Koper - The port operator Luka Koper generated EUR 168.2 million in net sales revenue in the first nine months of the year, a 9% increase year-on-year, while net profit increased by 3% to EUR 22.4 million, shows an unaudited report released on Friday.

The report notes that the higher net sales revenue is attributed mostly to increased volume of container transshipment, which was up by 6% to 755,980 container units.

Overall, the maritime throughput registered in the January-September period increased 6% year-on-year to 15.7 million tonnes.

In the car segment, 474,022 units were handled for an 11% increase, and other cargo segments also registered growth, except liquid bulk and the thermal coal segment.

Strong impact of the pandemic is still being felt in the former, and the latter segment is shrinking due to the EU legislation, with total decarbonisation being anticipated in the coming years, the report says.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation amounted to EUR 45.6 million, a 7% increase, while the operating profit was up by 8% to EUR 23.4 million.

The report notes that the group "achieved good business results despite the situation in global logistics ... as ports still face irregular arrivals of container ships",
adding that "the situation will not stabilise anytime soon".