The headline in the South China Morning Post, on July 21, on page four ('Bacteria stowaways probe') may have led some readers to believe that Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) had broken some rules and is under check and probe for possible bacteria stowaways that could bring harm to Hong Kong's environment, where in reality we are collaborating with the University of Hong Kong in a scientific study for 1.5 years. We are providing valuable samples to enable university researchers to study and understand whether the bacteria and marine life brought in to Hong Kong could pose a threat to Hong Kong's environment.

OOCL, headquartered in Hong Kong, is very concerned with the environment we live in and we would like to contribute in any way we can to ensure that our fragile ecology does not deteriorate any further. Incidentally, all ocean-going vessels, not just container ships, require water ballasting.

STANLEY SHAN Corporate Affairs Orient Overseas Container Line