Bergesen Reports Strong Profits

Norwegian shipping group Bergesen reported record first-quarter profit on Tuesday, boosted by high tanker rates, and said it expected operating profit to rise substantially this year. Bergesen's pre-tax profit for the first three months jumped to $79.7 million from $10.2 million in the same period last year. The company's operating profit was $104.3 million, compared to $22.3 million in the first quarter of 2000. "This looks very good, especially on the tanker side compared to the market in general," said Arne Egil Roenning, an analyst with Fondsfinans. - (Reuters)