Many prominent members of the UK shipping community met with the prime minister yesterday morning at 10 Downing Street to kick off London International Shipping Week.
The meeting was designed to explore new ways of promoting economic growth in the UK, with the government keen to bolster the sector. On the agenda were reforms of the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, the need for a more proactive and commercial ship register, and continuing issues faced by companies in providing visas for top international talent.
UK Chamber of Shipping CEO Guy Platten commented: “We know that the UK needs to up its game as a major maritime player – and today we’ve explained clearly to government how they can help us do that. I believe strongly that a growing flag, competitive ship register and dynamic workforce will prove to the world that the UK remains the home of international shipping. The challenge is ensuring government, with our support, delivers on those aims.
The meeting came before the launch of the Maritime Growth Study, a new report intended to identify new ways of growing the UK shipping industry.
Baltic Exchange chief executive Jeremy Penn said: “I am really very pleased at the level of attention that our industry is gaining from the highest levels of government. A government that understands the needs of international business is vital to our continued success.”
