Shipping and port activity in the Republic of Ireland rose by 6% in the first quarter of 2015 when compared to the corresponding period of 2014, according to the latest quarterly iShip Index* published today by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).The latest analysis also indicates that all five of the principal freight segments grew in the first quarter of 2015.

The Roll on/Roll off freight segment experienced volume growth of 7% in the first quarter to 233,033 units and is the ninth consecutive quarterly increase in this traffic category. The majority of Roll on/Roll off traffic moves between Ireland and Great Britain and this freight segment is a simple but reliable indicator of the level of trade between both economies. Container traffic (lift on/lift off) grew by 5% to 156,927 units. Encouragingly container imports have now risen for six consecutive quarters. Container exports, however, fell slightly by 1% to 66,339.

The overall bulk traffic segment saw tonnage volumes increase by 5%, excluding transhipments, when compared to the previous year. Break bulk, which largely consists of imports of construction and project related commodities, increased by 14%. Break bulk has now seen eight consecutive quarterly increases. Liquid bulk also rose by 3%, again excluding transhipments, and dry bulk increased by 6%.

Release issued by Liam Lacey, Director, Irish Maritime Development Office
   
*iShip Index: The iShip index is a volume index for all freight traffic moved to and from the Republic of Ireland. This does not include passengers and transhipment activity. More information on the iShip index can be accessed here.

Note: All freight and passenger comparisons are done on a quarterly basis (Q1 2014 v Q1 2015)

Notes to editors

Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) is the agency that promotes and assists the development of Irish shipping and Irish shipping services. The IMDO advises the Minister of Transport on the development and co-ordination of policy in the shipping and shipping services sector so as to protect and create employment. The IMDO releases statistical analysis of the Irish maritime freight and is also responsible for the promotion of the Irish tonnage tax regime.

The IMDO operates under the auspices of the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and is part of the Marine Institute which is the national agency responsible for Marine Research, Technology Development and Innovation. More information is available on www.imdo.ie

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