US Coal producer cuts shipment through Westshore Terminals
Cloud Peak Energy entered into an amended agreement with Westshore Terminals to eliminate both parties volume obligations for the period 2016 through 2018 in exchange for a series of payments. — Photo courtesy Westshore Terminals
Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD), one of the largest U.S. coal producers and the only pure-play Powder River Basin (“PRB”) coal company, today announced that Cloud Peak Energy Logistics LLC entered into an amended throughput agreement with Westshore Terminals Limited Partnership (TMX: WTE) to eliminate both parties’ volume obligations for the period 2016 through 2018 in exchange for a series of payments.
Under the amended agreement, Cloud Peak Energy made an upfront payment to Westshore and will make quarterly payments from 2016 through 2018 in lieu of the previous take-or-pay commitments during this three-year period. If this amendment were in effect as of September 30, 2015, our outstanding undiscounted port take-or-pay commitments at that time would have been approximately $454 million through the remaining term of the agreement if we do not ship any export tons. Except as amended, the original throughput agreement remains in place through the end of 2024.
The parties will meet on a quarterly basis during the next several years to discuss market conditions and any potential shipments and the terms for any shipments. If export shipments do not occur, it is expected that Spring Creek Mine production volumes will be reduced accordingly.
“Westshore is a critical part of our effort to build a viable long-term Asian export business. We value our strong relationship with Westshore and appreciate their willingness to work with us in recognition of extremely depressed international prices. We believe in the long-term opportunity for Asian exports of Powder River Basin coal as oversupplies of seaborne thermal coal are rationalized. We are also engaged in active discussions with the BNSF regarding potential modifications to our rail take-or-pay commitments for our Asian export business. We are hopeful we can reach a mutually acceptable agreement with the BNSF and will provide an update on the outcome of those discussions as appropriate,” said Colin Marshall, Cloud Peak Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
About Cloud Peak Energy®
Cloud Peak Energy Inc. (NYSE:CLD) is headquartered in Wyoming and is one of the largest U.S. coal producers and the only pure-play Powder River Basin coal company. As one of the safest coal producers in the nation, Cloud Peak Energy mines low sulfur, subbituminous coal and provides logistics supply services. The Company owns and operates three surface coal mines in the PRB, the lowest cost major coal producing region in the nation. The Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines are located in Wyoming and the Spring Creek Mine is located in Montana. In 2014, Cloud Peak Energy shipped approximately 86 million tons from its three mines to customers located throughout the U.S. and around the world. Cloud Peak Energy also owns rights to substantial undeveloped coal and complimentary surface assets in the Northern PRB, further building the Company’s long-term position to serve Asian export and domestic customers. With approximately 1,600 total employees, the Company is widely recognized for its exemplary performance in its safety and environmental programs. Cloud Peak Energy is a sustainable fuel supplier for approximately four percent of the nation’s electricity.
Source: Business Wire
