Port of London remained steady at 53 m tonnes

There was a small increase in overall trade of 0.4% (226,000 tonnes) on the previous year. Increases in volumes of crude oil, oil products, sugar and chemicals were offset by declines in forest products, building materials, steel and other metals.

PLA chief executive, Richard Everitt, said:

“Last year’s trade split into two halves, as it did for many other businesses. Trade was resilient up to the summer and then came under increasing pressure through the autumn and into the winter. Our expectation is that, although trade will be quieter in 2009, volumes through the Port will continue at a reasonable level, given the diverse and essential cargoes handled, from food to fuel.”