August 19, 2021
The Irish Maritime Development Office published its quarterly report:
- In Q2 2021, RoRo volumes through ports in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) were consistent with those in Q2 2019.
- Between April and June, 291,437 RoRo units were handled at Dublin, Cork and Rosslare Europort, just 0.2% less than the same period in 2019. However, the configuration of RoRo traffic in terms of route choice and shipping mode has been significantly altered compared to 2019.
- 71% of all Republic of Ireland (ROI) RoRo traffic is now unaccompanied, compared to 63% in Q2 2019.
- One third of all RoRo traffic in the Republic of Ireland now operates on direct routes to ports in the European Union, twice the share held in Q2 2019.
- Irish importers and exporters have benefitted from a significant increase in the choice of direct EU services in 2021. After responding to a surge in ‘direct demand’, there are now 12 different direct EU RoRo services available to Irish traders, compared to 5 in 2019 (2).
- In Northern Ireland, RoRo traffic in Q2 2021 was the busiest on record, with traffic rising by 11% when compared Q2 2019. Of the three Northern Ireland RoRo ports, Belfast and Warrenpoint both recorded their busiest ever three-month period, with Larne also recording robust growth.
- Brexit has had a significant effect on RoRo traffic on the island of Ireland. Demand for the UK Landbridge has fallen considerably, and this has driven the simultaneous decline in ROI – GB traffic and increase in direct ROI – EU traffic.
- In addition to the Landbridge issue, some RoRo traffic has also been ‘transferred’ away from ROI – GB routes and towards NI – GB routes. RoRo services at ROI ports have historically been utilised by many NI hauliers wishing to access markets in the midlands and southeast of England. From early 2021, it was clear that haulage companies based in Northern Ireland had transferred some traffic away from RoRo services in ROI in order to avoid the new customs requirements involved between Ireland and UK ports.
