SARK SHIPPING WEATHERS THE COVID STORM
Passengers
During 2021/22, the passenger volumes returned to pre-COVID levels albeit with a different mix of passenger/ticket types and with the help of some very settled and sunny weather in June, July and August.
Internet bookings moved from 30% of total bookings pre-COVID to 85% during COVID and has now dropped back to 50% whilst the carriage of dogs has tripled in the last 2 years.
Cargo
As predicted general cargo and charter volumes have increased with the introduction of the land reform act allowing properties to be bought and sold linked with the shipment of materials for building and renovation.
Financial
The audited end of year accounts will not be available until mid-November at the earliest. Financially we have had a good season and currently have enough money set aside that we are very likely to get through the winter period without needing to resort to our overdraft facility despite inflation putting pressure on the operating costs. During the course of the season the cost of fuel peaked during the summer months at £1.04 per litre; this compares to an average cost of £0.32 pence in the same period 2020 and £0.43 pence in 2021.
