Tallink Grupp transported a total of 404,143 passengers in September, 2024, which was an increase of 0.7%, compared to 401,520 in September, 2023.
However, the number of cargo units carried by the company’s vessels during the month decreased by 10.2%, compared to September, 2023 to 23,178 units (25,823) and the number of passenger vehicles also decreased, compared to the previous year by 3.5%, totalling 59,455 (61,602 in September, 2023).
In the third quarter of the year (July/September) the company transported 1,715,496 passengers, which is a 3.4% decrease compared to 3Q23 (1,775,821 passengers).
The number of transported cargo units also decreased by 11.7%, compared to the same period in 2023 totalling 66,865 units (75,701 units in 3Q23), while the number of passenger vehicles carried 3Q24 also fell, by 8.3%, compared to the same period last year totalling 250,810 vehicles (273,514 in 3Q23).
Commenting on the statistics, Paavo Nõgene, Tallink Grupp CEO (pictured), said: “The passenger numbers of one of the key quarters for our business are a sign of the current times and are, considering the low consumer confidence at a time of increasing prices and economic uncertainties, to be expected.
“On a positive note, September delivered better results than anticipated, while the summer month, August could have been somewhat better. But overall, the picture we are seeing, is the picture we anticipated.
“A positive trend that we noticed during the summer is the return and increase of international passengers to the Baltic Sea after many years of really low international passenger numbers.
“So, while passenger numbers from our home markets remain under pressure, due to economic challenges, it is pleasing that the numbers of passengers from further afield are again on the rise, especially from Asian countries.
“The overall economic environment is waiting for any positive news and developments from our key expert markets, which would have a positive impact on the cargo transport segment,“ he said.
