Belfast port freight units: both directions (UK)
Belfast port freight units: both directions (UK) stood at 316.29 thousands in Q2 2026, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Port traffic, quarterly table (Value · Quarterly), with a complete series running from Q1 2009 to Q2 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Port traffic, quarterly table
| Indicator | Q2-2026 | Q1-2026 | Q4-2025 | Q3-2025 | Q2-2025 | Q1-2025 | Q4-2024 | Q3-2024 | Q2-2024 | Q1-2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freight units, both directions | |||||||||||
| Belfast | 316.29 | 269.91 | 292.85 | 352.77 | 319.89 | 271.83 | 296.41 | 350.21 | 319.01 | 266.47 | |
| Forth | 30.75 | 28.25 | 33.11 | 33.19 | 30.22 | 31.02 | 32.95 | 33.73 | 30.07 | 30.54 |
Understanding belfast port freight units: both directions (UK)
Commercial freight vehicles and roll-on roll-off transport units handled at Belfast port facilities in both directions record bilateral unitised trade volumes, expressed in thousands for the United Kingdom. This metric focuses exclusively on wheeled logistics passing through this Northern Irish maritime hub, setting it apart from bulk industrial shipments and mainland-only port totals. Excluded from this dataset are unmounted container boxes moved strictly by crane, passenger vehicles without commercial function, and traffic processed at other regional ports.
Evaluating quarterly figures requires accounting for regional distribution schedules and seasonal agricultural supply chains that influence transport demand. Initial statistical releases undergo routine revisions as port authorities process complete administrative returns. Analysts should prioritise year-on-year comparisons over quarter-on-quarter changes to filter out recurring seasonal weather and holiday disruptions. Comparing these unit counts directly with financial trade values requires caution because vehicle numbers do not reflect commodity pricing.
Frequently asked questions
- Does this series cover ports across the island of Ireland?
- The data covers Belfast port facilities specifically, operating within the administrative framework of the United Kingdom.
- Are unaccompanied freight trailers counted alongside accompanied lorries?
- Yes, both accompanied road goods vehicles and unaccompanied trailers moved via ferry are included.
- Are these figures reported on a monthly or quarterly basis?
- The series is published quarterly, tracking freight units across both directions combined.