Posted on: 7 February 2025
The UK Chamber of Shipping hosted its prestigious annual gala dinner at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London, on Monday 3 February. Over 700 guests from across the UK and international shipping community gathered to recognise and celebrate the contribution of the industry to growth and employment across our maritime nation.
Speakers on the night were the Maritime Minister Mike Kane MP, Chamber President JB Rae-Smith and CEO Rhett Hatcher.
In his speech, the Minister pledged his commitment to work with the industry on key agendas such as maritime decarbonisation, and his government’s continued support for maritime training and careers.
Maritime Minister, Mike Kane MP (pictured), said: “It was a pleasure to join the Chamber of Shipping to celebrate the important contribution that this industry makes to our country.”
“Whether it’s keeping the UK safe and secure, protecting vital trade routes or connecting people with loved ones overseas, we can rightly be proud of our maritime sector.
“As part of our Plan for Change, we will continue to back the sector to ensure that the UK’s maritime industry remains the best in the world.”
UK Chamber CEO, Rhett Hatcher said: “The Chamber’s Annual Dinner is a testament to the breadth and vibrancy of the sector, a demonstration of the collegiate strength of the UK shipping industry and what this brings to the UK economy as a key lever of growth.”
“We welcome the commitment of the Maritime Minister to champion our industry, and we look forward to working with him and the wider Government, to deliver on key agendas to support growth, Net Zero goals and maritime careers. This includes action on the decarbonisation journey, through delivery of the awaited Maritime Decarbonisation Strategy and extension of the UK ETS regime to maritime, and the development of the Government’s longer-term Maritime Growth Strategy, expected later this year.
“The delivery of these shared agendas will evidence the collective commitment to long-term sustainable growth in our sector, and the economy.”
In his remarks, UK Chamber President, JB Rae-Smith highlighted how the sector is well-placed to drive the clean energy transition, to create more highly productive, innovative and skilled employment, and support communities in every region of the UK. Mr Rae-Smith also thanked the Minister for his collaborative approach and called on Government to drive action on these shared ambitions, through creating the necessary conditions and framework to make the UK the most attractive destination for shipping business.
The Dinner also marked the dedicated contribution of seafarers working around the globe. On the evening, Graham Westgarth, presented the inaugural Careers at Sea Ambassador of the Year award to Claire Hogan. The award recognises unwavering commitment to promoting career pathways in the maritime industry, particularly to young people through school and youth group visits, and Claire received the award for her passion and dedication to promoting careers at sea in her volunteer role as a Careers at Sea Ambassador.
The MCA Officer Trainee of the Year award was also awarded during the event, to Luka Haynes, who was lauded for having demonstrated exceptional resilience and determination in the face of significant adversity, to pursue her professional career in the maritime sector.
The evening also highlighted the impact of the Careers at Sea National Awareness Campaign, which has reached over six million people and showcases the wide range of opportunities in the maritime sector. Additionally, the event raised funds for the Chamber’s Charity Partner, the White Ensign Association, which supports serving personnel, veterans, and families of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
