BPA Responds to Government’s Annual UK Port Trade Statistics

The British Ports Association (BPA) has issued a response to the publication of the Department for Transport’s 2024 Port Freight Statistics. The statistics show a slight decline of 1% in total freight tonnages. 

Dropping to 429.7 million tonnes, the BPA suggests that the statistics don’t present the whole picture. The BPA points out that: 

• Container (Lo-Lo) traffic increased by 2.1 million tonnes in 2024. 
• Deep sea imports rose 11% to reach a new high of 22.4 million tonnes, with containerised imports from China accounting for the bulk of this growth. 
• Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) traffic rose by 1%, with domestic Ro-Ro traffic increasing by 26%.

Where cargo volumes have fallen, the BPA points out that this is primarily related to bulk cargoes such as crude oil, LNG, and coal - which are both linked to the global energy markets and the closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power station. 

Commenting on the Department for Transport’s figures, George Finch, Policy & Economic Analyst at BPA, said: 

“These figures confirm that while some traditional cargoes are subject to a long-term consolidation, UK ports are responding with resilience, innovation, and investment. 

Ports across the country are evolving. The sector is investing hundreds of millions of pounds in upgraded container handling capacity and other facilities to meet both growing demands and changing trading patterns. Beyond freight, the ports industry is also playing a central role in driving the UK’s transition to a cleaner, more diversified economy and energy base. 

As barometers of the economy, we want to see the country grow to fuel an increase in trade and we also welcome the government’s focus on planning and infrastructure to stimulate investment and development”.

The BPA also highlighted the extent to which British ports are diversifying their operations and income streams. Examples of this diversification include: 

• Offshore wind: ports are developing or adapting their infrastructure to support the UK’s ambitious offshore wind projects. 
• Cruise: ports are investing in new cruise terminals, boosting tourism and local economies. 
• Freeports, Green Freeports, Industrial Strategy Zones: ports are at the heart of many new Freeport and Green Freeport developments, as well as industrial strategy zones. 
• Hydrogen and green fuels: ports are also supporting the maritime industry’s transition away from traditional bunker fuels to greener alternatives. 

The BPA concluded its response to the Government’s figures by calling for a ‘supportive policy environment, improved planning processes, and long-term investment in port infrastructure, economic development and connectivity’. 

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