FPT Forth Ports

RNS Number:0643H
Forth Ports PLC
06 January 2005


6 January 2005


FORTH PORTS PLC

YEAR END TRADING UPDATE

Forth Ports PLC issues its year end trading update for the year ended 31st
December 2004. The Group's preliminary results announcement is expected to be
made on 21st March 2005.

As expected, underlying trading within the Ports' Division showed a significant
improvement in the second half of 2004 over the first half and should also show
some growth against the second half of 2003. Overall, trading within the Ports'
Division is expected to be in line with 2003. The trading performance at Tilbury
in 2004 continued to be ahead of 2003 with strong performances in most cargo
areas. The Scottish Ports' performance improved in the second half, compared
with the first half, particularly at Leith and Dundee. However, piped cargo
tonnages have been lower than expected due to further shutdowns in the North Sea
and a one month closure at the Exxon operation at Braefoot Bay.

The Property Division received Design Guide Approval for the revised Western
Harbour Masterplan in September which enabled various sales to be concluded by
the year end. Our discussions with City of Edinburgh Council continued on the
Leith Docks Development Framework document. The formal consultation period has
now ended and it is expected that the document will come before the Planning
Committee in the first half of 2005 for approval.

In the second half, we sold several plots at Western Harbour and at Granton.
Overall, the performance of the Property Division has met our expectations of
growth for the year. There is currently more demand for smaller plots with a
greater housing content compared with last year. Average revenue per unit has
increased significantly over last year.

With the solid performance of the Ports' Division, despite being impacted by the
weakness in piped cargo and the strong performance of the Property Division, the
overall Group result should be very close to our expectations for the full year.



Enquiries:

Charles Hammond, Group Chief Executive     Forth Ports PLC         Tel: 0131 555 8700
Wilson Murray, Group Finance Director                              Tel: 0131 555 8700

Jon Coles/Kate Miller                      Brunswick Group LLP     Tel: 0207 404 5959




                      This information is provided by RNS
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