Ferry operator SeaLink Travel expects new contracts and an influx of tourists for the Cricket World Cup to drive profit growth in the year ahead.
The SeaLink and Captain Cook Cruises owner made a $7.2 million profit in 2013/14, up three per cent on the previous year.
It benefitted from new chartering contracts for major Sydney events, including the Biennale and the International Fleet Review.
Passenger numbers in the Sydney Captain Cook Cruises business grew by 18 per cent.
The company's expansion into Darwin also delivered earnings growth, while its South Australian business was boosted by festivals attracting more people to Kangaroo Island. .
Chief executive Jeff Ellison said SeaLink's charter business was expected to continue its good run in the 2014/15 year.
"Events are very important to us," he said.
"2015 is going to be another very busy year, for example the World Cup Cricket in Sydney ... with additional tourists across Australia which we hope to capture."
SeaLink is also considering possible tourism and travel acquisitions, and is waiting on the outcome of its bid to run services on the busy Manly route on Sydney Harbour.
SYDNEY HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES BOOST SEALINK'S PROFIT
* Net profit of 7.2m, up three pct from $7m in 2012/13
* Sales revenue of $103.8m, up 14 pct from $91.4m
* Final dividend of 3.7 cents per share
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