Luka Koper sees revenue, profit boost in 2024

Luka Koper, the operator of Slovenia's sole commercial port, saw its net profit increase by 7% last year to €60 million on the back of 6% higher sales revenue, at €330 million, CE Report quotes The Slovenia Times.

Total maritime cargo transshipment grew by 3%, and container transshipment hit a record high after increasing by 6%, according to the company's regulatory filing.

Sales revenue exceeded projections by 2%, driven by higher income from maritime cargo handling, container loading and unloading services, and other operations. However, warehouse storage revenue declined slightly due to faster cargo turnover.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) increased by 7% to just shy of €101 million while operating profit (EBIT) rose by 10% to €67 million.

The container terminal handled a record 1.13 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) and the passenger terminal also posted a historic high, welcoming 125,276 passengers.

Growth was also observed in general and liquid cargo volumes, whereas bulk and dry cargo transshipment saw a slight decline compared to 2023.

The port transshipped 884,666 cars in 2024, 3% fewer than in 2023, which was mostly due to lower car sales in key markets.

Labour costs increased by 13% due to a higher average number of employees compared to 2023, employment of agency workers, and salary adjustment for inflation.

Luka Koper employed 2,255 people on the last day of 2024, or 33 more year-on-year. The number of agency workers decreased by 294.