The economy of Hull was built on trading
and seafaring, firstly whaling and later seafishing. Merchant's houses such as
Blaydes House and some warehouses survive in the Old Town, where trade was
centred on the River Hull, later shifting to the Humber docks. Another major
industry was oilseed crushing. Although the fishing industry declined in the
1970s, the city remains a busy port, handling 13 million tonnes of cargo
per year. The port operations run by Associated British Ports and other
companies in the port employ 5,000 people. A further 18,000 are employed as a
direct result of the port's
