I.M. Skaugen ASA (IMS) reported a net result of MUSD 0.8 in 3Q00 and MUSD 2.0 accumulated per end of 3Q00 (a loss of MUSD 0.9 in 3Q99 and a loss of MUSD 3.7 per end of 3Q99). The Group reported an EBITDA result of MUSD 6.5 for 3Q00 and MUSD 17.9 accumulated by the end of 3Q00 (MUSD 5.4 in 1Q00, MUSD 5.9 in 2Q00, MUSD 4.7 in 3Q99 and MUSD 11.7 per end of 3Q99).The earnings for the IMS group on EBITDA basis is the best quarter this year and indicates a steady improving trend for the company. The annualised EBITDA earning levels during the 3Q00 is now at MUSD 26 which is about 14% above the 1H00 levels. NGC earnings remain stable, and the underlying fundamental conditions are positive. The NGC result is influenced by many offhire days due to repairs after a collision and the very high fuel cost from the current oil prices. SPT records the best quarter this year despite a volatile Aframax market. The China activities are contributing positively in the efforts to reduce the NGC cost of operations while the other areas in this business unit are basically unchanged.