The Luka Koper Group achieved outstanding performance in the first nine months of this year, surpassing all key financial indicators compared to the same period in 2024. Net sales revenue reached EUR 282.9 million, up 16% year‑on‑year and 12% above plan. Revenue growth was driven primarily by maritime throughput, particularly in containers and vehicles, as well as by higher warehousing revenues.
The Group’s operating profit (EBIT) amounted to EUR 74.5 million, exceeding last year’s result by 39% and the plan by 68%. In addition to higher sales and other income, the first nine months of the year also saw an increase in service, material, and labour costs.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) totalled EUR 97.9 million, representing a 25% increase over last year and 43% above the plan for the same period. Net profit reached EUR 62.4 million, up 26% compared to the previous year and 56% above the planned result.
Despite growth in key cargo segments, the Luka Koper Group handled a total of 17.1 million tonnes of cargo in the first nine months, which is slightly below plan (less than 1%) and roughly on par with the same period last year. The highest growth, 14%, was recorded in the container segment, where 950,625 TEUs were handled. The increase was driven primarily by new projects related to the supply and equipment of production plants in the port’s hinterland markets, as well as by the restructuring of shipping services from the Far East and within the Mediterranean.
Compared with the first nine months of 2024, a 7% increase was also achieved at the Car Terminal, where 639,829 units were handled. The growth was largely the result of new import flows from various Chinese manufacturers, along with higher export volumes of vehicles bound for Mediterranean countries.
In the general cargo segment, throughput declined compared with the same period last year, mainly due to lower volumes of timber, rubber, and iron and steel products. Throughput of dry bulk cargoes was also down by 5%, primarily because of reduced imports of iron ore.
During the first nine months of the year, the Luka Koper Group continued to implement its intensive investment cycle, allocating EUR 81.9 million to property, plant, and equipment, 122% more than in the same period of 2024. The Group proceeded with the construction of new facilities for containers, vehicles, and general cargo, as well as other investments aimed at modernising port infrastructure and operational processes.
2025 outlook: all financial indicators above expectations
Despite challenging global conditions marked by geopolitical tensions, economic fluctuations, and trade uncertainties following the introduction of U.S. tariffs, the Luka Koper Group is expected to close the 2025 financial year successfully.
Net sales revenue is estimated to reach EUR 369.8 million, which is 12% higher than in 2024 and 9% above the planned figure. Revenue growth is primarily driven by higher container and vehicle throughput and by an increase in warehousing income. The operating profit (EBIT) is expected to total EUR 83.1 million, up 24% year‑on‑year and 50% above the plan, while net profit is projected at EUR 69.9 million, representing a 16% increase over 2024 and 42% above plan.
At the Container Terminal, throughput is expected to reach 1.238 million TEUs, up 9% compared to 2024, while the Car Terminal is projected to handle 907,000 units, an increase of 3% year‑on‑year. The total maritime throughput for 2025 is forecast to reach 22.7 million tonnes – around 1% below last year’s level and 2% under plan, mainly due to slightly lower volumes of general cargo and dry bulk commodities.
Business outlook for 2026
According to forecasts by international financial institutions, global uncertainty and weak economic growth in Europe are expected to continue into next year. Capacity restrictions on Slovenia’s railway network, which remain in place, will continue to have a significant impact on operations. “Until the completion of the northern extension of Pier I at the end of 2027, no additional capacity for increasing container throughput will be available, while the existing port capacity is already highly utilised. Therefore, we are conservative in forecasting throughput growth for 2026, as any increase or even maintenance of current volumes will largely depend on the timely arrival and dispatch of goods to and from the port,” said Nevenka Kržan, President of the Management Board, when presenting the company’s plans. For 2026, the Group projects a 1% increase in container throughput and a 1% decrease in vehicle throughput, while total maritime throughput is expected to rise by 3%.
Net sales revenue at the Group level is expected to grow by 4%, reaching EUR 384 million, mainly due to higher throughput volumes and slightly improved sales prices. However, the operating profit (EBIT) is projected at EUR 72.2 million, 13% below the 2025 estimate. Additional recruitment in 2025, continuing into 2026 – aimed at accommodating increased workloads, transferring agency workers to full employment, and ensuring improved customer service – will lead to higher labour costs. Due to a smaller projected positive impact from financial operations, primarily the result of lower returns from surplus cash, the Group’s net profit for 2026 is expected to reach EUR 65.1 million, which is 7% lower than the 2025 estimate.
2026: record investment volume planned
Next year, the Group will continue implementing its large‑scale investment programme, with a total of EUR 202 million earmarked for this purpose. In line with the strategic business plans, funds will be directed primarily toward increasing the capacity of the Container Terminal through the construction of new quay facilities and storage areas on the northern extension of Pier I. In 2026, the Company will also commence the construction of a new multi‑storey garage with space for 11,700 vehicles and complete two major projects in the field of general cargo: the new Bert no. 12, designated for project and vehicle cargo, and the Warehouse no. 54, an almost fully automated steel coil storage facility. For sustainability and corporate responsibility projects, the Luka Koper Group will allocate EUR 35.8 million, representing 18% of all planned investments for 2026.
