Havila Voyages has turned a financial corner with its first profitable quarter, overcoming initial operational challenges.
- Increased revenues and strategic changes contributed to a profit of over £4.2 million this quarter.
- The company attributes its success to higher occupancy and improved cabin revenue across its hybrid-powered ships.
- The reduction of CO2 emissions by 36% demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability.
- CEO Bent Martini sees continued growth and environmental efforts as key to future success.
Havila Voyages, after confronting a tumultuous beginning, has finally reported a profit in the second quarter of the year, marking a significant milestone in its operational history. Increased revenues and an operating profit exceeding 58 million Norwegian kroner (approximately £4.2 million) were achieved, a stark contrast to the previous year’s loss of NOK 15 million (£1 million).
In the first half of the year, Havila Voyages reported an operating profit of NOK 41 million (£3 million), recovering from a substantial NOK 111 million (£8 million) loss in the same period of 2023. This financial turnaround was driven by a more than doubling of revenues to NOK 662 million (£48 million), highlighting notable growth in both occupancy rates and average cabin income across their fleet of four hybrid-powered vessels.
Chief Executive Bent Martini stated, “It is very gratifying to present a positive operating result. It is important for the company and its owners that we have reached this point after a challenging start to Havila Voyages’ history.” His optimism reflects the growing recognition and positive reception from both passengers and coastal communities, buoying expectations for increased sales and occupancy in the future.
The favourable financial outcome is partly ascribed to efficient digital sales directly through the company’s channels, coupled with the appeal of its modern, environmentally-conscious ships. The CEO anticipates that the strengthened brand, alongside these advancements, will enhance future demand.
Remarkably, Havila Voyages has also succeeded in reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 36% in the second quarter. Martini highlighted, “The requirement in the agreement with the Ministry of Transport is a 25% CO2 reduction compared to 2017, and we are proud to deliver well above that requirement.” This achievement underscores the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, supported by efforts like significant reductions in food waste, aligning financial prudence with ecological responsibility.
Havila Voyages’ emerging profitability and environmental commitment heralds a promising future for the company.
