Leif Hoegh Profits Double

Norwegian shipping group Leif Hoegh said its improvement in operating profit - from $56.6 million from $22.9 million the previous year - was largely a result of investments in Hoegh Ugland Auto Liners (HUAL) and contract shipping in the form of gas and dry bulk and reefer vessels. "LHC expects global growth in 2001, which at the outset will dampen the demand growth in several segments in which LHC is involved," it said.