Queen Elizabeth II 1926-2022

The thoughts of the UK shipping community are with the Royal Family as we join them in mourning  the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The Chamber and our members were fortunate enough to welcome Her Majesty on many occasions during her reign.  You can read our President's tribute on our website. 

This has been a tumultuous first few days for our new Prime Minister who will be participating in state events over the coming days. We expect more detailed guidance to be issued by the Cabinet Office around commemorations and expected practices in the coming days.  

Below is what we know so far:

• Her Majesty’s funeral is expected to be on Monday 19 September at Westminster Abbey (TBC).
• All official flags should be flown at half mast until 8am the day after the funeral. Flags that cannot be flown at half mast should not be flown at all. 
  • Official flags in this instance are defined as national flags of the home nations, Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories, Ensigns and Ships’ colours
• The only exception to the above is that flags should return to full mast for a 24 hour period from 13:00 tomorrow (Saturday 10 September) to mark the proclamation of King Charles III. 
• The funeral is expected to be a national holiday (TBC). 
• Today (Friday 9 September) bells will toll across the country and a remembrance service will be held at St Paul’s cathedral, while Her Majesty's coffin lies in rest at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. 
• A book of condolence is available online. 

Further information from the UK Government can be found here.  

New PM and Transport Secretary

On Monday, we learned that Liz Truss would be the new Prime Minister promising to tackle the issues that are holding Britain back and to transform the country into an aspiring nation.

We have also seen the appointment of Anne Marie Trevelyan as the new Secretary of State for Transport. You can read the Chamber’s full reaction to the appointment of Anne Marie Trevelyan here

Ms Trevelyan brings significant government experience having previously held two international facing portfolios. These roles will serve her well when dealing with global shipping challenges. Her time in no less than four government departments before transport means she has extensive cross government knowledge that will be invaluable in driving policy alignment to maximise shipping’s contribution to the UK economy.

At the time of writing Robert Courts continues as Maritime Minister and we expect any further announcements regarding ministerial posts to be delayed until after Her Majesty’s funeral. 

Seafarers’ Wages Bill

The Seafarers’ Wages Bill was due to return to Parliament next week on 15 September.

Given the death of Queen Elizabeth II we can expect changes to the Parliamentary timetable meaning the Bill’s progress may be delayed. As we become aware of more information we will let members know. 

Funding Opportunities

Members are reminded that funding opportunities are announced from time to time by the UK and devolved governments that they may be eligible for. On behalf of the whole maritime industry Maritime UK collates these and more information can be found here.

Merchant Navy Day

Thank you to everyone who took part in celebrating our Merchant Navy last Saturday. It’s crucial that we honour those who kept the UK afloat during wartime and the men and women who serve in our modern day Merchant Navy. Special congratulations must go to the 14 seafarers who were awarded the Merchant Navy Medal in recognition of their contributions to the merchant navy, including Ian McNeil, CEO of Chamber member, and shipping publisher Witherbys.

 To read more about Merchant Navy Day please click here.

Latest member updates

Chamber members are reminded that they have exclusive access to a range of updates from the Chamber’s policy experts on a wide spectrum of issues. Latest updates this week include:

• Ukrainian Government Resolution: Cross-Border Rules for Ukrainian Seafarers

Upcoming events 

Vortexa’s Innovation Week - The Chamber is pleased to be supporting this event, which takes place at the Votexa Pop Up, in Shoreditch, London, 13-15 September. Click here to find out more about the event agenda and register.

Safety Culture Conference - this takes place in less than two weeks’ time, 20-21 September. There are only a few tickets left with a range of exciting speakers lined up. You can find the full schedule, as well as book your tickets here.
 

NEW EVENT: Join us at the Autumn Lunch this November – on 2 November we are hosting an Autumn Lunch in Southampton including a Q&A with Chamber President, Graham Westgarth. Secure your place here.

Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition (CMDC)  – The Department for Transport, Innovate UK and Innovate UK KTN are holding a CMDC Update industry event on the 22nd of September 2022 (London & online).

Following UK SHORE’s commitment to a third round of the CMDC later in 2022, the event will discuss the next stages of the CMDC through to March 2025 and explain the latest opportunities to engage with the programme to deliver the transition to clean maritime. You can register for the event here.

British Tugowners Association (BTA) Annual Safety Seminar – The BTA will be holding its Annual Safety Seminar on 10 November in Edinburgh, at the premises of the Northern Lighthouse Board. Click here to read more and secure your place.

Could you judge the Maritime UK 2023 awards? – We are keen that the shipping industry is represented on the judging panel. If you are interested in being considered as a judge please contact the Chamber’s Director of Communications Tom Bartošák-Harlow (deadline of 30 September). Thank you to those who have been in touch to express an interest already.

I hope you all have a restful weekend during this momentous moment for the country. 

Sarah