AGM Statement

Clarkson PLC
28 May 2003

                                  CLARKSON PLC


               CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS MADE AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
                                 ON 28 MAY 2003



Trading statement


I am pleased to report that, in the first four months of 2003, shipping freight
rates have remained high and our focus on quality business has proved most
successful.  We in particular have taken appreciable advantage of these
favourable market conditions and trading results are currently running well
ahead of management expectations.

The conclusion of the war in Iraq has removed many of the uncertainties that
existed when I issued my statement in March.  Continuing growth in industrial
production in the Far East has helped push up rates in the dry bulk market.  The
tanker market while experiencing considerable volatility has performed well with
freight rates on average double those of 2002.  The sale and purchase market has
witnessed considerable activity in the newbuilding, secondhand and demolition
sectors.  We have concluded significant volumes of business in all these areas.

While there are continued concerns over the general condition of the world
economy and the ability of the tanker market to absorb new tonnage, your Board
remains confident of a satisfactory outturn to the year.


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