Bergesen Makes Preliminary LNG Agreement

Bergesen has entered into a preliminary agreement with the Algerian oil company Sonatrach for employment of one LNG-carrier for minimum 20 years from delivery. Sonatrach has an option to extend the agreement by maximum five years. The vessel is the third vessel in a series of seven large LNG-carriers ordered by Bergesen at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd, Korea. The vessel shall be delivered in third quarter 2004. Sonatrach will participate with an ownership share of 50 percent in the vessel with effect from delivery from the yard, but the vessel will be 100 percent financed by Bergesen. Final agreement with Sonatrach is expected to be concluded in the near future. Bergesen has earlier concluded charter agreements with Tractebel LNG North America LLC for two LNG-carriers of 138.000 cbm, and charter agreements with Nigeria LNG Limited, for four LNG-carriers of 140.500 cbm. Provided final charter agreement with Sonatrach is concluded, Bergesen has secured long term employment for all the seven LNG-carriers it has ordered.