Tag: CLdN | Ferry Shipping News

CLdN has published its 2024 fleet emission data, confirming its position as the most carbon-efficient short sea operator (according to its press release).

The company says it achieved a weighted average of 37g CO₂/tonne-km, down from 39g in 2023. “This performance is 9% better than its nearest competitor, over 30% better than the peer group average, and twice as efficient as road transport by heavy goods vehicle.

CLdN’s results reflect significant investment in larger, fuel-efficient RoRo ships and eco-upgrades of existing vessels, with EUR 750 million invested over the past decade. The fleet now includes more than 30 ships, with an average age of 14 years, compared to the peer group average of 18 years

COO Gary Walker said: “High-efficiency ships combined with proactive operational management continue to position CLdN as a leader. With the arrival of our new hybrid vessels CHAUMINE and LEONINE, we are confident we will drive emissions per tonne down further.”

More information will be available in CLdN’s upcoming Carbon Report.

Source: CLdN

CLdN plans to develop a new river berth for RoRo cargo vessels in Liverpool, in collaboration with Peel Ports Group.

The multi-million-pound investment will create a lock-free berth on the River Mersey, adjacent to CLdN’s existing facilities. This will allow seamless berthing of CLdN’s most efficient, higher-capacity ships.

• Consent application expected: H2 2026
• Construction could start: early 2028

Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN:

“This investment will bring significant benefits to customers, increase efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint per freight unit. It underlines CLdN’s long-term commitment to developing port infrastructure and providing essential freight services between Great Britain and Ireland.”

Claudio Veritiero, CEO Peel Ports Group:

“CLdN’s investment is a strong vote of confidence in the Port of Liverpool. Together we will deliver a transformative project that enhances supply chain efficiency, cuts emissions, and creates lasting regional benefits.”

Source and Photo: CLdN

Financial Highlights – FY 2024

• Revenue: EUR 785.8 million (↓5.9% from 2023)
• EBITDA: EUR 175.2 million (↓18.3% from 2023)
• Net profit: EUR 40.3 million (↓48.9% from 2023)
• Gross profit: EUR 153.6 million
• Earnings per share: EUR 0.05 (2023: EUR 0.11)
• Passengers carried: 5.6 million (↓2.2%)
• Cargo units: 303,234 (↓6.4%)
• Net debt: EUR 537.7 million (↓69.6 million)
• Capital expenditure: EUR 22.4 million
• Dividends paid: EUR 44.6 million
• Equity ratio: 53.4%
• Liquidity buffer: EUR 93.7 million

CEO’s Comments – Paavo Nõgene (Chairman of the Management Board)

Economic & Geopolitical Context

• Hoped for a stable 2024, but was met with rising geopolitical tensions, weak economic conditions, and lower consumer confidence.
• Despite these challenges, the company delivered a “satisfactory result in the circumstances.”

Strategy & Performance

• Chose to maintain premium pricing to reflect the quality of service, even at the cost of some volume.
• Cargo volumes declined, but profitability improved through strong pricing and efficiency.
• Passenger pricing strategy followed the same principle: quality requires investment, and investment requires appropriate pricing.

Regulatory & Environmental Challenges

• Faced new costs from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and other climate regulations.
• Highlighted growing bureaucracy and reporting obligations, especially related to the new CSRD-compliant ESG report.
• Warned that environmental surcharges will increase, driven by necessary investments in greener technologies.

Operational Focus

• Maintained an optimal mix of operating and chartered vessels, including vessel sales and new charter extensions.
• Focus on tailored and high-quality services on core Baltic Sea routes, with efforts to improve charter revenues from idle vessels.

Outlook

• Emphasised continued focus on stability, cost efficiency, and customer-centric innovation.
• CEO thanked shareholders and highlighted the confidence shown by AS Infortar, which increased its stake to 68.5% in 2024.

Click on photo to access the annual report

Cldn Launches New Weekly LoLo Service Between Zeebrugge and Ireland.

• The new route connects Zeebrugge with Cork and Dublin via a LoLo container service.
• CLdN has chartered the 800 TEU LoLo vessel JSP ROVER for this service.
• Operations will take place from CLdN’s Albert II terminal in Zeebrugge.
• The service starts on Saturday 10th May.
• The LoLo addition allows better optimisation of CLdN’s RoRo fleet.
• Enhances customer options on the Zeebrugge–Ireland routes.
• Strategic expansion at the Port of Cork, reinforcing its importance for trade with the Republic of Ireland.
• The launch is in response to continued growth in freight demand between mainland Europe and Ireland.
• Builds on CLdN’s successful mix of LoLo and RoRo services already offered from Rotterdam since last year.
• Part of CLdN’s broader LoLo strategy, which includes new container vessels under construction, with delivery starting January 2027.
• Complementary to the four existing weekly RoRo sailings from Zeebrugge to Ireland (2 to Cork, 2 to Dublin).
• Brings the total to 14 weekly return sailings between Ireland and CLdN’s continental hubs (Zeebrugge and Rotterdam).
• CLdN now moves over 500,000 cargo units annually to and from the Republic of Ireland.
• Currently the largest ferry freight mover between Ireland and mainland Europe / Great Britain.