UK port freight tonnage: domestic coastwise outwards
UK port freight tonnage: domestic coastwise outwards stood at 37.01 million tonnes in 2025, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Port and waterborne freight table (Value · Annual), with a complete series running from 1965 to 2025. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Port and waterborne freight table
| Indicator | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freight tonnage | |||||||||||
| Domestic coastwise, outwards | 37.01 | 37.27 | 38.92 | 39.73 | 39.85 | 36.14 | 38.07 | 36.41 | 37.54 | 40 | |
| Domestic one-port traffic | 13.88 | 15.7 | 16.59 | 17.97 | 19.72 | 17.78 | 19.71 | 20.58 | 22.04 | 20.94 |
Understanding UK port freight tonnage: domestic coastwise outwards
Outward movement of domestic coastwise maritime freight departing from terminals across the United Kingdom measures cargo loaded for transport to another domestic port. This indicator captures the initial departure stage of internal maritime journeys, distinguishing outbound domestic shipments from international exports and one-port activities. It records the physical mass of goods leaving domestic shores for delivery at secondary domestic destinations, omitting foreign trade.
Evaluating this outbound internal flow requires accounting for regional production cycles and domestic distribution bottlenecks that influence coastal shipping. Early estimates are subject to revision as port operators finalise vessel logbooks and correct commodity classifications. Researchers should note that matching this figure directly with coastwise inwards data requires careful consideration of goods lost, consumed, or stored en route.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this series track shipments moving between England and Scotland?
- Yes, any sea journey originating in one domestic port and ending in another domestic port within the United Kingdom is captured.
- What primary commodities typically dominate domestic coastwise outward traffic?
- Bulk fuels, construction aggregates, and heavy manufactured goods frequently account for the largest shares.
- How reliable are provisional estimates for domestic coastal freight departures?
- Provisional estimates can experience revisions when smaller port operators submit delayed annual returns.