Maritime Transport

Maritime Transport has reported an 11th consecutive year of revenue growth.

For the year to 27 December 2012, the container operator’s turnover rose 8% to £130.7m from £121.3m in 2011.

Pre-tax profit increased 18% to £2.5m from £2.1m the previous year.

The directors’ report described trading conditions as “difficult” during the year, with “lower volumes, over capacity of transport in the market place and increasing costs to provide the same services”.

However, the company said cost increases were offset by efficiency gains, “allowing margins to remain at similar levels”.

“Staff at all levels have worked extremely hard to reduce our cost base, and our drivers have made positive gains in fuel economy and insurance premium reductions through safe driving,” said the directors' report.

Maritime described its decision in 2010 to expand into distribution as proving to be of “great benefit”, with the distribution business “contributing positively to the annual result”.

Meanwhile its off-dock container storage, port-centric logistics and railport services “continue to develop and offer a wider logistics solution within the UK”.