Sea Containers to Increase Its Shareholding in Silja

Sea Containers Ltd., passenger transport operator, marine container lessor and leisure industry investor, announced today that various Finnish and Swedish leading companies had exercised their option to require Sea Containers to purchase 26 percent of the shares of Silja Oyj Abp at $36 million. This will bring Sea Containers' shareholding to 76 percent of Silja. Completion of the purchase is required by June 20, 2002. Sea Containers intends to acquire the balance of Silja's shares by tender offer to the remaining shareholders for cash or common shares in Sea Containers. Lazard AB, Stockholm has been engaged to advise the company on these transactions.