BOONTON, N.J., Jan. 6 -- An AWT(TM) Automated Water Treatment
System from the Drew Marine Division of Ashland Specialty Chemical Company is
scheduled for January installation in Royal Caribbean International's first
Vantage Class newbuilding, currently under construction at Meyer Werft GmbH in
Germany. Delivery will be made to contractor GE Packaged Power Inc. of
Houston, Texas, under a purchase agreement effective Aug. 30, 1999.

The AWT system is recognized as the premier fully automated water treatment
system for marine use -- and for proven value in both its shipboard and its
environmental benefits. The system continuously monitors boiler water
conditions and automatically doses chemical treatments to required levels for
optimizing the performance of the steam-generating system. By optimizing the
application of those chemicals, as well as the schedule for automated boiler
system blowdowns, the AWT system minimizes the volume of chemicals for
disposal. Real-time remediation of harmful water chemistry through the AWT
system also extends equipment life by minimizing corrosion. The system's
computerized operation adds value by monitoring critical shipboard systems
efficiently, even for vessels operating with reduced crew.

After automatically taking samples from the boilers and feedwater, the AWT
system cools, pressure-reduces and measures them for pH, conductivity and
dissolved oxygen. The system then feeds results from a local controller to
dosing pumps controlling the rate of chemical injection to maintain optimal
levels.

The system responds promptly to variations in steam demands and water values
caused by normal shipboard operations. It also sounds an alarm that warns
operators to initiate immediate actions to prevent boiler failure from major
problems, such as condensate contamination from leaking heat exchangers. In
addition to LCD displays of system readings at the boiler and in the engine
control room, alarms are sounded when conditions deviate from programmed
target ranges for key parameters. An automated interface that routes alarms
directly to the ship's central network is included in the system ordered for
Royal Caribbean.

An innovative PC Data Report Software module available with the system
provides historical, trend and statistical data, which can be used with any
IBM-compatible computer, typically located in the chief engineer's office.
This time-saving software can also be used to generate and print out monthly
log reports. Data can be easily transmitted via e-mail to the shipowner's
head office.

Optional system features specified for Royal Caribbean will help optimize
long-term boiler protection. For example, the Dissolved Oxygen Measurement
module monitors the effectiveness of treatment chemicals in removing oxygen.
Measuring make-up feedwater flow, combined with hotwell-temperature
monitoring, enhances control of oxygen and corrosion. In addition, the
Automatic Continuous Blowdown feature controls boiler water conductivity. With
timely action prompted by these features, the AWT system can pay for itself
many times over by avoiding costs of chemical cleaning, repairs and, in
extreme cases, equipment replacement.

Drew Marine also offers the ACWT(TM) Automated Cooling Water Treatment
System, providing similar automated functions and benefits for diesel engine
cooling water plants. Designed to perform accurately and reliably in the
shipboard environment, the AWT and ACWT systems provide comprehensive
capabilities that can accommodate virtually all vessels. Because Drew Marine
produces both the equipment configurations and software, features can be
customized to meet special needs. Drew Marine's service network provides
worldwide support, as well as installation consultation and assistance. For
more information about the AWT and ACWT systems, readers may contact Rob Van
Solingen, product manager, Drew Marine Division; phone (973) 263-7612; fax
(973) 263-4491; email: ravansolingen@ashland.com

The Drew Marine Division of Ashland Specialty Chemical Company is the
leading supplier worldwide of specialty marine chemicals and water treatments.
Its wide range of products and services supporting efficient vessel operation
and maintenance also includes Engineered Systems, Welding and Refrigeration,
Sealing, and Firefighting, Safety & Rescue product lines.

Ashland Specialty Chemical Company, a division of Ashland Inc., is a
leading, worldwide supplier of specialty chemicals serving industries
including adhesives, automotive, composites, foundry, merchant marine, paint,
paper, plastics, and semiconductor. Visit the company's Internet web site at
www.ashspec.com
to learn more about these operations.

Ashland Inc. (NYSE: ASH) provides basic industrial materials and services to
customers throughout the world, with a primary focus on transportation- and
construction-related markets. Consumer brands include Valvoline(R) motor oils,
Eagle One(R) appearance products, Zerex(R) antifreeze, Pyroil(R) Performance
Products and Valvoline SynPower(R) automotive chemicals. In addition, Ashland
owns 38 percent of Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC and 58 percent of Arch Coal,
Inc. (NYSE: ACI). Ashland's Internet address is
http://www.ashland.com

(TM) Trademark, Ashland Inc.

(R) Registered Trademark, Ashland Inc.