BSI Inspectorate Opens Laboratory In Latvia

BSI Inspectorate has opened a new petroleum and agricultural commodities laboratory in the port of Ventspils, Latvia. This is a crucial new facility as Latvia enters the European Community in 2004, opening doors to further regional and international markets.

The laboratory will be officially opened by Chris Fenton, the managing director of BSI Inspectorate (EMEA), on 29th September 2003, but will be fully functional and ready for business by 15th September 2003. Operations will focus on in-depth analysis of petroleum products, fertilisers and grains through the latest state-of-the-art equipment and its highly experienced staff of thirty chemists and inspectors.

Ventspils' excellent location is mirrored by its trade rate. In 2002 Ventspils handled over 20 million tonnes of crude oil and petroleum products and has a further 15 million plus tonnes capacity for fertilisers, coal, ferroalloys, forest products and general cargo. These volumes are expected to increase as the results of the Free Port Development Plan take effect, and as it matures as a trade capital.

Chris Fenton, Managing Director of BSI Inspectorate says:                                                                                       "Standards in the industry are changing and with this hi-tech laboratory we can uphold technology demands and safety measures. For example, new regulations mean we have to detect even lower levels of sulphur in petroleum products. With our new facility at Ventspils we are able to meet repeatability and reproducibility at very low levels with our advanced analyser package. Ultimately, our customers will now be much better served."

_ENDS_

For more information please contact:

Wilma Tulloch on +44 (0)20 8996 6330 OR
Marc Edney on +44 (0)20 8996 6330Notes to Editors: Ventspils

Ventspils is a major Baltic port. It handles high volumes of direct Russian exports destined for markets in Western Europe, the USA, Africa and the rest of the world. Last year over 20 million tonnes of crude oil and petroleum products went through the port.