Slovenia's Luka Koper sees 2013 cons net profit surging, cargo up 1.5%

Operating revenues at group level are forecast at 146.62 million euro in 2013, up from the 144.3 million projected for this year, with the plan assuming unfavourable macroeconomic conditions in the euro zone as well as in other European countries, Luka Koper said in a bourse filing.

Cargo throughput is seen rising 1.5% to 17.67 million tonnes next year.

In 2013, the group plans to invest 33.8 million euro in intangible and tangible fixed assets. The investments will mainly be allocated for port infrastructure and equipment that is of key significance in order to preserve Luka Koper's competitive advantage and the development of the strategic terminals, in particular the Container Terminal, the statement said.

The port operator said its performance this year will be marked by a slowdown in the economic activity in the company's key hinterland markets. The unfavourable market conditions mainly affected revenue generated from general cargo - due to the decrease in the throughput of iron products, and from containerised freight.

($=0.7574 euro)