European port activity in 2009 hit by the general economic crisis

The main results from statistics available on maritime transport of goods and passengers are presented: (1) gross weight of goods handled in European ports, by type of cargo; (2) number of passengers embarked and disembarked; (3) traffic of vessels. Estimates of transport of goods and passengers by port of origin/destination (national, intra-EU, extra-EU) are illustrated. Results are presented for individual 'top' European ports in terms of gross weight of goods, volume of containers and number of passengers.