A resurgence in global commerce is just one of the reasons given for the record volume of trade which passed through Belfast Harbour in 2021.
It notched up 25.6 million tonnes for the year, a 9% hike on 2020 when volumes had been impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Volumes were up across the board, particularly roll-on, roll-off freight traffic which was bolstered by the fact new movement checks as a result of Brexit prompted some lorries which would previously have travelled between Great Britain and the Republic to use travel via Northern Ireland instead.
So-called ro-ro volume jumped 12% to 600,000 freight units while container traffic climbed 15% to 132,000 units, the highest level since 2008.
“These results record a positive trading picture for Belfast Harbour and demonstrate the resilience of the Port community as it continues to deliver goods and services across Northern Ireland,” Michael Robinson, Belfast Harbour’s Port Director, said. “In spite of the challenges faced since the outbreak of the pandemic, Belfast Harbour has benefitted from an increase in global trade and the resumption of domestic travel.
“In addition, following the UK’s exit from the European Union, changes in RoRo traffic volumes on routes between Ireland and Great Britain have taken place, with all NI Ports, including Belfast, experiencing improved trade volumes whilst grace periods continue to apply.
“Furthermore, our on-going investments in key port infrastructure, aimed at creating a world leading regional Port, have also contributed to the strong trading performance, with increased capacity facilitating the strong growth we have witnessed in many sectors of port trade.”
Meanwhile, the relaxation of movement restrictions has also bumped up ferry passenger numbers by more than two thirds to 1.5 million people, further bolstered by the trend toward staycations. The Belfast to Liverpool route, operated by Stenaline, was particularly popular, with passenger numbers up 150% to 400,000.
Bulk tonnage climbed 3% to post the sector’s strongest year on record with 9.76 million tonnes, of which grain and feedstuff accounted for 2.43 million tonnes, up 4%, aggregates 1.86 million tonnes, up 6%, steel 244,000, up 50%, and scrap metal at 412,000 tonnes, up 13%.
The cruise sector also enjoyed a revival with Belfast welcoming 72 cruise ships compared to just one during the 2020 season which had been badly hit by the pandemic.
