The liquidator of Bell Lines group of companies yesterday was granted High Court permission to dispose of containers and cranes in Rotterdam port.

Mr David Hughes, who was appointed liquidator on July 4th said in an affidavit that the company operated its freight business through Rotterdam. The liquidator of Bell Lijn BV got an attachment order in respect of 500 containers.

Mr Hughes said he proposed agreeing with the Dutch company's liquidator to sell the containers and that the monies be held on joint deposit in Holland. The Dutch company's liquidator also had an attachment order against five cranes. These were secured in favour of a Dutch bank. Mr Hughes said he had entered into a contract for the sale of the cranes for about £4 million.