Luka Koper to save the leading position in Austria in 2012

Slovenian seaport Koper to handle 17.9 million tonnes of cargo in 2012; Austria accounts for nearly one-third of the throughput
 
In 2012, Luka Koper Group handled a total of 17.9 million tonnes of cargo, which is a year-on increase of five percent. Based on non-audited data, the Group’s operating revenues in the amount of 144.4 million euros were one percent ahead of the 2011 level and four percent down on expectations. The difference in the growth of operating revenues and the physical volume of cargo throughput can mainly be attributed to a fall in storage charges; a more rapid turnover of cargo has resulted in the decline of revenues from storage charges, as the company announces.
 
EBIDTA in the amount of 47.2 million euros recorded a year-on decrease of five percent. The Group’s operating profit stood at 19.2 million euros, which is fourteen percent down on the 2011 level. There was a significant year-on decrease in financial expenses, mainly as a consequence of lower impairments to financial investments and lower interest costs. The Group’s net profit in 2012 stood at 10.4 million euros, which is ten-million euros ahead of 2011 and 3.2 million euros down on expectations. The Groups‘ financial liabilities fell by 22.3 million euros, and amounted to 183.4 million euros as of 31st December 2012. The Luka Koper Group has been financially rehabilitated and today has the financial strength necessary for further development of the port. 
 
Luka Koper is Slovenia’s sole seaport, but it operates in a very competitive international market. Indeed, seventy percent of cargo handled is in transit to or from Koper’s hinterland markets in Central and Eastern Europe. In addition to the Northern Adriatic ports, and in particular nearby Trieste and Rijeka, Luka Koper faces tough competition from the major ports of northwest Europe. In spite of this, Koper has managed to acquire the largest market share of its biggest and most important continental market – Austria – which accounts for nearly one-third of Luka Koper’s cargo throughput, beating Europe’s largest port – Rotterdam – in the process.