Next Friday is Merchant Navy Day and our member the Seafarers’ Charity is asking organisations around the country to fly the Red Ensign.

Fly the Red Ensign is their annual campaign to honour the men and women who kept the UK afloat during both World Wars and to celebrate our dependence on modern-day merchant seafarers who are responsible for moving more than 90% of our goods. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on Merchant Navy communities and many continue to need urgent support. To support or donate please head to their website.

The International Chamber of Shipping is currently conducting a Maritime Barometer survey. The survey will be used to create a report that will influence decision making around the globe by stakeholders within and external to the maritime industry.

The survey, which is aimed at those holding senior leadership roles, c-suite or c-suite equivalent, should take about 20 minutes to complete. It contains multiple choice questions on topics including decarbonisation, the impact of pandemics and how the maritime industry will manage the world’s shifting geopolitical landscape. The survey closes on 31 August so time is running out. Click here to complete the survey.

At the end of September we will be hosting our annual Safety Culture Conference. For obvious reasons it couldn’t be held last year but will take place virtually on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 September.

The theme of the Conference will be “Safety Culture = Good Business Sense” where our speakers will make the business case for why investing in safety and improving safety culture can optimise their business. Former Chamber President Dr Grahaeme Henderon OBE will be delivering the keynote speech on the second day of the conference and Mike Bradshaw from V.Group will be moderating the two days.

You can now get your tickets from our website and I know this will be a fabulous event and one not to miss.

Speaking of events not to miss, our Maritime Trade Global Britain event during London International Shipping Week will be taking place on Tuesday 14 September.

The event will focus on how modern Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will benefit the UK and its trading partners. Given the progress on FTA’s and the UK’s export strategy more generally, this event will explain UK export ambitions, concepts such as super exporters, priority target sectors, countries and markets, trade policy and opportunities for ports. We are delighted that ICS Secretary General Guy Platten will chair the event and Andrew Mitchell, Director General for exports and trade from the Department for International Trade will be the keynote speaker. You can register your place now.

And to find out about all our LISW events click here.