Hurtigruten, the listed Norwegian company that operates a daily passenger and roro service along the country’s west coast plus expedition type cruises, has reported a reduction in loss for the first quarter of 2013 than a year earlier.

Net loss narrowed to NOK133.0 million from NOK171.9 million in the first three months of 2012. Revenues rose to NOK754.5 million from NOK723.3 million.

The company said it recorded an operating profit from its Norwegian coastal express run for the first time since the merger of two companies to form the current group in 2006. It enjoyed progress in port-to-port cruise nights, with volume up 25.3%, although round-trip cruise nights decreased by 14.6%. Yields improved as net income per cruise night increased by 13.6%.

“It is positive to see that port-to-port traffic  increased substantially in the first quarter. This  traffic is important for Hurtigruten, and a key  element in the transport assignment performed by the  company for the government, the company said in a statement.

“The balance between port- to-port and round-trip passengers is the cornerstone  of the Hurtigruten brand, and the company is working  purposefully to maintain good progress for the port-to-port segment. At the same time, it must recover  its position as a round-trip supplier - particularly in the German and Nordic markets,” it said.