Tallink Grupp: strong summer quarter, higher costs, and dividend payment

AS Tallink Grupp earned a net profit of EUR 43.8 million in the third quarter of this year. The strong result of the summer season is reflected in the increase in sales revenue to EUR 246.7 million. The number of passengers increased by 2.8% compared to the same period last year and amounted to 1.82 million. The result of the first nine months of the year was affected by high fuel prices, geopolitical tensions, and dividend payments.

"The third quarter is the most important period of the year for us, and this summer confirmed that the demand for our services remains strong. The increase in the number of passengers and the nearly 8% increase in cargo volumes show that Tallink's connections are still important for the movement of people as well as for the functioning of the region's economy," said Peep Jalakas, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallink Grupp.

In the first nine months of the year, the Group's revenue increased to EUR 603 million, which is 4.5% more than in the same period in 2025. EBITDA amounted to slightly over EUR 104 million compared to EUR 102 million a year earlier. In the first nine months of the year, the Group's net profit was EUR 19.4 million. However, the result was affected by an increase in fuel costs by EUR 18.9 million and income tax expenses of EUR 12.6 million related to the payment of dividends. 

"In the third quarter alone, fuel costs increased by more than 9 million euros, and the cost of surrendering emission allowances by more than 2 million euros compared to the previous year. In such an environment, efficient use of the fleet, cost management and high-quality service for customers are especially important. Despite the good cargo volumes, the results of the year so far were strongly shaped by external influences such as the uncertainty of energy markets, high fuel prices, and the full-scale implementation of the European Union's environmental regulations," said Jalakas.

In the third quarter, the group transported a total of nearly 65 thousand cargo units, which is 7.8% more than a year earlier. Positive development was mainly shown on the Estonia-Finland and Finland-Sweden routes, with the latter increasing by more than 20%. The number of passengers increased by 5.3% on the Finland-Sweden routes and by 5.8% on the Estonia-Sweden route.

During the reporting period, the fleet was deployed flexibly to respond to seasonal demand and international opportunities. The cruise ferry Romantika operated additional departures on the Tallinn–Stockholm route during the summer peak season before providing accommodation and catering services in Italy during the Mediterranean Games. The company also continued its strategy of securing long-term vessel charter agreements.

“Romantika is a good example of how we can make the most of seasonal demand in our home markets while also creating opportunities to provide services internationally. Long-term charter agreements help secure stable cash flow and allow us to adjust our operations to market demand. At the same time, we remain focused on strict cost control and on ensuring that the maritime sector continues to be recognised as a strategically important part of the economy, employing thousands of people and generating significant tax revenue,” said Jalakas.