# Tallink reports stronger passenger and cargo volumes despite rising costs - **Source:** https://pelavox.com/tallink-reports-stronger-passenger-and-cargo-volumes-despite-rising-costs/ - **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping) - **Author:** Helena Pierce - **Published:** 2026-10-24T07:00:00+00:00 - **Updated:** 2026-10-22T09:23:48+00:00 - **Section:** Business / Company Results - **Type:** News - **Topics:** Baltic Ferries, EU ETS, Maritime Earnings, Passenger Shipping, Ro-Ro Cargo, Tallink Grupp Tallink Grupp reported a net profit of €43.8 million in the third quarter of 2026, supported by stronger summer passenger demand and increased cargo volumes across its Baltic Sea operations. The Estonian shipping group generated quarterly revenue of €246.7 million, while passenger numbers increased by 2.8% year-on-year to 1.82 million. Cargo volumes also improved, with the company transporting nearly 65,000 cargo units, representing an increase of 7.8% compared with the same period in 2025. The results reflect continued demand for Tallink’s passenger and freight services, although rising fuel prices and emissions-related expenses placed additional pressure on operating costs. ## Passenger and cargo traffic strengthen across Baltic routes Tallink recorded positive developments across several of its principal Baltic Sea connections during the third quarter. Cargo volumes increased particularly strongly on the Finland–Sweden routes, where growth exceeded 20% compared with the previous year. The Estonia–Finland services also contributed to the overall improvement in freight activity. Passenger traffic increased by 5.3% on Finland–Sweden routes and by 5.8% on the Estonia–Sweden connection. Peep Jalakas, Chairman of the Management Board of Tallink Grupp, said the summer performance confirmed continued demand for the company’s services and highlighted the importance of its maritime connections for regional passenger mobility and freight transport. The company also adjusted fleet deployment to respond to seasonal demand and international commercial opportunities. Its cruise ferry *Romantika* operated additional departures on the Tallinn–Stockholm route during the summer peak season before being deployed in Italy to provide accommodation and catering services during the Mediterranean Games. Tallink continued pursuing long-term vessel charter agreements as part of its strategy to generate stable cash flow and adapt fleet utilisation to market conditions. ## Higher fuel and emissions costs affect performance Despite the strong summer quarter, Tallink reported significant cost pressures during the first nine months of 2026. Group revenue for the January–September period increased by 4.5% year-on-year to €603 million, while EBITDA reached slightly more than €104 million, compared with €102 million during the corresponding period in 2025. Net profit for the nine-month period amounted to €19.4 million. The company reported that fuel costs increased by €18.9 million during the first nine months, while income tax expenses associated with dividend payments amounted to €12.6 million. In the third quarter alone, fuel costs increased by more than €9 million compared with the previous year. The cost of surrendering emissions allowances also increased by more than €2 million. According to Tallink, these developments reflected the impact of higher energy prices, geopolitical uncertainty and the implementation of European Union environmental regulations. The additional expenses highlight the financial pressures facing ferry operators as they balance passenger and freight demand with fuel expenditure and emissions compliance obligations. ## Fleet flexibility remains a strategic priority Tallink emphasised the importance of efficient fleet deployment, cost control and long-term charter arrangements in managing the changing operating environment. The group continues to use its vessels across scheduled Baltic services and other commercial assignments, adjusting capacity according to seasonal demand. Jalakas said the deployment of *Romantika* demonstrated how the company could combine additional summer services in its home markets with international opportunities. He also highlighted the role of long-term charter agreements in supporting stable cash flow. The third-quarter results show that Tallink maintained strong passenger and cargo activity during the summer season, while the performance of the first nine months continued to reflect higher operating costs and emissions-related expenditure. --- Cite as: "Tallink reports stronger passenger and cargo volumes despite rising costs", pelavox., 24 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/tallink-reports-stronger-passenger-and-cargo-volumes-despite-rising-costs/