Higher sales and better margins have helped Viking Line, the listed Finnish cruise ferry company, to improve its second quarter and first half interim results, offsetting a slight fall in passenger volume, the company said in a statement.

The company should not be confused with Viking Ocean Cruises or Viking River Cruises.

Group net profit rose to €3.6 million in the second quarter from €1.1 million a year earlier and operating income reached €5.4 million compared to break even as revenues increased to €131.1 million from €125.5 million.

In the first six months of the year, the company cut net loss to €8.7 million from €11.8 million and operating loss to €8.8 million from €13.5 million. Revenues rose to €227.0 million from €225.7 million.

The company experienced a slight fall in the number of passengers and freight units carried, but it was also able to reduce operating expenses during both review periods, which led to higher margins.

Looking ahead, tough competition continues in the Nordic cruise ferry industry and third quarter, which includes the main holiday season in the region, would be decisive for the full year result of the company.

Viking Line reiterated its earlier forecast that the full year operating result should match or exceed the figure of the previous year, which was €9.3 million.