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Port freight statistics: notes and definitions

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Port freight statistics: background quality report

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Details

About this release

This statistical release provides information on trends and patterns in the handling of freight traffic at UK sea ports in terms of cargo (units and tonnage) as well as the route taken.

Overview of port freight statistics

In 2022, a total of 458.9 million tonnes of cargo were handled at all UK ports, a 3% increase on 2021 but remaining 5% lower than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below is a summary of the main points from the latest port freight trends.

In 2022:

major ports tonnage increased 3%, but remain 5% below 2019 levels
minor ports tonnage declined 9%, reaching the lowest level since this series began
domestic traffic increased by 1% from 2021, reflecting an increase in coastwise but decline in one port traffic
international traffic increased 4% but remained lower than pre pandemic levels, driven mostly by imports
London handled the most tonnage traffic of all UK ports, accounting for 12% of all UK traffic, followed closely by Grimsby and Immingham (11%)
liquefied gas and oil products accounted for the majority of the tonnage increase from 2021
dry bulk tonnage had the largest decline from 2021, driven by other dry bulk which mostly consists of biomass (organic material used as a renewable energy source) and aggregates (sand and gravel most often used for construction)

Contact details

Maritime and shipping statistics

Email maritime.stats@dft.gov.uk

Media enquiries 0300 7777 878

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Published 19 July 2023

Port freight annual statistics: 2022

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