The
Port of Belfast handles over 60% of Northern Ireland’s seaborne
trade and more than 20% for the entire island of Ireland.
The
Port’s natural hinterland is not restricted to Northern Ireland
but extends into the Republic of Ireland with cross border trade
representing over 40% of the Port’s roll-on/roll-off traffic.
Trade
through the Port of Belfast in 2002 saw record
tonnages in Grain and Animal Feeds, Aggregates, Peat, Bark, Timber
and Steel offsetting a decline in roll-on/roll-off freight and passenger
numbers using the Port’s ferry services.
Belfast
remains the busiest passenger port in Ireland with over 1.7 million
passengers using the port in 2002.
Container
traffic increased by 4% in 2002 with strong growth in Direct European
container services offsetting reduced trade in cross channel container
services.
Bulk
cargo volumes were again in excess of 7.0 million tonnes despite
the closure
of the Port’s two largest bulk customers during 2002. Record tonnages in
break bulk, up 12% on 2001, reinforced Belfast’s position as the leading
break bulk port in Ireland.