The board of directors approved the proposal to demerge the crude oil shipping activities. For this purpose a demerger proposal will be deposited with the Registry of Commerce in Antwerp on September 21, 2004. Within the framework of this operation the crude oil activities will be demerged from CMB nv into Euronav nv. As a consequence of the demerger all CMB shareholders will be granted new shares in Euronav. CMB has already submitted a ruling application to the Ruling Commission in order to obtain confirmation of the tax neutrality of the envisaged transaction. CMB will also apply for a separate listing of the Euronav shares with Euronext Brussels, subject to the approval of the extraordinary general shareholders’ meeting.