Weekly Bulletin

As Storm Eunice batters many parts of the UK, please spare a thought for our hard-working seafarers. They work year-round in often difficult conditions and it is at times like these we should remember everything they do for us.

During our Annual Dinner our President John Denholm outlined his views on the climate emergency and what needs to be done to cut shipping’s Greenhouse Gas emissions. John called on the IMO to be brave and take decisive action before it is too late. He outlined the Chamber’s position that we urgently need a Market Based Measure and we’ll support any MBM that can be implemented quickly, provides a level playing field, is easy to administer and will not be open to abuse. He also argues that decisions need to be taken quickly if we are to reach our net zero goal by 2050. You can read the full speech here, and I would urge all Members to continue to engage with the work of the Carbon Working Group. If you have any questions on the Working Group please contact Anna Ziou.

A core priority for the Chamber is improving the quality of Officer cadet training – and to do this effectively we have to make sure the industry is listening and learning. I was pleased to see this week that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency is considering the introduction of a new Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) funding stream which would offer British officers who have already achieved their Officer of the Watch or Engineer Officer of the Watch the opportunity to receive 50% funding towards the cost of training to second CoC level. To gauge interest in this possible new funding, the MCA have created a short survey which is open until 11^th March and can be accessed here. The data collected will be key to ensuring this new SMarT funding stream does what it is designed to do; support seafarers who may not otherwise have had the opportunity to further their career due to the cost of training. If you have any questions on this or other training related issues please contact MNTB Director Kathryn Neilson.

The British Tugowners Association released details of their AGM, Conference and Dinner this week. The event will take place between the 10^th-12^th May at Old Thorns Hotel in Liphook. The programme is in development and will be announced fully in due course, but the Chamber’s incoming President Graham Westgarth will be speaking, as well as Brian Johnson from the MCA. Do book your tickets now.  

Finally this week, our own AGM will be taking place on Wednesday March 30^th in a hybrid format. Members can attend either online, or in person at 30 Park Street where a drinks reception will be held immediately following the AGM. Full agenda details will be available in due course but for the time being please save the date in your diary.

Sarah