Scandlines was able to maintain its profitability in 2018 thanks to its stable operation and high reliability. With more than 43,000 departures of eight ferries, a total of 7.4 million passengers, 1.8 million cars, more than 700,000 freight units and 36,000 buses were transported on the Puttgarden-Rødby and Rostock-Gedser routes.
The turnover of the two ferry routes remained unchanged at EUR 352 million. This resulted from the strong development of the freight segment and the continuous growth on the Rostock-Gedser line, which was able to compensate for the slightly declining leisure traffic on the Puttgarden-Rødby route. BorderShop sales fell to EUR 125 million euros (2017: EUR 135 million).
The result from ordinary activities (EBITA) remained stable at EUR 191 million (2017: EUR 194 million). “While profitability was satisfactory with an EBITA margin of 40 per cents and mainly a result of increased freight volumes and cost control, we are still far from achieving the results achieved by regular crossings and other infrastructure companies in this region,” the company informs in a press release.
“In 2018 we were able to record an increase of 7per cent in the cargo segment and thus exceed 700,000 freight units. Our freight customers appreciate the high level of reliability combined with the frequent departures and the opportunity of complying with the rules of rest periods during the crossing”, says CEO Søren Poulsgaard Jensen.
Significant investments have been made in Scandlines’ business in recent years. This underlines the group’s ability to outperform the regular crossings in terms of fewer cancellations and thus greater reliability.
“We will continue our journey and offer our customers a reliable transport service. At the same time, we will invest in green initiatives such as the new thrusters for our ferries on the Puttgarden-Rødby route to further strengthen our business and ensure a sustainable future for Scandlines and our environment,” emphasises CEO Søren Poulsgaard Jensen.
Scandlines operates two ferry routes between Germany and Denmark with high frequency and capacity as well as a green vision for the future. The core business is efficient and reliable transport services for both passengers and freight customers. The focus is on creating added value for customers on board the ferries and in the Scandlines shops ashore.
