The Japan Times WORLD EYE REPORTS NORWAY
©THE JAPAN TIMES	Thursday, November 15, 2001

Mortis Skaugen's concern for the environmental impact of its activities sets it apart from other shippers.

Four billion barrels and counting A hundred years of history and four billion barrels of crude oil. These numbers may mean little to someone unfamiliar with the shipping business. For those in the know, however, they represent quantum leaps and long-term success. IM Skaugen can proudly claim the above numbers above. IMS is a world leader in the transport shipping industry with a history that dates back three generations as the only company about to handle four billion barrels of crude oil. Its operations span three continents and a range of activities that include crude oil transport, regional distribution of chemicals and the transportation of petrochemical gases on a global basis - the area on which IMS is focusing its current efforts

Petrochemical Transportation

Norwegian Gas Carriers, IMS's largest business, is responsible for the transportation of LPG and petrochemical gases worldwide. According to Mortis Skaugen, CEO of IMS, they are positioning NGC to be an industry leader.

"NGC is an area of focus and an area of turbulence because it is a difficult and competitive business," he explains. "Our goal a few years ago was to have the lowest costs in the industry and to offer the best services at the same time. This was a difficult area but we have managed to succeed and we are now in a very competitive position on a worldwide basis."

NGC also does significant business with Japanese customers. "It is an area where our ties with Japan are the greatest," Skaugen says, "because the petrochemical industry is very significant in Japan, we have many Japanese customers."

Gas Recovery System

The transfer of any gas or liquid is a topic that companies do not take lightly. IMS is no exception. They have taken a precautionary step and have developed a technology that significantly reduces emission rates of fine gases through the Gas Recovery System. Skaugen hopes other companies will also see the benefits of implementing this new technology.

"Any time a tank is emptied, gases are released into the atmosphere," Skaugen explains. "Some are more dangerous than others, but all are harmful. We have not seen any comparable product on the market yet and we are currently looking for marketing partners with an international perspective. We have the technology and the finances needed, but we need the marketing capabilities."

For the time being, the technology may be unique to IMS, but companies within the petrochemical transportation business can benefit from its use. More importantly, the environment will be its clearest beneficiary.

Four Billion Barrels

With a history that dates back as far as the company's, many milestones have certainly been passed. But, it is probable that none will have been as significant as the one IMS is projected to reach in the final quarter of 2001: the handling of four billion barrels of crude oil.

"I don't believe any other company is close to this number," asserts Skaugen. "We carry almost 20 percent of the worldwide market, of which 12 percent is composed of US oil imports."

"With these impressive numbers, we are focusing intensely on safety and the environment," he emphasizes. "There is no margin for error because we believe in zero tolerance when it comes to the environment."

A successful business partner, a developer of innovative technology and protector of the environment, IM Skaugen's next 100 years looks as bright as its history have been thus far.