Nordic American Tanker Shipping Ltd.: Dividend Policy Continues With Next Dividend Payment End August 2011

Dear Shareholder,
I would like to give you an update on the latest developments

in our Company and the industry. Nordic American is improving its position compared with our competitors, who are facing problems in a difficult market. Simply put, some of them have too much debt. Backed by the strongest balance sheet in the industry and with an unparalleled group of professionals at the helm, Nordic American provides you with significant upside potential and limited downside.
Our strategy remains in place. We believe in growing our fleet, acquiring only one type of vessels and keeping all ships in the spot market. We make sure the interests of management and shareholders are fully aligned, we keep our costs low, and we are committed to paying dividends.
As long as the average spot market is above our cash break-even level (about $11,000 per day per ship), there is no question that we will continue to pay dividends as we have done for the last 55 quarters. The dividend is a crucial component of the total return that we, as our number one goal, seek to maximize for our shareholders. Our dividend for the second quarter of 2011 is expected to be paid on or about August 31.
We have said in the past that poor markets provide us with the opportunity to expand our fleet inexpensively compared with historical standards. We maintain this position firmly. The company has resources to acquire more ships without issuing equity. Management's strategy of waiting is in the best interest of shareholders. We are in no rush -- we will act when we believe the time is right.
The world continues to struggle with conflicts in the Middle East, economic woes in Europe, and a slow recovery in the US. We must remember that such a stage provides Nordic American with opportunities. We are seeing clear growth in the Asian trade and rising US demand. The US and China are large recipients of seaborne crude. These are positive signs that underpin our faith in Nordic American.
Many companies have ordered too many ships from the shipyards. It is interesting to note that new deliveries so far in 2011 are around one third lower than what was scheduled. Some of these orders are cancelled, some are delayed, and some have been changed for different types of vessels.
Since I last wrote to you in March, Japan has shown remarkable resilience in the face of the extraordinary tragic events there. We are seeing increased volumes of fossil fuels heading there, most notably natural gas. Other nations, with Germany being the most prominent, are looking to move away from nuclear energy in light of the tragedy at Fukushima. This can only be a positive development for the tanker business.
Nordic American has a Board of Directors and a Management team with a diverse range of backgrounds and complementary skills. We will post on our web site a short overview of senior Management and the Board so that you may familiarize yourself with the people at NAT. I am proud of the calibre of people we have managed to attract -- having capable individuals on all levels.
NAT has from the outset maintained focus on transparency and good corporate governance. Management does not have any competing interests, nor is there any complex ownership structure with assets being moved between private and public companies to the detriment of you, the shareholder. We do not have a fee structure that encourages us to take risks with your money or to trade assets frequently. At NAT we value transparency highly, and we aim to act in a prudent and predictable manner.
We have said repeatedly that we believe the NAT model is working to the benefit of our shareholders. By this we mean that we are maximizing total return. While returns have been down in the recent weak spot tanker market, we have managed to keep the total return of about 18% on an annualized basis since the company was launched in 1997. This number reflects the efforts we have made to generate superior returns through our commercial strategy and sound financial management. We focus on low general and administrative costs as well as vessel operating costs. Our timing of vessel acquisitions has allowed us to grow accretively. The vessel count has grown faster than the share count, which is very important.
During the fourth quarter of 2010 our operating fleet stood at 15 vessels. By the end of October this year, when our two newbuildings from Samsung have been delivered, we shall have 19 vessels in operation. Both newbuildings are fully financed.
Based on our business model, fleet growth and strong balance sheet, we encourage investors who wish to be in the tanker industry and are seeking stocks that pay dividends to consider Nordic American. We shall stay the course -- no matter what the market environment. Nordic American has a significant upside and limited downside.
I remain optimistic about the future of Nordic American.
Source: Nordic American Tanker Shipping Co.