CONTINUED STRONG DEMAND AND SOLID OPERATIONS

The Aker Group had second-quarter 2006 revenues of NOK 21 billion, up 44 percent compared with the second quarter of 2005. Operating profit (EBITDA) rose to NOK 1.2 billion; up 60 percent compared with the second quarter of 2005.

Demand for the Group`s products and services is great, and the order backlog increased from NOK 87 billion at the end of June last year to NOK 122 billion at the close of June 2006. Aker Yards acquired two shipyards in France in the second quarter of 2006; Aker Yards alone generated more than half of the Aker Group`s 30 June 2006 order backlog.

A significant proportion of the Group`s activities directly or indirectly depends on developments in the world`s energy markets, global trade, and cruise industry. The underlying trends in these segments are positive. Aker is well equipped to benefit from these fundamentally positive conditions and envisions continued growth and improving profit margins in all main Group companies.