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Filed Pursuant to Rule No. 424(b)(5)
Registration No. 333-214241

The information in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus are not an offer to sell the securities described herein and are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED OCTOBER 24, 2017

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To Prospectus dated October 26, 2016)

LOGO

Golar LNG Partners LP

          % Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
(Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Unit)



We are offering                   of our          % Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units, liquidation preference $25.00 per unit ("Series A Preferred Units").

Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units are cumulative from the date of original issue and will be payable quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of February, May, August and November of each year, when, as and if declared by our board of directors. The initial distribution on the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be payable on February 15, 2018 in an amount equal to $               per unit. Distributions will be payable out of amounts legally available therefor at an initial rate equal to          % per annum of the stated liquidation preference.

At any time on or after                   , 2022, the Series A Preferred Units may be redeemed at our option, in whole or in part, out of amounts legally available therefor, at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of redemption, whether or not declared.

We intend to apply to have the Series A Preferred Units listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "GMLPP". If the application is approved, we expect trading of the Series A Preferred Units on the Nasdaq Global Market to begin within 30 days after their original issue date. Currently, there is no public market for the Series A Preferred Units.



Investing in our Series A Preferred Units involves a high degree of risk. Our Series A Preferred Units have not been rated and are subject to the risks associated with unrated securities. Please read "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-19 of this prospectus supplement and on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the accompanying base prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.



 
 
Per Series A
Preferred
Unit
 
Total

Public offering price

  $                          $                       

Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)

  $                          $                       

Proceeds to Golar LNG Partners LP (before expenses)

  $                          $                       

(1)
See "Underwriting" for additional information regarding the total underwriting compensation.



We have granted the underwriters an option for a period of 30 days to purchase up to an additional                  Series A Preferred Units solely to cover over-allotments, if any. If the underwriters exercise the option in full, the total underwriting discount will be $              and the total proceeds to us before expenses will be $              .

The underwriters expect to deliver the Series A Preferred Units on or about                  , 2017.



Joint Bookrunners

MORGAN STANLEY

  BofA Merrill Lynch

   

                  , 2017


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ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

        This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering of Series A Preferred Units. The second part is the accompanying base prospectus, which gives more general information, some of which may not apply to this offering of Series A Preferred Units. Generally, when we refer to the "prospectus," we refer to both parts combined. If information varies between this prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus, you should rely on the information in this prospectus supplement.

        Any statement made in this prospectus or in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus will be deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a statement contained in this prospectus supplement or in any other subsequently filed document that is also incorporated by reference into this prospectus modifies or supersedes that statement. Any statement so modified or superseded will not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this prospectus.

        You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any "free writing prospectus" we may authorize to be delivered to you. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with additional, different or inconsistent information. If anyone provides you with additional, different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus or any "free writing prospectus" we may authorize to be delivered to you, as well as the information we previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), that is incorporated by reference herein, is accurate as of any date other than its respective date. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since such dates.

        We are offering to sell the Series A Preferred Units, and are seeking offers to buy the Series A Preferred Units, only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. The distribution of this prospectus and the offering of the Series A Preferred Units in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons outside the United States who come into possession of this prospectus must inform themselves about and observe any restrictions relating to the offering of the Series A Preferred Units and the distribution of this prospectus outside the United States. This prospectus does not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.


ALTERNATIVE SETTLEMENT DATE

        It is expected that delivery of the Series A Preferred Units will be made on or about the closing date specified on the cover page of this prospectus, which will be the fifth business day following the date of pricing of the Series A Preferred Units (this settlement cycle being referred to as "T+5"). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days, unless the parties to a trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Series A Preferred Units on the initial pricing date of the Series A Preferred Units or the next two succeeding business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Series A Preferred Units initially will settle in T+5, to specify alternative settlement arrangements at the time of any such trade to prevent a failed settlement and should consult their own advisor.

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Prospectus Supplement

 

Where You Can Find More Information

   
S-1
 

Incorporation of Documents by Reference

    S-1  

Forward-Looking Statements

    S-3  

Summary

    S-5  

Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data

    S-15  

Risk Factors

    S-19  

Use of Proceeds

    S-27  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and to Fixed Charges and Preferred Unit Distributions

    S-28  

Capitalization

    S-29  

Description of the Series A Preferred Units

    S-30  

The Partnership Agreement

    S-37  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

    S-59  

Non-United States Tax Considerations

    S-66  

Taxation of the Partnership

    S-68  

Underwriting

    S-72  

Legal Matters

    S-75  

Experts

    S-75  

Expenses

    S-75  

Prospectus

 

About This Prospectus

   
1
 

Where You Can Find More Information

    2  

Forward-Looking Statements

    4  

About Golar LNG Partners LP

    6  

Risk Factors

    7  

Use of Proceeds

    8  

Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

    9  

Description of the Common Units

    10  

Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on Distributions

    15  

Description of the Other Classes of Units

    25  

Description of the Options

    26  

Description of the Warrants

    27  

Description of the Rights

    29  

Description of the Debt Securities

    30  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

    39  

Non-United States Tax Considerations

    46  

Plan of Distribution

    47  

Selling Unitholders

    48  

Service of Process and Enforcement of Civil Liabilities

    49  

Legal Matters

    50  

Experts

    50  

Expenses

    50  

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form F-3 regarding the securities covered by this prospectus. This prospectus does not contain all of the information found in such registration statement. For further information regarding us and the securities offered in this prospectus, you may wish to review the full registration statement, including its exhibits. In addition, we file annual and other reports with, and furnish information to, the SEC. You may inspect and copy any document we file with, or furnish to, the SEC at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Copies of this material can also be obtained upon written request from the Public Reference Section of the SEC at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates or from the SEC's website on the Internet at www.sec.gov free of charge. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on public reference rooms. You can also obtain information about us at the offices of the Nasdaq Global Market at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York, New York 10016.

        As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), from, among other things, certain rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal unitholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K. However, we intend to make available quarterly reports containing our unaudited interim financial information for the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year.


INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" information that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Information that we later provide to the SEC, and which is deemed to be "filed" with the SEC and incorporated into this prospectus, automatically will update information previously filed with the SEC, and may replace information in this prospectus.

        We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below:

        These reports contain important information about us, our financial condition and our results of operations.

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        You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus from the SEC through its public reference facilities or its website at the addresses provided above. You also may request a copy of any document incorporated by reference into this prospectus (excluding any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is specifically incorporated by reference into this document), at no cost by visiting our internet website at www.golarlngpartners.com. You may also make requests for such documents at no cost by writing or calling us at the following address:

Golar LNG Partners LP
Attn: Investor Relations
2nd Floor, S.E. Pearman Building
9 Par-la-Ville Road
Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda
+1 (441) 295-4705

        The information contained in our website, or any other website, is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        All of the statements included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus that are not statements of historical fact are "forward-looking" statements. These forward-looking statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "project," "forecast," "will," "may," "potential," "should," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus and the documents that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Factors that might cause future results and outcomes to differ include, but are not limited to, the following:

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        We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the impact of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

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SUMMARY

        The following summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein, and does not contain all the information you will need in making your investment decision. You should carefully read this entire prospectus supplement, the accompanying base prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference herein.

        References in this prospectus to "Golar LNG Partners LP," "Golar LNG Partners," "we," "our," "us" or similar terms refer to Golar LNG Partners LP or one or more of its subsidiaries, or to all of such entities. References in this prospectus to "our general partner" refer to Golar GP LLC, the general partner of Golar LNG Partners LP. References in this prospectus to "Golar" refer, depending on the context, to Golar LNG Limited (NasdaqGS: GLNG) and to any one or more of its direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Golar Management Limited. References to "Golar Power" refer to Golar Power Limited, a joint venture between Golar and Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners. References to "OneLNG" refer to OneLNG S.A., a joint venture between Golar and Schlumberger B.V. Unless otherwise indicated, references in this prospectus to "unitholders" refer to common unitholders and Series A Preferred unitholders and references to "units" refer to common units and Series A Preferred Units.


Overview

        We are a growth-oriented limited partnership that was formed by Golar to own and operate floating storage and regasification units ("FSRUs") and liquefied natural gas ("LNG") carriers under long-term charters. The contracted vessels in our fleet are chartered to a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("Shell"), PT Pertamina (PERSERO) ("Pertamina"), Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. ("Petrobras"), Dubai Supply Authority ("DUSUP"), PT Nusantara Regas ("Nusantara Regas"), Eni S.p.A. ("Eni"), Kuwait National Petroleum Company ("KNPC"), the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan ("Jordan") and a major international oil and gas company under charters that, as of September 30, 2017, had an average remaining term of approximately 3.5 years. We intend to leverage the relationships, expertise and reputation of Golar, a leading independent owner and operator of FSRUs and LNG carriers, to pursue potential growth opportunities and to attract and retain high quality, creditworthy customers. Golar intends to continue to utilize us as its primary growth vehicle to pursue development of LNG-midstream-related projects that generate long-term, stable cash flows. Golar owns our 2.0% general partner interest, all of our incentive distribution rights and 30.1% of our common units.


Our Fleet

        Our current fleet consists of:

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Recent Developments

        On August 15, 2017, Golar Partners Operating LLC, our wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a purchase and sale agreement (the "Hilli Purchase Agreement") for the acquisition (the "Hilli Acquisition") from Golar and affiliates of Keppel Shipyard Limited ("Keppel") and Black and Veatch ("B&V") of common units in Golar Hilli LLC (the "Acquired Interests"), which will, on the closing date of the Hilli Acquisition, indirectly own the Hilli. The Acquired Interests represent the equivalent of 50% of the two liquefaction trains, out of a total of four, that will be contracted to Perenco Cameroon ("Perenco"), Societe Nationale de Hydrocarbures ("SNH") and the Republic of Cameroon (together with Perenco and SNH, the "Customer") under an eight-year binding term sheet for liquefaction tolling services. The purchase price for the Acquired Interests is $658 million less net lease obligations under the financing facility for the Hilli (the "Hilli Facility"), which are expected to be between $468 million and $480 million. Concurrently with the execution of the Hilli Purchase Agreement, we paid a $70 million deposit to Golar, upon which we will receive interest at a rate of 5% per annum.

        The closing of the Hilli Acquisition is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions which include, among others, the execution and delivery of a fully-termed liquefaction tolling agreement (the "Liquefaction Tolling Agreement") by the parties thereto, receiving the consent of the lenders under the Hilli Facility, the delivery to and acceptance by the Customer of the Hilli, the commencement of commercial operations under the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement and the formation of Golar Hilli LLC and the related Pre-Closing Contributions as described further below. In addition, in connection with the closing, we expect to provide a several guarantee of 50% of the indebtedness of Golar Hilli Corporation, the entity that owns the Hilli ("Golar Hilli Corp"), under the Hilli Facility.

        Prior to the closing of the Hilli Acquisition, Golar, Keppel and B&V will contribute their equity interests in Hilli Corp to the newly formed Golar Hilli LLC (the "Pre-Closing Contributions") in return for equity interests in Golar Hilli LLC. Membership interests in Golar Hilli LLC will be represented by three classes of units: Common Units ("Hilli Common Units"); Series A Special Units ("Series A Units"); and Series B Special Units ("Series B Units").

        The operating agreement of Golar Hilli LLC, which is expected to be entered into effective as of the closing of the Hilli Acquisition, will provide that within 60 days after the end of each quarter, Golar, in its capacity as the managing member of Golar Hilli LLC shall determine the amount of Golar Hilli LLC's available cash and appropriate reserves (including cash reserves for future maintenance capital expenditures, working capital and other matters), and Golar Hilli LLC shall make a distribution to the members of Golar Hilli LLC (the "Members") of the available cash, subject to such reserves. Golar Hilli LLC shall make distributions to the Members when, as and if declared by Golar; provided, however, that no distributions may be made on the Hilli Common Units on any distribution date unless (i) Series A Distributions (defined below) for the most recently ended quarter and any accumulated Series A Distributions in arrears for any past quarter have been or contemporaneously are being paid or provided

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for and (ii) Series B Distributions (defined below) for the most recently ended quarter and any accumulated Series B Distributions in arrears for any past quarter have been or contemporaneously are being paid or provided for.

        The Series A Units shall be entitled to receive the "Series A Distributions," which means, with respect to any quarter, 100% of any Incremental Perenco Revenues received by Hilli Corp during such quarter. "Incremental Perenco Revenues" generally means:

        Series B Units shall be entitled to receive the "Series B Distributions," which means, with respect to any quarter, an amount equal to 95% of Revenues Less Expenses received by Hilli Corp during such quarter. "Revenues Less Expenses" generally means:

        Upon the closing of the Hilli Acquisition, which is expected to occur on or before April 30, 2018, Golar, Keppel and B&V will sell 50% of the Hilli Common Units to us in return for the payment by us of the net purchase price of between approximately $178 and $190 million. We will apply the $107 million Deferred Purchase Price (defined below) receivable from Golar in connection with the Tundra Put Sale (as described below) and the $70 million deposit referred to above against the net purchase price and will pay the balance with cash on hand.

        Our board of directors (our "Board") and the conflicts committee of our Board (the "Conflicts Committee") have approved the Hilli Acquisition and the purchase price. The Conflicts Committee retained a financial advisor to assist with its evaluation of the Hilli Acquisition.

        We expect that Hilli Corp will enter into the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement for the provision of FLNG tolling services to the Customer in late October or early November 2017. Under the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement, the Hilli will be scheduled to provide liquefaction services until the earlier of (i) eight years from the date the delivered Hilli is accepted by the Customer (the "Acceptance Date"), or (ii) the time of receipt and processing by the Hilli of 500 billion cubic feet of feed gas. The commissioning process of testing the Hilli and preparing it for service is expected to commence in November 2017, and under the

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Liquefaction Tolling Agreement, the commercial start date to begin providing liquefaction services will be the earlier of 180 days after the scheduled commissioning start date or the Acceptance Date, as may be extended by the parties. Under the terms of the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement, the Hilli will be required to make available 1.2 million tonnes of liquefaction capacity per annum, which capacity will be spread evenly over the course of each contract year. The Customer will pay Hilli Corp a monthly tolling fee, which will fluctuate to a certain extent in relation to the price of Brent crude. Under the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement, the Customer will have an option to increase liquefaction capacity. The Liquefaction Tolling Agreement will provide certain termination rights to the Customer and Hilli Corp. The Liquefaction Tolling Agreement will provide for the payment by Hilli Corp of penalties of up to $400 million, $300 million of which is secured by a letter of credit, in the event of Hilli Corp's underperformance or non-performance, with the penalties decreasing after the second anniversary of the Acceptance Date. If the Customer elects to terminate the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement prior to the second anniversary of the Acceptance Date, the Customer will be obligated to pay Hilli Corp $400 million, with termination payments decreasing if the Liquefaction Tolling Agreement is terminated after the second anniversary of the Acceptance Date.

        In October 2017, the Hilli departed the Keppel shipyard. Having successfully reached mechanical completion, the Hilli has been moved to deep-water anchorage, where final marine commissioning was completed. On October 12, 2017, the Hilli set sail for Cameroon.

        On May 23, 2016, we acquired from Golar all of the shares of Golar Tundra Corp., the disponent owner and operator of the Golar Tundra ("Tundra Corp"). The Golar Tundra was expected to commence operations in order to serve the Ghana (Tema) LNG Project in the second quarter of 2016. However, due to delays in the Ghana (Tema) LNG Project, this did not occur, and the project has made very limited progress. In light of this, on May 30, 2017, we elected to exercise our right (the "Put Right") to require Golar to repurchase Tundra Corp at a price equal to the original purchase price we paid in our acquisition of Tundra Corp (the "Tundra Put Sale"). In connection with the exercise of the Put Right, we and Golar entered into an agreement pursuant to which we agreed to sell Tundra Corp to Golar on the date of the closing of the Tundra Put Sale (the "Put Sale Closing Date") in return for Golar's promise to pay an amount equal to approximately $107 million (the "Deferred Purchase Price") plus an additional amount equal to 5% per annum of the Deferred Purchase Price (the "Additional Amount"). The Deferred Purchase Price and the Additional Amount is due and payable by Golar on the earlier of (1) the date of the closing of the Hilli Acquisition and (2) March 31, 2018. The closing of the Tundra Put Sale occurred on October 17, 2017.

        Petrobras terminated the time charter in respect of the Golar Spirit effective as of June 23, 2017. In July 2017, we received an early termination payment from Petrobras. As we have not entered into a replacement charter, we provided additional security to the lenders under our $800 million credit facility in the form of $40 million in cash collateral on September 21, 2017.

        On October 13, 2016, we entered into an exchange agreement (the "Exchange Agreement") with Golar and our general partner pursuant to which Golar and our general partner agreed to contribute all of their rights, title and interest in the then-outstanding incentive distribution rights in exchange for the issuance of new incentive distribution rights and 61,109 general partner units to our general partner and 2,994,364 common units to Golar. Under the Exchange Agreement, we will issue an aggregate of up to 15,278 additional general partner units to our general partner and up to 748,592 additional common units to Golar if certain target distributions are met (collectively, "the Earn-Out Units"). Half of the Earn-Out

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Units will be issued following our payment of the cash distribution in respect of the quarter ended September 30, 2017. The remaining Earn-Out Units will be issued following the payment of the distribution in respect of the quarter ending September 30, 2018, provided that we have paid a distribution equal to at least $0.5775 per common unit for the quarters ending December 31, 2017, March 31, 2018, June 30, 2018 and September 30, 2018.


Competitive Strengths

        We believe that our future prospects for success are enhanced by the following aspects of our business:


Business Strategies

        Our primary business objective is to increase our cash available for distribution over time by executing the following strategies:

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Principal Executive Offices

        We are a limited partnership organized under the laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands. Our registered and principal executive offices are located at 2nd Floor, S.E. Pearman Building, 9 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda, and our phone number is +1 (441) 295-4705. We are registered in Bermuda as an "overseas partnership" pursuant to the Bermuda Overseas Partnership Act. The purpose of this registration is to permit us to maintain our principal office in, and to be administered from, Bermuda.

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The Offering

Issuer

  Golar LNG Partners LP

Securities Offered

 

            of our      % Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units, liquidation preference $25.00 per unit, plus up to an additional            Series A Preferred Units if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional units.

 

For a detailed description of the Series A Preferred Units, please read "Description of the Series A Preferred Units."

Price per Unit

 

$            

Conversion; Exchange and Preemptive Rights

 

The Series A Preferred Units will not have any conversion or exchange rights or be subject to preemptive rights.

Distributions

 

Distributions on Series A Preferred Units will accrue and be cumulative from the date that the Series A Preferred Units are originally issued and will be payable on each Distribution Payment Date (as defined below) when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds for such purpose.

Distribution Payment Dates

 

February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, commencing February 15, 2018 (each, a "Distribution Payment Date"). The initial distribution on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable on February 15, 2018.

Distribution Rate

 

The distribution rate for the Series A Preferred Units will be      % per annum per $25.00 of liquidation preference per unit (equal to $      per unit).

Ranking

 

The Series A Preferred Units will represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, will not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. The Series A Preferred Units will rank:

 

senior to our common units and to each other class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units that is not expressly made senior to or on parity with the Series A Preferred Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary ("Junior Securities");

 

pari passu with any class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units with terms expressly providing that such class or series ranks on a parity with the Series A Preferred Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary ("Parity Securities");

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junior to all of our indebtedness and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us; and

 

junior to each other class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities expressly made senior to the Series A Preferred Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary ("Senior Securities").

Optional Redemption

 

At any time on or after          , 2022, we may redeem, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred Units at a redemption price of $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of redemption, whether or not declared. Any such redemption would be effected only out of funds legally available for such purpose. We must provide not less than 30 days' and not more than 60 days' written notice of any such redemption.

Voting Rights

 

Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally have no voting rights. However, if and whenever distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units are in arrears for six or more quarterly periods, whether or not consecutive, holders of Series A Preferred Units (voting together as a class with all other classes or series of Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will be entitled to replace one of the members of our board of directors appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders (unless the holders of Series A Preferred Units and Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred, voting as a class, have previously elected a member of our board of directors, and such director continues then to serve on the board of directors). Distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units will be considered to be in arrears for any quarterly period for which full cumulative distributions through the most recent distribution payment date have not been paid on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units. The right of such holders of Series A Preferred Units to elect a member of our board of directors will continue until such time as all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Series A Preferred Units have been paid in full.

 

Unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a single class, our board of directors may not adopt any amendment to our partnership agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units.

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In addition, unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, we may not (i) issue any Parity Securities if the cumulative distributions on Series A Preferred Units are in arrears or (ii) create or issue any Senior Securities. Please read "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights" for further information.

Fixed Liquidation Preference

 

In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have the right to receive the liquidation preference of $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of payment, whether or not declared, before any payments are made to holders of our common units, or any other Junior Securities. Neither the sale of all or substantially all of our property or businesses, nor a consolidation or merger of us with or into any other entity, individually or in a series of transactions, will be deemed to be a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs.

Sinking Fund

 

The Series A Preferred Units will not be subject to any sinking fund requirements.

No Fiduciary Duties

 

We, our general partner and our officers and directors will not owe any fiduciary duties to holders of the Series A Preferred Units other than a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing pursuant to our partnership agreement.

Use of Proceeds

 

We expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $        million from the sale of Series A Preferred Units in this offering (or approximately $      million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional units), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering of Series A Preferred Units for general partnership purposes, which may include, among other things, repaying indebtedness and funding working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions.

Ratings

 

The Series A Preferred Units will not be rated by any Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization.

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Listing

 

We intend to file an application to list the Series A Preferred Units on Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "GMLPP". If the application is approved, trading of the Series A Preferred Units is expected to begin within 30 days after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Units prior to commencement of any trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. However, the underwriters will have no obligation to do so, and no assurance can be given that a market for the Series A Preferred Units will develop prior to commencement of trading on the Nasdaq Global Market or, if developed, will be maintained.

U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

Although we are organized as a partnership, we have elected to be taxed as a corporation solely for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For such purposes, we believe that all or a portion of the distributions you would receive from us with respect to your Series A Preferred Units would constitute dividends. If you are an individual citizen or resident of the United States or a U.S. estate or trust and meet certain holding period requirements, such dividends would be expected to be treated as "qualified dividend income" that is taxable at preferential capital gain tax rates. Any portion of your distribution that is not treated as a dividend will be treated first as a non-taxable return of capital to the extent of your tax basis in your Series A Preferred Units and, thereafter, as capital gain. In addition, there are other tax matters you should consider before investing in the Series A Preferred Units, including our tax status as a non-U.S. issuer. Please read "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations," "Non-United States Tax Considerations," "Taxation of the Partnership" and "Risk Factors—Tax Risks."

Form

 

The Series A Preferred Units will be issued and maintained in book-entry form registered in the name of the nominee of The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, except under limited circumstances.

Settlement

 

Delivery of the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be made against payment therefor on or about                , 2017.

Risk Factors

 

An investment in our Series A Preferred Units involves risks. You should consider carefully the factors set forth in the section of this prospectus supplement entitled "Risk Factors" beginning on page S-19 and on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus, as well as the risk factors beginning on page 4 in our 2016 Annual Report incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any risk factors set forth in our report on Form 6-K for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and any risks detailed in the other reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and information included in any applicable free writing prospectus, to determine whether an investment in our Series A Preferred Units is appropriate for you.

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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

        The summary historical financial and operating data of Golar LNG Partners LP presented as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes related thereto contained in our 2016 Annual Report and incorporated by reference into this prospectus. The summary historical financial and operating data of Golar LNG Partners LP presented as of June 30, 2017 and for the six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes related thereto contained in our report on Form 6-K for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017 filed on September 13, 2017 and incorporated by reference into this prospectus.

        In March 2014 and January 2015, we acquired from Golar 100% interests in the subsidiaries that own and operate the FSRUs, the Golar Igloo and the Golar Eskimo, respectively. Accordingly, the results of operations of the Golar Igloo and the Golar Eskimo are consolidated into our results from the respective dates of their acquisition. There has been no retroactive restatement of our financial statements to reflect the historical results of the Golar Igloo and the Golar Eskimo prior to their acquisitions. The results of operations of the Golar Tundra, which we have sold back to Golar, are not reflected in our financial statements or in the table below.

        The following financial information should be read in conjunction with our historical financial statements, including the accompanying notes, incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the section entitled "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" in our 2016 Annual Report and the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of

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Operations" in our report on Form 6-K for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2017, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

 
  Year Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2016   2015   2014   2017   2016  
 
   
   
   
  (unaudited)
 
 
  (in thousands except for unit, fleet and other financial data)
 

Statement of Operations Data:

                               

Total operating revenues

  $ 441,598   $ 434,687   $ 396,026   $ 237,354   $ 212,817  

Vessel operating expenses(1)

    59,886     65,244     59,191     35,696     33,066  

Voyage and commission expenses(2)

    5,974     7,724     6,048     3,622     3,248  

Administrative expenses

    8,600     6,643     5,757     4,820     3,627  

Depreciation and amortization

    100,468     99,256     80,574     50,898     49,908  

Total operating expenses

    174,928     178,867     151,570     95,036     89,849  

Operating income

    266,670     255,820     244,456     142,318     122,968  

Other non-operating income

    1,318                  

Net financial expenses

    (65,388 )   (77,468 )   (64,768 )   (49,096 )   (62,425 )

Income before income taxes

    202,600     178,352     179,688     93,222     60,543  

Income taxes

    (16,858 )   (5,669 )   5,047     (8,143 )   (9,463 )

Net income

    185,742     172,683     184,735     85,079     51,080  

Net income attributable to non-controlling interests(3)

    (13,571 )   (10,547 )   (10,581 )   (7,697 )   (6,347 )

Net income attributable to Golar LNG Partners owners

  $ 172,171   $ 162,136   $ 174,154   $ 77,382   $ 44,733  

Earnings Per Unit

                               

Basic—Common units

  $ 2.44   $ 2.38   $ 2.47   $ 1.12   $ 0.87  

Diluted—Common units

  $ 2.43   $ 2.38   $ 2.47   $ 1.10   $ 0.87  

Cash distributions declared and paid per unit

  $ 2.31   $ 2.30   $ 2.14   $ 1.16   $ 1.16  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period):

                               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 65,710   $ 40,686         $ 301,486        

Restricted cash(4)

    44,927     56,714           16,845        

Long-term restricted cash(4)

    117,488     136,559           121,206        

Vessels and equipment, net

    1,652,710     1,730,676           1,620,080        

Vessels under capital lease, net

    111,186     116,727           108,443        

Total assets

    2,252,708     2,231,662           2,415,927        

Current portion of long-term debt

    78,101     118,693           115,758        

Current portion of obligations under capital leases

    787               1,081        

Long-term debt

    1,296,609     1,212,419           1,339,098        

Long-term obligations under capital leases

    116,964     143,112           122,853        

Partner's capital

    541,506     539,475           659,219        

Number of units issued and outstanding:

                               

Common units

    64,073,291     45,167,096           69,248,291        

Subordinated units

        15,949,831                  

Cash Flow Data:

                               

Net cash provided by operating activities

  $ 261,232   $ 212,230   $ 276,980   $ 162,998   $ 122,181  

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

    (107,247 )   734     (167,755 )       (107,247 )

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (128,961 )   (271,276 )   (113,327 )   72,778     5,576  

Fleet Data:

                               

Number of vessels at end of period(5)

    10     10     9     10     10  

Average number of vessels during period(5)

    10     10     9     10     10  

Average age of vessels

    18     17     18     19     18  

Total calendar days for fleet

    3,660     3,631     3,199     1,810     1,820  

Total operating days for fleet(6)

    3,572     3,518     3,196     1,687     1,735  

Other Financial Data:

                               

Average daily time charter equivalent earnings (TCE)(7)

  $ 119,874   $ 120,373   $ 121,906   $ 135,300   $ 116,800  

Average daily vessel operating expenses(8)

  $ 16,362   $ 17,969   $ 18,502   $ 19,722   $ 18,168  

(1)
Vessel operating expenses are the direct costs associated with operating a vessel, including crew wages, vessel supplies, routine repairs, maintenance, insurance, lubricating oils, and management fees.

(2)
The vessels in our contracted fleet have been operated under time charters during the period presented. Under a time charter, the charterer pays substantially all of the vessel operating expense, which are primarily fuel and port expenses.

(3)
Non-controlling interest refers to a 40% interest in the Golar Mazo owned by Chinese Petroleum Corporation. In addition, since our entry into a sale and leaseback arrangement with a wholly owned subsidiary (or "Eskimo SPV") of China Merchants

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    Bank Leasing (or "CMBL") in November 2015 relating to the Golar Eskimo, we have consolidated Eskimo SPV into our results. Thus, the equity attributable to CMBL is included in our non-controlling interest.

(4)
Restricted cash consist of bank deposits which i) may only be used to settle certain pre-arranged loans, facilities or lease payments; ii) are held as cash collateral for decline in fair values of certain swaps; iii) represent cash held by our lessor variable interest entity ("VIE"); and iv) are made in accordance with our contractual obligations under bid or performance guarantees for projects we may enter into.

(5)
In each of the periods presented, we held (or are deemed to have held) a 60% ownership interest in the Golar Mazo and a 100% interest in the other vessels (excluding the Golar Tundra).

(6)
The operating days for our fleet is the total number of days in a given period that the vessels were in our possession less the total number of days off-hire. We define days off-hire as days lost to, among other things, operational deficiencies, drydocking for repairs, maintenance or inspection, equipment breakdowns, special surveys and vessel upgrades, delays due to accidents, crewing strikes, certain vessel detentions or similar problems, or our failure to maintain the vessel in compliance with its specifications and contractual standards or to provide the required crew, or during periods of commercial waiting time during which we do not earn charter hire.

(7)
Please read "Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measures" below.

(8)
We calculate average daily vessel operating expenses by dividing vessel operating expenses by the number of calendar days.

Non-U.S. GAAP Financial Measure

        TCE.    It is standard industry practice to measure the revenue performance of a vessel in terms of average daily TCE. For time charters, this is calculated by dividing total operating revenue less voyage expenses by the number of calendar days minus days for scheduled off-hire. Where we are paid a fee to position or reposition a vessel before or after a time charter, this additional revenue, less voyage expenses, is included in the calculation of net time charter revenues. TCE rate is a standard shipping industry performance measure used primarily to compare period-to-period changes in a company's performance despite changes in the mix of charter types (i.e., spot charters, time charters and bareboat charters) under which the vessels may be employed between the periods. We include average daily TCE rate, a non-U.S. GAAP measure, as we believe it provides additional meaningful information in conjunction with total operating revenues, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, because it assists our management in making decisions regarding the deployment and use of our vessels and in evaluating their financial performance. Our calculation of TCE rate may not be comparable to that reported by other companies. The following table reconciles our total operating revenues to average daily TCE.

 
  Year Ended December 31,   Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
 
  2016   2015   2014   2017   2016  
 
   
   
   
  (unaudited)
 
 
  (dollars in thousands except for Average daily TCE)
 

Total operating revenues

  $ 441,598   $ 434,687   $ 396,026   $ 237,354   $ 212,817  

Voyage and commission expenses

    (5,974 )   (7,724 )   (6,048 )   (3,622 )   (3,248 )

  $ 435,624   $ 426,963   $ 389,978   $ 233,732   $ 209,569  

Calendar days less scheduled off-hire days(1)

    3,634     3,547     3,199     1,728     1,794  

Average daily TCE (in $)

  $ 119,874   $ 120,373   $ 121,906   $ 135,300   $ 116,800  

(1)
Scheduled off-hire days includes days when vessels are in lay-up or undergoing dry dock.

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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and to Fixed Charges and Preferred Unit Distributions

        The following table sets forth the historical ratio of our consolidated earnings to our consolidated fixed charges and the ratio of our consolidated earnings to our consolidated fixed charges and preferred unit distributions for the periods indicated.

 
  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2017
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2016   2015   2014   2013   2012  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

    3.25x     3.71x     3.40x     3.98x     3.80x     3.83x  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit distributions(1)(2)

    3.25x     3.71x     3.40x     3.98x     3.80x     3.83x  

(1)
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges:

"fixed charges" means the sum of the following: (a) interest expensed and capitalized and (b) amortized capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; and

"earnings" means the amount resulting from adding (a) pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustment for non-controlling interests; (b) fixed charges; and (c) amortization of capitalized interest; and from subtracting (i) interest capitalized; and (ii) the non-controlling interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges.

(2)
"Preferred unit distributions" represents the amount of pre-tax income that is required to pay the cash distributions on outstanding preferred units and is computed as the amount of (x) the distribution divided by (y) the result of one minus the effective income tax rate applicable to continuing operations. We did not have any preferred units outstanding during any of the periods covered in the table. Accordingly, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit distributions is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

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RISK FACTORS

        Before investing in our Series A Preferred Units, you should carefully consider all of the information included in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus. Although many of our business risks are comparable to those of a corporation engaged in a similar business, limited partner interests are inherently different from the capital stock of a corporation. When evaluating an investment in our Series A Preferred Units, you should carefully consider the discussion of risk factors set forth below and on page 7 of the accompanying base prospectus, as well as the risk factors beginning on page 4 in our 2016 Annual Report incorporated by reference into this prospectus, any risk factors set forth in our report on Form 6-K for the quarter ended June 30, 2017 and any risks detailed in the other reports that we file with the SEC that are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and information included in any applicable free writing prospectus.

        If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or operating results could be materially adversely affected. In that case, our ability to pay distributions on our Series A Preferred Units may be reduced, the trading price of our Series A Preferred Units could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to the Series A Preferred Units

The Series A Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests.

        The Series A Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, will not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As a result, holders of the Series A Preferred Units may be required to bear the financial risks of an investment in the Series A Preferred Units for an indefinite period of time. In addition, the Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to all our indebtedness and other liabilities, and any other Senior Securities we may issue in the future with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us.

The Series A Preferred Units have not been rated.

        We have not sought to obtain a rating for the Series A Preferred Units, and the units may never be rated. It is possible, however, that one or more rating agencies might independently determine to assign a rating to the Series A Preferred Units or that we may elect to obtain a rating of our Series A Preferred Units in the future. In addition, we may elect to issue other securities for which we may seek to obtain a rating. If any ratings are assigned to the Series A Preferred Units in the future or if we issue other securities with a rating, such ratings, if they are lower than market expectations or are subsequently lowered or withdrawn, could adversely affect the market for or the market value of the Series A Preferred Units. Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold any particular security, including the Series A Preferred Units. Ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and any future rating of the Series A Preferred Units may not reflect all risks related to us and our business, or the structure or market value of the Series A Preferred Units.

We may not have sufficient cash from operations following the establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses to enable us to pay distributions on the Series A Preferred Units.

        We may not have sufficient cash from operations to pay distributions on the Series A Preferred Units. The amount of cash we can distribute on our units principally depends upon the amount of cash we generate from our operations, which may fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the risks described in this section, including, among other things:

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        In addition, the actual amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders will depend on other factors, including:

        The amount of cash we generate from our operations may differ materially from our profit or loss for the period, which will be affected by non-cash items. As a result of this and the other factors mentioned above, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income.

We distribute all of our available cash to our limited partners and are not required to accumulate cash for the purpose of meeting our future obligations to holders of the Series A Preferred Units, which may limit the cash available to make distributions on the Series A Preferred Units.

        Subject to the limitations in our partnership agreement, we distribute all of our available cash each quarter. "Available cash" is defined in our partnership agreement, and it generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash on hand at the end of the quarter (including our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own):

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        As a result, we do not expect to accumulate significant amounts of cash. Depending on the timing and amount of our cash distributions, these distributions could significantly reduce the cash available to us in subsequent periods to make payments on the Series A Preferred Units.

Our Series A Preferred Units are subordinated to our debt obligations, and your interests could be diluted by the issuance of additional limited partner interests, including additional Series A Preferred Units, and by other transactions.

        Our Series A Preferred Units are subordinated to all of our existing and future indebtedness. As of June 30, 2017, our total debt was $1,578.8 million (net of deferred charges of $19.3 million), of which $220.7 million related to our lessor variable interest entity ("VIE") that owns the Golar Eskimo, and we had the ability to borrow an additional $25.0 million under our revolving credit facilities. As of September 30, 2017, our total debt was $1,345.4 million (net of deferred charges of $16.1 million), excluding debt related to our lessor VIE that owns the Golar Eskimo. We may incur additional debt under these or future credit facilities. The payment of principal and interest on our debt reduces cash available for distribution to us and on our limited partner interests, including the Series A Preferred Units.

        The issuance of additional limited partner interests on a parity with or senior to our Series A Preferred Units would dilute the interests of the holders of our Series A Preferred Units, and any issuance of Senior Securities or Parity Securities or additional indebtedness could affect our ability to pay distributions on, redeem or pay the liquidation preference on our Series A Preferred Units. No provisions relating to our Series A Preferred Units protect the holders of our Series A Preferred Units in the event of a highly leveraged or other transaction, including a merger or the sale, lease or conveyance of all or substantially all our assets or business, which might adversely affect the holders of our Series A Preferred Units.

The Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to any Senior Securities and pari passu with any Parity Securities.

        Our Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to any Senior Securities and pari passu with any Parity Securities and any other class or series of limited partner interests or other equity securities established after the original issue date of the Series A Preferred Units that is not expressly subordinated or senior to the Series A Preferred Units as to the payment of distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, whether voluntary or involuntary. If less than all distributions payable with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made pro rata with respect to Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate amounts remaining due in respect of such units at such time.

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The Series A Preferred Units are redeemable at our option.

        We may, at our option, redeem all or, from time to time, part of the Series A Preferred Units on or after              , 2022. If we redeem your Series A Preferred Units, you will be entitled to receive a redemption price equal to $25.00 per unit plus accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption. It is likely that we may choose to exercise our optional redemption right when prevailing interest rates have declined, which would adversely affect your ability to reinvest your proceeds from the redemption in a comparable investment with an equal or greater yield to the yield on the Series A Preferred Units had such units not been redeemed. We may elect to exercise our partial redemption right on multiple occasions.

As a holder of Series A Preferred Units you have extremely limited voting rights.

        Your voting rights as a holder of Series A Preferred Units will be extremely limited. Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally have no voting rights. However, in the event that six quarterly distributions, whether consecutive or not, payable on Series A Preferred Units or any other Parity Securities are in arrears, the holders of Series A Preferred Units will have the right, voting together as a class with all other classes or series of Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to replace one of the members of our board of directors appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders (unless the holders of Series A Preferred Units and Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred, voting as a class, have previously elected a member of our board of directors, and such director continues then to serve on the board of directors). The right of such holders of Series A Preferred Units to elect a member of our board of directors will continue until such time as all accumulated and unpaid distributions on the Series A Preferred Units have been paid in full. Certain other limited voting rights are described in this prospectus under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."

The Series A Preferred Units are a new issuance and do not have an established trading market, which may negatively affect their market value and your ability to transfer or sell your units. In addition, the lack of a fixed redemption date for the Series A Preferred Units will increase your reliance on the secondary market for liquidity purposes.

        The Series A Preferred Units are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. In addition, since the securities have no stated maturity date, investors seeking liquidity will be limited to selling their units in the secondary market absent redemption by us. We intend to apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the Nasdaq Global Market, but there can be no assurance that the Nasdaq Global Market will accept the Series A Preferred Units for listing. Even if the Series A Preferred Units are approved for listing by the Nasdaq Global Market, an active trading market on the Nasdaq Global Market for the units may not develop or, even if it develops, may not last, in which case the trading price of the Series A Preferred Units could be adversely affected and your ability to transfer your units will be limited. If an active trading market does develop on the Nasdaq Global Market, our Series A Preferred Units may trade at prices lower than the offering price. The trading price of our Series A Preferred Units would depend on many factors, including:

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        We have been advised by the underwriters that they intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Units pending any listing of the Series A Preferred Units on the Nasdaq Global Market, but they are not obligated to do so and may discontinue market-making at any time without notice.

Market interest rates may adversely affect the value of our Series A Preferred Units.

        One of the factors that will influence the price of our Series A Preferred Units will be the distribution yield on the Series A Preferred Units (as a percentage of the price of our Series A Preferred Units) relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative to historical rates, may lead prospective purchasers of our Series A Preferred Units to expect a higher distribution yield. In addition, higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution. Accordingly, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our Series A Preferred Units to decrease.

Tax Risks

U.S. tax authorities could treat us as a "passive foreign investment company," which would have adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders.

        A non-U.S. entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be treated as a "passive foreign investment company" ("PFIC") for U.S. federal income tax purposes if at least 75.0% of its gross income for any taxable year consists of "passive income" or at least 50.0% of the average value of its assets produce, or are held for the production of, "passive income." For purposes of these tests, "passive income" includes dividends, interest, gains from the sale or exchange of investment property, and rents and royalties other than rents and royalties that are received from unrelated parties in connection with the active conduct of a trade or business. For purposes of these tests, income derived from the performance of services does not constitute "passive income." U.S. shareholders of a PFIC are subject to a disadvantageous U.S. federal income tax regime with respect to the income derived by the PFIC, the distributions they receive from the PFIC, and the gain, if any, they derive from the sale or other disposition of their interests in the PFIC.

        Based on our current and projected method of operation, and an opinion of our U.S. counsel, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., we believe that we were not a PFIC for any prior taxable year, and we expect that we will not be treated as a PFIC for the current or for any future taxable year. We have received an opinion of our U.S. counsel in support of this position that concludes that the income we and our subsidiaries earn from certain of our transportation, liquefaction, regasification and storage activities, including our present time-chartering activities, should not constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that more than 25.0% of our gross income for all of our previous taxable years arose, and we expect that more than 25.0% of our gross income for the current and each future year will arise, from such activities or other income our U.S. counsel has opined should not constitute passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production of such non-passive income. Assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with these expectations, and assuming the accuracy of other representations we have made to our U.S. counsel for purposes of their opinion, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC for any of our previous taxable years, the current year or any future year. This opinion is based and its accuracy is conditioned on representations, valuations and projections provided by us regarding our assets, income, charters and other commercial agreements to our U.S. counsel. While we believe these representations, valuations and projections to be accurate, the shipping market is volatile and no assurance can be given that they will continue to be accurate at any time in the future.

        Moreover, there are legal uncertainties involved in determining whether the income derived from time-chartering activities constitutes rental income or income derived from the performance of services. In

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Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009), the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ("Fifth Circuit") held that income derived from certain time-chartering activities should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a provision of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code") relating to foreign sales corporations. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of this case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time-chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. In published guidance, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") stated that it disagreed with the holding in Tidewater, and specified that time charters similar to those at issue in the case should be treated as service contracts. We have not sought, and we do not expect to seek, an IRS ruling on the treatment of income generated from our time-chartering activities. As a result, the IRS or a court could disagree with our position. No assurance can be given that this result will not occur. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid, to the extent possible, being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure unitholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in any taxable year. If the IRS were to find that we are or have been a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for subsequent taxable years), our U.S. unitholders would face adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences. Please read "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences" for a more detailed discussion of the U.S. federal income tax consequences to U.S. unitholders if we are treated as a PFIC.

We may have to pay tax on U.S. source income, which would reduce our cash flow.

        Under the Code, 50.0% of the gross transportation income of a vessel owning or chartering corporation, such as ourselves, that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States is characterized as U.S. source gross transportation income. U.S. source gross transportation income generally is subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax without allowance for deduction unless the corporation qualifies for exemption from tax under Section 883 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

        We believe that we and each of our subsidiaries engaged in transportation will qualify for the Section 883 tax exemption for the foreseeable future, and we will take this position for U.S. federal income tax return reporting purposes. However, there are factual circumstances, including some that may be beyond our control, that could cause us to lose the benefit of this tax exemption. In addition, our position that we qualify for this exemption is based upon legal authorities that do not expressly contemplate an organizational structure such as ours; specifically, although we have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are organized as a limited partnership under Marshall Islands law. Therefore, we can give no assurance that the IRS will not take a different position regarding our qualification, or the qualification of any of our subsidiaries, for the Section 883 tax exemption.

        If we or our subsidiaries are not entitled to this exemption under Section 883 for any taxable year, we or our subsidiaries generally would be subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal gross income tax on our U.S. source gross transportation income for such year. Our failure to qualify for the exemption under Section 883 could have a negative effect on our business and would result in decreased earnings available for distribution to our unitholders. The vessels in our fleet do not currently engage, and we do not expect that they will in the future engage, in transportation that begins and ends in the United States, and we do not currently anticipate providing any regasification, storage or liquefaction services within the territorial seas of the United States. If, notwithstanding this expectation, we or our subsidiaries earn income in the future from regasification, storage or liquefaction services in the United States or from transportation that begins and ends in the United States, that income would not be exempt from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code and would be subject to a 35% net income tax in the United States. Please read

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"Taxation of the Partnership—The Section 883 Exemption" for a more detailed discussion of the rules relating to qualification for the exemption under Section 883 and the consequences of failing to qualify for such an exemption.

Unitholders may be subject to income tax in one or more non-U.S. jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, as a result of owning our Series A Preferred Units if, under the laws of any such jurisdiction, we are considered to be carrying on business there. Such laws may require unitholders to file a tax return with, and pay taxes to, those jurisdictions.

        We conduct our affairs and cause or influence each of our subsidiaries to operate its business in a manner that minimizes income taxes imposed upon us and our subsidiaries and that may be imposed upon a unitholder as a result of owning our Series A Preferred Units. However, because we are organized as a partnership, there is a risk in some jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, that our activities or the activities of our subsidiaries may be attributed to our unitholders for tax purposes if, under the laws of such jurisdiction, we are considered to be carrying on business there. If a unitholder is subject to tax in any such jurisdiction, such unitholder may be required to file a tax return with, and to pay tax in, that jurisdiction based on such unitholder's allocable share of our income. We may be required to reduce distributions to a unitholders on account of any tax withholding obligations imposed upon us by that jurisdiction in respect of such allocation to such unitholder. The United States may not allow a tax credit for any foreign income taxes that a unitholder directly or indirectly incurs by virtue of an investment in us.

        We believe we can conduct our affairs in a manner that does not result in our unitholders being considered to be carrying on business in the United Kingdom solely as a consequence of the acquisition, ownership, disposition or redemption of our Series A Preferred Units. However, the question of whether either we or any of our subsidiaries will be treated as carrying on business in any jurisdiction, including the United Kingdom, will be largely a question of fact to be determined through an analysis of contractual arrangements, including the fleet management agreements that our subsidiaries have entered into with Golar Management, certain other subsidiaries of Golar and certain third-party vessel managers and the Management and Administrative Services Agreement that we have entered into with Golar Management, as well as through an analysis of the manner in which we conduct business or operations, all of which may change over time. Furthermore, the laws of the United Kingdom or any other jurisdiction may also change, which could cause that jurisdiction's taxing authorities to determine that we are carrying on business in such jurisdiction and that we or our unitholders are subject to its taxation laws. In addition to the potential for taxation of our unitholders, any additional taxes imposed on us or any of our subsidiaries will reduce our cash available for distribution.

We will be subject to taxes, which will reduce our cash available for distribution to you.

        Some of our subsidiaries will be subject to tax in the jurisdictions in which they are organized or operate, reducing the amount of cash available for distribution. In computing our tax obligation in these jurisdictions, we are required to take various tax accounting and reporting positions on matters that are not entirely free from doubt and for which we have not received rulings from the governing authorities. We cannot assure you that upon review of these positions the applicable authorities will agree with our positions. A successful challenge by a tax authority could result in additional tax imposed on our subsidiaries, further reducing the cash available for distribution. In addition, changes in our operations could result in additional tax being imposed on us, our operating company or our or its subsidiaries in jurisdictions in which operations are conducted.

A change in tax laws in any country in which we operate could adversely affect us.

        Tax laws and regulations are highly complex and subject to interpretation. Consequently, we and our subsidiaries are subject to changing tax laws, treaties and regulations in and between the countries in which we operate. Our tax expense is based on our interpretation of the tax laws in effect at the time the expense

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was incurred. A change in tax laws, treaties or regulations, or in the interpretation thereof, could result in a materially higher tax expense or a higher effective tax rate on our earnings. Such changes may include measures enacting in response to the ongoing initiatives in relation to fiscal legislation at an international level, such as the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

        We expect to receive net proceeds of approximately $             million from the sale of Series A Preferred Units we are offering (or $             million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

        We intend to use the net proceeds from this offering of Series A Preferred Units for general partnership purposes, which may include, among other things, repaying indebtedness and funding working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions.

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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED UNIT DISTRIBUTIONS

        The following table sets forth the historical ratio of our consolidated earnings to our consolidated fixed charges and the ratio of our consolidated earnings to our consolidated fixed charges and preferred unit distributions for the periods indicated.

 
   
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  Six Months Ended
June 30, 2017
 
 
  2016   2015   2014   2013   2012  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

    3.25x     3.71x     3.40x     3.98x     3.80x     3.83x  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit distributions(1)(2)

    3.25x     3.71x     3.40x     3.98x     3.80x     3.83x  

(1)
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges:

"fixed charges" means the sum of the following: (a) interest expensed and capitalized and (b) amortized capitalized expenses related to indebtedness; and

"earnings" means the amount resulting from adding (a) pre-tax income from continuing operations before adjustment for non-controlling interests; (b) fixed charges; and (c) amortization of capitalized interest; and from subtracting (i) interest capitalized; and (ii) the non-controlling interest in pre-tax income of subsidiaries that have not incurred fixed charges.

(2)
"Preferred unit distributions" represents the amount of pre-tax income that is required to pay the cash distributions on outstanding preferred units and is computed as the amount of (x) the distribution divided by (y) the result of one minus the effective income tax rate applicable to continuing operations. We did not have any preferred units outstanding during any of the periods covered in the table. Accordingly, the ratio of earnings to fixed charges and preferred unit distributions is the same as the ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

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CAPITALIZATION

        The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments and capitalization as of June 30, 2017:

        The historical data in the table is derived from, and should be read in conjunction with, our historical financial statements, including accompanying notes, incorporated by reference into this prospectus and the section entitled "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" in our 2016 Annual Report and the section entitled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Report on Form 6-K for the three and six months ended June 30, 2017, each of which is incorporated by reference herein. The results of operations of the Golar Tundra, which was sold back to Golar in October 2017, are not reflected in our financial statements or in the table set forth below.

 
  As of June 30, 2017  
 
  Actual   As Adjusted(1)  
 
  (U.S. dollars in thousands)
 

Cash and cash equivalents(2)

  $ 301,486   $    

Restricted cash(3)

    138,051     138,051  

Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

  $ 439,537   $    

Debt:

             

Short- and long-term debt, including current portion

  $ 1,454,856   $ 1,454,856  

Obligations under capital leases, including current portion

    123,934     123,934  

Total debt

  $ 1,578,790   $ 1,578,790  

Equity:

             

Total partners' capital(4)

  $ 659,219   $    

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    35     35  

Non-controlling interest

    68,673     68,673  

Total equity

  $ 727,927   $    

Total capitalization

  $ 2,306,717   $    

(1)
Assumes the underwriters' option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units is not exercised.

(2)
Does not reflect (i) the payment on August 15, 2017 of a $70 million deposit to Golar in connection with our pending acquisition of an indirect interest in the entity that owns the Hilli, (ii) the receipt in July 2017 of a termination fee in respect of the Golar Spirit following the termination of her charter in June 2017 or (iii) the provision in September 2017 of $40 million as additional cash collateral under our $800 million credit facility.

(3)
Restricted cash includes restricted cash deposits that are maintained in connection with our financial covenants in some of our loan facilities, cash collateral required for certain swaps, deposits used to obtain letters of credit to secure the obligations for our lease arrangements and collateral deposits required to secure performance guarantees issued to charterers on our behalf by banks. Does not reflect the provision in September 2017 of $40 million posted as additional cash collateral under the $800 million credit facility.

(4)
Does not reflect 374,295 common units that will be issued to Golar and 7,639 general partner units that will be issued to our general partner immediately following our payment of the cash distribution to our common unitholders in respect of the quarter ended September 30, 2017, as described in "Summary—Recent Developments—Issuance of Earn-Out Units." We will pay such cash distribution on November 14, 2017 to all common unitholders of record as of the close of business on October 30, 2017.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES A PREFERRED UNITS

        The following description of the Series A Preferred Units does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the provisions of our third amended and restated partnership agreement ("partnership agreement"), which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, and sets forth the terms of the Series A Preferred Units. A copy of the partnership agreement may be obtained from us as described under "Where You Can Find More Information."

General

        The Series A Preferred Units offered hereby are a new series of preferred units. Upon completion of this offering, there will be             Series A Preferred Units issued and outstanding (or            Series A Preferred Units issued and outstanding if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional units). We may, without notice to or consent of the holders of the then-outstanding Series A Preferred Units, authorize and issue additional Series A Preferred Units and Junior Securities (each as defined under "Summary—The Offering—Ranking") and, subject to the limitations described under "—Voting Rights," Senior Securities and Parity Securities (as defined under "Summary—The Offering—Ranking").

        The holders of our common units are entitled to receive, to the extent permitted by law, such distributions as may from time to time be declared by our board of directors. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of our common units are entitled to receive distributions of our assets, after we have satisfied or made provision for our debts and other obligations and for payment to the holders any class or series of limited partner interests (including the Series A Preferred Units) having preferential rights to receive distributions of our assets.

        The Series A Preferred Units will entitle the holders thereof to receive cumulative cash distributions when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds for such purpose. When issued and paid for in the manner described in this prospectus, the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be fully paid and nonassessable. Each Series A Preferred Unit will have a fixed liquidation preference of $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date fixed for payment, whether or not declared. Please read "—Liquidation Rights."

        The Series A Preferred Units will represent perpetual equity interests in us and, unlike our indebtedness, will not give rise to a claim for payment of a principal amount at a particular date. As such, the Series A Preferred Units will rank junior to all of our indebtedness and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us.

        All the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be represented by a single certificate issued to the Securities Depository (as defined below) and registered in the name of its nominee and, so long as a Securities Depository has been appointed and is serving, no person acquiring Series A Preferred Units will be entitled to receive a certificate representing such units unless applicable law otherwise requires or the Securities Depository resigns or is no longer eligible to act as such and a successor is not appointed. Please read "—Book-Entry System."

        The Series A Preferred Units will not be convertible into common units or other of our securities and will not have exchange rights or be entitled or subject to any preemptive or similar rights. The Series A Preferred Units will not be subject to mandatory redemption or to any sinking fund requirements. The Series A Preferred Units will be subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at our option commencing on                , 2022. Please read "—Redemption."

        We have appointed Computershare Inc. as the paying agent ("Paying Agent"), and the registrar and transfer agent ("Registrar and Transfer Agent") for the Series A Preferred Units. The address of the Paying Agent is 480 Washington Blvd, 26th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310.

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Ranking

        The Series A Preferred Units will, with respect to anticipated quarterly distributions and distributions upon the liquidation, winding-up and dissolution of our affairs, rank:

        Under the partnership agreement, we may issue Junior Securities from time to time in one or more series without the consent of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units. Our board of directors has the authority to determine the preferences, powers, qualifications, limitations, restrictions and special or relative rights or privileges, if any, of any such series before the issuance of any units of that series. Our board of directors will also determine the number of units constituting each series of securities. Our ability to issue additional Parity Securities in certain circumstances or Senior Securities is limited as described under "—Voting Rights."

Liquidation Rights

        The holders of outstanding Series A Preferred Units will be entitled, in the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs, whether voluntary or involuntary, to receive the liquidation preference of $25.00 per unit in cash plus an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date fixed for payment of such amount (whether or not declared), and no more, before any distribution will be made to the holders of our common units or any other Junior Securities. Neither the sale of all or substantially all of our property or business, nor a consolidation or merger of us with or into any other entity, individually or in a series of transactions, will be deemed a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs for this purpose. In the event that our assets available for distribution to holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities are insufficient to permit payment of all required amounts, our assets then remaining will be distributed among the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities, as applicable, ratably on the basis of their relative aggregate liquidation preferences. After payment of all required amounts to the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units and other Parity Securities, our remaining assets and funds will be distributed among the holders of the common units and any other Junior Securities then outstanding according to their respective rights.

Voting Rights

        The Series A Preferred Units will have no voting rights except as set forth below or as otherwise provided by Marshall Islands law. In the event that six quarterly distributions, whether consecutive or not, payable on the Series A Preferred Units are in arrears ("Trigger Event"), the holders of the Series A Preferred Units will have the right, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, to replace one of the members of our board of directors appointed by our general partner with a person nominated by such holders (unless the holders of Series A Preferred Units and Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred, voting as a class, have previously elected a member of our board of directors, and such director continues then to serve on the board of directors). Distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units will be considered to be in arrears for any quarterly period for which full cumulative distributions through the most recent distribution payment date have not been paid on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units. The right of such holders of Series A Preferred Units to elect a member of our board of directors will continue until such time as all distributions accumulated and in arrears on the Series A Preferred Units

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have been paid in full, or funds for the payment thereof have been declared and set aside, at which time such right will terminate, subject to revesting in the event of each and every subsequent failure to pay six quarterly distributions as described above. Upon any termination of the right of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities to vote as a class for such director, the term of office of such director then in office elected by such holders voting as a class will terminate immediately. Any director elected by the holders of the Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities shall be entitled to one vote on any matter before our board of directors.

        Unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a single class, our board of directors may not adopt any amendment to our partnership agreement that has a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units.

        In addition, unless we have received the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, we may not:

        On any matter described above in which the holders of the Series A Preferred Units are entitled to vote as a class, such holders will be entitled to one vote per outstanding Series A Preferred Unit. The Series A Preferred Units held by us or any of our subsidiaries or affiliates will not be entitled to vote.

        To preserve our ability to claim an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at any time any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, any units beneficially owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under our partnership agreement, unless otherwise required by law. This loss of voting rights also applies to the Series A Preferred Units.

        Series A Preferred Units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise.

Distributions

General

        Holders of Series A Preferred Units will be entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by our board of directors out of legally available funds for such purpose, cumulative cash distributions from                , 2017.

Distribution Rate

        Distributions on Series A Preferred Units will be cumulative, commencing on                , 2017, and payable on each Distribution Payment Date, when, as and if declared by our board of directors or any authorized committee thereof out of legally available funds for such purpose. The initial distribution on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable on February 15, 2018 in an amount equal to $            per unit. Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will accrue at a rate of        % per annum per $25.00 stated liquidation preference per Series A Preferred Unit.

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Distribution Payment Dates

        The "Distribution Payment Dates" for the Series A Preferred Units will be each February 15, May 15, August 15 and November 15, commencing February 15, 2018. Distributions will accumulate in each distribution period from and including the preceding Distribution Payment Date or the initial issue date, as the case may be, to but excluding the applicable Distribution Payment Date for such distribution period, and distributions will accrue on accumulated distributions at the applicable distribution rate. If any Distribution Payment Date otherwise would fall on a day that is not a Business Day, declared distributions will be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions. Distributions on the Series A Preferred Units will be payable based on a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. "Business Day" means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the government of the United States of America or the State of New York shall not be regarded as a Business Day.

Payment of Distributions

        Not later than the close of business, New York City time, on each Distribution Payment Date, we will pay those distributions, if any, on the Series A Preferred Units that have been declared by our board of directors to the holders of such units as such holders' names appear on our unit transfer books maintained by the Registrar and Transfer Agent on the applicable Record Date. The applicable record date ("Record Date") will be the fifth Business Day immediately preceding the applicable Distribution Payment Date, except that in the case of payments of distributions in arrears, the Record Date with respect to a Distribution Payment Date will be such date as may be designated by our board of directors in accordance with our partnership agreement, as amended.

        So long as the Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, declared distributions will be paid to the Securities Depository in same-day funds on each Distribution Payment Date. The Securities Depository will credit accounts of its participants in accordance with the Securities Depository's normal procedures. The participants will be responsible for holding or disbursing such payments to beneficial owners of the Series A Preferred Units in accordance with the instructions of such beneficial owners.

        No distribution may be declared or paid or set apart for payment on any Junior Securities (other than a distribution payable solely in units of Junior Securities) unless full cumulative distributions have been or contemporaneously are being paid or provided for on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities through the most recent respective distribution payment dates. Accumulated distributions in arrears for any past distribution period may be declared by our board of directors and paid on any date fixed by our board of directors, whether or not a Distribution Payment Date, to holders of the Series A Preferred Units on the record date for such payment, which may not be more than 60 days, nor less than 15 days, before such payment date. Subject to the next succeeding sentence, if all accumulated distributions in arrears on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities have not been declared and paid, or sufficient funds for the payment thereof have not been set apart, payment of accumulated distributions in arrears will be made in order of their respective distribution payment dates, commencing with the earliest. If less than all distributions payable with respect to all Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities are paid, any partial payment will be made pro rata with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate amounts remaining due in respect of such units at such time. Holders of the Series A Preferred Units will not be entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or units, in excess of full cumulative distributions. Except insofar as distributions accrue on the amount of any accumulated and unpaid distributions as described under "—Distributions—Distribution Rate," no interest or sum of money in lieu of interest will be payable in respect of any distribution payment which may be in arrears on the Series A Preferred Units.

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Redemption

Optional Redemption

        Commencing on                , 2022, we may redeem, at our option, in whole or in part, the Series A Preferred Units at a redemption price in cash equal to $25.00 per unit plus an amount equal to all accumulated and unpaid distributions thereon to the date of redemption, whether or not declared. Any such optional redemption shall be effected only out of funds legally available for such purpose. We may undertake multiple partial redemptions.

Redemption Procedures

        We will give notice of any redemption by mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the scheduled date of redemption, to the holders of any units to be redeemed as such holders' names appear on our unit transfer books maintained by the Registrar and Transfer Agent at the address of such holders shown therein. Such notice shall state: (1) the redemption date, (2) the number of Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed and, if less than all outstanding Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number (and the identification) of units to be redeemed from such holder, (3) the redemption price, (4) the place where the Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed and shall be presented and surrendered for payment of the redemption price therefor and (5) that distributions on the units to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such redemption date.

        If fewer than all of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number of units to be redeemed will be determined by us, and such units will be redeemed by such method of selection as the Securities Depository shall determine, pro rata or by lot, with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional units. So long as all Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, we will give notice, or cause notice to be given, to the Securities Depository of the number of Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed, and the Securities Depository will determine the number of Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed from the account of each of its participants holding such units in its participant account. Thereafter, each participant will select the number of units to be redeemed from each beneficial owner for whom it acts (including the participant, to the extent it holds Series A Preferred Units for its own account). A participant may determine to redeem Series A Preferred Units from some beneficial owners (including the participant itself) without redeeming Series A Preferred Units from the accounts of other beneficial owners.

        So long as the Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the nominee of the Securities Depository, the redemption price will be paid by the Paying Agent to the Securities Depository on the redemption date. The Securities Depository's normal procedures provide for it to distribute the amount of the redemption price in same-day funds to its participants who, in turn, are expected to distribute such funds to the persons for whom they are acting as agent.

        If we give or cause to be given a notice of redemption, then we will deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to redeem the Series A Preferred Units as to which notice has been given by the close of business, New York City time, no later than the Business Day immediately preceding the date fixed for redemption, and will give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the redemption price to the holder or holders thereof upon surrender or deemed surrender (which will occur automatically if the certificate representing such units is issued in the name of the Securities Depository or its nominee) of the certificates therefor. If notice of redemption shall have been given, then from and after the date fixed for redemption, unless we default in providing funds sufficient for such redemption at the time and place specified for payment pursuant to the notice, all distributions on such units will cease to accumulate and all rights of holders of such units as our unitholders will cease, except the right to receive the redemption price, including an amount equal to accumulated and unpaid distributions through the date fixed for redemption, whether or not declared. We will be entitled to receive from the Paying Agent the interest income, if any, earned on such funds deposited with the Paying Agent (to the extent that such

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interest income is not required to pay the redemption price of the units to be redeemed), and the holders of any units so redeemed will have no claim to any such interest income. Any funds deposited with the Paying Agent hereunder by us for any reason, including, but not limited to, redemption of Series A Preferred Units, that remain unclaimed or unpaid after two years after the applicable redemption date or other payment date, shall be, to the extent permitted by law, repaid to us upon our written request, after which repayment the holders of the Series A Preferred Units entitled to such redemption or other payment shall have recourse only to us.

        If only a portion of the Series A Preferred Units represented by a certificate has been called for redemption, upon surrender of the certificate to the Paying Agent (which will occur automatically if the certificate representing such units is registered in the name of the Securities Depository or its nominee), the Paying Agent will issue to the holder of such units a new certificate (or adjust the applicable book-entry account) representing the number of Series A Preferred Units represented by the surrendered certificate that have not been called for redemption.

        Notwithstanding any notice of redemption, there will be no redemption of any Series A Preferred Units called for redemption until funds sufficient to pay the full redemption price of such units, including all accumulated and unpaid distributions to the date of redemption, whether or not declared, have been deposited by us with the Paying Agent.

        We and our affiliates may from time to time purchase the Series A Preferred Units, subject to compliance with all applicable securities and other laws. Neither we nor any of our affiliates has any obligation, or any present plan or intention, to purchase any Series A Preferred Units.

        Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that full cumulative distributions on the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities have not been paid or declared and set apart for payment, we may not repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, in whole or in part, any Series A Preferred Units or Parity Securities except pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same terms to all holders of Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities. Common units and any other Junior Securities may not be redeemed, repurchased or otherwise acquired unless full cumulative distributions on the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities for all prior and the then-ending distribution periods have been paid or declared and set apart for payment.

No Sinking Fund

        The Series A Preferred Units will not have the benefit of any sinking fund.

No Fiduciary Duty

        We, our general partner, and our officers and directors, will not owe any fiduciary duties to holders of the Series A Preferred Units other than a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing pursuant to our partnership agreement.

Book-Entry System

        All Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be represented by a single certificate issued to The Depository Trust Company (and its successors or assigns or any other securities depository selected by us), or the Securities Depository, and registered in the name of its nominee (initially, Cede & Co.). The Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will continue to be represented by a single certificate registered in the name of the Securities Depository or its nominee, and no holder of the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby will be entitled to receive a certificate evidencing such units unless otherwise required by law or the Securities Depository gives notice of its intention to resign or is no longer eligible to act as such and we have not selected a substitute Securities Depository within 60 calendar days thereafter. Payments and communications made by us to holders of the Series A Preferred Units will be duly made by making

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payments to, and communicating with, the Securities Depository. Accordingly, unless certificates are available to holders of the Series A Preferred Units, each purchaser of Series A Preferred Units must rely on (1) the procedures of the Securities Depository and its participants to receive distributions, any redemption price, liquidation preference and notices, and to direct the exercise of any voting or nominating rights, with respect to such Series A Preferred Units and (2) the records of the Securities Depository and its participants to evidence its ownership of such Series A Preferred Units.

        So long as the Securities Depository (or its nominee) is the sole holder of the Series A Preferred Units, no beneficial holder of the Series A Preferred Units will be deemed to be a unitholder of us. The Depository Trust Company, the initial Securities Depository, is a New York-chartered limited purpose trust company that performs services for its participants, some of whom (and/or their representatives) own The Depository Trust Company. The Securities Depository maintains lists of its participants and will maintain the positions (i.e., ownership interests) held by its participants in the Series A Preferred Units, whether as a holder of the Series A Preferred Units for its own account or as a nominee for another holder of the Series A Preferred Units.

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THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

        The following is a description of certain material provisions of our partnership agreement. For additional information, we refer you to our partnership agreement which is incorporated by reference herein. We will provide prospective investors with a copy of our partnership agreement upon request at no charge.

Organization and Duration

        We were formed on September 24, 2007 and have perpetual existence.

Purpose

        Our purpose under our partnership agreement is to engage in any business activities that may lawfully be engaged in by a limited partnership pursuant to the Marshall Islands Act.

        Although our board of directors has the ability to cause us or our subsidiaries to engage in activities other than the floating storage and regasification services industry and LNG marine transportation, it has no current plans to do so and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. Our general partner and our board of directors owe a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing to the holders of the Series A Preferred Units pursuant to our partnership agreement. Our general partner has irrevocably delegated to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, management and policies on an exclusive basis.

Cash Distributions

        Our partnership agreement specifies the manner in which we will make cash distributions to holders of our common units and other partnership interests, including to the holders of our Series A Preferred Units and incentive distribution rights, as well as to our general partner in respect of its general partner interest.

Capital Contributions

        Unitholders are not obligated to make additional capital contributions, except as described below under "—Limited Liability." For a discussion of our general partner's right to contribute capital to maintain its 2% general partner interest if we issue additional units, please read "—Issuance of Additional Securities."

Voting Rights

        Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally have no voting rights. However, the consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a single class, is required prior to any amendment to our partnership agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units. In addition, unless we receive the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities, we may not (i) issue any Parity Securities if the cumulative distributions on Series A Preferred Units are in arrears or (ii) create or issue any Senior Securities. Distributions payable on the Series A Preferred Units will be considered to be in arrears for any quarterly period for which full cumulative distributions through the most recent distribution payment date have not been paid on all outstanding Series A Preferred Units. Please read "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."

        In voting their common units or any Series A Preferred Units, our general partner and its affiliates will have no fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners.

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        Each outstanding common unit is entitled to one vote on matters subject to a vote of common unitholders. However, to preserve our ability to claim an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at any time any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, any units beneficially owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under our partnership agreement, unless otherwise required by law. The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. This loss of voting rights also applies to the Series A Preferred Units.

        We hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Our general partner has the right to appoint three of the seven members of our board of directors with the remaining four directors being elected by our common unitholders. The elected directors are elected on a staggered basis and serve for three year terms.

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        The following is a summary of the common unitholder vote required for the approval of the matters specified below. Matters that require the approval of a "unit majority" require the approval of a majority of the common units voting as a single class.

Action
  Unitholder Approval Required and Voting Rights

Issuance of additional units

  No approval rights; general partner approval required for all issuances not reasonably expected to be accretive within 12 months of issuance or which would otherwise have a material adverse impact on the general partner or its interest in the Partnership, subject to the limited approval rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units described above.

Amendment of our partnership agreement

 

Certain amendments may be made by our board of directors without the approval of the unitholders. Other amendments generally require the approval of a unit majority. Please read "—Amendment of Our Partnership Agreement."

Merger of the Partnership or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets

 

Unit majority and approval of our general partner and our board of directors. Please read "—Merger, Sale, Conversion or Other Disposition of Assets."

Dissolution of the Partnership

 

Unit majority and approval of our general partner and our board of directors. Please read "—Termination and Dissolution."

Reconstitution of the Partnership upon dissolution

 

Unit majority. Please read "—Termination and Dissolution."

Election of four of the seven members of our board of directors

 

A plurality of the votes of the holders of the common units.

Withdrawal of our general partner

 

Under most circumstances, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required for the withdrawal of our general partner prior to March 31, 2021 in a manner that would cause a dissolution of the Partnership. Please read "—Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner."

Removal of our general partner

 

Not less than 662/3% of the outstanding common units. Please read "—Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner."

Transfer of our general partner interest in us

 

Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest in us without a vote of our unitholders to an affiliate or another person in connection with its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to, such person. The approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required in other circumstances for a transfer of the general partner interest to a third party prior to March 31, 2021. Please read "—Transfer of General Partner Interest."

Transfer of incentive distribution rights

 

No approval required at any time.

Transfer of ownership interests in our general partner

 

No approval required at any time.

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Applicable Law; Forum, Venue and Jurisdiction

        Our partnership agreement is governed by Marshall Islands law. Our partnership agreement requires that any claims, suits, actions or proceedings:

shall be exclusively brought in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, unless otherwise provided for in the Marshall Islands Act, in each case regardless of whether such claims, suits, actions or proceedings arise under laws relating to contract, tort, fraud or otherwise, are based on common law, statutory, equitable, legal or other grounds, or are derivative or direct claims. By purchasing a unit, a limited partner is irrevocably consenting to these limitations and provisions regarding claims, suits, actions or proceedings and submitting to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, unless otherwise provided for in the Marshall Islands Act, in connection with any such claims, suits, actions or proceedings.

Limited Liability

        Assuming that a limited partner does not participate in the control of our business within the meaning of the Marshall Islands Act and that he otherwise acts in conformity with the provisions of our partnership agreement, his liability under the Marshall Islands Act will be limited, subject to possible exceptions, to the amount of capital he is obligated to contribute to us for his common units plus his share of any undistributed profits and assets. If it were determined, however, that the right, or exercise of the right, by the limited partners as a group:

constituted "participation in the control" of our business for the purposes of the Marshall Islands Act, then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the laws of the Marshall Islands, to the same extent as our general partner. This liability would extend to persons who transact business with us who reasonably believe that the limited partner is a general partner. Neither our partnership agreement nor the Marshall Islands Act specifically provides for legal recourse against our general partner if a limited partner were to lose limited liability through any fault of our general partner. While this does not mean that a limited partner could not seek legal recourse, we know of no precedent for this type of a claim in Marshall Islands case law.

        Under the Marshall Islands Act, a limited partnership may not make a distribution to a partner if, after the distribution, all liabilities of the limited partnership, other than liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities for which the recourse of creditors is limited to specific property of the limited partnership, would exceed the fair value of the assets of the limited partnership. For

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the purpose of determining the fair value of the assets of a limited partnership, the Marshall Islands Act provides that the fair value of property subject to liability for which recourse of creditors is limited shall be included in the assets of the limited partnership only to the extent that the fair value of that property exceeds the non-recourse liability. The Marshall Islands Act provides that a limited partner who receives a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution was in violation of the Marshall Islands Act shall be liable to the limited partnership for the amount of the distribution for three years. Under the Marshall Islands Act, a purchaser of units who becomes a limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations of the transferor to make contributions to the partnership, except that the transferee is not obligated for liabilities unknown to him at the time he became a limited partner and that could not be ascertained from the partnership agreement.

        Maintenance of our limited liability may require compliance with legal requirements in the jurisdictions in which our subsidiaries conduct business, which may include qualifying to do business in those jurisdictions. Limitations on the liability of limited partners for the obligations of a limited partnership or limited liability company have not been clearly established in many jurisdictions. If, by virtue of our membership interest in an operating subsidiary or otherwise, it were determined that we were conducting business in any jurisdiction without compliance with the applicable limited partnership or limited liability company statute, or that the right or exercise of the right by the limited partners as a group to remove or replace the general partner, to approve some amendments to our partnership agreement or to take other action under our partnership agreement constituted "participation in the control" of our business for purposes of the statutes of any relevant jurisdiction, then the limited partners could be held personally liable for our obligations under the law of that jurisdiction to the same extent as our general partner under the circumstances. We will operate in a manner that our board of directors considers reasonable and necessary or appropriate to preserve the limited liability of the limited partners.

Issuance of Additional Interests

        Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited amount of additional partnership interests and rights to buy partnership interests for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our board of directors without the approval of the unitholders other than the limited approval rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units described under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights." However, our general partner will be required to approve all issuances of additional partnership interests that are not reasonably expected to be accretive within 12 months of issuance or which would otherwise have a material adverse impact on the general partner or its interest in us.

        Holders of any additional common units or Series A Preferred Units we issue will be entitled to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units or Series A Preferred Units, as applicable, in our distributions. In addition, the issuance of additional common units or other equity securities may dilute the value of the interests of the then-existing holders of common units in our net assets.

        In accordance with Marshall Islands law and the provisions of our partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership interests that, as determined by our board of directors, have special voting rights to which the common units or Series A Preferred Units are not entitled.

        Upon issuance of additional partnership interests (other than the issuance of common units in connection with a reset of the incentive distribution target levels or the issuance of partnership interests upon conversion of outstanding partnership interests), our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in us. Our general partner's interest in us will thus be reduced if we issue additional partnership interests in the future and our general partner does not elect to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in us. However, the general partner's percentage interest shall not change as a result of the issuance of the Series A Preferred Units. Our general partner and its affiliates will have the right, which

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the general partner may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units or other equity securities whenever, and on the same terms that, we issue those securities to persons other than our general partner and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain its and its affiliates' percentage interest, including its interest represented by common units, that existed immediately prior to each issuance. Other unitholders will not have similar pre-emptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership interests.

Tax Status

        The Partnership has elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Amendment of Our Partnership Agreement

General

        Amendments to our partnership agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent of our board of directors. However, our board of directors will have no duty or obligation to propose any amendment and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. In order to adopt a proposed amendment, other than the amendments discussed below, approval of our board of directors is required, as well as written approval of the holders of the number of units required to approve the amendment or call a meeting of the limited partners to consider and vote upon the proposed amendment. In addition, holders of Series A Preferred Units must approve certain amendments as described under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights." Except as we describe below, or for amendments that require Series A Preferred Unit approval or approval of Series A Preferred Units voting as a class together with any other Parity Securities, an amendment must be approved by a unit majority.

Prohibited Amendments

        No amendment may be made that would:

        The provision of our partnership agreement preventing the amendments having the effects described in clauses (1) through (5) above can be amended upon the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the outstanding units voting together as a single class (including units owned by our general partner and its affiliates).

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No Unitholder Approval

        Our board of directors may generally make amendments to our partnership agreement without the approval of any limited partner to reflect:

        In addition, our board of directors may make amendments to our partnership agreement without the approval of any limited partner (subject to the limited approval rights of the holders of the Series A

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Preferred Units and the holders of other Parity Securities, if any) or our general partner if our board of directors determines that those amendments:

Opinion of Counsel and Unitholder Approval

        Our board of directors will not be required to obtain an opinion of counsel that an amendment will not result in a loss of limited liability to the limited partners if one of the amendments described above under "—Amendment of Our Partnership Agreement—No Unitholder Approval" should occur. No other amendments to our partnership agreement will become effective without the approval of holders of at least 90% of the outstanding units voting as a single class unless we obtain an opinion of counsel to the effect that the amendment will not affect the limited liability under applicable law of any of our limited partners.

        In addition to the above restrictions, any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or privileges of any type or class of outstanding units (other than Series A Preferred Units) in relation to other classes of units will require the approval of at least a majority of the type or class of units so affected; provided, however, that any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the existing terms of the Series A Preferred Units will require the approval of at least two-thirds of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units. Any amendment that reduces the voting percentage required to take any action must be approved by the affirmative vote of limited partners whose aggregate outstanding units constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced.

Merger, Sale, Conversion or Other Disposition of Assets

        A merger or consolidation of us requires the approval of our board of directors and the prior consent of our general partner. However, to the fullest extent permitted by law, our board of directors and our general partner will have no duty or obligation to consent to any merger or consolidation and may decline to do so free of any fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners. In addition, our partnership agreement generally prohibits our board of directors, without the prior approval of our general partner and the holders of units representing a unit majority, from causing us to, among other things, sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination, or approving on our behalf the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of our subsidiaries taken as a whole. Our board of directors may, however, mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of our assets without the prior approval of the holders of units representing a unit majority. Our general partner and our board of directors may also determine to sell all or substantially all of our assets under a foreclosure or other realization upon those encumbrances without the approval of the holders of units representing a unit majority.

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        If conditions specified in our partnership agreement are satisfied, our board of directors, with the consent of our general partner, may convert us or any of our subsidiaries into a new limited liability entity or merge us or any of our subsidiaries into, or convey some or all of our assets to, a newly formed entity if the sole purpose of that merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in our legal form into another limited liability entity. The unitholders are not entitled to dissenters' rights of appraisal under our partnership agreement or applicable law in the event of a conversion, merger or consolidation, sale of substantially all of our assets or any other transaction or event.

Termination and Dissolution

        We will continue as a limited partnership until terminated or converted under our partnership agreement. We will dissolve upon:

        Upon a dissolution under clause (4), the holders of a unit majority may also elect, within specific time limitations, to continue our business on the same terms and conditions described in our partnership agreement by appointing as general partner an entity approved by the holders of units representing a unit majority, subject to our receipt of an opinion of counsel to the effect that the action would not result in the loss of limited liability of any limited partner.

Liquidation and Distribution of Proceeds

        Upon our dissolution, unless we are continued as a new limited partnership, the liquidator authorized to wind up our affairs will, acting with all of the powers of our board of directors that are necessary or appropriate, liquidate our assets and apply the proceeds of the liquidation as described in our partnership agreement. The liquidation rights of holders of Series A Preferred Units are described under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Liquidation Rights." The liquidator may defer liquidation or distribution of our assets for a reasonable period or distribute assets to partners in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to our partners.

Withdrawal or Removal of our General Partner

        Except as described below, our general partner has agreed not to withdraw voluntarily as our general partner prior to March 31, 2021 without obtaining the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and furnishing an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability. On or after March 31, 2021, our general partner may withdraw as general partner without first obtaining approval of any unitholder by giving 90 days' written notice, and that withdrawal will not constitute a violation of our partnership agreement. Notwithstanding the information above, our general partner may withdraw without unitholder approval upon 90 days' written notice to the limited partners if at least 50% of the outstanding common units are held or controlled by one person and its affiliates other than our general partner and its affiliates. In addition, our partnership agreement permits our general partner in some instances to sell or otherwise

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transfer its general partner interest in us without the approval of the unitholders. Please read "—Transfer of General Partner Interest" and "—Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights."

        Upon withdrawal of our general partner under any circumstances, other than as a result of a transfer by our general partner of its general partner interest in us, the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units may select a successor to that withdrawing general partner. If a successor is not elected, or is elected but an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability cannot be obtained, we will be dissolved, wound up and liquidated, unless within a specified period of time after that withdrawal, the holders of a unit majority agree in writing to continue our business and to appoint a successor general partner. Please read "—Termination and Dissolution."

        Our general partner may not be removed unless that removal is approved by the vote of the holders of not less than 662/3% of the outstanding common units, including common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, and we receive an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability. Any removal of our general partner is also subject to the successor general partner being approved by the vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding common units.

        Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general partner is removed as our general partner under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, our general partner will have the right to convert its general partner interest and incentive distribution rights into common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests based on the fair market value of those interests at the time.

        In the event of removal of our general partner under circumstances where cause exists or withdrawal of our general partner where that withdrawal violates our partnership agreement, a successor general partner will have the option to purchase the general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights owned by the departing general partner for a cash payment equal to the fair market value of those interests. Under all other circumstances where our general partner withdraws or is removed by the limited partners, the departing general partner will have the option to require the successor general partner to purchase the general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights of the departing general partner for their fair market value. In each case, this fair market value will be determined by agreement between the departing general partner and the successor general partner. If no agreement is reached, an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the departing general partner and the successor general partner will determine the fair market value. Or, if the departing general partner and the successor general partner cannot agree upon an expert, then an expert chosen by agreement of the experts selected by each of them will determine the fair market value.

        If the option described above is not exercised by either the departing general partner or the successor general partner, the departing general partner's general partner interest and the incentive distribution rights will automatically convert into common units equal to the fair market value of those interests as determined by an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected in the manner described in the preceding paragraph.

        In addition, we will be required to reimburse the departing general partner for all amounts due the departing general partner, including, without limitation, any employee-related liabilities, including severance liabilities, incurred for the termination of any employees employed by the departing general partner or its affiliates for our benefit.

Transfer of General Partner Interest

        Except for the transfer by our general partner of all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest in us to:

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our general partner may not transfer all or any part of its general partner interest in us to another person prior to March 31, 2021, without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates. As a condition of this transfer, the transferee must, among other things, assume the rights and duties of the general partner, agree to be bound by the provisions of our partnership agreement and furnish an opinion of counsel regarding limited liability.

        Our general partner and its affiliates may at any time transfer common units to one or more persons, without unitholder approval.

Transfer of Ownership Interests in General Partner

        At any time, the members of our general partner may sell or transfer all or part of their respective membership interests in our general partner to an affiliate or a third party without the approval of our unitholders.

Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights

        The incentive distribution rights are transferable.

Transfer of Common Units and Series A Preferred Units

        By transfer of common units or Series A Preferred Units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of common units or Series A Preferred Units automatically is admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units or Series A Preferred Units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records. Each transferee automatically is deemed to:

        We are entitled to treat the nominee holder of a common unit or Series A Preferred Unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holder's rights are limited solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.

        Common units or Series A Preferred Units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee the right to become a limited partner in our partnership for the transferred units. Until a common unit or Series A Preferred Unit has been transferred on our books, we and our transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner of such unit for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations.

Change of Management Provisions

        Our partnership agreement contains specific provisions that are intended to discourage a person or group from attempting to remove Golar GP LLC as our general partner or otherwise change management. If any person or group acquires beneficial ownership of more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, that person or group loses voting rights on all of its units in excess of 4.9% of all such units. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors.

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        Our partnership agreement also provides that if our general partner is removed under circumstances where cause does not exist and units held by our general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor of that removal, our general partner's general partner interest and incentive distribution rights will be converted into cash or common units.

Limited Call Right

        If at any time our general partner and its affiliates hold more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding partnership interests of any class or series, except for the Series A Preferred Units, our general partner will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the remaining partnership interests of the class or series held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by the general partner, on at least 10 but not more than 60 days' written notice at a price equal to the greater of (x) the average of the daily closing prices of the partnership interests of such class or series over the 20 trading days preceding the date three days before the notice of exercise of the call right is first mailed and (y) the highest price paid by our general partner or any of its affiliates for partnership interests of such class or series during the 90-day period preceding the date such notice is first mailed. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the exercise of this limited call right and has no fiduciary duty in determining whether to exercise this limited call right.

        As a result of the general partner's right to purchase outstanding partnership interests, a holder of partnership interests (except for the Series A Preferred Units) may have the holder's partnership interests purchased at an undesirable time or price.

Board of Directors

        Under our partnership agreement, our general partner has irrevocably delegated to our board of directors the authority to oversee and direct our operations, policies and management on an exclusive basis, and such delegation will be binding on any successor general partner of the Partnership. Our board of directors currently consists of seven members, three of whom are appointed by our general partner in its sole discretion and four of whom are elected by our common unitholders.

        Our board of directors nominates individuals to stand for election as elected board members on a staggered basis at an annual meeting of our limited partners. In addition, any limited partner or group of limited partners that holds beneficially 10% or more of the outstanding common units is entitled to nominate one or more individuals to stand for election as elected board members at the annual meeting by providing written notice to our board of directors not more than 120 days nor less than 90 days prior to the meeting. However, if the date of the annual meeting is not publicly announced by us at least 100 days prior to the date of the meeting, the notice must be delivered to our board of directors not later than 10 days following the public announcement of the meeting date. The notice must set forth:

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        Upon a Trigger Event (as defined under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights"), the holders of Series A Preferred Units (together with holders of all other classes or series of Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable) will have the right to replace one of the members of our board of directors appointed by our general partner with a member nominated by such holders ("Holders' Nominee"), such nominee to serve until the payment of all accrued and unpaid distributions in respect of the Series A Preferred Units and such Parity Securities has been made. Upon payment of all accrued and unpaid distributions then outstanding in respect of the Series A Preferred Units and such Parity Securities, the Holders' Nominee will agree to resign from the board, effective immediately, unless and until a subsequent Trigger Event, if any, occurs. Subject to the preceding sentence, any Holders' Nominee may be removed at any time without cause only by the holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Units and the holders of any other series of such Parity Securities, voting together as a class. If any Holders' Nominee is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve as a member of the board of directors, the holders of a majority of the outstanding Series A Preferred Units and, if applicable, any other Parity Securities, voting together as a class, shall appoint an individual to fill the vacancy.

        Subject to the rights of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units with regard to the Holders' Nominee, our general partner may remove an appointed board member with or without cause at any time. "Cause" generally means a court's finding a person liable for actual fraud or willful misconduct in his or its capacity as a director. Any and all of the board members may be removed at any time for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of the other board members. Any and all of the board members appointed by our general partner may be removed for cause at a properly called meeting of the limited partners by a majority vote of the outstanding units, voting as a single class. If any appointed board member is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve as a board member, our general partner may fill the vacancy. Any and all of the board members elected by the common unitholders may be removed for cause at a properly called meeting of the limited partners by a majority vote of the outstanding common units. If any elected board member is removed, resigns or is otherwise unable to serve as a board member, the vacancy may be filled by a majority of the other elected board members then serving.

Meetings; Voting

        Except as described below regarding a person or group owning more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, unitholders who are record holders of units on the record date will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, meetings of our limited partners and to act upon matters for which approvals may be solicited.

        Holders of the Series A Preferred Units generally have no voting rights. However, holders of the Series A Preferred Units have limited voting rights as set forth under "Description of the Series A Preferred Units—Voting Rights."

        We hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Any action that is required or permitted to be taken by the unitholders may be taken either at a meeting of the unitholders or without a meeting if consents in writing describing the action so taken are signed by holders of the number of units necessary to authorize or take that action at a meeting. Special meetings of the limited partners may be called by our general partner, our board of directors or by limited partners owning at least 20% of the outstanding units of the class or series for which a meeting is proposed. Unitholders may vote either in person or by proxy at meetings. The holders of 331/3% of the outstanding units of the class or classes or series for which a meeting has been called, represented in person or by proxy, will constitute a quorum unless any action by the unitholders requires approval by holders of a greater percentage of the units, in which case the quorum will be the greater percentage.

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        Each record holder of a unit may vote according to the holder's percentage interest in us, although additional limited partner interests having special voting rights could be issued. Please read "—Issuance of Additional Interests." However, to preserve our ability to claim an exemption from U.S. federal income tax under Section 883 of the Code, if at any time any person or group acquires, in the aggregate, beneficial ownership of more than 4.9% of all units then outstanding, that person or group will lose voting rights on all of its units in excess of 4.9% of all such units and those units in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board of directors), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes. The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors. This loss of voting rights also applies to the Series A Preferred Units. Units held in nominee or street name account will be voted by the broker or other nominee in accordance with the instruction of the beneficial owner unless the arrangement between the beneficial owner and his nominee provides otherwise.

        Any notice, demand, request, report or proxy material required or permitted to be given or made to record holders of common units or Series A Preferred Units under our partnership agreement will be delivered to the record holder by us or by the transfer agent.

Status as Limited Partner or Assignee

        Except as described above under "—Limited Liability," the common units and Series A Preferred Units will be fully paid, and unitholders will not be required to make additional contributions. By transfer of common units or Series A Preferred Units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of units will be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records.

Indemnification

        Under our partnership agreement, in most circumstances, we will indemnify the following persons, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against all losses, claims, damages or similar events:

        Any indemnification under these provisions will only be out of our assets. We may purchase insurance against liabilities asserted against and expenses incurred by persons for our activities, regardless of whether we would have the power to indemnify the person against liabilities under our partnership agreement.

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Reimbursement of Expenses

        Our partnership agreement requires us to reimburse the members of our board of directors for their out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in the course of their service to us. Our partnership agreement also requires us to reimburse our general partner for all expenses it incurs or payments it makes on our behalf and all other expenses allocable to us or otherwise incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These expenses include salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to persons who perform services for us or on our behalf, and expenses allocated to us or our general partner by our board of directors.

Books and Reports

        Our general partner is required to keep appropriate books and records of our business at our principal offices. The books will be maintained for both tax and financial reporting purposes on an accrual basis. For tax and financial reporting purposes, our fiscal year is the calendar year.

        We will furnish or make available to record holders of units, within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, an annual report containing audited financial statements and a report on those financial statements by our independent registered public accounting firm. Except for our fourth quarter, we will also furnish or make available summary historical financial information within 90 days after the close of each quarter.

Right to Inspect Our Books and Records

        Our partnership agreement provides that a limited partner can, for a purpose reasonably related to his interest as a limited partner, upon reasonable written demand stating the purpose of such demand and at the limited partner's own expense, have furnished to the limited partner:

        Our board of directors may, and intends to, keep confidential from the limited partners trade secrets or other information the disclosure of which our board of directors believes in good faith is not in our best interests or that we are required by law or by agreements with third parties to keep confidential.

Registration Rights

        Under our partnership agreement, we have agreed to register for resale under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws any common units or other partnership interests proposed to be sold by our general partner or any of its affiliates or their assignees if an exemption from the registration requirements is not otherwise available or advisable. These registration rights continue for two years following any withdrawal or removal of Golar GP LLC as our general partner. We are obligated to pay all expenses incidental to the registration, excluding underwriting discounts and commissions. In connection with these registration rights, we will not be required to pay any damages or penalties related to any delay or failure to file a registration statement or to cause a registration statement to become effective.

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Conflicts of Interest

        Conflicts of interest exist and may arise in the future as a result of the relationships between our general partner and its affiliates, including Golar, on the one hand, and us and our unaffiliated limited partners, on the other hand. Our general partner has a fiduciary duty to make any decisions relating to our management in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders. Similarly, our board of directors has fiduciary duties to manage us in a manner beneficial to us, our general partner and our limited partners. Certain of our executive officers and directors also act as officers and/or directors of Golar or its affiliates and have fiduciary duties to Golar or its affiliates that may cause them to pursue business strategies that disproportionately benefit Golar or its affiliates or which otherwise are not in the best interests of us or our unitholders. Our executive officers are employed by Golar Management Limited ("Golar Management"), a subsidiary of Golar, and have fiduciary duties to that entity and not to us. As a result of these relationships, conflicts of interest may arise between us and our unaffiliated limited partners on the one hand, and Golar and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the other hand. The resolution of these conflicts may not be in the best interest of us or our unitholders.

        Our partnership affairs are governed by our partnership agreement and the Marshall Islands Act. The provisions of the Marshall Islands Act resemble provisions of the limited partnership laws of a number of states in the United States, most notably Delaware. We are not aware of any material difference in unitholder rights between the Marshall Islands Act and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act. The Marshall Islands Act also provides that for nonresident entities such as us, the Marshall Islands Act should be applied and construed to make the laws of the Marshall Islands, with respect to the subject matter of the Marshall Islands Act, uniform with the laws of the State of Delaware, and insofar as it does not conflict with any other provision of the Marshall Islands Act, or the decisions of the High and Supreme Courts of the Republic of the Marshall Islands which take precedence, the non-statutory law (case law) of the State of Delaware is adopted as the law of the Marshall Islands. There have been, however, few, if any, court cases in the Marshall Islands interpreting the Marshall Islands Act, in contrast to Delaware, which has a fairly well-developed body of case law interpreting its limited partnership statute. Accordingly, we cannot predict whether Marshall Islands courts would reach the same conclusions as courts in Delaware. For example, the rights of our unitholders and fiduciary responsibilities of our general partner and its affiliates under Marshall Islands law are not as clearly established as under judicial precedent in existence in Delaware. Due to the less-developed nature of Marshall Islands law, our public unitholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests or seeking remedies in the face of actions by our general partner, its affiliates or our controlling unitholders than would unitholders of a limited partnership organized in the United States.

        Our partnership agreement contains provisions that modify and limit the fiduciary duties of our general partner and our directors to the unitholders under Marshall Islands law. Our partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions taken by our general partner or our directors that, without those limitations, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.

        Neither our general partner nor our board of directors will be in breach of their obligations under our partnership agreement or their duties to us or the unitholders if the resolution of the conflict is:

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        Our general partner or our board of directors may, but are not required to, seek the approval of such resolution from the conflicts committee of our board of directors or from the common unitholders. If neither our general partner nor our board of directors seeks approval from the conflicts committee, and our board of directors determines that the resolution or course of action taken with respect to the conflict of interest satisfies either of the standards set forth in the third and fourth bullet points above, then it will be presumed that, in making its decision, our board of directors, including the board members affected by the conflict, acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the Partnership, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. When our partnership agreement requires someone to act in good faith, it requires that person to reasonably believe that he is acting in the best interests of the Partnership, unless the context otherwise requires.

        Conflicts of interest could arise in the situations described below, among others.

Actions taken by our board of directors may affect the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders.

        The amount of cash that is available for distribution to unitholders is affected by decisions of our board of directors regarding such matters as:

        the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales;

        In addition, borrowings by us and our affiliates do not constitute a breach of any duty owed by our general partner or our directors to our unitholders, including borrowings that have the purpose or effect of enabling our general partner or its affiliates to receive distributions on the incentive distribution rights.

        Our partnership agreement provides that we and our subsidiaries may borrow funds from our general partner and its affiliates. Our general partner and its affiliates may not borrow funds from us or our subsidiaries.

Neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires Golar to pursue a business strategy that favors us or utilizes our assets or dictates what markets to pursue or grow. Golar's directors and executive officers have a fiduciary duty to make these decisions in the best interests of the shareholders of Golar, which may be contrary to our interests.

        Because certain of our executive officers and directors also act as officers and/or directors of Golar and its affiliates, such executive officers and directors have fiduciary duties to Golar and its affiliates that may cause them to pursue business strategies that disproportionately benefit Golar, or which otherwise are not in the best interests of us or our unitholders.

Our general partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us, such as Golar.

        Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the standards to which our general partner would otherwise be held by Marshall Islands fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership agreement

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permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner. This entitles our general partner to consider only the interests and factors that it desires, and it has no duty or obligations to give any consideration to any interest of or factors affecting us, our affiliates or any unitholder. Decisions made by our general partner in its individual capacity will be made by its sole owner, Golar. Specifically, our general partner will be considered to be acting in its individual capacity if it exercises its call right, pre-emptive rights or registration rights or right to make a determination to receive common units in a resetting of the target distribution levels related to its incentive distribution rights, consents or withholds consent to any merger or consolidation of the Partnership, appoints any directors or votes for the election of any director, votes or refrains from voting on amendments to our partnership agreement that require a vote of the outstanding units, voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership, transfers (to the extent permitted under our partnership agreement) or refrains from transferring its units, general partner interest or incentive distribution rights it owns or votes upon the dissolution of the Partnership.

Our officers face conflicts in the allocation of their time to our business.

        Our officers, all but one of whom are employed by Golar Management and perform executive officer functions for us pursuant to the management and administrative services agreement, are not required to work full-time on our affairs and also perform services for affiliates of our general partner, including Golar. The affiliates of our general partner, including Golar, conduct substantial businesses and activities of their own in which we have no economic interest. As a result, there could be material competition for the time and effort of our officers who also provide services to our general partner's affiliates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We will reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for expenses.

        We will reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for costs incurred in managing and operating us. Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner will determine the expenses that are allocable to us.

Unitholders have no right to enforce obligations of our general partner and its affiliates under agreements with us.

        Any agreements between us, on the one hand, and our general partner and its affiliates, on the other, will not grant to the unitholders, separate and apart from us, the right to enforce the obligations of our general partner and its affiliates in our favor.

Contracts between us, on the one hand, and our general partner and its affiliates, on the other, will not be the result of arm's-length negotiations.

        Neither our partnership agreement nor any of the other agreements, contracts and arrangements between us and our general partner and its affiliates are or will be the result of arm's-length negotiations. Our partnership agreement generally provides that any affiliated transaction, such as an agreement, contract or arrangement between us and our general partner and its affiliates, must be:

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Partnership securities, except for the Series A Preferred Units, are subject to our general partner's limited call right.

        Our general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase partnership securities (other than the Series A Preferred Units) as provided in our partnership agreement or assign this right to one of its affiliates or to us. Our general partner may use its own discretion, free of fiduciary duty restrictions, in determining whether to exercise this right. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the exercise of this limited call right.

We may choose not to retain separate counsel for ourselves or for unitholders.

        The attorneys, independent accountants and others who perform services for us have been retained by our board of directors. Attorneys, independent accountants and others who perform services for us are selected by our board of directors or the conflicts committee and may perform services for our general partner and its affiliates. We may retain separate counsel for ourselves or the holders of common units in the event of a conflict of interest between our general partner and its affiliates, on the one hand, and us or the holders of units, on the other, depending on the nature of the conflict. We do not intend to do so in most cases.

Our general partner's affiliates, including Golar, may compete with us.

        Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner will be restricted from engaging in any business activities other than acting as our general partner and those activities incidental to its ownership of interests in us. In addition, our partnership agreement provides that our general partner, for so long as it is general partner of the Partnership, will not engage in, by acquisition or otherwise, certain businesses or activities described in our omnibus agreement to which we, our general partner and Golar are parties. Similarly, under the omnibus agreement, Golar has agreed and has caused its controlled affiliates to agree, for so long as Golar controls the Partnership, not to engage in certain businesses or activities relating to LNG carriers and FSRUs under charter for five or more years. Except as provided in our partnership agreement and the omnibus agreement, affiliates of our general partner are not prohibited from engaging in other businesses or activities, including those that might be in direct competition with us.

Fiduciary Duties

        Our general partner and its affiliates are accountable to us and our unitholders as fiduciaries. Our general partner owes no fiduciary duty to holders of the Series A Preferred Units other than a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing pursuant to our partnership agreement. Fiduciary duties owed to unitholders by our general partner and its affiliates are prescribed by law and our partnership agreement. The Marshall Islands Act provides that Marshall Islands limited partnerships may, in their partnership agreements, expand or restrict the fiduciary duties otherwise owed by our general partner and other persons to the limited partners and the limited partnership. Our directors are subject to the same fiduciary duties as our general partner, as restricted or expanded by the partnership agreement.

        In addition, our subsidiaries have entered into services agreements, and may enter into additional agreements with Golar and certain of its subsidiaries, including Golar Management. In the performance of their obligations under these agreements, Golar and its subsidiaries are not held to a fiduciary standard of care but rather to the standards of care specified in the relevant agreement.

        Our partnership agreement contains various provisions restricting the fiduciary duties that might otherwise be owed by our general partner or by our directors. We have adopted these provisions to allow our general partner and our directors to take into account the interests of other parties in addition to our interests when resolving conflicts of interest. We believe this is appropriate and necessary because our officers and directors have fiduciary duties to Golar, as well as to you. These modifications disadvantage the common unitholders because they restrict the rights and remedies that would otherwise be available to

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unitholders for actions that, without those limitations, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty, as described below. The following is a summary of:

Marshall Islands law fiduciary duty standards

  Fiduciary duties are generally considered to include an obligation to act in good faith and with due care and loyalty. The duty of care, in the absence of a provision in a partnership agreement providing otherwise, would generally require a general partner and the directors of a Marshall Islands limited partnership to act for the partnership in the same manner as a prudent person would act on his own behalf. The duty of loyalty, in the absence of a provision in a partnership agreement providing otherwise, would generally prohibit a general partner or the directors of a Marshall Islands limited partnership from taking any action or engaging in any transaction where a conflict of interest is present.

Partnership agreement modified standards

 

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that waive or consent to conduct by our general partner and its affiliates and our directors that might otherwise raise issues as to compliance with fiduciary duties under the laws of the Marshall Islands. For example, Section 7.17 of our partnership agreement provides that when our general partner is acting in its capacity as our general partner, as opposed to in its individual capacity, it must act in "good faith" and will not be subject to any other standard under the laws of the Marshall Islands. In addition, when our general partner is acting in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner, it may act without any fiduciary obligation to us or the unitholders whatsoever. Our partnership agreement provides that the general partner and its affiliates, including us and our officers and directors, do not owe any fiduciary duties to holders of the Series A Preferred Units other than a contractual duty of good faith and fair dealing pursuant to the partnership agreement. These standards reduce the obligations to which our general partner and our board of directors would otherwise be held. Our partnership agreement generally provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest not involving a vote of unitholders and that are not approved by the conflicts committee of our board of directors must be:

 

on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties; or

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"fair and reasonable" to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to us).

 

If our board of directors does not seek approval from the conflicts committee, and our board of directors determines that the resolution or course of action taken with respect to the conflict of interest satisfies either of the standards set forth in the bullet points above, then it will be presumed that, in making its decision, our board of directors acted in good faith, and in any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership, the person bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. These standards reduce the obligations to which our board of directors would otherwise be held.

 

In addition to the other more specific provisions limiting the obligations of our general partner and our directors, our partnership agreement further provides that our general partner and our officers and directors, will not be liable for monetary damages to us or our limited partners for errors of judgment or for any acts or omissions unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that our general partner or our officers or directors engaged in actual fraud or willful misconduct.

Rights and remedies of unitholders

 

The provisions of the Marshall Islands Act resemble the provisions of the limited partnership act of Delaware. For example, like Delaware, the Marshall Islands Act favors the principles of freedom of contract and enforceability of partnership agreements and allows the partnership agreement to contain terms governing the rights of the unitholders. The rights of our unitholders, including voting and approval rights and the ability of the partnership to issue additional units, are governed by the terms of our partnership agreement.

 

As to remedies of unitholders, the Marshall Islands Act permits a limited partner to institute legal action on behalf of the partnership to recover damages from a third party where a general partner or a board of directors has refused to institute the action or where an effort to cause a general partner or a board of directors to do so is not likely to succeed. These actions include actions against a general partner for breach of its fiduciary duties or of the partnership agreement.

        In becoming one of our limited partners, a unitholder effectively agrees to be bound by the provisions in our partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed above. The failure of a limited partner or

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transferee to sign a partnership agreement does not render the partnership agreement unenforceable against that person.

        Under our partnership agreement, we must indemnify our general partner and our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted by law against liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by our general partner or these other persons. We must provide this indemnification unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that these persons engaged in actual fraud or willful misconduct.

        We also must provide this indemnification for criminal proceedings when our general partner or these other persons acted without knowledge that their conduct was unlawful. Thus, our general partner and our directors and officers could be indemnified for their negligent acts if they met the requirements set forth above. To the extent that these provisions purport to include indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is contrary to public policy and therefore unenforceable.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to prospective holders of Series A Preferred Units and, unless otherwise noted in the following discussion, is the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., our U.S. counsel, insofar as it contains legal conclusions with respect to matters of U.S. federal income tax law. The opinion of our counsel is dependent on the accuracy of factual representations made by us to them, including descriptions of our operations contained herein.

        This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, U.S. Treasury Regulations, current administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect or existence on the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of Series A Preferred Unit ownership to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to Golar LNG Partners LP.

        This discussion applies only to beneficial owners of Series A Preferred Units that own the units as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally, for investment purposes) and is not intended to be applicable to all categories of investors, such as holders of Class A Preferred Units subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans or individual retirement accounts or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), persons who hold the Series A Preferred Units as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, each of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our Series A Preferred Units, the tax treatment of its partners generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our Series A Preferred Units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our Series A Preferred Units.

        No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or our unitholders. The opinions and statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in a court.

        This discussion does not contain information regarding any U.S. state or local, estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations concerning the ownership or disposition of Series A Preferred Units. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular holders of Series A Preferred Units in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective unitholder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of Series A Preferred Units.

Election to be Treated as a Corporation

        We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, among other things, U.S. Holders (as defined below) will not be directly subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income, but rather will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on distributions received from us and dispositions of Series A Preferred Units as described below.

U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders

        As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our Series A Preferred Units that owns (actually or constructively) less than 10.0% of our equity and that is:

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        Subject to the discussion below of the rules applicable to PFICs, any distributions to a U.S. Holder made by us with respect to our Series A Preferred Units generally will constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or "qualified dividend income" as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits allocated to our Series A Preferred Units, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits allocated to our Series A Preferred Units will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in its Series A Preferred Units and, thereafter, as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to distributions they receive from us because we are not a U.S. corporation. Dividends received with respect to our Series A Preferred Units generally will be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Dividends received with respect to our Series A Preferred Units by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate (a "U.S. Individual Holder") generally will be treated as "qualified dividend income," which is currently taxable to such U.S. Individual Holder at preferential capital gain tax rates provided that: (i) our Series A Preferred Units are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as The Nasdaq Global Market on which we intend to apply to have our Series A Preferred Units listed); (ii) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below under "—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences"); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the Series A Preferred Units for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the Series A Preferred Units become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such Series A Preferred Units); and (iv) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. Because of the uncertainty of these matters, including whether we are or will be a PFIC, there is no assurance that any dividends paid on our Series A Preferred Units will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on our Series A Preferred Units that are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder.

        Special rules may apply to any amounts received in respect of our Series A Preferred Units that are treated as "extraordinary dividends." In general, an extraordinary dividend with respect to a Series A Preferred Unit is a dividend that is equal to or in excess of 5.0% of the unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the unitholder's election) in such Series A Preferred Unit. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one-year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20.0% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our Series A Preferred Units that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such Series A Preferred Units will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend.

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        Subject to the discussion of PFIC status below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our Series A Preferred Units in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such Series A Preferred Units. The U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in its Series A Preferred Units generally will be the U.S. Holder's purchase price for the Series A Preferred Units and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the Series A Preferred Units that are treated as non-taxable returns of capital (as discussed above under "—Distributions"). Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Certain U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible for preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of long-term capital gains. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Such capital gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

        Certain U.S. Holders, including individuals, estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of equity interests. For individuals, the additional Medicare tax applies to the lesser of (i) "net investment income" or (ii) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly or $125,000 if married and filing separately). "Net investment income" generally equals the taxpayer's gross investment income reduced by deductions that are allocable to such income. Unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from their ownership and disposition of our Series A Preferred Units.

        Adverse U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-U.S. corporation that is classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the holder held our units, either:

        Income earned, or treated as earned (for U.S. federal income tax purposes), by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income for PFIC purposes. By contrast, rental income generally would constitute "passive income" unless we were treated as deriving that rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business under the applicable rules.

        Based on our current and projected methods of operation, and an opinion of counsel, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for any prior taxable year, and we expect that we will not be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year. We have received an opinion of our U.S. counsel, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., in support of this position that concludes that the income we and our subsidiaries earn from certain of our transportation, liquefaction, regasification and storage activities, including our present time-chartering activities, should not constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we

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are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that more than 25.0% of our gross income for all of our previous taxable years arose, and we expect that more than 25.0% of our gross income for our current and each future taxable year will arise from such activities or other income our U.S. counsel has opined does not constitute passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such taxable year was or will be held for the production of such nonpassive income. Assuming the accuracy of representations we have made to our U.S. counsel for purposes of their opinion, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC for any of our previous taxable years, and assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with these expectations for our current and future years, we should not be a PFIC for our current or any future year. This opinion is based, and its accuracy is conditioned, on representations, valuations and projections provided by us regarding our income, assets and charters to our U.S. counsel. While we believe these representations, valuations and projections are accurate, the shipping market is volatile, and no assurance can be given that they will continue to be accurate at any time in the future.

        Our counsel has indicated to us that the conclusions described above are not free from doubt. While there is legal authority supporting these conclusions, including IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters as services income, the Fifth Circuit held in Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009) that income derived from certain marine time charter agreements should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a "foreign sales corporation" provision of the Code. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of this case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time-chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. The IRS has announced its nonacquiescence with the court's holding in the Tidewater case and, at the same time, announced the position of the IRS that the marine time charter agreements at issue in that case should be treated as service contracts.

        Distinguishing between arrangements treated as generating rental income and those treated as generating services income involves weighing and balancing competing factual considerations, and there is no legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our specific method of operation. Conclusions in this area therefore remain matters of interpretation. We are not seeking a ruling from the IRS on the treatment of income generated from our time-chartering operations, and the opinion of our counsel is not binding on the IRS or any court. Thus, it is possible that the IRS or a court could disagree with this position and the position of our counsel. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure unitholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in any future taxable year

        As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year (and regardless of whether we remain a PFIC for subsequent taxable years), a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a "Qualified Electing Fund," which we refer to as a "QEF election." As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our Series A Preferred Units, as discussed below. If we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be subject to the PFIC rules described herein with respect to any of our subsidiaries that are PFICs. However, the mark-to-market election discussed below will likely not be available with respect to shares of such PFIC subsidiaries. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our Series A Preferred Units during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such holder must file an annual report with the IRS.

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        If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election (an "Electing Holder"), then, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that holder must report as income for its taxable year its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end with or within the taxable year for which that holder is reporting, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in Series A Preferred Units and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our Series A Preferred Units. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621 with its U.S. federal income tax return. If contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will provide each U.S. Holder with the information necessary to make the QEF election described above.

        If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate, our Series A Preferred Units were treated as "marketable stock," then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our Series A Preferred Units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the U.S. Holder's Series A Preferred Units at the end of the taxable year over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units. The U.S. Holder also would be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the Series A Preferred Units over the fair market value thereof at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in its Series A Preferred Units would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our Series A Preferred Units would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the Series A Preferred Units would be treated as ordinary loss, to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. Because the mark-to-market election only applies to marketable stock, however, it would not apply to a U.S. Holder's indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that were determined to be PFICs.

        If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF election or a "mark-to-market" election for that year (a "Non-Electing Holder") would be subject to special rules resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our Series A Preferred Units in a taxable year in excess of 125.0% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the Series A Preferred Units), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the units. Under these special rules:

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        These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our Series A Preferred Units. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning our Series A Preferred Units, such holder's successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such units.

U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders

        A beneficial owner of our Series A Preferred Units (other than a partnership or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to as a Non-U.S. Holder. If you are a partner in a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our Series A Preferred Units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our Series A Preferred Units.

        Distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, our distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as a U.S. Holder to the extent they constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. trade or business. Effectively connected dividends received by a corporate Non-U.S. Holder may also be subject to an additional U.S. branch profits tax at a 30% rate (or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate). However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business may be exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty if the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder.

        In general, a Non-U.S. Holder is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain resulting from the disposition of our Series A Preferred Units provided the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. A Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same manner as a U.S. Holder in the event the gain from the disposition of units is effectively connected with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, such gain also is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment). However, even if not engaged in a U.S. trade or business, individual Non-U.S. Holders may be subject to tax on gain resulting from the disposition of our Series A Preferred Units if they are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those Series A Preferred Units are disposed and meet certain other requirements.

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        In general, payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder of distributions or the proceeds of a disposition of Series A Preferred Units will be subject to information reporting. These payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder also may be subject to backup withholding if the non-corporate U.S. Holder:

        Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E, W-8ECI, W-8EXP or W-8IMY, as applicable.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a unitholder generally may obtain a credit for any amount withheld against its liability for U.S. federal income tax (and obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such liability) by timely filing a U.S. federal income tax return with the IRS.

        In addition, individual citizens or residents of the United States holding certain "foreign financial assets" (which generally includes stock and other securities issued by a foreign person unless held in account maintained by a financial institution) that exceed certain thresholds (the lowest being foreign financial assets with a value in excess of (i) $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or (ii) $75,000 at any time during the taxable year) are required to report information relating to such assets. Significant penalties may apply for failure to satisfy the reporting obligations described above. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations, if any, under this legislation as a result of their purchase, ownership or disposition of our Series A Preferred Units.

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NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Marshall Islands Tax Consequences

        The following discussion is based upon the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, our counsel as to matters of the laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands, and the current laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands applicable to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of The Marshall Islands.

        Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic of The Marshall Islands, and because all documentation related to this offering will be executed outside of the Republic of The Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distributions treated as a return of capital, we make to you as a unitholder. In addition, you will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of Series A Preferred Units, and you will not be required by The Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of Series A Preferred Units.

United Kingdom Tax Consequences

        The following is a discussion of the material United Kingdom tax consequences that may be relevant to prospective Series A Preferred unitholders who are persons not resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom (and who are persons who have not been resident or domiciled for tax purposes in the United Kingdom) and who do not hold their Series A Preferred Units as part of a trade, profession or vocation carried on in the United Kingdom (non-U.K. Holders).

        Current and prospective Series A Preferred unitholders who are, or have been, resident in the United Kingdom, or who hold their units through a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential United Kingdom tax consequences to them of an investment in our Series A Preferred Units.

        The discussion that follows is based upon existing United Kingdom legislation and what is understood to be the current H.M. Revenue & Customs practice as of the date of this prospectus. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences of Series A Preferred ownership described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to Golar LNG Partners LP.

        Under the United Kingdom Tax Acts, non-UK holders will not be subject to any United Kingdom taxes on income or profits (including chargeable (capital) gains) in respect of the acquisition, holding, disposition or redemption of the Series A Preferred Units, provided that:

        A non-United Kingdom resident company or an individual not resident in the United Kingdom that carries on a business in the United Kingdom through a partnership is subject to United Kingdom tax on income derived from the business carried on by the partnership in the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, we expect to conduct our affairs in such a manner that we will not be treated as carrying on business in the United Kingdom. Consequently, we expect that non-UK Holders will not be considered to be carrying on

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business in the United Kingdom for the purposes of the United Kingdom Tax Acts solely by reason of the acquisition, holding, disposition or redemption of their Series A Preferred Units.

        While we do not expect it to be the case, if the arrangements we propose to enter into result in our being considered to carry on business in the United Kingdom for the purposes of the United Kingdom Tax Acts, our unitholders would be considered to be carrying on business in the United Kingdom and would be required to file tax returns with the United Kingdom taxing authority and, subject to any relief provided in any relevant double taxation treaty (including, in the case of holders resident in the United States, the double taxation agreement between the United Kingdom and the United States), would be subject to taxation in the United Kingdom on any income and chargeable gains that are considered to be attributable to the business carried on by us in the United Kingdom.

EACH PROSPECTIVE UNITHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF UNIT OWNERSHIP UNDER HIS PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

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TAXATION OF THE PARTNERSHIP

United States Taxation

        The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us and is the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., our U.S. counsel, insofar as it contains legal conclusions based upon the application of U.S. federal income tax law to our particular factual circumstances. The opinion of our counsel is dependent on the accuracy of factual representations made by us to them, including descriptions of our operations contained or incorporated by reference herein. This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code as in effect on the date of this prospectus supplement, existing final and temporary regulations thereunder ("Treasury Regulations"), and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretation, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Statements contained herein that "we believe," "we expect" or similar phrases are not legal conclusions or opinions of counsel. The following discussion is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of all of the U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to us.

        Election to be Treated as a Corporation.    We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As such, we are subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income to the extent it is from U.S. sources or is treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the Unites States as discussed below.

        Taxation of Operating Income.    Substantially all of our gross income has historically been attributable to the transportation, regasification and storage of LNG, and we expect that substantially all of our gross income will, in the future, be attributable to the transportation, regasification and storage of LNG and liquefaction. Gross income generated from regasification and storage of LNG and liquefaction outside of the United States generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax, and gross income generated from such activities in the United States generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax. Gross income that is attributable to transportation that either begins or ends, but that does not both begin and end, in the United States ("U.S. Source International Transportation Income") is considered to be 50.0% derived from sources within the United States and may be subject to U.S. federal income tax as described below. Gross income attributable to transportation that both begins and ends in the United States ("U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income") is considered to be 100.0% derived from sources within the United States and generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax. Gross income attributable to transportation exclusively between non-U.S. destinations is considered to be 100.0% derived from sources outside the United States and generally is not subject to U.S. federal income tax.

        We are not permitted by law to engage in transportation that gives rise to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income, and we do not anticipate providing any regasification, storage or liquefaction services within the territorial seas of the United States. However, certain of our activities give rise to U.S. Source International Transportation Income, and future expansion of our operations could result in an increase in the amount of U.S. Source International Transportation Income, all of which could be subject to U.S. federal income taxation unless the exemption from U.S. taxation under Section 883 of the Code (the "Section 883 Exemption") applies.

        The Section 883 Exemption.    In general, the Section 883 Exemption provides that if a non-U.S. corporation satisfies the requirements of Section 883 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder (the "Section 883 Regulations"), it will not be subject to the net basis and branch profits taxes or the 4.0% gross basis tax described below on its U.S. Source International Transportation Income. The Section 883 Exemption applies only to U.S. Source International Transportation Income and does not apply to U.S. Source Domestic Transportation Income. As discussed below, we believe that based on our

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current ownership structure, the Section 883 Exemption applies and we are not subject to U.S. federal income tax on our U.S. Source International Transportation Income.

        To qualify for the Section 883 Exemption, we must, among other things, meet the following three requirements:

        In order for a non-U.S. corporation to meet the Publicly Traded Test, its equity interests must be "primarily traded" and "regularly traded" on an established securities market either in the United States or in a jurisdiction outside the United States that grants an Equivalent Exemption. The Section 883 Regulations provide, in pertinent part, that equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be "primarily traded" on an established securities market in a given country if, with respect to the class or classes of equity relied upon to meet the "regularly traded" requirement described below, the number of units of each such class that are traded during any taxable year on all established securities markets in that country exceeds the number of units in such class that are traded during that year on established securities markets in any other single country. Equity interests in a non-U.S. corporation will be considered to be "regularly traded" on an established securities market under the Section 883 Regulations if one or more classes of such equity interests that, in the aggregate, represent more than 50.0% of the combined vote and value of all outstanding equity interests in the non-U.S. corporation satisfy certain listing and trading volume requirements. These listing and trading volume requirements will be satisfied with respect to a class of equity interests if trades in such class are effected, other than in de minimis quantities, on an established securities market on at least 60 days during the taxable year and the aggregate number of units in such class that are traded on an established securities market during the taxable year is at least 10.0% of the average number of units outstanding in that class during the taxable year (with special rules for short taxable years). In addition, a class of equity interests will be considered to satisfy the trading volume requirements if the equity interests in such class are traded during the taxable year on an established securities market in the United States and are "regularly quoted by dealers making a market" in such class (within the meaning of the Section 883 Regulations).

        Even if a class of equity satisfies the foregoing requirements, and thus generally would be treated as "regularly traded" on an established securities market, an exception may apply to cause the class to fail the regularly traded test if, for more than half of the number of days during the taxable year, one or more 5.0% unitholders (i.e., unitholders owning, actually or constructively, at least 5.0% of the vote and value of that class) own in the aggregate 50.0% or more of the vote and value of the class (the "Closely Held Block Exception"). The Closely Held Block Exception does not apply, however, in the event the corporation can establish that a sufficient proportion of such 5.0% unitholders are Qualified Shareholders (as defined below) so as to preclude other persons who are 5.0% unitholders from owning 50.0% or more of the value of that class for more than half the days during the taxable year.

        As set forth above, as an alternative to satisfying the Publicly Traded Test, a non-U.S. corporation may qualify for the Section 883 Exemption by satisfying the Qualified Shareholder Stock Ownership Test. A corporation generally will satisfy the Qualified Shareholder Stock Ownership Test if more than 50.0% of the value of its outstanding equity interests is owned, or treated as owned after applying certain attribution rules, for at least half of the number of days in the taxable year by:

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        We believe that we satisfy all of the requirements for the Section 883 Exemption, and we expect that we will continue to satisfy such requirements. We are organized under the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The U.S. Treasury Department has recognized the Republic of the Marshall Islands as a jurisdiction that grants an Equivalent Exemption with respect to the type of U.S. Source International Transportation Income we earn and expect to earn in the future. Consequently, our U.S. Source International Transportation Income (including for this purpose, any such income earned by our subsidiaries) should be exempt from U.S. federal income taxation provided we meet the Publicly Traded Test and we satisfy certain substantiation, reporting and other requirements.

        Our common units are traded only on the Nasdaq Global Market, which is considered to be an established securities market. Based on this fact, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that the number of our common units that is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market exceeds the number of our common units that is traded on any other established securities market, and this is not expected to change. Assuming the accuracy of this representation, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that our common units are "primarily traded" on an established securities market for purposes of the Publicly Traded Test.

        Although the matter is not free from doubt, based on our analysis of our current and expected cash flow and distributions on our outstanding equity interests, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that our common units represent more than 50.0% of the total value of all of our outstanding equity interests. In addition, we believe and have represented to our U.S. counsel that our common units currently satisfy, and expect that our common units will continue to satisfy, the listing and trading volume requirements described previously. Assuming the accuracy of these representations, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that our equity interests are "regularly traded" on an established securities market for purposes of the Publicly Traded Test.

        Further, our partnership agreement provides that any person or group that beneficially owns more than 4.9% of any class of our units then outstanding generally will be treated as owning only 4.9% of such units for purposes of voting for directors. There can be no assurance that this limitation will be effective to eliminate the possibility that we have or will have any 5.0% common unitholders for purposes of the Closely Held Block Exception, and our U.S. counsel has not rendered an opinion with respect to this limitation. Nevertheless, based on the current ownership of our common units, we believe that our common units have not lost eligibility for the Section 883 Exemption as a result of the Closely Held Block Exception. Thus, although the matter is not free from doubt and is based upon our belief and expectations regarding our satisfaction of the factual requirements described above, as well as the legal opinion of our U.S. counsel described above, we believe that we will satisfy the Publicly Traded Test for the present taxable year and future taxable years.

        The conclusions of our counsel described above are based upon legal authorities that do not expressly contemplate an organizational structure such as ours. In particular, although we have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we are organized as a limited partnership under Marshall Islands law. Accordingly, while we believe that, assuming satisfaction of the factual requirements described above, our common units should be considered "regularly traded" on an established securities market and that we should satisfy the requirements for the Section 883 Exemption, it is possible that the IRS would assert that our common units do not meet the "regularly traded" test. In addition, as described previously, our ability to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test depends upon factual matters that are subject to change. Should any of the factual requirements described above fail to be satisfied, we may not be able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test. Furthermore, our board of directors could determine that it is in our best interests to take an action that would result in our not being able to satisfy the Publicly Traded Test in the

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future. Please read "—The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax" and "—The 4.0% Gross Basis Tax" below for a discussion of the consequences in the event we do not satisfy the Publicly Traded Test.

        The Net Basis Tax and Branch Profits Tax.    If we earn U.S. Source International Transportation Income and the Section 883 Exemption does not apply, the U.S. source portion of such income may be treated as effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business in the United States ("Effectively Connected Income") if we have a fixed place of business in the United States involved in the earning of U.S. Source International Transportation Income and substantially all of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income is attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or, in the case of vessel leasing income, is attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States. In addition, if we earn income from regasification or storage of LNG or liquefaction within the territorial seas of the United States, such income may be treated as Effectively Connected Income. Based on our current operations, substantially all of our potential U.S. Source International Transportation Income is not attributable to regularly scheduled transportation or received from vessel leasing, and none of our regasification, storage or liquefaction activities occur within the territorial seas of the United States. As a result, we do not anticipate that any of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income or income earned from regasification, storage or liquefaction will be treated as Effectively Connected Income. However, there is no assurance that we will not earn income pursuant to regularly scheduled transportation or bareboat charters attributable to a fixed place of business in the United States (or earn income from regasification, storage or liquefaction activities within the territorial seas of the United States) in the future, which would result in such income being treated as Effectively Connected Income.

        Any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income, net of applicable deductions, would be subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax (currently imposed at rates of up to 35.0%). In addition, a 30.0% branch profits tax could be imposed on any income we earn that is treated as Effectively Connected Income, as determined after allowance for certain adjustments, and on certain interest paid or deemed paid by us in connection with the conduct of our U.S. trade or business.

        On the sale of a vessel that has produced Effectively Connected Income, we could be subject to the net basis U.S. federal corporate income tax as well as branch profits tax with respect to the gain recognized up to the amount of certain prior deductions for depreciation that reduced Effectively Connected Income. Otherwise, we would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on the sale of a vessel, provided the sale is considered to occur outside of the United States under U.S. federal income tax principles. In general, a sale of vessel will be considered to occur outside of the United States for this purpose if title to the vessel, and risk of loss with respect to the vessel, pass to the buyer outside the United States. It is expected that any sale of a vessel by us will be considered to occur outside of the United States.

        The 4.0% Gross Basis Tax.    If the Section 883 Exemption does not apply and the net basis tax does not apply, we would be subject to a 4.0% U.S. federal income tax on the U.S. source portion of our gross U.S. Source International Transportation Income, without benefit of deductions. Under the sourcing rules described above under "—Taxation of Operating Income," 50.0% of our U.S. Source International Transportation Income would be treated as being derived from U.S. sources.

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UNDERWRITING

        Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated are acting as joint book-running managers of the offering. Subject to the terms and conditions stated in the underwriting agreement, each underwriter named below has agreed to purchase severally and not jointly, and we have agreed to sell to that underwriter, the number of Series A Preferred Units set forth opposite the underwriter's name.

Underwriter
  Number of
Series A
Preferred Units
 

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

                      

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                  Incorporated

                      

Total

                      

        The underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the Series A Preferred Units included in this offering are subject to approval of legal matters by counsel and to other conditions. The underwriters are obligated to purchase all the Series A Preferred Units (other than those covered by the option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units described below) if they purchase any of the Series A Preferred Units.

Option to Purchase Additional Series A Preferred Units

        We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable for 30 days from the date of this prospectus supplement, to purchase up to                     additional Series A Preferred Units at the public offering price less the underwriting discount solely to cover over-allotments, if any. To the extent the option is exercised, each underwriter must purchase a number of additional Series A Preferred Units approximately proportionate to that underwriter's initial purchase commitment.

Underwriting Discounts and Expenses

        The underwriters propose to offer some of the Series A Preferred Units directly to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus supplement and some of the Series A Preferred Units to dealers at the public offering price less a concession not to exceed $      per unit. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $      per unit to other dealers. If all of the Series A Preferred Units are not sold at the initial offering price, the underwriters may change the public offering price and the other selling terms.

        The following table shows the underwriting discounts that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with this offering. These amounts are shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units.

 
  No Exercise   Full Exercise  

Per Series A Preferred Unit

  $                    $                   

Total

  $                    $                   

        We estimate that our total expenses of this offering, excluding the underwriting discounts, will be approximately $            .

Lock-Up Agreement

        We, our general partner and our operating company have agreed that, for a period of 30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement and subject to certain exceptions, we will not, directly or indirectly,

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without the prior written consent of Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, (1) offer, sell, contract to sell, pledge, or otherwise dispose of or enter into any transaction that is designed to, or might reasonably be expected to, result in the disposition (whether by actual disposition or effective economic disposition due to cash settlement or otherwise) by us or any person in privity with us, directly or indirectly, including the filing (or participation in the filing) of a registration statement with the SEC in respect of, or establish or increase a put equivalent position or liquidate or decrease a call equivalent position (within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act) in any Series A Preferred Units or any securities that are substantially similar to the Series A Preferred Units or (2) publicly announce an intention to effect any such transaction.

        Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, in their discretion, may release any of the Lock-up Securities in whole or in part at any time without notice.

Nasdaq Listing

        The Series A Preferred Units are a new issue of securities with no established trading market. We intend to apply to list the Series A Preferred Units on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "GMLPP". If the application is approved, trading of the Series A Preferred Units on the Nasdaq Global Market is expected to begin within 30 days after the date of initial delivery of the Series A Preferred Units. The underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market in the Series A Preferred Units before commencement of trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. They will have no obligation to make a market in the Series A Preferred Units, however, and may cease market-making activities, if commenced, at any time. Accordingly, an active trading market on the Nasdaq Global Market for the Series A Preferred Units may not develop or, even if one develops, may not last, in which case the liquidity and market price of the Series A Preferred Units could be adversely affected, the difference between bid and asked prices could be substantial and your ability to transfer Series A Preferred Units at the time and price desired will be limited.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

        Until the distribution of the Series A Preferred Units is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing Series A Preferred Units. However, the underwriters may engage in transactions that have the effect of stabilizing the price of the Series A Preferred Units, such as bids or purchases and other activities that peg, fix or maintain that price.

        In connection with this offering, the underwriters may bid for or purchase and sell Series A Preferred Units in the open market. These transactions may include stabilizing transactions, short sales and purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales. Stabilizing transactions consist of various activities such as purchases of Series A Preferred Units made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of Series A Preferred Units than they are required to purchase in this offering. Short sales may be "Covered" shorts, which are short positions in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional units referred to above, or may be "naked" shorts, which are short positions in excess of that amount. The underwriters may close out any covered short position either by exercising their option to purchase additional Series A Preferred Units, in whole or in part, or by purchasing our Series A Preferred Units in the open market. In making this determination, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of our Series A Preferred Units available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which the underwriters may purchase our Series A Preferred Units through the option. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the Series A Preferred Units in the open market that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. To the extent that the underwriters create a naked short position, they will purchase our Series A Preferred Units in the open market to cover the position.

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        Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters' purchases to cover the syndicate short sales and other activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the Series A Preferred Units or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of Series A Preferred Units. As a result, the price of the Series A Preferred Units may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the Nasdaq Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

        Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of Series A Preferred Units. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Alternative Settlement

        We expect delivery of the Series A Preferred Units will be made against payment therefor on or about                , 2017, which will be the fifth business day following the date of pricing of the Series A Preferred Units (such settlement being referred to as "T+5"). Under Rule 15c6-1 of the Exchange Act, trades in the secondary market generally are required to settle in two business days unless the parties to any such trade expressly agree otherwise. Accordingly, purchasers who wish to trade the Series A Preferred Units on the date of this prospectus supplement or the next two succeeding business days will be required, by virtue of the fact that the Series A Preferred Units initially will settle in T+5, to specify an alternate settlement cycle at the time of any such trade to prevent failed settlement and should consult their own advisers.

Indemnification

        We and certain of our affiliates have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make because of any of these liabilities.

Other Relationships

        In the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Certain legal matters with respect to the offering will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Washington, D.C. The validity of the Series A Preferred Units offered hereby and certain other legal matters with respect to the laws of the Republic of The Marshall Islands will be passed upon for us by our counsel as to Marshall Islands law, Seward & Kissel LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon on behalf of the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP, Houston, Texas.


EXPERTS

        Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus and elsewhere in the Registration Statement. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.


EXPENSES

        The following table sets forth costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Series A Preferred Units covered by this prospectus supplement. All amounts are estimated, except the SEC registration fee and the Nasdaq Global Market listing fee.

SEC registration fee

  $                   

Nasdaq listing fee

                      

Legal fees and expenses

                      

Accounting fees and expenses

                      

Printing costs

                      

Transfer agent fees

                      

Miscellaneous

                      

Total

  $                   

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P R O S P E C T U S

LOGO

Common Units Representing Limited Partnership Interests
Other Classes of Units Representing Limited Partner Interests
Options
Warrants
Rights
Debt Securities

        We may from time to time, in one or more offerings, offer and sell common units and other units representing limited partner interests in Golar LNG Partners LP, as well as options, warrants or rights to purchase common units or other classes of units or any combination thereof, and the debt securities described in this prospectus. Selling unitholders may offer and sell common units from time to time, in one or more offerings. We or selling unitholders may offer and sell these securities from time to time in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions and other factors at the time of the offerings.

        We refer to the common units and other units representing limited partner interests in us, the options, warrants, and rights to purchase common units or other classes of units, and the debt securities collectively as the "securities." This prospectus describes the general terms of these securities and the general manner in which we or selling unitholders will offer the securities. The specific terms of any securities that we or selling unitholders offer will be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus supplement will also describe the specific manner in which we or selling unitholders will offer the securities, and also may add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. We or selling unitholders will sell the securities through underwriters on a firm commitment basis. The names of any underwriters and the specific terms of a plan of distribution will be stated in the prospectus supplement. Selling unitholders that are affiliates of Golar LNG Partners LP may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, and, as a result, may be deemed to be offering securities, indirectly, on our behalf. We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the securities by any selling unitholders.

        Our common units are traded on The Nasdaq Global Market (or the NASDAQ), under the symbol "GMLP." We will provide information in the related prospectus supplement for the trading market, if any, for any securities that may be offered.

        Investing in our securities involves risks. You should carefully consider the risk factors described under "Risk Factors" on page 7 of this prospectus before you make an investment in our securities.

        Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

   

The date of this prospectus is October 25, 2016.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

  1

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 
2

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 
4

ABOUT GOLAR LNG PARTNERS LP

 
6

RISK FACTORS

 
7

USE OF PROCEEDS

 
8

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

 
9

DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS

 
10

OUR CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS

 
15

DESCRIPTION OF THE OTHER CLASSES OF UNITS

 
25

DESCRIPTION OF THE OPTIONS

 
26

DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS

 
27

DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS

 
29

DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

 
30

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 
39

NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS

 
46

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 
47

SELLING UNITHOLDERS

 
48

SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

 
49

LEGAL MATTERS

 
50

EXPERTS

 
50

EXPENSES

 
50



        In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We have not, and the selling unitholders have not, authorized anyone else to give you different information. Neither we nor the selling unitholders are offering these securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents. We will disclose any material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this prospectus, a prospectus supplement or a future filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, incorporated by reference in this prospectus.



ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we filed with the SEC using a "shelf" registration process. Under this shelf registration process, we may, from time to time, offer and sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings and selling unitholders may, from time to time, offer and sell common units of Golar LNG Partners LP in one or more offerings. This prospectus generally describes Golar LNG Partners LP and the securities. Each time we or selling unitholders offer securities with this prospectus, we will provide you with this prospectus and a prospectus supplement that will describe, among other things, the specific amounts and prices of the securities being offered and the terms of the offering, including, in the case of other types of units representing limited partner interests, options, warrants, rights and debt securities, the specific terms of the securities. The prospectus supplement may also add to, update or change information in this prospectus.

        The information in this prospectus is accurate as of its date. Additional information, including our financial statements and the notes thereto, is incorporated in this prospectus by reference to our reports filed with the SEC. Before you invest in our securities, you should carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement and the additional information incorporated by reference in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement (including the documents described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information"). You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the heading "Where You Can Find More Information," and any additional information you may need to make your investment decision. To the extent information in this prospectus is inconsistent with the information contained in a prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the prospectus supplement.

        Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this prospectus to "Golar LNG Partners LP," "Golar LNG Partners," the "Partnership," "we," "our," "us" or similar terms refer to Golar LNG Partners LP, a Marshall Islands limited partnership, or any one or more of its subsidiaries. References in this prospectus to "our general partner" refer to Golar GP LLC, the general partner of the Partnership. References in this prospectus to "Golar" refer, depending on the context, to Golar LNG Limited and to any one or more of its direct and indirect subsidiaries.

1



WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

        We are subject to the information requirements of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (or the Exchange Act), applicable to a foreign private issuer and, accordingly, file or furnish reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, reports on Form 6-K, and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any of these documents at the SEC's public reference room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. Our filings with the SEC are also available to the public through the SEC's web site on the Internet at www.sec.gov free of charge. You can also obtain information about us at the offices of the Nasdaq Global Market at One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York, NY 10006, or on our website at http://www.golarlngpartners.com. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and you should not consider information contained on our website as part of this prospectus.

        This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 filed by us with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. As permitted by the SEC, this prospectus does not contain all the information in the registration statement filed with the SEC. For a more complete understanding of this offering, you should refer to the complete registration statement (including exhibits) on Form F-3 that may be obtained from the locations described above. Statements contained in this prospectus or in any prospectus supplement about the contents of any contract or other document are not necessarily complete. If we have filed any contract or other document as an exhibit to the registration statement or any other document incorporated by reference in the registration statement, you should read the exhibit for a more complete understanding of the document or matter involved. Each statement regarding a contract or other document is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual document.

        As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt under the Exchange Act from, among other things, certain rules prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements, and our executive officers, directors and principal unitholders are exempt from the reporting and short-swing profit recovery provisions contained in Section 16 of the Exchange Act. In addition, we are not required under the Exchange Act to file periodic reports and financial statements with the SEC as frequently or as promptly as U.S. companies whose securities are registered under the Exchange Act, including the filing of quarterly reports or current reports on Form 8-K. However, we intend to make available quarterly reports containing our unaudited interim financial information for the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year.

        The SEC allows us to "incorporate by reference" into this prospectus information that we file with the SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to you without actually including the specific information in this prospectus by referring you to other documents filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus. Any reports filed by us with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will be incorporated by reference into this prospectus and will automatically update and, where applicable, supersede any information contained in this prospectus or incorporated by reference in this prospectus (other than, in each case, documents or information deemed to have been furnished and not filed in accordance with SEC rules).

        We incorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents listed below:

2


        These reports contain important information about us, our financial condition and our results of operations.

        You may obtain a copy of the above mentioned filings or any subsequent filing we incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement through the SEC or the SEC's website as described above. You may also obtain copies of these documents free of charge by writing or telephoning us at the following address:

    Golar LNG Partners LP    
    Attn: Investor Relations    
    2nd Floor S.E. Pearman Building    
    9 Par-la-Ville Road    
    Hamilton, HM11, Bermuda    
    +1 (441) 295-4705    

3



FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

        All of the statements, other than statements of historical fact, included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus, the accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents we incorporate by reference contain "forward-looking" statements. These forward-looking statements discuss goals, intentions and expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of operations or financial condition, or state other information relating to us, based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management. Words such as "may," "will," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "intend," "project," and other similar phrases or expressions identify forward-looking statements. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference.

        Forward-looking statements appear in a number of places in this prospectus and include statements with respect to, among other things:

4


        Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those risks discussed in "Risk Factors" and those risks discussed in other reports we file with the SEC and that are incorporated in this prospectus by reference. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions involve known and unknown risks and are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control.

        Forward-looking statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, estimates, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and, therefore, involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those risks discussed in "Risk Factors." We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.

        We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of these factors. Further, we cannot assess the effect of each such factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward-looking statement.

5



ABOUT GOLAR LNG PARTNERS LP

        We are a publicly traded limited partnership formed by Golar, a leading independent owner and operator of LNG carriers and FSRUs, to own and operate FSRUs and LNG carriers under long-term charters. Our fleet currently consists of seven FSRUs and four LNG carriers. We intend to leverage our relationship with Golar to make acquisitions of FSRUs, LNG carriers and, potentially, FLNGs, with long-term charters from Golar and third parties in the future as market conditions permit.

        We were formed under the laws of the Marshall Islands and maintain our principal executive headquarters at 2nd Floor S.E. Pearman Building, 9 Par-La-Ville Road, Hamilton, Bermuda HM11. Our telephone number at that address is +1 (441) 295-4705.

6



RISK FACTORS

        An investment in our securities involves a significant degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors and all of the other information included in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including those in "Item 3—Key Information—Risk Factors" in our 2015 Annual Report and in "Risk Factors" in our Report on Form 6-K for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2016 filed on October 3, 2016, as updated by annual, quarterly and other reports and documents we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus and that are incorporated by reference herein, in evaluating an investment in the securities. If any of these risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. When we offer and sell any securities pursuant to a prospectus supplement, we may include additional risk factors relevant to such securities in the prospectus supplement.

7



USE OF PROCEEDS

        Except as otherwise provided in an applicable prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds we receive from the sale of the securities covered by this prospectus for general partnership purposes, including repayment of debt (including debt owed to Golar), acquisitions, capital expenditures and additions to working capital.

        The actual application of proceeds we receive from any particular primary offering of securities using this prospectus will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to such offering.

        We will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of common units by any selling unitholders.

8



RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

        The following table sets forth our ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges for the periods presented:

 
  Six Months
Ended
June 30,
2016
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015   2014   2013   2012   2011  

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(1)

    2.73x     3.40x     3.98x     3.80x     3.83x     4.32x  

(1)
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed charges:

9



DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS

        Our common units represent limited partner interests in us. The holders of common units are entitled to participate in partnership distributions and exercise the rights and privileges available to limited partners under our partnership agreement. For a description of the rights and privileges of holders of common units in and to partnership distributions, please read this section and "Our Cash Distribution Policy and Restrictions on Distributions."

Number of Units

        As of October 24, 2016, we had 64,073,291 common units outstanding, of which 43,461,000 are held by the public and 20,612,291 are held by Golar, which owns our general partner. The common units represent an aggregate 98% limited partner interest and the general partner interest represents a 2% general partner interest in us.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

        Computershare serves as registrar and transfer agent for the common units.

Transfer of Common Units

        By transfer of common units in accordance with our partnership agreement, each transferee of common units will be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the common units transferred when such transfer and admission is reflected in our books and records. Each transferee:

        A transferee will become a substituted limited partner of our partnership for the transferred common units automatically upon the recording of the transfer on our books and records. Our general partner will cause any transfers to be recorded on our books and records no less frequently than quarterly.

        We may, at our discretion, treat the nominee holder of a common unit as the absolute owner. In that case, the beneficial holder's rights are limited solely to those that it has against the nominee holder as a result of any agreement between the beneficial owner and the nominee holder.

        Common units are securities and are transferable according to the laws governing transfer of securities. In addition to other rights acquired upon transfer, the transferor gives the transferee the right to become a limited partner in our partnership for the transferred common units.

        Until a common unit has been transferred on our books, we and the transfer agent may treat the record holder of the unit as the absolute owner for all purposes, except as otherwise required by law or stock exchange regulations.

Voting Rights

        Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of common units have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. We will hold a meeting of the limited partners every year to elect one or more members of our board of directors and to vote on any other matters that are properly brought before the meeting. Common unitholders are entitled to elect only four of the seven members of our board of directors. The elected directors are elected on a staggered basis and serve for

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three year terms. Our general partner in its sole discretion appoints the remaining three directors and set the terms for which those directors will serve. The partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders' ability to influence the manner or direction of management. Unitholders will have no right to elect our general partner, and our general partner may not be removed except by a vote of the holders of at least 662/3% of the outstanding common units, including any common units owned by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class.

        Our partnership agreement further restricts unitholders' voting rights by providing that if any person or group owns beneficially more than 4.9% of any class of units then outstanding, any such units owned by that person or group in excess of 4.9% may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of unitholders, calculating required votes (except for purposes of nominating a person for election to our board), determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes, unless required by law. The voting rights of any such unitholders in excess of 4.9% will effectively be redistributed pro rata among the other common unitholders holding less than 4.9% of the voting power of all classes of units entitled to vote. Our general partner, its affiliates and persons who acquired common units with the prior approval of our board of directors will not be subject to this 4.9% limitation except with respect to voting their common units in the election of the elected directors.

        The following is a summary of the unitholder vote required for the approval of the matters specified below. Matters that require the approval of a "unit majority" require the approval of a majority of the common units voting as a single class.

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        In voting their common units our general partner and its affiliates will have no fiduciary duty or obligation whatsoever to us or the limited partners, including any duty to act in good faith or in the best interests of us or the limited partners.

Action
  Unitholder Approval Required and Voting Rights

Issuance of additional units

  No approval rights; general partner approval required for all issuances not reasonably expected to be accretive within 12 months of issuance or which would otherwise have a material adverse impact on the general partner or its interest in our partnership.

Amendment of the partnership agreement                             

 


Certain amendments may be made by our board of directors without the approval of the unitholders. Other amendments generally require the approval of a unit majority.

Merger of our partnership or the sale of all or substantially all of our assets

 

Unit majority and approval of our general partner and our board of directors.

Dissolution of our partnership

 

Unit majority and approval of our general partner and our board of directors.

Reconstitution of our partnership upon dissolution

 

Unit majority.

Election of four of the seven members of our board of directors

 

A plurality of the votes of the holders of the common units.

Withdrawal of our general partner

 

Under most circumstances, the approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required for the withdrawal of our general partner prior to March 31, 2021 in a manner which would cause a dissolution of our partnership.

Removal of our general partner

 

Not less than 662/3% of the outstanding units, including units held by our general partner and its affiliates, voting together as a single class.

Transfer of our general partner interest in us                             

 


Our general partner may transfer all, but not less than all, of its general partner interest in us without a vote of our unitholders to an affiliate or another person in connection with its merger or consolidation with or into, or sale of all or substantially all of its assets to such person. The approval of a majority of the common units, excluding common units held by our general partner and its affiliates, is required in other circumstances for a transfer of the general partner interest to a third party prior to March 31, 2021.

Transfer of incentive distribution rights

 

No approval required.

Transfer of ownership interests in our general partner

 

No approval required at any time.

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Issuance of Additional Interests

        The partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited amount of additional partnership interests and options, rights and warrants to buy partnership interests for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by our board of directors without the approval of the unitholders.

        We intend to fund acquisitions through borrowings and the issuance of additional common units or other equity securities and the issuance of debt securities. Holders of any additional common units we issue will be entitled to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units in our distributions of available cash. In addition, the issuance of additional common units or other equity securities may dilute the value of the interests of the then-existing holders of common units in our net assets.

        In accordance with Marshall Islands law and the provisions of our partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership interests that, as determined by our board of directors, have special voting rights to which the common units are not entitled.

        Upon issuance of additional partnership interests (other than the issuance of common units in connection with a reset of the incentive distribution target levels or the issuance of partnership interests upon conversion of outstanding partnership interests), our general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, to make additional capital contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in us. Our general partner's interest in us will thus be reduced if we issue additional partnership interests in the future and our general partner does not elect to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in us. Our general partner and its affiliates will have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units or other equity securities whenever, and on the same terms that, we issue those securities to persons other than our general partner and its affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain its and its affiliates' percentage interest, including its interest represented by common units, that existed immediately prior to each issuance. Other holders of common units will not have similar preemptive rights to acquire additional common units or other partnership interests.

Limited Call Right

        If at any time our general partner and its affiliates hold more than 80% of the then-issued and outstanding partnership interests of any class, our general partner will have the right, which it may assign in whole or in part to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the remaining partnership interests of the class held by unaffiliated persons as of a record date to be selected by the general partner, on at least 10 but not more than 60 days' notice equal to the greater of (x) the average of the daily closing prices of the partnership interests of such class over the 20 trading days preceding the date three days before the notice of exercise of the call right is first mailed and (y) the highest price paid by our general partner or any of its affiliates for partnership interests of such class during the 90-day period preceding the date such notice is first mailed. Our general partner is not obligated to obtain a fairness opinion regarding the value of the common units to be repurchased by it upon the exercise of this limited call right and has no fiduciary duty in determining whether to exercise this limited call right.

        As a result of the general partner's right to purchase outstanding partnership interests, a holder of partnership interests may have the holder's partnership interests purchased at an undesirable time or price. The tax consequences to a unitholder of the exercise of this call right are the same as a sale by that unitholder of common units in the market. Please read "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders—Sale, Exchange or Other Disposition of Common Units" and "Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations—U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders—Disposition of Common Units."

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Summary of our Partnership Agreement

        A copy of our partnership agreement is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. A summary of the important provisions of our partnership agreement and the rights and privileges of our unitholders is included in our registration statement on Form 8-A/A as filed with the SEC on October 19, 2016, and including any subsequent amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. Please read "Where You Can Find More Information."

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OUR CASH DISTRIBUTION POLICY AND RESTRICTIONS ON DISTRIBUTIONS

        You should read the following discussion of our cash distribution policy and restrictions on distributions in conjunction with specific assumptions included in this section. In addition, you should read "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" for information regarding statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and certain risks inherent in our business.

General

        Our cash distribution policy reflects a judgment that our unitholders will be better served by our distributing our cash available (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves) rather than retaining it. Because we believe we will generally finance any expansion capital expenditures from external financing sources, we believe that our investors are best served by our distributing all of our available cash. Our cash distribution policy is consistent with the terms of our partnership agreement, which requires that we distribute all of our available cash quarterly (after deducting expenses, including estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures and reserves).

        There is no guarantee that unitholders will receive quarterly distributions from us. Our distribution policy is subject to certain restrictions and may be changed at any time, including:

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Distributions of Available Cash

        Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash (defined below) to common unitholders of record on the applicable record date.

        Available cash generally means, for each fiscal quarter, all cash on hand at the end of the quarter (including our proportionate share of cash on hand of certain subsidiaries we do not wholly own):

        Common unitholders are entitled under our partnership agreement to receive a quarterly distribution of $0.5775 per unit, or $2.31 per unit per year, to the extent we have sufficient cash on hand to pay the distribution, after establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses. There is no guarantee that we will pay the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units in any quarter. Even if our cash distribution policy is not modified or revoked, the amount of distributions paid under our policy and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our board of directors, taking into consideration the terms of our partnership agreement. Additionally, we will be prohibited from making any distributions to our common unitholders if it would cause an event of default, or if an event of default is then existing, under our credit facilities.

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Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus

        All cash distributed to common unitholders is characterized as either "operating surplus" or "capital surplus." We treat distributions of available cash from operating surplus differently than distributions of available cash from capital surplus.

        Operating surplus for any period generally means:

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        If a working capital borrowing, which increases operating surplus, is not repaid during the 12-month period following the borrowing, it will be deemed repaid at the end of such period, thus decreasing operating surplus at such time. When such working capital borrowing is in fact repaid, it will not be treated as a reduction in operating surplus because operating surplus will have been previously reduced by the deemed repayment.

        As described above, operating surplus includes a provision that will enable us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus up to $35.0 million of cash we receive in the future from non-operating sources, such as asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term borrowings, that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. In addition, the effect of including, as described above, certain cash distributions on equity securities or interest payments on debt in operating surplus would be to increase operating surplus by the amount of any such cash distributions or interest payments. As a result, we may also distribute as operating surplus up to the amount of any such cash distributions or interest payments of cash we receive from non-operating sources.

        The term operating expenditures generally means all of our cash expenditures, including, but not limited to taxes, employee and director compensation, reimbursement of expenses to our general partner, repayment of working capital borrowings, debt service payments and payments made under any interest rate, currency or commodity hedge contracts (provided that payments made in connection with the termination of any hedge contract prior to the expiration of its stipulated settlement or termination date shall be included in operating expenditures in equal quarterly installments over the remaining scheduled life of such hedge contract), provided that operating expenditures will not include:

        For purposes of determining operating surplus, maintenance and replacement capital expenditures are those capital expenditures required to maintain over the long-term the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our capital assets, and expansion capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that increase the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our capital assets. In our partnership agreement, we refer to these maintenance and replacement capital expenditures as "maintenance capital expenditures." To the extent, however, that capital expenditures associated with acquiring a new vessel or improving an existing vessel increase the revenues or the operating capacity of our fleet, those capital expenditures would be classified as expansion capital expenditures.

        Investment capital expenditures are those capital expenditures that are neither maintenance and replacement capital expenditures nor expansion capital expenditures. Investment capital expenditures largely will consist of capital expenditures made for investment purposes. Examples of investment capital expenditures include traditional capital expenditures for investment purposes, such as purchases of equity securities, as well as other capital expenditures that might be made in lieu of such traditional investment capital expenditures, such as the acquisition of a capital asset for investment purposes.

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        Examples of maintenance and replacement capital expenditures include capital expenditures associated with drydocking, modifying an existing vessel or acquiring a new vessel to the extent such expenditures are incurred to maintain the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our fleet. Maintenance and replacement capital expenditures will also include interest (and related fees) on debt incurred and distributions on equity issued (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of our IDRs) to finance the construction of a replacement vessel and paid in respect of the construction period, which we define as the period beginning on the date that we enter into a binding construction contract and ending on the earlier of the date that the replacement vessel commences commercial service or the date that the replacement vessel is abandoned or disposed of. Debt incurred to pay or equity issued to fund construction period interest payments, and distributions on such equity (including the amount of any incremental distributions made to the holders of our IDRs) will also be considered maintenance and replacement capital expenditures.

        Because our maintenance and replacement capital expenditures can be very large and vary significantly in timing, the amount of our actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures may differ substantially from period to period, which could cause similar fluctuations in the amounts of operating surplus, adjusted operating surplus, and available cash for distribution to our unitholders if we subtracted actual maintenance and replacement capital expenditures from operating surplus each quarter. Accordingly, to eliminate the effect on operating surplus of these fluctuations, our partnership agreement requires that an amount equal to an estimate of the average quarterly maintenance and replacement capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of or the revenue generated by our capital assets over the long-term be subtracted from operating surplus each quarter, as opposed to the actual amounts spent. In our partnership agreement, we refer to these estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures to be subtracted from operating surplus as "estimated maintenance capital expenditures." The amount of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures deducted from operating surplus is subject to review and change by our board of directors at least once a year, provided that any change must be approved by our conflicts committee. The estimate will be made at least annually and whenever an event occurs that is likely to result in a material adjustment to the amount of our maintenance and replacement capital expenditures, such as a major acquisition or the introduction of new governmental regulations that will affect our fleet. For purposes of calculating operating surplus, any adjustment to this estimate is prospective only.

        The use of estimated maintenance and replacement capital expenditures in calculating operating surplus has the following effects:

        Capital surplus generally is generated only by:

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        We treat all available cash distributed on our common units as coming from operating surplus until the sum of all available cash distributed since we began operations equals the operating surplus as of the most recent date of determination of available cash. We treat any amount distributed in excess of operating surplus, regardless of its source, as capital surplus. As described above, operating surplus does not reflect actual cash on hand that is available for distribution to our unitholders. For example, it includes a provision that enables us, if we choose, to distribute as operating surplus up to $35.0 million of cash we receive in the future from non-operating sources, such as asset sales, issuances of securities and long-term borrowings, that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. We do not anticipate that we will make any distributions from capital surplus.

Distributions of Available Cash From Operating Surplus

        We will make distributions of available cash from operating surplus for any quarter in the following manner:

        The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.

General Partner Interest

        Our partnership agreement provides that our general partner is entitled to 2.0% of all distributions that we make prior to our liquidation. Our general partner has the right, but not the obligation, to contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest if we issue additional units. Our general partner's 2.0% interest, and the percentage of our cash distributions to which it is entitled, will be proportionately reduced if we issue additional units in the future and our general partner does not contribute a proportionate amount of capital to us in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest. Our general partner will be entitled to make a capital contribution in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the form of the contribution to us of common units based on the current market value of the contributed common units.

Incentive Distribution Rights

        IDRs represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels have been achieved. Our general partner and Golar currently hold the IDRs. The IDRs may be transferred separately from our general partner interest, subject to restrictions in the partnership agreement. Any transfer by our general partner of the IDRs would not change the percentage allocations of quarterly distributions with respect to such rights.

        If for any quarter we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the common unitholders in an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution, then, we will distribute any

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additional available cash from operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and our general partner in the following manner:

        The percentage interests set forth above assume that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.

Percentage Allocations of Available Cash From Operating Surplus

        The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of the additional available cash from operating surplus among the common unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the IDRs up to the various target distribution levels. The amounts set forth under "Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions" are the percentage interests of the common unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the IDRs in any available cash from operating surplus we distribute up to and including the corresponding amount in the column "Total Quarterly Distribution Target Amount," until available cash from operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target distribution level, if any. The percentage interests shown for the common unitholders, our general partner and the holders of the IDRs for the minimum quarterly distribution are also applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than the minimum quarterly distribution. The percentage interests shown for our general partner include its 2.0% general partner interest only and assume that our general partner has contributed any capital necessary to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest.

 
   
  Marginal Percentage Interest in
Distributions
 
 
  Total Quarterly Distribution
Target Amount
  Common
Unitholders
  General
Partner
  Holders
of IDRs
 

Minimum Quarterly Distribution

  $0.5775     98.0 %   2.0 %   0 %

First Target Distribution

  up to $0.6641     98.0 %   2.0 %   0 %

Second Target Distribution

  above $0.6641 up to $0.7219     85.0 %   2.0 %   13.0 %

Third Target Distribution

  above $0.7219 up to $0.8663     75.0 %   2.0 %   23.0 %

Thereafter

  above $0.8663     50.0 %   2.0 %   48.0 %

General Partner's Right to Reset Incentive Distribution Levels

        Our general partner, as the current holder of a majority of our IDRs, has the right under our partnership agreement to elect to relinquish the right of the holders of our IDRs to receive incentive distribution payments based on the initial cash target distribution levels and to reset, at higher levels, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and cash target distribution levels upon which the incentive distribution payments to our general partner and Golar would be set. Our general partner's right to reset the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels upon which the incentive distributions payable to our general partner and Golar are based may be exercised, without

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approval of our unitholders or the conflicts committee of our board of directors, at any time when we have made cash distributions to the holders of the IDRs at the highest level of incentive distribution for each of the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters. If at the time of any election to reset the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels our general partner and its affiliates are not the holders of a majority of the IDRs, then any such election to reset shall be subject to the prior written concurrence of our general partner that the conditions described in the immediately preceding sentence have been satisfied. The reset minimum quarterly distribution amount and target distribution levels will be higher than the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels prior to the reset such that there will be no incentive distributions paid under the reset target distribution levels until cash distributions per unit following this event increase as described below. We anticipate that our general partner would exercise this reset right in order to facilitate acquisitions or internal growth projects that would otherwise not be sufficiently accretive to cash distributions per common unit, taking into account the existing levels of incentive distribution payments being made to our general partner and Golar.

        In connection with the resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels and the corresponding relinquishment by our general partner and Golar of incentive distribution payments based on the target cash distributions prior to the reset, our general partner and Golar will be entitled to receive a number of newly issued common units based on a predetermined formula described below that takes into account the "cash parity" value of the average cash distributions related to the IDRs received by our general partner and Golar for the two quarters prior to the reset event as compared to the average cash distributions per common unit during this period. We will also issue an additional amount of general partner units in order to maintain the general partner's ownership interest in us relative to the issuance of the additional common units.

        The number of common units that our general partner and Golar would be entitled to receive from us in connection with a resetting of the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels then in effect would be equal to (x) the average amount of cash distributions received by our general partner and Golar in respect of its IDRs during the two consecutive fiscal quarters ended immediately prior to the date of such reset election divided by (y) the average of the amount of cash distributed per common unit during each of these two quarters. The issuance of the additional common units will be conditioned upon approval of the listing or admission for trading of such common units by the national securities exchange on which the common units are then listed or admitted for trading.

        Following a reset election, the minimum quarterly distribution amount will be reset to an amount equal to the average cash distribution amount per unit for the two fiscal quarters immediately preceding the reset election (such amount is referred to as the "reset minimum quarterly distribution") and the target distribution levels will be reset to be correspondingly higher such that we would distribute all of our available cash from operating surplus for each quarter thereafter as follows:

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        Assuming that it continues to hold a majority of our IDRs, our general partner will be entitled to cause the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution levels to be reset on more than one occasion, provided that it may not make a reset election except at a time when the holders of the IDRs have received incentive distributions for the prior four consecutive fiscal quarters based on the highest level of incentive distributions that the holders of IDRs are entitled to receive under our partnership agreement.

Distributions From Capital Surplus

        We will make distributions of available cash from capital surplus, if any, in the following manner:

        The preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.

        The partnership agreement treats a distribution of capital surplus as the repayment of the consideration for the issuance of the units, which is a return of capital. Each time a distribution of capital surplus is made, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as the distribution had to the fair market value of the common units prior to the announcement of the distribution. Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the minimum quarterly distribution, after any of these distributions are made, it may be easier for our general partner and Golar to receive incentive distributions. However, any distribution of capital surplus before the minimum quarterly distribution is reduced to zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution.

        Once we reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target distribution levels to zero, we will then make all future distributions 50% to the holders of common units, 2.0% to our general partner and 48.0% to the holders of the IDRs (currently, our general partner and Golar). The 2.0% interests shown for our general partner assumes that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest.

Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels

        In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and target distribution levels to reflect a distribution of capital surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide our units into a greater number of units, we will proportionately adjust:

        For example, if a two-for-one split of the common units should occur, the minimum quarterly distribution, the target distribution levels and the initial unit price would each be reduced to 50% of its

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initial level. We will not make any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional units for cash or property.

Distributions of Cash upon Liquidation

        If we dissolve in accordance with the partnership agreement, we will sell or otherwise dispose of our assets in a process called liquidation. We will apply the proceeds of liquidation in the manner set forth below.

        If, as of the date three trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed liquidation, the average closing price for our common units for the preceding 20 trading days (or the current market price) is greater than the initial unit price (less any prior capital surplus distributions and any prior cash distributions made in connection with a partial liquidation), then the proceeds of the liquidation will be applied as follows:

        If, as of the date three trading days prior to the announcement of the proposed liquidation, the current market price of our common units is equal to or less than the initial unit price (less any prior capital surplus distributions and any prior cash distributions made in connection with a partial liquidation), then the proceeds of the liquidation will be applied as follows:

        The immediately preceding paragraph is based on the assumption that our general partner maintains its 2.0% general partner interest and that we do not issue additional classes of equity securities.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE OTHER CLASSES OF UNITS

        Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of additional limited partner interests and other equity securities for the consideration and with the rights, preferences and privileges established by our general partner without the approval of any of our limited partners. See "Description of the Common Units—Issuance of Additional Interests."

        Should we offer other classes of units under this prospectus, a prospectus supplement relating to the particular class or series of units offered will include the specific terms of those units, including, among other things, the following:

        The particular terms of any class or series of units will also be described in the amendment to our partnership agreement relating to that class or series of units, which will be filed as an exhibit to or incorporated by reference in this prospectus at or before the time of issuance of any such class or series of units.

        Such units will be fully paid and non-assessable when issued upon full payment of the purchase price therefor, subject to applicable provisions under the Marshall Islands Limited Partnership Act. The transfer agent, registrar, and distributions disbursement agent for the units will be designated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE OPTIONS

        We may issue options for the purchase of common units or other classes of units or any combination thereof. Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of options to purchase common units or other classes of units for the consideration and with the rights, preferences and privileges established by our board of directors without the approval of any of our limited partners. Options may be issued independently or together with other securities and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of options will be issued under a separate option agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as option agent. The option agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the options and will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of options. A copy of the option agreement will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of options.

        The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of options to purchase common units or other classes of units or any combination thereof will describe the terms of such options, including, among other things, the following:

        Each option will entitle the holder of the option to purchase at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the number of common units or other classes of units being offered. Holders may exercise options at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised options are void. Holders may exercise options as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the options being offered.

        Until you exercise your options to purchase our common units or other classes of units, you will not have any rights as a holder thereof, by virtue of your ownership of the options.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE WARRANTS

        We may issue warrants for the purchase of common units or other classes of units or any combination thereof. Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of warrants to purchase common units or other classes of units for the consideration and with the rights, preferences, and privileges established by our board of directors without the approval of any of our limited partners. Warrants may be issued independently or together with other securities and may be attached to or separate from any offered securities. Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants. A copy of the warrant agreement will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of warrants.

        The prospectus supplement relating to a particular issue of warrants to purchase common units or other classes of units or any combination of the foregoing will describe the terms of such warrants, including, among other things, the following:

        Each warrant will entitle the holder of the warrant to purchase the number common units or other classes of units being offered at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Holders may exercise warrants at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, unexercised

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warrants are void. Holders may exercise warrants as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants being offered.

        Until you exercise your warrants to purchase our common units or other classes of units, you will not have any rights as a holder of common units or other classes of units by virtue of your ownership of warrants.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS

        We may issue rights to purchase common units or other classes of units or any combination thereof. Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited number of rights to purchase common units or other classes of units for the consideration and with the rights, preferences and privileges established by our board of directors without the approval of any of our limited partners. These rights may be issued independently or together with any other securities and may or may not be transferable by the holder receiving the rights. In connection with any offering of such rights, we may enter into a standby arrangement with one or more underwriters or other purchasers pursuant to which the underwriters or other purchasers may be required to purchase any securities remaining unsubscribed for after such offering.

        Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agreement, which we will enter into with a bank or trust company, as rights agent, all as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to the rights and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights. We will file the rights agreement and the rights certificates relating to each series of rights with the SEC, and incorporate them by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part on or before the time we issue a series of rights.

        The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any offering of rights for which this prospectus is being delivered, including, among other things, the following:

        The description in the applicable prospectus supplement of any rights that we may offer will be qualified in its entirety by reference to the applicable rights agreement and rights certificate, which will be filed with the SEC.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES

        When used in this section "Description of Debt Securities," the terms "we," "us," "our" and "issuer" refer to Golar LNG Partners LP.

        The following is a description of the terms of the debt securities, which may be either senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, and which we collectively refer to as the debt securities. The descriptions below relating to the debt securities and the indentures are summaries of the anticipated provisions thereof, do not purport to be complete and are subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the provisions of the applicable indenture and any applicable U.S. federal income tax considerations as well as any applicable modifications of or additions to the general terms described below in the applicable prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement may also state that any of the terms set forth herein are inapplicable to such series of debt securities.

        If we offer senior debt securities, we will issue them under a senior indenture. If we offer subordinated debt securities, we will issue them under a subordinated indenture. A form of each indenture is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We have not restated either indenture in its entirety in this description. You should read the relevant indenture because it, and not this description, controls your rights as holders of the debt securities. Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the indentures.

General

        The debt securities will be:

        The term "Trustee" as used in this prospectus shall refer to the trustee under either of the above indentures. The debt securities will be governed by the provisions of the related indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

Specific Terms of Each Series of Debt Securities

        The indenture does not limit the total amount of debt securities that may be issued. Debt securities under the indenture may be issued from time to time in separate series, up to the aggregate amount authorized for each such series.

        We will prepare a prospectus supplement and either a supplemental indenture or a resolution of our board of directors and an accompanying officers' certificate relating to any series of debt securities that we offer, which will include specific terms relating to some or all of the following:

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        This description of debt securities will be deemed modified, amended or supplemented by any description of any series of debt securities set forth in a prospectus supplement related to that series.

        The prospectus supplement will also describe any material United States federal income tax consequences or other special considerations regarding the applicable series of debt securities, including those relating to:

        Interest payments may be made by check mailed to the registered holders of debt securities or, if so stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, at the option of a holder, by wire transfer to an account designated by the holder.

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        Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, fully registered securities may be transferred or exchanged at the office of the Trustee at which its corporate trust business is principally administered in the United States, subject to the limitations provided in the indenture, without the payment of any service charge, other than any applicable tax or governmental charge.

        Any funds paid to a paying agent for the payment of amounts due on any debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years will be returned to the issuer and the holders of the debt securities must look only to the issuer for payment after that time.

Covenants

        The indenture contains the following covenant for the benefit of the holders of all series of debt securities:

        So long as any debt securities are outstanding, Golar LNG Partners will:

        A series of debt securities may contain additional financial and other covenants. The applicable prospectus supplement will contain a description of any such covenants that are added to the indenture specifically for the benefit of holders of a particular series.

Events of Default, Remedies and Notice

        Each of the following events will be an "Event of Default" under the indenture with respect to a series of debt securities:

        If an Event of Default, other than an Event of Default described in the fifth bullet point above, occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the entire principal of, premium, if any, and

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accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on all the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately.

        A default under the fourth bullet point above will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series notify us of the default and such default is not cured within 60 days after receipt of notice.

        If an Event of Default described in the fifth bullet point above occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid interest on all outstanding debt securities of all series will become immediately due and payable without any declaration of acceleration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any holders.

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series may:

        If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation, except as otherwise provided in the indenture, to exercise any of the rights or powers under the indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security against any costs, liability or expense. No holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the indenture or the debt securities of any series, except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal, premium or interest when due, unless:

        The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series have the right, subject to certain restrictions, to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any right or power conferred on the Trustee with respect to that series of debt securities. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that:

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        Within 30 days after the occurrence of an Event of Default, we are required to give written notice to the Trustee and indicate the status of the default and what action we are taking or propose to take to cure the default. In addition, we are required to deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a compliance certificate indicating that we have complied with all covenants contained in the indenture or whether any default or Event of Default has occurred during the previous year.

        If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each holder a notice of the Event of Default by the later of 90 days after the Event of Default occurs or 30 days after the Trustee knows of the Event of Default. Except in the case of a default in the payment of principal, premium or interest with respect to any debt securities, the Trustee may withhold such notice, but only if and so long as the board of directors, the executive committee or a committee of directors or responsible officers of the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding such notice is in the interests of the holders.

Amendments and Waivers

        The issuer may amend the indenture without the consent of any holder of debt securities to:

        In addition, the issuer may amend the indenture if the holders of a majority in principal amount of all debt securities of each series that would be affected then outstanding under the indenture consent to it. The issuer may not, however, without the consent of each holder of outstanding debt securities of each series that would be affected, amend the indenture to:

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        The consent of the holders is not necessary under the indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the proposed amendment. After an amendment under the indenture becomes effective, the issuer is required to mail to all holders a notice briefly describing the amendment. The failure to give, or any defect in, such notice, however, will not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.

        The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each affected series, on behalf of all such holders, and subject to certain rights of the Trustee, may waive:

        except that such majority of holders may not waive a default: (i) in the payment of principal, premium or interest or (ii) in respect of a provision that under the indenture cannot be amended without, in the case of either (i) or (ii), the consent of all holders of the series of debt securities that is affected.

Defeasance

        At any time, the issuer may terminate, with respect to debt securities of a particular series, all of its obligations under such series of debt securities and the indenture, which we call a "legal defeasance." If the issuer decides to make a legal defeasance, however, the issuer may not terminate its obligations:

        If the issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, any guarantee will terminate with respect to that series of debt securities.

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        At any time the issuer may also effect a "covenant defeasance," which means it has elected to terminate its obligations under covenants applicable to a series of debt securities and described in the prospectus supplement applicable to such series, other than as described in such prospectus supplement.

        The legal defeasance option may be exercised notwithstanding a prior exercise of the covenant defeasance option. If the legal defeasance option is exercised, payment of the affected series of debt securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect to that series. If the covenant defeasance option is exercised, payment of the affected series of debt securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in the fourth or fifth bullet points under "—Events of Default" above or an Event of Default that is added specifically for such series and described in a prospectus supplement.

        In order to exercise either defeasance option, the issuer must:

No Personal Liability

        None of the past, present or future partners, incorporators, managers, members, directors, officers, employees or unitholders of the issuer or the general partner will have any liability for the obligations of the issuer under either indenture or the debt securities or for any claim based on such obligations or their creation.

        By accepting a debt security, each holder will be deemed to have waived and released all such liability. This waiver and release are part of the consideration for our issuance of the debt securities. This waiver may not be effective, however, to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.

Provisions Relating only to the Senior Debt Securities

        The senior debt securities will rank equally in right of payment with all of our other senior and unsubordinated debt. The senior debt securities will be effectively subordinated, however, to all of our secured debt to the extent of the value of the collateral for that debt. We will disclose the amount of our secured debt in the prospectus supplement.

Provisions Relating only to the Subordinated Debt Securities

        The subordinated debt securities will rank junior in right of payment to all of the Senior Indebtedness of Golar LNG Partners. "Senior Indebtedness" will be defined in a supplemental

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        indenture or authorizing resolutions respecting any issuance of a series of subordinated debt securities, and the definition will be set forth in the prospectus supplement.

        The subordinated indenture will provide that no payment of principal, interest and any premium on the subordinated debt securities may be made in the event:

        The subordinated indenture will not limit the amount of Senior Indebtedness that Golar LNG Partners may incur, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Book Entry, Delivery and Form

        A series of debt securities may be issued in the form of one or more global certificates deposited with a depositary. We expect that The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or "DTC," will act as depositary. If a series of debt securities is issued in book-entry form, one or more global certificates will be issued and deposited with or on behalf of DTC and physical certificates will not be issued to each holder. A global security may not be transferred unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for a certificated security, except that DTC, its nominees and their successors may transfer a global security as a whole to one another.

        DTC will keep a computerized record of its participants, such as a broker, whose clients have purchased the debt securities. The participants will then keep records of their clients who purchased the debt securities. Beneficial interests in global securities will be shown on, and transfers of beneficial interests in global securities will be made only through, records maintained by DTC and its participants.

        DTC advises us that it is:

        DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA. The rules that apply to DTC and its participants are on file with the SEC.

        DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC also records the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through computerized records for participants' accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange

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certificates. Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations.

        Principal, premium, if any, and interest payments due on the global securities will be wired to DTC's nominee. The issuer, the Trustee and any paying agent will treat DTC's nominee as the owner of the global securities for all purposes. Accordingly, the issuer, the Trustee and any paying agent will have no direct responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on the global securities to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities.

        It is DTC's current practice, upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, to credit participants' accounts on the payment date according to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global securities as shown on DTC's records. In addition, it is DTC's current practice to assign any consenting or voting rights to participants, whose accounts are credited with debt securities on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy.

        Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in the global securities, as well as voting by participants, will be governed by the customary practices between the participants and the owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with debt securities held for the account of customers registered in "street name." Payments to holders of beneficial interests are the responsibility of the participants and not of DTC, the Trustee or us.

        Beneficial interests in global securities will be exchangeable for certificated securities with the same terms in authorized denominations only if:

The Trustee

        A separate trustee may be appointed for any series of debt securities. We may maintain banking and other commercial relationships with the Trustee and its affiliates in the ordinary course of business, and the Trustee may own debt securities.

Governing Law

        The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS

        The following is a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to prospective common unitholders and, unless otherwise noted in the following discussion, is the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., our U.S. counsel, insofar as it contains legal conclusions with respect to matters of U.S. federal income tax law. The opinion of counsel is dependent on the accuracy of factual representations made by us to them, including descriptions of our operations contained herein.

        This discussion is based upon provisions of the Code, Treasury Regulations, and current administrative rulings and court decisions, all as in effect or existence on the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences of unit ownership to vary substantially from the consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to Golar LNG Partners LP.

        The following discussion applies only to beneficial owners of common units that own the common units as "capital assets" within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (i.e., generally, for investment purposes) and is not intended to be applicable to all categories of investors, such as unitholders subject to special tax rules (e.g., financial institutions, insurance companies, broker-dealers, tax-exempt organizations, retirement plans or individual retirement accounts or former citizens or long-term residents of the United States), persons who will hold the common units as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion, constructive sale or other integrated transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or persons that have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar, each of whom may be subject to tax rules that differ significantly from those summarized below. If a partnership or other entity classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds our common units, the tax treatment of its partners generally will depend upon the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a partner in a partnership holding our common units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units.

        No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding any matter affecting us or our unitholders. The opinions and statements made herein may be challenged by the IRS and, if so challenged, may not be sustained upon review in a court.

        This discussion does not contain information regarding any U.S. state or local, estate, gift or alternative minimum tax considerations concerning the ownership or disposition of common units. This discussion does not comment on all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be important to particular unitholders in light of their individual circumstances, and each prospective unitholder is urged to consult its own tax advisor regarding the U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences of the ownership or disposition of common units.

Election to be Treated as a Corporation

        We have elected to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Consequently, among other things, U.S. Holders (as defined below) will not be directly subject to U.S. federal income tax on our income, but rather will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on distributions received from us and dispositions of common units as described below.

U.S. Federal Income Taxation of U.S. Holders

        As used herein, the term "U.S. Holder" means a beneficial owner of our common units that owns (actually or constructively) less than 10.0% of our equity and that is:

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        Subject to the discussion below of the rules applicable to PFICs, any distributions to a U.S. Holder made by us with respect to our common units generally will constitute dividends, which may be taxable as ordinary income or "qualified dividend income" as described in more detail below, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Distributions in excess of our earnings and profits will be treated first as a nontaxable return of capital to the extent of the U.S. Holder's tax basis in its common units and, thereafter, as capital gain. U.S. Holders that are corporations generally will not be entitled to claim a dividends received deduction with respect to distributions they receive from us because we are not a U.S. corporation. Dividends received with respect to our common units generally will be treated as "passive category income" for purposes of computing allowable foreign tax credits for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

        Dividends received with respect to our common units by a U.S. Holder that is an individual, trust or estate (or a U.S. Individual Holder) generally will be treated as "qualified dividend income," which is currently taxable to such U.S. Individual Holder at preferential capital gain tax rates provided that: (i) our common units are readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States (such as The Nasdaq Global Market on which our common units are traded); (ii) we are not a PFIC for the taxable year during which the dividend is paid or the immediately preceding taxable year (which we do not believe we are, have been or will be, as discussed below under "—PFIC Status and Significant Tax Consequences"); (iii) the U.S. Individual Holder has owned the common units for more than 60 days during the 121-day period beginning 60 days before the date on which the common units become ex-dividend (and has not entered into certain risk limiting transactions with respect to such common units); and (iv) the U.S. Individual Holder is not under an obligation to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property. There is no assurance that any dividends paid on our common units will be eligible for these preferential rates in the hands of a U.S. Individual Holder, and any dividends paid on our common units that are not eligible for these preferential rates will be taxed as ordinary income to a U.S. Individual Holder.

        Special rules may apply to any amounts received in respect of our common units that are treated as "extraordinary dividends." In general, an extraordinary dividend is a dividend with respect to a common unit that is equal to or in excess of 10.0% of the unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value upon the unitholder's election) in such common unit. In addition, extraordinary dividends include dividends received within a one year period that, in the aggregate, equal or exceed 20.0% of a unitholder's adjusted tax basis (or fair market value). If we pay an "extraordinary dividend" on our common units that is treated as "qualified dividend income," then any loss recognized by a U.S. Individual Holder from the sale or exchange of such common units will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of the amount of such dividend.

        Certain U.S. Holders, including individuals, estates and trusts, will be subject to an additional 3.8% Medicare tax on, among other things, dividends and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of

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equity interests. For individuals, the additional Medicare tax applies to the lesser of (i) "net investment income" or (ii) the excess of "modified adjusted gross income" over $200,000 ($250,000 if married and filing jointly or $125,000 if married and filing separately). "Net investment income" generally equals the taxpayer's gross investment income reduced by deductions that are allocable to such income. Unitholders should consult their tax advisors regarding the implications of the additional Medicare tax resulting from their ownership and disposition of our common units.

        Subject to the discussion of PFIC status below, a U.S. Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss upon a sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units in an amount equal to the difference between the amount realized by the U.S. Holder from such sale, exchange or other disposition and the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in such common units. The U.S. Holder's initial tax basis in its common units generally will be the U.S. Holder's purchase price for the common units and that tax basis will be reduced (but not below zero) by the amount of any distributions on the common units that are treated as non-taxable returns of capital (as discussed above under "—Distributions"). Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. Holder's holding period is greater than one year at the time of the sale, exchange or other disposition. Certain U.S. Holders (including individuals) may be eligible for preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax in respect of long-term capital gains. A U.S. Holder's ability to deduct capital losses is subject to limitations. Such capital gain or loss generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss, as applicable, for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes.

        Adverse U.S. federal income tax rules apply to a U.S. Holder that owns an equity interest in a non-U.S. corporation that is classified as a PFIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In general, we will be treated as a PFIC with respect to a U.S. Holder if, for any taxable year in which the holder held our common units, either:

        Income earned, or treated as earned (for U.S. federal income tax purposes), by us in connection with the performance of services would not constitute passive income for PFIC purposes. By contrast, rental income generally would constitute "passive income" unless we were treated as deriving that rental income in the active conduct of a trade or business under the applicable rules.

        Based on our current and projected methods of operation, and an opinion of counsel, we do not believe that we were a PFIC for any taxable year, and we expect that we will not be a PFIC for our current or any future taxable year. We have received an opinion of our U.S. counsel, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., in support of this position that concludes that the income our subsidiaries earn from certain of our present time-chartering activities should not constitute passive income for purposes of determining whether we are a PFIC. In addition, we have represented to our U.S. counsel that more than 25.0% of our gross income for all of our previous taxable years arose, and we expect that more than 25.0% of our gross income for our current and each future taxable year will arise from such time charters or other income our U.S. counsel has opined does not constitute passive income, and more than 50.0% of the average value of our assets for each such year was or will be held for the production

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of such nonpassive income. Assuming the accuracy of representations we have made to our U.S. counsel for purposes of their opinion, our U.S. counsel is of the opinion that we should not be a PFIC for any of our previous taxable years, and assuming the composition of our income and assets is consistent with these expectations for our current and future years, we should not be a PFIC for our current and any future year.

        Our counsel has indicated to us that the conclusions described above are not free from doubt. While there is legal authority supporting our conclusions, including IRS pronouncements concerning the characterization of income derived from time charters as services income, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit (or the Fifth Circuit) held in Tidewater Inc. v. United States, 565 F.3d 299 (5th Cir. 2009) that income derived from certain marine time charter agreements should be treated as rental income rather than services income for purposes of a "foreign sales corporation" provision of the Code. In that case, the Fifth Circuit did not address the definition of passive income or the PFIC rules; however, the reasoning of the case could have implications as to how the income from a time charter would be classified under such rules. If the reasoning of this case were extended to the PFIC context, the gross income we derive or are deemed to derive from our time chartering activities may be treated as rental income, and we would likely be treated as a PFIC. The IRS has announced its nonacquiescence with the court's holding in the Tidewater case and, at the same time, announced the position of the IRS that the marine time charter agreements at issue in that case should be treated as service contracts.

        Distinguishing between arrangements treated as generating rental income and those treated as generating services income involves weighing and balancing competing factual considerations, and there is no legal authority under the PFIC rules addressing our specific method of operation. Conclusions in this area therefore remain matters of interpretation. We are not seeking a ruling from the IRS on the treatment of income generated from our time chartering operations. Thus, it is possible that the IRS or a court could disagree with this position. In addition, although we intend to conduct our affairs in a manner to avoid being classified as a PFIC with respect to any taxable year, we cannot assure unitholders that the nature of our operations will not change in the future and that we will not become a PFIC in any future taxable year.

        As discussed more fully below, if we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder would be subject to different taxation rules depending on whether the U.S. Holder makes an election to treat us as a "Qualified Electing Fund," which we refer to as a "QEF election." As an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder should be able to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units, as discussed below. If we are a PFIC, a U.S. Holder will be subject to the PFIC rules described herein with respect to any of our subsidiaries that are PFICs. However, the mark-to-market election discussed below will likely not be available with respect to shares of such PFIC subsidiaries. In addition, if a U.S. Holder owns our common units during any taxable year that we are a PFIC, such holder must file an annual report with the IRS.

        If a U.S. Holder makes a timely QEF election (or an Electing Holder), then, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, that holder must report as income for its taxable year its pro rata share of our ordinary earnings and net capital gain, if any, for our taxable years that end with or within the taxable year for which that holder is reporting, regardless of whether or not the Electing Holder received distributions from us in that year. The Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units will be increased to reflect taxed but undistributed earnings and profits. Distributions of earnings and profits that were previously taxed will result in a corresponding reduction in the Electing Holder's adjusted tax basis in common units and will not be taxed again once distributed. An Electing Holder generally will recognize capital gain or loss on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units. A U.S. Holder makes a QEF election with respect to any year that we are a PFIC by filing IRS Form 8621

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with its U.S. federal income tax return. If contrary to our expectations, we determine that we are treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, we will provide each U.S. Holder with the information necessary to make the QEF election described above.

        If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and, as we anticipate, our common units were treated as "marketable stock," then, as an alternative to making a QEF election, a U.S. Holder would be allowed to make a "mark-to-market" election with respect to our common units, provided the U.S. Holder completes and files IRS Form 8621 in accordance with the relevant instructions and related Treasury Regulations. If that election is made, the U.S. Holder generally would include as ordinary income in each taxable year the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the U.S. Holder's common units at the end of the taxable year over the holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units. The U.S. Holder also would be permitted an ordinary loss in respect of the excess, if any, of the U.S. Holder's adjusted tax basis in the common units over the fair market value thereof at the end of the taxable year, but only to the extent of the net amount previously included in income as a result of the mark-to-market election. A U.S. Holder's tax basis in its common units would be adjusted to reflect any such income or loss recognized. Gain recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of our common units would be treated as ordinary income, and any loss recognized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common units would be treated as ordinary loss to the extent that such loss does not exceed the net mark-to-market gains previously included in income by the U.S. Holder. Because the mark-to-market election only applies to marketable stock, however, it would not apply to a U.S. Holder's indirect interest in any of our subsidiaries that were determined to be PFICs.

        If we were to be treated as a PFIC for any taxable year, a U.S. Holder that does not make either a QEF election or a "mark-to-market" election for that year (or a Non-Electing Holder) would be subject to special rules resulting in increased tax liability with respect to (1) any excess distribution (i.e., the portion of any distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder on our common units in a taxable year in excess of 125.0% of the average annual distributions received by the Non-Electing Holder in the three preceding taxable years, or, if shorter, the Non-Electing Holder's holding period for the common units), and (2) any gain realized on the sale, exchange or other disposition of the common units. Under these special rules:

        These penalties would not apply to a qualified pension, profit sharing or other retirement trust or other tax-exempt organization that did not borrow money or otherwise utilize leverage in connection with its acquisition of our common units. If we were treated as a PFIC for any taxable year and a Non-Electing Holder who is an individual dies while owning our common units, such holder's successor generally would not receive a step-up in tax basis with respect to such common units.

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U.S. Federal Income Taxation of Non-U.S. Holders

        A beneficial owner of our common units (other than a partnership or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not a U.S. Holder is referred to as a Non-U.S. Holder. If you are a partner in a partnership (or an entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holding our common units, you should consult your own tax advisor regarding the tax consequences to you of the partnership's ownership of our common units.

        Distributions we pay to a Non-U.S. Holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax if the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. If the Non-U.S. Holder is engaged in a U.S. trade or business, our distributions will be subject to U.S. federal income tax to the extent they constitute income effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder's U.S. trade or business. However, distributions paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business may be exempt from taxation under an income tax treaty if the income arising from the distribution is not attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment maintained by the Non-U.S. Holder.

        In general, a Non-U.S. Holder is not subject to U.S. federal income tax or withholding tax on any gain resulting from the disposition of our common units provided the Non-U.S. Holder is not engaged in a U.S. trade or business. A Non-U.S. Holder that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the event the gain from the disposition of common units is effectively connected with the conduct of such U.S. trade or business (provided, in the case of a Non-U.S. Holder entitled to the benefits of an income tax treaty with the United States, such gain also is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment). However, even if not engaged in a U.S. trade or business, individual Non-U.S. Holders may be subject to tax on gain resulting from the disposition of our common units if they are present in the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which those common units are disposed and meet certain other requirements.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

        In general, payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder of distributions or the proceeds of a disposition of common units will be subject to information reporting. These payments to a non-corporate U.S. Holder also may be subject to backup withholding if the non-corporate U.S. Holder:

        Non-U.S. Holders may be required to establish their exemption from information reporting and backup withholding by certifying their status on IRS Form W-8BEN, W-8BEN E, W-8ECI, W-8EXP or W-8IMY, as applicable.

        Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, a unitholder generally may obtain a credit for any amount withheld against its liability for U.S. federal income tax (and obtain a refund of any amounts withheld in excess of such liability) by timely filing a U.S. federal income tax return with the IRS.

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        In addition, individual citizens or residents of the United States holding certain "foreign financial assets" (which generally includes stock and other securities issued by a foreign person unless held in account maintained by a financial institution) that exceed certain thresholds (the lowest being foreign financial assets with a value in excess of (i) $50,000 on the last day of the taxable year or (ii) $75,000 at any time during the taxable year) are required to report information relating to such assets. Significant penalties may apply for failure to satisfy the reporting obligations described above. U.S. Holders should consult their tax advisors regarding their reporting obligations, if any, under this legislation as a result of their purchase, ownership or disposition of our common units.

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NON-UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS

Marshall Islands Tax Consequences

        The following discussion is based upon the opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP, our counsel as to matters of the laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the current laws of the Republic of the Marshall Islands applicable to persons who do not reside in, maintain offices in or engage in business in the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

        Because we and our subsidiaries do not and do not expect to conduct business or operations in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and because all documentation related to this offering will be executed outside of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, under current Marshall Islands law you will not be subject to Marshall Islands taxation or withholding on distributions, including upon distributions treated as a return of capital, we make to you as a unitholder. In addition, you will not be subject to Marshall Islands stamp, capital gains or other taxes on the purchase, ownership or disposition of common units, and you will not be required by the Republic of the Marshall Islands to file a tax return relating to your ownership of common units.

United Kingdom Tax Consequences

        The following is a discussion of the material United Kingdom tax consequences that may be relevant to prospective common unitholders who are persons not resident for tax purposes in the United Kingdom (and who are persons who have not been resident or domiciled for tax purposes in the United Kingdom) and who do not hold their common units as part of a trade, profession or vocation carried on in the United Kingdom (non-U.K. Holders).

        Current and prospective unitholders who are, or have been, resident in the United Kingdom, or who hold their common units through a trade, profession or vocation in the United Kingdom are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the potential United Kingdom tax consequences to them of an investment in our common units.

        The discussion that follows is based upon existing United Kingdom legislation and what is understood to be the current H.M. Revenue & Customs practice as of the date of this prospectus. Changes in these authorities may cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the consequences of common unit ownership described below. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this section to "we," "our" or "us" are references to Golar LNG Partners LP.

        We expect to conduct our affairs in such a manner so that Non UK Holders should not be subject to United Kingdom income tax, capital gains tax or corporation tax on income or gains arising from the Partnership. Distributions on common units may be made to Non-UK Holders without withholding or deduction for or on account of United Kingdom income tax.

        No liability to United Kingdom stamp duty or stamp duty reserve tax should arise in connection with the issuance of common units to unitholders or the transfer of common units.

        EACH PROSPECTIVE UNITHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OWN TAX COUNSEL OR OTHER ADVISOR WITH REGARD TO THE LEGAL AND TAX CONSEQUENCES OF UNIT OWNERSHIP UNDER THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.

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PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

        We or selling unitholders will sell the securities being offered hereby through underwriters on a firm commitment basis.

        The prospectus supplement with respect to any offering of securities will set forth the terms of the offering, including: (i) the name or names of any underwriters; (ii) the purchase price of the securities and the proceeds to us and, if applicable, any selling unitholder from the sale; (iii) any underwriting discounts and commissions and other items constituting underwriters' compensation; and (iv) any delayed delivery arrangements.

        We and, if applicable, the selling unitholders, will enter into an underwriting agreement with the underwriters at the time of sale to them. We will set forth the names of these underwriters and the terms of the transaction in the prospectus supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered to the public. We and, if applicable, the selling unitholders, may indemnify the underwriters under the relevant underwriting agreement against specific liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. The underwriters may also be our customers or may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in the ordinary course of business.

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SELLING UNITHOLDERS

        We are registering for resale an indeterminate number of our common units held by certain of our unitholders to be named in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement for any offering of our common units by a selling unitholder hereunder will include, among other things, the following information:

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SERVICE OF PROCESS AND ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL LIABILITIES

        We are organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands as a limited partnership. Our general partner is organized under the laws of the Marshall Islands as a limited liability company. The Marshall Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides protections for investors to a significantly lesser extent.

        Most of our directors and officers and those of our subsidiaries are residents of countries other than the United States. Substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets and a substantial portion of the assets of our directors and officers are located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for United States investors to effect service of process within the United States upon us, our directors or officers, our general partner or our subsidiaries or to realize against us or them judgments obtained in United States courts, including judgments predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. However, we have expressly submitted to the jurisdiction of the U.S. federal and New York state courts sitting in the City of New York for the purpose of any suit, action or proceeding arising under the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States, and we have appointed The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands, Inc., Trust Company Complex, Ajeltake Island, Ajeltake Road, Majuro, Marshall Islands MH96960, to accept service of process on our behalf in any such action.

        In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Marshall Islands would (1) recognize or enforce against us, our general partner, or the directors or officers of such entities judgments of courts of the United States based on civil liability provisions of applicable U.S. federal and state securities laws; or (2) impose liabilities against us, our general partner or such directors and officers in original actions brought in the Marshall Islands, based on these laws.

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LEGAL MATTERS

        Unless otherwise stated in the applicable prospectus supplement, (a) the validity of the debt securities under New York law and certain other legal matters will be passed upon for us by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Washington, D.C., and (b) the validity of our common units and other units representing limited partner interests in us and certain other legal matters with respect to the laws of The Republic of the Marshall Islands will be passed upon for us by our counsel as to Marshall Islands law, Seward & Kissel LLP, New York, New York. Any underwriters will be advised about other issues relating to any offering by their own legal counsel.


EXPERTS

        Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, as set forth in their reports, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. Our financial statements are incorporated by reference in reliance on Ernst & Young LLP's reports, given on their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

        The financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, incorporated in this prospectus by reference to Golar LNG Partners LP's Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2015, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is located at 1 Embankment Place, London, WC2N 6RH, United Kingdom.


EXPENSES

        The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than the underwriting discounts and commissions, in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities covered by this prospectus.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee

  $              *

Nasdaq Global Market listing fee

      **

Legal fees and expenses

      **

Accounting fees and expenses

      **

Printing and engraving costs

      **

Transfer agent fees and other

      **

Miscellaneous

      **

Total

  $   **

*
The registrant is deferring payment of the registration fee in reliance on Rule 456(b) and Rule 457(r).

**
Because an indeterminate amount of securities is covered by this registration statement, the expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities are therefore not currently determinable.

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Table of Contents

LOGO

Golar LNG Partners LP

          % Series A Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Units
(Liquidation Preference $25.00 per Unit)



PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

                             , 2017



Joint Bookrunners

MORGAN STANLEY

  BofA Merrill Lynch