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Trade through London ports reached a 10-year high in 2016 and topped 50 million tonnes – the first time since 2008.

The tonnage of cargo handled at terminals along the river Thames was 50.4 million tonnes, 11% higher than in 2015, according to the London Port Authority (LPA).

Growth was particularly noted in oil trades which rose 22% to 13.3 million tonnes. Last year saw the first cargoes delivered to the Thames Oil Port, a former oil refinery site which has now been redeveloped as a fuel terminal.

Container and trailers were also up by 7% to 18 million tonnes, while aggregates and cement increased 16% to 12.4 million tonnes.

The DP World London Gateway port, one of the 70 terminals and ports operated by LPA, handled an increased number of ultra-large container ships operating between Asia and Europe, as well as securing additional central and south American and Oceania services.

LPA CEO, Robin Mortimer says: “Our long-term vison is for 60 to 80 million tonnes of cargo to be traded every year through the Port of London –  more than at any time in the Thames’ history. Passing 50 million tonnes in 2016 is a major milestone towards this goal.”