The port of Belfast has suffered because of the global economic downturn, according to figures released on Wednesday.
The figures revealed that cargo movements in 2008 fell by 5.5% to 16.5 million tonnes.
This followed a six-year period of continued growth.
Container and oil traffic were each down by 5%. Construction sectors were worst affected with timber imports falling by 38% and steel by 21%.
However, there were some trading increases.