UK Maritime Minister, Nusrat Ghani, has commented on a newly-released review of the Maritime Growth Study, stating that the Government must further clarify how it will support the UK maritime sector.
The ‘Maritime Growth Study’ report published in September 2015 produced 18 recommendations that concentrate on government and industry leadership, skills and marketing.
However, a review was deemed necessary and was launched by UK Ministers in January 2017 to tackle a changing political and economic environment, including the decision to leave the EU.
In her statement, Ghani explained that the Department launched a review of the Maritime Growth Study and its implementation so that the Government would be best-positioned to “seize the great opportunities that exist for our world-class maritime sector.”
She reiterated that for the UK to maintain and enhance its position as the second largest port industry in Europe, it needed to be at the forefront of future innovation and change, particularly as the nation looks to its future outside of the European Union.
Ghani also acknowledged that the government was gaining a greater understanding of how it should collaborate with the maritime sector, but that many commitments were still needed.
The UK ports industry plays a key role in the country’s economy as 95% of the UK’s international trade – imports and exports – is carried through British ports, resulting in around 500 million tonnes of freight being handled each year.
Read a technical paper by Daniel Martin, Partner, Holman Fenwick Willan, on the issues relating to trade once the UK has left the EU
Ghani concluded: “The review also makes very clear that whilst progress has been made, the pace of change in both government and industry has at times been slow.
“For some a lack of clarity exists about what we will deliver and this review defines a clear set of near-term commitments for industry and government.”
She concluded: “We need to define a long-term vision for our maritime sector.
“I want to see the Department working with others in Whitehall and across the maritime sector to develop a comprehensive strategy for the future of maritime.
“We need to identify the new ideas that will bring fundamental change and that will ensure that we retain our pre-eminent position as a world-leading maritime nation.”
Richard Ballantyne, Chief Executive, British Ports Association, said: “UK ports were generally positive about the Maritime Growth Study and its attempts to promote the sector to wider audiences.
“However, quite whether the study will lead to actual measurable growth in cargo and port activities remains to be seen.”
