OREANDA-NEWS. November 26, 2010. The Novorossiysk Commercial Sea Port Group (LSE: NCSP, RTS and MICEX: NMTP) hereby reports its consolidated operating results for January-October 2010. In the reporting period NCSP Group’s cargo turnover amounted to 69 067.5 thousand tons, which is by 3.9% (2 799.5 thousand tons) less than in the same period of 2009.

In the reporting period the total amount of cargoes that demonstrated positive growth rates recorded an aggregate growth of 2 407.8 thousand tons versus January-October 2009. Over half of this increase – 51.3% – was contributed by growth in high-margin container cargo.

On the other hand, the aggregate decrease of the cargoes that demonstrated negative dynamics comprised 5 207.4 thousand tons, of which 34.6% accounts for the lag in grain shipments resulting from the government’s export ban.

While analyzing the cargo turnover dynamics certain positive trends that became evident lately must be highlighted. Notably, a range of cargoes recorded good growth of monthly volumes in October versus September this year, which has already helped to narrow the gap between 2009 and 2010 in these categories. Thus handling of iron ore and ore concentrate in October 2010 hit the record of 457.4 thousand tons, the highest in the last two years, which is by 51.6% exceeds the volume loaded in September. Volumes of liquid fertilizers actually doubled in October versus September this year and reached 68.9 thousand tons. On top of that handling of diesel fuel increased by 227.7 thousand tons (44.7%), and crude oil volumes grew by 446.9 thousand tons (14.6%) in October versus September 2010.

Based on the 10 months results of 2010 volumes of fuel oil (mazut) recorded growth by 888.5 thousand tons (35.1%), performing the best in the Liquid cargo segment. Total volume of liquid cargo on January-October 2010 comprised 46 416.1 thousand tons, which is by 2 011.3 (4.2%) less than volumes for the same time last year.

In the Bulk cargo segment growth during 10 months of 2010 was recorded in volumes of mineral fertilizers and raw sugar, which exceeded volumes of same period of 2009 by 397.2 thousand tons (29.9%) and 234.1 thousand tons (20.8%) respectively. Total volumes of bulk cargo in January-October 2010 versus same period of 2009 decreased by 1 813.0 thousand tons (14.6%).

In the General cargo segment in January-October 2010 sustainable growth was observed in non-ferrous metals, timber and perishable cargo, which increased by 25.1%, 25.9%, and 78.1% versus same period last year respectively. Total volume of General cargo in the reporting period reduced by 2.3% versus January-October 2009, due to a decrease in ferrous metals volumes.

In the reporting period Container traffic at all terminals of NCSP Group nearly doubled as compared to ten months of 2009 and reached 373.6 thousand TEU.