A new report shows an increase in activity in the Irish shipping and port industry.

Irish Maritime Development Office (IMDO) have published their latest iShip Index. The study recorded a 2% rise in port and shipping activity during the second quarter of this year compared with the same time last year.

It also shows growth in container traffic, including imports and exports. There was a tonnage volume decrease of 8% recorded for the overall bulk traffic segment, although there was a 34% increase in break bulk (imports of construction and project related commodities).

There was 7% volume growth in the roll on / roll off freight segment. The majority of this traffic is between Ireland and Britain, with IMDO saying "this a simple but reliable indicator of the level of trade between both economies".

Operators also say they have noticed a significant increase in deep sea traffic from Asia since the beginning of the year.