Bermuda-registered Sea Containers Ltd. is forecasting 1997 operating profits of $160 million, company President James Sherwood stated in his letter to shareholders.

This figure would double the earnings per common share of $1.20 reported for the 1996 financial year.

"We are targeting a one-third increase in our operating profits from leisure activities in 1997 to $40 million from $30 million in 1996, with operating earnings from our passenger transport businesses also reaching the $40 million level,'' he stated. "Together they should match our Container Division operating profits which we estimate at approximately $80 million.'' Sea Containers last month reported profits of $30.6 million for the 1996 year ended December 31.

Mr. Sherwood predicted record 1997 profits from the company's 16 hotels.

In the passenger transport sector he sees continued growth in revenue and profits during 1997. The Company's Great North Eastern Railway is operating to budget while the outlook in ferry operations has improved based on better results in the Scandinavian service and the addition of a SeaCat service to Isle of Man routes, he stated.

Sea Containers also operates the Hoverspeed ferry operation on English Channel routes. The company is in the business of marine container leasing, passenger transport and hotel operations.

BUSINESS BUC