The UK's ports experienced a return to growth during 2013.

A report by the Department for Transport (DfT) showed freight traffic (tonnage) increased by five per cent during the final quarter of last year, compared with the same period in 2012. Over the last 12 months, it rose slightly by just under one per cent.

Traffic entering the UK continued to grow, posting results of 491 million tonnes. This is a jump of two per cent against the previous year. However, the level of freight leaving the country fell to 318 million tonnes, a fall of two per cent.

In terms of units, the final quarter of 2013 experienced a rise of six per cent to five million. This was the first time since 2007 that this figure has increased in the last three months of a year. The annual trend also saw a growth of two per cent to 21.2 million, in comparison to 2012. This marked a return to form, following the decline experienced during the previous 12 months.