of its reefer fleet, Lloyd's List reported.

The expansion consists of the purchase of four secondhand vessels, the Chiquita Baracoa , Chiquita Bocas , Chiquita Baru and the Chiquita Burica for $73 million from Chiquita Brands International.

Reefers are climbing their way out of a deep recession in 1993 with improvements last year and in 1995, Lloyd's List said.

"This is by no means a boom market but rates are steadily improving,'' said Leif Hoegh director Mr. Geir Olav Foss.

Reefers are commanding 65 to 75 cents per cubic foot, he added.

Bermuda registered Bona Shipholding Ltd. is the tanker arm of Leif Hoegh.