The Irish shipping industry continued to grow last year, according to a report by the Irish Maritime Development Office.
The report shows that growth was particularly strong in the load-on/load-off and roll-on/roll-off sectors.
In the bulk sector many regional ports had double-digit growth including Dundalk, Greenore, Waterford, Drogheda and Tralee/Fenit.
The industry employs 8,300 people and had an estimated turnover of €1.69 billion last year.
IMDO Director, Glenn Murphy, said the ports and shipping sectors are important facilitators of economic growth, with €158 billion worth of merchandise goods transported by the Irish supply chain last year.
He said optimism is growing that promotional campaigns by the major sea carriers, combined with airport delay, may result in more passengers opting to travel by car ferry.
He added that maritime transport also continues to be the most environmentally sustainable and cost-effective means of moving large volumes of goods.
