UK services output index: water transport
UK services output index: water transport stood at 134.1 in Jul 2026, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS). It is one of the indicators in the Monthly GDP and output table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 1997 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Monthly GDP and output table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Services output index by industry | |||||||||||
| 50 — Water transport | 134.1 | 134.7 | 136.9 | 136.6 | 136.1 | 135.1 | 133.7 | 132.3 | 131.4 | 131.2 | |
| 52 — Warehousing And Support Activities For Transportation | 110.9 | 109.6 | 109.4 | 111.1 | 110.8 | 110.6 | 110.9 | 112.5 | 108.8 | 108.4 |
Understanding UK services output index: water transport
Maritime freight carriage, coastal passenger shipping, inland water transport, and port operational services throughout the United Kingdom comprise the core of this economic indicator. It measures the gross value added generated by sea-going vessels, container ships, ferry services, and harbour authorities, excluding land-based logistics and air freight entirely. Standing apart from land transport metrics, this series isolates the performance of marine commerce and coastal shipping lanes, reflecting international trade flows and domestic maritime connectivity.
Harbour activity and shipping volumes are highly sensitive to global supply chain bottlenecks, tidal constraints, and severe maritime weather events. Analysts should evaluate year-on-year growth rates to bypass seasonal shipping lulls and winter weather disruptions that distort month-on-month comparisons. Early data releases depend on port authority returns and shipping agent estimates, which are routinely adjusted as customs declarations and financial statements are finalised.
Frequently asked questions
- Are international shipping routes captured in these figures?
- Only the domestic output contributions and port-related activities associated with UK operations are measured within this national index.
- Does this index cover air freight?
- No, air transport and supporting airport services belong to a separate aviation classification outside the water transport sector.
- Why do winter months often show lower output?
- Rough sea conditions and reduced leisure ferry schedules during winter naturally depress maritime activity compared to summer peaks.