Document:

exv4w3

 

EXHIBIT 4.3

Based on

STANDARD FORM

SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT 2000

BETWEEN

Aker Yards AS

6270 Brattvåg

Norway

(AS “BUILDER”)

AND

PGS Geophysical AS

Strandveien 4

P.O. Box 290

1326 Lysaker

Norway

(AS “BUYER”)

FOR

one Ramform seismic vessel

BUILDER’S HULL NO: 710

	 	 	 
	Norwegian Shipowners Association

	 	Norwegian Shipbuilders Sales &
	 

	 	Marketing Organization
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	Norwegian Shipbuilders Association

 

 

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	PREAMBLE
	 	 	 	 	3	 
	ARTICLE 1
	 	DEFINITIONS	 	 	5	 
	ARTICLE II
	 	THE VESSEL, DESCRIPTION AND CLASS	 	 	7	 
	ARTICLE III
	 	PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS	 	 	9	 
	ARTICLE IV
	 	ADJUSTMENT OF CONTRACT PRICE – CANCELLATION BY THE BUYER	 	 	11	 
	ARTICLE V
	 	APPROVAL OF PLANS AND DRAWINGS AND INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION	 	 	13	 
	ARTICLE VI
	 	MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES	 	 	16	 
	ARTICLE VII
	 	TEST AND TRIALS	 	 	18	 
	ARTICLE VIII
	 	DELIVERY DATE AND DELIVERY	 	 	20	 
	ARTICLE IX
	 	DELAYS AND EXTENSION OF TIME FOR DELIVERY (FORCE MAJEURE)	 	 	21	 
	ARTICLE X
	 	WARRANTY OF QUALITY	 	 	23	 
	ARTICLE XI
	 	OWNERSHIP, RISK AND INSURANCE	 	 	26	 
	ARTICLE XII
	 	DEFAULT PROVISIONS	 	 	28	 
	ARTICLE XIII
	 	ASSIGNMENT	 	 	30	 
	ARTICLE XIV
	 	TAXES AND DUTIES	 	 	30	 
	ARTICLE XV
	 	PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS	 	 	31	 
	ARTICLE XVI
	 	BUYER'S SUPPLIES	 	 	31	 
	ARTICLE XVII
	 	NOTICES	 	 	33	 
	ARTICLE XVIII
	 	ENTIRE CONTRACT	 	 	33	 
	ARTICLE XIX
	 	GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE AND ARBITRATION	 	 	33	 

 

 

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PREAMBLE

THIS CONTRACT entered into with effect from the 30th of September 2006 by and between:
Aker Yards AS

a company organised and existing under the laws of Norway, having its principal office at

N-6270 Brattvåg, Norway, (hereinafter called the “Builder”) and

PGS Geophysical AS, a company organised and existing under the laws of Norway

having its principal office at Strandveien 4, 1324 Lysaker, Norway, (hereinafter called the
“Buyer”),

WHEREBY

The scope of this Contract comprises the building and outfitting of a seismic vessel of RAMFORM
design, a sistervessel to Newbuilding No. 213 under construction at Aker Yards, Langsten. The
design, which is based on the patented RAMFORM hull design, is developed for the purpose of these
Vessels, in cooperation between the patent holding designer and the Buyer. The hydrodynamic
properties of the hull design is known to be challenging. The Vessel’s dimensions and hull lines,
the needed generated power, the needed propulsion power and propulsion plant configuration and the
Vessel’s sea characteristics caused by the foregoing has been determined by the patent holding
designer and the Buyer.

The Vessel shall be outfitted for seismic operation, including collecting and processing of seismic
data by means of towed streamers and gun arrays. The Buyer shall for his own account supply
packages of seismic equipment as further defined in the Specification.

The Builder shall within the scope of this Contract arrange to take on board, mount and tie-up the
seismic equipment to the Vessel’s infrastructure systems, including the physical fastening of the
equipment, hydraulic piping to winches and booms, supply of high pressure air system, electrical
supply and supply of fresh water.

It is hereby stated that the ownership of the design and the main design liabilities, hereunder the
design’s suitability for the Vessel’s intended purpose, remains with the Buyer. However, it remains
the Builder’s responsibility to install and optimize the function of all equipment in the Vessel
following the same standards as for vessels constructed with conventional hull design.

In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the Builder agrees to produce detail
design, build, launch, equip, complete, sell and deliver to the Buyer at the Builder’s shipyard the
“Vessel” as hereinafter described; and the Buyer agrees to purchase the “Vessel”, take delivery and
pay for it; all in accordance with the terms hereinafter set forth.

The Builder shall be liable to comply with the requirements of the Classification Society and/or
other Regulatory Bodies. However, if requirements are imposed for/because of the main design
provided by the Buyer any rectification, modification or change shall be performed provided that
the rectification, modification or change does not adversely affect the Builder’s other
commitments. The parties shall endeavour to agree on possible adjustments in

 

 

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Contract Price and such other terms and conditions occasioned by or resulting from such
rectification, modification or change. If the parties are in disagreement with respect to who is
responsible for the work (in whole or in part) and/or the cost of such work, the parties shall
enter into a written protocol specifying the exact dispute, after which the Builder is obliged to
perform the works and the Buyer is obliged to pay the full amount claimed by the Builder as per Art
III clause 3 (e), without any right to set off and without any right to claim a bank guarantee in
accordance with Art 3 clause 3. The Buyer has a right to refer the dispute to arbitration in
accordance with Article XIX within 10 workings days following the Delivery and Acceptance, failing
which the terms set out by the Builder shall be final. The subject matter for the arbitration shall
be limited to who is responsible for the works and the cost of the works. The time consequence and
other terms or condition is not subject to arbitrational review.

 

 

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ARTICLE 1 DEFINITIONS

In this CONTRACT the following words shall have the meaning set out hereinbelow:

	 	 	 
	“Banking Days”

	 	days where banks are open for business in:
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	Norway and the country where the BUYER has its principal office and the
country where the bank set out in Article III clause 3 is situated and
the country of the currency set out in Article III clause 2
	 
	 	 
	“Builder”

	 	the company referred to as “Builder” in the preamble, inclusive of its servants and employees
	 
	 	 
	“Buyer”

	 	the company referred to as “Buyer” in the preamble, inclusive of its servants and employees
	 
	 	 
	“Buyer’s Supplies”

	 	any item, equipment, stores or services ordered directly by the Buyer from the manufacturer or supplier,
which shall not be supplied and/or paid for by the Builder in accordance with the terms of the Contract
	 
	 	 
	“Classification
Society” or “Class”

	 	the Classification Society referred to in Article II clause 3
	 
	 	 
	“Contract”

	 	this Standard Form Shipbuilding Contract with its Appendices and Exhibits including Specifications and
Drawings, and any amendments thereto
	 
	 	 
	“Contract Delivery
Date”

	 	the date set out in Article VIII clause 1.
	 
	 	 
	“Contract Price”

	 	the Original Contract Price, as adjusted in accordance with the terms of the Contract
	 
	 	 
	“Date of Contract”

	 	the date specified in the preamble to this Contract, regardless of whether the contract actually is signed
on this date or whether the contract is signed with subject
	 
	 	 
	“Delivery and
Acceptance”

	 	
the physical delivery of the Vessel from the Builder to the Buyer
	 
	 	 
	“Delivery Date”

	 	Contract Delivery Date, as adjusted for Permissible Delay
	 
	 	 
	“Drawings”

	 	the plans and drawings listed in Appendix I hereto
	 
	 	 
	“Flag State”

	 	the State referred to in Article II clause 5
	 
	 	 
	“Force Majeure”

	 	any one or more of the events set out in Article IX clause 1
	 
	 	 
	“Force Majeure
Delay”

	 	
a delay caused by Force Majeure, which according to Article IX constitutes Permissible Delay

 

 

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	“Guarantee Period”

	 	a general period of 24 months from the Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel,
with the exception of some smaller subcontractors who may not be able to accept a guarantee
period up to 24 months. The Builder shall notify the Buyer in writing before accepting a
shorter guarantee period from such subcontractor. In no circumstances shall the guarantee
period for any subcontractor be less than 12 months.
	 
	 	 
	“Maker’s List”

	 	an agreed list of suppliers approved for delivery of
equipment, machinery or services which shall be
included in the Specifications
	 
	 	 
	“Original Contract
Price”

	 	

the price stipulated in Article III clause 1
	 
	 	 
	“Permissible Delay”

	 	all delays, inclusive of Force Majeure Delay, causing
delay in delivery of the Vessel which according to the
terms of the Contract permit postponement of the
Delivery Date
	 
	 	 
	“Regulatory Bodies”

	 	the relevant authorities imposing rules and
regulations with which the construction and delivery
of the Vessel must comply, which shall include the
authorities of the Flag State together with other
authorities set out in the Specifications
	 
	 	 
	“Representative”

	 	a person or persons authorised by the Buyer as set
forth in Article V clause 2
	 
	 	 
	“Specifications”

	 	the specifications referred to in Appendix I hereto
	 
	 	 
	“Subcontractor”

	 	any person (not being a servant or employee of the
Builder) or company, with whom the Builder has entered
into a contract for the design, construction,
manufacture or supply of any item, equipment, work or
service for the Vessel
	 
	 	 
	“Vessel”

	 	the vessel described in Article II.
	 
	 	 
	“Working Day”

	 	a day when work is normally performed in the country
of the Builder’s yard as referred to in Article II
clause 1

 

 

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ARTICLE II THE VESSEL, DESCRIPTION AND CLASS

1. Description and Standard

The Vessel shall be built at the Builder’s yard at Tomrefjord, and shall have the Builder’s Hull No
710 and be detail-designed, constructed, equipped, completed and delivered by the Builder in
accordance with the provisions of the Contract. The hull shall be built at Aker Yards’ hullyard at
Tulcea, Romania.

In the event of inconsistency between this Standard Form Shipbuilding Contract and the
Specifications and/or the Drawings, this Standard Form Shipbuilding Contract shall prevail. In the
event of inconsistency between the Specifications and the Drawings, the Specifications shall
prevail. In case of inconsistency between any of the Drawings, the later in date shall prevail.

The Vessel shall be designed and built in accordance with first class shipbuilding practice in
Western Europe for new vessels of similar type and characteristics as the Vessel.

Unless otherwise follows from the Specifications and Drawings, Newbuilding No. 213 shall be used as
a reference vessel with regard to quality, workmanship and standard, and with regard to the
interface between vessel and seismic equipment.

2. Main Dimensions and Characteristics.

Characteristics:

The Vessel is to be built as a seismic vessel for world wide operation, arranged for towing of up
to 22 streamers

Dimensions:

	 	 	 
	Overall length:

	 	102.20 metres
	Length between P.P.:

	 	95.00 metres
	Breadth moulded:

	 	40.00 metres
	Depth moulded to uppermost deck:

	 	21.00 metres

Cargo capacity:

The Vessel’s deadweight shall be approx. 6,500 tons (of 1000 kg each) on international summer
freeboard, corresponding to a mean draft in saltwater (specific gravity 1.025) of 7.30 metres. The
specified deadweight shall include fuel, provisions, stores, freshwater, crew and passengers in
addition to spare parts in excess of the requirements of Class.

Propulsion machinery:

The propulsion machinery is of diesel electric type:

			
	Power plant:	 	Four generating sets each 4,145 kW, and

Two generating sets each 2,765 kW,

Total 22,110 kW.

			
	Propulsion plant:	 	Two “twin in single out” propulsion lines, each driven
by 2 * 3,250 kW electric motors, total 13,000 kW.

 

 

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Speed:

Fuel consumption:

The further details of the above main particulars, as well as definitions and methods of
measurements and calculation shall be as described in the Specification.

3. Classification, Rules and Regulations

The Vessel, including its machinery, equipment and outfittings shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the rules and regulations of Det Norske Veritas (the Classification Society), with
the following Class notation: DNV +1A1, Ice C, E0, HELDK, RP, CLEAN, TMON. The Vessel shall
further comply with the applicable rules, regulations and requirements of the Regulatory Bodies.
All such rules, regulations and requirements shall be complied with without
conditions/recommendations.

All fees and charges incidental to and in respect of compliance with Class and the rules,
regulation and requirements of the Class or Regulatory Bodies referred to above shall be for the
account of the Builder.

4. Subcontracting

The hull and major sections thereof are to be built by the Builder at the Yard set out in Article
II, clause 1, unless the Buyer consents otherwise, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
Save as aforesaid, the Builder may, at its sole discretion and responsibility, subcontract any
portion of the construction of the Vessel. The Builder shall remain fully liable for the due
performance of such work as if done by the Builder at the Builder’s yard.

Except as otherwise stipulated in the Specifications and the “Maker’s List” or agreed in writing,
the Builder may, without interference from the Buyer, freely choose its Subcontractors, but the
Builder shall in ample time notify the Buyer in writing before placing major orders for equipment
or services with Subcontractors, and shall give reasonable consideration to Buyer’s request. Any
opinions or requests made by the Buyer entail no alteration of the Builder’s obligation and
liability under the Contract.

5. Certificates and Registration

The Builder shall provide, deliver and pay for all certificates necessary for the approval of the
Vessel, as further set out in the Contract, together with all documents reasonably required by the
Buyer necessary for the registration of the Vessel in Bahamas (Flag State). Unless in contradiction
to the Flag State regulations, the Vessel shall also be built in compliance with NIS regulations.
The Vessel shall be registered by the Buyer at its own cost and expense.

 

 

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ARTICLE III PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS

1. Original Contract Price

The Original Contract Price is NOK 578,000,000 (Norwegian kroner five hundred and seventy eight
millions).

The Original Contract Price shall be adjusted to reflect Variation Orders which have been agreed
for Newbuilding No. 213 and which shall be implemented also for this Newbuilding No. 710. The
adjustment to the Original Contract Price on Variation Orders relating to redesign or rebuilding
shall take into consideration that the extent of redesign or rebuilding needed in relation to
Newbuilding No. 710 may be limited.

The Original Contract Price shall in addition be adjusted to reflect the change in cost price
compared to Newbuilding No. 213, expressed as the counter value in NOK, of the Buyer-negotiated
equipment packages, comprising the Wärtsilä propulsion equipment, the Wärtsilä diesel engines
replacing the Bergen diesel engines and the ABB electrical equipment.

2. Currency

All payments by the Buyer to the Builder under the Contract shall be made in Norwegian kroner
(NOK).

3. Terms and Method of Payment

The Original Contract Price, adjusted as described under subclause 1 above, shall — subject to
notices being given under this Article III clause 3, — be paid in instalments as follows:

	(a)	 	1st Instalment:
	 
	 	 	A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price shall be paid three (3) Banking Days
after the Date of the Contract.
	 
	(b)	 	2nd Instalment:
	 
	 	 	A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price, adjusted as described under subclause
1 above including any portion of such adjustment applicable to the 1st
Installment, shall be paid within 5 Banking Days after start of steel cutting, as
confirmed by a certificate from the Classification Society.
	 
	(c)	 	3rd Instalment:
	 
	 	 	A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price, adjusted as described under subclause
1 above, shall be paid within 5 Banking Days after the Vessel is set afloat in Romania
(Tulcea) as confirmed by a certificate from the Classification Society.
	 
	(d)	 	4th Instalment:
	 
	 	 	A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price, adjusted as described under subclause
1 above, shall be paid within 5 Banking Days after the Vessel arrives at

 

 

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	 	 	Builder’s yard in Tomrefjord as confirmed by a certificate from the Classification
Society.
	 
	(e)	 	Instalment on Delivery and Acceptance:
	 
	 	 	A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price, adjusted as described under subclause
1 above,, plus any increase or minus any decrease due to adjustments of the Contract Price
hereunder, shall, subject to the other provisions of the Contract, be paid upon Delivery
and Acceptance of the Vessel.

All instalments shall be remitted to Buyer’s bank (to be informed), to an account specified by
Builders.

The instalments under 3 (b) to 3(d) (both inclusive) unless payable on specific dates, shall under
no circumstances fall due until 14 days from receipt of written notice from the Builder. Notice of
the instalment payable on Delivery and Acceptance shall include notice of adjustments, if any.

On Builder’s request, the Buyer shall provide to the Builder all information necessary to enable
the Builder to reasonably satisfy himself that the Buyer has financial arrangements or resources to
pay the instalments when due.

The Buyer’s obligation to pay the first and subsequent instalments, excluding the instalment
payable on Delivery and Acceptance, shall be subject to the Builder providing the Buyer with refund
guarantee(s) from a bank or other financial institution, satisfactory to the Buyer and securing the
repayment obligation of the Builder if the contract is lawfully cancelled.

The Buyer’s payment obligation is also subject to the Builder providing to the Buyer a performance
guarantee from Aker Yards ASA for the Builder’s obligations according to the Contract, limited to
10% of the Original Contract Price.

The Builder may retain the Vessel until full payment has been made in accordance with the agreed
payment terms. If the Builder is unable to present a final account at delivery, the Buyer may
require the Vessel to be delivered in return for a bank guarantee or other security, satisfactory
to the Builder, for the reasonably estimated balance owed to the Builder. Costs of such guarantee
to be for Builder’s account.

In the event of any dispute concerning the payment on delivery of the Vessel, including the
question of the Buyer’s right to offset any claim it may have, the Buyer may by paying the entire
amount demanded by the Builder require the Builder to provide a bank guarantee or other security
satisfactory to the Buyer for the disputed amount. The Builder cannot in such case refuse to
deliver the Vessel. If the Builder does not wish to issue security for the disputed part of the
claim, the Buyer is entitled to take delivery of the Vessel against payment of the undisputed
amount and provide a bank guarantee or other security satisfactory to the Builder for the disputed
part of the claim. Security which has been issued by a party pursuant to this sub-clause terminates
automatically unless the other party has brought legal action pursuant to Article XIX below within
3 months from date of issue of the security. The costs of security shall be shared proportionately
between the parties according to the final outcome of the dispute.

 

 

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If the Builder delivers the Vessel with Delivery Deficiencies as set out in Article VII, the Buyer
may require the Builder to provide a bank guarantee upon delivery at an amount equal to the
reasonable calculated cost of the Builder’s obligations related to the Delivery Deficiencies.

If on or before Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel the Builder is declared bankrupt, proposes or
enters into a fund or a formal composition arrangement or moratorium or otherwise proves to be in
such financial position that it is likely to be unable during the Guarantee Period to perform its
guarantee obligations, the Buyer may demand that the Builder shall provide satisfactory security
for the performance by the Builder of such guarantee obligations, limited to 5 % of the Original
Contract Price, or failing such guarantee, the Buyer is entitled to deposit the equivalent amount
in an escrow account in the joint name of the Builder and the Buyer and to deduct this amount from
the instalment to be paid on Delivery and Acceptance.

Failure by the Buyer to pay on time any part of the Contract Price shall entitle the Builder to
charge interest at the rate of 6 % per annum thereon.

ARTICLE IV ADJUSTMENT OF CONTRACT PRICE – CANCELLATION BY THE BUYER

The Contract Price shall be subject to adjustments, as hereinafter set forth, in any of the events
set out in this Article IV (it being understood by both parties that any reduction of Contract
Price is by way of liquidated damages and not by way of penalty) and the Builder shall not in any
way be responsible or liable for any other consequences by way of damages or otherwise as a
consequence of any of the matters hereinafter set forth in this Article IV, except for the Buyer’s
right to cancel in accordance with the provisions of the Contract.

1. Late Delivery

	(a)	 	If the delivery of the Vessel is delayed beyond the Delivery Date, the Contract Price shall
be reduced by deducting therefrom as follows:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	1st — 30th day
	 	No reduction
	 

	 	31st — 60th day
	 	NOK 250,000.- pr. day
	 

	 	61st — 150th day
	 	NOK 390,000.- pr. day
	 

	 	151st — 180th day
	 	NOK 450,000.- pr. day

	 	 	The maximum reduction in the Contract Price for delayed delivery shall not exceed the
total of the above liquidated damages for 180 days of delay.
	 
	(b)	 	If the delay in delivery of the Vessel shall continue for a period in excess of 180 days
after Delivery Date, the Buyer may at its option cancel the Contract.
	 
	 	 	Provided the Buyer has not sent notice of cancellation as provided for in Article XII
hereof within 185 days of delay having elapsed after the Delivery Date, the Builder may
demand in writing that the Buyer shall make an election either to cancel the

 

 

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	 	 	Contract, or to consent to the acceptance of the delivery at a specific future date
reasonably estimated by the Builder to be the date when the Vessel will be ready for
delivery; in which case the Buyer shall, within 15 days after such demand is received by
Buyer, notify the Builder of its choice it being understood that, if the Buyer elects not
to cancel and the Vessel is not delivered by such future date, the Buyer shall have the
right to cancel the Contract.
	 
	(c)	 	If the total accumulated delay of non Permissible Delay and of Force Majeure Delay, but
excluding other Permissible Delay, amounts to 270 days or more, then in such event the Buyer
may cancel the Contract. The Builder may, at any time thereafter, demand in writing that the
Buyer shall make an election either to cancel the Contract or to consent to the acceptance of
the delivery at a specific future date reasonably estimated by the Builder to be the date when
the Vessel will be ready for delivery, in which case the Buyer shall, within 15 days after
such demand is received by Buyer, notify the Builder of its choice; it being understood that,
if the Buyer elects not to cancel and the Vessel is not delivered by such future date, the
Buyer shall have the right to cancel the Contract.
	 
	(d)	 	If it can be established beyond any reasonable doubt that the Vessel will be delayed for more
than 180 days as per paragraph (b) above, or be delayed for more than 270 days as per
paragraph (c) above, the Buyer shall have a right forthwith to cancel the Contract.

2. Speed deficiency

Builder has no liabilities related to Speed deficiencies, however if the speed deficiency is caused
by a defect for which the Builder has the risk pursuant to the preamble of this Contract, the
Builder shall be obliged to rectify such defects as set out in article X.

3. Deficiency in Fuel Consumption

Builder has no liabilities related to Fuel Consumption deficiencies, however if the fuel
consumption deficiency is caused by a defect for which the Builder has the risk pursuant to the
preamble of this Contract, the Builder shall be obliged to rectify such defects as set out in
article X.

4. Deficiency in Deadweight

If the deadweight (6,500 tons) stipulated in Article II, adjusted for any weight deviances related
to Buyer’s Supplies and Buyer-negotiated equipment packages, is not attained and the reduction
exceeds 3 % of the stipulated deadweight, the Contract Price shall be reduced by NOK 20,000.- for
each ton of the reduction in excess of the said 3 %, but always limited to a maximum of NOK
5,840,000.-.

If the reduction in deadweight is more than 7.5 % of the stipulated deadweight Buyer may cancel the
Contract.

 

 

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	5.	 	Deficiency in Bollard pull

Builder has no liabilities related to Bollard pull deficiencies, however if the Bollard Pull
deficiency is caused by a defect for which the Builder has the risk pursuant to the preamble of
this Contract, the Builder shall be obliged to rectify such defects as set out in article X.

	6.	 	Maximum amount of Liquidated Damages

The total reduction in the Contract Price in accordance with this Article IV shall under no
circumstances exceed 12.5% of the Contract Price.

*   *   *

If the Contract is cancelled pursuant to this Article IV, the instalments paid by the Buyer
shall be repaid forthwith in accordance with Article XII clause 1.

Insofar as items 1 to 5 inclusive above are not filled in, the provisions of Article X of the
Contract shall apply.

If Article II clause 2 includes figures with the qualification “about”, such qualification shall
be disregarded for the purposes of calculation of liquidated damages and the right of cancellation
pursuant to this Article IV.

ARTICLE V      APPROVAL OF PLANS AND DRAWINGS AND INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION

	1.	 	Approval of Plans and Drawings

As soon as possible after the Date of Contract the Builder shall put forward a proposed detailed
building schedule, including a schedule for testing. The Buyer shall make its comment on the
schedule as soon as possible and at the latest within 7 days. The schedules shall be issued by the
Builder in writing not later than 30 days after the Date of Contract.

	(a)	 	In accordance with the construction schedule of the Vessel and provisions in the
Specifications, the Builder shall submit to the Buyer 3 copies of the plans and drawings for
its approval at the address set forth in Article XVII hereof. The Builder shall send a notice
by telefax (or by such other electronic means as the parties may agree) to the Buyer giving
the date of despatch of such plans and drawings, and the Buyer shall confirm receipt of such
plans and drawings. The Buyer shall within 14 Working Days after receipt thereof, send to the
Builder 1 copy of such plans and/or drawings with Buyer’s approval or comments (if any)
written thereon. Such comments shall be as complete as possible.

 

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	(b)	 	If Buyer’s comments on the plans and drawings are unclear or unspecified, the Builder may by
fax notice to the Buyer request a clarification, and failure by the Buyer or its
Representative to respond to this request within 3 Working Days of receipt of such notice
shall entitle the Builder to place its own reasonable interpretation on such remarks, comments
or amendments when implementing the same.

	(c)	 	If the Builder and the Buyer fail to agree whether such comments or remarks are of such a
nature or extent as to constitute modification or change under Article VI hereof, the Builder
shall nevertheless proceed with the construction based on the Buyer’s comments if so requested
by the Buyer. If it is established by mutual agreement or by arbitration as per Article XIX,
that the comments, remarks or amendments constitute a modification or change under Article VI,
the Builder shall be entitled to an appropriate adjustment of the Contract Price, Delivery
Date and/or the characteristics of the Vessel. Article VI clause 1, first paragraph to apply.

	(d)	 	In the event that the Buyer fails to return the plans and drawings to the Builder within the
time limit specified in (a) above, the Builder shall by fax to the Buyer request the return of
same within 3 days, failing which the Builder shall have the right to consider such plans and
drawings as approved by the Buyer.

	(e)	 	The Buyer’s approval or non approval of drawings shall not affect any of the Builder’s
obligations hereunder, including the Builder’s obligation to deliver the Vessel fully approved
by the Regulatory Bodies, or the Builder’s responsibility under Article X hereof.

	2.	 	Appointment of Buyer’s Representative

The Buyer may send to and maintain at the Builder’s yard, at the Buyer’s own cost and expense, one
or more representatives, of whom only one shall be duly authorised in writing by the Buyer (herein
called the “Representative”) to act on behalf of the Buyer in attending the tests and inspections
relating to the Vessel, its machinery, equipment and outfitting, and in any other matters for which
he is specifically authorised by the Buyer. Unless otherwise advised by the Buyer in writing, the
Representative shall have no general authority to change the Contract or to approve plans and
drawings. The Representative shall, however, be authorised to sign Change Order Forms (Article VI
clause 1) on behalf of Buyer, unless otherwise advised by Buyer in writing. The Representative
shall have as many assistants as he may require, but any and all approvals must be given by the
Representative and be in writing.

	3.	 	Inspection by Representative

The inspection of the Vessel, its machinery, equipment and outfittings shall be carried out by the
Classification Society, Regulatory Bodies and the Representative and/or his assistants throughout
the entire period of construction, in order to ensure that the Vessel is duly constructed in
accordance with the Contract.

 

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Whilst the Vessel is under construction and until Delivery and Acceptance, the Representative and
his assistants shall during all working hours be given free access to the Vessel, its engines and
accessories, and to any other place where work is being done, or materials are being processed or
stored in connection with the construction of the Vessel, including the yards, workshops and
offices of the Builder, and the premises of the Subcontractors of the Builder who are doing work or
storing materials in connection with the Vessel’s construction.

The Representative and his assistants shall, during the construction of the Vessel, have the right
to attend all tests, trials and inspections undertaken in respect of the Vessel, its machinery,
equipment and outfittings. The Builder shall give reasonably notice in advance of any such tests
and inspections to the Representative to enable him or any of his assistants to attend. Failure of
the Representative or his assistant(s) to be present at such tests and inspections after due notice
to him as above provided shall be deemed to be a waiver of his right to be present.

The Builder shall seek to arrange with its Subcontractors that the Representative or his assistants
have a similar right of inspection and supervision in respect of the work performed by the
Subcontractors.

The Representative may communicate direct with the Classification Society and all other Regulatory
Bodies, but such communication shall not unreasonably interfere with the Builder’s communication
with these institutions. The Representative may also view relevant formal correspondence between
these institutions and the Builder and to a reasonable extent obtain copies of same.

In the event that the Representative discovers any design, construction or material or workmanship
which in his opinion does not conform to the requirements of the Contract, the Representative shall
as soon as possible advise the Builder of such non-conformity. Unless the Builder agrees to rectify
the matter, a notice thereof (which may be included in minutes of meeting or similar) shall be
given to the Builder.

Inspection as described in this clause shall not constitute any changes in the Builder’s obligation
under the Contract.

	4.	 	Facilities

The Builder shall furnish the Representative and his assistant(s) with adequate office space both
at Tulcea and in Tomrefjord, and such other reasonable facilities according to the Builder’s
practice at, or in the immediate vicinity of, the shipyard as may be necessary to enable them to
effectively carry out their duties. At Tomrefjord the office space shall be suitable for minimum 10
persons. Both places telecommunication shall be for the Builder’s account and the Builder shall
arrange at their costs for broadband connections.

	5.	 	Representative — Division of Liability

The Representative and his assistant(s) shall at all times be deemed to be the employees of the
Buyer and not of the Builder. The Builder shall be under no liability whatsoever to the Buyer, the
Representative or his assistant(s), and the Buyer shall keep the Builder harmless, for personal
injuries, including death, suffered during the time when the Representative or his

 

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assistant(s) are on the Vessel, or within the premises of either the Builder or its Subcontractors
or are otherwise engaged in or about the construction of the Vessel, unless, however, such personal
injuries, including death, were caused by gross negligence of the Builder, or of any its employees
or agents or Subcontractors. Nor shall the Builder be under any liability whatsoever to the Buyer,
the Representative or his assistant(s) for damage to, or loss or destruction of property of the
Representative or his assistant(s) unless such damage, loss or destruction is caused by gross
negligence of the Builder, or any of its employees or agents or Subcontractors.

The Buyer, the Representative and his assistant(s) shall be under no liability whatsoever to the
Builder, the Builder’s employees or Subcontractors, and the Builder shall keep the Buyer, the
Representative or his assistant(s) harmless, for personal injuries, including death, unless such
personal injuries including death were caused by gross negligence of the Representative or his
assistants. Nor shall the Buyer be under any liability whatsoever to the Builder, the Builder’s
employees or Subcontractors for damage to, or loss or destruction of property of the Builder, its
employees or Subcontractors unless such damage, loss or destruction were caused by gross negligence
of the Representative or his assistant(s).

	6.	 	Responsibility of Buyer

The Buyer shall undertake and assure that the Representative and his assistants shall carry out
their duties hereunder in accordance with normal shipbuilding practice and in such a way as to
avoid any unnecessary increase in building cost, delay in the construction of the Vessel, and/or
any disturbance to the construction schedule of the Builder.

The Builder has the right to request the Buyer to replace the Representative or any of his
assistants who is deemed by the Builder to be unsuitable and unsatisfactory for the proper progress
of the Vessel’s construction. The Buyer shall investigate the situation by sending its
representative(s) to the Shipyard if necessary, and if the Buyer considers that such Builder’s
request is justified, the Buyer shall effect such replacement as soon as convenient.

ARTICLE VI      MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES

	1.	 	Modification of Specifications

The work to be performed by the Builder under the Contract can be modified or changed by request
from the Buyer provided that such modifications or changes will not adversely affect the Builder’s
other commitments, and provided further that the parties shall first agree to possible adjustment
in Contract Price, the Delivery Date and such other terms and conditions occasioned by or resulting
from such modification or change. Such agreement shall be effected either by way of exchanges of
letters duly signed by authorised representatives of the parties, or by signed change order form,
or by minutes of meeting or similar signed by authorised representatives of the parties, which
shall constitute the necessary amendments to the Contract. Possible increase or decrease in the
Contract Price shall be calculated in accordance with unit prices (inclusive of administration
costs) as set out in the Specification, or budget prices if such prices are available, otherwise as
per the Builder’s customary price for such work at Romanian or Norwegian yards as the case may be.

 

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If modifications or changes are made without such written agreement as aforesaid, or if the Builder
fails to notify the Buyer in writing without undue delay that there are modifications or changes
which will require an increase in the Contract Price, delayed delivery, changes in the Vessel’s
characteristics or other changes in the Contract, the Builder will not be entitled to any increase
in the Contract Price, adjustment of Delivery Date or other adjustments, and the Contract will
remain unchanged.

The Builder is entitled to make minor modifications or changes to the Specifications, if found
necessary to suit the Builder’s local conditions or facilities, the availability of materials and
equipment, the introduction of improvement methods or otherwise, provided that the Builder shall
first obtain the Buyer’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

	2.	 	Change in Rules and Regulations

If, after the Date of Contract, there are any changes in the rules, regulations and requirements
(including official changed application of the rules) of Class or Regulatory Bodies, the following
shall apply:

	(a)	 	The Builder shall as soon as possible notify the Buyer thereof, and the
Builder shall be obliged — except as otherwise agreed — to carry out the required changes
in accordance with the provisions set out below, provided always that any changes in such
rules, regulations or requirements which are published on or before the Date of Contract,
and which apply mandatory to the Vessel on or before the Contract Delivery Date shall not
give to the Builder a right to claim any adjustments of the price, delivery date or other
contract terms.
	 
	(b)	 	If such change is or will be compulsory for the Vessel, the Builder shall incorporate such
alteration or change into the construction of the Vessel, unless otherwise instructed by the
Buyer. The parties shall endeavour to agree on such adjustments to the Contract as set out in
clause 1 above, failing which, the changes to the Contract shall be decided by arbitration in
accordance with Article XIX.
	 
	(c)	 	If such change is not or will not be compulsory for the Vessel, but the Buyer nevertheless
desires to incorporate such change, this shall be considered a change or modification, as
provided for in clause 1 of this Article VI.
	 
	3.	 	Substitution of Materials

If any of the materials required by the Specifications or the Maker’s List cannot be procured in
time or are in short supply, the Builder may, in order to maintain the Delivery Date and subject to
the Buyer’s approval, which shall not unreasonably be withheld and which shall be provided without
undue delay, supply other materials capable of meeting the requirements of the Classification
Society or Regulatory Bodies. No extra charges shall be made to the Buyer and, except that any
savings shall be credited to the Buyer, the Contract shall remain unaltered.

 

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ARTICLE VII       TEST AND TRIALS

	1.	 	Notice

The Builder shall before delivery, by not less than 7 days written notice to the Buyer, notify the
time and place for the sea trial for the Vessel. The Buyer shall have its Representative onboard
the Vessel to witness the sea trial. Failure by the Representative to attend at the sea trial
without any valid reason despite a notice to the Buyer as aforesaid, shall be deemed to be a waiver
by the Buyer of its right to be present.

The Builder may after due notice conduct the sea trial without the Representative of the Buyer
being present, provided a representative of the Classification Society is present, and in such case
the Buyer shall be obligated to accept the results of the sea trial on the basis of a certificate
of the Builder confirmed by the Classification Society and/or Regulatory Bodies stating the results
of the sea trial.

	2.	 	Weather Conditions

The sea trial shall be carried out under weather conditions as set out in the Specifications. Any
delay in delivery caused by delay of the sea trial due to unfavourable weather conditions shall be
considered Permissible Delay.

	3.	 	How conducted

The sea trial shall be carried out in the presence of representatives from the Classification
Society and / or Regulatory Bodies, and shall be conducted in the manner described in the
Specifications, and shall be sufficient in scope and duration to enable all parties to verify and
establish that all elements are functioning in accordance with the Contract.

All expenses in connection with the sea trial shall be for the account of the Builder, including
without limitation all necessary crew.

	4.	 	Method of Acceptance or Rejection
	 
	(a)	 	Upon completion of the sea trial and when the trial results are available, and if the Builder
considers the results thereof demonstrates that the Vessel conforms with the Contract, the
Builder shall immediately give the Buyer a written notice of completion stating when the
Vessel is ready for delivery. The Buyer shall within 48 consecutive hours after receipt of
this notice and the test results notify the Builder in writing of its acceptance or rejection
of the Vessel.
	 
	(b)	 	If the results of the sea trial demonstrate that the Vessel or any part or equipment thereof
does not conform to the requirements of the Contract, or if the Buyer for other valid reasons
rejects the Vessel, the Builder shall take all necessary steps to rectify such non-conformity.
If necessary the Builder shall for its own account carry out a further sea trial in accordance
with Article VII to ascertain that the Vessel complies with the terms of the Contract. Upon
demonstration by the Builder that the

 

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	 	 	deficiencies have been corrected, a notice thereof and of the readiness of the Vessel for
delivery, shall be given to the Buyer, who shall then within 48 consecutive hours after
receipt of such notice together with the new test results notify the Builder of its
acceptance or rejection.
	 
	(c)	 	If the Buyer for any reason rejects the Vessel, the Buyer shall in its notice of rejection
give particulars of its reason therefore in such detail as can be reasonably required.
	 
	(d)	 	The Buyer shall not be obliged to take delivery of the Vessel if it is not fully in
conformity with the Contract, or if there are any conditions or recommendations imposed by the
Classification Society and/or Regulatory Bodies. However, and only in the circumstances
described below, if the deficiencies or the conditions/ recommendations are of minor
importance (“Delivery Deficiencies”), and the Builder is unable to rectify the matter within a
reasonable time, the Builder may nevertheless require the Buyer to take delivery of the
Vessel, provided:

	 	(i)	 	the Builder undertakes for its own account to remedy the deficiency or
fulfil the requirement as soon as possible, and
	 
	 	(ii)	 	the Builder shall indemnify the Buyer for any loss incurred as a
consequence thereof, including loss of time

	 	 	The Parties shall, for the purpose of this provision, on delivery draw up a list of
Delivery Defects identifying the defects in question. The defects so listed shall be
deemed to be Delivery Deficiencies for the purpose of this sub-clause.

	(e)	 	If the Builder disputes the rejection by the Buyer, the case shall be submitted for final
decision by arbitration in accordance with Article XIX hereof.
	 
	5.	 	Effect of Acceptance

Acceptance of the Vessel as provided above, shall be final and binding and shall preclude the Buyer
from refusing formal delivery on basis of any alleged deficiency in any part or parts of the Vessel
which were tested during the sea trial, provided all other procedural requirements for delivery
have been met.

	6.	 	Disposition of Surplus Consumable Stores

Any fuel oil, unused lubricating oil, grease, fresh water or other consumable stores furnished by
the Builder for the sea trial, remaining onboard the Vessel at the time of delivery shall be
purchased by the Buyer from the Builder at the original net purchase price thereof (Builder to
provide supporting invoices), and payment therefore shall be effected by the Buyer on Delivery and
Acceptance of the Vessel.

 

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ARTICLE VIII       DELIVERY DATE AND DELIVERY

	1.	 	Time and Place

The Vessel shall be delivered at the Builder’s yard (see Article II) or in the vicinity thereof
free and clear of all liens, claims, mortgages and other encumbrances in a clean and seaworthy
condition, ready for service, on June 30, 2009 (the Contract Delivery Date), except that in the
event of net delays in the construction of the Vessel or any performance required under the
Contract due to causes which under the terms of the Contract permit postponement of the Delivery
Date (Permissible Delay), the Delivery Date shall be postponed accordingly. Unless otherwise
agreed, the Vessel shall not be delivered earlier than maximum 2 weeks prior to the Contract
Delivery Date.

	2.	 	When and how effected

Provided that the Buyer has fulfilled all of its obligations under the Contract, delivery of the
Vessel shall be effected forthwith upon acceptance thereof by the Buyer by the concurrent delivery
by each of the parties hereto to the other of a Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance signed by each
party. Both parties have the right to make reservations or notes in the Protocol, or in a separate
document signed by the parties “for acknowledgement of receipt only”.

	3.	 	Documents to be delivered to the Buyer

Upon delivery and acceptance of the Vessel, the Builder shall provide and deliver to the Buyer at
its expense the following documents, which shall accompany the Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance:

	(a)	 	Protocol of Trials made pursuant to the Specifications.
	 
	(b)	 	Protocol of Inventory and Equipment of the Vessel, including spare parts and the like, all
as specified in the Specifications.
	 
	(c)	 	Protocol of Surplus Consumable Stores referred to under Article VII hereof which are payable
by the Buyer to the Builder.
	 
	(d)	 	Drawings and Plans pertaining to the Vessel together with all necessary instruction manuals,
as further stipulated in the Specifications.
	 
	(e)	 	All Certificates including the Builder’s Certificate required to be furnished upon Delivery
and Acceptance of the Vessel pursuant to the Contract and the Specifications. It is agreed
that if, through no fault on the part of the Builder, the Classification Certificate and/or
other required certificates are not available at the time of delivery, provisional
certificates shall be accepted by the Buyer, provided that the Builder at its expense shall
furnish the Buyer with final certificates as promptly as possible. If final certificates are
not provided or obtained within a reasonable time, the Builder shall compensate the Buyer for
any damages, losses and extra expenses caused thereby.

 

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	(f)	 	Declaration of Warranty by the Builder that the Vessel is free and clear of any liens,
claims, charges, mortgages and other encumbrances.
	 
	(g)	 	Commercial invoice
	 
	(h)	 	Bill of Sale or other relevant document that certifies that the title of the Vessel passes to
the Buyer.
	 
	4.	 	Title and Risk

Title to and risk of loss of or damage to the Vessel shall pass to the Buyer upon Delivery and
Acceptance thereof by the Buyer.

	5.	 	Removal of Vessel

The Buyer shall take possession of the Vessel immediately upon Delivery and Acceptance thereof, and
shall remove the Vessel from the premises of the Builder within three (3) days after the Delivery
and Acceptance as aforesaid. If the Buyer does not remove the Vessel within the said period, the
Buyer shall thereafter pay to the Builder reasonable mooring charges for the Vessel.

ARTICLE IX      DELAYS AND EXTENSION OF TIME FOR DELIVERY (FORCE MAJEURE)

	1.	 	Cause of Delay
	 
	(a)	 	In case of Force Majeure Delay, the Delivery Date shall be postponed by the number of days
corresponding to the net delay in delivery as set out below. It shall be considered a Force
Majeure Delay if the Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel is prevented or delayed as a
consequence of extraordinary circumstances or events beyond the Builder’s control, such as:
	 
	 	 	Acts of God; acts of princes and rulers; requirements of government authorities; war or
warlike condition, civil commotion or riots, mobilisation; sabotage; strike or lockout
(except local labour disturbances at the Builder’s yard) quarantines; flood, typhoons,
hurricanes, storms or other extraordinary weather conditions not included in normal
planning; earthquakes, tidal waves, landslide; fires, explosions, collisions or stranding;
import or export bans or restrictions; prolonged failure, shortage or restriction of
electrical current, oil or gas;
	 
	 	 	and/or: any other extraordinary events beyond the control of the Builder;
	 
	 	 	and/or: by late delivery of major parts or of important performance by Subcontractor(s)
where the cause of delay would have been recognised as Force Majeure Delay under this
Article IX if it had affected the Builder, provided that the Builder has shown due
diligence in its choice of Subcontractor and ensured a reasonable margin for delays, so
that at the time of ordering same it could reasonably be expected by the Builder to be
delivered in time;

 

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	 	 	and/or: delays in the Builder’s other commitments resulting from Force Majeure as herein
described directly causing delay of the Builder’s performance hereunder;
	 
	 	 	Provided always:
	 
	 	 	that there shall be no Force Majeure Delay if such delay could reasonably have been
foreseen or anticipated by the Builder on the Date of Contract, or that it could have been
prevented or overcome by the exercise of due diligence by the Builder, its servants,
employees or Subcontractors.
	 
	(b)	 	The provisions under sub-clause (a) above apply whether or not the Force Majeure occurs after
the Contract Delivery Date.
	 
	(c)	 	The Builder is obliged to do its utmost to avoid or minimise the Force Majeure Delay.
	 
	2.	 	Notice of delay
	 
	(a)	 	Within 10 days after the Builder becomes aware or should have become aware of any cause of
delay as aforesaid, on account of which the Builder will claim that it is entitled under the
Contract to postpone the Delivery Date, the Builder shall notify the Buyer in writing or by
telefax, confirmed by registered mail, of the date such cause of delay commenced. Likewise,
within 10 days after the date such cause of delay ended, the Builder shall notify the Buyer in
writing or by telefax, confirmed by registered mail, of the date when such cause of delay
ended.
	 
	 	 	Failure by the Builder to give such notices as aforesaid shall prevent the Builder from
subsequently claiming Force Majeure Delay on account of such circumstances.
	 
	(b)	 	The Builder shall notify the Buyer of the period, by which the Delivery Date is postponed by
reason of such cause of delay, with all reasonable despatch after it has been determined.
Failure by the Buyer to object to the Builder’s claim for postponement of the Delivery Date
within 10 days after receipt by the Buyer of such notice shall be deemed to be a waiver by the
Buyer of its right to object to such postponement of the Delivery Date for the net delay
caused by the Force Majeure event, provided always that the Builder’s information in respect
of the cause of the delay and the consequences thereof were correctly stated in the notice.
	 
	3.	 	Permissible Delay

Delays on account of such causes as specified in this Article IX, Clause 1, in Article VI or
Article XVI, Clause 1 (d) and (e) hereof and any other delays caused by non fulfilment by the Buyer
of the Buyer’s obligation hereunder or any other delays of a nature which under the terms of this
Contract permit postponement or extension of the Delivery Date shall constitute Permissible Delay
and shall extend the Delivery Date for any net delay caused thereby.

 

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ARTICLE X      WARRANTY OF QUALITY

	1.	 	Extent of Builder’s responsibility

Save as provided for below, and provided always that the deficiencies have been rectified within a
reasonable time, the Builder shall have no responsibility for defects or the consequences thereof
(including loss of profit and loss of time) discovered after the Delivery and Acceptance of the
Vessel.

	2.	 	Guarantee

The Builder undertakes to repair and rectify at its own cost and expense and free of charge to the
Buyer, any defects — including latent defects or deficiencies — concerning the Vessel or parts
thereof, which are caused by faulty detail design, defective material and/or poor workmanship on
the part of the Builder, its servants, employees or Subcontractors, but excluding defects arising
after delivery due to normal wear and tear or improper handling of the Vessel or caused or
aggravated by omission or improper use or maintenance of the Vessel on the part of the Buyer, its
servants or agents and excluding Buyer’s Supplies.

The Builder’s liability as stated herein shall terminate if the defects as aforesaid have not been
discovered within the Guarantee Period of 24 months unless otherwise provided for in the Contract.
Some smaller suppliers may not accept a guarantee period up to 24 months. The Builder shall in such
event notify the Buyer in writing before accepting a shorter guarantee period, in which case the
guarantee period for these eventual items shall correspond with the actual period allowed by the
sub supplier . Under no circumstances shall the guarantee period for any equipment be less than 12
months.

Any such defects shall be notified to the Builder as soon as possible after discovery, and at the
latest within 8 days after expiry of the Guarantee Period. Such notice shall include particulars of
the deficiency in such detail as can reasonably be expected.

If defects could only be discovered on dry docking the vessel, notice of such defect(s) need not be
tendered before the Vessel is in the dock, but must be tendered before the Vessel leaves the
dry-dock.

The Guarantee Period will be extended in the following cases:

	(a)	 	After repair and rectification under this Article X has successfully been carried out, there
will be a further period of guarantee of 12 months for the repaired and rectified items,
however limited to 36 months from Delivery Date. The further Guarantee Period shall, however,
not be less than the original Guarantee Period for any such item. Such additional guarantee
period will be granted on all remedial works notified by the Buyer to the Builder in the
Guarantee Period, or any extension thereof. The Buyer shall, however, not be entitled to such
additional guarantee for deficiencies caused by poor workmanship if the guarantee work has not
been performed by the Builder or their Subcontractors.

	(b)	 	If as a result of guarantee works the Vessel has been lying idle in the Guarantee Period for
an accumulated period of 30 days or more, the Guarantee Period shall be

 

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	 	 	extended by the total number of days the Vessel has been lying idle, whether or not other
work is carried out during such period.

	3.	 	Rectification of Defects

If the Builder is liable for defects as aforesaid, its obligations shall be as follows:

	(a)	 	The Builder shall rectify the defect or cause the defect to be rectified at its own costs.
Provided the defect is remedied within a reasonable time, the Builder shall have no other
liability for any damage or loss caused as a consequence of the defect, except for repair or
renewal of the Vessel’s part/parts that have been damaged as a direct and immediate
consequence of the defect without any intermediate cause, and provided such part or parts can
be considered to form a part of the same equipment or same system. The Builder shall in any
event not be liable for any consequential losses as stated herein over and above NOK 500.000,-
per average if covered under the standard marine insurance and NOK 2,000,000 per average if
not covered by said insurance.
	 
	(b)	 	The repairs, replacements and/or rectifications shall be made at the Builder’s yard.
	 
	 	 	However, the Buyer may, after having notified the Builder in writing, request the Builder
to or cause the necessary repairs, replacements and/or rectifications to be carried out
elsewhere. In such case, the Builder shall at its own costs be entitled to forward
necessary replacement parts or materials.
	 
	 	 	The Builder’s liability shall in such case be limited to pay the cost of repairs including
travelling and forwarding expenses (unless paid by Subcontractors), but limited to the
price of the work which the Builder would normally charge at its yard.
	 
	 	 	In any case, the Builder shall co-operate with the Buyer to find proper solutions to
rectify the deficiency.
	 
	(c)	 	The Vessel shall, unless the repair or replacement conveniently may be carried out at sea, in
any case be taken at the Buyer’s cost and expense to the place elected for repair and
modification, ready for such repairs and modifications. Docking expenses and access works
being necessary for performance of the guarantee work shall be for the Builder’s account.
	 
	(d)	 	The Builder shall have the ownership of replaced parts. The Buyer will return such parts to
the Builder at Builder’s request and at Builder’s expense. If the Builder fails to present
such request within a reasonable time, the Buyer has no responsibility for the replaced parts.
	 
	(e)	 	As a prerequisite for this Shipbuilding Contract the Buyer has entered into supply agreements
with a few major suppliers of diesel engines, hereunder (Wärtsilä Diesel), propulsion system
(Wärtsilä Lips) and main electrical components (ABB). As a part of, and simultaneously with,
the signing of this Contract, these supplier contracts shall be assigned from the Buyer to the
Builder. It is hereby agreed and understood that the Builder shall upon receipt of the
agreements review the suppliers warranties. If the Builder is of the opinion that the
warranties obtained are on less

 

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	 	 	customary terms than the Builder usually obtain from these suppliers and the suppliers
refuse to improve such terms of warranty within 6 months after the signing of this
Contract, the Builder shall notify the Buyer in writing and shall be entitled to limit the
guarantee liabilities related to the scope of the supply in the same way as assumed by the
relevant suppliers (“back to back”).
	 
	4.	 	Subcontractors’ Guarantees

The Builder shall — upon the Buyer’s request — assign to the Buyer any rights the Builder may have
against any Subcontractors, including any right to pursue any claim under the relevant subcontract.
This provision shall in no way alter or diminish the Builder’s obligations under the Contract.

The Builder shall endeavour to have provisions in the subcontracts whereby the Buyer may claim
against the Subcontractor directly.

	5.	 	Assignment

If the Buyer sells the Vessel during the Guarantee Period and wishes to assign its rights
hereunder, such assignment shall be subject to the Builder’s consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.

	6.	 	The Guarantee Engineer

The Builder shall have the right and the Buyer may require the Builder to appoint a Guarantee
Engineer to serve onboard the Vessel for such portion of the guarantee period as the Builder or
Buyer may decide. The Buyer and its employees shall provide the Guarantee Engineer with full
co-operation in carrying out his duties. The Buyer shall accord the Guarantee Engineer treatment
and accommodation comparable to the Vessel’s Chief Engineer, at no cost to the Builder. The Buyer
shall pay to the Builder the same wages as a European Chief Engineer as compensation for part of
the cost and charges to be borne by the Builder in connection with the Guarantee Engineer, and also
direct expenses of repatriation by air to the Guarantee Engineer’s home country.

The Guarantee Engineer shall, at all times and in all respects, be deemed to be the employee of the
Builder. The Buyer shall be under no liability whatsoever to the Builder or to the Guarantee
Engineer for personal injuries, including death, suffered by the Guarantee Engineer during the time
when he is on board the vessel, unless such personal injuries, including death, were caused by
gross negligence of the Buyer, or of any of its employees or agents. Nor shall the Buyer be under
any liability whatsoever to the Guarantee Engineer for damage to or loss or destruction of property
of the Guarantee Engineer, unless such damage, loss or destruction is caused by gross negligence of
the Buyer, or of any of its employees or agents. The Guarantee Engineer shall if requested sign a
Letter of Indemnity required by the Buyer.

 

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ARTICLE XI      OWNERSHIP, RISK AND INSURANCE

	1.	 	Ownership and Registration

Except for the intellectual property rights as described in Article XV, which shall at all time be
the Buyer’s property, the Buyer shall become the owner of the Vessel upon Delivery and Acceptance
thereof.

The Builder may mortgage the Vessel and its materials (excluding Buyer’s Supply if possible) as
security for the construction financing, including the provision of refund guarantee(s), for the
Vessel subject to the terms of this paragraph. The Buyer shall if necessary give its consent for
that purpose. Any such mortgage shall be cancelled and deleted from the relevant registry at the
latest on Delivery and Acceptance. The mortgagee shall, latest upon the registration of the
mortgage, provide the Buyer with a confirmation stating that the mortgage will be released and
deleted at the latest on Delivery and Acceptance.

Any materials, parts, machinery or equipment purchased by the Builder and appropriated for the
Vessel which are not utilised for the Vessel shall remain the property of the Builder after
Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel.

The Buyer may register the Contract and the Vessel under construction in accordance with the rules
of the Norwegian Maritime Act with the Builder as title holder.

	2.	 	Risk and Insurance
	 
	(a)	 	Until Delivery and Acceptance, the Builder bears the risk of loss of or damage to the Vessel,
materials, parts, machinery, boilers and equipment.
	 
	(b)	 	The Builder will arrange and pay for building insurance with underwriters acceptable to the
Buyer on customary “All Risk” terms. The insurance shall comprise necessary fire and transport
insurance of material and equipment which the Builder procure from Subcontractors. The
insurance shall also cover the hull during construction in Romania and during towing to
Norway. The Builder is not obliged to insure the transport of Buyer’s Supplies.
	 
	 	 	The insured amount shall as a minimum cover the aggregate of the instalments paid by the
Buyer pursuant to Article III from time to time together with interest thereon.
	 
	 	 	By paying extra insurance premiums the Buyer may require that the building insurance is
increased to cover a specified and agreed scope of Buyer’s Supplies and Buyer’s project
costs. Further, by paying extra insurance premiums the Buyer may require that the building
insurance is increased to cover the rebuilding value at any time.
	 
	 	 	The Buyer shall receive copies of the policies.
	 
	(c)	 	 

	 	(i)	 	The insurance policies shall be taken out in the joint names of the Builder
and the Buyer.

 

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	 	(ii)	 	The Builder may collect direct from the insurance company any sums in
respect of its own losses.
	 
	 	(iii)	 	In the event of partial damage which is to be repaired and which is
recoverable under the insurance policies, the Builder may collect advance instalments
under the policy payable as the repair work progresses.
	 
	 	 	 	The proceeds recovered under the insurance policies shall be applied to repairs
satisfactory to the Class and Regulatory Bodies, and the Buyer shall accept the
Vessel under the Contract if completed thereafter in compliance with the
Contract.
	 
	 	(iv)	 	If prior to its delivery the Vessel sustains such heavy damages that the
Builder has no obligation to rebuild the Vessel, or if the parties and the insurance
company agree on total / constructive / compromised total loss then the proceeds
under the insurance shall be paid as follows:

	 	(a)	 	The Buyer will recover direct from the insurance company
an amount equal to the instalments paid together with interests in
accordance with the terms of the Contract.
	 
	 	 	 	The Buyer will further collect direct from the insurance company any extra
proceeds recoverable under an insurance policy taken out for Buyer’s
account in accordance with Article XI clause 2 (b) above.
	 
	 	 	 	To the extent that the Buyer and the Builder, in accordance with subclause
2 (b) above, have agreed to cover Buyer’s Supplies and/or Buyer’s project
costs under Builder’s building insurance policy, the Buyer shall further
collect payment for Buyer’s Supplies and/or Buyer’s project costs covered
by the insurance policies. The latter claim shall, however, be
subordinated the Builder’s claim against the proceeds recoverable under
the insurance policy.
	 
	 	(b)	 	The remaining part of the insurance proceeds shall be
paid to the Builder.
	 
	 	(c)	 	Notwithstanding the above; should the parties agree to
continue with the Contract and rebuild the Vessel, the proceeds of the
insurance policies shall be paid to the Builder as set out in this Article
XI clause 2 (c) (iii) above. Such contract will include a possible revised
Delivery Date.
	 
	 	(d)	 	The Builder shall for its own account insure the Vessel
on terms that are normally used for insuring vessels under construction at
Norwegian yards (The Norwegian Marine Insurance Plan 1996 (version 2003),
Chapter 19, or similar). This building insurance shall be maintained until
the Vessel is delivered to and taken over by the Buyer.

 

28/34

	 	(e)	 	War risk insurance for the Vessel with accessories shall
be taken out only at the request of the Buyer and for its account.

ARTICLE XII      DEFAULT PROVISIONS

	1.	 	Builder’s Default — Cancellation by Buyer

The payment of any sums under this Contract by the Buyer prior to delivery of the Vessel shall be
by way of advances to the Builder. In the event that the Buyer shall exercise its right of
cancelling the Contract under and pursuant to any of the provisions of the Contract specifically
permitting the Buyer to do so (inclusive of cancellation due to total loss), then the Buyer shall
notify the Builder in writing or by telefax confirmed by registered mail, and such cancellation
shall be effective as of the date notice thereof is received by the Builder.

Upon such cancellation the Builder shall promptly either accept the notice of cancellation , or
declare its intention to dispute the same under the provisions of Article XIX hereof.

Upon cancellation the Builder shall refund all sums paid by Buyer to the Builder under Article III
hereof, including interest thereon at the rate of 6 % per annum from the date of payment to the
date of refund. The Builder shall also return Buyer’s Supplies, or if they cannot be returned, the
Builder shall pay to the Buyer an amount equal to the Buyer’s costs for such equipment.

Save for the Builder’s obligation to refund amounts as set out above, the Builder shall have no
liability for any other loss suffered by the Buyer caused by a cancellation pursuant to this
Article XII, clause 1, first paragraph.

	2.	 	Buyer’s Default — Disputes regarding Payment
	 
	(a)	 	If the Buyer fails to make payments as provided for in Article III clause 3, the Builder
shall by written notice or by telefax confirmed by registered mail to the Buyer request
payment of the unpaid amount. If the amount has not been paid within 7 Banking Days from
receipt of such notice, the Builder may postpone the commencement of or stop the work on the
Vessel and enforce payment of the claim, the net loss of time caused thereby being Permissible
Delay under the Contract.
	 
	(b)	 	If 21 days have elapsed from the receipt of the above notice without the Buyer having paid or
provided acceptable security, the Builder may cancel the Contract.
	 
	 	 	In either case the Builder may claim compensation for losses caused thereby.

Notwithstanding the above, if there is a dispute in respect of the Buyer’s payment obligation, the
Builder has no right to postpone the commencement or stop the work or cancel the Contract, if the
Buyer provides security acceptable to the Builder for the disputed unpaid amount.

 

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3. Insolvency

If proceedings are commenced by or against the Buyer or Builder for winding up, dissolution or
reorganisation (except in case of merger) or for the appointment of a receiver, trustee or similar
officer, or if bankruptcy is opened, the party who is not subject to such proceedings shall have
the right to cancel this Contract.

Upon such cancellation, the Builder shall refund all sums paid by Buyer to the Builder under
Article III hereof, including interest thereon at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of payment
to the date of refund. The Builder shall also return Buyers Supplies, or if they cannot be
returned, the Builder shall pay to the Buyer an amount equal to the Buyer’s costs for such
equipment.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this clause 3, if bankruptcy is opened against the
builder, and provided that the bankruptcy is not opened based on a petition from the Buyer or
caused by the Buyer’s failure to make payments provided for in Article IV clause 3, the Buyer may
elect to cancel this Contract and to take full possession of the Vessel.

In event that the Buyer shall decide to take full possession of the Vessel the Buyer shall give
notice in writing to the Builder. The Builder shall thereupon immediately:

	 	a)	 	secure the immediate discharge of all liens, claims, mortgages or other encumbrances
upon the Vessel;
	 
	 	b)	 	complete all works required as a minimum to permit the Vessel to depart from the
shipyard in a safe and seaworthy condition, remove its employees, agents and contractors,
together with their equipment, from the Vessel and render all necessary assistance to the
Vessel in leaving the shipyard at the earliest moment convenient to the Buyer; and
	 
	 	c)	 	upon payment of settlement as described below, execute and deliver to the Buyer an
original of the Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance together with any and all documentation
in such form and such manner as the Buyer shall in its reasonable discretion determine
shall be required or desirable.

All risk of loss of the Vessel shall in such circumstances transfer to the Buyer upon execution by
the Buyer of the Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance following receipt of all of the documentation
received above.

Concurrently with the delivery of the Vessel as aforesaid, the Buyer shall pay to the Builder the
value of the vessel as per removal from Builder’s yard and confirm cancellation (redelivery) of the
Refund Guarantee(s) and the Performance Guarantee.

In the event of any disagreement as to the amount to be paid by the Buyer as set out herein above,
the Buyer may by paying the entire amount demanded by the Builder require the Builder to provide a
bank guarantee or other security satisfactory to the Buyer for the disputed amount. The Builder
cannot in such case refuse to deliver the Vessel. If the Builder does not wish to issue security
for the disputed part of the claim, the Buyer is entitled to take delivery of the Vessel against
payment of the undisputed amount and provide a bank guarantee or other security satisfactory to the
Builder for the disputed part of the claim. Security which has

 

30/34

been issued by a party pursuant to this sub-clause terminates automatically unless the other party
has brought legal action pursuant to Article XIX below within 3 months from date of issue of the
security. The costs of security shall be shared proportionately between the parties according to
the final outcome of the dispute.

The Buyer’s right to take full possession of the Vessel as aforesaid shall be registered over the
Vessel in the relevant Shipbuilding Registry, if any, with priority after the mortgages enabling
protection (“rettsvern”) against the Builder’s other creditors. The Buyer shall prepare the
relevant documents and carries the responsibility and cost in connection with the registration. If
registering the declaration in the Norwegian shipbuilding registry is impossible this paragraph
shall be void.

Save as for the Builder’s obligations as set out above, neither the Builder nor the Buyer shall
have any liability for losses suffered by the other party caused by the cancellation or the Buyer’s
election to take full possession of the Vessel pursuant to this Article XII, clause 3.

ARTICLE XIII ASSIGNMENT

Neither of the parties hereto shall assign the Contract to a third party unless prior consent of
the other party is given in writing, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

The Buyer shall however have the right to sell the Vessel under construction through a novation of
the Contract to a third party or on delivery as a completed Vessel. In case of such sale, and
conditional upon that the Builder has received evidence satisfactory for the Builder and the
Builder’s bank that the purchaser has the financial ability necessary to comply with all Buyer’s
obligations hereunder, the Buyer shall be released against its obligations hereunder. In lack of
such evidence on assignee’s financial ability, the assignor shall remain liable under this Contract
until full payment has been made, and this liability shall be confirmed in form of a guarantee from
assignor.

The Builder shall arrange for (and ensure that the guarantor arrange for) transfer of all
guarantees in case of such sale to the purchaser and shall also acknowledge receipt of all
assignment notices.

Subject to the foregoing the Contract shall endure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the
lawful successors or the legitimate assigns of either of the parties hereto.

ARTICLE XIV TAXES AND DUTIES

1. Taxes and Duties in the country of the Builder

The Builder shall bear and pay all taxes and duties imposed in the country of the Builder in
connection with the execution and/or performance of the Contract, excluding any taxes and duties
imposed in the country of the Builder upon the Buyer’s Supplies.

 

31/34

2. Taxes and Duties outside the country of the Builder

The Buyer shall bear and pay all taxes and duties imposed outside the country of the Builder in
connection with the execution and/or performance of the Contract, except for taxes and duties
imposed upon those items to be procured by the Builder for construction of the Vessel.

ARTICLE XV PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS

The Ramform design, and the seismic knowhow and data furnished by the Buyer specifically for this
project, and which is not previously known to the Builder or part of the public domain, is and
shall remain to be solely the intellectual property of the Buyer. The Buyer has an exclusive right
to utilise the Ramform design in the seismic industry and nothing in this Contract shall be deemed
to be a transfer of such intellectual property and patent rights to the Builder. This provision
shall not diminish the Builder’s and Mortgagee’s right under this Contract to dispose of the Vessel
in a situation of cancellation due to Buyer’s default.

Machinery and equipment of the Vessel may bear the patent numbers, trademarks or trade names of the
manufacturers.

The Builder shall defend and hold harmless the Buyer from patent, trade mark, copyright or other
intellectual property liability or claims of any nature or kind, including costs and expenses for,
or on account of any intellectual property rights made or used in the performance of the Contract,
or the Buyer’s use of the Vessel, and also including costs and expenses of litigation, if any.

Nothing contained herein shall be construed as transferring any patent or trademark rights or
copyright in equipment covered by the Contract, and all such rights including the design of the
Vessel are hereby expressly reserved to the true and lawful owners thereof.

The Builder’s warranty hereunder does not extend to the Buyer’s Supplies.

ARTICLE XVI BUYER’S SUPPLIES

1. Responsibility of Buyer

	(a)	 	The Buyer shall, at its own risk, cost and expense, supply and deliver to the Builder all of
the items to be furnished by the Buyer, as specified in the Specifications and as defined in
Article I, at warehouse or other storage facility of the Builder in a proper condition ready
for installation in or on the Vessel, in accordance with the time schedule designated and
advised by the Builder to the Buyer.
	 
	(b)	 	In order to facilitate installation by the Builder of the Buyer’s Supplies in or on the
Vessel, the Buyer shall furnish the Builder with necessary specifications, plans, drawings,
instruction books, manuals, test reports and certificates required by all applicable rules and
regulations. If so reasonably requested by the Builder, the Buyer shall without any charge to
the Builder, provided always that such installation is not Builder’s responsibility pursuant
to the Specifications, cause the representatives of the manufacturers of the Buyer’s Supplies
to assist the Builder in

 

32/34

	 	 	installation thereof in or on the Vessel and/or to carry out installation thereof by
themselves or to make necessary adjustments at the Builder’s yard.
	 
	(c)	 	Any and all of the Buyer’s Supplies shall be subject to the Builder’s reasonable right of
rejection, when and if they are found to be unsuitable or in improper condition for
installation.
	 
	(d)	 	Should the Buyer fail to deliver any of the Buyer’s Supplies within the time designated, the
Delivery Date shall be automatically extended for the period by which the failure actually
caused a delay in the delivery of the Vessel.
	 
	(e)	 	If delay in delivery of any of the Buyer’s Supplies exceeds thirty (30) days, then the
Builder shall be entitled to proceed with construction of the Vessel without installation
thereof in or on the Vessel as hereinabove provided, and the Buyer shall accept and take
delivery of the Vessel so constructed, unless such delay is caused by Force Majeure in which
case the provision Article XVI, 1(d) shall apply.

2. Responsibility of Builder

The Builder shall be responsible for storing and handling with due diligence the Buyer’s Supplies
after delivery thereof at the Builder’s yard, and shall, at its own cost and expense, install them
in or on the Vessel, unless otherwise provided herein or agreed by the parties hereto, provided,
always, that the Builder shall not be responsible for the quality, efficiency and/or performance of
any of the Buyer’s Supplies.

 

33/34

ARTICLE XVII NOTICES

1. Address

Any and all notices and communications in connection with the Contract shall be addressed as
follows:

	 	 	 
	To the Buyer:

	 	PGS Geophysical AS
	 

	 	Attention Rune O. Pedersen
	Telephone

	 	+47 67 52 64 00
	Telefax

	 	+47 67 52 64 64
	E-mail

	 	rune.olav.pedersen@pgs.com
	 
	 	 
	To the Builder:

	 	Aker Yards AS, Langsten
	 

	 	Attention Peter Tennfjord
	Telephone

	 	+47 71 18 35 00
	Telefax

	 	+47 71 18 35 01
	E-mail

	 	peter.tennfjord@akeryards.com

2. Language

Any and all written notices and communications in connection with the Contract shall be in the
English language.

ARTICLE XVIII ENTIRE CONTRACT

The Contract contains the entire contract and understanding between the parties hereto and
supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, undertakings and agreements on any subject
matter of the Contract.

ARTICLE XIX GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE AND ARBITRATION

1. Governing Law

The parties hereto agree that the validity and interpretation of the Contract and of each Article
and part thereof shall be governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Norway.

2. Arbitration

Any dispute between the parties concerning the Contract shall be settled with final and binding
effect for both parties by Arbitration in Oslo, Norway. The parties will jointly appoint three
arbitrators of which at least one shall be a lawyer admitted to practice in Norway. If the parties
fail to agree on the choice of arbitrators within 14 days from presentation by either party of a
written demand for arbitration, each party shall appoint one arbitrator, and the two so appointed
shall appoint a third arbitrator who shall act as the chairman of the arbitration panel. If a
party fails to appoint an arbitrator within 14 days after he has been requested to do so by the
other party, the Chief Justice of the Appeal Court in the

 

34/34

district where the Builder has its venue shall at the request of either party appoint the
arbitrator(s).

The Contract with its Appendices and Exhibits has been drawn up in two identical originals, one for
each party.

Tomrefjord, the 15th of November 2006

	 	 	 	 	 
	Aker Yards AS

	 	PGS Geophysical AS	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 
	 
 

	 	 

	 	 

Appendices:

	 	1.	 	Contract Specification, Ramform 7of 30 March 2006
	 
	 	2.	 	Drawings regarding New Ramform Seismic Vessel, General Arrangement Profile Deck 01 &
Deck 02, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	3.	 	Drawings regarding New Ramform Seismic Vessel, General Arrangement Decks 1, Deck 2,
Deck 3 & Decks 01, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	4.	 	Drawings regarding New Ramform Seismic Vessel, General Arrangement Deck 4, Deck 5 and
below TT, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	5.	 	Markers List, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	6.	 	Aker Yards AS – Langsten, NB 213, RAM 7, Paint Specificationexv4w4

 

EXHIBIT 4.4

Based on

STANDARD FORM

SHIPBUILDING CONTRACT 2000

BETWEEN

Aker Langsten AS

6393 Tomrefjord

Norway

(AS “BUILDER”)

AND

PGS Geophysical AS

Strandveien 4

P.O. Box 290

1326 Lysaker

Norway

(AS “BUYER”)

FOR

one Ramform seismic vessel

BUILDER’S HULL NO: 213

	 	 	 
	Norwegian Shipowners Association

	 	Norwegian Shipbuilders Sales &
	 

	 	Marketing Organization
	 
	 	 
	 

	 	Norwegian Shipbuilders Association

 

2/33

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	PREAMBLE

	 	 	 	 	3	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE 1

	 	DEFINITIONS
	 	 	5	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE II

	 	THE VESSEL, DESCRIPTION AND CLASS
	 	 	7	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE III

	 	PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS
	 	 	9	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE IV

	 	ADJUSTMENT OF CONTRACT PRICE – CANCELLATION BY THE BUYER
	 	 	11	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE V

	 	APPROVAL OF PLANS AND DRAWINGS AND INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION
	 	 	13	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VI

	 	MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES
	 	 	16	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VII

	 	TEST AND TRIALS
	 	 	17	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE VIII

	 	DELIVERY DATE AND DELIVERY
	 	 	19	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE IX

	 	DELAYS AND EXTENSION OF TIME FOR DELIVERY (FORCE MAJEURE)
	 	 	21	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE X

	 	WARRANTY OF QUALITY
	 	 	22	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XI

	 	OWNERSHIP, RISK AND INSURANCE
	 	 	25	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XII

	 	DEFAULT PROVISIONS
	 	 	27	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XIII

	 	ASSIGNMENT
	 	 	29	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XIV

	 	TAXES AND DUTIES
	 	 	30	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XV

	 	PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS
	 	 	30	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XVI

	 	BUYER’S SUPPLIES
	 	 	31	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XVII

	 	NOTICES
	 	 	32	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XVIII

	 	ENTIRE CONTRACT
	 	 	32	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	ARTICLE XIX

	 	GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE AND ARBITRATION
	 	 	32	 

 

3/33

PREAMBLE

THIS CONTRACT is made this 27th day of April 2006 by and between:

Aker Langsten AS, a company organised and existing under the laws of Norway, having its principal
office at N-6393 Tomrefjord, Norway, (hereinafter called the “Builder”);

and

PGS Geophysical AS, a company organised and existing under the laws of Norway

having its principal office at Strandveien 4, 1324 Lysaker, Norway, (hereinafter called the
“Buyer”);

WHEREBY

The scope of this Contract comprises the building and outfitting of a seismic vessel of RAMFORM
design. The design, which is based on the patented RAMFORM hull design, is developed for the
purpose of this Vessel in cooperation between the patent holding designer and the Buyer. The
hydrodynamic properties of the hull design is known to be challenging. The Vessel’s dimensions and
hull lines, the needed generated power, the needed propulsion power and propulsion plant
configuration and the Vessel’s sea characteristics caused by the foregoing has been determined by
the patent holding designer and the Buyer.

The Vessel shall be outfitted for seismic operation, including collecting and processing of seismic
data by means of towed streamers and gun arrays. The Buyer shall for his own account supply
packages of seismic equipment as further defined in the Specification.

The Builder shall within the scope of this Contract arrange to take on board, mount and tie-up the
seismic equipment to the Vessel’s infrastructure systems, including the physical fastening of the
equipment, hydraulic piping to winches and booms, supply of high pressure air system, electrical
supply and supply of fresh water.

It is hereby stated that the ownership of the design and the main design liabilities, hereunder the
design’s suitability for the Vessel’s intended purpose, remains with the Buyer. However, it remains
the Builder’s responsibility to install and optimize the function of all equipment in the Vessel
following the same standards as for vessels constructed with conventional hull design.

In consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, the Builder agrees to produce detail
design, build, launch, equip, complete, sell and deliver to the Buyer at the Builder  ́s shipyard the
“Vessel” as hereinafter described; and the Buyer agrees to purchase the “Vessel”, take delivery and
pay for it; all in accordance with the terms hereinafter set forth.

The Builder shall be liable to comply with the requirements of the Classification Society and/or
other Regulatory Bodies. However, if requirements are imposed for/because of the main design
provided by the Buyer any rectification, modification or change shall be performed provided that
the rectification, modification or change does not adversely affect the Builder’s other
commitments. The parties shall endeavour to agree on possible adjustments in Contract Price and
such other terms and conditions occasioned by or resulting from such rectification, modification or
change. If the parties are in disagreement with respect to who is

 

4/33

responsible for the work (in whole or in part) and/or the cost of such work, the parties shall
enter into a written protocol specifying the exact dispute, after which the Builder is obliged to
perform the works and the Buyer is obliged to pay the full amount claimed by the Builder as per
Article III clause 3 (e), without any right to set off and without any right to claim a bank
guarantee in accordance with Article III clause 3. The Buyer has a right to refer the dispute to
arbitration in accordance with Article XIX within 10 workings days following the Delivery and
Acceptance, failing which the terms set out by the Builder shall be final. The subject matter for
the arbitration shall be limited to who is responsible for the works and the cost of the works. The
time consequence and other terms or condition is not subject to arbitrational review.

 

5/33

	 	 	 
	ARTICLE 1	 	DEFINITIONS
	 	 	 
	In this CONTRACT the following words shall have the meaning set out hereinbelow:
	 
	 	 
	“Banking Days”

	 	days where banks are open for business in:

Norway and the country where the BUYER has its principal office and the
country where the bank set out in Article III clause 3 is situated and
the country of the currency set out in Article III clause 2
	 
	 	 
	“Builder”

	 	the company referred to as “Builder” in the preamble, inclusive of its servants and employees
	 
	 	 
	“Buyer”

	 	the company referred to as “Buyer” in the preamble, inclusive of its servants and employees
	 
	 	 
	“Buyer  ́s Supplies”

	 	any item, equipment, stores or services ordered directly by the Buyer from the manufacturer or supplier,
which shall not be supplied and/or paid for by the Builder in accordance with the terms of the Contract
	 
	 	 
	“Classification
Society” or “Class”

	 	the Classification Society referred to in Article II clause 3
	 
	 	 
	“Contract”

	 	this Standard Form Shipbuilding Contract with its Appendices and Exhibits including Specifications and
Drawings, and any amendments thereto
	 
	 	 
	“Contract Delivery
Date”

	 	the date set out in Article VIII clause 1.
	 
	 	 
	“Contract Price”

	 	the Original Contract Price, as adjusted in accordance with the terms of the Contract
	 
	 	 
	“Date of Contract”

	 	the date specified in the preamble to this Contract, regardless of whether the contract actually is
signed on this date or whether the contract is signed with subject
	 
	 	 
	“Delivery and
Acceptance”

	 	the physical delivery of the Vessel from the Builder to the Buyer
	 
	 	 
	“Delivery Date”

	 	Contract Delivery Date, as adjusted for Permissible Delay
	 
	 	 
	“Drawings”

	 	the plans and drawings listed in Appendix I hereto
	 
	 	 
	“Flag State”

	 	the State referred to in Article II clause 5
	 
	 	 
	“Force Majeure”

	 	any one or more of the events set out in Article IX clause 1
	 
	 	 
	“Force Majeure
Delay”

	 	a delay caused by Force Majeure, which according to Article IX constitutes Permissible Delay

 

6/33

	 	 	 
	“Guarantee Period”

	 	a general period of 24 months from the Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel,
with the exception of some smaller subcontractors who may not be able to accept a guarantee
period up to 24 months. The Builder shall notify the Buyer in writing before accepting a
shorter guarantee period from such subcontractor. In no circumstances shall the guarantee
period for any subcontractor be less than 12 months.
	 
	 	 
	“Maker’s List”

	 	an agreed list of suppliers approved for delivery of
equipment, machinery or services which shall be
included in the Specifications
	 
	 	 
	“Original Contract
Price”

	 	the price stipulated in Article III clause 1
	 
	 	 
	“Permissible Delay”

	 	all delays, inclusive of Force Majeure Delay, causing
delay in delivery of the Vessel which according to the
terms of the Contract permit postponement of the
Delivery Date
	 
	 	 
	“Regulatory Bodies”

	 	the relevant authorities imposing rules and
regulations with which the construction and delivery
of the Vessel must comply, which shall include the
authorities of the Flag State together with other
authorities set out in the Specifications
	 
	 	 
	“Representative”

	 	a person or persons authorised by the Buyer as set
forth in Article V clause 2
	 
	 	 
	“Specifications”

	 	the specifications referred to in Appendix I hereto
	 
	 	 
	“Subcontractor”

	 	any person (not being a servant or employee of the
Builder) or company, with whom the Builder has entered
into a contract for the design, construction,
manufacture or supply of any item, equipment, work or
service for the Vessel
	 
	 	 
	“Vessel”

	 	the vessel described in Article II.
	 
	 	 
	“Working Day”

	 	a day when work is normally performed in the country
of the Builder’s yard as referred to in Article II
clause 1

 

7/33

ARTICLE II            THE VESSEL, DESCRIPTION AND CLASS

1. Description and Standard

The Vessel shall be built at the Builder’s yard at Tomrefjord, and shall have the Builder’s Hull No
213 and be detail-designed, constructed, equipped, completed and delivered by the Builder in
accordance with the provisions of the Contract. The hull shall be built at Aker Yards’ hullyard at
Tulcea, Romania.

In the event of inconsistency between this Standard Form Shipbuilding Contract and the
Specifications and/or the Drawings, this Standard Form Shipbuilding Contract shall prevail. In the
event of inconsistency between the Specifications and the Drawings, the Specifications shall
prevail. In case of inconsistency between any of the Drawings, the later in date shall prevail.

The Vessel shall be designed and built in accordance with first class shipbuilding practice in
Western Europe for new vessels of similar type and characteristics as the Vessel.

Unless otherwise follows from the Specifications and Drawings, Ramform Vanguard shall be used as a
reference vessel with regard to quality, workmanship and standard, and with regard to the interface
between vessel and seismic equipment.

2. Main Dimensions and Characteristics.

Characteristics:

The Vessel is to be built as a seismic vessel for world wide operation, arranged for towing of up
to 22 streamers

	 	 	 	 	 
	Dimensions:
	 	 	 	 
	Overall length:

	 	102.20 metres
	 	 
	Length between P.P.:

	 	95.00 metres	 	 
	Breadth moulded:

	 	40.00 metres	 	 
	Depth moulded to uppermost deck:

	 	21.00 metres	 	 

Cargo capacity:

The Vessel’s deadweight shall be approx. 6,500 tons (of 1,000 kg each) on international summer
freeboard, corresponding to a mean draft in saltwater (specific gravity 1.025) of 7.30 metres. The
specified deadweight shall include fuel, provisions, stores, freshwater, crew and passengers in
addition to spare parts in excess of the requirements of Class.

Propulsion machinery:

The propulsion machinery is of diesel electric type:

	 	 	 
	Power plant :

	 	Four generating sets each 4,145 kW, and
	 

	 	Two generating sets each 2,765 kW,
	 

	 	Total 22,110 kW.
	 
	 	 
	Propulsion plant:

	 	Two “twin in single out” propulsion lines, each driven
by 2 * 3,250 kW electric motors, total 13,000 kW.

 

8/33

Speed:

Fuel consumption:

The further details of the above main particulars, as well as definitions and methods of
measurements and calculation shall be as described in the Specification.

3. Classification, Rules and Regulations

The Vessel, including its machinery, equipment and outfittings shall be designed and constructed in
accordance with the rules and regulations of Det Norske Veritas (the Classification Society), with
the following Class notation: DNV +1A1, Ice C, E0, HELDK, RP, CLEAN, TMON. The Vessel shall
further comply with the applicable rules, regulations and requirements of the Regulatory Bodies.
All such rules, regulations and requirements shall be complied with without
conditions/recommendations.

All fees and charges incidental to and in respect of compliance with Class and the rules,
regulation and requirements of the Class or Regulatory Bodies referred to above shall be for the
account of the Builder.

4. Subcontracting

The hull and major sections thereof are to be built by the Builder at the Yard set out in Article
II, clause 1, unless the Buyer consents otherwise, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
Save as aforesaid, the Builder may, at its sole discretion and responsibility, subcontract any
portion of the construction of the Vessel. The Builder shall remain fully liable for the due
performance of such work as if done by the Builder at the Builder’s yard.

Except as otherwise stipulated in the Specifications and the “Maker’s List” or agreed in writing,
the Builder may, without interference from the Buyer, freely choose its Subcontractors, but the
Builder shall in ample time notify the Buyer in writing before placing major orders for equipment
or services with Subcontractors, and shall give reasonable consideration to Buyer’s request. Any
opinions or requests made by the Buyer entail no alteration of the Builder’s obligation and
liability under the Contract.

5. Certificates and Registration

The Builder shall provide, deliver and pay for all certificates necessary for the approval of the
Vessel, as further set out in the Contract, together with all documents reasonably required by the
Buyer necessary for the registration of the Vessel in Bahamas (Flag State). Unless in contradiction
to the Flag State regulations, the Vessel shall also be built in compliance with NIS regulations.
The Vessel shall be registered by the Buyer at its own cost and expense.

 

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ARTICLE III PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS

1. Original Contract Price

The Original Contract Price is NOK 562,193,794.- (Norwegian kroner five hundred and sixty two
millions one hundred and ninety three thousands seven hundred and ninety four).

2. Currency

All payments by the Buyer to the Builder under the Contract shall be made in Norwegian kroner
(NOK).

3. Terms and Method of Payment

The Original Contract Price shall — subject to notices being given under this Article III clause 3,
- be paid in instalments as follows:

	(a)	 	1st Instalment:

A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price shall be paid three (3) Banking Days
after the Date of the Contract.
	 
	(b)	 	2nd Instalment:

A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price shall be paid within 5 Banking Days
after start of steel cutting, as confirmed by a certificate from the Classification
Society.
	 
	(c)	 	3rd Instalment:

A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price shall be paid within 5 Banking Days
after the Vessel is set afloat in Romania (Tulcea) as confirmed by a certificate from the
Classification Society.
	 
	(d)	 	4th Instalment:

A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price shall be paid within 5 Banking Days
after the Vessel arrives at Builder’s yard in Tomrefjord as confirmed by a certificate
from the Classification Society.
	 
	(e)	 	Instalment on Delivery and Acceptance:

A sum equalling 20% of the Original Contract Price, plus any increase or minus any
decrease due to adjustments of the Contract Price hereunder, shall, subject to the other
provisions of the Contract, be paid upon Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel.

All instalments shall be remitted to Buyer’s bank (to be informed), to an account specified by
Builders.

The instalments under 3 (b) to 3(d) (both inclusive) unless payable on specific dates, shall under
no circumstances fall due until 14 days from receipt of written notice from the Builder.

 

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Notice of the instalment payable on Delivery and Acceptance shall include notice of adjustments, if
any.

On Builder’s request, the Buyer shall provide to the Builder all information necessary to enable
the Builder to reasonably satisfy himself that the Buyer has financial arrangements or resources to
pay the instalments when due.

The Buyer’s obligation to pay the first and subsequent instalments, excluding the instalment
payable on Delivery and Acceptance, shall be subject to the Builder providing the Buyer with refund
guarantee(s) from a bank or other financial institution, satisfactory to the Buyer and securing the
repayment obligation of the Builder if the contract is lawfully cancelled.

The Buyer’s payment obligation is also subject to the Builder providing to the Buyer a performance
guarantee from Aker Yards ASA for the Builder’s obligations according to the Contract, limited to
10% of the Original Contract Price.

The Builder may retain the Vessel until full payment has been made in accordance with the agreed
payment terms. If the Builder is unable to present a final account at delivery, the Buyer may
require the Vessel to be delivered in return for a bank guarantee or other security, satisfactory
to the Builder, for the reasonably estimated balance owed to the Builder. Costs of such guarantee
to be for Builder’s account.

In the event of any dispute concerning the payment on delivery of the Vessel, including the
question of the Buyer’s right to offset any claim it may have, the Buyer may by paying the entire
amount demanded by the Builder require the Builder to provide a bank guarantee or other security
satisfactory to the Buyer for the disputed amount. The Builder cannot in such case refuse to
deliver the Vessel. If the Builder does not wish to issue security for the disputed part of the
claim, the Buyer is entitled to take delivery of the Vessel against payment of the undisputed
amount and provide a bank guarantee or other security satisfactory to the Builder for the disputed
part of the claim. Security which has been issued by a party pursuant to this sub-clause terminates
automatically unless the other party has brought legal action pursuant to Article XIX below within
3 months from date of issue of the security. The costs of security shall be shared proportionately
between the parties according to the final outcome of the dispute.

If the Builder delivers the Vessel with Delivery Deficiencies as set out in Article VII, the Buyer
may require the Builder to provide a bank guarantee upon delivery at an amount equal to the
reasonable calculated cost of the Builder’s obligations related to the Delivery Deficiencies.

If on or before Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel the Builder is declared bankrupt, proposes or
enters into a fund or a formal composition arrangement or moratorium or otherwise proves to be in
such financial position that it is likely to be unable during the Guarantee Period to perform its
guarantee obligations, the Buyer may demand that the Builder shall provide satisfactory security
for the performance by the Builder of such guarantee obligations, limited to 5 % of the Original
Contract Price, or failing such guarantee, the Buyer is entitled to deposit the equivalent amount
in an escrow account in the joint name of the Builder and the Buyer and to deduct this amount from
the instalment to be paid on Delivery and Acceptance.

 

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Failure by the Buyer to pay on time any part of the Contract Price shall entitle the Builder to
charge interest at the rate of 6 % per annum thereon.

ARTICLE IV ADJUSTMENT OF CONTRACT PRICE – CANCELLATION BY THE BUYER

The Contract Price shall be subject to adjustments, as hereinafter set forth, in any of the events
set out in this Article IV (it being understood by both parties that any reduction of Contract
Price is by way of liquidated damages and not by way of penalty) and the Builder shall not in any
way be responsible or liable for any other consequences by way of damages or otherwise as a
consequence of any of the matters hereinafter set forth in this Article IV, except for the Buyer’s
right to cancel in accordance with the provisions of the Contract.

	1.	 	Late Delivery
	 
	(a)	 	If the delivery of the Vessel is delayed beyond the Delivery Date, the Contract Price shall
be reduced by deducting therefrom as follows:

	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	1st — 30th day
	 	No reduction
	 

	 	31st — 60th day
	 	NOK 250,000.- pr. day
	 

	 	61st — 150th day
	 	NOK 390,000.- pr. day
	 

	 	151st — 180th day
	 	NOK 450,000.- pr. day

	 	 	The maximum reduction in the Contract Price for delayed delivery shall not exceed the
total of the above liquidated damages for 180 days of delay.
	 
	(b)	 	If the delay in delivery of the Vessel shall continue for a period in excess of 180 days
after Delivery Date, the Buyer may at its option cancel the Contract.
	 
	 	 	Provided the Buyer has not sent notice of cancellation as provided for in Article XII
hereof within 185 days of delay having elapsed after the Delivery Date, the Builder may
demand in writing that the Buyer shall make an election either to cancel the Contract, or
to consent to the acceptance of the delivery at a specific future date reasonably
estimated by the Builder to be the date when the Vessel will be ready for delivery; in
which case the Buyer shall, within 15 days after such demand is received by Buyer, notify
the Builder of its choice it being understood that, if the Buyer elects not to cancel and
the Vessel is not delivered by such future date, the Buyer shall have the right to cancel
the Contract.
	 
	(c)	 	If the total accumulated delay of non Permissible Delay and of Force Majeure Delay, but
excluding other Permissible Delay, amounts to 270 days or more, then in such event the Buyer
may cancel the Contract. The Builder may, at any time thereafter, demand in writing that the
Buyer shall make an election either to cancel the Contract or to consent to the acceptance of
the delivery at a specific future date reasonably estimated by the Builder to be the date when
the Vessel will be ready for delivery, in which case the Buyer shall, within 15 days after
such demand is received by Buyer, notify the Builder of its choice; it being understood that,
if the Buyer elects not to

 

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	 	 	cancel and the Vessel is not delivered by such future date, the Buyer shall have the right
to cancel the Contract.
	 
	(d)	 	If it can be established beyond any reasonable doubt that the Vessel will be delayed for more
than 180 days as per paragraph (b) above, or be delayed for more than 270 days as per
paragraph (c) above, the Buyer shall have a right forthwith to cancel the Contract.

2. Speed deficiency

Builder has no liabilities related to Speed deficiencies, however if the speed deficiency is caused
by a defect for which the Builder has the risk pursuant to the preamble of this Contract, the
Builder shall be obliged to rectify such defects as set out in Article X.

3. Deficiency in Fuel Consumption

Builder has no liabilities related to Fuel Consumption deficiencies, however if the fuel
consumption deficiency is caused by a defect for which the Builder has the risk pursuant to the
preamble of this Contract, the Builder shall be obliged to rectify such defects as set out in
Article X.

4. Deficiency in Deadweight

If the deadweight (6,500 tons) stipulated in Article II, adjusted for any weight deviances related
to Buyer’s Supplies, is not attained and the reduction exceeds 3 % of the stipulated deadweight,
the Contract Price shall be reduced by NOK 20,000,- for each ton of the reduction in excess of the
said 3 %, but always limited to a maximum of NOK 5,840,000.-.

If the reduction in deadweight is more than 7.5 % of the stipulated deadweight Buyer may cancel the
Contract.

5. Deficiency in Bollard pull

Builder has no liabilities related to Bollard pull deficiencies, however if the Bollard Pull
deficiency is caused by a defect for which the Builder has the risk pursuant to the preamble of
this Contract, the Builder shall be obliged to rectify such defects as set out in Article X.

6. Maximum amount of Liquidated Damages

The total reduction in the Contract Price in accordance with this Article IV shall under no
circumstances exceed 12.5% of the Contract Price.

* * *

 

 

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If the Contract is cancelled pursuant to this Article IV, the instalments paid by the Buyer
shall be repaid forthwith in accordance with Article XII clause 1.

Insofar as items 1 to 5 inclusive above are not filled in, the provisions of Article X of the
Contract shall apply.

If Article II clause 2 includes figures with the qualification “about”, such qualification shall
be disregarded for the purposes of calculation of liquidated damages and the right of cancellation
pursuant to this Article IV.

ARTICLE V APPROVAL OF PLANS AND DRAWINGS AND INSPECTION DURING CONSTRUCTION

	1.	 	Approval of Plans and Drawings

As soon as possible after the Date of Contract the Builder shall put forward a proposed detailed
building schedule, including a schedule for testing. The Buyer shall make its comment on the
schedule as soon as possible and at the latest within 7 days. The schedules shall be issued by the
Builder in writing not later than 30 days after the Date of Contract.

	(a)	 	In accordance with the construction schedule of the Vessel and provisions in the
Specifications, the Builder shall submit to the Buyer 3 copies of the plans and drawings for
its approval at the address set forth in Article XVII hereof. The Builder shall send a notice
by telefax (or by such other electronic means as the parties may agree) to the Buyer giving
the date of despatch of such plans and drawings, and the Buyer shall confirm receipt of such
plans and drawings. The Buyer shall within 14 Working Days after receipt thereof, send to the
Builder 1 copy of such plans and/or drawings with Buyer’s approval or comments (if any)
written thereon. Such comments shall be as complete as possible.
	 
	(b)	 	If Buyer’s comments on the plans and drawings are unclear or unspecified, the Builder may by
fax notice to the Buyer request a clarification, and failure by the Buyer or its
Representative to respond to this request within 3 Working Days of receipt of such notice
shall entitle the Builder to place its own reasonable interpretation on such remarks, comments
or amendments when implementing the same.
	 
	(c)	 	If the Builder and the Buyer fail to agree whether such comments or remarks are of such a
nature or extent as to constitute modification or change under Article VI hereof, the Builder
shall nevertheless proceed with the construction based on the Buyer’s comments if so requested
by the Buyer. If it is established by mutual agreement or by arbitration as per Article XIX,
that the comments, remarks or amendments constitute a modification or change under Article VI,
the Builder shall be entitled to an appropriate adjustment of the Contract Price, Delivery
Date and/or the characteristics of the Vessel. Article VI clause 1, first paragraph to apply.
	 
	(d)	 	In the event that the Buyer fails to return the plans and drawings to the Builder within the
time limit specified in (a) above, the Builder shall by fax to the Buyer

 

 

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	 	 	request the return of same within 3 days, failing which the Builder shall have the right
to consider such plans and drawings as approved by the Buyer.
	 
	(e)	 	The Buyer’s approval or non approval of drawings shall not affect any of the Builder’s
obligations hereunder, including the Builder’s obligation to deliver the Vessel fully approved
by the Regulatory Bodies, or the Builder’s responsibility under Article X hereof.

	2.	 	Appointment of Buyer’s Representative

The Buyer may send to and maintain at the Builder’s yard, at the Buyer’s own cost and expense, one
or more representatives, of whom only one shall be duly authorised in writing by the Buyer (herein
called the “Representative”) to act on behalf of the Buyer in attending the tests and inspections
relating to the Vessel, its machinery, equipment and outfitting, and in any other matters for which
he is specifically authorised by the Buyer. Unless otherwise advised by the Buyer in writing, the
Representative shall have no general authority to change the Contract or to approve plans and
drawings. The Representative shall, however, be authorised to sign Change Order Forms (Article VI
clause 1) on behalf of Buyer, unless otherwise advised by Buyer in writing. The Representative
shall have as many assistants as he may require, but any and all approvals must be given by the
Representative and be in writing.

	3.	 	Inspection by Representative

The inspection of the Vessel, its machinery, equipment and outfittings shall be carried out by the
Classification Society, Regulatory Bodies and the Representative and/or his assistants throughout
the entire period of construction, in order to ensure that the Vessel is duly constructed in
accordance with the Contract.

Whilst the Vessel is under construction and until Delivery and Acceptance, the Representative and
his assistants shall during all working hours be given free access to the Vessel, its engines and
accessories, and to any other place where work is being done, or materials are being processed or
stored in connection with the construction of the Vessel, including the yards, workshops and
offices of the Builder, and the premises of the Subcontractors of the Builder who are doing work or
storing materials in connection with the Vessel’s construction.

The Representative and his assistants shall, during the construction of the Vessel, have the right
to attend all tests, trials and inspections undertaken in respect of the Vessel, its machinery,
equipment and outfittings. The Builder shall give reasonably notice in advance of any such tests
and inspections to the Representative to enable him or any of his assistants to attend. Failure of
the Representative or his assistant(s) to be present at such tests and inspections after due notice
to him as above provided shall be deemed to be a waiver of his right to be present.

The Builder shall seek to arrange with its Subcontractors that the Representative or his assistants
have a similar right of inspection and supervision in respect of the work performed by the
Subcontractors.

 

 

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The Representative may communicate direct with the Classification Society and all other Regulatory
Bodies, but such communication shall not unreasonably interfere with the Builder’s communication
with these institutions. The Representative may also view relevant formal correspondence between
these institutions and the Builder and to a reasonable extent obtain copies of same.

In the event that the Representative discovers any design, construction or material or workmanship
which in his opinion does not conform to the requirements of the Contract, the Representative shall
as soon as possible advise the Builder of such non-conformity. Unless the Builder agrees to rectify
the matter, a notice thereof (which may be included in minutes of meeting or similar) shall be
given to the Builder.

Inspection as described in this clause shall not constitute any changes in the Builder’s obligation
under the Contract.

	4.	 	Facilities

The Builder shall furnish the Representative and his assistant(s) with adequate office space both
at Tulcea and in Tomrefjord, and such other reasonable facilities according to the Builder’s
practice at, or in the immediate vicinity of, the shipyard as may be necessary to enable them to
effectively carry out their duties. At Tomrefjord the office space shall be suitable for minimum 10
persons. Both places telecommunication shall be for the Builder’s account and the Builder shall
arrange at their costs for broadband connections.

	5.	 	Representative — Division of Liability

The Representative and his assistant(s) shall at all times be deemed to be the employees of the
Buyer and not of the Builder. The Builder shall be under no liability whatsoever to the Buyer, the
Representative or his assistant(s), and the Buyer shall keep the Builder harmless, for personal
injuries, including death, suffered during the time when the Representative or his assistant(s) are
on the Vessel, or within the premises of either the Builder or its Subcontractors or are otherwise
engaged in or about the construction of the Vessel, unless, however, such personal injuries,
including death, were caused by gross negligence of the Builder, or of any its employees or agents
or Subcontractors. Nor shall the Builder be under any liability whatsoever to the Buyer, the
Representative or his assistant(s) for damage to, or loss or destruction of property of the
Representative or his assistant(s) unless such damage, loss or destruction is caused by gross
negligence of the Builder, or any of its employees or agents or Subcontractors.

The Buyer, the Representative and his assistant(s) shall be under no liability whatsoever to the
Builder, the Builder’s employees or Subcontractors, and the Builder shall keep the Buyer, the
Representative or his assistant(s) harmless, for personal injuries, including death, unless such
personal injuries including death were caused by gross negligence of the Representative or his
assistants. Nor shall the Buyer be under any liability whatsoever to the Builder, the Builder’s
employees or Subcontractors for damage to, or loss or destruction of property of the Builder, its
employees or Subcontractors unless such damage, loss or destruction were caused by gross negligence
of the Representative or his assistant(s).

 

 

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	6.	 	Responsibility of Buyer

The Buyer shall undertake and assure that the Representative and his assistants shall carry out
their duties hereunder in accordance with normal shipbuilding practice and in such a way as to
avoid any unnecessary increase in building cost, delay in the construction of the Vessel, and/or
any disturbance to the construction schedule of the Builder.

The Builder has the right to request the Buyer to replace the Representative or any of his
assistants who is deemed by the Builder to be unsuitable and unsatisfactory for the proper progress
of the Vessel’s construction. The Buyer shall investigate the situation by sending its
representative(s) to the Shipyard if necessary, and if the Buyer considers that such Builder’s
request is justified, the Buyer shall effect such replacement as soon as convenient.

ARTICLE VI MODIFICATIONS AND CHANGES

	1.	 	Modification of Specifications

The work to be performed by the Builder under the Contract can be modified or changed by request
from the Buyer provided that such modifications or changes will not adversely affect the Builder’s
other commitments, and provided further that the parties shall first agree to possible adjustment
in Contract Price, the Delivery Date and such other terms and conditions occasioned by or resulting
from such modification or change. Such agreement shall be effected either by way of exchanges of
letters duly signed by authorised representatives of the parties, or by signed change order form,
or by minutes of meeting or similar signed by authorised representatives of the parties, which
shall constitute the necessary amendments to the Contract. Possible increase or decrease in the
Contract Price shall be calculated in accordance with unit prices (inclusive of administration
costs) as set out in the Specification, or budget prices if such prices are available, otherwise as
per the Builder’s customary price for such work at Romanian or Norwegian yards as the case may be.

If modifications or changes are made without such written agreement as aforesaid, or if the Builder
fails to notify the Buyer in writing without undue delay that there are modifications or changes
which will require an increase in the Contract Price, delayed delivery, changes in the Vessel’s
characteristics or other changes in the Contract, the Builder will not be entitled to any increase
in the Contract Price, adjustment of Delivery Date or other adjustments, and the Contract will
remain unchanged.

The Builder is entitled to make minor modifications or changes to the Specifications, if found
necessary to suit the Builder’s local conditions or facilities, the availability of materials and
equipment, the introduction of improvement methods or otherwise, provided that the Builder shall
first obtain the Buyer’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.

	2.	 	Change in Rules and Regulations

If, after the Date of Contract, there are any changes in the rules, regulations and requirements
(including official changed application of the rules) of Class or Regulatory Bodies, the following
shall apply:

 

 

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	(a)	 	The Builder shall as soon as possible notify the Buyer thereof, and the
Builder shall be obliged — except as otherwise agreed — to carry out the required changes
in accordance with the provisions set out below, provided always that any changes in such
rules, regulations or requirements which are published on or before the Date of Contract,
and which apply mandatory to the Vessel on or before the Contract Delivery Date shall not
give to the Builder a right to claim any adjustments of the price, delivery date or other
contract terms.
	 
	(b)	 	If such change is or will be compulsory for the Vessel, the Builder shall incorporate such
alteration or change into the construction of the Vessel, unless otherwise instructed by the
Buyer. The parties shall endeavour to agree on such adjustments to the Contract as set out in
clause 1 above, failing which, the changes to the Contract shall be decided by arbitration in
accordance with Article XIX.
	 
	(c)	 	If such change is not or will not be compulsory for the Vessel, but the Buyer nevertheless
desires to incorporate such change, this shall be considered a change or modification, as
provided for in clause 1 of this Article VI.

	3.	 	Substitution of Materials

If any of the materials required by the Specifications or the Maker’s List cannot be procured in
time or are in short supply, the Builder may, in order to maintain the Delivery Date and subject to
the Buyer’s approval, which shall not unreasonably be withheld and which shall be provided without
undue delay, supply other materials capable of meeting the requirements of the Classification
Society or Regulatory Bodies. No extra charges shall be made to the Buyer and, except that any
savings shall be credited to the Buyer, the Contract shall remain unaltered.

ARTICLE VII TEST AND TRIALS

	1.	 	Notice

The Builder shall before delivery, by not less than 7 days written notice to the Buyer, notify the
time and place for the sea trial for the Vessel. The Buyer shall have its Representative onboard
the Vessel to witness the sea trial. Failure by the Representative to attend at the sea trial
without any valid reason despite a notice to the Buyer as aforesaid, shall be deemed to be a waiver
by the Buyer of its right to be present.

The Builder may after due notice conduct the sea trial without the Representative of the Buyer
being present, provided a representative of the Classification Society is present, and in such case
the Buyer shall be obligated to accept the results of the sea trial on the basis of a certificate
of the Builder confirmed by the Classification Society and/or Regulatory Bodies stating the results
of the sea trial.

 

 

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	2.	 	Weather Conditions

The sea trial shall be carried out under weather conditions as set out in the Specifications. Any
delay in delivery caused by delay of the sea trial due to unfavourable weather conditions shall be
considered Permissible Delay.

	3.	 	How conducted

The sea trial shall be carried out in the presence of representatives from the Classification
Society and / or Regulatory Bodies, and shall be conducted in the manner described in the
Specifications, and shall be sufficient in scope and duration to enable all parties to verify and
establish that all elements are functioning in accordance with the Contract.

All expenses in connection with the sea trial shall be for the account of the Builder, including
without limitation all necessary crew.

	4.	 	Method of Acceptance or Rejection
	 
	(a)	 	Upon completion of the sea trial and when the trial results are available, and if the Builder
considers the results thereof demonstrates that the Vessel conforms with the Contract, the
Builder shall immediately give the Buyer a written notice of completion stating when the
Vessel is ready for delivery. The Buyer shall within 48 consecutive hours after receipt of
this notice and the test results notify the Builder in writing of its acceptance or rejection
of the Vessel.
	 
	(b)	 	If the results of the sea trial demonstrate that the Vessel or any part or equipment thereof
does not conform to the requirements of the Contract, or if the Buyer for other valid reasons
rejects the Vessel, the Builder shall take all necessary steps to rectify such non-conformity.
If necessary the Builder shall for its own account carry out a further sea trial in accordance
with Article VII to ascertain that the Vessel complies with the terms of the Contract. Upon
demonstration by the Builder that the deficiencies have been corrected, a notice thereof and
of the readiness of the Vessel for delivery, shall be given to the Buyer, who shall then
within 48 consecutive hours after receipt of such notice together with the new test results
notify the Builder of its acceptance or rejection.
	 
	(c)	 	If the Buyer for any reason rejects the Vessel, the Buyer shall in its notice of rejection
give particulars of its reason therefore in such detail as can be reasonably required.
	 
	(d)	 	The Buyer shall not be obliged to take delivery of the Vessel if it is not fully in
conformity with the Contract, or if there are any conditions or recommendations imposed by the
Classification Society and/or Regulatory Bodies. However, and only in the circumstances
described below, if the deficiencies or the conditions/ recommendations are of minor
importance (“Delivery Deficiencies”), and the Builder is unable to rectify the matter within a
reasonable time, the Builder may nevertheless require the Buyer to take delivery of the
Vessel, provided:

 

 

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	 	(i)	 	the Builder undertakes for its own account to remedy the deficiency or
fulfil the requirement as soon as possible, and
	 
	 	(ii)	 	the Builder shall indemnify the Buyer for any loss incurred as a
consequence thereof, including loss of time

	 	 	The Parties shall, for the purpose of this provision, on delivery draw up a list of
Delivery Defects identifying the defects in question. The defects so listed shall be
deemed to be Delivery Deficiencies for the purpose of this sub-clause.
	 
	(e)	 	If the Builder disputes the rejection by the Buyer, the case shall be submitted for final
decision by arbitration in accordance with Article XIX hereof.

	5.	 	Effect of Acceptance

Acceptance of the Vessel as provided above, shall be final and binding and shall preclude the Buyer
from refusing formal delivery on basis of any alleged deficiency in any part or parts of the Vessel
which were tested during the sea trial, provided all other procedural requirements for delivery
have been met.

	6.	 	Disposition of Surplus Consumable Stores

Any fuel oil, unused lubricating oil, grease, fresh water or other consumable stores furnished by
the Builder for the sea trial, remaining onboard the Vessel at the time of delivery shall be
purchased by the Buyer from the Builder at the original net purchase price thereof (Builder to
provide supporting invoices), and payment therefore shall be effected by the Buyer on Delivery and
Acceptance of the Vessel.

ARTICLE VIII DELIVERY DATE AND DELIVERY

	1.	 	Time and Place

The Vessel shall be delivered at the Builder’s yard (see Article II) or in the vicinity thereof
free and clear of all liens, claims, mortgages and other encumbrances in a clean and seaworthy
condition, ready for service, on February 28, 2008 (the Contract Delivery Date), except that in the
event of net delays in the construction of the Vessel or any performance required under the
Contract due to causes which under the terms of the Contract permit postponement of the Delivery
Date (Permissible Delay), the Delivery Date shall be postponed accordingly. Unless otherwise
agreed, the Vessel shall not be delivered earlier than maximum 2 weeks prior to the Contract
Delivery Date.

	2.	 	When and how effected

Provided that the Buyer has fulfilled all of its obligations under the Contract, delivery of the
Vessel shall be effected forthwith upon acceptance thereof by the Buyer by the concurrent delivery
by each of the parties hereto to the other of a Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance signed by each
party. Both parties have the right to make reservations or notes in the

 

 

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Protocol, or in a separate document signed by the parties “for acknowledgement of receipt only”.

	3.	 	Documents to be delivered to the Buyer

Upon delivery and acceptance of the Vessel, the Builder shall provide and deliver to the Buyer at
its expense the following documents, which shall accompany the Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance:

	(a)	 	Protocol of Trials made pursuant to the Specifications.
	 
	(b)	 	Protocol of Inventory and Equipment of the Vessel, including spare parts and the like, all
as specified in the Specifications.
	 
	(c)	 	Protocol of Surplus Consumable Stores referred to under Article VII hereof which are payable
by the Buyer to the Builder.
	 
	(d)	 	Drawings and Plans pertaining to the Vessel together with all necessary instruction manuals,
as further stipulated in the Specifications.
	 
	(e)	 	All Certificates including the Builder’s Certificate required to be furnished upon Delivery
and Acceptance of the Vessel pursuant to the Contract and the Specifications. It is agreed
that if, through no fault on the part of the Builder, the Classification Certificate and/or
other required certificates are not available at the time of delivery, provisional
certificates shall be accepted by the Buyer, provided that the Builder at its expense shall
furnish the Buyer with final certificates as promptly as possible. If final certificates are
not provided or obtained within a reasonable time, the Builder shall compensate the Buyer for
any damages, losses and extra expenses caused thereby.
	 
	(f)	 	Declaration of Warranty by the Builder that the Vessel is free and clear of any liens,
claims, charges, mortgages and other encumbrances.
	 
	(g)	 	Commercial invoice
	 
	(h)	 	Bill of Sale or other relevant document that certifies that the title of the Vessel passes to
the Buyer.
	 
	4.	 	Title and Risk

Title to and risk of loss of or damage to the Vessel shall pass to the Buyer upon Delivery and
Acceptance thereof by the Buyer.

	5.	 	Removal of Vessel

The Buyer shall take possession of the Vessel immediately upon Delivery and Acceptance thereof, and
shall remove the Vessel from the premises of the Builder within three (3) days after the Delivery
and Acceptance as aforesaid. If the Buyer does not remove the Vessel

 

 

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within the said period, the Buyer shall thereafter pay to the Builder reasonable mooring charges
for the Vessel.

ARTICLE IX DELAYS AND EXTENSION OF TIME FOR DELIVERY (FORCE MAJEURE)

	1.	 	Cause of Delay
	 
	(a)	 	In case of Force Majeure Delay, the Delivery Date shall be postponed by the number of days
corresponding to the net delay in delivery as set out below. It shall be considered a Force
Majeure Delay if the Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel is prevented or delayed as a
consequence of extraordinary circumstances or events beyond the Builder’s control, such as:
	 
	 	 	Acts of God; acts of princes and rulers; requirements of government authorities; war or
warlike condition, civil commotion or riots, mobilisation; sabotage; strike or lockout
(except local labour disturbances at the Builder’s yard) quarantines; flood, typhoons,
hurricanes, storms or other extraordinary weather conditions not included in normal
planning; earthquakes, tidal waves, landslide; fires, explosions, collisions or stranding;
import or export bans or restrictions; prolonged failure, shortage or restriction of
electrical current, oil or gas;
	 
	 	 	and/or: any other extraordinary events beyond the control of the Builder;
	 
	 	 	and/or: by late delivery of major parts or of important performance by Subcontractor(s)
where the cause of delay would have been recognised as Force Majeure Delay under this
Article IX if it had affected the Builder, provided that the Builder has shown due
diligence in its choice of Subcontractor and ensured a reasonable margin for delays, so
that at the time of ordering same it could reasonably be expected by the Builder to be
delivered in time;
	 
	 	 	and/or: delays in the Builder’s other commitments resulting from Force Majeure as herein
described directly causing delay of the Builder’s performance hereunder;
	 
	 	 	Provided always:
	 
	 	 	that there shall be no Force Majeure Delay if such delay could reasonably have been
foreseen or anticipated by the Builder on the Date of Contract, or that it could have been
prevented or overcome by the exercise of due diligence by the Builder, its servants,
employees or Subcontractors.
	 
	(b)	 	The provisions under sub-clause (a) above apply whether or not the Force Majeure occurs after
the Contract Delivery Date.
	 
	(c)	 	The Builder is obliged to do its utmost to avoid or minimise the Force Majeure Delay.

 

 

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	2.	 	Notice of delay
	 
	(a)	 	Within 10 days after the Builder becomes aware or should have become aware of any cause of
delay as aforesaid, on account of which the Builder will claim that it is entitled under the
Contract to postpone the Delivery Date, the Builder shall notify the Buyer in writing or by
telefax, confirmed by registered mail, of the date such cause of delay commenced. Likewise,
within 10 days after the date such cause of delay ended, the Builder shall notify the Buyer in
writing or by telefax, confirmed by registered mail, of the date when such cause of delay
ended.
	 
	 	 	Failure by the Builder to give such notices as aforesaid shall prevent the Builder from
subsequently claiming Force Majeure Delay on account of such circumstances.
	 
	(b)	 	The Builder shall notify the Buyer of the period, by which the Delivery Date is postponed by
reason of such cause of delay, with all reasonable despatch after it has been determined.
Failure by the Buyer to object to the Builder’s claim for postponement of the Delivery Date
within 10 days after receipt by the Buyer of such notice shall be deemed to be a waiver by the
Buyer of its right to object to such postponement of the Delivery Date for the net delay
caused by the Force Majeure event, provided always that the Builder’s information in respect
of the cause of the delay and the consequences thereof were correctly stated in the notice.
	 
	3.	 	Permissible Delay

Delays on account of such causes as specified in this Article IX, Clause 1, in Article VI or
Article XVI, Clause 1 (d) and (e) hereof and any other delays caused by non fulfilment by the Buyer
of the Buyer’s obligation hereunder or any other delays of a nature which under the terms of this
Contract permit postponement or extension of the Delivery Date shall constitute Permissible Delay
and shall extend the Delivery Date for any net delay caused thereby.

ARTICLE X WARRANTY OF QUALITY

	1.	 	Extent of Builder’s responsibility

Save as provided for below, and provided always that the deficiencies have been rectified within a
reasonable time, the Builder shall have no responsibility for defects or the consequences thereof
(including loss of profit and loss of time) discovered after the Delivery and Acceptance of the
Vessel.

	2.	 	Guarantee

The Builder undertakes to repair and rectify at its own cost and expense and free of charge to the
Buyer, any defects — including latent defects or deficiencies — concerning the Vessel or parts
thereof, which are caused by faulty detail design, defective material and/or poor workmanship on
the part of the Builder, its servants, employees or Subcontractors, but excluding defects arising
after delivery due to normal wear and tear or improper handling of the Vessel or caused or
aggravated by omission or improper use or maintenance of the Vessel on the part of the Buyer, its
servants or agents and excluding Buyer’s Supplies.

 

 

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The Builder’s liability as stated herein shall terminate if the defects as aforesaid have not been
discovered within the Guarantee Period of 24 months unless otherwise provided for in the Contract.
Some smaller suppliers may not accept a guarantee period up to 24 months. The Builder shall in such
event notify the Buyer in writing before accepting a shorter guarantee period, in which case the
guarantee period for these eventual items shall correspond with the actual period allowed by the
sub supplier. Under no circumstances shall the guarantee period for any equipment be less than 12
months.

Any such defects shall be notified to the Builder as soon as possible after discovery, and at the
latest within 8 days after expiry of the Guarantee Period. Such notice shall include particulars of
the deficiency in such detail as can reasonably be expected.

If defects could only be discovered on dry docking the vessel, notice of such defect(s) need not be
tendered before the Vessel is in the dock, but must be tendered before the Vessel leaves the
dry-dock.

The Guarantee Period will be extended in the following cases:

	(a)	 	After repair and rectification under this Article X has successfully been carried out, there
will be a further period of guarantee of 12 months for the repaired and rectified items,
however limited to 36 months from Delivery Date. The further Guarantee Period shall, however,
not be less than the original Guarantee Period for any such item. Such additional guarantee
period will be granted on all remedial works notified by the Buyer to the Builder in the
Guarantee Period, or any extension thereof. The Buyer shall, however, not be entitled to such
additional guarantee for deficiencies caused by poor workmanship if the guarantee work has not
been performed by the Builder or their Subcontractors.
	 
	(b)	 	If as a result of guarantee works the Vessel has been lying idle in the Guarantee Period for
an accumulated period of 30 days or more, the Guarantee Period shall be extended by the total
number of days the Vessel has been lying idle, whether or not other work is carried out during
such period.
	 
	3.	 	Rectification of Defects

If the Builder is liable for defects as aforesaid, its obligations shall be as follows:

	(a)	 	The Builder shall rectify the defect or cause the defect to be rectified at its own costs.
Provided the defect is remedied within a reasonable time, the Builder shall have no other
liability for any damage or loss caused as a consequence of the defect, except for repair or
renewal of the Vessel’s part/parts that have been damaged as a direct and immediate
consequence of the defect without any intermediate cause, and provided such part or parts can
be considered to form a part of the same equipment or same system. The Builder shall in any
event not be liable for any consequential losses as stated herein over and above NOK 500,000.-
per average if covered under the standard marine insurance and NOK 2,000,000.- per average if
not covered by said insurance.
	 
	(b)	 	The repairs, replacements and/or rectifications shall be made at the Builder’s yard.

 

 

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	 	 	However, the Buyer may, after having notified the Builder in writing, request the Builder
to or cause the necessary repairs, replacements and/or rectifications to be carried out
elsewhere. In such case, the Builder shall at its own costs be entitled to forward
necessary replacement parts or materials.
	 
	 	 	The Builder’s liability shall in such case be limited to pay the cost of repairs including
travelling and forwarding expenses (unless paid by Subcontractors), but limited to the
price of the work which the Builder would normally charge at its yard.
	 
	 	 	In any case, the Builder shall co-operate with the Buyer to find proper solutions to
rectify the deficiency.
	 
	(c)	 	The Vessel shall, unless the repair or replacement conveniently may be carried out at sea, in
any case be taken at the Buyer’s cost and expense to the place elected for repair and
modification, ready for such repairs and modifications. Docking expenses and access works
being necessary for performance of the guarantee work shall be for the Builder’s account.
	 
	(d)	 	The Builder shall have the ownership of replaced parts. The Buyer will return such parts to
the Builder at Builder’s request and at Builder’s expense. If the Builder fails to present
such request within a reasonable time, the Buyer has no responsibility for the replaced parts.
	 
	(e)	 	As a prerequisite for this Shipbuilding Contract the Buyer has entered into supply agreements
with a few major suppliers of diesel engines, hereunder (Rolls-Royce Marine AS, Bergen),
propulsion system (Wärtsilä Lips) and main electrical components (ABB). As a part of, and
simultaneously with, the signing of this Contract, these supplier contracts shall be assigned
from the Buyer to the Builder. It is hereby agreed and understood that the Builder shall upon
receipt of the agreements review the suppliers warranties. If the Builder is of the opinion
that the warranties obtained are on less customary terms than the Builder usually obtain from
these suppliers and the suppliers refuse to improve such terms of warranty within 6 months
after the signing of this Contract, the Builder shall notify the Buyer in writing and shall be
entitled to limit the guarantee liabilities related to the scope of the supply in the same way
as assumed by the relevant suppliers (“back to back”).
	 
	4.	 	Subcontractors’ Guarantees

The Builder shall — upon the Buyer’s request — assign to the Buyer any rights the Builder may have
against any Subcontractors, including any right to pursue any claim under the relevant subcontract.
This provision shall in no way alter or diminish the Builder’s obligations under the Contract.

The Builder shall endeavour to have provisions in the subcontracts whereby the Buyer may claim
against the Subcontractor directly.

 

 

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5. Assignment

If the Buyer sells the Vessel during the Guarantee Period and wishes to assign its rights
hereunder, such assignment shall be subject to the Builder’s consent, which shall not be
unreasonably withheld or delayed.

6. The Guarantee Engineer

The Builder shall have the right and the Buyer may require the Builder to appoint a Guarantee
Engineer to serve onboard the Vessel for such portion of the guarantee period as the Builder or
Buyer may decide. The Buyer and its employees shall provide the Guarantee Engineer with full
co-operation in carrying out his duties. The Buyer shall accord the Guarantee Engineer treatment
and accommodation comparable to the Vessel’s Chief Engineer, at no cost to the Builder. The Buyer
shall pay to the Builder the same wages as a European Chief Engineer as compensation for part of
the cost and charges to be borne by the Builder in connection with the Guarantee Engineer, and also
direct expenses of repatriation by air to the Guarantee Engineer’s home country.

The Guarantee Engineer shall, at all times and in all respects, be deemed to be the employee of the
Builder. The Buyer shall be under no liability whatsoever to the Builder or to the Guarantee
Engineer for personal injuries, including death, suffered by the Guarantee Engineer during the time
when he is on board the vessel, unless such personal injuries, including death, were caused by
gross negligence of the Buyer, or of any of its employees or agents. Nor shall the Buyer be under
any liability whatsoever to the Guarantee Engineer for damage to or loss or destruction of property
of the Guarantee Engineer, unless such damage, loss or destruction is caused by gross negligence of
the Buyer, or of any of its employees or agents. The Guarantee Engineer shall if requested sign a
Letter of Indemnity required by the Buyer.

ARTICLE XI OWNERSHIP, RISK AND INSURANCE

1. Ownership and Registration

Except for the intellectual property rights as described in Article XV, which shall at all time be
the Buyer’s property, the Buyer shall become the owner of the Vessel upon Delivery and Acceptance
thereof.

The Builder may mortgage the Vessel and its materials (excluding Buyer’s Supply if possible) as
security for the construction financing, including the provision of refund guarantee(s), for the
Vessel subject to the terms of this paragraph. The Buyer shall if necessary give its consent for
that purpose. Any such mortgage shall be cancelled and deleted from the relevant registry at the
latest on Delivery and Acceptance. The mortgagee shall, latest upon the registration of the
mortgage, provide the Buyer with a confirmation stating that the mortgage will be released and
deleted at the latest on Delivery and Acceptance.

Any materials, parts, machinery or equipment purchased by the Builder and appropriated for the
Vessel which are not utilised for the Vessel shall remain the property of the Builder after
Delivery and Acceptance of the Vessel.

 

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The Buyer may register the Contract and the Vessel under construction in accordance with the rules
of the Norwegian Maritime Act with the Builder as title holder.

2. Risk and Insurance

	(a)	 	Until Delivery and Acceptance, the Builder bears the risk of loss of or damage to the Vessel,
materials, parts, machinery, boilers and equipment.
	 
	(b)	 	The Builder will arrange and pay for building insurance with underwriters acceptable to the
Buyer on customary “All Risk” terms. The insurance shall comprise necessary fire and transport
insurance of material and equipment which the Builder procure from Subcontractors. The
insurance shall also cover the hull during construction in Romania and during towing to
Norway. The Builder is not obliged to insure the transport of Buyer’s Supplies.
	 
	 	 	The insured amount shall as a minimum cover the aggregate of the instalments paid by the
Buyer pursuant to Article III from time to time together with interest thereon.
	 
	 	 	By paying extra insurance premiums the Buyer may require that the building insurance is
increased to cover a specified and agreed scope of Buyer’s Supplies and Buyer’s project
costs. Further, by paying extra insurance premiums the Buyer may require that the building
insurance is increased to cover the rebuilding value at any time.
	 
	 	 	The Buyer shall receive copies of the policies.

(c)

	 	(i)	 	The insurance policies shall be taken out in the joint names of the Builder
and the Buyer.
	 
	 	(ii)	 	The Builder may collect direct from the insurance company any sums in
respect of its own losses.
	 
	 	(iii)	 	In the event of partial damage which is to be repaired and which is
recoverable under the insurance policies, the Builder may collect advance instalments
under the policy payable as the repair work progresses.
	 
	 	 	 	The proceeds recovered under the insurance policies shall be applied to repairs
satisfactory to the Class and Regulatory Bodies, and the Buyer shall accept the
Vessel under the Contract if completed thereafter in compliance with the
Contract.
	 
	 	(iv)	 	If prior to its delivery the Vessel sustains such heavy damages that the
Builder has no obligation to rebuild the Vessel, or if the parties and the insurance
company agree on total / constructive / compromised total loss then the proceeds
under the insurance shall be paid as follows:

	 	(a)	 	The Buyer will recover direct from the insurance company
an amount equal to the instalments paid together with interests in
accordance with the terms of the Contract.

 

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	 	 	 	The Buyer will further collect direct from the insurance company any extra
proceeds recoverable under an insurance policy taken out for Buyer’s
account in accordance with Article XI clause 2 (b) above.
	 
	 	 	 	To the extent that the Buyer and the Builder, in accordance with subclause
2 (b) above, have agreed to cover Buyer’s Supplies and/or Buyer’s project
costs under Builder’s building insurance policy, the Buyer shall further
collect payment for Buyer’s Supplies and/or Buyer’s project costs covered
by the insurance policies. The latter claim shall, however, be
subordinated the Builder’s claim against the proceeds recoverable under
the insurance policy.
	 
	 	(b)	 	The remaining part of the insurance proceeds shall be
paid to the Builder.
	 
	 	(c)	 	Notwithstanding the above; should the parties agree to
continue with the Contract and rebuild the Vessel, the proceeds of the
insurance policies shall be paid to the Builder as set out in this Article
XI clause 2 (c) (iii) above. Such contract will include a possible revised
Delivery Date.
	 
	 	(d)	 	The Builder shall for its own account insure the Vessel
on terms that are normally used for insuring vessels under construction at
Norwegian yards (The Norwegian Marine Insurance Plan 1996 (version 2003),
Chapter 19, or similar). This building insurance shall be maintained until
the Vessel is delivered to and taken over by the Buyer.
	 
	 	(e)	 	War risk insurance for the Vessel with accessories shall
be taken out only at the request of the Buyer and for its account.

ARTICLE XII DEFAULT PROVISIONS

1. Builder’s Default — Cancellation by Buyer

The payment of any sums under this Contract by the Buyer prior to delivery of the Vessel shall be
by way of advances to the Builder. In the event that the Buyer shall exercise its right of
cancelling the Contract under and pursuant to any of the provisions of the Contract specifically
permitting the Buyer to do so (inclusive of cancellation due to total loss), then the Buyer shall
notify the Builder in writing or by telefax confirmed by registered mail, and such cancellation
shall be effective as of the date notice thereof is received by the Builder.

Upon such cancellation the Builder shall promptly either accept the notice of cancellation, or
declare its intention to dispute the same under the provisions of Article XIX hereof.

Upon cancellation the Builder shall refund all sums paid by Buyer to the Builder under Article III
hereof, including interest thereon at the rate of 6 % per annum from the date of payment to the
date of refund. The Builder shall also return Buyer’s Supplies, or if they cannot

 

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be returned, the Builder shall pay to the Buyer an amount equal to the Buyer’s costs for such
equipment.

Save for the Builder’s obligation to refund amounts as set out above, the Builder shall have no
liability for any other loss suffered by the Buyer caused by a cancellation pursuant to this
Article XII, clause 1, first paragraph.

2. Buyer’s Default — Disputes regarding Payment

	(a)	 	If the Buyer fails to make payments as provided for in Article III clause 3, the Builder
shall by written notice or by telefax confirmed by registered mail to the Buyer request
payment of the unpaid amount. If the amount has not been paid within 7 Banking Days from
receipt of such notice, the Builder may postpone the commencement of or stop the work on the
Vessel and enforce payment of the claim, the net loss of time caused thereby being Permissible
Delay under the Contract.
	 
	(b)	 	If 21 days have elapsed from the receipt of the above notice without the Buyer having paid or
provided acceptable security, the Builder may cancel the Contract.
	 
	 	 	In either case the Builder may claim compensation for losses caused thereby.

Notwithstanding the above, if there is a dispute in respect of the Buyer’s payment obligation, the
Builder has no right to postpone the commencement or stop the work or cancel the Contract, if the
Buyer provides security acceptable to the Builder for the disputed unpaid amount.

3. Insolvency

If proceedings are commenced by or against the Buyer or Builder for winding up, dissolution or
reorganisation (except in case of merger) or for the appointment of a receiver, trustee or similar
officer, or if bankruptcy is opened, the party who is not subject to such proceedings shall have
the right to cancel this Contract.

Upon such cancellation, the Builder shall refund all sums paid by Buyer to the Builder under
Article III hereof, including interest thereon at the rate of 6% per annum from the date of payment
to the date of refund. The Builder shall also return Buyers Supplies, or if they cannot be
returned, the Builder shall pay to the Buyer an amount equal to the Buyer’s costs for such
equipment.

Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this clause 3, if bankruptcy is opened against the
builder, and provided that the bankruptcy is not opened based on a petition from the Buyer or
caused by the Buyer’s failure to make payments provided for in Article IV clause 3, the Buyer may
elect to cancel this Contract and to take full possession of the Vessel.

In event that the Buyer shall decide to take full possession of the Vessel the Buyer shall give
notice in writing to the Builder. The Builder shall thereupon immediately:

	 	a)	 	secure the immediate discharge of all liens, claims, mortgages or other encumbrances
upon the Vessel;

 

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	 	b)	 	complete all works required as a minimum to permit the Vessel to depart from the
shipyard in a safe and seaworthy condition, remove its employees, agents and contractors,
together with their equipment, from the Vessel and render all necessary assistance to the
Vessel in leaving the shipyard at the earliest moment convenient to the Buyer; and
	 
	 	c)	 	upon payment of settlement as described below, execute and deliver to the Buyer an
original of the Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance together with any and all documentation
in such form and such manner as the Buyer shall in its reasonable discretion determine
shall be required or desirable.

All risk of loss of the Vessel shall in such circumstances transfer to the Buyer upon execution by
the Buyer of the Protocol of Delivery and Acceptance following receipt of all of the documentation
received above.

Concurrently with the delivery of the Vessel as aforesaid, the Buyer shall pay to the Builder the
value of the vessel as per removal from Builder’s yard and confirm cancellation (redelivery) of the
Refund Guarantee(s) and the Performance Guarantee.

In the event of any disagreement as to the amount to be paid by the Buyer as set out herein above,
the Buyer may by paying the entire amount demanded by the Builder require the Builder to provide a
bank guarantee or other security satisfactory to the Buyer for the disputed amount. The Builder
cannot in such case refuse to deliver the Vessel. If the Builder does not wish to issue security
for the disputed part of the claim, the Buyer is entitled to take delivery of the Vessel against
payment of the undisputed amount and provide a bank guarantee or other security satisfactory to the
Builder for the disputed part of the claim. Security which has been issued by a party pursuant to
this sub-clause terminates automatically unless the other party has brought legal action pursuant
to Article XIX below within 3 months from date of issue of the security. The costs of security
shall be shared proportionately between the parties according to the final outcome of the dispute.

The Buyer’s right to take full possession of the Vessel as aforesaid shall be registered over the
Vessel in the relevant Shipbuilding Registry, if any, with priority after the mortgages enabling
protection (“rettsvern”) against the Builder’s other creditors. The Buyer shall prepare the
relevant documents and carries the responsibility and cost in connection with the registration. If
registering the declaration in the Norwegian shipbuilding registry is impossible this paragraph
shall be void.

Save as for the Builder’s obligations as set out above, neither the Builder nor the Buyer shall
have any liability for losses suffered by the other party caused by the cancellation or the Buyer’s
election to take full possession of the Vessel pursuant to this Article XII, clause 3.

ARTICLE XIII ASSIGNMENT

Neither of the parties hereto shall assign the Contract to a third party unless prior consent of
the other party is given in writing, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld.

The Buyer shall however have the right to sell the Vessel under construction through a novation of
the Contract to a third party or on delivery as a completed Vessel. In case of such

 

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sale, and conditional upon that the Builder has received evidence satisfactory for the Builder and
the Builder’s bank that the purchaser has the financial ability necessary to comply with all
Buyer’s obligations hereunder, the Buyer shall be released against its obligations hereunder. In
lack of such evidence on assignee’s financial ability, the assignor shall remain liable under this
Contract until full payment has been made, and this liability shall be confirmed in form of a
guarantee from assignor.

The Builder shall arrange for (and ensure that the guarantor arrange for) transfer of all
guarantees in case of such sale to the purchaser and shall also acknowledge receipt of all
assignment notices.

Subject to the foregoing the Contract shall endure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the
lawful successors or the legitimate assigns of either of the parties hereto.

ARTICLE XIV TAXES AND DUTIES

1. Taxes and Duties in the country of the Builder

The Builder shall bear and pay all taxes and duties imposed in the country of the Builder in
connection with the execution and/or performance of the Contract, excluding any taxes and duties
imposed in the country of the Builder upon the Buyer’s Supplies.

2. Taxes and Duties outside the country of the Builder

The Buyer shall bear and pay all taxes and duties imposed outside the country of the Builder in
connection with the execution and/or performance of the Contract, except for taxes and duties
imposed upon those items to be procured by the Builder for construction of the Vessel.

ARTICLE XV PATENTS, TRADEMARKS, COPYRIGHTS

The Ramform design, and the seismic knowhow and data furnished by the Buyer specifically for this
project, and which is not previously known to the Builder or part of the public domain, is and
shall remain to be solely the intellectual property of the Buyer. The Buyer has an exclusive right
to utilise the Ramform design in the seismic industry and nothing in this Contract shall be deemed
to be a transfer of such intellectual property and patent rights to the Builder. This provision
shall not diminish the Builder’s and Mortgagee’s right under this Contract to dispose of the Vessel
in a situation of cancellation due to Buyer‘s default.

Machinery and equipment of the Vessel may bear the patent numbers, trademarks or trade names of the
manufacturers.

The Builder shall defend and hold harmless the Buyer from patent, trade mark, copyright or other
intellectual property liability or claims of any nature or kind, including costs and expenses for,
or on account of any intellectual property rights made or used in the performance of the Contract,
or the Buyer’s use of the Vessel, and also including costs and expenses of litigation, if any.

 

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Nothing contained herein shall be construed as transferring any patent or trademark rights or
copyright in equipment covered by the Contract, and all such rights including the design of the
Vessel are hereby expressly reserved to the true and lawful owners thereof.

The Builder’s warranty hereunder does not extend to the Buyer’s Supplies.

ARTICLE XVI BUYER’S SUPPLIES

1. Responsibility of Buyer

	(a)	 	The Buyer shall, at its own risk, cost and expense, supply and deliver to the Builder all of
the items to be furnished by the Buyer, as specified in the Specifications and as defined in
Article I, at warehouse or other storage facility of the Builder in a proper condition ready
for installation in or on the Vessel, in accordance with the time schedule designated and
advised by the Builder to the Buyer.
	 
	(b)	 	In order to facilitate installation by the Builder of the Buyer’s Supplies in or on the
Vessel, the Buyer shall furnish the Builder with necessary specifications, plans, drawings,
instruction books, manuals, test reports and certificates required by all applicable rules and
regulations. If so reasonably requested by the Builder, the Buyer shall without any charge to
the Builder, provided always that such installation is not Builder’s responsibility pursuant
to the Specifications, cause the representatives of the manufacturers of the Buyer’s Supplies
to assist the Builder in installation thereof in or on the Vessel and/or to carry out
installation thereof by themselves or to make necessary adjustments at the Builder’s yard.
	 
	(c)	 	Any and all of the Buyer’s Supplies shall be subject to the Builder’s reasonable right of
rejection, when and if they are found to be unsuitable or in improper condition for
installation.
	 
	(d)	 	Should the Buyer fail to deliver any of the Buyer’s Supplies within the time designated, the
Delivery Date shall be automatically extended for the period by which the failure actually
caused a delay in the delivery of the Vessel.
	 
	(e)	 	If delay in delivery of any of the Buyer’s Supplies exceeds thirty (30) days, then the
Builder shall be entitled to proceed with construction of the Vessel without installation
thereof in or on the Vessel as hereinabove provided, and the Buyer shall accept and take
delivery of the Vessel so constructed, unless such delay is caused by Force Majeure in which
case the provision Article XVI, 1(d) shall apply.

2. Responsibility of Builder

The Builder shall be responsible for storing and handling with due diligence the Buyer’s Supplies
after delivery thereof at the Builder’s yard, and shall, at its own cost and expense, install them
in or on the Vessel, unless otherwise provided herein or agreed by the parties hereto, provided,
always, that the Builder shall not be responsible for the quality, efficiency and/or performance of
any of the Buyer’s Supplies.

 

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ARTICLE XVII NOTICES

1. Address

Any and all notices and communications in connection with the Contract shall be addressed as
follows:

	 	 	 
	To the Buyer:

	 	PGS Geophysical AS
	 

	 	Attention Rune O. Pedersen
	Telephone

	 	+47 67 52 64 00
	Telefax

	 	+47 67 52 64 64
	E-mail

	 	rune.olav.pedersen@pgs.com
	 
	 	 
	To the Builder:

	 	Aker Langsten AS
	 

	 	Attention Peter Tennfjord
	Telephone

	 	+47 71 18 35 00
	Telefax

	 	+47 71 18 35 01
	E-mail

	 	peter.tennfjord@akeryards.com

2. Language

Any and all written notices and communications in connection with the Contract shall be in the
English language.

ARTICLE XVIII ENTIRE CONTRACT

The Contract contains the entire contract and understanding between the parties hereto and
supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, undertakings and agreements on any subject
matter of the Contract.

ARTICLE XIX GOVERNING LAW, DISPUTE AND ARBITRATION

1. Governing Law

The parties hereto agree that the validity and interpretation of the Contract and of each Article
and part thereof shall be governed by the laws of the Kingdom of Norway.

2. Arbitration

Any dispute between the parties concerning the Contract shall be settled with final and binding
effect for both parties by Arbitration in Oslo, Norway. The parties will jointly appoint three
arbitrators of which at least one shall be a lawyer admitted to practice in Norway. If the parties
fail to agree on the choice of arbitrators within 14 days from presentation by either party of a
written demand for arbitration, each party shall appoint one arbitrator, and the two so appointed
shall appoint a third arbitrator who shall act as the chairman of the arbitration panel. If a
party fails to appoint an arbitrator within 14 days after

 

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he has been requested to do so by the other party, the Chief Justice of the Appeal Court in the
district where the Builder has its venue shall at the request of either party appoint the
arbitrator(s).

The Contract with its Appendices and Exhibits has been drawn up in two identical originals, one for
each party.

Lysaker, the 27th of April 2006

			
	 	 	 
	Aker Langsten AS
	 	PGS Geophysical AS
	 	 	 
	 
	 	 

Appendices:

	 	1.	 	Contract Specification, Ramform 7of 30 March 2006
	 
	 	2.	 	Drawings regarding New Ramform Seismic Vessel, General Arrangement Profile Deck 01 &
Deck 02, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	3.	 	Drawings regarding New Ramform Seismic Vessel, General Arrangement Decks 1, Deck 2,
Deck 3 & Decks 01, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	4.	 	Drawings regarding New Ramform Seismic Vessel, General Arrangement Deck 4, Deck 5 and
below TT, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	5.	 	Markers List, 30 March 2006
	 
	 	6.	 	Aker Yards AS – Langsten, NB 213, RAM 7, Paint Specification

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