Shipping giants DFDS Seaways has announced a dip in its profits - but overall the figures are up.

The company, which operates ferries from Harwich International Port, said despite the effects of the virus Sars, the Iraq war and increasing competition its overall pre-tax profits were up to £14.2 million.

Operating profit rose to £28.1 million in 2003, a rise of ten per cent from the previous year.

But DFDS Seaways, which has nine routes combining passenger and freight, saw its profits fall from £11.5 million to £9.6 million. Overall revenue fell by eight per cent.

A spokesman said the Harwich-Cuxhaven route was now fully operational following its reopening in 2003, and the Harwich-Esbjerg route is now serviced by the latest ro-pax ship, the ds Dana Sirena.

Published Wednesday April 14, 2004

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