ofSeries A Preferred Units you have extremely limited voting rights.
Your voting rights as a holder of Series A Preferred Units will be extremely limited. Our common units are
the only class of limited partner interests carrying full voting rights. Holders of the Series A Preferred Units
generally have no voting rights. However, in the event that six quarterly distributions, whether consecutive or
not, payable on Series A Preferred Units or any other Parity Securities (if applicable) are in arrears, the holders of
Series A Preferred Units will have the right, voting together as a class with all other classes or series of Parity
Securities (if applicable) upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to elect one
additional director to serve on our Board of Directors, and the size of our Board of Directors will be increased as
needed to accommodate such change (unless the holders of Series A Preferred Units and Parity Securities (if
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EFTA01083816
applicable) upon which like voting rights have been conferred, voting as a class, have previously elected a
member of our Board of Directors, and such director continues then to serve on the Board of Directors). The right
of such holders of Series A Preferred Units to elect a member of our Board of Directors will continue until such
time as all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Series A Preferred Units have been paid in full. Certain
other limited protective voting rights are described in this prospectus under "Description of Series A Preferred
Units—Voting Rights."
The Series A Preferred Units are a new issuance and do not have an established trading market, which
may negatively affect their market value and your ability to transfer or sell your units. In addition, the
lack of a fired redemption date for the Series A Preferred Units will increase your reliance on the
secondary marketfor liquidity purposes.
The Series A Preferred Units are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. In addition,
since the securities have no stated maturity date, investors seeking liquidity will be limited to selling their units in
the secondary market absent redemption by us. We intend to apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the
NYSE. but there can be no assurance that the NYSE will accept the Series A Preferred Units for listing. Even if
the Series A Preferred Units are approved for listing by the NYSE, an active trading market on the NYSE for the
units may not develop or, even if it develops, may not last, in which case the trading price of the units of Series A
Preferred Units could be adversely affected and your ability to transfer your units will be limited. If an active
trading market does develop on the NYSE, our Series A Preferred Units may trade at prices lower than the
offering price. The trading price of our Series A Preferred Units would depend on many factors, including:
• prevailing interest rates;
• the market for similar securities;
general economic and financial market conditions:
• our issuance of debt or preferred equity securities; and
• our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Units
pending any listing of the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE, but they are not obligated to do so and may
discontinue market-making at any time without notice.
Market interest rates may adversely affect the value of our Series A Preferred Units.
One of the factors that will influence the price of our Series A Preferred Units will be the distribution yield
on the Series A Preferred Units (as a percentage of the price of our Series A Preferred Units) relative to market
interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative to historical rates,
may lead prospective purchasers of our Series A Preferred Units to expect a higher distribution yield, and higher
interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution.
Accordingly, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our Series A Preferred Units to
decrease.
We are a holding company, and our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders will be limited
by the value of investments we currently hold and by the distribution offundsfrom our subsidiaries.
We are a holding company whose assets mainly consist of equity interests in our subsidiaries. As a result,
ow ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders will depend on the performance of our operating
subsidiaries. If we are not able to receive sufficient funds from our subsidiaries, we will not be able to pay
distributions unless we obtain funds from other sources. We may not be able to obtain the necessary funds from
other sources on terms acceptable to us.
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Tax Risks
In addition to the following risk factors, you should read "Material United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations" and "Non-United States Tax Considerations" for a more complete discussion of the material
Marshall Islands and United States federal income tax consequences of owning and disposing of the Series A
Preferred Units.
We will be subject to taxes, which will reduce our cash available for distribution to the holders of our
units.
We and our subsidiaries may be subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which we are organized or operate,
reducing the amount of cash available for distribution. In computing our tax obligation in these jurisdictions, we
are required to take various tax accounting and reporting positions on matters that are not entirely free from
doubt and for which we have not received rulings from the governing authorities. We cannot assure you that
upon review of these positions the applicable authorities will agree with our positions. A successful challenge by
a tax authority could result in additional tax imposed on us or ow subsidiaries, further reducing the cash available
for distribution. In addition, changes in ow operations or ownership could result in additional tax being imposed
on us or our subsidiaries in jurisdictions in which operations are conducted. Please see "Material United States
Federal Income Tax Considerations."
We may have to pay tax on U.S.-source income, which would reduce our earnings and cash flow.
Under the Code, the U.S.-source gross transportation income of a ship-owning or chartering corporation,
such as ourselves, generally is subject to a 4% United States federal income tax without allowance for deduction,
unless that corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under a tax treaty or Section 883 of the Code and the
Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. U.S.-source gross transportation income consists of 50% of the
gross shipping income that is attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and
end, in the United States.
Based on advice we received from Seward & Kissel LLP, our United States counsel, we believe we
currently qualify for this statutory tax exemption and we intend to take this position for United States federal
income tax reporting purposes. However, there are factual circumstances beyond our control that could cause us
to lose the benefit of this tax exemption and thereby become subject to the 4% United States federal income tax
described above. For example, if the holders of 5% or more of the total voting power and value of our common
units, or 5% Unitholders, were to come to own 50% or more of the total voting power and value of the common
units, then we would not qualify for exemption under Section 883. It is noted that holders of our common units
are limited to owning 4.9% of the voting power of such common units. Assuming that such limitation is treated
as effective for purposes of determining voting power under Section 883, then we would not have any 5%
Unitholders to own 50% or more of our common units. If contrary to these expectations, our 5% Unitholders
were to own 50% or more of the common units, then we would not qualify for exemption under Section 883
unless we could establish that among the closely-held group of 5% Unitholders, there are sufficient 5%
Unitholders that are qualified stockholders for purposes of Section 883 to preclude non-qualified 5% Unitholders
in the closely-held group from owning 50% or more of the total value of our common units for more than half the
number of days during the taxable year. In order to establish this, sufficient 5% Unitholders that are qualified
stockholders would have to comply with certain documentation and certification requirements designed to
substantiate their identity as qualified stockholders. These requirements are onerous and there can be no
assurance that we would be able to satisfy them. The imposition of this taxation could have a negative effect on
our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution payments to the holders of the
Series A Preferred Units. For a more detailed discussion, see "Material United States Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
S-I8
EFTA01083818
United States tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which would have
adverse United States federal income tax consequences to United States holders of the Series A Preferred
Units.
A non-U.S. entity treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes will be treated as a
"passive foreign investment company" (or PFIC) for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75% of its gross
income for any taxable year consists of - passive income" or at least 50% of the average value of its assets
produce, or are held for the production of, "passive income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income"
includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property, and rents and royalties other
than rents and royalties that are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade
or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute
"passive income." U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous United States federal income tax
regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the
gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their interests in the PFIC.
Based on ow current and projected methods of operation, and on an opinion of our United States counsel,
Seward & Kissel LLP, we believe that we were not a PFIC in the year ended December 31, 2014 and will not be
a PFIC for any future taxable year. We have received an opinion of our United States counsel in support of this
position that concludes that the income our subsidiaries earned from certain of our time-chartering activities
should not constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have
represented to our United States counsel that we expect that more than 25% of our gross income for the year
ended December 31, 2014 and each future year will arise from such time-chartering activities or other income
which does not constitute passive income, and more than 50% of the average value of our assets for each such
year will be held for the production of such nonpassive income. Assuming the composition of our income and
assets is consistent with these expectations, and assuming the accuracy of other representations we have made to
our United States counsel for purposes of their opinion, our United States counsel is of the opinion that we
should not be a PFIC for the year ended December 31, 2014 year or any future year. This opinion is based and its
accuracy is conditioned on representations, valuations and projections provided by us regarding our assets,
income and charters to ow United States counsel. While we believe these representations, valuations and
projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that they will continue to
be accurate at any time in the future.
While Seward & Kissel LLP, our United States counsel, has provided us with an opinion in support of our
position, the conclusions reached are not free from doubt, and it is possible that the United States Internal
Revenue Service, or the IRS, or a court could disagree with this position. In addition, although we intend to
conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot
assure you that the nature of our operations will not change in the future. If the IRS were to find that we are or
have been a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for subsequent taxable
years), U.S. holders of the Series A Preferred Units would face adverse United States federal income tax
consequences. See "Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation
of U.S. Holders—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences."
Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties
Our GeneralPartner has limited its liability regarding our obligations.
Our General Partner has limited its liability under contractual arrangements so that the other party has
recourse only to ow assets and not against our General Partner or its assets or any affiliate of our General Partner
or its assets. The Partnership Agreement provides that any action taken by our General Partner to limit its or our
liability is not a breach of our General Partner's fiduciary duties owed to common unitholders or a breach of our
General Partner's contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing to holders of the Series A Preferred Units even
if we could have obtained terms that are more favorable without the limitation on liability.
5.19
EFTA01083819
Common unitholders and Series A Preferred Units have no right to enforce obligations of our General
Partner and its affiliates under agreements with us.
Any agreements between us, on the one hand, and our General Partner and its affiliates, on the other, do not
and will not grant to the holders of our common units or Series A Preferred Units separate and apart from us, the
right to enforce the obligations of our General Partner and its affiliates in our favor.
Except in limited circumstances, our Board ofDirectors has the power and authority to conduct our
business without limitedpartner approval.
Under the Partnership Agreement. our Board of Directors has full power and authority to do all things (other
than those items that require limited partner approval or with respect to which our Board of Directors has sought
conflicts committee approval) on such terms as it determines to be necessary or appropriate to conduct our
business including, among others, the following:
• the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or
other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness,
including indebtedness that is convertible into securities of the partnership (subject to the limited
approval rights of holders of Series A Preferred Units described under "Description of Series A
Preferred Units—Voting Rights"), and the incurring of any other obligations;
• the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of periodic or other reports to
governmental or other agencies having jurisdictions over our business or assets;
• the negotiation, execution and performance of any contracts, conveyances or other instruments;
• the distribution of partnership cash;
• the selection and dismissal of employees and agents, outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and
contractors and the determination of their compensation and other terms of employment or hiring;
• the maintenance of insurance for our benefit and the benefit of our partners;
• the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the contribution of property and the making of
loans to, any other limited or general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations, limited liability
companies or other relationships;
• the control of any matters affecting our rights and obligations, including the bringing and defending of
actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation, arbitration or mediation
and the incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and litigation;
• the indemnification of any person against liabilities and contingencies to the extent permitted by law;
• the purchase, sale or other acquisition or disposition of our securities, or the issuance of additional
options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to our securities (subject to certain restrictions
if the prior payment of all quarterly distributions on the Series A Preferred Units through the most
recent Series A Distribution Payment Date is in arrears); and
• the entering into of agreements with any of its affiliates to render services to us, our controlled
affiliates or to itself in the discharge of its duties as our General Partner.
Please read "—Meetings; Voting," above and "Description of Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights" for
information regarding the voting rights of limited partners.
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EFTA01083820
USE OF PROCEEDS
We intend to use the net proceeds of the sale of the Series A Preferred Units, which are expected to total
approximately $ million (or approximately $ million if the underwriters exercise in full their
option to purchase additional units), after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated offering expenses,
together with borrowings under the New Secured Debt Facility to finance the purchase price of the Optional
Vessel Acquisition. If we are unable to complete the Optional Vessel Acquisition, we will use the net proceeds of
this offering for general partnership purposes, including working capital. The closing of the Optional Vessel
Acquisition is subject to, among other things, (i) the identification of the vessel to be acquired; (ii) agreement on
the purchase price; (iii) approval of the Optional Vessel Acquisition and the purchase price by our conflicts
committee; (iv) entry into the New Secured Debt Facility; and (v) the negotiation and execution of definitive
documentation. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to complete the Optional Vessel Acquisition.
S•21
EFTA01083821
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED UNIT
DISTRIBUTIONS
The following table sets forth our unaudited ratio of our consolidated earnings to our consolidated fixed
charges and preference distributions for the periods indicated.
Three months
ended
March 31, Year ended December 31.
2015 2014 2013 2012 2011
Earnings:
Income from continuing operations before taxes 14,878 50,561 45,620 29,836 18,820
Add: Fixed charges 6,827 14,123 9,298 9,141 3,894
Add: Depreciation of capitalized interest 100 374 349 350 349
Total earnings 21,805 65,058 55,267 39,327 23,063
Fixed Charges:
Interest charges. whether expensed or capitalized 6,442 13,338 8,248 8,551 3,794
Amortization and write-off of deferred financing fees 385 785 1,050 590 100
Total Fixed charges 6,827 14,123 9,298 9,141 3,894
Preferred unit distributions — —
Fixed Charges and Preferred Unit Distributions 6,827 14,123 9,298 9,141 3,894
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit
distributions 3.19x 4.6Ix 5.94x 4.30x 5.92x
As of March 31, 2015, we had not issued any preferred units. Accordingly, the ratio of earnings to combined
fixed charges and preferred unit distributions is equivalent to the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
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CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our consolidated capitalization as of March 31, 2015:
• On an actual basis;
• On an as adjusted basis, as of July 2, 2015, to give effect to (i) the quarterly cash distribution of
$0.4225 per common and subordinated unit declared on April 16, 2015 for the first quarter of 2015,
and paid on May 12, 2015, to all unitholders of record as of May 5, 2015 and (ii) the scheduled debt
repayment of $5.0 million.
• On an as further adjusted basis, to give effect to the issuance and sale of the Series A Preferred Units at
the public offering price of $25.00 per unit.
There have been no significant adjustments to our capitalization since March 31, 2015, as so adjusted. You
should read the information below together with the section of this prospectus supplement entitled "Use of
Proceeds." as well as the consolidated financial statements and related notes for the year ended December 31,
2014, included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Commission on March 10, 2015, and our
report on Form 6-K which includes our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, furnished to the Commission on May 19,
2015, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
As of March 31, 2015
As
As further
Actual adjusted adjusted
(in thousands of u S. dollars)
Debt:
Secured Debt $320.000 $315.000 $
Unsecured Debtii) 250.000 250.000
Total debt obligations (including current portion)• $570.000 $565.000 $
Partners' Equity:
Common unitholders: 20,505,000 units issued and outstanding on an
actual, as adjusted and as further adjusted basis $304,644 $295,981 $
Subordinated unitholders: 14,985.000 units issued and outstanding on an
actual, as adjusted and as further adjusted basis (7,194) (13,525)
General Partner: 35,526 units issued and outstanding on an actual, as
adjusted and as further adjusted basis 100 68
Series A Preferred unitholders: no units issued and outstanding on an
actual and as adjusted basis, and units issued and outstanding on
an as further adjusted basis
Total Partners' Equity: $297,550 $282,524 $
Total capitalization $867,550 $847,524 $
(I) Unsecured debt does not include an unsecured credit facility of $30.0 million from our Sponsor, which was
fully undrawn as of March 31, 2015.
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EFTA01083823
DESCRIPTION OF SERIES A PREFERRED UNITS
The following description of the Series A Preferred Units does not purport to be complete and is subject to,
and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of our third amended and restated partnership
agreement, or the Partnership Agreement, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and sets forth
the tenns of the Series A Preferred Units. A copy of the Partnership Agreement may be obtained from us as
described under "Where You Can Find Additional Information."
General
The Series A Preferred Units offered hereby are a new series of preferred units. Upon completion of this
offering, there will be Series A Preferred Units issued and outstanding (or Series A Preferred
Units issued and outstanding if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional units). We
may, without notice to or consent of the holders of the then-outstanding Series A Preferred Units, authorize and
issue additional Series A Preferred Units and Junior Securities (each as defined under "Summary—The
Offering—Ranking") and, subject to the limitations described under "—Voting Rights." Senior Securities and
Parity Securities (as defined under "Summary—The Offering—Ranking").
The holders of our common units are entitled to receive, to the extent permitted by law, such distributions as
may from time to time be declared by our Board of Directors. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of our common units are entitled to receive
distributions of our assets, after we have satisfied or made provision for our debts and other obligations and for
payment to the holders any class or series of limited partner interests (including the Series A Preferred Units)
having preferential rights to receive distributions of our assets.
The Series A Preferred Units will entitle the holders thereof to receive cumulative cash distributions when,
as and if declared by our Board of Directors out of legally available funds for such purpose. When issued and
paid for in the manner described in this prospectus, the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be fully paid
and nonassessable. Each Series A Preferred Unit will have a fixed liquidation preference of $25.00 per unit plus
an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date fixed for payment, whether or not
declared. Please read "—Liquidation Rights."
The Series A Preferred Units will represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness,
will not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As such, the Series A
Preferred Units will rank junior to all of our indebtedness and other liabilities with respect to assets available to
satisfy claims against us.
All the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be represented by a single certificate issued to the
Securities Depository (as defined below) and registered in the name of its nominee and, so long as a Securities
Depository has been appointed and is serving, no person acquiring Series A Preferred Units will be entitled to
receive a certificate representing such units unless applicable law otherwise requires or the Securities Depository
resigns or is no longer eligible to act as such and a successor is not appointed. Please read "—Book•Entry
System."
The Series A Preferred Units will not be convertible into common units or other of our securities and will
not have exchange rights or be entitled or subject to any preemptive or similar rights. The Series A Preferred
Units will not be subject to mandatory redemption or to any sinking fund requirements. The Series A Preferred
Units will be subject to redemption. in whole or in part. at our option commencing on August 12, 2020. Please
read "—Redemption."
We have appointed Computershare as the paying agent. or Paying Agent. and the registrar and transfer
agent, or the Registrar and Transfer Agent. for the Series A Preferred Units. The address of Computershare is 250
Royall Street, Canton MA 02021.
S•24
EFTA01083824
Ranking
Our Series A Preferred Units will be our only series of preferred units. As of the date of this prospectus no
other preferred units are issued and outstanding. The Series A Preferred Units are redeemable by us at any time
on or after August 12, 2020 and distributions accrue at a rate of % per annum per $25.00 of liquidation
preference per unit.
The Series A Preferred Units will, with respect to anticipated quarterly distributions and distributions upon
the liquidation, winding•up and dissolution of our affairs, rank:
• senior to the Junior Securities (including our common units);
• on a parity with the Parity Securities; and
• junior to the Senior Securities.
Under the Partnership Agreement, we may issue Junior Securities from time to time in one or more series
without the consent of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units. Our Board of Directors has the authority to
determine the preferences, powers, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and special or relative rights or
privileges, if any, of any such series before the issuance of any units of that series. Our Board of Directors will
also determine the number of units constituting each series of securities. Our ability to issue additional Parity
Securities in certain circumstances or Senior Securities is limited as described under "—Voting Rights."
Liquidation Rights
The holders of outstanding Series A Preferred Units will be entitled, in the event of any liquidation,
dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, to receive the liquidation preference of
$25.00 per unit in cash plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date fixed
for payment of such amount (whether or not declared), and no more, before any distribution will be made to the
holders of our common units or any other Junior Securities. A consolidation or merger of us with or into any
other entity, individually or in a series of transactions, will not be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding
up of our affairs for this purpose. In the event that our assets available for distribution to holders of the
outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities (if applicable) are insufficient to permit
payment of all required amounts, our assets then remaining will be distributed among the Series A Preferred
Units and any Parity Securities, as applicable, ratably on the basis of their relative aggregate liquidation
preferences. After payment of all required amounts to the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units and
other Parity Securities (if applicable), our remaining assets and funds will be distributed among the holders of the
common units and any other Junior Securities then outstanding according to their respective rights.
Voting Rights
The Series A Preferred Units will have no voting rights except as set forth below or as otherwise provided
by Marshall Islands law. In the event that six quarterly distributions, whether or not consecutive, payable on the
Series A Preferred Units are in arrears, the holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have the right, voting as a
class together with holders of any other Parity Securities (if applicable) upon which like voting rights have been
conferred and are exercisable, to elect one member of our Board of Directors, and the size of our Board of
Directors will be increased as needed to accommodate such change (unless the holders of Series A Preferred
Units and Parity Securities (if applicable) upon which like voting rights have been conferred, voting as a class,
have previously elected a member of our Board of Directors, and such director continues then to serve on the
Board of Directors). Distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units will be considered to be in arrears for
any quarterly period for which full cumulative distributions through the most recent distribution payment date
have not been paid on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units. The right of such holders of Series A Preferred
Units to elect a member of our Board of Directors will continue until such time as all distributions accumulated
and in arrears on the Series A Preferred Units have been paid in full, or funds for the payment thereof have been
declared and set aside, at which time such right will terminate, subject to revesting in the event of each and every
S•25
EFTA01083825
subsequent failure to pay six quarterly distributions as described above. Upon any termination of the right of the
holders of the Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities (if applicable) to vote as a class for such
director, the term of office of such director then in office elected by such holders voting as a class will terminate
immediately. Any director elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities
(if applicable) shall each be entitled to one vote on any matter before our Board of Directors.
Unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two•thirds of the
outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a single class, we may not adopt any amendment to the
Partnership Agreement that has a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units.
In addition, unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of
the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities (if
applicable) upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, we may not:
• issue any Parity Securities or Senior Securities if the cumulative distributions payable on outstanding
Series A Preferred Units are in arrears; or
• create or issue any Senior Securities.
On any matter described above in which the holders of the Series A Preferred Units are entitled to vote as a
class, such holders will be entitled to one vote per unit. The Series A Preferred Units held by us or any of our
subsidiaries or affiliates will not be entitled to vote.
Series A Preferred Units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other
nominee in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the beneficial
owner and his nominee provides otherwise.
Distributions
General
Holders of Series A Preferred Units will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our Board of
Directors out of legally available funds for such purpose. cumulative cash distributions from November 12, 2015.
Distribution Rate
Distributions on Series A Preferred Units will be cumulative, from , 2015. and payable on each
Distribution Payment Date, commencing on November 12, 2015, when, as and if declared by our Board of
Directors or any authorized committee thereof out of legally available funds for such purpose. The initial
distribution on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable on November 12, 2015 in an amount equal to $
per unit. Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will accrue at a rate of % per annum per $25.00 stated
liquidation preference per Series A Preferred Unit.
Distribution Payment Dates
The "Distribution Payment Dates" for the Series A Preferred Units will be each
February 12, May 12, August 12 and November 12, commencing November 12, 2015. Distributions will
accumulate in each distribution period from and including the preceding Distribution Payment Date or the initial
issue date, as the case may be, to but excluding the applicable Distribution Payment Date for such distribution
period, and distributions will accrue on accumulated distributions at the applicable distribution rate. If any
Distribution Payment Date otherwise would fall on a day that is not a Business Day, declared distributions will
be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions.
Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable based on a 360•day year consisting of twelve 30-
day months. "Business Day" means a day on which the NYSE is open for trading and which is not a Saturday, a
Sunday or other day on which banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.
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EFTA01083826
Payment ofDistributions
Not later than the close of business, New York City time, on each Distribution Payment Date, we will pay
those distributions, if any, on the Series A Preferred Units that have been declared by our Board of Directors to
the holders of such units as such holders' names appear on our unit transfer books maintained by the Registrar
and Transfer Agent on the applicable Record Date. The applicable record date, the Record Date, will be the fifth
Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Distribution Payment Date, except that in the case of
payments of distributions in arrears, the Record Date with respect to a Distribution Payment Date will be such
date as may be designated by our Board of Directors in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, as amended.
So long as the Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository,
declared distributions will be paid to the Securities Depository in same•day funds on each Distribution Payment
Date. The Securities Depository will credit accounts of its participants in accordance with the Securities
Depository's normal procedures. The participants will be responsible for holding or disbursing such payments to
beneficial owners of the Series A Preferred Units in accordance with the instructions of such beneficial owners.
No distribution may be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any Junior Securities (other than a
distribution payable solely in units of Junior Securities) unless full cumulative distributions have been or
contemporaneously are being paid or provided for on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any Parity
Securities (if applicable) through the most recent respective distribution payment dates. Accumulated
distributions in arrears for any past distribution period may be declared by our Board of Directors and paid on
any date fixed by our Board of Directors, whether or not a Distribution Payment Date, to holders of the Series A
Preferred Units on the record date for such payment, which may not be more than 60 days, nor less than 15 days,
before such payment date. Subject to the next succeeding sentence, if all accumulated distributions in arrears on
all outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable) have not been declared and paid,
or sufficient funds for the payment thereof have not been set apart, payment of accumulated distributions in
arrears will be made in order of their respective distribution payment dates, commencing with the earliest. If less
than all distributions payable with respect to all Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable)
are paid, any partial payment will be made pro rata with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity
Securities (if applicable) entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate amounts
remaining due in respect of such units at such time. Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will not be entitled to
any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or units, in excess of full cumulative distributions. Except
insofar as distributions accrue on the amount of any accumulated and unpaid distributions as described under
"—Distributions—Distribution Rate," no interest or sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of
any distribution payment which may be in arrears on the Series A Preferred Units.
Redemption
OptionalRedemption
Commencing on August 12, 2020, we may redeem, at our option, in whole or in part. the Series A Preferred
Units at a redemption price in cash equal to $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid
distributions thereon to the date of redemption, whether or not declared. Any such optional redemption shall be
effected only out of funds legally available for such purpose. We may undertake multiple partial redemptions.
Redemption Procedures
We will give notice of any redemption by mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days and not more than 60
days before the scheduled date of redemption, to the holders of any units to be redeemed as such holders' names
appear on our unit transfer books maintained by the Registrar and Transfer Agent at the address of such holders
shown therein. Such notice shall state: (1) the redemption date, (2) the number of Series A Preferred Units to be
redeemed and, if less than all outstanding Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number (and the
identification) of units to be redeemed from such holder, (3) the redemption price, (4) the place where the Series
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EFTA01083827
A Preferred Units are to be redeemed and shall be presented and surrendered for payment of the redemption price
therefor and (5) that distributions on the units to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such
redemption date.
If fewer than all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number of units to be
redeemed will be determined by us, and such units will be redeemed by such method of selection as the
Securities Depository shall determine, pro rata or by lot, with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional units.
So long as all Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, we will
give notice, or cause notice to be given, to the Securities Depository of the number of Series A Preferred Units to
be redeemed, and the Securities Depository will determine the number of Series A Preferred Units to be
redeemed from the account of each of its participants holding such units in its participant account. Thereafter,
each participant will select the number of units to be redeemed from each beneficial owner for whom it acts
(including the participant. to the extent it holds Series A Preferred Units for its own account). A participant may
determine to redeem Series A Preferred Units from some beneficial owners (including the participant itself)
without redeeming Series A Preferred Units from the accounts of other beneficial owners.
So long as the Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, the
redemption price will be paid by the Paying Agent to the Securities Depository on the redemption date. The
Securities Depository's normal procedures provide for it to distribute the amount of the redemption price in
same•day funds to its participants who, in turn, are expected to distribute such funds to the persons for whom
they are acting as agent.
If we give or cause to be given a notice of redemption, then we will deposit with the Paying Agent funds
sufficient to redeem the Series A Preferred Units as to which notice has been given by the close of business. New
York City time, no later than the Business Day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption, and will
give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the holder or holders
thereof upon surrender or deemed surrender (which will occur automatically if the certificate representing such
units is issued in the name of the Securities Depository or its nominee) of the certificates therefor. If notice of
redemption shall have been given, then from and after the date fixed for redemption, unless we default in
providing funds sufficient for such redemption at the time and place specified for payment pursuant to the notice,
all distributions on such units will cease to accumulate and all rights of holders of such units as our unitholders
will cease, except the right to receive the redemption price. including an amount equal to accumulated and
unpaid distributions through the date fixed for redemption, whether or not declared. We will be entitled to
receive from the Paying Agent the interest income, if any, earned on such funds deposited with the Paying Agent
(to the extent that such interest income is not required to pay the redemption price of the units to be redeemed),
and the holders of any units so redeemed will have no claim to any such interest income. Any funds deposited
with the Paying Agent hereunder by us for any reason, including, but not limited to, redemption of Series A
Preferred Units, that remain unclaimed or unpaid after two years after the applicable redemption date or other
payment date, shall be, to the extent permitted by law, repaid to us upon our written request. after which
repayment the holders of the Series A Preferred Units entitled to such redemption or other payment shall have
recourse only to us.
If only a portion of the Series A Preferred Units represented by a certificate has been called for redemption,
upon surrender of the certificate to the Paying Agent (which will occur automatically if the certificate
representing such units is registered in the name of the Securities Depository or its nominee), the Paying Agent
will issue to the holder of such units a new certificate (or adjust the applicable book•entry account) representing
the number of Series A Preferred Units represented by the surrendered certificate that have not been called for
redemption.
Notwithstanding any notice of redemption. there will be no redemption of any Series A Preferred Units
called for redemption until funds sufficient to pay the full redemption price of such units, including all
accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption, whether or not declared, have been deposited by
us with the Paying Agent.
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EFTA01083828
We and ow affiliates may from time to time purchase the Series A Preferred Units, subject to compliance
with all applicable securities and other laws. Neither we nor any of our affiliates has any obligation, or any
present plan or intention, to purchase any Series A Preferred Units.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that full cumulative distributions on the Series A Preferred
Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable) have not been paid or declared and set apart for payment, we may
not repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, in whole or in part, any Series A Preferred Units or Parity Securities
(if applicable) except pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Series A
Preferred Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable). Common units and any other Junior Securities may not
be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise acquired unless full cumulative distributions on the Series A Preferred
Units and any Parity Securities (if applicable) for all prior and the then-ending distribution periods have been
paid or declared and set apart for payment.
No Sinking Fund
The Series A Preferred Units will not have the benefit of any sinking fund.
No Fiduciary Duty
We, our officers and directors and our General Partner, will not owe any fiduciary duties to holders of the
Series A Preferred Units other than an implied contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing pursuant to the
Partnership Agreement.
Book-Entry System
All Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be represented by a single certificate issued to The
Depository Trust Company (and its successors or assigns or any other securities depository selected by us), or the
Securities Depository, and registered in the name of its nominee (initially, Cede & Co.). The Series A Preferred
Units offered hereby will continue to be represented by a single certificate registered in the name of the
Securities Depository or its nominee, and no holder of the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be
entitled to receive a certificate evidencing such units unless otherwise required by law or the Securities
Depository gives notice of its intention to resign or is no longer eligible to act as such and we have not selected a
substitute Securities Depository within 60 calendar days thereafter. Payments and communications made by us to
holders of the Series A Preferred Units will be duly made by making payments to, and communicating with, the
Securities Depository. Accordingly, unless certificates are available to holders of the Series A Preferred Units,
each purchaser of Series A Preferred Units must rely on (I) the procedures of the Securities Depository and its
participants to receive distributions, any redemption price, liquidation preference and notices, and to direct the
exercise of any voting or nominating rights, with respect to such Series A Preferred Units and (2) the records of
the Securities Depository and its participants to evidence its ownership of such Series A Preferred Units.
So long as the Securities Depository (or its nominee) is the sole holder of the Series A Preferred Units, no
beneficial holder of the Series A Preferred Units will be deemed to be a unitholder of us. The Depository Trust
Company, the initial Securities Depository, is a New York-chartered limited purpose trust company that performs
services for its participants, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own The Depository Trust Company.
The Securities Depository maintains lists of its participants and will maintain the positions (i.e., ownership
interests) held by its participants in the Series A Preferred Units, whether as a holder of the Series A Preferred
Units for its own account or as a nominee for another holder of the Series A Preferred Units.
S-29
EFTA01083829
THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Partnership Agreement, which is qualified in
its entirety by the terms and conditions of the Partnership Agreement, which incorporated herein by reference.
We will provide prospective investors with a copy of the Partnership Agreement upon written request at no
charge.
Organization and Duration
We were organized on May 30, 2013 and have perpetual existence.
Purpose
Our purpose under the Partnership Agreement is to engage in any business activities that may lawfully be
engaged in by a limited partnership pursuant to the Partnership Act.
Although our Board of Directors has the ability to cause us or our subsidiaries to engage in activities other
than liquefied natural gas shipping industry and other maritime LNG infrastructure assets, it has no current plans
to do so and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited
partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. Our General
Partner owes a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing to the holders of Series A Preferred Units pursuant
to the Partnership Agreement. Our General Partner has delegated to our Board of Directors the authority to
oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis.
Cash Distributions
The Partnership Agreement specifies the manner in which we will make cash distributions to holders of our
common units and other partnership interests, including to the holders of our incentive distribution rights, as well
as to our General Partner in respect of its General Partner interest.
Capital Contributions
No holder of common units, subordinated units or Series A Preferred Units is obligated to make additional
capital contributions, except as described below under "—Limited Liability."
Voting Rights
Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally have no voting rights. However, the consent of the holders
of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a single class, is required prior to any
amendment to the Partnership Agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the
Series A Preferred Units. In addition, unless we receive the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least
two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity
Securities (if applicable), we may not (i) issue any Parity Securities if the cumulative distributions on Series A
Preferred Units are in arrears or (ii) create or issue any Senior Securities. Distributions payable on the Series A
Preferred Units will be considered to be in arrears for any quarterly period for which full cumulative distributions
through the most recent distribution payment date have not been paid on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units.
Please read "Description of Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."
The following matters require the common unitholder vote specified below. Matters requiring the approval
of a "Unit Majority" require the approval of a majority of our common units and subordinated units as set forth
below:
• during the subordination period, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding those
common units held by our General Partner and its affiliates, voting as a class: and a majority of the
subordinated units voting as a single class: and
after the subordination period. the approval of a majority of the common units voting as a single class.
S•30
EFTA01083830
In voting their common units and subordinated units our General Partner and its affiliates will have no
fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in
the best interests of us or the limited partners.
Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders.
However, to preserve our ability to be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at
any time, any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class or series of units then outstanding,
any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be
considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners, calculating required votes
(except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board), determining the presence of a quorum or
for other similar purposes under the Partnership Agreement, unless otherwise required by law. The voting rights
of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other unitholders
holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes or series of units entitled to vote. Our General Partner,
its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our Board of Directors will not
be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected
directors. This loss of voting rights does not apply to the Series A Preferred Units or to any person or group that
acquires Partnership securities from our General Partner or its affiliates and any transferees of that person or
group approved by our General Partner or to any person or group who acquires Partnership securities with the
prior approval of our Board of Directors.
We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our Board of
Directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Our General Partner has
the right to appoint two of the five members of our Board of Directors with the remaining three directors being
elected by our common unitholders beginning with our 2014 annual meeting of unitholders. Subordinated units
will not be voted in the election of the three directors elected by our common unitholders.
Action Unitholder Approval Required and Voting Rights
Issuance of additional common units or other No approval rights; Board of Directors approval
limited partners interest required for all issuances, which may have a material
adverse impact on the General Partner or its interest
in our partnership.
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement Certain amendments may be made by our Board of
Directors without the approval of the unitholders.
Other amendments generally require the approval of a
Unit Majority. See "—Amendment of the Partnership
Agreement" below.
Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or Unit Majority and approval of our General Partner
substantially all of our assets and ow Board of Directors. See "—Merger, Sale,
Conversion or Other Disposition of Assets" below.
Dissolution of our partnership Unit Majority and approval of ow General Partner
and our Board of Directors. See "—Termination and
Dissolution" below.
Reconstitution of our partnership upon dissolution Unit Majority. See "—Termination and Dissolution"
below.
Election of three of the five members of our Board A plurality of the votes of the holders of the common
of Directors units.
S•31
EFTA01083831
Action Unitholder Approval Required and Voting Rights
Withdrawal of our General Partner Under most circumstances, the approval of a Unit
Majority is required for the withdrawal of our General
Partner prior to December 31, 2023 in a manner
which would cause a dissolution of our partnership.
See "—Withdrawal or Removal of our General
Partner" below.
Removal of our General Partner Not less than 66 2/3% of the outstanding common
units, including common and subordinated units held
by our General Partner and its affiliates, voting
together as a single class. See "—Withdrawal or
Removal of our General Partner" below.
Transfer of our General Partner interest in us Our General Partner may transfer all, but not less than
all, of its General Partner interest in us without a vote
of our common unitholders or other limited partners
to an affiliate or another person in connection with its
merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or
substantially all of its assets to such person. The
approval of a majority of the common units,
excluding common units held by our General Partner
and its affiliates, is required in other circumstances
for a transfer of the General Partner interest to a third
party prior to December 31, 2023. See "—Transfer of
General Partner Interest" below.
Transfer of incentive distribution rights Except for transfers to an affiliate or another person
as part of the General Partner's merger or
consolidation with or into, or sale of all or
substantially all of its assets to such person. the
approval of a majority of the common units,
excluding common units held by our General Partner
and its affiliates, voting separately as a class, is
required in most circumstances for a transfer of the
incentive distribution rights to a third party prior to
December 31, 2016. See "—Transfer of Incentive
Distribution Rights" below.
Transfer of ownership interests in our General No approval required at any time. See "—Transfer of
Partner Ownership Interests in General Partner" Below.
Applicable Law, Forum, Venue and Jurisdiction
The Partnership Agreement is governed by the Partnership Act. The Partnership Agreement requires that
any claims, suits, actions or proceedings:
• arising out of or relating in any way to the Partnership Agreement (including any claims, suits or
actions to interpret, apply or enforce the provisions of the Partnership Agreement or the duties,
obligations or liabilities among limited partners or of limited partners to us, or the rights or powers of,
or restrictions on, the limited partners or us);
• brought in a derivative manner on our behalf;
• asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of us or
our General Partner, or owed by our General Partner, to us or the limited partners:
S-32
EFTA01083832
• asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Partnership Act; and
• asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine
shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, unless otherwise
provided for by Marshall Islands law, regardless of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings
sound in contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, are based on common law, statutory. equitable, legal or
other grounds, or are derivative or direct claims. By purchasing a common unit, a limited partner is
irrevocably consenting to these limitations and provisions regarding claims, suits, actions or
proceedings and submitting to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of
Delaware, unless otherwise provided for by Marshall Islands law, in connection with any such claims,
suits, actions or proceedings.. however, a court could rule that such provisions are inapplicable or
unenforceable. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in our common
units shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions described above. This
forum selection provision may limit our unitholders' ability to obtain a judicial forum that they find
favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees or unitholders.
Limited Liability
Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the control of our business within the meaning of the
Partnership Act and that he otherwise acts in conformity with the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, his
liability under the Partnership Act will be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount of capital he is
obligated to contribute to us for his common units plus his share of any undistributed profits and assets. If it were
determined, however, that the right, or exercise of the right, by the limited partners as a group:
• to remove or replace our General Partner:
• to elect three of our five directors:
• to approve some amendments to the Partnership Agreement; or
• to take other action under the Partnership Agreement constituted "participation in the control" of our
business for the purposes of the Partnership Act, then the limited partners could be held personally
liable for our obligations under the laws of Marshall Islands, to the same extent as our General Partner.
This liability would extend to persons who transact business with us who reasonably believe that the
limited partner is a General Partner. Neither the Partnership Agreement nor the Partnership Act
specifically provides for legal recourse against our General Partner if a limited partner were to lose
limited liability through any fault of our General Partner. While this does not mean that a limited
partner could not seek legal recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in Marshall
Islands case law.
Under the Partnership Act, a limited partnership may not make a distribution to a partner if, after the
distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities to partners on account of their
partnership interests and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specific property of the
partnership, would exceed the fair value of the assets of the limited partnership. For the purpose of determining
the fair value of the assets of a limited partnership, the Partnership Act provides that the fair value of property
subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in the assets of the limited
partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds the non•recourse liability. The
Partnership Act provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and knew at the time of the
distribution that the distribution was in violation of the Partnership Act shall be liable to the limited partnership
for the amount of the distribution for three years. Under the Partnership Act, a transferee of units who becomes a
limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations of the transferor to make contributions to the
partnership. except that the transferee is not obligated for liabilities unknown to him at the time he became a
limited partner and that could not be ascertained from the Partnership Agreement.
S•33
EFTA01083833
Maintenance of our limited liability may require compliance with legal requirements in the jurisdictions in
which our subsidiaries conduct business, which may include qualifying to do business in those jurisdictions.
Limitations on the liability of limited partners for the obligations of a limited partnership or limited liability
company have not been clearly established in many jurisdictions. If, by virtue of our membership interest in an
operating subsidiary or otherwise, it were determined that we were conducting business in any jurisdiction
without compliance with the applicable limited partnership or limited liability company statute, or that the right
or exercise of the right by the limited partners as a group to remove or replace the General Partner, to approve
some amendments to the Partnership Agreement, or to take other action under the Partnership Agreement
constituted "participation in the control" of our business for purposes of the statutes of any relevant jurisdiction,
then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that jurisdiction to
the same extent as our General Partner under the circumstances. We will operate in a manner that our Board of
Directors considers reasonable and necessary or appropriate to preserve the limited liability of the limited
partners.
Issuance of Additional Securities
The Partnership Agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited amount of additional partnership interests
and rights to buy partnership interests for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our
Board of Directors without the approval of the unitholders other than the limited approval rights of the holders of
the Series A Preferred Units described under "Description of Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."
However, our General Partner will be required to approve all issuances of additional partnership interests, which
may have a material adverse impact on the General Partner or its interest in us.
We intend to fund acquisitions through borrowings and the issuance of additional common units or other
equity securities and the issuance of debt securities. Holders of any additional common units or Series A
Preferred Units we issue will be entitled to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units in our
distributions. In addition, the issuance of additional common units or other equity securities interests may dilute
the value of the interests of the then-existing holders of common units in our net assets.
In accordance with Marshall Islands law and the provisions of the Partnership Agreement, we may also
issue additional partnership interests that, as determined by our Board of Directors, have special voting or other
rights to which the common units or the Series A Preferred Units are not entitled.
Upon issuance of additional partnership interests (including our common units, but excluding common units
in connection with a reset of the incentive distribution target levels or the issuance of partnership interests upon
conversion of outstanding partnership interests and our Series A Preferred Units), our General Partner will have
the right, but not the obligation, to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its
0.1% General Partner interest in us. Our General Partner's interest in us will thus be reduced if we issue
additional partnership interests in the future and our General Partner does not elect to maintain its 0.1% General
Partner interest in us. Our General Partner's 0.1% General Partner Interest in us does not entitle it to receive any
portion of the distributions made in respect of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Units. Our General Partner
and its affiliates will have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its
affiliates, to purchase common units, subordinated units or other equity securities whenever, and on the same
terms that, we issue those securities to persons other than our General Partner and its affiliates, to the extent
necessary to maintain its and its affiliates' percentage interest, including its interest represented by common units
and subordinated units, that existed immediately prior to each issuance. Other holders of common units will not
have similar preemptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership interests.
Tax Status
The Partnership has elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
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EFTA01083834
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement
General
Amendments to the Partnership Agreement may be proposed only by or with consent of a majority of our
Board of Directors. However, our Board of Directors will have no duty or obligation to propose any amendment
and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners.
including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. In order to adopt a
proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed below, approval of our Board of Directors is
required, as well as written approval of the holders of the number of common or subordinated units required to
approve the amendment or call a meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed
amendment. In addition, holders of Series A Preferred Units must approve certain amendments as described
under "Description of Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights." Except as we describe below, an amendment
must be approved by a Unit Majority.
Prohibited Amendments
No amendment may be made that would:
I. increase the obligations of any limited partner without its consent, unless approved by at least a
majority of the type or class of limited partner interests so affected;
2. increase the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or reduce in any way the
amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable by us to our General Partner or any of its
affiliates without the consent of the General Partner, which may be given or withheld at its option;
3. change the term of our partnership;
4. provide that our partnership is not dissolved upon an election to dissolve our partnership by our
General Partner and ow Board of Directors that is approved by the holders of a Unit Majority; or
5. give any person the right to dissolve our partnership other than the right of our General Partner and our
Board of Directors to dissolve our partnership with the approval of the holders of a Unit Majority.
The provision of the Partnership Agreement preventing the amendments having the effects described in
clauses (I) through (5) above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the outstanding
units voting together as a single class (including units owned by our General Partner and its affiliates).
No Unitholder Approval
Our Board of Directors may generally make amendments to the Partnership Agreement without the approval
of any limited partner to reflect:
I. a change in our name, the location of our principal place of business, our registered agent or our
registered office;
2. the admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of partners in accordance with the Partnership
Agreement;
3. a change that our Board of Directors determines to be necessary or appropriate for us to qualify or to
continue our qualification as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the limited partners have
limited liability under the laws of any jurisdiction;
4. an amendment that is necessary. upon the advice of our counsel, to prevent us or our officers or
directors or our General Partner or their or its agents, or trustees from in any manner being subjected to
the provisions of the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940, the U.S. Investment Advisors Act of
1940, or plan asset regulations adopted under the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974 (or ERISA) whether or not substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or
proposed;
5.35
EFTA01083835
5. an amendment that our Board of Directors determines to be necessary or appropriate for the
authorization of additional partnership interests or rights to acquire partnership interests, including any
amendment that our Board of Directors determines is necessary or appropriate in connection with:
• the adjustments of the minimum quarterly distribution, first target distribution, second target
distribution and third target distribution in connection with the reset of our incentive distribution
rights;
• the implementation of the provisions relating to our General Partner's right to reset the incentive
distribution rights in exchange for common units; or
• any modification of the incentive distribution rights made in connection with the issuance of
additional partnership interests or rights to acquire partnership interests, provided that, any such
modifications and related issuance of partnership interests have received approval by a majority of
the members of the conflicts committee of our Board of Directors;
6. any amendment expressly permitted in the Partnership Agreement to be made by our Board of
Directors acting alone;
7. an amendment effected, necessitated, or contemplated by a merger agreement that has been approved
under the terms of the Partnership Agreement;
8. any amendment that our Board of Directors determines to be necessary or appropriate for the formation
by us of, or our investment in, any corporation. partnership or other entity. as otherwise permitted by
the Partnership Agreement;
9. a change in our fiscal year or taxable year and related changes;
10. certain mergers or conveyances as set forth in the Partnership Agreement;
II. to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency; or
P. any other amendments substantially similar to any of the matters described in (1) through (1I ) above.
In addition, our Board of Directors may make amendments to the Partnership Agreement without the
approval of any limited partner or ow General Partner (subject to the limited approval rights of the holders of the
Series A Preferred Units and the holders of other Parity Securities (if applicable)) if our Board of Directors
determines that those amendments:
I. do not adversely affect the limited partners (or any particular class of limited partners) or our General
Partner in any material respect;
2. are necessary or appropriate to satisfy any requirements, conditions, or guidelines contained in any
opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any Marshall Islands authority or statute;
3. are necessary or appropriate to facilitate the trading of limited partner interests or to comply with any
rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any securities exchange on which the limited partner
interests are or will be listed for trading:
4. are necessary or appropriate for any action taken by ow Board of Directors relating to splits or
combinations of units under the provisions of the Partnership Agreement; or
5. are required to effect the intent expressed in this prospectus or the intent of the provisions of the
Partnership Agreement or are otherwise contemplated by the Partnership Agreement.
Opinion of Counsel and Limited Partner Approval
Our Board of Directors will not be required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will not
result in a loss of limited liability to the limited partners if one of the amendments described above under
"Amendment of the Partnership Agreement—No Unitholder Approval" should occur. No other amendments to
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EFTA01083836
the Partnership Agreement will become effective without the approval of holders of at least 90% of the
outstanding units voting as a single class unless we obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment
will not affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of our limited partners.
In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights
or privileges of any type or class or series of outstanding limited partner interests (other than Series A Preferred
Units) in relation to other classes or series of limited partner interests will require the approval of at least a
majority of the type or class or series of units so affected; provided, however, that any amendment that would
have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units will require the approval of at
least two•thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units. Any amendment that reduces the voting percentage
required to take any action must be approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners whose aggregate
outstanding interests constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced.
Action Relating to the Operating Subsidiary
We effectively control, manage and operate our operating subsidiary by being the sole member of its
General Partner.
Merger, Sale, Conversion or Other Disposition of Assets
A merger or consolidation of us requires the approval of our Board of Directors, the prior consent of our
General Partner and a Unit Majority. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, our General Partner will
have no duty or obligation to consent to any merger or consolidation and may decline to do so free of any
fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in
the best interests of us or the limited partners. In addition, the Partnership Agreement generally prohibits our
Board of Directors, without the prior approval of our General Partner and the holders of units representing a Unit
Majority, from causing us to, among other things, sell, exchange, or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all
of our assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, including by way of merger, consolidation,
or other combination, or approving on our behalf the sale, exchange, or other disposition of all or substantially all
of the assets of our subsidiaries taken as a whole. Our Board of Directors may, however, mortgage. pledge,
hypothecate, or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of ow assets without the prior approval of the
holders of units representing a Unit Majority. Our General Partner and our Board of Directors may also
determine to sell all or substantially all of our assets under a foreclosure or other realization upon those
encumbrances without the approval of the holders of units representing a Unit Majority.
Our Board of Directors is permitted, without the approval of our unitholders, to convert the Partnership or
any of its subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity, to merge the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries into,
or convey all of the Partnership's assets to. another limited liability entity which shall be newly formed and shall
have no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of such conversion, merger or conveyance other than those it
receives from the Partnership or any of its subsidiaries if (i) the Board of Directors has received an opinion from
the Partnership's counsel that the conversion, merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not result in the
loss of the limited liability of any limited partner. (ii) the sole purpose of such conversion, merger or conveyance
is to effect a mere change in the legal form of the Partnership into another limited liability entity, and (iii) the
governing instruments of the new entity provide the limited partners. the General Partner and the Board of
Directors with the same rights and obligations as are herein contained.
If conditions specified in the Partnership Agreement are satisfied, our Board of Directors, with the consent
of our General Partner. may convert us or any of our subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity or merge us or
any of our subsidiaries into, or convey some or all of our assets to, a newly formed entity if the sole purpose of
that merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in our legal form into another limited liability entity. The
unitholders are not entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal under the Partnership Agreement or applicable law in
the event of a conversion, merger or consolidation, a sale of substantially all of our assets, or any other
transaction or event.
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Termination and Dissolution
We will continue as a limited partnership until terminated or converted under the Partnership Agreement.
We will dissolve upon:
I. the election of our General Partner and our Board of Directors to dissolve us, if approved by the
holders of units representing a Unit Majority;
2. at any time there are no limited partners. unless we continue without dissolution in accordance with the
Partnership Act;
3. the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of us; or
4. the withdrawal or removal of our General Partner or any other event that results in its ceasing to be our
General Partner other than by reason of a transfer of its General Partner interest in accordance with the
Partnership Agreement or withdrawal or removal following approval and admission of a successor.
Upon a dissolution under clause (4), the holders of a Unit Majority may also elect, within specific time
limitations, to continue our business on the same terms and conditions described in the Partnership Agreement by
appointing as General Partner an entity approved by the holders of units representing a Unit Majority, subject to
our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the action would not result in the loss of limited liability of
any limited partner.
Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds
Upon our dissolution, unless we are continued as a new limited partnership, the liquidator authorized to wind up
our affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our Board of Directors that are necessary or appropriate, liquidate our
assets and apply the proceeds of the liquidation as provided in the Partnership Agreement. The liquidation rights of
holders of Series A Preferred Units and Parity Securities (including the Series A Preferred Units) are described under
"Description of Series A Preferred Units—Liquidation Rights." The liquidator may defer liquidation or distribution of
our assets for a reasonable period or distribute assets to partners in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical
or would cause undue loss to our partners. A consolidation or merger of us with or into any other entity, individually or
in a series of transactions, will not be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.
Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner
Except as described below, it will constitute a breach of the Partnership Agreement by our General Partner
to withdraw voluntarily as ow General Partner prior to December 31, 2023 without obtaining the approval of the
holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our General
Partner and its affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability. On or after
December 31, 2023, our General Partner may withdraw as General Partner without first obtaining approval of
any unitholder by giving 90 days' written notice, and that withdrawal will not constitute a violation of the
Partnership Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our General Partner may withdraw without common
unitholder or other limited partner approval upon 90 days' notice to the limited partners if at least 50% of the
outstanding common units are held or controlled by one person and its affiliates other than our General Partner
and its affiliates. In addition, the Partnership Agreement permits our General Partner in some instances to sell or
otherwise transfer all of its General Partner interest in us without the approval of the unitholders. See "—Transfer
of General Partner Interest" and "—Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights."
Upon withdrawal of our General Partner under any circumstances, other than as a result of a transfer by our
General Partner of all or a part of its General Partner interest in us, the holders of a majority of the outstanding
common units and subordinated units, voting as separate classes, may select a successor to that withdrawing
General Partner. If a successor is not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability
cannot be obtained, we will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within a specified period of time after
that withdrawal, the holders of a Unit Majority agree in writing to continue ow business and to appoint a
successor General Partner. See "—Termination and Dissolution."
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Our General Partner may not be removed unless that removal is approved by the vote of the holders of not
less than 66 V3% of the outstanding common and subordinated units, including units held by ow General Partner
and its affiliates, voting together as a single class, and we receive an opinion of counsel regarding limited
liability. The ownership of more than 33 V3% of the outstanding units by our General Partner and its affiliates or
controlling our Board of Directors would provide the practical ability to prevent our General Partner's removal.
Any removal of our General Partner is also subject to the successor General Partner being approved by the vote
of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units, voting as a single class.
The Partnership Agreement also provides that if our General Partner is removed as our General Partner
under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by our General Partner and its affiliates are not
voted in favor of that removal:
• the subordination period will end and all outstanding subordinated units will immediately convert into
common units on a one•for-one basis;
• any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units will be
extinguished; and
• our General Partner will have the right to convert its General Partner interest and its incentive
distribution rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests based on the fair
market value of the interests at the time.
In the event of removal of our General Partner under circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of our
General Partner where that withdrawal violates the Partnership Agreement, a successor General Partner will have
the option to purchase the General Partner interest and incentive distribution rights owned by the departing
General Partner for a cash payment equal to the fair market value of those interests. Under all other
circumstances where our General Partner withdraws or is removed by the limited partners, the departing General
Partner will have the option to require the successor General Partner to purchase the General Partner interest of
the departing General Partner and its incentive distribution rights for their fair market value. In each case, this
fair market value will be determined by agreement between the departing General Partner and the successor
General Partner. If no agreement is reached, an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert
selected by the departing General Partner and the successor General Partner will determine the fair market value.
Or, if the departing General Partner and the successor General Partner cannot agree upon an expert. then an
expert chosen by agreement of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair market value.
If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing General Partner or the successor
General Partner, the departing General Partner's General Partner interest and its incentive distribution rights will
automatically convert into common units equal to the fair market value of those interests as determined by an
investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner described in the preceding
paragraph.
In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing General Partner for all amounts due the departing
General Partner, including, without limitation, any employee•related liabilities, including severance liabilities,
incurred for the termination of any employees employed by the departing General Partner or its affiliates for our
benefit.
Transfer of General Partner Interest
Except for the transfer by our General Partner of all, but not less than all, of its General Partner interest in us
to:
• an affiliate of our General Partner (other than an individual); or
• another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of our General Partner with or into another entity
or the transfer by our General Partner of all or substantially all of its assets to another entity.
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Our General Partner may not transfer all or any part of its General Partner interest in us to another person
prior to December 31, 2023 without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common
units, excluding common units held by our General Partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this transfer, the
transferee must, among other things, assume the rights and duties of the General Partner, agree to be bound by
the provisions of the Partnership Agreement and furnish an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability.
Our General Partner and its affiliates may at any time transfer units to one or more persons, without limited
partner approval.
Transfer of Ownership Interests in General Partner
At any time, the members of our General Partner may sell or transfer all or part of their respective
membership interests in our General Partner to an affiliate or a third party without the approval of our
unitholders.
Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights
Our General Partner or its affiliates or a subsequent holder, may transfer its incentive distribution rights to
an affiliate of the holder (other than an individual) or another entity as part of the merger or consolidation of such
holder with or into another entity, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to that entity without the prior
approval of the unitholders. Prior to December 31, 2016, all other transfers of the incentive distribution rights
will require the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common
units held by our General Partner and its affiliates. On or after December 31, 2016, the incentive distribution
rights may be transferred without unitholder approval.
Transfer of Common Units, Subordinated Units and Series A Preferred
By transfer of common units, subordinated units or Series A Preferred Units in accordance with the
Partnership Agreement, each transferee of common units, subordinated units or Series A Preferred Units
automatically is admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units, subordinated units or Series A
Preferred Units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records. We will cause
any transfers to be recorded on our books and records no less frequently than quarterly. Each transferee
automatically is deemed to:
• represent that the transferee has the capacity, power and authority to become bound by the Partnership
Agreement:
agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of, and to have executed, the Partnership Agreement;
grants power of attorney to officers of our General Partner and any liquidator of us as specified in the
Partnership Agreement; and
give the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.
We are entitled to treat the nominee holder of a common unit, subordinated units or a Series A Preferred
Unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holder's rights are limited solely to those that it has against
the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.
Common units, subordinated units and Series A Preferred Units are securities and are transferable according
to the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives
the transferee the right to become a limited partner in our partnership for the transferred common units.
Until a common unit, subordinated units or a Series A Preferred Unit has been transferred on our books, we
and our transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner of such unit for all purposes,
except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations.
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Change of Management Provisions
The Partnership Agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to discourage a person or group
from attempting to remove Dynagas GP LLC as our General Partner or otherwise change management. If any
person or group acquires beneficial ownership of more than 4.9% of any class or series of units then outstanding,
that person or group loses voting rights on all of its units in excess of 4.9% of all such units. Our General Partner,
its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our Board of Directors will not
be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected
directors. This loss of voting rights does not apply to the Series A Preferred Units or to any person or group that
acquires Partnership securities from our General Partner or its affiliates and any transferees of that person or
group approved by our General Partner or to any person or group who acquires Partnership securities with the
prior approval of our Board of Directors.
The Partnership Agreement also provides that if our General Partner is removed under circumstances where
cause does not exist and units held by our General Partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal:
• the subordination period will end and all outstanding subordinated units will immediately convert into
common units on a one-for-one basis;
• any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units will be
extinguished; and
• our General Partner will have the right to convert its General Partner interest and its incentive
distribution rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests
Limited Call Right
If at any time our General Partner and its affiliates hold more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding
partnership interests of any class or series, except for the Series A Preferred Units, our General Partner will have
the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than
all, of the remaining partnership interests of the class or series held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to
be selected by the General Partner, on at least 10 but not more than 60 days' notice equal to the greater of (x) the
average of the daily closing prices of the partnership interests of such class over the 20 trading days preceding
the date three days before the notice of exercise of the call right is first mailed and (y) the highest price paid by
our General Partner or any of its affiliates for partnership interests of such class during the 90-day period
preceding the date such notice is first mailed. Our General Partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion
regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the exercise of this limited call right and
has no fiduciary duty in determining whether to exercise this limited call right.
As a result of the General Partner's right to purchase outstanding partnership interests, a holder of
partnership interests may have the holder's partnership interests (except for the Series A Preferred Units)
purchased at an undesirable time or price. The tax consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right
are the same as a sale by that unitholder of common units in the market. See "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of
Common Units" and "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-
U.S. Holders—Disposition of Units."
Board of Directors
Under the Partnership Agreement, our General Partner has delegated to our Board of Directors the authority
to oversee and direct our operations, policies and management on an exclusive basis, and such delegation will be
binding on any successor General Partner of the partnership. Our current Board of Directors consists of five
members appointed by our General Partner. We expect that Messrs. Levon Dedegian, Alexios Rodopoulos and
Evangelos Vlahoulis will satisfy the independence standards as applicable to us. Following ow first annual
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meeting of unitholders, our board will consist of five members, two of whom will be appointed by our General
Partner in its sole discretion and three of whom will be elected by our common unitholders. Directors appointed
by our General Partner will serve as directors for terms determined by our General Partner. Directors elected by
our common unitholders are divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms. Three of the five
directors initially appointed by our General Partner will serve until our annual meeting in 2014, at which time
they will be replaced by three directors elected by our common unitholders. One of the three directors elected by
our common unitholders will be designated as the Class I elected director and will serve until our annual meeting
of unitholders in 2015, another of the three directors will be designated as the Class II elected director and will
serve until our annual meeting of unitholders in 2016, and the remaining director will be designated as the Class
III elected director and will serve until ow annual meeting of unitholders in 2017. At each subsequent annual
meeting of unitholders, directors will be elected to succeed the class of directors whose terms have expired by a
plurality of the votes of the common unitholders. Directors to be elected by our common unitholders will be
nominated by the Board of Directors or by any limited partner or group of limited partners that holds at least 15%
of the outstanding common units.
In addition, any limited partner or group of limited partners that holds beneficially 15% or more of the
outstanding common units is entitled to nominate one or more individuals to stand for election as elected board
members at the annual meeting by providing written notice to our Board of Directors not more than 120 days nor
less than 90 days prior to the meeting. However, if the date of the annual meeting is not publicly announced by us
at least 100 days prior to the date of the meeting, the notice must be delivered to our Board of Directors not later
than 10 days following the public announcement of the meeting date. The notice must set forth:
• the name and address of the limited partner or limited partners making the nomination or nominations;
• the number of common units beneficially owned by the limited partner or limited partners;
• the information regarding the nominee(s) proposed by the limited partner or limited partners;
• the written consent of the nominee(s) to serve as a member of our Board of Directors if so elected; and
• a certification that the nominee(s) qualify as elected board members.
Our General Partner may remove an appointed board member with or without cause at any time. "Cause"
generally means a court's finding a person liable for actual fraud or willful misconduct in his or its capacity as a
director. Any and all of the board members may be removed at any time for cause by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the other board members. Any and all of the board members appointed by our General Partner may
be removed for cause at a properly called meeting of the limited partners by a majority vote of the outstanding
units, voting as a single class. If any appointed board member is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve
as a board member, our General Partner may fill the vacancy. Any and all of the board members elected by the
common unitholders may be removed for cause at a properly called meeting of the limited partners by a majority
vote of the outstanding common units. If any elected board member is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to
serve as a board member, the vacancy may be filled by a majority of the other elected board members then
serving.
Meetings, Voting
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, the holders of our common units have only limited
voting rights on matters affecting our business. On those matters that are submitted to a vote of common
unitholders, each record holder of a common unit may vote according to the holder's percentage interest in us of
all holder entitled to vote on such matter, although additional limited partners interests having special voting
rights could be issued.
Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally have no voting rights. However, holders of Series A
Preferred Units have limited voting rights as described under "Description of Series A Preferred Units—Voting
Rights."
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Except as described below regarding a person or group owning more than 4.9% of any class or series of
limited partner interests then outstanding. limited partners on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may be solicited.
We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of ow Board of
Directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Any action that is
required or permitted to be taken by our limited partners. or any applicable class thereof, may be taken either at a
meeting of the applicable limited partners or without a meeting if consents in writing describing the action so
taken are signed by holders of the number of limited partner interests necessary to authorize or take that action at
a meeting. Meetings of our limited partners may be called by our Board of Directors or by limited partners
owning at least 20% of the outstanding limited partner interests of the class for which a meeting is proposed.
Limited partners may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of a majority of the outstanding
limited partner interests of the class, classes or series for which a meeting has been called, represented in person
or by proxy, will constitute a quorum unless any action by the limited partners requires approval by holders of a
greater percentage of the limited partner interests, in which case the quorum will be the greater percentage.
Each record holder of a unit may vote according to the holder's percentage interest in us, although additional
limited partner interests having special voting rights could be issued. See "—Issuance of Additional Securities."
However, to preserve our ability to be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at any
time any person or group. other than our General Partner and its affiliates, or a direct or subsequently approved
transferee of our General Partner or its affiliates or a transferee approved by the Board of Directors, acquires, in the
aggregate. beneficial ownership of more than 4.9% of any class or series of our limited partner interests then
outstanding. that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its limited partner interests in excess of 4.9%.
except for the Series A Preferred Units, and such limited partner interests will not be considered to be outstanding
when sending notices of a meeting of limited partners, calculating required votes (except for nominating a person
for election to our Board of Directors), determining the presence of a quorum, or for other similar purposes. The
voting rights of any such limited partner interests in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among
the other limited partner interests (as applicable) holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units
entitled to vote. Our General Partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired limited partner interests with the prior
approval of our Board of Directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their
common units in the election of the elected directors. Units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by
the broker or other nominee in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement
between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise. Except as the Partnership Agreement otherwise
provides, subordinated units will vote together with common units as a single class.
Any notice, demand, request report, or proxy material required or permitted to be given or made to record
holders of common units, subordinated units or Series A Preferred Units under the Partnership Agreement will be
delivered to the record holder by us or by the transfer agent.
Status as Limited Partner or Assignee
Except as described above under "—Limited Liability." the common units, subordinated units. Series A
Preferred Units will be fully paid, and unitholders will not be required to make additional contributions. By
transfer of common units, subordinated units or Series A Preferred Units in accordance with the Partnership
Agreement, each transferee of units will be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the units transferred
when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records.
Indemnification
Under the Partnership Agreement, in most circumstances, we will indemnify the following persons, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar events:
(I) our General Partner.
(2) any departing General Partner;
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(3) any person who is or was an affiliate of our General Partner or any departing General Partner;
(4) any person who is or was an officer, director, member, fiduciary or trustee of any entity described in
(I), (2) or (3) above;
(5) any person who is or was serving as a director, officer, member, fiduciary or trustee of another person
at the request of our Board of Directors, our General Partner or any departing General Partner:
(6) any person designated by our Board of Directors;
(7) our officers; and
(8) the members of our Board of Directors.
Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of our assets. Unless it otherwise agrees, our
General Partner will not be personally liable for, or have any obligation to contribute or lend funds or assets to us
to enable us to effectuate, indemnification. We may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and
expenses incurred by persons for our activities, regardless of whether we would have the power to indemnify the
person against liabilities under the Partnership Agreement.
Reimbursement of Expenses
The Partnership Agreement requires us to reimburse the members of ow Board of Directors for their out-of-
pocket costs and expenses incurred in the course of their service to us. The Partnership Agreement also requires
us to reimburse our General Partner for all expenses it incurs or payments it makes on our behalf and all other
expenses allocable to us or otherwise incurred by our General Partner in connection with operating our business.
These expenses include salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons who perform
services for us or on our behalf, and expenses allocated to us or our General Partner by our Board of Directors.
Books and Reports
Our General Partner is required to keep appropriate books and records of our business at our principal
offices. The books will be maintained for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual basis. For tax
and fiscal reporting purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year.
We intend to furnish or make available to record holders of common units, subordinated units and Series A
Preferred Units, within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, an annual report containing audited financial
statements and a report on those financial statements by our independent chartered accountants. Except for our
fourth quarter, we will also furnish or make available summary financial information within 90 days after the
close of each quarter.
Right to Inspect Our Books and Records
The Partnership Agreement provides that a limited partner can, for a purpose reasonably related to his
interest as a limited partner, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at the
limited partner's own expense, have furnished to the limited partner:
• a current list of the name and last known address of each partner:
• information as to the amount of cash, and a description and statement of the agreed value of any other
property or services, contributed or to be contributed by each partner and the date on which each
became a partner:
• copies of the Partnership Agreement, the certificate of limited partnership of the partnership, and
related amendments:
• information regarding the status of ow business and financial position; and
• any other information regarding our affairs as is just and reasonable.
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Our Board of Directors may, and intends to, keep confidential from the limited partners trade secrets or
other information the disclosure of which our Board of Directors believes in good faith is not in our best interests
or that we are required by law or by agreements with third parties to keep confidential.
Registration Rights
Under the Partnership Agreement, we have agreed to register for resale under the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws, subject to applicable law, including the regulations of the Commission, any
common units proposed to be sold by our Sponsor or any of its affiliates or their assignees if an exemption from
the registration requirements is not othenvise available or advisable. These registration rights continue for two
years following any withdrawal or removal of Dynagas GP LLC as our General Partner. We are obligated to pay
all expenses incidental to the registration, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions. In connection with
these registration rights, we will not be required to pay any damages or penalties related to any delay or failure to
file a registration statement or to the failure to cause a registration statement to become effective. See "Units
Eligible for Future Sale."
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest exist and may arise in the future as a result of the relationships between our General
Partner and its affiliates, including Dynagas Holding Ltd., on the one hand, and us and our unaffiliated limited
partners, on the other hand. Our General Partner has a fiduciary duty to make any decisions relating to our
management in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders. Similarly, our Board of Directors has fiduciary
duties to manage us in a manner beneficial to us, our General Partner and ow limited partners. Certain of our
officers and directors will also be officers of our Sponsor or its affiliates and will have fiduciary duties to our
Sponsor or its affiliates that may cause them to pursue business strategies that disproportionately benefit our
Sponsor or its affiliates or which othenvise are not in the best interests of us or our unitholders. As a result of
these relationships, conflicts of interest may arise between us and our unaffiliated limited partners on the one
hand, and our Sponsor and its affiliates, including our General Partner, on the other hand. The resolution of these
conflicts may not be in the best interest of us or our unitholders. We, our officers and directors and our General
Partner will not owe any fiduciary duties to holders of the Series A Preferred Units other than a contractual duty
of good faith and fair dealing pursuant to the Partnership Agreement. Please see "Item 7.—B. Major Unitholders
and Related Party Transactions—Related Party Transactions—Conflicts of Interest and Fiduciary Duties" of our
Annual Report on Form 20•F for the year ended December 31, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein.
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MATERIAL US. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations that may be
relevant to prospective holders of the Series A Preferred Units and, unless otherwise noted in the following
discussion, is the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, our United States counsel, insofar as it contains legal
conclusions with respect to matters of United States federal income tax law. The opinion of our counsel is
dependent on the accuracy of factual representations made by us to them, including descriptions of our
operations contained herein.
This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations. and current administrative
rulings and court decisions, all as in effect or existence on the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject
to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of unit
ownership to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires,
references in this section to "we." "our- or "us" are references to Dynagas LNG Partners LP.
The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of the Series A Preferred Units that own the
Series A Preferred Units as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally. for
investment purposes) and is not intended to be applicable to all categories of investors, such as unitholders
subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers. tax•exempt
organizations, retirement plans or individual retirement accounts or former citizens or long•term residents of the
United States), persons who own 10% or more of the Series A Preferred Units (directly, indirectly or
constructively), persons who will hold the Series A Preferred Units as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion,
constructive sale or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax purposes, or persons that
have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, each of whom may be subject to tax rules that
differ significantly from those summarized below. If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for
United States federal income tax purposes holds the Series A Preferred Units, the tax treatment of its partners
generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a
partnership holding the Series A Preferred Units, you are encouraged to consult your own tax advisor regarding
the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of the Series A Preferred Units.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or prospective
holders of the Series A Preferred Units. The opinions and statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS
and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in a court.
This discussion does not contain information regarding any United States state or local, estate, gift or
alternative minimum tax, or unearned income Medicare contribution tax considerations concerning the
ownership or disposition of the Series A Preferred Units. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of
United States federal income taxation that may be important to particular holders of the Series A Preferred Units
in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective holder of the Series A Preferred Units is urged to
consult its own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the
ownership or disposition of the Series A Preferred Units.
Election to be Treated as a Corporation
We have elected to be treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, we
will be subject to United States federal income tax to the extent we earn income from U.S.-sources or income
that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States unless such
income is exempt from tax under an applicable tax treaty or Section 883 of the Code. In addition, among other
things, U.S. Holders (as defined below) will not directly be subject to United States federal income tax on our
income, but rather will be subject to United States federal income tax on distributions received from us and
dispositions of the Series A Preferred Units as described below.
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United States Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign
corporation is subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the
use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the
participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint venture, code sharing arrangements or other joint
venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that generates such income, or from the performance of
services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as "shipping income," to the extent that the shipping
income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is
attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States
constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as "U.S.-source shipping income."
Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to
be 100% from sources within the United States. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that
produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-United States ports will be
considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources
outside the United States will not be subject to any United States federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be
subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from United States Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on our U.S.-
source shipping income if:
• we are organized in a foreign country (our "country of organization") that grants an "equivalent
exemption" to corporations organized in the United States; and
Either
• more than 50% of the value of our units is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are
"residents" of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an "equivalent
exemption" to corporations organized in the United States, which we refer to as the "50% Ownership
Test," or
• our units are - primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market" in our country of
organization, in another country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to United States corporations, or
in the United States, which we refer to as the "Publicly-Traded Test."
The Marshall Islands, the jurisdiction where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, grants an
"equivalent exemption" to United States corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from United States federal
income taxation with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or
the Publicly-Traded Test. It will be difficult for us to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test due to the widely-held
ownership of our units. Our ability to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test is discussed below.
The regulations provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be
"primarily traded" on an established securities market if the number of shares of each class of stock that are
traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares
in each such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country.
Our common units are - primarily traded" on the NYSE under the ticker symbol "DLNG."
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Under the regulations, our units will be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities
market if one or more classes of our units representing more than 50% or more of our outstanding units, by total
combined voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote and total value, is listed on the market which we
refer to as the listing threshold. Since ow common units, which represent more than 50% of our outstanding
units, are listed on the NYSE, we expect to satisfy the listing requirement.
It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the listing threshold (i) such
class of the stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable
year or t/6 the days in a short taxable year; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such class of stock
traded on such market is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during
such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year. We believe we will satisfy the foregoing
trading frequency and trading volume tests. Even if this were not the case, the regulations provide that the trading
frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied by a class of stock if, as we expect to be the case
with our units, such class of stock is traded on an established market in the United States (such as the NYSE) and
such class of stock is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulations provide, in pertinent part, our common units will not be
considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or
more of the total voting power and total value of our outstanding common units are owned, actually or
constructively under specified attribution rules, on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons
who each own 5% or more of the total voting power and total value of our common units, which we refer to as
the "5 Percent Override Rule."
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who own 5% or more of our common units, or "5%
Unitholders," the regulations permit us to rely on Schedule I3G and Schedule I3D filings with the Commission
to identify persons who have a 5% or more beneficial interest in our units. The regulations further provide that an
investment company which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will not be
treated as a 5% Unitholder for such purposes.
We do not believe that we are currently subject to the 5 Percent Override Rule. However, there is no
assurance that we will continue to qualify for exemption under Section 883. For example, we could be subject to
the 5% Override Rule if our 5% Unitholders were to own 50% or more of the common units. It is noted that
holders of our common units are limited to owning 4.9% of the voting power of such common units. Assuming
that such limitation is treated as effective for purposes of determining voting power under Section 883, then we
would not have any 5% Unitholders to own 50% or more of ow common units. If contrary to these expectations,
our 5% Unitholders were to own 50% or more of the common units, then we would be subject to the 5%
Override Rule unless it could establish that, among the common units owned by the 5% Unitholders, sufficient
common units were owned by qualified unitholders to preclude non•qualified unitholders from owning 50
percent or more of the total value of our common units for more than half the number of days during the taxable
year. These requirements are onerous and there is no assurance that we will be able to satisfy them.
Taxation In Absence of Exemption
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not
considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described
below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of
deductions. Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would be
treated as being derived from United States sources, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income
tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
To the extent the benefits of the Section 883 exemption are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping
income is considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as
described below, any such "effectively connected• U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions,
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would be subject to the United States federal corporate income tax currently imposed at rates of up to 35%. In
addition, we may be subject to the 30% "branch profits" taxes on earnings effectively connected with the conduct
of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or
deemed paid attributable to the conduct of its United States trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S.
trade or business only if:
• we have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the
earning of shipping income; and
• substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled
transportation, such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings
at regular intervals between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
We do not intend to have, or permit circumstances that would result in having any vessel operating to the
United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping
operations and other activities, we believe that none of our U.S.-source shipping income will be "effectively
connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business.
United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883, we will not be subject to United States
federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to
occur outside of the United States under United States federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel
will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with
respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us
will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
US. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder- means a beneficial owner of the Series A Preferred Units that owns
(actually or constructively) less than 10% of our equity and that is:
• an individual citizen or resident of the United States (as determined for United States federal income
tax purposes),
• a corporation (or other entity that is classified as a corporation for United States federal income tax
purposes) organized under the laws of the United States or any of its political subdivisions.
• an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its
source, or
• a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the
administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United
States person for United States federal income tax purposes.
Distributions
Subject to the discussion below of the rules applicable to PFICs, any distributions to a U.S. Holder made by
us with respect to the Series A Preferred Units generally will constitute dividends, which may be taxable as
ordinary income or "qualified dividend income" as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current
and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles.
Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the
extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in its Series A Preferred Units and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders
that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to
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distributions they receive from us because we are not a United States corporation. Dividends received with
respect to the Series A Preferred Units generally will be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of
computing allowable foreign tax credits for United States federal income tax purposes.
Dividends received with respect to the Series A Preferred Units by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust
or estate (or a U.S. Individual Holder) generally will be treated as "qualified dividend income" that is taxable to
such U.S. Individual Holder at preferential capital gain tax rates provided that: (i) the Series A Preferred Units
are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as the NYSE, on which we
anticipate that the Series A Preferred Units will be traded following this offering); (ii) we are not a PFIC for the
taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not
believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below under "—PFIC Status and Significant Tax
Consequences"); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the Series A Preferred Units for more than 60 days
during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the Series A Preferred Units become ex-
dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such Series A Preferred
Units); and (iv) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to
positions in substantially similar or related property. There is no assurance that any dividends paid on the Series
A Preferred Units will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any
dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Units that are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as
ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder.
Special rules may apply to any amounts received in respect of the Series A Preferred Units that are treated
as "extraordinary dividends." In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a Series A
Preferred Unit that is equal to or in excess of 10% of the holder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon
such holder's election) in such Series A Preferred Unit. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends
received within a one year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20% of the holder's adjusted tax basis
(or fair market value). If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on the Series A Preferred Units that is treated as
"qualified dividend income," then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of
such Series A Preferred Units will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such
dividend.
Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of the Series A Preferred Units
Subject to the discussion of PFIC status below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss
upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of the Series A Preferred Units in an amount equal to the difference
between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S.
Holder's adjusted tax basis in such Series A Preferred Units. The U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in its Series A
Preferred Units generally will be the U.S. Holder's purchase price for the units and that tax basis will be reduced
(but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the units that are treated as non-taxable returns of
capital (as discussed above under "Distributions" and "Ratio of Dividend Income to Distributions"). Such gain or
loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at
the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Certain U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible
for preferential rates of United States federal income tax in respect of long-term capital gains. A U.S. Holder's
ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Such capital gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S.-
source income or loss, as applicable, for United States foreign tax credit purposes.
PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Adverse United States federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-
United States corporation that is classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be
treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the holder held our units, either:
• at least 75% of our gross income (including the gross income of our vessel-owning subsidiaries) for
such taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived
other than in the active conduct of a rental business); or
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• at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by us (including the assets of our vessel-owning
subsidiaries) during such taxable year produce, or are held for the production of, passive income.
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our
proportionate sham of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own
at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary's stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with
the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally
constitute "passive income" unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the
active conduct of a trade or business.
Based on our current and projected methods of operation, and an opinion of our United States counsel, we
do not believe that we are, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. We have
received an opinion of our United States counsel, Seward & Kissel LLP, in support of this position that
concludes that the income our subsidiaries earn from certain of our present time-chartering activities should not
constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented
to our United States counsel that we expect that more than 25% of our gross income for our current taxable year
and each future year will arise from such time-chartering activities on other income which does not constitute
passive income, and more than 50% of the average value of our assets for each such year will be held for the
production of such nonpassive income. Assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with
these expectations, and assuming the accuracy of other representations we have made to our United States
counsel for purposes of their opinion, our United States counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC
for our current taxable year or any future year.
We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting our position consisting of case law and IRS
pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters and voyage charters as
services income for other tax purposes. However, it should be noted that there is also authority concluding that
income derived from time charters should be treated as rental income rather than services income for other tax
purposes. Therefore, in the absence of any legal authority specifically relating to the statutory provisions
governing PFICs, our United States counsel has advised us that the conclusions reached are not free from doubt,
and the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a
manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature
of our operations will not change in the future.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would
be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a
"Qualified Electing Fund," which we refer to as a "QEF election." As an alternative to making a QEF election, a
U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to the Series A Preferred Units, as
discussed below. If we am a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be subject to the PFIC rules described herein with respect
to any of our subsidiaries that are PFICs. However, the mark-to-market election discussed below will likely not
be available with respect to shares of such PFIC subsidiaries. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns the Series A
Preferred Units during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must file an annual report with the
IRS.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election (or an Electing Holder), then, for United States federal
income tax purposes, that holder must report as income for its taxable year its pro rata share of our ordinary
earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end with or within the taxable year for which that
holder is reporting, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year.
The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units will be increased to reflect taxed but
undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a
corresponding reduction in the Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units and will not
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be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale.
exchange or other disposition of the Series A Preferred Units. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect
to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with its United States federal income tax return. If,
contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will provide
each U.S. Holder with the information necessary to make the QEF election described above.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a "Mark-to-Market" Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate, our units were treated as
"marketable stock," then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a
"mark-to-market" election with respect to the Series A Preferred Units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and
files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that
election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if
any, of the fair market value of the U.S. Holder's Series A Preferred Units at the end of the taxable year over the
holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units. The U.S. Holder also would be permitted an ordinary
loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units over
the fair market value thereof at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously
included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in its Series A Preferred
Units would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or
other disposition of the Series A Preferred Units would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on
the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Series A Preferred Units would be treated as ordinary loss to the
extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S.
Holder. Because the mark-to-market election only applies to marketable stock, however, it would not apply to a
U.S. Holder's indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that were determined to be PFICs.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF
election or a "mark-to-market" election for that year (or a Non-Electing Holder) would be subject to special rules
resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions
received by the Non-Electing Holder on the Series A Preferred Units in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the
average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if
shorter, the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the Series A Preferred Units), and (2) any gain realized on
the sale, exchange or other disposition of the units. Under these special rules:
• the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's aggregate
holding period for the Series A Preferred Units:
• the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the taxable year we were
first treated as a PFIC with respect to the Non-Electing Holder would be taxed as ordinary income; and
• the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax
in effect for the applicable class of taxpayers for that year. and an interest charge for the deemed
deferral benefit would be imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other
taxable year.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Non-US. Holders
A beneficial owner of the Series A Preferred Units (other than a partnership or an entity or arrangement
treated as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to as a
Non-U.S. Holder. If you are a partner in a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for
United States federal income tax purposes) holding the Series A Preferred Units, you should consult your own
tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of the Series A Preferred Units.
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Distributions
Distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax or
withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a United States trade or business. If the Non-U.S.
Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business, our distributions will be subject to United States federal
income tax to the extent they constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's United States
trade or business. However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a trade or business may be
exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty if the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to
a United States permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder.
Disposition of Units
In general. a Non-U.S. Holder is not subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any
gain resulting from the disposition of the Series A Preferred Units provided the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged
in a United States trade or business. A Non•U.S. Holder that is engaged in a United States trade or business will
be subject to United States federal income tax in the event the gain from the disposition of units is effectively
connected with the conduct of such United States trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder
entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, such gain also is attributable to a U.S.
permanent establishment). However, even if not engaged in a United States trade or business, individual Non•
U.S. Holders may be subject to tax on gain resulting from the disposition of the Series A Preferred Units if they
are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those units are disposed
and meet certain other requirements.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general, payments to a non•corporate U.S. Holder of distributions or the proceeds of a disposition of the
Series A Preferred Units will be subject to information reporting. These payments to a non•corporate U.S. Holder
also may be subject to backup withholding if the non-corporate U.S. Holder:
• fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
• is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report all interest or corporate distributions required to be
reported on its U.S. federal income tax returns; or
• in certain circumstances. fails to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup
withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN. W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a holder of the Series A Preferred Units generally may
obtain a credit for any amount withheld against its liability for United States federal income tax (and obtain a
refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such liability) by timely filing a United States federal income tax
return with the IRS.
Individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury regulations, certain
individuals who are Non-U.S. Holders and certain United States entities) who hold "specified foreign financial
as.sets" (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code) are required to file IRS Form 8938 with information relating to
the asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such assets exceeds $75,000 at any time during
the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year (or such higher dollar amount as prescribed by
applicable Treasury regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would include, among other assets, the Series
A Preferred Units, unless the shares held through an account maintained with a United States financial
institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless the failure is shown to
be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event an individual U.S. Holder
(and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury regulations, an individual Non-U.S. Holder or a United States
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entity) that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of limitations on the assessment
and collection of United States federal income taxes of such holder for the related tax year may not close until
three years after the date that the required information is filed. U.S. Holders (including U.S. entities) and Non•
U.S. Holders are encouraged consult their own tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations under this
legislation.
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NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Unless the context otherwise requires. references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to
Dynagas LNG Partners LP.
Marshall Islands Tax Consequences
The following discussion is based upon the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, our counsel as to matters of
the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the current laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
applicable to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of the
Marshall Islands.
Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, and because all documentation related to this offering will be executed outside of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Marshall Islands
taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distribution treated as a return of capital, we make to
you as a holder of the Series A Preferred Units. In addition, you will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp,
capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of the Series A Preferred Units, and you
will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of the
Series A Preferred Units.
EACH PROSPECTIVE HOLDER OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED UNITS IS URGED TO
CONSULT HIS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF UNIT OWNERSHIP UNDER THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
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UNDERWRITING
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company,
Incorporated and DNB Markets, Inc. are acting as joint-book running managers in this offering. Subject to the
terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement dated the date of this prospectus. each underwriter
named below has severally agreed to purchase, and we have agreed to sell to that undenvriter. the number of
Series A Preferred Units set forth opposite the underwriter's name.
Number of Series A
Underwriter Preferred Units
Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC $
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC $
Stifel. Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated $
DNB Markets, Inc
Total
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed,
severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the Series A Preferred Units sold under the underwriting agreement if
any of the Series A Preferred Units are purchased. If an undenvriter defaults, the underwriting agreement
provides that the purchase commitments of the non-defaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting
agreement may be terminated.
The undenvriters have an option to buy up to additional Series A Preferred Units from us solely to
cover over-allotments. The underwriters have 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement to exercise
this option. If any units are purchased with this option. the underwriters will purchase units in approximately the
same proportion as shown in the table above. If any additional Series A Preferred Units are purchased. the
underwriters will offer the additional units on the same terms on which the units are being offered.
We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those
liabilities.
The underwriters are offering the Series A Preferred Units, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to
and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the Series A
Preferred Units, and satisfaction of other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt
by the underwriters of officers' certificates and legal opinions. The undenvriters reserve the right to withdraw,
cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.
Commissions and Discounts
The underwriters propose initially to offer the Series A Preferred Units to the public at the public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of
per unit. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $ per
unit to other dealers. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of this
offering may be changed.
The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds. before expenses.
to us.
Per Unit Total'"
Public Offering Price $ $
Underwriting Discount $ $
Proceeds to us (before expenses) $ $
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(I) We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional
Series A Preferred Units. If the underwriters exercise the option in full, the total underwriting discount will
be $ and total proceeds to us before expenses will be $
The expenses of this offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $ and are payable by
us.
No Sales of Similar Securities
We have agreed that, for a period of 30 days after the date of this prospectus and subject to certain
exceptions. we will not, without the prior written consent of the underwriters, (i) directly or indirectly offer,
pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase. purchase any option or contract to sell, grant
any option. right or warrant for the sale of, or lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any Series A Preferred
Units or any securities that are substantially similar to the Series A Preferred Units, whether owned as of the date
hereof or hereafter acquired or with respect to which we have acquired or hereafter acquire the power of
disposition, or file, or cause to be filed, any registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to any of
the foregoing (collectively, the "Lock-Up Securities") or (ii) enter into any swap or any other agreement or any
transaction that transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, the economic consequence of ownership of
the Lock-Up Securities, whether any such swap. agreement or transaction is to be settled by delivery of Lock-Up
Securities, in cash or otherwise.
NYSE Listing
The Series A Preferred Units are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to
apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE under the symbol "DLNGPRA." If the application is
approved, trading of the Series A Preferred Units on the NYSE is expected to begin within 30 days after the date
of initial delivery of the Series A Preferred Units. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a
market in the Series A Preferred Units before commencement of trading on the NYSE. They will have no
obligation to make a market in the Series A Preferred Units, however, and may cease market-making activities, if
commenced, at any time. Accordingly, an active trading market on the NYSE for the Series A Preferred Units
may not develop or, even if one develops, may not last, in which case the liquidity and market price of the Series
A Preferred Units could be adversely affected, the difference between bid and asked prices could be substantial
and your ability to transfer Series A Preferred Units at the time and price desired will be limited.
Price Stabilization, Short Positions
Until the distribution of the Series A Preferred Units is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and
selling group members from bidding for and purchasing Series A Preferred Units. However, the undenvriters
may engage in transactions that have the effect of stabilizing the price of the Series A Preferred Units, such as
bids or purchases and other activities that peg, fix or maintain that price.
In connection with this offering, the undenvriters may bid for or purchase and sell Series A Preferred Units
in the open market. These transactions may include stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases on the open
market to cover positions created by short sales. Stabilizing transactions consist of various activities such as
purchases of Series A Preferred Units made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the
offering. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of Series A Preferred Units than
they are required to purchase in this offering. Short sales may be "covered" shorts, which are short positions in
an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional units referred to above, or may be
"naked" shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered
short position either by exercising their option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units, in whole or in
part. or by purchasing our Series A Preferred Units in the open market. In making this determination, the
underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of our Series A Preferred Units available for purchase
S-57
EFTA01083857
in the open market compared to the price at which the undenvriters may purchase our Series A Preferred Units
through the option. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the undenvriters are concerned that
there may be downward pressure on the price of the Series A Preferred Units in the open market that could
adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the undenvriters create a naked short
position. they will purchase our Series A Preferred Units in the open market to cover the position.
Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters' purchases to cover the syndicate short sales and
other activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the Series A Preferred Units or
preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of Series A Preferred Units. As a result, the price of the
Series A Preferred Units may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The
underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.
Neither we nor any of the undenvriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or
magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of Series A Preferred Units.
In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the undenvriters will engage in
these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.
Extended Settlement
We expect that delivery of the Series A Preferred Units will be made to investors on July , 2015, which
will be the fifth business day following the date of pricing of the Series A Preferred Units (such settlement being
referred to as - T+5"). Under Rule 15c6.l under the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market are required to
settle in three business days, unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly,
purchasers who wish to trade their Series A Preferred Units on the initial pricing date of the Series A Preferred
Units or the succeeding business day will be required. by virtue of the fact that the Series A Preferred Units
initially will settle in T+5, to specify an alternate settlement arrangement at the time of any such trade to prevent
a failed settlement and should consult their advisors.
Electronic Distribution
In connection with this offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses
by electronic means, such as e-mail.
Other Relationships
The underwriters are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include
securities trading, commercial and investment banking, financial advisory, investment management, principal
investment, hedging, financing and brokerage activities. The underwriters and their respective affiliates have in
the past performed commercial banking, investment banking and advisory services for us and to persons and
entities with relationships with us from time to time for which they have received customary fees and
reimbursement of expenses and may, from time to time, engage in transactions with and perform services for us
and to persons and entities with relationships to us in the ordinary course of their business for which they may
receive customary fees and reimbursement of expenses. In addition, an affiliate of Credit Suisse Securities (USA)
LLC acts as lender under our senior secured revolving credit facility. In the ordinary course of their various
business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments
and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (which
may include bank loans and/or credit default swaps) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers
and may at any time hold long and short positions in such securities and instruments. Such investments and
securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or ow affiliates. The underwriters and their
affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in
respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long
and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.
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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands as a limited partnership. The Marshall Islands has a
less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to
a significantly lesser extent.
All of our directors and officers and those of our subsidiaries are residents of countries other than the United
States. Substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets and a substantial portion of the assets of our directors
and officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for United States
investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us, our directors or officers, our subsidiaries
or to realize against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon
the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. However,
we have expressly submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts sitting in the City
of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or proceeding arising under the securities laws of the United
States or any state in the United States. The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc., Trust Company
Complex. Ajeltake Island, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960, as our registered agent, can
accept service of process on our behalf in any such action.
In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Marshall Islands would (I) recognize or
enforce against us, or our directors or officers judgments of courts of the United States based on civil liability
provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; or (2) impose liabilities against us or our directors
and officers in original actions brought in the Marshall Islands, based on these laws.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters with respect to United States Federal and Marshall Islands law in connection with this
offering will be passed upon for us by Seward & Kissel LLP, One Battery Park Plaza. New York, New York
10004. Certain legal matters with respect to this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Latham &
Watkins LLP, Houston, Texas.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Dynagas LNG Partners LP appearing in its Annual Report on Form
20-F for the year ended December 31, 2014 have been audited by Ernst Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors
Accountants S.A.. independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon, included
therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing. The address of Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors-Accountants S.A. is Chimarras 8B. 15125,
Maroussi, Greece and it is registered as a corporate body with the public register for company auditors-
accountants kept with the Body of Certified-Auditors-Accountants, or SOEL, Greece with registration number
107.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As required by the Securities Act, we filed a registration statement relating to the securities offered by this
prospectus with the Commission. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement, which includes
additional information.
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EFTA01083859
Government Filings
We file annual and special reports with the Commission. You may read and copy any document that we file
and obtain copies at prescribed rates from the Commission's Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling
The Commission maintains a website (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and
information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission. Our
filings are also available on our website at httplAvww.dynagaspartners.com. The information on our website,
however, is not, and should not be deemed to be, a part of this prospectus.
This prospectus and any applicable prospectus are part of a registration statement that we filed with the
Commission and do not contain all of the information in the registration statement. The full registration statement
may be obtained from the Commission or us. as indicated below. Statements in this prospectus or any applicable
prospectus about these documents are summaries and each statement is qualified in all respects by reference to
the document to which it refers. You should refer to the actual documents that are filed as exhibits to this
registration statement for a more complete description of the relevant matters. You may inspect a copy of the
registration statement at the Commission's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., as well as through the
Commission's website.
Information Incorporated by Reference
We disclose important information to you by referring you to documents that we have previously filed with
the Commission. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus. Some
information contained in this prospectus updates the information incorporated by reference. In the case of a
conflict or inconsistency between information set forth in this prospectus and information incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later.
We hereby incorporate by reference our Annual Report on Form 20•F for the year ended December 31,
2014. filed with the Commission on March 10, 2015, containing our audited consolidated financial statements for
the most recent fiscal year for which those statements have been filed, and our Report on Form 6-K, filed with
the Commission on May 19, 2015, containing management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations and our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended
March 31, 2015.
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any
applicable prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If
anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an
offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that
the information appearing in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus as well as the information we
previously filed with the Commission and incorporated by reference, is accurate as of the dates on the front cover
of those documents only. Our business, financial condition and results of operations and prospects may have
changed since those dates.
You may request a free copy of the above mentioned filing or any subsequent filing we incorporated by
reference to this prospectus by writing or telephoning us at the following address:
Dynagas LNG Partners LP
23, Rue Basse
98000 Monaco
(telephone number)
S- 60
EFTA01083860
OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the main estimated costs and expenses. other than the underwriting discounts
and commissions, in connection with this offering, which we will be required to pay.*
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee
Legal fees and expenses 150,000
Transfer Agent Fees 4,000
Accounting fees and expenses 45,000
Printing and engraving costs 35,000
Advisory and other miscellaneous 115,000
Total
All amounts are estimated, except the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee of $58,100
covering all the securities being offered under the registration statement on Form F-3 (File No 333-200659)
filed with the Commission with an effective date of January 15, 2015, of which this prospectus supplement
forms a part, was previously paid. We allocate the cost of this fee on an approximately pro•rata basis with
each offering.
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EFTA01083861
PROSPECTUS
$500,000,000
Common Units, Preferred Units, Subordinated Units,
Warrants and Debt Securities
Dynagas LNG Partners LP
We may from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell common units, preferred units and
subordinated units representing limited partner interests, and warrants and debt securities described in this
prospectus. The aggregate initial offering price of all securities sold by us under this prospectus will not exceed
$500,000,000.
We may offer and sell these securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market
conditions and other factors at the time of the offering. This prospectus describes only the general terms of these
securities and the general manner in which we will offer the securities. The specific terms of any securities we
offer will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will describe the specific
manner in which we will offer the securities and also may add, update or change information contained in this
prospectus.
Our common units are traded on The Nasdaq Global Market. under the symbol "DLNG." We will provide
information in the related prospectus supplement for the trading market, if any, for any securities that may be
offered. We have commenced the process to voluntarily transfer the listing of our common units to the New York
Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, from The Nasdaq Global Market. We expect ow common units to cease trading
on The Nasdaq Global Market effective at the close of business on December 29, 2014, and to commence trading
on the NYSE on December 30, 2014, when the market opens. We will retain our current ticker symbol "DLNG"
when trading begins on the NYSE.
Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk
factors described under "Risk Factors" on page 10 of this prospectus before you make an
investment in our securities.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or
disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is December 23, 2014.
EFTA01083862
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS 1
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION 2
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS 4
ABOUT DYNAGAS LNG PARTNERS LP 6
RISK FACTORS 10
USE OF PROCEEDS
CAPITALIZATION 12
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES 13
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS 14
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS 15
DESRIPTION OF PREFERRED UNITS 19
DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED UNITS 19
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS 19
DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES 21
SUMMARY OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT 30
OUR CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS 31
MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS 44
NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS 52
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION 53
SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES 55
LEGAL MATTERS 55
EXPERTS 55
EXPENSES 56
In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any
prospectus supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not
authorized anyone else to give you different information. We are not offering these securities in any state where
the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus
supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. We will disclose any
material changes in ow affairs in an amendment to this prospectus. a prospectus supplement or a future filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
EFTA01083863
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the SEC using a "shelf'
registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may over time, in one or more offerings, offer and
sell up to $500.000,000 in total aggregate offering price of any combination of the securities described in this
prospectus.
This prospectus provides you with a general description of Dynagas LNG Partners LP and the securities that
are registered hereunder that may be offered by us. Each time we sell any securities offered by this prospectus,
we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering
and the securities being offered. Any prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information
contained in this prospectus. To the extent information in this prospectus is inconsistent with the information
contained in a prospectus supplement; you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.
The information in this prospectus is accurate as of its date. Additional information, including our financial
statements and the notes thereto, is incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our reports filed with the SEC.
Before you invest in our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus, including the "Risk Factors," any
prospectus supplement, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus
supplement (including the documents described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information" in
both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement), and any additional information you may need to make your
investment decision.
Unless the context otherwise requires. references in this prospectus to "Dynagas LNG Partners LP."
"Dynagas LNG Partners," the "Partnership," "we," "our," "us" or similar terms refer to Dynagas LNG Partners
LP, a Marshall Islands limited partnership and its subsidiaries. References in this prospectus to "our General
Partner" refer to Dynagas GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership.
EFTA01083864
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-3 regarding the securities covered by this
prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information found in the registration statement. For further
information regarding us and the securities offered in this prospectus, you may wish to review the full
registration statement, including its exhibits. The registration statement, including the exhibits, may be inspected
and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.
Copies of this material can also be obtained upon written request from the Public Reference Section of the SEC
at that address, at prescribed rates, or from the SEC's web site on the Internet at www.sec.gov free of charge.
Please call the SEC at for further information on public reference rooms. You can also obtain
information about us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange at 20 Broad Street. New York, NY, 10005,
or on our website at http://www.dynagaspartners.com. Information on our website or any other website is not
incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus unless specifically
so designated and filed with the SEC.
We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or
the Exchange Act), and, in accordance therewith, we are required to file with the SEC annual reports on Form
20-F within four months of our fiscal year-end, and provide to the SEC other material information on Form 6-K.
These reports and other information may be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by
the SEC or obtained from the SEC's website as provided above. Our website on the Internet is located at
www.dynagaspartners.com, and we will make our annual reports on Form 20-F and our periodic reports
submitted to the SEC available, free of charge, through our website, as soon as reasonably practicable after those
reports are electronically submitted to the SEC. Information on our website or any other website is not
incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.
As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, certain rules
prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal
unitholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of
the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial
statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the
Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly reports or current reports on Form 8-K. However, we intend to
make available quarterly reports containing our unaudited interim financial information for the first three fiscal
quarters of each fiscal year.
The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus information that we file with the SEC.
This means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information
in this prospectus by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Information that we later provide to the SEC,
and which is deemed to be "filed" with the SEC, automatically will update information previously filed with the
SEC, and may replace information in this prospectus.
We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below:
• our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, filed with the SEC on
March 25, 2014, as amended on April 17, 2014, or our 2013 Annual Report;
• all subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F filed prior to the termination of this offering;
• all subsequent current reports on Form 6-K furnished prior to the termination of this offering that we
identify in such current reports as being incorporated by reference into the registration statement of which
this prospectus is a part;
• our report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2014, which contains Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the unaudited interim condensed consolidated
financial statements of the Partnership as of and for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013;
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EFTA01083865
• our report on Form 6-K, filed with the SEC on December 1, 2014, which contains Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the unaudited interim
condensed consolidated financial statements of the Partnership as of and for the nine months ended
September 30, 2014 and 2013; and
• the description of our common units contained in our Registration Statement on Form 8-A filed on
November 8, 2013, including any subsequent amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such
description.
These reports contain important information about us, our financial condition and our results of operations.
You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the SEC through its
public reference facilities or its website at the addresses provided above. You also may request a copy of any
document incorporated by reference in this prospectus (excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the
exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference in this document), at no cost, by visiting our Internet website at
httplAvww.dynagaspartners.com, or by writing or calling us at the following address:
Dynagas LNG Partners LP
Attention: Investor Relations
97 Poseidonos Avenue & 2 Foivis Street
Glyfada, 16674, Greece
You should rely only on the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with any information. We are not
making an offer of these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the
information incorporated by reference or provided in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as
of any date other than its respective date.
3
EFTA01083866
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Statements included in this prospectus which are not historical facts (including statements concerning plans
and objectives of management for future operations or economic performance, or assumptions related thereto)
are forward-looking statements. In addition, we and our representatives may from time to time make other oral or
written statements which are also forward-looking statements. Our disclosure and analysis in this prospectus
pertaining to ow operations, cash flows and financial position, including, in particular, the likelihood of our
success in developing and expanding our business, include forward-looking statements. Statements that are
predictive in nature, that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as
"expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "projects," "forecasts," "may," "should" and
similar expressions are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places and include statements with respect to, among
other things:
• LNG market trends, including charter rates, factors affecting supply and demand, and opportunities for the
profitable operations of LNG carriers;
• our anticipated growth strategies;
• the effect of the worldwide economic slowdown;
• turmoil in the global financial markets;
• fluctuations in currencies and interest rates;
• general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter hire rates and vessel values;
• changes in our operating expenses, including drydocking and insurance costs and bunker prices;
• forecasts of our ability to make cash distributions on our common units or any increases in our cash
distributions;
• our future financial condition or results of operations and our future revenues and expenses;
• the repayment of debt and settling of interest rate swaps (if any);
• our ability to make additional borrowings and to access debt and equity markets;
• planned capital expenditures and availability of capital resources to fund capital expenditures;
• our ability to maintain long-term relationships with major LNG traders;
• our ability to leverage our Sponsor's relationships and reputation in the shipping industry;
• our ability to realize the expected benefits from acquisitions;
• our ability to purchase vessels from our Sponsor in the future, including the Optional Vessels;
• our continued ability to enter into long-term time charters;
• our ability to maximize the use of our vessels, including the re-deployment or disposition of vessels no
longer under long-term time charters;
• future purchase prices of newbuildings and secondhand vessels and timely deliveries of such vessels;
• our ability to compete successfully for future chartering and newbuilding opportunities;
• acceptance of a vessel by its charterer,
• termination dates and extensions of charters:
• the expected cost of, and our ability to comply with, governmental regulations, maritime self-regulatory
organization standards, as well as standard regulations imposed by our charterers applicable to our business;
4
EFTA01083867
• availability of skilled labor, vessel crews and management;
• our anticipated incremental general and administrative expenses as a publicly traded limited partnership and
our fees and expenses payable under the fleet management agreements and the administrative services
agreement with our Manager;
• the anticipated taxation of our partnership and distributions to our unitholders:
• estimated future maintenance and replacement capital expenditures:
• our ability to retain key employees;
• customers' increasing emphasis on environmental and safety concerns;
• potential liability from any pending or future litigation;
• potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events, piracy or acts by terrorists;
• future sales of our common units in the public market;
• our business strategy and other plans and objectives for future operations; and
• other factors detailed in this prospectus and from time to time in our periodic reports.
These and other fonvard-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including
those risks discussed in "Risk Factors" and those risks discussed in other reports we file with the SEC and that
are incorporated in this prospectus by reference. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involve known and
unknown risks and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are
beyond our control.
Forward-looking statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, estimates,
assumptions and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and, therefore, involve a number of risks and
uncertainties, including those risks discussed in "Risk Factors." We caution that forward-looking statements are
not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-
looking statements.
We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after
the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors
emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot access the
effect of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause
actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.
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EFTA01083868
ABOUT DYNAGAS LNG PARTNERS LP
Unless otherwise indicated, references to "Dynagas LNG Partners," the "Partnership," "we," "our" and
"us" or similar terms refer to Dynagas LNG Partners LP and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Dynagas
Operating LP. Dynagas Operating LP owns, directly or indirectly, a 100% interest in the entities that own the
LNG carriers Clean Energy, Ob River and Clean Force, our "Initial Fleet." In addition, Dynagas Operating LP
owns 100% of the entities that own the LNG carriers Arctic Aurora and Yenisei River, which together with the
Initial Fleet comprise the vessels that we refer to as our "Fleet". References in this prospectus to "our General
Partner" refer to Dynagas GP LLC, the generalpartner ofDynagas LNG Partners LP. References in this
prospectus to our "Sponsor" are to Dynagas Holding Ltd. and its subsidiaries other than us or our subsidiaries
and references to our "Manager" refer to Dynagas Ltd., which is wholly owned by the chairman ofour Board of
Directors, Mr. George Prokopiou. References in this prospectus to the "Prokopiou Family" are to our
Chairman, Mr. George Prokopiou, and members ofhisfamily.
All references in this prospectus to usfor periods prior to our initialpublic offering, or IPO, on
November 18, 2013 refer to our predecessor companies and their subsidiaries, which are former subsidiaries of
our Sponsor that have interests in the vessels in our Initial Fleet.
All references in this prospectus to "BG Group," "Gazprom" and "Stator refer to BG Group Plc,
Gazprom Global LNG Limited, and Statoil ASA, respectively, and certain of their respective subsidiaries that are
our customers. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to "U.S. dollars," "dollars" and "$" in this
prospectus are to the lawful currency of the United States. We use the term "LNG" to refer to liquefied natural
gas, and we use the term "cbm" to refer to cubic meters in describing the carrying capacity of our vessels.
Overview
We are a growth-oriented limited partnership focused on owning and operating LNG carriers. Our vessels are
employed on multi-year time charters, which we define as charters of two years or more, with international energy
companies such as BG Group, Gazprom and Statoil, providing us with the benefits of stable cash flows and high
utilization rates. We intend to leverage the reputation. expertise, and relationships of our Sponsor and Dynagas Ltd.,
our Manager. in maintaining cost-efficient operations and providing reliable seaborne transportation services to our
customers. In addition, we intend to make further vessel acquisitions from our Sponsor or from third parties. Them
is no guarantee that we will grow the size of our Fleet or the per unit distributions that we intend to pay or that we
will be able to make further vessel acquisitions from our Sponsor or third parties.
Our Fleet
We currently own and operate a fleet of five LNG carriers, consisting of the three LNG carriers in our Initial
Fleet and two 2013-built Ice Class LNG carriers that we acquired from our Sponsor in June and September 2014.
the Arctic Aurora and the Yenisei River, which we refer to collectively as our "Fleet." The vessels in our Fleet are
employed under multi-year charters with BG Group, Gazprom and Statoil with an average remaining charter term
of approximately 5.2 years, as of December 22, 2014. Of these vessels, the Clean Force, the Ob River, the Arctic
Aurora and the Yenisei River have been assigned with Lloyds Register Ice Class notation IA FS, or Ice Class,
designation for hull and machinery and are fully winterized, which means that they are designed to call at ice-bound
and harsh environment terminals and to withstand temperatures up to minus 30 degrees Celsius. According to
Drewry Consultants Ltd., or Drewry, only six LNG carriers, representing 1.6% of the LNG vessels in the global
LNG fleet, have an Ice Class designation or equivalent rating. Moreover, we are the only company in the world that
is currently transiting the Northern Sea Route, which is a shipping lane from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean
entirely in Arctic waters, with LNG carriers. In addition, we believe that each of the vessels in our Reel is optimally
sized with a carrying capacity of between approximately 150,000 and 155,000 cbm, which allows us to maximize
operational flexibility as such medium-to-large size LNG vessels are compatible with most existing LNG terminals
around the world. We believe that these specifications enhance our trading capabilities and future employment
opportunities because they provide greater diversity in the trading routes available to our charterers.
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The following table sets forth additional information about our Fleet as of December 22, 2014:
Latest Charter
Expiration
Charter Earliest Including
Vessel Year Capacity Ice Flag Commencement Charter Non-Exercised
Name Shipyard Built (cbm) Class State Charterer Date Expiration Options
Clean 11111 2007 149.700 No Marshall BG Group February 2012 April 2017 August 2020(1)
Energy Islands
Oh River HfII 2007 149.700 Yes Marshall Gazprom September 2012 September May 2018(2)
Islands 2017
Clean HfII 2008 149.700 Yes Marshall BG Group October 2010 June 2015 July 2015(3)
Force Islands Gazprom Expected July June 2028 August 2028(4)
2015
Arctic IiHI 2013 155.000 Yes Malta Statoil August 2013 July 2018 Renewal
Aurora Options(5)
Yenisei HHI 2013 155.000 Yes Marshall Gazprom July 2013 July 2018 August 2018
River Islands
As used in this prospectus. "HHI" refers to Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.. the shipyard where the ships in our Fleet
were built.
BG Group has the option to extend the duration of the charier for an additional three-year term until August 2020 at an
escalated daily rate, upon notice to us before January 2016.
Gazprom has the option to extend the duration of the charter until May 2018 on identical terms, upon notice to us before
March 2017.
On January 2. 2013. BG Group exercised its option to extend the duration of the charier by an additional three-year term
at an escalated daily rate, commencing on October S. 2013.
In anticipation of entering a new contract, we agreed with BG Group. at no cost to us. to amend the expiration date of the
existing chaner, which changed the vessel redelivery date from the third quarter of 2016 to end of the second quarter of
2015 or beginning of the third quaver of 2015. On April 17. 2014. we entered into a new 13-year time-charter contract
with Gazprom. The new Gazprom charter is expected to commence in July 2015 shortly after the early expiration of the
current charier with BG Group at a rate in excess of the current tints charter rate under the BG Group charier.
(5) Statoil may renew its charter for consecutive additional one-year periods each year following the initial five year period.
The Optional Vessels
In connection with the closing of our IPO, we entered into an Omnibus Agreement with our Sponsor and our
General Partner that initially provided us with the right to purchase up to seven LNG carrier vessels from our
Sponsor within 24 months of their delivery to our Sponsor at a purchase price to be determined pursuant to the
terms and conditions of that agreement, two of which have been acquired from our Sponsor in June and
September 2014 and with five remaining LNG carriers, which we refer to as the Optional Vessels.
The Optional Vessels consist of five fully winterized newbuilding LNG carriers, two of which have been
contracted to operate under multi-year charters with Gazprom and Cheniere. Each of the five newbuilds has or is
expected to have upon their delivery the Ice Class designation, or its equivalent, for hull and machinery. One of
these vessels was delivered to our Sponsor in October 2013, two were delivered to our Sponsor in June and
August 2014, and the remaining two vessels are scheduled to be delivered to our Sponsor in 2015. The vessel
delivered in 2013 is a sister-vessel to the Yenisei River. a vessel we recently acquired from our Sponsor, with a
carrying capacity of 155,000 cbm, and the four other vessels, including the vessels that were delivered in June
and August 2014, are sister-vessels, each with a carrying capacity of 162,000 cbm. In the event we acquire the
Optional Vessels in the future, we believe the staggered delivery dates of these newbuilding LNG carriers will
facilitate a smooth integration of the vessels into our Fleet, contributing to our annual fleet growth through 2017.
The Optional Vessels are compatible with a wide range of LNG terminals, providing charterers with the
flexibility to trade the vessels worldwide. Each vessel is equipped with a membrane containment system. The
compact and efficient utilization of the hull structure reduces the required principal dimensions of the vessel
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EFTA01083870
compared to earlier LNG designs and results in higher fuel efficiency and smaller quantities of LNG required for
cooling down vessels' tanks. In addition, the Optional Vessels will be equipped with a tri-fuel diesel electric
propulsion system, which is expected to reduce both fuel costs and emissions.
The following table provides certain information about the Optional Vessels as of December 22, 2014.
Delivery
Date /
Expected Earliest Latest
Vessel Name! Delivery Capacity Ice Sister Charter Charter Charter
Hull Number Shipyard Date Cbm Class Vessels Commencement Charterer Expiration Expiration
Lena River(1) HHI Q4-2013 155.000 Yes (2) Q4 2013 Gazprom Q4 2018 Q4 2018
Clean Oceatt(1) HHI Q2-2014 162.000 Yes (3) Q2 2015 Cheniere Q2 2020 Q3 2022
Clean Planer(1) HHI Q3.2014 162.000 Yes (3)
Hull 2566 HHI Q1.2015 162.000 Yes (3)
Hull 2567 HHI Q2-2015 16.2.(X10 Yes (3)
(I) In October 2013, our Sponsor took delivery of the Lena River, which was subsequently delivered to its
charterer. In June and August 2014, our Sponsor took delivery of the Clean Ocean and the Clean Planet,
respectively.
(2) This vessel is a sister-vessel to the Yenisei River and the Arctic Aurora.
(3) Each of the Clean Ocean, Clean Planet, Hull 2566 and Hull 2567 are sister-vessels.
Rights to Purchase Optional Vessels
We have the right to purchase the Optional Vessels from our Sponsor at a purchase price to be determined
pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Omnibus Agreement. These purchase rights expire 24 months following
the respective delivery of each Optional Vessel from the shipyard. If we are unable to agree with our Sponsor on the
purchase price of any of the Optional Vessels, the respective purchase price will be determined by an independent
appraiser, such as an investment banking firm, broker or firm generally recognized in the shipping industry as
qualified to perform the tasks for which such firm has been engaged. and we will have the right, but not the
obligation, to purchase each vessel at such price. The independent appraiser will be mutually appointed by our
Sponsor and a committee comprised of certain of our independent directors, or the conflicts committee.
The purchase price of the Optional Vessels, as finally determined by an independent appraiser, may be an
amount that is greater than what we are able or willing to pay or we may be unwilling to proceed to purchase
such vessel if such acquisition would not be in our best interests. We will not be obligated to purchase the
Optional Vessels at the determined price, and, accordingly, we may not complete the purchase of such vessels.
which may have an adverse effect on our expected plans for growth. In addition, our ability to purchase the
Optional Vessels, should we exercise our right to purchase such vessels, is dependent on our ability to obtain
additional financing to fund all or a portion of the acquisition costs of these vessels.
In June and September 2014. we acquired two Optional Vessels from our Sponsor, the Arctic Aurora and
the Yenisei River. As of the date of this prospectus, we have not secured any financing in connection with the
potential acquisition of the remaining Optional Vessels.
Our Sponsor has entered into loan agreements in connection with the five Optional Vessels. In the event we
acquire the Optional Vessels in the future, we may enter into agreements with our Sponsor to novate these loan
agreements to us. Any such novation would be subject to each respective lender's consent. If our Sponsor fails to
perform its obligations under its loan agreements, our business and expected plans for growth may be materially
affected."
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Company Information
The address of our principal executive offices is 97 Poseidonos Avenue & 2 Foivis Street, Glyfada, 16674
Greece. Our telephone number at that address is We maintain a website at
www.dynagaspartners.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.
We own our vessels through separate whollyowned subsidiaries that are incorporated in the Republic of the
Marshall Islands, Republic of Malta, Republic of Liberia and the Island of Nevis.
Recent and Other Developments
Quarterly Cash Distribution: On October 22, 2014, the Partnership announced that its Board of Directors
(the "Board") declared a quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter of 2014 of $0.39 per unit, representing a
6.8% increase over the Partnership's minimum quarterly distribution of $0.365 per unit, established at the time of
the Partnership's IPO and reflected in the Partnership's partnership agreement, and reflects the contribution to
operating results for a full quarter of the 2013 built LNG carrier Arctic Aurora. This cash distribution was paid
on November 12, 2014, to all unitholders of record as of November 5, 2014. As of December 22, 2014, the
Partnership had 20,505,000 common units, 14,985,000 subordinated units and 35,526 General Partner units
issued and outstanding.
We have commenced the process to voluntarily transfer the listing of our common units to the NYSE from
The Nasdaq Global Market. We expect our common units to cease trading on The Nasdaq Global Market
effective at the close of business on December 29, 2014, and to commence trading on the NYSE on
December 30, 2014, when the market opens. We will retain our current ticker symbol "DLNG" when trading
begins on the NYSE.
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RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk
factors and all of the other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the
documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including
those in "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors" in our 2013 Annual Report, as updated by annual, quarterly
and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated
by reference herein, in evaluating an investment in the securities. If any of these risks were actually to occur, our
business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. When we offer and
sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such
securities in the prospectus supplement.
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USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we may use the net proceeds from the sale of
securities offered by this prospectus for capital expenditures, repayment of indebtedness, working capital, to
make vessel or other acquisitions or for general corporate purposes or combination thereof.
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CAPITALIZATION
Each prospectus supplement will include information relating to ow capitalization.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth our unaudited ratio of our consolidated earnings to our consolidated fixed
charges for the periods indicated o1
Nine months ended Year ended
September 30. December 31.
(dollars in ihousands) 2014 2013 2012 2011
Earnings:
Income from continuing operations before taxes $35.241 $45,620 $29,836 $18,820
Add:
Fixed charges 7,143 9,298 9,141 3,894
Depreciation of capitalized interest 272 349 350 349
Total Earnings $42,656 $55,267 $39,327 $23.063
Fixed Charges:
Interest charges. whether expensed or capitalized $ 6,749 $ 8,248 $ 8.551 $ 3394
Amortization and write•off of deferred finance fees 394 1,050 590 100
Total Fixed Charges $ 7,143 $ 9,298 $ 9,141 $ 3.894
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges 5.97 5.94 4.30 5.92x
01 We have not issued any preferred stock as of the date of this prospectus. Accordingly, the ratio of earnings
to consolidated fixed charges and preference dividends is equivalent to the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges.
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PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
As of December 22, 2014, there were 20,505,000 common units outstanding. of which 610.000 are held by
our Sponsor and 19,895,000 are held by the public. Our common units commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global
Market under the symbol "DLNG" on November 13, 2013. We have commenced the process to voluntarily
transfer the listing of our common units to the NYSE from The Nasdaq Global Market. We expect our common
units to cease trading on The Nasdaq Global Market effective at the close of business on December 29. 2014, and
to commence trading on the NYSE on December 30, 2014. when the market opens. We will retain our current
ticker symbol "DLNG" when trading begins on the NYSE.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices for our common units,
as reported on the Nasdaq Global Market, and quarterly cash distributions declared per common unit. The last
reported sale price of our common units on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 22, 2014 was $17.07 per
unit.
Cash
Distributions
per common
High Low uniltll
Year ended December 31, 2013 $23.79 $16.75
Quarter ended December 31, 2013(2) $23.79 $16.75 $0.1746
Quarter ended March 31, 2014 $22.77 $20.71 $ 0.365
Quarter ended June 30, 2014 $25.50 $20.85 $ 0.365
Quarter ended September 30, 2014 $25.13 $22.33 $ 0.39
Month ended June 2014 $25.50 $22.50
Month ended July 2014 $25.13 $22.52
Month ended August 2014 $24.55 $22.33
Month ended September 2014 $24.50 $22.71
Month ended October 2014 $23.43 $17.34
Month ended November 2014 $22.04 $17.70
Month ended December 2014(3) $19.50 $13.66
(I) Represents cash distributions attributable to the quarter.
(2) For the period from November 13. 2013 through and including December 31, 2013.
(3) For the period from December 1, 2014 through and including December 22, 2014.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS
The common units and the subordinated units represent limited partner interests in us. The holders of units
are entitled to participate in partnership distributions and exercise the rights and privileges available to limited
partners under our Partnership Agreement. For a description of the relative rights and privileges of holders of
common units and subordinated units in and to partnership distributions, see this section and "Our Cash
Distribution Policy and Restrictions on Distributions." For a description of the rights and privileges of limited
partners under our Partnership Agreement, including voting rights, see "The Partnership Agreement."
Number of Common Units
As of December 22. 2014. there were 20,505,000 common units issued and outstanding, of which
19,895.000 are held by the public and 610,000 are held by our Sponsor, which owns ow General Partner. We
also have 14,985.000 subordinated units issued and outstanding, for which there is no established public trading
market, all of which are held by our Sponsor. The common units and the subordinated units represent an
aggregate 99.9% limited partner interest and the General Partner interest represents a 0.1% General Partner
interest in us.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Computershare Trust Company. N.A. is our registrar and transfer agent for the common units. We pay all
fees charged by the transfer agent for transfers of common units, except the following, which must be paid by
unitholders:
• surety bond premiums to replace lost or stolen certificates, taxes and other governmental charges;
• special charges for services requested by a holder of a common unit; and
• other similar fees or charges.
There is no charge to unitholders for disbursements of our cash distributions. We will indemnify the transfer
agent, its agents and each of their stockholders, directors, officers and employees against all claims and losses
that may arise out of acts performed or omitted for its activities in that capacity, except for any liability due to
any gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the indemnified person or entity.
Transfer of Common Units
By transfer of common units in accordance with our Partnership Agreement. each transferee of common
units will be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units transferred when such transfer and
admission is reflected in our books and records. Each transferee:
• represents that the transferee has the capacity, power and authority to become bound by our Partnership
Agreement;
• automatically agrees to be bound by the terms and conditions of, and is deemed to have executed, our
Partnership Agreement; and
• gives the consents and approvals contained in our Partnership Agreement. such as the approval of all
transactions and agreements we are entering into in connection with our formation and this offering.
A transferee will become a substituted limited partner of our partnership for the transferred common units
automatically upon the recording of the transfer on our books and records. Ow General Partner will cause any
transfers to be recorded on our books and records no less frequently than quarterly.
We may, at our discretion, treat the nominee holder of a common unit as the absolute owner. In that case,
the beneficial holder's rights are limited solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any
agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.
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Common units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfer of securities. In
addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee the right to become a limited
partner in our partnership for the transferred common units.
Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and the transfer agent may treat the record
holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange
regulations.
Please see "Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on Distributions" for descriptions of the General
Partner Interest and the Incentive Distribution Rights.
Voting Rights
The following is a summary of the unitholder vote required for the approval of the matters specified below.
Matters that require the approval of a "unit majority" require:
• during the subordination period, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding those common
units held by our General Partner and its affiliates, voting as a class; and a majority of the subordinated units
voting as a single class: and
• after the subordination period, the approval of a majority of the common units voting as a single class.
In voting their common units and subordinated units our General Partner and its affiliates will have no
fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners. including any duty to act in good faith or in
the best interests of us or the limited partners.
Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders.
However, to preserve our ability to be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at any
time, any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding. any such units
owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be
outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of
nominating a person for election to our board), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes
under our Partnership Agreement, unless otherwise required by law. The voting rights of any such unitholders in
excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than
4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our General Partner, its affiliates and persons who
acquired common units with the prior approval of our Board of Directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation
except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors.
We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our Board of
Directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Our General Partner has
the right to appoint two of the five members of our Board of Directors with the remaining three directors being
elected by our common unitholders as of our 2014 annual meeting of unitholders. Subordinated units will not be
voted in the election of the three directors elected by our common unitholders.
Action Unitholder Approval Required and Voting Rights
Issuance of additional units No approval rights; Board of Directors approval
required for all issuances. which may have a material
adverse impact on the General Partner or its interest
in our partnership.
Amendment of the Partnership Agreement Certain amendments may be made by our Board of
Directors without the approval of the unitholders.
Other amendments generally require the approval of
a unit majority. See "—Amendment of the
Partnership Agreement."
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Action Unitholder Approval Required and Voting Rights
Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or Unit majority and approval of our General Partner
substantially all of our assets and our Board of Directors. See "—Merger. Sale.
Conversion or Other Disposition of Assets."
Dissolution of our partnership Unit majority and approval of our General Partner
and our Board of Directors. See "—Termination and
Dissolution."
Reconstitution of our partnership upon dissolution Unit majority. See "—Termination and Dissolution."
Election of three of the five members of our Board of A plurality of the votes of the holders of the common
Directors units.
Withdrawal of our General Partner Under most circumstances, the approval of a majority
of the common units, excluding common units held
by our General Partner and its affiliates, is required
for the withdrawal of our General Partner prior to
December 31, 2023 in a manner which would cause a
dissolution of our partnership. See "—Withdrawal or
Removal of our General Partner."
Removal of our General Partner Not less than 66 2/3% of the outstanding units,
including units held by our General Partner and its
affiliates, voting together as a single class. See
"—Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner."
Transfer of our General Partner interest in us Our General Partner may transfer all, but not less
than all, of its General Partner interest in us without a
vote of our unitholders to an affiliate or another
person in connection with its merger or consolidation
with or into, or sale of all or substantially all of its
assets to such person. The approval of a majority of
the common units, excluding common units held by
our General Partner and its affiliates, is required in
other circumstances for a transfer of the General
Partner interest to a third party prior to December 31,
2023. See "—Transfer of General Partner Interest"
below.
Transfer of incentive distribution rights Except for transfers to an affiliate or another person
as part of the General Partner's merger or
consolidation with or into, or sale of all or
substantially all of its assets to such person, the
approval of a majority of the common units,
excluding common units held by our General Partner
and its affiliates, voting separately as a class, is
required in most circumstances for a transfer of the
incentive distribution rights to a third party prior to
December 31, 2016. See "—Transfer of Incentive
Distribution Rights."
Transfer of ownership interests in our General No approval required at any time. See "—Transfer of
Partner Ownership Interests in General Partner."
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Issuance of Additional Securities
The Partnership Agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited amount of additional partnership interests
and rights to buy partnership interests for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our
Board of Directors without the approval of the unitholders. However, our General Partner will be required to
approve all issuances of additional partnership interests, which may have a material adverse impact on the
General Partner or its interest in us.
We intend to fund acquisitions through borrowings and the issuance of additional common units or other
equity securities and the issuance of debt securities. Holders of any additional common units we issue will be
entitled to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units in our distributions of available cash. In
addition, the issuance of additional common units or other equity securities interests may dilute the value of the
interests of the then-existing holders of common units in our net assets.
In accordance with Marshall Islands law and the provisions of our Partnership Agreement, we may also
issue additional partnership interests that, as determined by our Board of Directors, have special voting rights to
which the common units are not entitled.
Upon issuance of additional partnership interests (other than the issuance of common units upon exercise of
the underwriters' option to purchase additional common units, the issuance of common units in connection with a
reset of the incentive distribution target levels or the issuance of partnership interests upon conversion of
outstanding partnership interests), our General Partner will have the right, but not the obligation, to make
additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 0.1% General Partner interest in us. Our
General Partner's interest in us will thus be reduced if we issue additional partnership interests in the future and
our General Partner does not elect to maintain its 0.1% General Partner interest in us. Our General Partner and its
affiliates will have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to
purchase common units, subordinated units or other equity securities whenever, and on the same terms that, we
issue those securities to persons other than our General Partner and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to
maintain its and its affiliates' percentage interest, including its interest represented by common units and
subordinated units, that existed immediately prior to each issuance. Other holders of common units will not have
similar preemptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership interests.
Limited Call Right
If at any time our General Partner and its affiliates hold more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding
partnership interests of any class, our General Partner will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part
to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the remaining partnership interests of the
class held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by the General Partner, on at least 10 but not
more than 60 days' notice equal to the greater of (x) the average of the daily closing prices of the partnership
interests of such class over the 20 trading days preceding the date three days before the notice of exercise of the
call right is first mailed and (y) the highest price paid by our General Partner or any of its affiliates for
partnership interests of such class during the 90-day period preceding the date such notice is first mailed. Our
General Partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be
repurchased by it upon the exercise of this limited call right and has no fiduciary duty in determining whether to
exercise this limited call right.
As a result of the General Partner's right to purchase outstanding partnership interests, a holder of
partnership interests may have the holder's partnership interests purchased at an undesirable time or price. The
tax consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right are the same as a sale by that unitholder of
common units in the market. See "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income
Taxation of U.S. Holders—Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Units" and "Material U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders—Disposition of Units."
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EFTA01083881
As of the date of this prospectus, our Sponsor owns 3.0% of our common units. At the end of the
subordination period, assuming no additional issuances of common units and conversion of all of our
subordinated units into common units, our Sponsor would own 43.9% of our common units.
DESRIPTION OF PREFERRED UNITS
The preferred units will be a separate class of limited partner interest. The rights of holders of preferred
units to participate in distributions to partners will differ from, and may be senior to, the rights of the holders of
common units. The prospectus supplement relating to the preferred units offered will state the number of units
offered, the initial offering price and the market price, the terms of the preference, any ways in which the
preferred units will differ from common units, distribution information and any other relevant information.
DESCRIPTION OF SUBORDINATED UNITS
The subordinated units will be a separate class of limited partner interest. The rights of holders of
subordinated units to participate in distributions to partners will differ from, and may be subordinated to, the
rights of the holders of common units. The prospectus supplement relating to the subordinated units offered will
state the number of units offered, the initial offering price and the market price, the terms of the subordination,
any ways in which the subordinated units will differ from common units, distribution information and any other
relevant information.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common units, preferred units, subordinated units or
other securities or any combination of the foregoing. We may issue warrants independently or together with other
securities. Warrants sold with other securities may be attached to or separate from the other securities. We will
issue warrants under one or more warrant agreements between us and a warrant agent that we will name in the
prospectus supplement or directly between us and the warrant holder.
The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants that we may offer will include specific terms relating to
the offering. We will file the form of any warrant agreement with the SEC, and you should read the warrant
agreement for provisions that may be important to you. The prospectus supplement will include some or all of
the following terms:
• the title of the warrants:
• the aggregate number of warrants offered;
• the designation, number and terms of the debt securities, common units, preferred units, subordinated units
or other securities purchasable upon exercise of the warrants, and procedures by which those numbers may
be adjusted;
• the exercise price of the warrants;
• the dates or periods during which the warrants are exercisable;
• the designation and terms of any securities with which the warrants are issued;
• if the warrants are issued as a unit with another security, the date, if any, on and after which the warrants
and the other security will be separately transferable;
• if the exercise price is not payable in U.S. dollars, the foreign currency, currency unit or composite currency
in which the exercise price is denominated;
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• any minimum or maximum amount of warrants that may be exercised at any one time;
• any terms, procedures and limitations relating to the transferability, exchange, exercise, amendment or
termination of the warrants.. and
• any adjustments to the terms of the warrants resulting from the occurrence of certain events or from the
entry into or consummation by us of certain transactions.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
We may issue debt securities from time to time in one or more series, under one or more indentures, each
dated as of a date on or prior to the issuance of the debt securities to which it relates. We may issue senior debt
securities and subordinated debt securities pursuant to separate indentures, a senior indenture and a subordinated
indenture, respectively, in each case between us and the trustee named in the indenture. We have filed forms of
these documents as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part. The senior
indenture and the subordinated indenture, as amended or supplemented from time to time, are sometimes referred
to individually as an "indenture" and collectively as the "indentures." Each indenture will be subject to and
governed by the Trust Indenture Act and will be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the
State of New York, without giving effect to any principles thereof relating to conflicts of law that would result in
the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. The aggregate principal amount of debt securities which may
be issued under each indenture will be unlimited and each indenture will contain the specific terms of any series
of debt securities or provide that those terms must be set forth in or determined pursuant to, an authorizing
resolution, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement, and/or a supplemental indenture, if any, relating
to such series. Our debt securities may be convertible or exchangeable into any of our equity or other debt
securities.
Our statements below relating to the debt securities and the indentures are summaries of their anticipated
provisions, are not complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the
provisions of the applicable indenture and any applicable United States federal income tax considerations as well
as any applicable modifications of or additions to the general terms described below in the applicable prospectus
supplement or supplemental indenture. For a description of the terms of a particular issue of debt securities,
reference must be made to both the related prospectus supplement and to the following description.
General
Neither indenture limits the amount of debt securities which may be issued. The debt securities may be
issued in one or more series. The senior debt securities may be secured or unsecured and may rank on a parity
with all of our other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. Each series of subordinated debt securities may
be secured or unsecured and subordinated to all present and future senior indebtedness. Any such debt securities
will be described in an accompanying prospectus supplement.
You should read the applicable indenture and subsequent filings relating to the particular series of debt
securities for the following terms of the offered debt securities:
• the designation. aggregate principal amount and authorized denominations:
• the issue price. expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount:
• the maturity date;
• the interest rate per annum, if any;
• if the offered debt securities provide for interest payments. the date from which interest will accrue, the
dates on which interest will be payable. the date on which payment of interest will commence and the
regular record dates for interest payment dates;
• any optional or mandatory sinking fund provisions or exchangeability provisions;
• the terms and conditions upon which conversion of any convertible debt securities may be effected,
including the conversion price, the conversion period and other conversion provisions;
• the date, if any, after which and the price or prices at which the offered debt securities may be optionally
redeemed or must be mandatorily redeemed and any other terms and provisions of optional or mandatory
redemptions;
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if other than denominations of S1.000 and any integral multiple thereof, the denominations in which offered
debt securities of the series will be issuable;
• if other than the full principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of offered debt securities of the
series which will be payable upon acceleration or provable in bankruptcy;
• any events of default not set forth in this prospectus:
• the currency or currencies, including composite currencies, in which principal, premium and interest will be
payable, if other than the currency of the United States of America;
• if principal, premium or interest is payable, at our election or at the election of any holder, in a currency
other than that in which the offered debt securities of the series are stated to be payable, the period or
periods within which, and the terms and conditions upon which, the election may be made;
• whether interest will be payable in cash or additional securities at our or the holder's option and the terms
and conditions upon which the election may be made;
• if denominated in a currency or currencies other than the currency of the United States of America, the
equivalent price in the currency of the United States of America for purposes of determining the voting
rights of holders of those debt securities under the applicable indenture;
• if the amount of payments of principal, premium or interest may be determined with reference to an index,
formula or other method based on a coin or currency other than that in which the offered debt securities of
the series are stated to be payable, the manner in which the amounts will be determined;
• any restrictive covenants or other material terms relating to the offered debt securities;
• whether the offered debt securities will be issued in the form of global securities or certificates in registered
or bearer form
• any listing on any securities exchange or quotation system;
• additional provisions, if any, related to defeasance and discharge of the offered debt securities; and
• the applicability of any guarantees.
Subsequent filings may include additional terms not listed above. Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent
filings with the SEC relating to the indenture, principal, premium and interest will be payable and the debt
securities will be transferable at the corporate trust office of the applicable trustee. Unless other arrangements are
made or set forth in subsequent filings or a supplemental indenture, principal, premium and interest will be paid
by checks mailed to the holders at their registered addresses.
Unless otherwise indicated in subsequent filings with the SEC, the debt securities will be issued only in
fully registered form without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple thereof. No service
charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of the debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with these debt securities.
Some or all of the debt securities may be issued as discounted debt securities to be sold at a substantial
discount below the stated principal amount. United States federal income tax consequences and other special
considerations applicable to any discounted securities will be described in subsequent filings with the SEC
relating to those securities.
We refer you to applicable subsequent filings with respect to any deletions or additions or modifications
from the description contained in this prospectus.
Senior Debt (Secured and Unsecured)
We may issue senior debt securities, which may be secured or unsecured, under the senior debt indenture.
The senior debt securities will rank on an equal basis with all our other senior debt except subordinated debt. The
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senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated, however, to all of our secured debt to the extent of the
value of the collateral securing such debt. We will disclose the amount of our secured debt in the prospectus
supplement.
Subordinated Debt
We may issue subordinated debt securities under the subordinated debt indenture. Subordinated debt will
rank subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent set forth in the subordinated debt indenture, to all
our senior debt (both secured and unsecured).
In general, the holders of all senior debt are first entitled to receive payment of the full amount unpaid on
senior debt before the holders of any of the subordinated debt securities are entitled to receive a payment on
account of the principal or interest on the indebtedness evidenced by the subordinated debt securities in certain
events.
If we default in the payment of any principal of. or premium, if any, or interest on any senior debt when it
becomes due and payable after any applicable grace period, then, unless and until the default is cured or waived
or ceases to exist, we cannot make a payment on account of or redeem or otherwise acquire the subordinated debt
securities.
If there is any insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation or other similar proceeding relating to us or our property.
then all senior debt must be paid in full before any payment may be made to any holders of subordinated debt
securities.
Furthermore, if we default in the payment of the principal of and accrued interest on any subordinated debt
securities that is declared due and payable upon an event of default under the subordinated debt indenture.
holders of all our senior debt will first be entitled to receive payment in full in cash before holders of such
subordinated debt can receive any payments.
Senior debt means:
the principal, premium, if any, interest and any other amounts owing in respect of our indebtedness for money
borrowed and indebtedness evidenced by securities. notes. debentures, bonds or other similar instruments issued
by us. including the senior debt securities or letters of credit;
• all capitalized lease obligations;
• all hedging obligations;
• all obligations representing the deferred purchase price of property; and
• all deferrals, renewals, extensions and refundings of obligations of the type referred to above;
but senior debt does not include:
• subordinated debt securities; and subordinated debt securities; and
• any indebtedness that by its terms is subordinated to, or ranks on an equal basis with, our subordinated debt
securities.
Covenants
Under the terms of the indenture, we covenant, among other things:
• that we will duly and punctually pay the principal of and interest, if any, on the offered debt securities in
accordance with the terms of such debt securities and the applicable indenture;
• that so long as any offered debt securities are outstanding, we will (i) file with the SEC within the time
periods prescribed by its rules and regulations and (ii) furnish to the trustee and holders of the offered debt
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securities all quarterly and annual financial information required to be furnished or filed with the SEC
pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and with respect to the annual consolidated financial
statements only. a report thereon by our independent auditors;
• that we will deliver to the trustee after the end of each fiscal year a compliance certificate as to whether we
have kept, observed, performed and fulfilled our obligations and each and every covenant contained under
the applicable indenture;
• that we will deliver to the trustee written notice of any event of default, with the exception of any payment
default that has not given rise to a right of acceleration under the indenture;
• that we will not at any time insist upon, plead, or in any manner whatsoever claim or take the benefit or
advantage of, any stay, extension or usury law wherever enacted, which may affect the covenants or the
performance of the indenture or the offered debt securities;
• that we will do or cause to be done everything necessary to preserve and keep in full force and effect our
corporate existence and the corporate, partnership or other existence of certain of our subsidiaries whose
preservation is determined to be desirable by our Board of Directors and material to the holders;
• that we will, and we will cause each of our subsidiaries to, pay prior to delinquency all taxes, assessments
and governmental levies, except as contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;
• that in the event we are required to pay additional interest to holders of our debt securities, we will provide
notice to the trustee, and where applicable, the paying agent, of our obligation to pay such additional interest
prior to the date on which any such additional interest is scheduled to be paid; and
• that we will execute and deliver such further instruments and do such further acts as may be reasonably
necessary or proper to carry out more effectively the purposes of the indenture.
Any series of offered debt securities may have covenants in addition to or differing from those included in
any applicable indenture which will be described in subsequent filings prepared in connection with the offering
of such securities, limiting or restricting, among other things:
• the ability of us or our subsidiaries to incur either secured or unsecured debt, or both;
• the ability to make certain payments, distributions, redemptions or repurchases;
• our ability to create distributions and other payment restrictions affecting our subsidiaries;
• our ability to make investments;
• mergers and consolidations by us or our subsidiaries;
• sales of assets by us:
• our ability to enter into transactions with affiliates;
• our ability to incur liens: and
• sale and leaseback transactions.
Modification of the Indentures
Each indenture and the rights of the respective holders may be modified by us only with the consent of
holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of all series
under the respective indenture affected by the modification, taken together as a class. But no modification that:
changes the amount of securities whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
reduces the rate of or changes the interest payment time on any security or alters its redemption provisions
(other than any alteration to any such section which would not materially adversely affect the legal rights of
any holder under the indenture) or the price at which we are required to offer to purchase the securities;
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• reduces the principal or changes the maturity of any security or reduces the amount of, or postpones the date
fixed for, the payment of any sinking fund or analogous obligation;
• waives a default or event of default in the payment of the principal of or interest, if any, on any security
(except a rescission of acceleration of the securities of any series by the holders of at least a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series and a waiver of the payment default that resulted
from such acceleration);
• makes the principal of or interest, if any, on any security payable in any currency other than that stated in
the security;
• makes any change with respect to holders' rights to receive principal and interest, certain modifications
affecting shareholders or certain currency-related issues; or
• waives a redemption payment with respect to any security or changes any of the provisions with respect to
the redemption of any securities will be effective against any holder without his consent. In addition, other
terms as specified in subsequent filings may be modified without the consent of the holders.
Events of Default
Each indenture defines an event of default for the debt securities of any series as being any one of the
following events:
• default in any payment of interest when due which continues for 30 days;
• default in any payment of principal or premium at maturity;
• default in the deposit of any sinking fund payment when due;
• default in the performance of any covenant in the debt securities or the applicable indenture which continues
for 60 days after we receive notice of the default;
• default under a bond, debenture, note or other evidence of indebtedness for borrowed money by us or our
subsidiaries (to the extent we are directly responsible or liable therefor) having a principal amount in excess
of a minimum amount set forth in the applicable subsequent filing, whether such indebtedness now exists or
is hereafter created, which default shall have resulted in such indebtedness becoming or being declared due
and payable prior to the date on which it would otherwise have become due and payable, without such
acceleration having been rescinded or annulled or cured within 30 days after we receive notice of the
default; and
• events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization.
An event of default of one series of debt securities does not necessarily constitute an event of default with
respect to any other series of debt securities.
There may be such other or different events of default as described in an applicable subsequent filing with
respect to any class or series of offered debt securities.
In case an event of default occurs and continues for the debt securities of any series, the applicable trustee or
the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities then outstanding of that
series may declare the principal and accrued but unpaid interest of the debt securities of that series to be due and
payable. Any event of default for the debt securities of any series which has been cured may be waived by the
holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of that series then outstanding.
Each indenture requires us to file annually after debt securities are issued under that indenture with the
applicable trustee a written statement signed by two of our officers as to the absence of material defaults under
the terms of that indenture. Each indenture provides that the applicable trustee may withhold notice to the holders
of any default if it considers it in the interest of the holders to do so, except notice of a default in payment of
principal, premium or interest.
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Subject to the duties of the trustee in case an event of default occurs and continues. each indenture provides
that the trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under that indenture at the request,
order or direction of holders unless the holders have offered to the trustee reasonable indemnity. Subject to these
provisions for indemnification and the rights of the trustee, each indenture provides that the holders of a majority
in principal amount of the debt securities of any series then outstanding have the right to direct the time, method
and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power
conferred on the trustee as long as the exercise of that right does not conflict with any law or the indenture.
Defeasance and Discharge
The terms of each indenture provide us with the option to be discharged from any and all obligations in
respect of the debt securities issued thereunder upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money or United
States government obligations, or both, which through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with
their terms will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay any installment of principal, premium and interest
on, and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity of the
payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing the debt securities. This
right may only be exercised if, among other things, we have received from, or there has been published by, the
United States Internal Revenue Service a ruling to the effect that such a discharge will not be deemed, or result
in, a taxable event with respect to holders. This discharge would not apply to our obligations to register the
transfer or exchange of debt securities, to replace stolen, lost or mutilated debt securities, to maintain paying
agencies and hold moneys for payment in trust.
Defeasance of Certain Covenants
The terms of the debt securities provide us with the right not to comply with specified covenants and that
specified events of default described in a subsequent filing will not apply. In order to exercise this right, we will
be required to deposit with the trustee money or U.S. government obligations, or both, which through the
payment of interest and principal will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any,
and interest on, and any mandatory sinking find payments in respect of, the debt securities on the stated maturity
of such payments in accordance with the terms of the debt securities and the indenture governing such debt
securities. We will also be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the deposit
and related covenant defeasance should not cause the holders of such series to recognize income, gain or loss for
United States federal income tax purposes.
A subsequent filing may further describe the provisions, if any, of any particular series of offered debt
securities permitting a discharge defeasance.
Global Securities
The debt securities of a series may be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities
that will be deposited with, or on behalf of. a depository identified in an applicable subsequent filing and
registered in the name of the depository or a nominee for the depository. In such a case, one or more global
securities will be issued in a denomination or aggregate denominations equal to the portion of the aggregate
principal amount of outstanding debt securities of the series to be represented by the global security or securities.
Unless and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive certificated form, a global
security may not be transferred except as a whole by the depository for the global security to a nominee of the
depository or by a nominee of the depository to the depository or another nominee of the depository or by the
depository or any nominee to a successor depository for that series or a nominee of the successor depository and
except in the circumstances described in an applicable subsequent filing.
We expect that the following provisions will apply to depository arrangements for any portion of a series of
debt securities to be represented by a global security. Any additional or different terms of the depository
arrangement will be described in an applicable subsequent filing.
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Upon the issuance of any global security, and the deposit of that global security with or on behalf of the
depository for the global security, the depository will credit, on its book•entry registration and transfer system,
the principal amounts of the debt securities represented by that global security to the accounts of institutions that
have accounts with the depository or its nominee. The accounts to be credited will be designated by the
underwriters or agents engaging in the distribution of the debt securities or by us, if the debt securities are offered
and sold directly by us. Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to participating
institutions or persons that may hold interests through such participating institutions. Ownership of beneficial
interests by participating institutions in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial
interests will be effected only through, records maintained by the depository for the global security or by its
nominee. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security by persons that hold through participating
institutions will be shown on, and the transfer of the beneficial interests within the participating institutions will
be effected only through, records maintained by those participating institutions. The laws of some jurisdictions
may require that purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities in certificated form. The
foregoing limitations and such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in the global securities.
So long as the depository for a global security, or its nominee, is the registered owner of that global security,
the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder of the debt
securities represented by the global security for all purposes under the applicable indenture. Unless othenvise
specified in an applicable subsequent filing and except as specified below, owners of beneficial interests in the
global security will not be entitled to have debt securities of the series represented by the global security
registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of debt securities of the
series in certificated form and will not be considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the indenture.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in the global security must rely on the procedures of the
depository and, if such person is not a participating institution, on the procedures of the participating institution
through which the person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture.
The depository may grant proxies and otherwise authorize participating institutions to give or take any
request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent, waiver or other action which a holder is entitled to
give or take under the applicable indenture. We understand that, under existing industry practices, if we request
any action of holders or any owner of a beneficial interest in the global security desires to give any notice or take
any action a holder is entitled to give or take under the applicable indenture, the depository would authorize the
participating institutions to give the notice or take the action, and participating institutions would authorize
beneficial owners owning through such participating institutions to give the notice or take the action or would
otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through them.
Unless othenvise specified in applicable subsequent filings, payments of principal, premium and interest on
debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depository, or its nominee will be made
by us to the depository or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered owner of the global security.
We expect that the depository for any debt securities represented by a global security, upon receipt of any
payment of principal, premium or interest, will credit participating institutions' accounts with payments in
amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as
shown on the records of the depository. We also expect that payments by participating institutions to owners of
beneficial interests in the global security held through those participating institutions will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with the securities held for the accounts of
customers registered in street name, and will be the responsibility of those participating institutions. None of us.
the trustees or any agent of ours or the trustees will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the
records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial interests in a global security, or for maintaining.
supervising or reviewing any records relating to those beneficial interests.
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Unless otherwise specified in the applicable subsequent filings, a global security of any series will be
exchangeable for certificated debt securities of the same series only if:
• the depository for such global securities notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depository or
such depository ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, a
successor depository is not appointed by us within 90 days after we receive the notice or become aware of
the ineligibility;
• we in ow sole discretion determine that the global securities shall be exchangeable for certificated debt
securities; or
• there shall have occurred and be continuing an event of default under the applicable indenture with respect
to the debt securities of that series.
Upon any exchange, owners of beneficial interests in the global security or securities will be entitled to
physical delivery of individual debt securities in certificated form of like tenor and terms equal in principal
amount to their beneficial interests, and to have the debt securities in certificated form registered in the names of
the beneficial owners, which names are expected to be provided by the depository's relevant participating
institutions to the applicable trustee.
In the event that the Depository Trust Company, or DTC, acts as depository for the global securities of any
series, the global securities will be issued as fully registered securities registered in the name of Cede & Co.,
DTC's partnership nominee.
The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, is a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, a limited-
purpose trust company under New York State banking law and a registered clearing agency with the SEC.
Established in 1973, DTC was created to reduce costs and provide clearing and settlement efficiencies by
immobilizing securities and making "book-entry" changes to ownership of the securities. DTC provides
securities movements for the net settlements of the National Securities Clearing Corporation's or NSCC, and
settlement for institutional trades (which typically involve money and securities transfers between custodian
banks and broker/dealers), as well as money market instruments.
DTC is a subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Company, or DTCC. DTCC is a holding company
established in 1999 to combine DTC and NSCC. DTCC, through its subsidiaries, provides clearing, settlement
and information services for equities, corporate and municipal bonds, government and mortgage backed
securities, money market instruments and over the-counter derivatives. In addition, DTCC is a leading processor
of mutual funds and insurance transactions, linking funds and carriers with their distribution networks. DTCC's
customer base extends to thousands of companies within the global financial services industry. DTCC serves
brokers, dealers, institutional investors, banks, trust companies, mutual fund companies, insurance carriers, hedge
funds and other financial intermediaries—either directly or through correspondent relationships.
DTCC is industry-owned by its customers who are members of the financial community, such as banks,
broker/dealers, mutual funds and other financial institutions. DTCC operates on an at-cost basis, returning excess
revenue from transaction fees to its member firms. All services provided by DTC are regulated by the
Commission.
The 2012 DTCC Board of Directors is composed of 19 directors serving one-year terms. Thirteen directors
arc representatives of clearing agency participants, including international broker/dealers, custodian and clearing
banks, and investment institutions; of these, two directors are designated by DTCC's preferred shareholders,
which are NYSE Euronext and FINRA. Three directors are from non-participants. The remaining three are the
chairman and chief executive officer, president, and chief operating officer of DTCC. All of the Board members
except those designated by the preferred shareholders are elected annually.
To facilitate subsequent transfers, the debt securities may be registered in the name of DTC's nominee,
Cede & Co. The deposit of the debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. will
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effect no change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt
securities. DTC's records reflect only the identity of the direct participating institutions to whose accounts debt
securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participating institutions remain
responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
Delivery of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participating institutions, by direct
participating institutions to indirect participating institutions, and by direct participating institutions and indirect
participating institutions to beneficial owners of debt securities are governed by arrangements among them.
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect.
Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. consents or votes with respect to the debt securities. Under its usual
procedures, DTC mails a proxy to the issuer as soon as possible after the record date. The proxy assigns Cede &
Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those direct participating institution to whose accounts the debt securities are
credited on the record date.
If applicable, redemption notices shall be sent to Cede & Co. If less than all of the debt securities of a series
represented by global securities are being redeemed, DTC's practice is to determine by lot the amount of the
interest of each direct participating institution in that issue to be redeemed.
To the extent that any debt securities provide for repayment or repurchase at the option of the holders
thereof, a beneficial owner shall give notice of any option to elect to have its interest in the global security repaid
by us, through its participating institution, to the applicable trustee, and shall effect delivery of the interest in a
global security by causing the direct participating institution to transfer the direct participating institution's
interest in the global security or securities representing the interest, on DTC's records, to the applicable trustee.
The requirement for physical delivery of debt securities in connection with a demand for repayment or
repurchase will be deemed satisfied when the ownership rights in the global security or securities representing
the debt securities are transferred by direct participating institutions on DTC's records.
DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository for the debt securities at any time.
Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not appointed, debt security
certificates are required to be printed and delivered as described above.
We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through the securities depository. In
that event, debt security certificates will be printed and delivered as described above.
The information in this section concerning DTC, DTCC and DTC's book-entry system has been
obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable, but we take no responsibility for its accuracy.
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SUMMARY OF OUR PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT
A copy of our partnership agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this
prospectus is a part. A summary of the important provisions of our partnership agreement and the rights and
privileges of our unitholders is included in our 2013 Annual Report and our registration statement on Form 8-A
as filed with the SEC on November 8, 2013, including any subsequent amendments or reports filed for the
purpose of updating such description. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information."
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OUR CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS
You should read the following discussion of our cash distribution policy and restrictions on distributions in
conjunction with specific assumptions included in this section. In addition, you should read "Forward-Looking
Statements" and "Risk Factors" for information regarding statements that do not relate strictly to historical or
current facts and certain risks inherent in our business.
General
Rationale for Our Cash Distribution Policy
Our cash distribution policy reflects a judgment that our unitholders will be better served by our distributing
our available cash rather than retaining it because, in general, we plan to finance any expansion capital
expenditures from external financing sources. Our cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms of our
Partnership Agreement, which requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly. Available cash is
generally defined to mean, for each quarter cash generated from our business less the amount of cash reserves
established by our Board of Directors at the date of determination of available cash for the quarter to provide for
the proper conduct of our business (including reserves for our future capital expenditures and anticipated future
credit needs subsequent to that quarter), comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other
agreements: and provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and to our General Partner for any one or more
of the next four quarters, plus, if our Board of Directors so determines, all or any portion of the cash on hand on
the date of determination of available cash for the quarter resulting from working capital borrowings made
subsequent to the end of such quarter.
Limitations on Cash Distributions and Our Ability to Change Our Cash Distribution Policy
There is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from us. Our cash distribution
policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time. Set forth below are certain factors that
influence our cash distribution policy:
• Our unitholders have no contractual or other legal right to receive distributions other than the obligation
under our Partnership Agreement to distribute available cash on a quarterly basis, which is subject to the
broad discretion of our Board of Directors to establish reserves and other limitations.
• We are subject to restrictions on distributions under our existing financing arrangements as well as under
any new financing arrangements that we may enter into in the future. Our financing arrangements contain
financial and other covenants that must be satisfied prior to paying distributions in order to declare and pay
such distributions. If we are unable to satisfy the requirements contained in any of our financing
arrangements or are otherwise in default under any of those agreements, it could have a material adverse
effect on our financial condition and our ability to make cash distributions to you notwithstanding our cash
distribution policy.
• We are required to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and replace our Fleet. These
expenditures may fluctuate significantly over time, particularly as our vessels near the end of their useful
lives. In order to minimize these fluctuations, our Partnership Agreement requires us to deduct estimated, as
opposed to actual, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from the amount of cash that we
would othenvise have available for distribution to our unitholders. In years when estimated maintenance and
replacement capital expenditures are higher than actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures,
the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders will be lower than if actual maintenance and
replacement capital expenditures were deducted.
• Although our Partnership Agreement requires us to distribute all of our available cash, our Partnership
Agreement, including provisions contained therein requiring us to make cash distributions, may be
amended. During the subordination period, with certain exceptions, our Partnership Agreement may not be
amended without the approval of nonaffiliated common unitholders. After the subordination period has
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ended, our Partnership Agreement may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding
common units, including those held by our Sponsor. Our Sponsor owns approximately 3.0% of our common
units and all of our subordinated units.
• Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions we pay under our
cash distribution policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our Board of Directors.
taking into consideration the terms of our Partnership Agreement.
• Under Section 57 of the Marshall Islands Act, we may not make a distribution to you if the distribution
would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets.
• We may lack sufficient cash to pay distributions to our unitholders due to decreases in total operating
revenues, decreases in hire rates, the loss of a vessel or increases in operating or general and administrative
expenses. principal and interest payments on outstanding debt, taxes, working capital requirements.
maintenance and replacement capital expenditures. or anticipated cash needs. See "Risk Factors" for a
discussion of these factors.
Our ability to make distributions to our unitholders depends on the performance of our subsidiaries and their
ability to distribute cash to us. The ability of our subsidiaries to make distributions to us may be restricted by,
among other things, the provisions of existing and future indebtedness, applicable limited partnership and limited
liability company laws in the Marshall Islands and other laws and regulations.
Distributions of Available Cash
General
Within 45 days after the end of each quarter. we will distribute all of our available cash (defined below) to
unitholders of record on the applicable record date.
Definition of Available Cash
Available cash generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash on hand at the end of the quarter (including
our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own):
• less, the amount of cash reserves established by our Board of Directors at the date of determination of
available cash for the quarter to:
• provide for the proper conduct of our business (including reserves for our future capital expenditures and
anticipated future credit needs subsequent to that quarter);
• comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other agreements; and
• provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and to our General Partner for any one or more of the next
four quarters;
• plus. all cash on hand (including our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not
wholly own) on the date of determination of available cash for the quarter resulting from (I) working capital
borrowings made after the end of the quarter and (2) cash distributions received after the end of the quarter
from any equity interest in any person (other than a subsidiary of us), which distributions are paid by such
person in respect of operations conducted by such person during such quarter. Working capital borrowings
are generally borrowings that are made under a revolving credit facility and in all cases are used solely for
working capital purposes or to pay distributions to partners.
Intent to Distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution
We intend to distribute to the holders of common units and subordinated units on a quarterly basis at least
the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.365 per unit, or $1.46 per unit on an annualized basis, to the extent we
have sufficient cash from our operations after the establishment of cash reserves and the payment of costs and
expenses, including reimbursements of expenses to our General Partner.
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On October 22. 2014, the Partnership announced that its Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash
distribution for the third quarter of 2014 of $0.39 per unit, representing a 6.8% increase over the Partnership's
minimum quarterly distribution of $0.365 per unit, established at the time of the Partnership's IPO and reflected
in the Partnership's partnership agreement, and reflects the contribution to operating results for a full quarter of
the 2013 built LNG carrier Arctic Aurora. This cash distribution was paid on November 12, 2014, to all
unitholders of record as of November 5, 2014.
Following the acquisition of the Yenisei River, management of the Partnership intends to recommend to the
Board of Directors a further increase to the Partnership's quarterly cash distribution of between $0.030 and
$0.035 per unit, which, if approved by the Board of Directors, would become effective for the distribution for the
quarter ending December 31, 2014 and would represent a quarterly cash distribution of between $0.42 per unit
and $0.425 per unit. Management can provide no assurance that it will make such recommendation, and if such
recommendation is made, that it will be approved by the Board of Directors.
There is no guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the common, subordinated and
General Partner units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount
of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our Board of
Directors, taking into consideration the terms of our Partnership Agreement. We are prohibited from making any
distributions to unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or an event of default then exists, under our
financing arrangements.
Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus
General
All cash distributed to unitholders will be characterized as either "operating surplus" or "capital surplus."
We treat distributions of available cash from operating surplus differently than distributions of available cash
from capital surplus.
Definition of Operating Surplus
Operating surplus for any period generally means:
$27,000,000; plus
• all of our cash receipts (including our proportionate share of cash receipts of certain subsidiaries we do not
wholly own; and provided, that cash receipts from the termination of an interest rate, currency or
commodity hedge contract prior to its specified termination date will be included in operating surplus in
equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such hedge contract), excluding cash from
(1) borrowings, other than working capital borrowings, (2) sales of equity and debt securities, (3) sales or
other dispositions of assets outside the ordinary course of business, (4) capital contributions or (5) corporate
reorganizations or restructurings; plus
• working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of working capital borrowings for certain
subsidiaries we do not wholly own) made after the end of a quarter but before the date of determination of
operating surplus for the quarter; plus
• interest paid on debt incurred (including periodic net payments under related hedge contracts) and cash
distributions paid on equity securities issued (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to
the holders of our incentive distribution rights and our proportionate share of such interest and cash
distributions paid by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own), in each case, to finance all or any portion
of the construction, replacement or improvement of a capital asset (such as a vessel) in respect of the period
from such financing until the earlier to occur of the date the capital asset is put into service or the date that it
is abandoned or disposed of; plus
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• interest paid on debt incurred (including periodic net payments under related hedge contracts) and cash
distributions paid on equity securities issued (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to
the holders of our incentive distribution rights and our proportionate share of such interest and cash
distributions paid by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own), in each case, to pay the construction period
interest on debt incurred (including periodic net payments under related interest rate swap agreements), or to
pay construction period distributions on equity issued, to finance the construction projects described in the
immediately preceding bullet; less
• all of our "operating expenditures" (which includes estimated maintenance and replacement capital
expenditures and is further described below) of us and our subsidiaries (including our proportionate share of
operating expenditures by certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own); less
• the amount of cash reserves (including our proportionate share of cash reserves for certain subsidiaries we
do not wholly own) established by ow Board of Directors to provide funds for future operating
expenditures; less
• any cash loss realized on dispositions of assets acquired using investment capital expenditures; less
• all working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of working capital borrowings by certain
subsidiaries we do not wholly own) not repaid within twelve months after having been incurred.
If a working capital borrowing, which increases operating surplus, is not repaid during the 12-month period
following the borrowing, it will be deemed repaid at the end of such period, thus decreasing operating surplus at
such time. When such working capital borrowing is in fact repaid, it will not be treated as a reduction in
operating surplus because operating surplus will have been previously reduced by the deemed repayment.
As described above, operating surplus includes a provision that will enable us, if we choose, to distribute as
operating surplus up to $27,000,000 of cash we receive in the future from non-operating sources, such as asset
sales. issuances of securities and long-term borrowings, that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. In
addition, the effect of including, as described above, certain cash distributions on equity securities or interest
payments on debt in operating surplus would be to increase operating surplus by the amount of any such cash
distributions or interest payments. As a result, we may also distribute as operating surplus up to the amount of
any such cash distributions or interest payments of cash we receive from non-operating sources.
Operating expenditures generally means all of our cash expenditures, including, but not limited to taxes,
employee and director compensation, reimbursement of expenses to our General Partner, repayment of working
capital borrowings, debt service payments and payments made under any interest rate, currency or commodity
hedge contracts (provided that payments made in connection with the termination of any hedge contract prior to
the expiration of its stipulated settlement or termination date shall be included in operating expenditures in equal
quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such hedge contract), provided that operating
expenditures will not include:
• deemed repayments of working capital borrowings deducted from operating surplus pursuant to the last
bullet point of the definition of operating surplus above when such repayment actually occurs;
• payments (including prepayments and payment penalties) of principal of and premium on indebtedness,
other than working capital borrowings;
• expansion capital expenditures, investment capital expenditures or actual maintenance and replacement
capital expenditures (which are discussed in further detail under "—Capital Expenditures" below):
• payment of transaction expenses (including taxes) relating to interim capital transactions; or
• distributions to partners.
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Capital Expenditures
For purposes of determining operating surplus. maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are those
capital expenditures required to maintain over the long-term the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our
capital assets, and expansion capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that increase the operating capacity of
or the revenue generated by our capital assets. In our Partnership Agreement, we refer to these maintenance and
replacement capital expenditures as "maintenance capital expenditures." To the extent, however, that capital
expenditures associated with acquiring a new vessel or improving an existing vessel increase the revenues or the
operating capacity of our Fleet, those capital expenditures would be classified as expansion capital expenditures.
Investment capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that are neither maintenance and replacement
capital expenditures nor expansion capital expenditures. Investment capital expenditures largely will consist of
capital expenditures made for investment purposes. Examples of investment capital expenditures include
traditional capital expenditures for investment purposes, such as purchases of equity securities, as well as other
capital expenditures that might be made in lieu of such traditional investment capital expenditures, such as the
acquisition of a capital asset for investment purposes.
Examples of maintenance and replacement capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with
dry-docking, modifying an existing vessel or acquiring a new vessel to the extent such expenditures are incurred
to maintain the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our Fleet. Maintenance and replacement capital
expenditures will also include interest (and related fees) on debt incurred and distributions on equity issued
(including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of our incentive distribution rights) to
finance the construction of a replacement vessel and paid in respect of the construction period, which we define
as the period beginning on the date that we enter into a binding construction contract and ending on the earlier of
the date that the replacement vessel commences commercial service or the date that the replacement vessel is
abandoned or disposed of. Debt incurred to pay or equity issued to fund construction period interest payments,
and distributions on such equity (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of
our incentive distribution rights), will also be considered maintenance and replacement capital expenditures.
Because our maintenance and replacement capital expenditures can be very large and vary significantly in
timing, the amount of our actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures may differ substantially from
period to period. which could cause similar fluctuations in the amounts of operating surplus, adjusted operating
surplus, and available cash for distribution to our unitholders if we subtracted actual maintenance and replacement
capital expenditures from operating surplus each quarter. Accordingly, to eliminate the effect on operating surplus
of these fluctuations, our Partnership Agreement requires that an amount equal to an estimate of the average
quarterly maintenance and replacement capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of or the
revenue generated by our capital assets over the long-term be subtracted from operating surplus each quarter, as
opposed to the actual amounts spent. In our Partnership Agreement, we refer to these estimated maintenance and
replacement capital expenditures to be subtracted from operating surplus as "estimated maintenance capital
expenditures." The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating
surplus is subject to review and change by our Board of Directors at least once a year, provided that any change
must be approved by our conflicts committee. The estimate will be made at least annually and whenever an event
occurs that is likely to result in a material adjustment to the amount of our maintenance and replacement capital
expenditures, such as a major acquisition or the introduction of new governmental regulations that will affect our
Fleet. For purposes of calculating operating surplus, any adjustment to this estimate will be prospective only. For a
discussion of the amounts we have allocated toward estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures.
see "Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on Distributions."
The use of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures in calculating operating surplus has
the following effects:
• reduces the risk that actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures in any one quarter will be
large enough to make operating surplus less than the minimum quarterly distribution to be paid on all the
units for that quarter and subsequent quarters;
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• it may reduce the need for us to borrow to pay distributions;
• it may be difficult for us to raise our distribution above the minimum quarterly distribution and pay
incentive distributions to our General Partner; and
it reduces the likelihood that a large maintenance and replacement capital expenditure in a period will
prevent our Sponsor from being able to convert some or all of its subordinated units into common units
since the effect of an estimate is to spread the expected expense over several periods, mitigating the effect of
the actual payment of the expenditure on any single period.
Definition of Capital Surplus
Capital surplus generally will be generated only by:
• borrowings other than working capital borrowings;
• sales of debt and equity securities: and
• sales or other dispositions of assets for cash, other than inventory, accounts receivable and other current
assets sold in the ordinary course of business or non-current assets sold as part of normal retirements or
replacements of assets.
Characterization of Cash Distributions
We treat all available cash distributed on ow common and subordinated units as coming from operating
surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since we began operations equals the operating surplus as of
the most recent date of determination of available cash. We treat any amount distributed in excess of operating
surplus, regardless of its source, as capital surplus. As described above, operating surplus does not reflect actual
cash on hand that is available for distribution to our unitholders. For example, it includes a provision that enables
us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus up to $27,000,000 of cash we receive in the future from non-
operating sources, such as asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term borrowings, that would otherwise be
distributed as capital surplus. We do not anticipate that we will make any distributions from capital surplus.
Subordination Period
General
During the subordination period. the common units will have the right to receive distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.365 per unit, plus
any arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units from prior quarters,
before any distributions of available cash from operating surplus may be made on the subordinated units.
Distribution arrearages do not accrue on the subordinated units. The purpose of the subordinated units is to
increase the likelihood that during the subordination period there will be available cash from operating surplus to
be distributed on the common units.
Definition of Subordination Period
The subordination period will extend until the second business day following the distribution of available
cash from operating surplus in respect of any quarter. ending on or after December 31, 2016, that each of the
following tests are met:
distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each of the outstanding common units and
subordinated units equaled or exceeded the minimum quarterly distribution for each of the three
consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date:
• the "adjusted operating surplus" (as defined below) generated during each of the three consecutive, non-
overlapping four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of the
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minimum quarterly distributions on all of the outstanding common units and subordinated units during those
periods on a fully diluted weighted average basis and the related distribution on the 0.1% General Partner
interest during those periods; and
• there are no outstanding arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units.
If the unitholders remove our General Partner without cause, the subordination period may end before
December 31, 2016.
For purposes of determining whether the tests in the bullets above have been met, the three consecutive
four-quarter periods for which the determination is being made may include one or more quarters with respect to
which arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units have accrued,
provided that all such arrearages have been repaid prior to the end of each such four-quarter period. If the
expiration of the subordination period occurs as a result of us having met the tests described above, each
outstanding subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will then participate pro rata with the other
common units in distributions of available cash.
In addition, at any time on or after December 31, 2016, provided that there are no outstanding arrearages in
payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units and subject to approval by our conflicts
committee, the holder or holders of a majority of ow outstanding subordinated units will have the option to
convert each subordinated unit into a number of common units determined by multiplying the number of
outstanding subordinated units to be converted by a fraction, (i) the numerator of which is equal to the aggregate
amount of distributions of available cash from operating surplus (not to exceed adjusted operating surplus) on the
outstanding subordinated units ("historical distributions") for the four fiscal quarters preceding the date of
conversion (the "measurement period") and (ii) the denominator of which is equal to the aggregate amount of
distributions that would have been required during the measurement period to pay the minimum quarterly
distribution on all outstanding subordinated units during such four-quarter period; provided, that if the forecasted
distributions to be paid from forecasted operating surplus (not to exceed forecasted adjusted operating surplus)
on the outstanding subordinated units for the four fiscal quarter period immediately following the measurement
period ("forecasted distributions"), as determined by our conflicts committee, is less than historical distributions,
then the numerator shall be forecasted distributions; provided, further, however, that the subordinated units may
not convert into common units at a ratio that is greater than one-to-one. If the option to convert the subordinated
units into common units is exercised as described above, the outstanding subordinated units will convert into the
prescribed number of common units and will then participate pro rata with other common units in distributions of
available cash.
Definition of Adjusted Operating Surplus
Operating surplus for any period generally means:
• operating surplus generated with respect to that period (excluding any amounts attributable to the item
described in the first bullet point under "—Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus—Definition of Operating
Surplus" above); less
• the amount of any net increase in working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of any
changes in working capital borrowings of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) with respect to that
period; less
• the amount of any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures (including our proportionate
share of cash reserves of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) over that period not relating to an
operating expenditure made during that period; plus
• the amount of any net decrease in working capital borrowings (including our proportionate share of any
changes in working capital borrowings of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) with respect to that
period; plus
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• the amount of any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures (including our proportionate
share of cash reserves of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own) over that period required by any debt
instrument for the repayment of principal, interest or premium; plus
• the amount of any net decrease made in subsequent periods to cash reserves for operating expenditures
initially established with respect to such period to the extent such decrease results in a reduction in adjusted
operating surplus in subsequent periods
Adjusted operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash generated from operations during a particular
period and therefore excludes net increases in working capital borrowings and net drawdowns of reserves of cash
generated in prior periods.
Effect of Removal of Our General Partner on the Subordination Period
If the unitholders remove our General Partner other than for cause and units held by our General Partner and
its affiliates are not voted in favor of such removal:
• the subordination period will end and each subordinated unit will immediately convert into one common
unit and will then participate pro rata with the other common units in distributions of available cash;
• any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units will be
extinguished; and
• our General Partner will have the right to convert its General Partner interest and its incentive distribution
rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for that interest.
Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus During the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter during the subordination
period in the following manner:
• first, 99.9% to the common unitholders. pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for
each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter,
• second, 99.9% to the common unitholders. pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for
each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units for any prior quarters during the subordination period:
• third, 99.9% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute
for each subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and
• thereafter, in the manner described in "—General Partner Interest" and "—Incentive Distribution Rights"
below.
The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our General Partner maintains its 0.1% General
Partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus After the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter after the subordination
period in the following manner:
first, 99.9% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for each
outstanding unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and
thereafter, in the manner described in "—General Partner Interest" and "—Incentive Distribution Rights"
below.
The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our General Partner maintains its 0.1% General
Partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
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General Partner Interest
Our Partnership Agreement provides that our General Partner initially will be entitled to 0.1% of all
distributions that we make prior to our liquidation. Our General Partner has the right, but not the obligation, to
contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its 0.1% General Partner interest if we issue
additional units. Our General Partner's 0.1% interest, and the percentage of our cash distributions to which it is
entitled, will be proportionately reduced if we issue additional units in the future and our General Partner does
not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us in order to maintain its 0.1% General Partner interest. Our
General Partner will be entitled to make a capital contribution in order to maintain its 0.1% General Partner
interest in the form of the contribution to us of common units based on the current market value of the
contributed common units.
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions
of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution
levels have been achieved. Our General Partner currently holds the incentive distribution rights. The incentive
distribution rights may be transferred separately from our General Partner interest, subject to restrictions in the
Partnership Agreement. Except for transfers of incentive distribution rights to an affiliate or another entity as part
of our General Partner's merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of substantially all of its assets to such
entity, the approval of a majority of our common units (excluding common units held by our General Partner and
its affiliates), voting separately as a class, generally is required for a transfer of the incentive distribution rights to
a third party prior to December 31, 2016. See "The Partnership Agreement—Transfer of Incentive Distribution
Rights." Any transfer by our General Partner of the incentive distribution rights would not change the percentage
allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such rights.
If for any quarter:
• we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common and subordinated unitholders in an
amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution; and
• we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on outstanding common units in an amount
necessary to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution;
then, we will distribute any additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the
unitholders and our General Partner in the following manner:
• first, 99.9% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until each unitholder receives a
total of $0.420 per unit for that quarter (the "first target distribution");
• second, 85.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 0.1% to our General Partner and 14.9% to the holders of the
incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.456 per unit for that quarter
(the "second target distribution");
• third, 75.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 0.1% to our General Partner and 24.9% to the holders of the
incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each unitholder receives a total of $0.548 per unit for that quarter
(the "third target distribution"): and
• thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 0.1% to our General Partner and 49.9% to the holders of the
incentive distribution rights, pro rata.
In each case, the amount of the target distribution set forth above is exclusive of any distributions to
common unitholders to eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution.
The percentage interests set forth above assume that our General Partner maintains its 0.1% General Partner
interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
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Percentage Allocations of Available Cash From Operating Surplus
The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional available cash from operating
surplus among the unitholders, our General Partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights up to the
various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under "Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions" are
the percentage interests of the unitholders, our General Partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights
in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the
column "Total Quarterly Distribution Target Amount," until available cash from operating surplus we distribute
reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for the unitholders, our General
Partner and the holders of the incentive distribution rights for the minimum quarterly distribution are also
applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage
interests shown for our General Partner include its 0.1% General Partner interest only and assume that our
General Partner has contributed any capital necessary to maintain its 0.1% General Partner interest.
Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions
Total
Quarterly
Distribution
Target General Holden
Amount Unitholders Partner of IDRs
Minimum Quarterly Distribution $0.365 99.9% 0.1% 0.0%
First Target Distribution up to $0.420 99.9% 0.1% 0.0%
Second Target Distribution above
50.420 up to
$0.456 85.0% 0.1% 14.9%
Third Target Distribution Above
50.456 up to
$0.548 75.0% 0.1% 24.9%
Thereafter above
$0.548 50.0% 0.1% 49.9%
General Partner's Right to Reset Incentive Distribution Levels
Our General Partner, as the initial holder of all of our incentive distribution rights, has the right under our
Partnership Agreement to elect to relinquish the right of the holders of ow incentive distribution rights to receive
incentive distribution payments based on the initial cash target distribution levels and to reset, at higher levels,
the minimum quarterly distribution amount and cash target distribution levels upon which the incentive
distribution payments to our General Partner would be set. Our General Partner's right to reset the minimum
quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels upon which the incentive distributions payable to
our General Partner are based may be exercised, without approval of our unitholders or the conflicts committee
of our Board of Directors, at any time when there are no subordinated units outstanding and we have made cash
distributions to the holders of the incentive distribution rights at the highest level of incentive distribution for
each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters. If at the time of any election to reset the minimum quarterly
distribution amount and the target distribution levels our General Partner and its affiliates are not the holders of a
majority of the incentive distribution rights, then any such election to reset shall be subject to the prior written
concurrence of our General Partner that the conditions described in the immediately preceding sentence have
been satisfied. The reset minimum quarterly distribution amount and target distribution levels will be higher than
the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels prior to the reset such that there will
be no incentive distributions paid under the reset target distribution levels until cash distributions per unit
following this event increase as described below. We anticipate that our General Partner would exercise this reset
right in order to facilitate acquisitions or internal growth projects that would otherwise not be sufficiently
accretive to cash distributions per common unit, taking into account the existing levels of incentive distribution
payments being made to our General Partner.
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In connection with the resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution
levels and the corresponding relinquishment by our General Partner of incentive distribution payments based on
the target cash distributions prior to the reset, our General Partner will be entitled to receive a number of newly
issued common units based on a predetermined formula described below that takes into account the "cash parity"
value of the average cash distributions related to the incentive distribution rights received by our General Partner
for the two quarters prior to the reset event as compared to the average cash distributions per common unit during
this period. We will also issue an additional amount of General Partner Units in order to maintain the General
Partner's ownership interest in us relative to the issuance of the additional common units.
The number of common units that our General Partner would be entitled to receive from us in connection
with a resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels then in effect
would be equal to (x) the average amount of cash distributions received by our General Partner in respect of its
incentive distribution rights during the two consecutive fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the date of
such reset election divided by (y) the average of the amount of cash distributed per common unit during each of
these two quarters. The issuance of the additional common units will be conditioned upon approval of the listing
or admission for trading of such common units by the national securities exchange on which the common units
are then listed or admitted for trading.
Following a reset election, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal to
the average cash distribution amount per unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election
(such amount is referred to as the "reset minimum quarterly distribution") and the target distribution levels will
be reset to be correspondingly higher such that we would distribute all of our available cash from operating
surplus for each quarter thereafter as follows:
• first, 99.9% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until each unitholder receives an
amount equal to 115.0% of the reset minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter;
• second, 85.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 0.1% to our General Partner and 14.9% to the holders of the
incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 125.0% of
the reset minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter;
• third, 75.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 0.1% to our General Partner, and 24.9% to the holders of the
incentive distribution rights, pro rata, until each unitholder receives an amount per unit equal to 150% of the
reset minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter; and
• thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 0.1% to our General Partner and 49.9% to the holders of the
incentive distribution rights, pro rata.
Assuming that it continues to hold a majority of our incentive distribution rights, our General Partner will be
entitled to cause the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels to be reset on more
than one occasion, provided that it may not make a reset election except at a time when the holders of the
incentive distribution rights have received incentive distributions for the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters
based on the highest level of incentive distributions that the holders of incentive distribution rights are entitled to
receive under our Partnership Agreement.
Distributions From Capital Surplus
How Distributions From Capital Surplus Will Be Made
We will make distributions of available cash from capital surplus, if any, in the following manner:
• first, 99.9% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until the minimum quarterly
distribution is reduced to zero, as described below;
• second, 99.9% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for
each common unit, an amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to any unpaid arrearages in
payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units; and
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thereafter, we will make all distributions of available cash from capital surplus as if they were from
operating surplus.
The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our General Partner maintains its 0.1% General
Partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
Effect of a Distribution from Capital Surplus
The Partnership Agreement treats a distribution of capital surplus as the repayment of the consideration for
the issuance of the units, which is a return of capital. Each time a distribution of capital surplus is made, the
minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as the
distribution had to the fair market value of the common units prior to the announcement of the distribution.
Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the minimum quarterly distribution, after any of these
distributions are made, it may be easier for our General Partner to receive incentive distributions and for the
subordinated units to convert into common units. However, any distribution of capital surplus before the
minimum quarterly distribution is reduced to zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution or any arrearages.
Once we reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels to zero, we will then
make all future distributions 50% to the holders of units, 0.1% to our General Partner and 49.9% to the holders of
the incentive distribution rights (initially, our General Partner). The 0.1% interests shown for ow General Partner
assumes that ow General Partner maintains its 0.1% General Partner interest.
Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels
In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels to reflect a
distribution of capital surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide our units into a greater
number of units, we will proportionately adjust:
• the minimum quarterly distribution;
• the target distribution levels; and
• the initial unit price.
For example, if a two-for•one split of the common and subordinated units should occur, the minimum
quarterly distribution, the target distribution levels and the initial unit price, would each be reduced to 50% of its
initial level. If we combine our common units into a lesser number of units or subdivide our common units into a
greater number of units, we will combine our subordinated units or subdivide our subordinated units, using the
same ratio applied to the common units. We will not make any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional
units for cash or property.
Distributions of Cash Upon Liquidation
If we dissolve in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, we will sell or othenvise dispose of our assets
in a process called liquidation. We will apply the proceeds of liquidation in the manner set forth below. If, as of
the date three trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed liquidation, the average closing price for
our common units for the preceding 20 trading days (or the current market price) is greater than the sum of:
• any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior quarters
during the subordination period;
• the minimum quarterly distribution;
then the proceeds of the liquidation will be applied as follows:
first, 99.9% to the common unitholders, pro rata. and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for
each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the current market price of our common units;
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• second, 99.9% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute
for each subordinated unit an amount equal to the current market price of our common units; and
• thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 49.9% to holders of incentive distribution rights and 0.1% to
our General Partner.
If, as of the date three trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed liquidation, the current
market price of our common units is equal to or less than the sum of:
• any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior quarters
during the subordination period; plus
• the initial unit price (less any prior capital surplus distributions and any prior cash distributions made in
connection with a partial liquidation);
then the proceeds of the liquidation will be applied as follows:
• first, 99.9% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for
each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the initial unit price (less any prior capital surplus
distributions and any prior cash distributions made in connection with a partial liquidation);
• second, 99.9% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for
each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units for any prior quarters during the subordination period;
• third, 99.9% to the subordinated unitholders and 0.1% to our General Partner, until we distribute for each
outstanding subordinated unit an amount equal to the initial unit price (less any prior capital surplus
distributions and any prior cash distributions made in connection with a partial liquidation); and
• thereafter, 50.0% to all unitholders, pro rata, 49.9% to holders of incentive distribution rights and 0.1% to
our General Partner.
The immediately preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our General Partner maintains its
0.1% General Partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.
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MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following is a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations that may be
relevant to prospective unitholders and, unless otherwise noted in the following discussion, is the opinion of
Seward & Kissel LLP, our United States counsel, insofar as it contains legal conclusions with respect to matters
of United States federal income tax law. The opinion of our counsel is dependent on the accuracy of factual
representations made by us to them, including descriptions of our operations contained herein.
This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations, and current administrative
rulings and court decisions, all as in effect or existence on the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject
to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of unit
ownership to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires,
references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to Dynagas LNG Partners LP.
The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of common units that own the common units as
"capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally, for investment purposes) and is
not intended to be applicable to all categories of investors, such as unitholders subject to special tax rules (e.g.,
financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans or
individual retirement accounts or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), persons who own
10% or more of our units (directly, indirectly or constructively), persons who will hold the units as part of a
straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for United States federal income tax
purposes, or persons that have a functional currency other than the United States dollar, each of whom may be
subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. If a partnership or other entity
classified as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes holds our common units, the tax
treatment of its partners generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership.
If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common units, you are encouraged to consult your own tax
advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or prospective
unitholders. The opinions and statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may
not be sustained upon review in a court.
This discussion does not contain information regarding any United States state or local, estate, gift or
alternative minimum tax considerations concerning the ownership or disposition of common units. This
discussion does not comment on all aspects of United States federal income taxation that may be important to
particular unitholders in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective unitholder is urged to
consult its own tax advisor regarding the United States federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the
ownership or disposition of common units.
Election to be Treated as a Corporation
We have elected to be treated as a corporation for United States federal income tax purposes. As a result, we
will be subject to United States federal income tax to the extent we earn income from United States sources or
income that is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States unless
such income is exempt from tax under an applicable tax treaty or Section 883 of the Code. In addition, among
other things, United States Holders (as defined below) will not directly be subject to United States federal income
tax on our income, but rather will be subject to United States federal income tax on distributions received from us
and dispositions of units as described below.
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United States Federal Income Taxation of Our Company
Taxation of Operating Income: In General
Unless exempt from United States federal income taxation under the rules discussed below, a foreign
corporation is subject to United States federal income taxation in respect of any income that is derived from the
use of vessels, from the hiring or leasing of vessels for use on a time, voyage or bareboat charter basis, from the
participation in a pool, partnership, strategic alliance, joint venture, code sharing arrangements or other joint
venture it directly or indirectly owns or participates in that generates such income, or from the performance of
services directly related to those uses, which we refer to as "shipping income," to the extent that the shipping
income is derived from sources within the United States. For these purposes, 50% of shipping income that is
attributable to transportation that begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States
constitutes income from sources within the United States, which we refer to as "U.S.-source shipping income."
Shipping income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States is considered to
be 100% from sources within the United States. We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that
produces income which is considered to be 100% from sources within the United States.
Shipping income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-United States ports will be
considered to be 100% derived from sources outside the United States. Shipping income derived from sources
outside the United States will not be subject to any United States federal income tax.
In the absence of exemption from tax under Section 883, our gross U.S.-source shipping income would be
subject to a 4% tax imposed without allowance for deductions as described below.
Exemption of Operating Income from United States Federal Income Taxation
Under Section 883 of the Code, we will be exempt from United States federal income taxation on our U.S.-
source shipping income if:
• we are organized in a foreign country (our "country of organization") that grants an "equivalent exemption"
to corporations organized in the United States; and
either
• more than 50% of the value of our units is owned, directly or indirectly, by individuals who are "residents"
of our country of organization or of another foreign country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to
corporations organized in the United States, which we refer to as the "50% Ownership Test," or
• our units are "primarily and regularly traded on an established securities market" in our country of
organization, in another country that grants an "equivalent exemption" to United States corporations, or in
the United States, which we refer to as the "Publicly-Traded Test."
The Marshall Islands, the jurisdiction where we and our ship-owning subsidiaries are incorporated, grants an
"equivalent exemption" to United States corporations. Therefore, we will be exempt from United States federal
income taxation with respect to our U.S.-source shipping income if we satisfy either the 50% Ownership Test or
the Publicly-Traded Test. It will be difficult for us to satisfy the 50% Ownership Test due to the widely-held
ownership of our stock. Our ability to satisfy the Publicly-Traded Test is discussed below.
The regulations provide, in pertinent part, that stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be
"primarily traded" on an established securities market if the number of shares of each class of stock that are
traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of shares
in each such class that arc traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country.
Our common units are -primarily traded" on Nasdaq Global Select Market. We have commenced the process to
voluntarily transfer the listing of our common units to the NYSE from The Nasdaq Global Market. We expect
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our common units to cease trading on The Nasdaq Global Market effective at the close of business on
December 29, 2014, and to commence trading on the NYSE on December 30, 2014, when the market opens. We
will retain our current ticker symbol "DLNG" when trading begins on the NYSE. We expect ow common units
to be "primarily traded" on the NYSE after our common units commence trading thereon.
Under the regulations, our units will be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities
market if one or more classes of our units representing more than 50% or more of our outstanding units, by total
combined voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote and total value, is listed on the market which we
refer to as the listing threshold. Since our common units, which represent more than 50% of our outstanding
units, are listed on Nasdaq Global Select Market. we will satisfy the listing requirement. We expect to continue
to satisfy the listing requirement after our common units commence trading on the NYSE.
It is further required that with respect to each class of stock relied upon to meet the listing threshold (i) such
class of the stock is traded on the market, other than in minimal quantities, on at least 60 days during the taxable
year or 1/ 6 of the days in a short taxable year; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of such class of stock
traded on such market is at least 10% of the average number of shares of such class of stock outstanding during
such year or as appropriately adjusted in the case of a short taxable year. We believe we will satisfy the trading
frequency and trading volume tests. Even if this were not the case, the regulations provide that the trading
frequency and trading volume tests will be deemed satisfied by a class of stock if, as we expect to be the case
with our common units, such class of stock is traded on an established market in the United States and such class
of stock is regularly quoted by dealers making a market in such stock.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the regulations provide, in pertinent part, our common units will not be
considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market for any taxable year in which 50% or
more of the our outstanding common units are owned, actually or constructively under specified attribution rules,
on more than half the days during the taxable year by persons who each own 5% or more of our common units,
which we refer to as the "5 Percent Override Rule."
For purposes of being able to determine the persons who own 5% or more of our common units, or "5%
Unitholders," the regulations permit us to rely on Schedule I3G and Schedule I3D filings with the SEC to
identify persons who have a 5% or more beneficial interest in our common units. The regulations further provide
that an investment company which is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, will
not be treated as a 5% Unitholder for such purposes.
We do not believe that we are currently subject to the 5 Percent Override Rule. However, there is no
assurance that we will continue to qualify for exemption under Section 883. For example, we could be subject to
the 5% Override Rule if our 5% Unitholders were to own 50% or more of the common units. It is noted that
holders of our common units are limited to owning 4.9% of the voting power of such common units. Assuming
that such limitation is treated as effective for purposes of determining voting power under Section 883, then we
would not have any 5% Unitholders to own 50% or more of ow common units. If contrary to these expectations,
our 5% Unitholders were to own 50% or more of the common units, then we would be subject to the 5%
Override Rule unless it could establish that, among the common units owned by the 5% Unitholders, sufficient
common units were owned by qualified unitholders to preclude non•qualified unitholders from owning 50
percent or more of our common units for more than half the number of days during the taxable year. These
requirements are onerous and there is no assurance that we will be able to satisfy them.
Taxation In Absence ofExemption
To the extent the benefits of Section 883 are unavailable, our U.S.-source shipping income, to the extent not
considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as described
below, would be subject to a 4% tax imposed by Section 887 of the Code on a gross basis, without the benefit of
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deductions. Since under the sourcing rules described above, no more than 50% of our shipping income would be
treated as being derived from United States sources, the maximum effective rate of United States federal income
tax on our shipping income would never exceed 2% under the 4% gross basis tax regime.
To the extent the benefits of the Section 883 exemption are unavailable and our U.S.-source shipping
income is considered to be "effectively connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business, as
described below, any such "effectively connected" U.S.-source shipping income, net of applicable deductions,
would be subject to the United States federal corporate income tax currently imposed at rates of up to 35%. In
addition, we may be subject to the 30% "branch profits" taxes on earnings effectively connected with the conduct
of such trade or business, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or
deemed paid attributable to the conduct of its United States trade or business.
Our U.S.-source shipping income would be considered "effectively connected" with the conduct of a U.S.
trade or business only if:
• we have, or are considered to have, a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of
shipping income; and
• substantially all of our U.S.-source shipping income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation,
such as the operation of a vessel that follows a published schedule with repeated sailings at regular intervals
between the same points for voyages that begin or end in the United States.
We do not intend to have, or permit circumstances that would result in having any vessel operating to the
United States on a regularly scheduled basis. Based on the foregoing and on the expected mode of our shipping
operations and other activities, we believe that none of our U.S.-source shipping income will be "effectively
connected" with the conduct of a United States trade or business.
United States Taxation of Gain on Sale of Vessels
Regardless of whether we qualify for exemption under Section 883, we will not be subject to United States
federal income taxation with respect to gain realized on a sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to
occur outside of the United States under United States federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of a vessel
will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with
respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside of the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us
will be considered to occur outside of the United States.
U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders
As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common units that owns (actually
or constructively) less than 10% of our equity and that is:
• an individual citizen or resident of the United States (as determined for United States federal income tax
purposes),
• a corporation (or other entity that is classified as a corporation for United States federal income tax
purposes) organized under the laws of the United States or any of its political subdivisions,
• an estate the income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless of its source, or
• a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over the administration
of the trust and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of
the trust or (ii) the trust has a valid election in effect to be treated as a United States person for United States
federal income tax purposes.
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Distributions
Subject to the discussion below of the rules applicable to PFICs, any distributions to a U.S. Holder made by
us with respect to our common units generally will constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary
income or "qualified dividend income" as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current and
accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under United States federal income tax principles. Distributions
in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S.
Holder's tax basis in its common units and thereafter as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally
will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to distributions they receive from us
because we are not a United States corporation. Dividends received with respect to our common units generally
will be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for United
States federal income tax purposes.
Dividends received with respect to our common units by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate
(or a U.S. Individual Holder) generally will be treated as "qualified dividend income" that is taxable to such U.S.
Individual Holder at preferential capital gain tax rates provided that: (i) our common units are readily tradable on
an established securities market in the United States (such as the Nasdaq Global Select Market on which ow
common units are traded or the NYSE on which our common units will be traded); (ii) we are not a PFIC for the
taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not
believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below under "—PFIC Status and Significant Tax
Consequences"); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common units for more than 60 days during the
121•day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common units become ex-dividend (and has not
entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common units); and (iv) the U.S. Individual
Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or
related property. There is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common units will be eligible for these
preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on our common units that are
not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder.
Special rules may apply to any amounts received in respect of our common units that are treated as
"extraordinary dividends." In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a common unit that
is equal to or in excess of 10% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the unitholder's
election) in such common unit. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one year
period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If
we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our common units that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any
loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such common units will be treated as
long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend.
Ratio of Dividend Income to Distributions
We will compute our earnings and profits for each taxable year in accordance with United States federal
income tax principles. We estimate that approximately 100% of the total cash distributions received by a holder
of common units that holds such common units through December 31, 2016 will constitute dividend income. The
remaining portion of these distributions, determined on a cumulative basis, will be treated first as a nontaxable
return of capital to the extent of the purchaser's tax basis in its common units and thereafter as capital gain.
These estimates are based upon the assumption that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution of $0.365 per
unit on our common units during the referenced period and on other assumptions with respect to our earnings,
capital expenditures and cash flow for this period. These estimates and assumptions are subject to, among other
things, numerous business, economic, regulatory, competitive and political uncertainties that are beyond our
control. Further, these estimates are based on current United States federal income tax law and tax reporting
positions that we will adopt and with which the IRS could disagree. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that these
estimates will prove to be correct. The actual percentage of total cash distributions that will constitute dividend
income could be higher or lower, and any differences could be material or could materially affect the value of the
common units.
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Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Units
Subject to the discussion of PFIC status below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss
upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our units in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax
basis in such units. The U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in its units generally will be the U.S. Holder's purchase
price for the units and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on
the units that are treated as non-taxable returns of capital (as discussed above under "Distributions" and "Ratio of
Dividend Income to Distributions"). Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S.
Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Certain
U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible for preferential rates of United States federal income tax in
respect of long-term capital gains. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Such
capital gain or loss generally will be treated as United States source income or loss, as applicable, for United
States foreign tax credit purposes.
PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences
Adverse United States federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-
United States corporation that is classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be
treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the holder held our units, either:
• at least 75% of our gross income (including the gross income of our vessel-owning subsidiaries) for such
taxable year consists of passive income (e.g., dividends, interest, capital gains and rents derived other than
in the active conduct of a rental business); or
• at least 50% of the average value of the assets held by us (including the assets of our vessel-owning
subsidiaries) during such taxable year produce. or are held for the production of, passive income.
For purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC, we will be treated as earning and owning our
proportionate share of the income and assets, respectively, of any of our subsidiary corporations in which we own
at least 25% of the value of the subsidiary's stock. Income earned, or deemed earned, by us in connection with
the performance of services would not constitute passive income. By contrast, rental income would generally
constitute - passive income" unless we were treated under specific rules as deriving our rental income in the
active conduct of a trade or business.
Based on our current and projected methods of operation, and an opinion of our United States counsel, we
do not believe that we are, nor do we expect to become, a PFIC with respect to any taxable year. We have
received an opinion of our United States counsel. Seward & Kissel LLP, in support of this position that
concludes that the income our subsidiaries earn from certain of our present time-chartering activities should not
constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented
to our United States counsel that we expect that more than 25% of our gross income for our current taxable year
and each future year will arise from such time-chartering activities on other income which does not constitute
passive income, and more than 50% of the average value of our assets for each such year will be held for the
production of such nonpassive income. Assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with
these expectations, and assuming the accuracy of other representations we have made to our United States
counsel for purposes of their opinion, our United States counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC
for our current taxable year or any future year. We believe there is substantial legal authority supporting our
position consisting of case law and IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from
time charters and voyage charters as services income for other tax purposes. However, it should be noted that
there is also authority concluding that income derived from time charters should be treated as rental income
rather than services income for other tax purposes. Therefore, in the absence of any legal authority specifically
relating to the statutory, provisions governing PFICs, our United States counsel has advised us that the
conclusions reached are not free from doubt, and the IRS or a court could disagree with our position and the
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opinion of our United States counsel. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid
being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure you that the nature of our operations
will not change in the future.
As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would
be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a
"Qualified Electing Fund." which we refer to as a "QEF election." As an alternative to making a QEF election, a
U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units, as discussed
below. If we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be subject to the PFIC rules described herein with respect to any of
our subsidiaries that are PFICs. However, the mark-to-market election discussed below will likely not be
available with respect to shares of such PFIC subsidiaries. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common units
during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such U.S. Holder must file an annual report with the IRS.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a Timely QEF Election
If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election (or an Electing Holder), then, for United States federal
income tax purposes. that holder must report as income for its taxable year its pro rata share of our ordinary
earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end with or within the taxable year for which that
holder is reporting, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year.
The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed
earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a
corresponding reduction in the Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in common units and will not be taxed again
once distributed. An Electing Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other
disposition of our common units. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a
PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with its United States federal income tax return. If, contrary to our expectations.
we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will provide each U.S. Holder with the
information necessary to make the QEF election described above.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Making a "Mark-to-Market" Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate, our units were treated as
"marketable stock?' then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a
"mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS
Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made,
the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair
market value of the U.S. Holder's common units at the end of the taxable year over the holder's adjusted tax
basis in the common units. The U.S. Holder also would be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the exces.s, if
any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units over the fair market value thereof at the end of
the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-
to•market election. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in its common units would be adjusted to reflect any such income
or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units would be
treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common
units would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains
previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. Because the mark-to-market election only applies to
marketable stock, however, it would not apply to a U.S. Holder's indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that
were determined to be PFICs.
Taxation of U.S. Holders Not Making a Timely QEF or Mark-to-Market Election
If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF
election or a "mark-to-market" election for that year (or a Non-Electing Holder) would be subject to special rules
resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions
received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common units in a taxable year in excess of 125% of the average
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annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the
Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common units), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or
other disposition of the units. Under these special rules:
the excess distribution or gain would be allocated ratably over the Non-Electing Holder's aggregate holding
period for the common units;
the amount allocated to the current taxable year and any taxable year prior to the taxable year we were first
treated as a PFIC with respect to the Non-Electing Holder would be taxed as ordinary income; and
the amount allocated to each of the other taxable years would be subject to tax at the highest rate of tax in effect
for the applicable class of taxpayers for that year, and an interest charge for the deemed deferral benefit would be
imposed with respect to the resulting tax attributable to each such other taxable year.
United States Federal Income Taxation of Non-US. Holders
A beneficial owner of our common units (other than a partnership or an entity or arrangement treated as a
partnership for United States federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to as a Non-U.S.
Holder. If you are a partner in a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for United States
federal income tax purposes) holding our common units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the
tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units.
Distributions
Distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to United States federal income tax or
withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a United States trade or business. If the Non-U.S.
Holder is engaged in a United States trade or business, our distributions will be subject to United States federal
income tax to the extent they constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's United States
trade or business. However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a trade or business may be
exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty if the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to
a United States permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder.
Disposition of Units
In general, a Non-U.S. Holder is not subject to United States federal income tax or withholding tax on any
gain resulting from the disposition of our common units provided the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a United
States trade or business. A Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a United States trade or business will be subject to
United States federal income tax in the event the gain from the disposition of units is effectively connected with
the conduct of such United States trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the
benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, such gain also is attributable to a U.S. permanent
establishment). However, even if not engaged in a United States trade or business, individual Non-U.S. Holders
may be subject to tax on gain resulting from the disposition of our common units if they are present in the United
States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those units are disposed and meet certain other
requirements.
Backup Withholding and Information Reporting
In general. payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder of distributions or the proceeds of a disposition of
common units will be subject to information reporting. These payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder also may
be subject to backup withholding if the non-corporate U.S. Holder:
• fails to provide an accurate taxpayer identification number;
• is notified by the IRS that it has failed to report all interest or corporate distributions required to be reported
on its U.S. federal income tax returns; or
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• in certain circumstances, fails to comply with applicable certification requirements.
Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup
withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN. W-8ECI or W-8IMY, as applicable.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a unitholder generally may obtain a credit for any
amount withheld against its liability for United States federal income tax (and obtain a refund of any amounts
withheld in excess of such liability) by timely filing a United States federal income tax return with the IRS.
Pursuant to recently enacted legislation, individuals who are U.S. Holders (and to the extent specified in
applicable Treasury regulations, certain individuals who are Non-U.S. Holders and certain United States entities)
who hold "specified foreign financial assets" (as defined in Section 6038D of the Code) are required to file IRS
Form 8938 with information relating to the asset for each taxable year in which the aggregate value of all such
assets exceeds $75.000 at any time during the taxable year or $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year (or such
higher dollar amount as prescribed by applicable Treasury regulations). Specified foreign financial assets would
include, among other assets, our common units, unless the shares held through an account maintained with a
United States financial institution. Substantial penalties apply to any failure to timely file IRS Form 8938, unless
the failure is shown to be due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect. Additionally, in the event an
individual U.S. Holder (and to the extent specified in applicable Treasury regulations, an individual Non-U.S.
Holder or a United States entity) that is required to file IRS Form 8938 does not file such form, the statute of
limitations on the assessment and collection of United States federal income taxes of such holder for the related
tax year may not close until three years after the date that the required information is filed. U.S. Holders
(including U.S. entities) and Non-U.S. Holders are encouraged consult their own tax advisors regarding their
reporting obligations under this legislation.
NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS
Unless the context otherwise requires. references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to
Dynagas LNG Partners LP.
Marshall Islands Tax Consequences
The following discussion is based upon the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, our counsel as to matters of
the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. and the current laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands
applicable to persons who do not reside in. maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of the
Marshall Islands.
Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic
of the Marshall Islands, and because all documentation related to this offering will be executed outside of the
Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Marshall Islands
taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distribution treated as a return of capital, we make to
you as a unitholder. In addition, you will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on
the purchase, ownership or disposition of common units, and you will not be required by the Republic of the
Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of common units.
EACH PROSPECTIVE UNITHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR
OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF UNIT
OWNERSHIP UNDER THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell or distribute the securities included in this prospectus through underwriters, through agents, to
dealers, in private transactions, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing
market prices, or at negotiated prices.
In addition, we may sell some or all of our securities included in this prospectus through:
• a block trade in which a broker-dealer may resell a portion of the block, as principal, in order to facilitate the
transaction;
• purchases by a broker-dealer, as principal, and resale by the broker-dealer for its account; or
• ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which a broker solicits purchasers; or
• trading plans entered into by us pursuant to Rule 10b5- I under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, that are in place at the time of an offering pursuant to this prospectus and
any applicable prospectus supplement hereto that provide for periodic sales of their securities on the basis of
parameters described in such trading plans.
In addition, we may enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver our securities to
a broker-dealer, who will then resell or transfer the securities under this prospectus. We may enter into hedging
transactions with respect to our securities. For example, we may:
• enter into transactions involving short sales of our securities by broker-dealers;
• sell securities short and deliver the securities to close out short positions;
• enter into option or other types of transactions that require us to deliver securities to a broker-dealer, who
will then resell or transfer the securities under this prospectus; or
• loan or pledge the securities to a broker-dealer, who may sell the loaned securities or, in the event of default,
sell the pledged securities.
We may enter into derivative transactions with third parties, or sell securities not covered by this prospectus
to third parties in privately negotiated transactions. If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, in
connection with those derivatives, the third parties may sell securities covered by this prospectus and the
applicable prospectus supplement, including in short sale transactions. If so, the third party may use securities
pledged by us or borrowed from us or others to settle those sales or to close out any related open borrowings of
stock, and may use securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives to close out any related open
borrowings of stock. The third party in such sale transactions will be an underwriter and, if not identified in this
prospectus, will be identified in the applicable prospectus supplement (or a post-effective amendment). In
addition, we may otherwise loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third party that in turn may
sell the securities short using this prospectus. Such financial institution or other third party may transfer its
economic short position to investors in our securities or in connection with a concurrent offering of other
securities.
Any broker-dealers or other persons acting on our behalf that participate with us or the Shareholders in the
distribution of the securities may be deemed to be underwriters and any commissions received or profit realized
by them on the resale of the securities may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act.
At the time that any particular offering of securities is made, to the extent required by the Securities Act, a
prospectus supplement will be distributed, setting forth the terms of the offering, including the aggregate number
of securities being offered, the purchase price of the securities, the initial offering price of the securities, the
names of any underwriters, dealers or agents, any discounts, commissions and other items constituting
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compensation from us and any discounts, commissions or concessions allowed or re-allowed or paid to dealers.
Furthermore, we, our executive officers, our directors may agree, subject to certain exemptions, that for a certain
period from the date of the prospectus supplement under which the securities are offered, will not, without the
prior written consent of an underwriter, offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge or otherwise dispose of any of our
common shares or any securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common shares. However, an
underwriter, in its sole discretion, may release any of the securities subject to these lock-up agreements at any
time without notice. We expect an underwriter to exclude from these lock-up agreements securities exercised
and/or sold pursuant to trading plans entered into by any selling shareholder pursuant to Rule 10b5- I under the
Exchange Act, that are in place at the time of an offering pursuant to this prospectus and any applicable
prospectus supplement hereto that provide for periodic sales of the securities on the basis of parameters described
in such trading plans.
Underwriters or agents could make sales in privately negotiated transactions and/or any other method
permitted by law, including sales deemed to be an at-the-market offering as defined in Rule 415 promulgated
under the Securities Act, which includes sales made directly on or through the Nasdaq Global Select Market, the
existing trading market for our common shares, or sales made to or through a market maker other than on an
exchange.
We will bear costs relating to the securities offered and sold by us under this Registration Statement.
As a result of requirements of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, formerly the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., the maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA
member or independent broker/dealer may not be greater than eight percent (8%) of the gross proceeds received
by us for the sale of any securities being registered pursuant to Rule 415 promulgated by the Commission under
the Securities Act. If more than 5% of the net proceeds of any offering of common shares made under this
prospectus will be received by a FINRA member participating in the offering or affiliates or associated persons
of such a FINRA member, the offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121.
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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands as a limited partnership. The Marshall Islands has a
less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to
a significantly lesser extent.
Most of our directors and officers and those of our subsidiaries are residents of countries other than the
United States. Substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets and a substantial portion of the assets of our
directors and officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for
United States investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us, our directors or officers, our
subsidiaries or to realize against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments
predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United
States. However, we have expressly submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts
sitting in the City of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or proceeding arising under the securities laws
of the United States or any state in the United States. The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc., Trust
Company Complex, Ajeltake Island, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960, as our registered agent.
can accept service of process on our behalf in any such action.
In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Marshall Islands would (1) recognize or
enforce against us, or our directors or officers judgments of courts of the United States based on civil liability
provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; or (2) impose liabilities against us or our directors
and officers in original actions brought in the Marshall Islands, based on these laws.
LEGAL MATTERS
Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the validity of the securities and certain
other legal matters with respect to the laws of United States Federal and New York law and Marshall Islands law
will be passed upon for us by our counsel. Seward & Kissel LLP, One Battery Park Plaza, New York, New York
10004.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Dynagas LNG Partners LP, appearing in Dynagas LNG Partners
LP's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31.2013 have been audited by Ernst & Young
(Hellas) Certified Auditors Accountants S.A., independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their
report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in
accounting and auditing. Ernst & Young (Hellas) Certified Auditors-Accountants S.A. is located at 1 I th km
National Road Athens—Lamia, Athens, Greece and is registered as a corporate body with the public register for
company auditors-accountants kept with the Body of Certified-Auditors-Accountants ("SOEL"), Greece with
registration number 107.
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EXPENSES
The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and
commissions, in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus. All
amounts are estimated, except the SEC registration fee and the FINRA fee.
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee $58.100
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority filing fee $75.500
Nasdaq Global Market listing fee
Legal fees and expenses
Accounting fees and expenses
Printing and engraving costs
Transfer agent fees and other
Miscellaneous
Total *
* To be provided in a prospectus supplement or in a Report on Form 6•K subsequently incorporated by reference
into this prospectus.
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Units
Dynagas LNG Partners LP
% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred
Units
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
EFTA01083920