Operating survey for vessels in water transport, 2003

The survey includes all enterprises in the subclasses ocean transport and ship brokerage services, and includes the operation of vessels from Norway regardless of the nationality and ownership of the vessel. Gross freights for 2002 have been adjusted down by NOK 3.2 billion to NOK 84.3 billion.

Over the last two years, gross freights from voyage freights and contracts of affreightment (COA) have decreased, while gross freights from time charter and bareboat charter have increased. Gross freights from voyage freights and COAs fell by 3 per cent from 2002 to 2003, while time charter increased by 14 per cent in the same period. Gross freights from time charter amounted to NOK 29.1 billion in 2003, against NOK 25.6 billion in 2002.

Operating costs declined from NOK 72.2 billion to NOK 67.1 billion, a decrease of 7 per cent from 2002 to 2003. Voyage dependent costs and gross wages and social benefits to crew members fell by 19 and 17 per cent respectively. Bunker costs were more or less on level with 2002.

The operating profit in this industry increased from 2002 to 2003, mainly as a result of lower operating costs. The operating profit increased by 75 per cent from 2002 to 2003, and was NOK 21.3 billion in 2003. The operating margin was 24 per cent.

Tables:

• Table 1 Operating survey for vessels in foreign going trade. 2001-2003. NOK 1 000