Posted on: 20 September 2016
Transport Minister, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon today addressed seniors figures from across the UK maritime sector, at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s inaugural Shipping Summit.
In his keynote address to the Summit, Lord Ahmad remarked upon the progress made across the sector since the launch on the Maritime Growth Study one year ago: “The UK remains a leading maritime nation that is highly regarded the world over…for its expertise, experience and above all else, for its quality.
“We have seen ever closer collaboration between government and industry and Maritime UK is providing an increasingly authoritative voice for the sector as a whole.”
Maritime UK Chairman David Dingle CBE said: “Maritime UK warmly welcomes Lord Ahmad’s recognition of the progress made by industry since the launch of the Maritime Growth Study and will continue to work in partnership with government in pursuit of our shared vision and ambition for growth in the sector.”
“That vision and ambition is more import at than ever as we look to a future outside the EU, and as we work collectively to grow the sector in the face of increased global competition.”
In his remarks Lord Ahmad also noted ongoing work from both industry and government on the skills agenda including seafarer projections reviews, review of SMarT funding and apprenticeship programmes, noting: “Our people matter hugely to the growth of the sector.
“At the heart of our success is a skilled and expert workforce, employed in maritime businesses spread right across the country making significant contributions to driving local growth and prosperity, as well as national and international success.”
He also called upon industry to engage proactively in forthcoming debates as we look to a future outside the EU: “As we leave the European Union we will forge a bold and positive new role for ourselves in the world. We must look to economic and industrial strategy, global trade and social reform to ensure Britain’s place in the world and a strong future for its citizens.
“The shipping and maritime sector as a whole, is absolutely central to the government’s vision for this strategy.”
Maritime UK, in consultation with its members, has set out the key priorities for the sector as a whole in light of Brexit and will work closely with government and stakeholders to ensure the sector is heard as we move forward.
