Finnish company Meriaura has set solid groundwork for further progression in 2023 following the developments over the past year that was dubbed as one of the best in the company’s history. 

Meriaura disclosed an operating profit of €10 million for 2022, up from the €5 million reported a year prior. Turnover for the company jumped 24 percent, hitting €69 million for the period.

“The year 2022 was anything but ordinary. In our industry, we are used to responding to changing conditions and challenges. However, we did not expect the combination of challenges created by war, galloping inflation, the energy crisis and climate change just when life was gradually returning to normal after the Covid pandemic,” Beppe Rosin, Meriaura CEO said.

Systematic work to improve the filling and utilisation rates of ships continued through 2022 and was fuelled by strong demand. Good and close cooperation with customers, ports and other stakeholders also contributed to the efficient operation, the company said in its recent report.

“We have long-term plans for developing our business and competitiveness. A strong financial position creates a good foundation for the future. We seek competitiveness, e.g. with the development of new vessel concepts and fuel solutions,” the statement reads.

Meriaura investing in environmentally friendly fuels

In 2022, Meriaura invested €2.8 million in improving the environmental friendliness of its tonnage. In addition, the company invested €1.3 million in the development of a carbon-neutral fuel concept. The production and demand for biofuels developed positively and Meriaura expect them to develop well in 2023 as well. The continuous improvement of operations and work for a more environmentally friendly future will continue with its partners.

“Efforts to reduce emissions generated by our ships continued unabated, and I am very proud of the results achieved during the year. We had set a goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by four percent compared to the previous year (CO2/cargo volume transported/distance traveled). The achieved reduction was as much as 11.2 per cent,” Rosin said.

He further noted that the goal set in 2021 of a 15 per cent reduction in emissions in four years will be achieved much earlier – possibly already this year.