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Unitised Traffic Report Q1 & Q2 2023
Irish Maritime Development Office
Irish Maritime Development Office
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Date
2023
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Marine Institute
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Abstract
This report examines unitised traffic activity across Irish and Northern Irish ports during the first half of 2023, focusing on Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and Lift-on/Lift-off (LoLo) freight markets, with additional data on passenger, vehicle, bulk traffic, and the IMDO iShip index. The report finds that unitised freight volumes declined significantly compared with the first half of 2022, reflecting the impact of high inflation, rising energy costs, and weaker international trade conditions. Republic of Ireland RoRo volumes fell by 3% to 585,892 units, while all-island RoRo traffic declined by 2% to 1,027,168 units. LoLo container traffic experienced a sharper contraction, with Republic of Ireland volumes falling by 9% to 539,986 TEUs and all-island volumes declining by 10% to 643,266 TEUs. Despite weaker freight performance, ferry passenger activity improved, with Republic of Ireland tourist passenger numbers rising by 13% and all-island passenger numbers increasing by 6%. The report also notes that post-Brexit route patterns remained firmly established, with direct ROI–EU RoRo traffic continuing to account for approximately one-third of Republic of Ireland RoRo volumes. Overall, the report highlights a sluggish but resilient maritime freight market, with signs that easing inflation and stronger domestic economic conditions may support recovery in later quarters.
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Irish Maritime Development Office (2023). Unitised Traffic Report Q1 & Q2. Dublin, Ireland.