THE Irish ports and shipping sector experienced a return to growth last year after a record collapse of shipping volumes in 2009.

SHIPPING trade volumes and port traffic have returned to growth, according to the latest figures issued by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO).

Dublin: Freight volumes are edging towards a recovery, according to the latest figures on Irish shipping and port traffic from the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) for the first quarter of 2010.

LONG-HAUL passenger numbers at Aer Lingus plunged by a quarter last month as ferry numbers showed an increase.

The number of ships docking at ports around the country continued to fall in the first half of the year, new figures revealed today.

CONTAINER traffic through Irish ports has fallen for the first time in 10 years.

The Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) has announced expansion plans totalling over €640m by seven Irish-based shipping groups.

THE latest figures released by the Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) show that Ireland’s shipping passenger market is continuing to peg back market share from the low-cost airline market.

FERRY travel is on the increase as people become disgruntled with air travel.

THE Irish shipping industry saw record growth last year.

John Browne, Minister for State at the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, has welcomed moves to develop short sea transport corridors which could offer Ireland significant advantages.