#VolumesUp - An increase in volumes of 6% for Irish ports and shipping was recorded in the first quarter of 2015 when compared to the corresponding period of 2014.

The data is according to the latest quarterly iShip Index* published today by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).

The latest analysis also indicates that all five of the principal freight segments grew in the first quarter of 2015.

The Roll on/Roll off freight segment experienced volume growth of 7% in the first quarter to 233,033 units and is the ninth consecutive quarterly increase in this traffic category. The majority of Roll on/Roll off traffic moves between Ireland and Great Britain and this freight segment is a simple but reliable indicator of the level of trade between both economies.

Container traffic (lift on/lift off) grew by 5% to 156,927 units. Encouragingly container imports have now risen for six consecutive quarters. Container exports, however, fell slightly by 1% to 66,339.

The overall bulk traffic segment saw tonnage volumes increase by 5%, excluding transhipments, when compared to the previous year. Break bulk, which largely consists of imports of construction and project related commodities, increased by 14%. Break bulk has now seen eight consecutive quarterly increases. Liquid bulk also rose by 3%, again excluding transhipments, and dry bulk increased by 6%.

*iShip Index: The iShip index is a volume index for all freight traffic moved to and from the Republic of Ireland. This does not include passengers and transhipment activity.