Sea and coastal freight water transport Companies in the UK

SIC 50200Transportation and storage|166.5% formed since 2020|Data updated 19 Oct 2026
2,123
Active

There are 2,123 active companies in the sea and coastal freight water transport sector in the UK (SIC code 50200). This sector falls under Section H — Transportation and storage — of the UK Standard Industrial Classification. The sector has a relatively low 11.5% dissolution rate — 2,123 of 2,558 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 166.5% of active businesses incorporated since 2020 — indicating strong recent demand. 87% of companies were formed after 2010, marking this as a sector with predominantly recent entrants. The average company age in this sector is 13.9 years. 240 large companies, 12 medium-sized firms operate in this sector. The sector is heavily concentrated in London, which accounts for 38% of all companies. Companies in this sector hold 30 government contracts valued at £1.4B. The sector's longest-standing company was incorporated in 1856.

Source: Companies House register via UVAGATRON, October 2026

2,123
Active Companies
H
SIC Section
1856
Oldest Company
166.5%
Growth (2020s)
13.9 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 166.5% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
14%
27%
46%
Pre-1990: 186
1990s: 155
2000s: 345
2010s: 696
2020s: 1,159

Data Signals

Governance
9,3935 src
Financial
7,6509 src
Risk
2,7539 src
Compliance
1,09814 src
Trade
9342 src
innovation
1302 src
ESG
765 src
corporate_structure
711 src
growth
652 src
operational
261 src
quality
154 src

Sector Overview

The sea and coastal freight water transport sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">11.5% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 13.9 years old. Geographic concentration: 38% in LONDON.

11.5%
Dissolution rate
13.9 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 348 (58%)Medium: 12 (2%)Large: 240 (40%)

Government Activity

Companies in the sea and coastal freight water transport sector have been awarded 30 government contracts worth £1369.5M in total.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many sea and coastal freight water transport companies are there in the UK?

There are 2,123 active companies classified under SIC code 50200 (Sea and coastal freight water transport) in the UK, out of 2,558 total registered.

What is SIC code 50200?

SIC code 50200 stands for "Sea and coastal freight water transport". It belongs to Section H — Transportation and storage of the UK Standard Industrial Classification.

Where are most sea and coastal freight water transport companies located?

The largest concentrations are in LONDON (807), WEMBLEY (127), LIVERPOOL (35).

What is the average age of sea and coastal freight water transport companies?

The average active sea and coastal freight water transport company in the UK is 13.9 years old, with the oldest registration dating back to 1856.

What government data is available for sea and coastal freight water transport companies?

Our database contains 22,211 data signals across 11 categories for active sea and coastal freight water transport companies. The largest category is Governance with 9,393 signals from 5 government sources.

Research UK Companies with AI

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Data is updated daily from official UK government sources including Companies House. Information is provided for reference only.