Genting HK suspends payments to creditors, sparking 33% drop in share price

Genting cited COVID-19’s impact on its operations  — which include Dream Cruises, Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises — for the cash crunch, in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange Wednesday night.

‘The Group has undertaken a number of cost reduction and cash conservation measures to mitigate the effects of the resultant loss of revenues from its operations,’ the statement said.

The company owed a total of $3.4bn as of July 31.

Bank fees due on newbuilds

On August 17, Dream Global One Ltd and Dream Global Two Ltd (subsidiaries of Genting HK) were required to pay bank fees amounting to  €3.7m in connection with the financing of the construction of ‘certain ships’, said the company statement. Those fees were not paid.

Earlier this month Genting warned of a year delay in deliveries of Crystal Endeavor and Global Dream both under construction at own yards MV Werften and severely  restricted  operations  and  revenue  generation at  entertainment and leisure businesses Resorts World Manila and Zouk, Singapore.

Taiwan cruises

In late July, Dream Cruises did return to service with Explorer Dream on short sailings from Taiwan for the local market.

Planned restructure

Genting HK said it will use its available funds to maintain critical services for the company’s operations and asked creditors to form a steering committee to evaluate a planned restructuring proposal.

Analysts in Asia were suggesting Genting may look to sell assets, or possibly liquidate the entire company.