The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has awarded Horizon Lines LLC a contract for ship management services for two of its Ready Reserve Force vessels.

The Ready Reserve program operates cargo vessels to help supply forces deployed in a combat theater. The four-year base period contract with the Maritime Administration has associated revenue of $4.9 million for its initial term and includes two three-year extension options.

NATION WORLD

DRUG INDUSTRY TO CURB ADS

WASHINGTON — Hoping to head off tighter regulation, the pharmaceutical industry yesterday announced voluntary curbs on consumer advertising, particularly TV ads that critics say are skewing medical decisions, glossing over risks and helping drive up the cost of prescription.

The plan, announced in Dallas by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, calls for making sure doctors are informed about a new drug's risks and benefits before a public advertising campaign is launched.

It would also eliminate brief, so-called reminder ad that mentions a drug by name but makes no reference to possible risks.

PRESIDENT SIGNS TRADE AGREEMENT

WASHINGTON — President Bush signed the Central American Free Trade Agreement yesterday, capping a bruising political battle. The legislation passed the House last week by just a two-vote margin.

$2.4B SETTLEMENT IN ENRON CASE

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce agreed yesterday to pay $2.4 billion to shareholders who lost money in the collapse of Enron Corp., marking the biggest individual settlement since the energy trader collapsed in a massive accounting fraud.

The accord brings the recovery pool in the case to a record $7.1 billion.

CIBC was accused of helping Enron conceal its shaky finances by disguising loans as other transactions.