Port of Linz facing crisis with “niche strategy” and new warehouse

Since the beginning of the current financial year, which has started in October 2008, Port of Linz is also feeling the impact of the economic crisis – in form of a declining volume of goods. This can mainly be seen at the container terminal. Whereas in 2008 this segment registered growth, volumes declined by 10 per cent in the first six months of the fiscal year 2009. The Management is afraid this figure will climb to 15 per cent. Fortunately the port was able to mitigate this decline by its specialisation to niches concerning their warehouses for dangerous or deep-frozen goods (also non-food). 

For 2009 an investment totalling to EUR 12.3 million is planned. Nearly EUR 8 million thereof will be used to rebuild the dangerous goods warehouse, which burned down in January 2008, but also to construct a warehouse for water-endangering substances. This project doubles the currently available storage capacity for 8,000 pallet slots. The new area, which is approximately 3,700 square metres, shall start operation in November 2009. 

In the financial year 2008 Österreichische Donaulager GmbH, a 100%-subsidiary of the Linz AG, had around 90 own employees and generated a turnover of EUR 15.9 million. The Port of Linz had 70 own employees and reported an operating result of EUR 4.3 million.

Quelle: Österreichische Verkehrszeitung