The UK has launched its new Maritime Council, which will help deliver on the government’s Maritime 2050 strategy.
The Maritime Council will help to provide expertise and top-level oversight for the strategy and help deliver its 185 recommendations. Moreover, it will create new jobs, boost trade links, and minimise harmful carbon emissions.
Membership comprises key figures across the industry, who will all decide the best course of action to reduce emissions.
Can the sector achieve net zero?
The council has been established at a crucial time as the sector prepares for a net zero future.
Growing a sustainable sector that is vital to the flow of goods and services in and out of the country is crucial, so focusing on delivering the recommendations of Maritime 2050 is an important role for the council.
During his address at the first Maritime Council meeting, Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “As an island nation, the maritime industry has always underpinned our national connectivity and prosperity.
“Therefore, it’s vital that we secure the long-term future of this sector and deliver on Maritime 2050’s recommendations to make the UK maritime sector the strongest and most competitive in the world.”
He added: “Not only will this help deliver the Prime Minister’s immediate priority of growing the economy, it’ll also deliver on our environmental ambitions by decarbonising its operations. This is arguably maritime’s biggest transformation since sail gave way to steam.”
The Maritime Council will make the UK an environmental and economic superpower
The newly-founded council will look at delivering clean maritime growth and how environmental and economic benefits can converge to make the sector more durable.
Additionally, it will also support:
- Further investment in maritime infrastructure;
- Work to put the UK at the centre of global safety and security standards;
- Promote a more diverse maritime workforce; and
- Unlock the potential of new technologies in the sector.
To help accelerate progress and meet the recommendations of Maritime 2050, the Maritime Council will be able to set up specific groups.
They will be tasked with ensuring that the UK is delivering on its ambitions and cementing its status as a world leader in the maritime sector.
To do this, collaboration between government, industry, and experts is vital. Baroness Vere, The UK’s Maritime Minister, stated: “It’s not just for the government to set out a plan, it has to be something that all parties can make a reality.
“Collaboration with the industry will help deliver our shared Maritime 2050 vision and revolutionise the UK’s relationship with other countries. This will help to grow and upskill the maritime workforce and advance our world-class safety standards.”
