Dutch chemicals storage and shipping company Koninklijke Vopak reported a five percent rise in 2000 net profit, driven by its North American distribution business, and forecast a sharper rise in the current year. Vopak, the world leader in tank storage, said net profits after payouts of preferential share dividends rose to 160.1 million euros ($148.9 million) in 2000 from 152.2 million euros in the previous year. Vopak said profits after goodwill write-offs were likely to rise by eight to 10 percent in 2001, and also forecast a rise in net profit before goodwill and one-time charges of 19-21 percent in the current year. Company watchers said although the 2000 figures came as no surprise, the outlook for 2001 was slightly disappointing.