Containerised cargo was the first responsible for the record reached by mainland ports in the first two months of the year, according to data from the Transport and Mobility Authority (AMT).

In January and February, continental ports handled 15.9 million tonnes, 17.1% more than in the same period of 2016. Containerised cargo guaranteed 5.9 million tonnes, 30.5% more year-on-year.

To help record numbers for the period under review, liquid bulks handled six million tonnes (28.7% more). Instead, solid bulk fell 11.6%, to 2.9 million tonnes.

In overall terms, Sines grew 30.4% over the first two months of 2016; Lisbon advanced 17.8%, Aveiro, 7.8% and Leixões, 4.2%. Setúbal, Figueira da Foz, Viana do Castelo and Faro lost cargoes.