Offshore staff

THE HAGUE --The Heerema Group and Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA have agreed to sell Dockwise Transport, N.V. to 3i for $700 million.

"Both shareholders are extremely pleased with the transaction and believe that 3i is the best fit for guaranteeing continuation of the Dockwise organization and business," say Nico Pronk, CFO of the Heerema Group and deputy CEO Sjur Galtung in Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA.

3i is a private equity and funds management company and says it is retaining the current management team in Dockwise, led by CEO André Goedée.

"This is an exciting time for Dockwise. The Heerema Group and the Wilh. Wilhelmsen group have been strong shareholders in the company and 3i is well placed to take the reigns and continue supporting our strategy for continued growth and development," said Goedée.

12/28/2006