Sea and coastal freight water transport Companies in the UK

SIC 50200Transportation and storage|152.6% formed since 2020|Data updated 5 Jun 2026
2,198
Active

There are 2,198 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 0.2% dissolution rate — 2,198 of 2,441 registrations remain active. The sector is experiencing rapid growth, with 152.6% of active businesses incorporated since 2020 — indicating strong recent demand. 80% of companies were formed after 2010, marking this as a sector with predominantly recent entrants. The average company age in this sector is 13.6 years. 231 large companies, 6 medium-sized firms operate in this sector. The sector is heavily concentrated in London, which accounts for 37% 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, June 2026

2,198
Active Companies
H
SIC Section
1856
Oldest Company
152.6%
Growth (2020s)
13.6 yr
Avg Company Age

A rapidly growing sector with 152.6% of active companies formed since 2020.

Incorporation by Decade
14%
28%
43%
Pre-1990: 187
1990s: 154
2000s: 347
2010s: 694
2020s: 1,059

Data Signals

Governance
7,5865 src
Financial
4,70110 src
Risk
2,3848 src
Compliance
1,65513 src
Trade
5492 src
ESG
745 src
corporate_structure
541 src
innovation
492 src
growth
332 src
operational
251 src
quality
133 src

Sector Overview

The sea and coastal freight water transport sector has a <Link href="/glossary/company-dissolution">0.2% dissolution rate</Link>. The average active company in this sector is 13.6 years old. Geographic concentration: 37% in LONDON.

0.2%
Dissolution rate
13.6 yrs
Avg company age

Company Size Breakdown

Small: 368 (61%)Medium: 6 (1%)Large: 231 (38%)

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 2,198 active companies classified under SIC code 50200 (Sea and coastal freight water transport) in the UK, out of 2,441 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 13.6 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 17,123 data signals across 11 categories for active sea and coastal freight water transport companies. The largest category is Governance with 7,586 signals from 5 government sources.

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