The UK’s Department for Transport has today published new long-term forecasts showing a major shift in the way goods move through British ports, with oil and fossil…
The UK’s Department for Transport has today published new long-term forecasts showing a major shift in the way goods move through British ports, with oil and fossil fuel traffic expected to collapse while ferries, Ro-Ro and container shipping surge.
The UK Port Freight Traffic Forecasts (2024–2050) predict that overall volumes will rise modestly, from 420.6 million tons in 2023 to 453.5 million tons in 2050 (+7.8%). But the shape of that traffic will be transformed:
- Unitized freight (ferries, Ro-Ro and containers) is set to rise by 56.7%, becoming the largest segment of UK port traffic and accounting for over half (52.5%) of the total by 2050, up from just 34% today.
- Dry bulk cargo will increase by 61.7%, reflecting demand for ores and industrial materials.
- Liquid bulk (oil and oil products) will collapse by 63.3%, falling from 169.3 million tons to just 62.1 million tons as the energy transition takes hold.
The UK has seen a significant reduction in crude oil refining, with just 6 operational refineries today from 18 in the 1970s. The reliance on oil is dwindling and will only accelerate as the motor and energy sectors increasingly move towards sustainable options and demand for fossil-based products falls.
For ports and shipping
Content Original Link:
" target="_blank">
