Estimates of maritime transport volumes 2010-2018

Using raw data from Statistics Norway (SSB), we have estimated the freight volume transported by cargo vessels and corresponding distances (i.e. tonnes and kilometers) for all transports conducted in Norwegian waters over the period 2010-2018. The figures are included in the annual publication of "Transport volumes in Norway 1946–2018", developed and published by TØI in close cooperation with Statistics Norway. The calculations are also used as input by Statiscs Norway in their publication of "Domestic transport services". Based on our calculations, we find that the tonnage transported by cargo ships in Norwegian waters rose by 6.3 per cent in 2018 compared to 2017. A total of 130 million tonnes were transported in 2018, of which around 44 per cent of the cargo was between two Norwegian harbours (ports on the mainland). Looking at volumes multiplied with distances (km), 2018 saw an increase by 4.5 per cent compared with 2017, with domestic transports accounting for about 42 per cent. This is the second consecutive year of a rise in maritime transport volumes. The level is now close to the peak recorded in 2015.