s.s. Rotterdam / news from Poland

Following message was sent by the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation:

You may have noticed that busy deliberations are going on about the work to

be done on the s.s. Rotterdam. June 25 we were informed that Polish

authorities gave orders to remove the s.s. Rotterdam from Gdansk by July 10.

This information could not be confirmed.

On June 27 Radio Rynmond reported the same information and Diana Coolegem, Public Relations Manager of the "De Rotterdam BV", stated that the information was incorrect. Radio Rynmond rectified the news about three

hours later and broadcast an interview with Rob Hagens, director of the

ship-owners of the Rotterdam. He told them that a letter of intent has been

signed to have the work been done on the Gdansk Shipyard, where Lech Walesa became well-known.

The Steamship Rotterdam Foundation wishes to inform you about the latest

developments in dialogue with the shipowners.

= =

However, in an interview on Radio Rijnmond, mr. Hagens confirmed having

received a letter from mr. Andrzej Krolikowski. head of Gdansk Maritime

Authority, stating that the ship has to leave Gdansk harbour before 10 July.

He stated that mr. Krolikowski does not understand their agreement with the

Ministry of Environment in Warszawa, who agreeds that the 500 cubic meters toxic waste can be shipped to Holland within a short time and the work can be continued on Gdansk Shipyard, with which they now have a contract.

He also said that the Polish are very nervous about asbestos as they are now

in the beginning of a total asbestos clean-up in the country.

He said that they do not agree with mr. Krolikowski's decision and are going

to appeal.

It seems that the PR dept did not know what the director is telling on the

radio.