Port freight annual statistics: 2022
Annual statistics on the UK port freight traffic for 2022.
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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.
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:
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major ports tonnage increased 3%, but remain 5% below 2019 levels
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minor ports tonnage declined 9%, reaching the lowest level since this series began
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domestic traffic increased by 1% from 2021, reflecting an increase in coastwise but decline in one port traffic
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international traffic increased 4% but remained lower than pre pandemic levels, driven mostly by imports
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London handled the most tonnage traffic of all UK ports, accounting for 12% of all UK traffic, followed closely by Grimsby and Immingham (11%)
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liquefied gas and oil products accounted for the majority of the tonnage increase from 2021
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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)
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