Statistics on port traffic in the United Kingdom.

In 2016:

• total tonnage decreased by 3% to 484.0 million tonnes
• coal handled showed the biggest decline of any cargo category more than halving to 12.0 million tonnes
• liquid bulk goods, which account for 40% of total tonnage, decreased by 2%
• crude oil handled has halved since 2000, to 87.1 million tonnes
• unitised traffic rose by 2% to 24.1 million units
• container units reached a record high of 5.9 million units
• overall roll-on roll-off traffic rose 1.4% to 18.2 million units
• the volume of import and export motor vehicles increased 1% to 4.5 million units

User engagement exercise: results

Last year, users of these statistics were asked for feedback via a short online survey. A summary of the responses received was published in March 2017.

The department continually reviews the coverage and methodology of the port freight statistics, to ensure they remain useful. Any further feedback is welcome and can be provided via email to maritime statistics.

We will keep users of the statistics informed of any further changes, and aim to provide an update alongside the next quarterly release in December.

Source: www.gov.uk