For the first time after years of growth, sometimes achieving two-digit growth rates, Scandlines is reporting slight decreases in transportation returns. The financial crisis and oil prices – at record highs for months – have particularly affected sea transportation with the Baltic states and holiday and shopping travel between Germany, Denmark and Sweden.

In 2008, ocean carrier Scandlines transported more than 17.3 million passengers (-3.0 percent), 3.6 million automobiles (-3.4 percent), 1.1 million motor trucks and trailers (-1.5 percent) and 68,700 buses (-8.6 percent) across their 9 ferry routes in the Baltic Sea.

„In the first half of 2008, we were once again able to increase our transportation performance in all major market segments – despite the already slowing economy and the rapidly rising oil prices. It was a given since summer that the financial crisis would have an impact not only on the Baltic routes, but also on our most profitable routes in the triangle between Germany, Denmark and Sweden. The development of our freight routes between Rostock and Hanko, however, turned out positively“, Michael F. Hassing, Chairman of Scandlines GmbH, analyzes.

Scandlines launched first measures to successfully respond to the changes in the market situation in fall 2008, establishing the freight route Århus/ Aabenraa-Klaipeda and reducing their offers on the routes of Rostock-Gedser and Rostock-Ventspils.

The continuously decreasing production of industry and consumer good will especially impact freight traffic with the Baltic states and traffic with Scandinavia this year. Scandlines expects further growth on the new freight route between Germany and Finland, however. „We will closely observe the developments in the market and take suitable action to ensure a swift and flexible reaction to customer demand. At the same time, we aim to further improve our sea carrier’s efficiency and profitability“, Michael F. Hassing continued.