The number of UK registered ships is currently at its lowest level since 2006, according to 2014 Shipping Fleet Statistics released by the UK Transport Department. The UK fleet experienced substantial growth between the late 1990s and 2008/09, when the industry started to feel the impact of the global recession. However, since 2009 there has been a period of decline, with measures falling by between 16% (UK managed ships) and 27% (UK registered ships).