Dutch IHC Caland NV said on Monday preliminary net profit rose eight percent in 2000, and reflected on a "difficult and often frustrating year." Net profits are expected to be 75 million euros ($69.4 million), compared with 69.5 million in 1999. The figure came in at the low end of analysts expectations, but at exactly the level the company predicted in September. Company watchers had forecast the company's net profits would be 75.3-77.2 million euros, with a consensus at 76.3 million euros. IHC Caland, whose products range from oil platforms to dredgers to luxury passenger liners, also said it expected full-year 2001 net profits to at least match the 2000 level, with volatile oil markets delaying new orders.