2011 a record year for Belfast Harbour
January 31, 2012
Belfast Harbour has reported tonnages in 2011 rose 7% year on year to a record 17.64 billion tonnes – driven by strong performances in the ro-ro and breakbulk sectors.
In particular, steel and steel coil traffic doubled in 2011, compared with 2010, reflecting improved activity in Northern Ireland’s engineering manufacturing sector, while the number of freight vehicles using the port rose by 14%.
Roy Adair, Belfast Harbour’s CEO, said: “This is evidently a very positive set of figures for Belfast Harbour, bringing port tonnages above the 17 million mark for the first time.
“While there are signs of increased activity in some sectors, the harbour is not complacent about future growth. The board will continue to pursue a policy of investing in capital projects to support emerging industries and to future-proof the demand for new growth through land reclamation.”
Belfast also benefited from the development of new terminals on both sides of the Irish Sea, servicing the Belfast-Loch Ryan route and the introduction of new vessels by Stena.
This, linked with the rationalisation of ferry services, resulted in a 14% increase in the number of freight vehicles (357,000) using the port and a third consecutive year of increasing container traffic – up 2% to 129,000 boxes.
Adair added: “While tonnages handled at the port suggest that business confidence improved slightly across the board during 2011, it has been very sector-dependent.
“The latest UK GDP figures have confirmed that the outlook continues to be difficult. Consequently, growth opportunities in traditional trades are likely to remain subdued.”
As a Trust Port, Belfast is obliged to earn a commercially acceptable rate or return on its assets. Income is generated primarily by charges on services to shipping and from rental income sourced from Belfast Harbour Estate.
Belfast Harbour handles 60% of Northern Ireland’s seaborne trade.
Courtesy of IFW
