UK Chamber of Shipping

With the Easter long weekend on the horizon, might we suggest that this is the ideal moment to explore the policy forces driving shipping’s journey towards net zero by reading the first edition of our Horizon Scan. Launched in our fortnightly newsletter The Horizon last week, our new monthly policy series begins with a Q&A in which our Policy Director, Francesco Sandrelli, assesses the real forces shaping shipping’s progression towards net zero. He explores regulatory fragmentation, grid capacity constraints, port readiness and the incentives needed to accelerate change. His message is clear. Shipping is progressing, but policy must keep pace. Read the full Q&A on our website now 👉 ow.ly/48TR50YCgve You can also sign up for our fortnightly newsletter to receive the latest views, news and insights direct to your inbox 👉 ow.ly/5i9q50YCgvc

Last week, we were delighted to announce that Karrie Trauth, Executive Vice President of Shipping & Maritime at Shell, has been elected President of the UK Chamber of Shipping. Our AGM also confirmed Donnacha O'Driscoll as Vice President. Karrie brings more than 30 years of global maritime, energy and leadership experience — and becomes only the second woman to serve as President in our 150year history. In her first remarks, Karrie emphasised the need to strengthen the UK’s competitiveness as a global maritime nation 👇 We look forward to working with Karrie and Donnacha to support our members and champion the UK’s maritime future. #UKShipping #MaritimeUK #Leadership #ShippingIndustry #Maritime

🏅BTA Firefighting Guide Shortlisted for Safety Award The British Tugowners Association’s (BTA) Guide on the Use of Tugs in Firefighting has been shortlisted for the Safety Award at the 2026 International Tug & Salvage Awards. This recognition reflects the BTA's work in driving safer emergency response and firefighting operations across the towage sector. We also congratulate all the other nominees, including many valued BTA members. Voting is open now, with winners announced on 21 May. Make your vote count: events.rivieramm.com/event/ITS26/it… #ITS2026 #ITSAwards2026

Nominations Open: International Maritime Organization (@IMOHQ) Honours for Exceptional Bravery at Sea The IMO is currently seeking nominations for acts of outstanding courage at sea carried out between 1 March 2025 and 28 February 2026. Any IMO Member State, intergovernmental organisation in cooperation with IMO, or non‑governmental organisation in consultative status with IMO is invited to submit candidates. The deadline for nominations is 31 March 2026. Learn more on the IMO website: imo.org/en/ourwork/ero…

The UK Chamber of Shipping has released an updated statement regarding security in the Middle East. You can read it in full on our website: ukchamberofshipping.com/news/uk-chambe…

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Gregory as the new Director of the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). Kevin brings over 25 years of maritime leadership experience, including senior roles at the Corporation of Trinity House, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA), London Maritime Group, and the Port of London Authority. Both MNTB Chair Mark Bobby and UK Chamber Chief Executive Rhett Hatcher welcomed the appointment, highlighting Kevin’s extensive operational and international training experience, his strong leadership, and the instrumental role he will play in supporting the UK's future maritime professionals. Kevin will take over from Kathryn Neilson in May 2026 as she moves to a new role overseas. We thank Kathryn for her dedicated service and wish her every success. For more information about Kevin’s appointment, visit our website: ukchamberofshipping.com/news/kevin-gre…

Want to deepen your understanding of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 and its 2025 updates? Join us on 20 April, 0930–1230, for our next online training course on the convention. Daniel Penfold, Marine Fleet Manager at Tarmac (@TarmacLtd), did just that in November last year — and described the session as “absolutely worth it”. Thank you to Dan for sharing his experience with us. Don't miss out — book your place today: ukchamberofshipping.com/events/maritim…

Ahead of the BTA Annual Conference, Robert Merrylees, UK Chamber of Shipping Policy Director and Secretary of the BTA, explores calls for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and UK Government to review and strengthen the UK’s emergency response capability, one year on from the allision between the MV Solong and Stena Immaculate in the Humber. You can read Robert’s blog on our website — and be sure to join the BTA on 7 May at the conference itself, where these issues will be explored further: ukchamberofshipping.com/news/blog-one-…

Chamber members, don't miss the next Safety & Environment Committee on 17 March, 0930-1400. Register now. We will be joined by Dorte Kubel, Head of the EUROMOT IMO Delegation and Regulatory Affairs Manager at Everllence, who will present on what the NOx review after PPR 13 means for shipowners. The agenda also includes updates on EGCS outcomes, the Biofouling Convention, the 2025 Ballast Water CIC, vehicle deck safety, lithium‑ion batteries, fatigue and the ISM Code. The meeting will take place in hybrid format, and members are asked to register as soon as possible by contacting Ellie or Francesco ⚓

📣 UK Chamber Members are reminded to register as soon as possible for our AGM and member drinks at Glaziers Hall on Tuesday 24 March: ukchamberofshipping.com/events/uk-cham… This is a member‑only event, and registration is needed by this Thursday (12 March) to support our planning. The AGM papers – including the agenda, explanatory notes, minutes, and the report on accounts – are now available to view and download in the Member’s Area. Please contact us if you experience any issues accessing these.

As International Women’s Day is now upon us, we wanted to close our National Careers Week × International Women’s Day 2026 campaign by drawing together the key themes shared by our inspiring contributors. Across the week, their advice championed the importance of: • Confidence – trust your capability and take pride in what you create. • Curiosity – ask the questions others avoid and keep expanding your perspective. • Values – know what anchors you and let that guide your decisions. • Learning – stay consistent and recognise the value in every experience. • Flexibility – adapt when circumstances shift and prepare for the unexpected. • Opportunity – embrace the scenic route, say yes more often, and take the chances that help you grow. A huge thank you to each of the women who shared their insight with us: Claire Guy, Ellie Lovejoy, Philippa Watson, Joanne McGhee, Kathryn Neilson, Stef Kenyon, Rhona Little, Amilia Busby, Sharon Sandercock, Karrie Trauth, and Lauren Riley. You can explore the full set of advice in the thread below. To continue the conversation, please keep sharing your top tips with us. We've loved seeing the response and support for this campaign so far 🤝 ⚓ #NCW2026 #IWD2026

Squiggly career? Lauren Riley, UK Communications Manager at CMA CGM (@cmacgm), in her advice for our National Careers Week (NCW) x International Women’s Day 2026 campaign, calls it taking “the scenic route” — and that it is something to embrace, not avoid. Every role shapes you. Trust your instincts, take the opportunities in front of you, and let that mix of experience become your biggest advantage. Thank you to Lauren for an inspirational sign‑off to NCW 2026 and to all our contributors this week, for sharing their insights with us and lending their voices to our campaign! #NCW2026 #IWD2026

Today, Karrie Trauth, UK Chamber of Shipping Vice President and EVP Shipping & Maritime at Shell (@Shell), shares her three key career tips as part of our National Careers Week x International Women’s Day 2026 campaign. Her message is clear: take on stretch opportunities, trust your capabilities, and draw on the support available to you. These tips can apply to whatever role you're in and whichever industry you work in. We've now shared insights from ten inspiring women across the week, with more to follow before the campaign concludes on Sunday. If this series has encouraged you to reflect on your own career tips, please do share them in the comments below. #NCW2026 #IWD2026

National Careers Week begins today, arriving ahead of International Women’s Day on Sunday. To mark both, throughout the week we will be sharing insights and career top tips from the women who drive, support and guide the work of the UK Chamber of Shipping, together with contributions from our amazing Careers At Sea Ambassadors. We start today with important advice from Careers At Sea Ambassador Claire Guy, and cannot wait to share more from our other excellent contributors across the week 🤝 If you would like to join the conversation, share your own top tip in the comments below! #NCW2026 #IWD2026