The Government states that the shipping companies in the future will be tax exempt in line with shipping regimes in EU countries. This will be positive for Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA (WW).
Furthermore, the Government will propose that the untaxed equity in shipowning companies under the current regime is made taxable over a ten year period. This untaxed equity is not taxable under current rules. If this proposal is adopted, it will have substantial negative effect for WW.
The details in the new system will be presented later by the Government, and will be finally decided upon with the National Budget passed in the Norwegian Parliament in December 2007. The final consequences for WW will materialize when finally passed.