PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE DEVELOPED TO MONITOR AND HELP PLAN A VESSEL’S FIREFIGHTING
02 September 2006 - Ashland Inc

(NYSE:ASH), a 2006 Lloyd’s List Innovation Award. The award is presented to a firm or individual who has developed a technological innovation judged to provide a clear and meaningful advance for the shipping industry.

Ashland’s Vessel Information Planning System (VIPS) software is a patent-pending process which captures ship-specific regulatory and equipment data, calculates inspection intervals, and notifies customers of service due dates. The sophisticated software tracks expiry items, compares port pricing, issues work orders, and electronically provides certificates. In addition, it retains an archive of a ship’s fire fighting, safety and rescue equipment and work history.

According to Mike Cassaras, regional vice president, Drew Marine Europe, “Proper certification of fire fighting, safety and rescue equipment is required for all vessels engaged in international waters. VIPS fills a need in the area of marine safety. We are proud to be recognized with this prestigious award from Lloyd’s.”

To obtain more information please contact a local Drew Marine representative or visit the Drew Marine Web site at www.ashchem.com/ascc/drewmar.

Drew Marine, a business group of Ashland Specialty Chemical, is a leading supplier of specialty marine chemicals, fuel treatments, boiler and cooling water treatments, welding, refrigeration and sealing products; and fire fighting, safety and rescue products and services for the global marine industry.

Ashland Specialty Chemical, a division of Ashland Inc., is a leading, worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals serving industries including adhesives, automotive, composites, metal casting, merchant marine, paint, paper, plastics, watercraft and water treatment. Visit www.ashspec.com to learn more about these operations.

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