Re: Establishment of Gard Asia in Hong Kong (September 1997)

Circular No. 4/97 September 1997

TO THE MEMBERS

Dear Sirs,

RE: ESTABLISHMENT OF GARD ASIA IN HONG KONG

To meet the demands of the Association?s Membership, Gard has established a company in Hong Kong, Gard Asia (Hong Kong) Ltd. The company will be fully operational by the coming policy year.

Primarily, the office will provide claims-related assistance and P&I advice in Asia, co-ordinating closely with the Association?s head office in Arendal. The office will not underwrite.

Gard Asia has further concluded arrangements for Mr. Julian Lister, to become the Managing Director of the company. As head of the Association?s Hong Kong correspondent J A Lister & Co Ltd. for many years, Mr. Lister is already known to many Members and the Association is pleased to have him on board.

Transition work has already commenced and Gard Asia will formally open at the latest on 20th February 1998. Until notified of Gard Asia?s date of opening, Members should continue to contact J A Lister & Co for correspondent services in Hong Kong.

To assist in integrating Gard Asia with Gard, and to emphasise the commitment to offering the Association?s usual high level of service, a Director from the head office, Mr. Christopher J. Brown, will be stationed in Gard Asia during the initial period.

Further questions should be directed to Managing Director John G. Bernander, Director Jan Petter Larsen, in Arendal (47 370 19100), or to Mr. Julian Lister in Hong Kong (85 2 2524 1229).

Yours faithfully, ASSURANCEFORENINGEN GARD -gjensidig-

John G. Bernander Managing Director