Port freight annual statistics: 2023
Annual statistics on the UK port freight traffic for 2023.
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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.
Our statistical practice is regulated by the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR). OSR sets the standards of trustworthiness, quality and value in the Code of Practice for Statistics that all producers of official statistics should adhere to. You are welcome to contact us directly by emailing maritime.stats@dft.gov.uk with any comments about how we meet these standards.
Overview of port freight statistics
In 2023, all UK ports handled a total of 434.9 million tonnes, reaching the lowest levels seen since 2000. Tonnage has declined 5% from 2022 and is down 10% since 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic.
Below is a summary of the main points from the latest port freight trends.
In 2023:
- major port traffic decreased by 5% from 2022, falling to below pandemic levels
- minor port traffic declined by 3% from 2022, reaching the lowest levels seen from 2000
- domestic traffic decreased by 3% from 2022, reflecting a decrease in coastwise and one port traffic
- international traffic decreased by 6%, driven by a decline in imports and exports
- London handled the most tonnage traffic of all UK ports, accounting for 12% of all UK traffic, followed closely by Grimsby and Immingham (11%)
- liquid bulk saw the largest absolute decline of all cargo groups from 2022, followed by dry bulk
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