Two weeks ago Vladimir Putin launched an unprovoked attack on Ukraine and we are still seeing the repercussions for the shipping industry. The Chamber is engaged with the International Chamber of Shipping and other international maritime organisations to discuss the best provisions that can be made for Ukrainian and Russian seafarers as key workers including their safety, rights and payments. Please email Tim Springett if you have any questions. 

With the international impact of sanctions and changes to trade routes there will be many economic and operational consequences. We are working with the government through the new Maritime Sanctions Taskforce, proposed by the Chamber, to provide a forum for industry to advise government on the implementation and design of sanctions. A broad spectrum of representatives from across the Maritime Sector will be there and we will report back any findings or outcomes to our members. The Chamber is looking to hold an emergency meeting of its Legal, Insurance and Documentary Committee next week to discuss this. Should members wish to join such a meeting please email Hannah Gilbert.

Away from Ukraine, yesterday the government announced a new unit, UK SHORE, to tackle shipping emissions and committed £206 million of new funding to accelerate research into the development of clean maritime technologies. This new funding is an important step in helping the industry on its journey to net zero. At the Chamber we have long called for serious investment from the government to help reduce shipping’s emissions and we are pleased they have listened to us. The government will need to continue increasing investment and support for shipping if we are to catch up with the other leading maritime nations.   

As the Chamber and its members would like to do more to help in this transition, we look forward to hearing further details on how UK SHORE will deliver the second round of the Clean Maritime Demonstration Competition, ensuring that sufficient time is provided to the industry to come forward with the right proposals and collaborations to maximise the programme's success. If you have any questions on this subject, please do get in touch with Policy Director Anna Ziou.

Finally this week, on Tuesday it was International Women’s Day. The maritime sector has made great strides in recent years but there is always more to do to break the gender bias. Kathryn Neilson, the Director of the Merchant Navy Training Board has written an excellent blog on her career and it is well worth 5 minutes of your time.