Eurotunnel experienced growth in both its passenger and freight operations in the first half of 2014.
The biggest increase was experienced within Eurotunnel’s rail freight subsidiary, Europorte, which saw a 15 per cent rise in the number of freight trains using the fixed link and a 10 per cent increase in revenues to €127 million.
New contracts, including a new 11-train-week service for GB Railfreight to transport silica sand from Kings Lynn in Norfolk to Goole in Yorkshire, have contributed to the improved economic situation.
Europorte did, however, experience a rise in operating costs due to the start up costs associated with new services and the SNCF strike in June.
The number of high-speed passenger trains using the route also increased, climbing two per cent on the same period in 2013.
Jacques Gounon, chairman and chief executive officer of Groupe Eurotunnel SA, said: “All areas of our business are growing. The Fixed Link achieved a record level of operating margin in a very active cross-Channel market. The new environmental constraints which will be imposed on the ferry companies from 1 January 2015 reinforce the attractiveness of the Fixed Link.”
Overall revenues rose by eight per cent to €559 million, with an EBITDA up six per cent to €216 million.