From Larne to Rosslare, Brexit boost for all Irish Sea ports, new data confirms

New trading arrangements between Ireland and the UK have had a significant and negative effect on freight traffic between the two countries.

The Stena Estrid superferry arrives in Rosslare Port from Cherbourg, France. Picture: Neil Michael.

The volume of goods shipped directly from the Republic to the EU on new Brexit-busting ferry routes have rocketed by 50% in the past six months as exporters seek to avoid travelling across land through Britain, new data confirms. 

The decline in demand for the sea services to Wales and Liverpool has also seen ports in the North — including Larne, Belfast, and Warrenpoint in Co Down — receiving a Brexit dividend, with freight volumes hitting “unprecedented highs in 2021”.