Cruise ferry company DFDS Seaways which operates out of Port Tyne and Harwich saw a rise in passenger figures last year.
Passenger volume in and out of Port of Tyne increased by 17% with vehicles up 5%, while out of Harwich passenger volume increased 9% and vehicles 10%.
Parent company DFDS A/S announced its pre-tax profits were up 31% to £54 million, but it said the passenger shipping sector’s profits were disappointing.
UK managing director John Crummie said: “The financial highlights are positive and DFDS Seaways is a buoyant business but we are currently operating in a tough and very competitive marketplace. Across the travel industry price competition has intensified, particularly against a backdrop of escalating fuel prices.”
The company began operating a route to Norway last year and is working on a range of holidays and short breaks to the destination.
“We hope this plus a tonnage change on the route to offer cruiselike facilities will have an encouraging impact on the route,” added Crummie.