Irish Continental Group (ICG) reported a 4.3pc increase in pre-tax profit to €17.4m and a revenue rise to €285.5m for the first half of 2024, driven by a rebound in travel patterns and growth on the Dover-Calais route.
The ferry operator saw a significant jump in activity, with a 21pc increase in cars carried (277,200 vehicles) and a 10.5pc rise in freight carryings (384,800 units), while total passenger numbers rose nearly 22pc to 1.3m.
Despite a 7.8pc increase in costs to €188.1m—attributed to higher operational activity and EU Emission Trading System costs—ICG anticipates continued profitability growth in the latter half of 2024.
The board declared an interim dividend of 5.11 cents per share, with chairman John B. McGuckian expressing confidence in the company’s future prospects amid expectations of lower interest rates and economic growth.
