Irish Shipping Improving

Irish shipping and port activity rose by 7% in the fourth quarter of 2014 when compared to the corresponding period of 2013, according to the latest quarterly iShip Index published by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).

The latest analysis also indicates that four of the five principal freight segments grew in the second quarter of 2014.

The Ro/Ro freight segment experienced volume growth of 4% in the fourth quarter to 429,814 units and is the eighth consecutive quarterly increase in Ro/Ro traffic, the majority of which moves between Ireland and Great Britain.

Container traffic (Lo/Lo) grew by 8% to 157,077 units. Container imports have now risen for five consecutive quarters. Container exports increased by 4% to 67,888 units.

The overall bulk traffic segment saw tonnage volumes increase by 7% when compared to the previous year.

Break bulk, which largely consists of imports of construction and project related commodities, increased by 16%. Break bulk has now seen seven consecutive quarterly increases.

Liquid bulk also rose by 16% and dry bulk increased by 1%, having both experienced negative growth in recent quarters.

Image: Dublin Port