The Biggest Ports in the UK: 2026 Rankings by Tonnage and TEU Throughput
Imagine orchestrating a seamless sea freight operation from Asia to Europe, only to face delays at the wrong UK port amid shifting cargo trends and regional declines. With UK port freight totaling 429.7 million tonnes in 2024—the lowest since 2000—choosing the biggest ports in the UK has never been more critical for logistics efficiency. As experts at FreightAmigo Services Limited, we see businesses grappling with bulk cargo downturns while container volumes rise, making informed port selection essential to avoid hidden costs in rerouting and dwell times.
In this comprehensive guide to the biggest ports in the UK, we break down the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data, revealing top performers by total tonnage and busiest by TEU. Whether you're shipping containers to Felixstowe or bulk to Immingham, understanding these rankings empowers cost-effective decisions.
Key Takeaways from This Guide
- Identify the UK biggest port by tonnage (Port of London at ~50.5 mt) versus busiest container hubs like Felixstowe (~4 million TEU).
- Analyze 2024-2025 trends: Container growth (+4%) offsets bulk declines (-4%), with forecasts stable to 2050.
- Gain actionable strategies for leveraging largest ports in UK for resilient supply chains.
| Port | 2024 Total Tonnage (mt) | % of Major Ports (421 mt) | Key Cargo Types |
| Port of London | ~50.5 | 12% | Oil products, aggregates, containers |
| Grimsby & Immingham | ~42 | 10% | Bulk, oil products, crude oil |
| Milford Haven | High (liquids dominant) | N/A | LNG (8 mt), oil products (16 mt) |
| Southampton | ~34.5 | ~8% | Containers (~2 mt TEU), Ro-Ro |
| Liverpool | ~32 | ~8% | Containers (~0.8 mt TEU) |
This table, drawn from DfT Port Freight Statistics 2024 (PORT0301), highlights the largest ports in UK by aggregate freight, where top 10 handle 70% of major port traffic.
Understanding UK Port Metrics: Tonnage vs. TEU
When evaluating the busiest port in UK or biggest port in the UK, distinguish between total freight tonnage—encompassing liquid bulk, dry bulk, Ro-Ro, Lo-Lo containers, and general cargo—and TEU throughput for containerised trade. DfT's 2024 annual data shows major ports at 421 million tonnes (mt), with liquid bulk leading at 163.1 mt despite a 4% drop, while Lo-Lo containers grew 4% to 60.7 mt.
Total UK freight dipped 1% to 429.7 mt, reflecting energy transitions: crude oil and coal declines hit Humber ports hard. Yet, 2025 quarterly data (to Q4) indicates stability at ~426 mt rolling annual, with Q3 up 1%. International traffic dominates at 334.5 mt (imports 232.3 mt, exports 102.2 mt), underscoring import-heavy reliance.
For container-focused shippers, TEU matters more. UK handles 12-14 million TEU yearly, with deep-sea hubs driving growth. We at FreightAmigo leverage this data to optimise routes, ensuring our clients tap into resilient ports amid volatility.
| Port | 2024/2025 TEU (million) | % UK Total | Growth Trend |
| Felixstowe | ~4.0 | 40%+ | Stable leader |
| London Gateway | 3.0+ | ~25% | Rapid expansion |
| Southampton | ~2.0 | ~15% | Steady |
| Liverpool | ~0.8 | ~6% | Growing |
TEU data from port operators aligns with DfT Lo-Lo trends, positioning South East ports as container powerhouses.
1. Port of London: The UK Biggest Port by Total Tonnage
Claiming ~12% of major port freight (~50.5 mt in 2024), the Port of London tops DfT rankings as the biggest port in the UK by aggregate tonnage. Its Thames estuary location handles diverse cargoes: oil products at 11.9 mt (national #2), aggregates for construction, and rising containers. We frequently route shipments here from Hong Kong, benefiting from its central position serving London’s markets.
Despite bulk pressures, London's resilience stems from multimodal links—rail, road, inland waterways—reducing last-mile costs. In 2025, quarterly stats show steady performance, with unitised traffic supporting eCommerce booms. For high-volume sea freight, London offers economies of scale, but importers must navigate tidal windows and congestion.
Our Sea Freight services streamline access, integrating with real-time sailing schedules to align with Thames peaks.
2. Grimsby & Immingham: Humber's Bulk Powerhouse
Grimsby & Immingham combined ~42 mt (10% share), excelling in bulk: oil products 11.5 mt (#3 nationally), though crude plunged 38% to 3 mt due to North Sea shifts. Historically peaking at 54 mt in 2019, Humber remains a tonnage titan, handling iron ore, steel, and biomass.
Strategic for Northern Europe trades, these ports boast deep berths and extensive storage. 2025 trends show stabilisation, with Ro-Ro up 1% nationally aiding vehicle imports. Challenges include environmental regulations curbing coal, but green logistics like our AmiGo Green solutions help clients decarbonise routes here.
From our Hong Kong hub, we optimise bulk shipments via competitive Humber sailings, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
3. Milford Haven: Liquids and LNG Leader
Milford Haven dominates liquids, with oil products at 16 mt (national #1) and LNG over 50% UK share (8 mt). Its Pembrokeshire deepwater berths suit supertankers, making it indispensable for energy imports. Total tonnage lags top two due to cargo specificity, but it's pivotal for Wales and Ireland trades.
2024 declines in crude mirrored industry-wide trends, yet LNG growth counters this. We advise clients on duty-optimised energy shipments, using our platform for precise calculations to Milford Haven.
4. Southampton: Versatile Unitised Hub
At ~34.5 mt, Southampton blends containers (~2 million TEU), Ro-Ro, and cruise. Its Solent location excels in automotive and retail imports, with 2025 DP World data noting combined Gateway-Souhampton over 5 million TEU. Growth in deep-sea Lo-Lo (+11% imports) positions it strongly.
Excellent infrastructure—automated terminals, rail gauges—minimises dwell. For Asia-UK lanes, Southampton's frequency rivals Felixstowe.
5. Liverpool: Revitalised Container Gateway
~32 mt total, with 0.8 million TEU, Liverpool's post-Panamax capacity drives growth. Peel Ports' investments enhance transatlantic and Asian links, supporting just-in-time supply chains.
2025 rolling data shows uplift, offsetting bulk dips elsewhere.
Container Kings: Felixstowe and London Gateway
Felixstowe (~4 million TEU, 40% UK share; 28 mt total) is the busiest port in UK for containers, with 52 berths and rail connectivity. Hutchison Ports' expansions counter capacity strains.
London Gateway's 3+ million TEU (2025 record) challenges via automation and DP World backing. These South East duo handle 60%+ containers, ideal for high-frequency Asia services.
We integrate Instant Quote for real-time comparisons to these ports, factoring TEU rates and schedules.
Regional Dynamics and 2025-2026 Outlook
Humber leads tonnage (Immingham/Grimsby ~46 mt combined in some reports), South East containers. Forth, Tees & Hartlepool follow. DfT forecasts stability to 2050: containers/Ro-Ro offset bulk via electrification and nearshoring.
83,039 vessel arrivals (-2%) underscore efficiency needs. We help clients via Sailing Schedule for 8-week visibility.
| Cargo Type | 2024 Tonnage (mt) | YoY Change |
| Liquid Bulk | 163.1 | -4% |
| Ro-Ro | 99.3 | +1% |
| Dry Bulk | 80.9 | -4% |
| Lo-Lo Containers | 60.7 | +4% |
Trends from DfT PORT0502 inform our routing advice.
Challenges Facing Largest Ports in UK
Congestion at Felixstowe, labour shortages, Brexit customs friction. Net Zero pushes electrification; we mitigate via Track & Trace.
How FreightAmigo Optimises UK Port Shipments
Our Sea Freight platform connects Hong Kong to all top ports, with Instant Quote comparing rates across 250+ countries. For containers to Felixstowe, get quotes in seconds; track via end-to-end visibility.
Customs Clearance ensures HS code compliance for UK duties, while Duties & Taxes Calculator pre-estimates costs. PO to POD streamlines procurement to these gateways.
FAQ
What is the biggest port in the UK by total tonnage?
The Port of London leads with ~50.5 million tonnes in 2024, per DfT data.
Which is the busiest port in UK for containers?
Felixstowe handles ~4 million TEU, over 40% of UK total.
How has UK port freight trended in 2025?
Stable at ~426 mt rolling annual, with containers growing amid bulk declines.
What are the top cargo types at Grimsby & Immingham?
Bulk cargoes like oil products (11.5 mt) and declining crude.
Is London Gateway overtaking Felixstowe?
At 3+ million TEU, it's challenging but Felixstowe retains lead.
How can I ship efficiently to UK’s largest ports?
Use sea freight tools for quotes, schedules, and tracking to match port strengths.
Conclusion
The biggest ports in the UK—London for tonnage, Felixstowe for TEU—navigate 2024-2026 challenges with unitised growth. DfT data equips you to select optimally, from Immingham bulk to Gateway containers. At FreightAmigo, we empower your operations with tailored sea freight solutions.
Ready to quote your next UK shipment? Try our Instant Quote or explore Sea Freight today.
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