The potential for Brexit to disrupt Ireland’s international trade is real. Changes in transport routes have made headlines. But the real economic costs arise if trade diversion should occur. The potential for this remains unclear.
Although Brexit may disrupt trade flows, the UK will remain Ireland’s largest single trading partner and a key route to Europe. These UK ports are important for Irish trade flows to many destinations.
Good infrastructure in and around ports is generally considered to be important to Ireland’s economy. But just how important? What is the relationship between investment in port infrastructure and economic growth?
As economies begin to recover from the COVID slowdown, supply chains are under pressure and constraints are likely. A slower recovery along with higher prices and longer term inflation are real dangers.
Proposals have been published for the revision of national regulations under the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive to cover 2021 to 2030. There are important issues for the transport sector that require attention.
The trucking industry has begun to turn electric, although progress is slow. There are reasons to expect that passenger transport will take even longer.
The Ever Given, with 18,300 containers on board, blocked the Suez Canal for a week before being dislodged. A maritime security expert identifies lessons.