Tilbury docks and Scottish ports operator Forth Ports said the business has performed well in the first half despite the distraction of a bid approach which ultimately fell through.
The company is expecting an improved first half performance at Tilbury on the back of substantially increased forest products tonnage, although short sea container volumes are down year on year.
Tilbury Container Services Limited, Forth Ports’ associate company, has shown a significant improvement in its volumes and profitability in the first half of 2010 compared with the equivalent period last year.
North of the border the Scottish Ports and Marine business is also doing better than in 2009. The liquid bulk tonnages are slightly ahead of last year at Grangemouth but behind last year at Hound Point and Braefoot Bay.
Container volumes at Grangemouth have not yet reversed the trend of 2009, although the new Unifeeder service into Grangemouth will allow for a wider range of port connections, the company said. Dry cargo has remained steady.
On the recycling side of the business, trading has benefited from an improvement in commodity prices ad increased volumes.
“With our improved operational gearing, diversified cargo and broad customer base, we are confident that the underlying outcome for the full year will be in line with our expectations,” the company concluded.
