This article offers an overview of UK maritime freight in a global context across various cargo types since 2018. UK port throughput has generally declined driven by factors such as Brexit, the decline in North Sea oil and decarbonisation of the UK’s energy mix, and global economic disruptions. Container traffic experienced the greatest reduction, while other types of cargo such as dry bulk, liquid bulk, and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) freight also experienced notable declines.

The global shipping industry continues to show dynamic trends in demand, supply, and profitability as we approach the end of 2024. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the key indicators shaping the market, including global volumes, fleet capacity, utilisation, and environmental impact.