Sea transport: 2017

Main points

Total freight traffic at ports in Wales fell by 3.6% in 2017 to 51.6 million tonnes (Mt), its lowest level since comparable records began in 1976. Of traffic at major ports in Wales, 87.0% was foreign traffic with 63.6% being foreign imports. The majority of foreign imports and exports consisted of bulk traffic (for example crude oil, oil products, liquefied gas and ores.

Welsh ports also act as the gateway between the Republic of Ireland and the rest of Europe. 0.3 Mt of goods carried on Irish registered heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) between the Republic of Ireland and Europe passed through Welsh ports. 73.6% of this traffic passed through ports in North Wales.

Over the long term, total sea passenger movement between the Republic of Ireland and Wales has declined. Since the removal of the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route in 2015, passenger traffic on the Holyhead to Dublin route has increased. 74.9% of passengers travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Wales in 2017 used the route between Holyhead and Dublin.