The DNV offices in Houston, TX and La Porte, TX were impacted by the widespread electrical power outage throughout Houston due to Hurricane Ike.

Although Hurricane Ike was downgraded to a tropical storm, as it traveled through the U.S. Midwest, the high winds lead to a power outage in the Colombus, OH area, which effected the DNV CCT in Dublin, OH. During the time of the power outages, telephones for our Houston and Dublin offices were routed to New York, in accordance with our emergency contingency plans. Also, during this time, fuel testing samples were routed to other DNV VPS labs for testing.

The present status of these offices is:

• DNV CCT in Dublin, OH is in full operation.
• DNV Houston has power restored. Houston telephones are still routed to our New York office. The Houston office will be partially open at noon on 18 September and should be fully operational by Friday morning at 0800.
• DNV La Porte has single phase power restored. The laboratory equipment requires 3 phase electrical power and we expect to have full 3 phase electrical power restored on Thursday, 18 September. Until power is fully restored, fuel testing samples will be promptly forwarded to other DNV VPS labs.

The next status report will be posted on Friday, 19 September. We appreciate the understanding of our customers during these challenging times and please be assured that we are taking every extraordinary step to continue delivering our services to our customers.”

Date: 2008-09-18