Last year more than 6.3 million tons of cargo (an increase of 0.3%) were turned round for the first time. That was an increase – if only a small one – over handling posted in 2011. In the passenger sector more than 1.9 million travellers either boarded or disembarked from a ferry or cruise ship last year. That was an increase of 2.2% over the previous year.
The Managing Director of the Port of Kiel (SEEHAFEN KIEL GmbH & Co KG), Dr Dirk Claus said “after two years of very strong growth, 2012 has reflected the general current market development situation”. A major contribution to the high handling performance was made by locally-based ferry companies, which acounted for nearly 80% of total handling. The biggest growth rate in cargo transport was posted by DFDS Seaways on the Kiel-Klaipeda route while Stena Line and Color Line both increased their totals in passenger transport to and from Scandinavia. At the same time, Kiel concluded a long-term agreement with Color Line in 2012 which gives both sides a high level of future planning security.