Operators in the Sea and Coastal Freight Water Transport industry carry both bulk and non-bulk freight on vessels that traverse seas and coastal waters. Because of Britain's extensive coastline, the industry has a long history in the United Kingdom and played a key role in its early industrialisation. The industry has been shifting towards container shipping over the past decade and away from liquid-bulk and dry-bulk products that have long been the staple heavy products shipped on large vessels. Shrinking output from the North Sea is helping to accelerate the trend.
Operators in this industry transport bulk and non-bulk freight on vessels designed for the open sea or coastal waters. The industry includes scheduled and unscheduled activities, towing barges and oil rigs, and renting vessels with crew for sea transport. The industry excludes freight storage (see IBISWorld report H52.100), harbour operation and cargo handling.
The report covers the scope, size, disposition and growth of the industry including the key sensitivities and success factors. Also included are five year industry forecast, growth rates and an analysis of the industry key players and their market shares.
