Atlas Copco receives breakthrough order from the liquid natural gas market

Stockholm, Sweden, April 18, 2005—Atlas Copco has received two large orders for integrally geared turbo compressors for a new application in the liquid natural gas (LNG) market. The total order value is about MSEK 240. The compressors will be used on board ships which will carry liquid natural gas from a large gas field in Qatar.

The two orders, received by Atlas Copco Energas, Germany, in Atlas Copco’s Gas and Process division, are part of a large project. The compressors have been ordered by marine specialist Hamworthy Gas Systems based in Norway, for delivery to three Korean shipyards. The ships will operate between Qatar and the United Kingdom. Delivery will take place between May and September 2006 to the shipyards in Korea, where the vessels will be built. The compressors will be used in an innovative way for re-liquefaction of liquid natural gas on board the ships, which are the largest ever of their type. Atlas Copco has been working with Hamworthy for many years to develop this new process in an important growing market segment. Says Bengt Kvarnbäck, President of Atlas Copco’s Compressor Technique business area: “Atlas Copco’s Gas and Process division has made a long-term commitment in developing, together with Hamworthy, a highly efficient solution for the growing market of LNG tankers. This is now being rewarded with significant orders. With the strongly growing demand for natural gas, we are optimistic regarding our future business prospects for this market segment.”