Italian ports maintain positive growth in 2008

In 2008 Italian ports reported an 11.6% growth in passenger traffic to 8.5mn people compared to 2007, marking a record increase. According to a report by Cruise Industry News, the number of cruise passengers in Europe should rise by 30% between 2008 and 2012 from 4.6mn to 6mn people. Europe accounts for 40% of the demand, while North America represents 27%. Italy has the highest number of landing ports. Civitavecchia reported 1.85mn landed passengers in 2008, followed by Naples with 1.1mn passengers, Savona with 680,000 passengers, Genoa with 620,000 passengers and Livorno with 840,000 passengers, along with Messina, Palermo and Bari. The sector's positive performance is reflected in the major cruise operators as well. Italian cruise operator Costa Crociere (Carnival Group) should post an 8% revenue increase in 2008 and is planning to hire 2,000 new staff for its two new ships which should be launched by June 2009. MSC Crociere achieved 800,000 passengers in 2008 which should rise to 1mn in 2009. Grimaldi reported revenues of EUR 2.50bn (USD 3.40bn) and net profits of EUR 300mn. For 2009 the group expects another double-digit growth, albeit smaller than the average 20%-30% achieved in the past, Logistics Finland reported.

Source: Transportweekly