UK Chamber of Shipping

Our Summer Lunch on 9 June is more than a moment to bring the industry together—it is also an opportunity to support seafarers and their families. This year, we are proud to partner with Sailors'​ Society, which provides 24/7 care across the maritime industry through emotional support, training and emergency response. From its global helpline to its Wellness at Sea programme, the charity continues to deliver vital support where it is needed most, including those impacted by ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Opportunities to donate will be available during the event, helping to sustain this important work. 👉 Book your tickets here: ow.ly/TWiX50YZsvn 👉Learn more about the charity: ow.ly/HvC250YZsvl #Maritime #Shipping #WellnessAtSea #UKShipping #Events

Yesterday, Paul Markides and Tim Springett joined CalMac (@CalMacFerries), PSS (@saferports) and industry colleagues for a hands-on visit to MV Argyle, en route from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay on the island of Bute, to support the development of the joint code of practice on vehicle deck safety. Thank you to CalMac and the crew of Argyle for hosting, and to all involved for contributing their expertise to this work ⚓ (L–R: representatives from CalMac, Argyle, the UK Chamber of Shipping, PSS, Portsmouth International Port (@PortsmouthPort), Irish Ferries (@Irish_Ferries) and P&O Ferries (@POferries))

Shell (@shell) joins Safety Culture Conference 2026 sponsor line-up – last chance to secure your place! We are pleased to welcome Shell as a sponsor of the Safety Culture Conference, taking place in Glasgow on 19–20 May. This event brings together leaders from across the shipping industry to share practical insights and build a culture that learns and lasts — with sessions designed to deliver real, applicable takeaways and conversations that matter. Ticket sales close later today, so book now to avoid disappointment: ukchamberofshipping.com/scc2026 #MaritimeSafety #UKShipping #Events

ABS (@ABSeagle) is returning to sponsor the Safety Culture Conference 2026, taking place in Glasgow on 19–20 May, continuing its ongoing support for improving safety culture across the shipping industry. Across 1.5 days, the conference brings together safety, operations and maritime professionals for practical, open discussion on how organisations can strengthen safety culture and embed learning that lasts. Support from organisations such as ABS helps sustain a forum built on honesty, reflection and shared responsibility across the industry. Join us and ABS in Glasgow and be part of the conversation – book your place today: ow.ly/2x5g50YVUjG

Our Director of External Affairs, Stef Kenyon, attended the European Parliament launch of European Shipowners | ECSA (@EU_shipping)'s latest report: The Economic Value of European Shipping 2026 in Brussels yesterday. The message is clear and echoes our own UK data: shipping’s contribution is vital to economies, jobs and resilience across Europe — but this report also highlights the need for investment, regulations that meet operational reality and an ambitious approach from government and industry - in partnership - to secure future opportunities. Read more and access the full report here: ecsa.eu/study-economic…

"Shipping moves 95 per cent of the UK’s trade. Most of the time, this happens smoothly until there is a global crisis." Writing for The Mace (@MaceMagazine), UK Chamber CEO Rhett Hatcher explores what happens when shipping is forced into the spotlight and why seafarers often feel the strain first. Read the full piece: macemagazine.com/uks-resilience…

Build your understanding of UK shipping in just one day 🛳️ If you are new to the shipping industry, or working alongside it, our Introduction to Shipping course gives you a clear, practical grounding in how UK shipping works — and the issues shaping it today. You will leave with a sharper understanding of: - how shipping is regulated - what it takes to run a successful UK shipping business - crewing and employment law essentials - the practicalities of trading and operating a vessel Next date: 4 June (London | 0930-1700). Book your place: ow.ly/fQaj50YRAl8

Our Summer Lunch returns to Edinburgh on 9 June, and we are delighted to announce that the Port of Aberdeen (@PortofAberdeen) is supporting the event as our Gold Sponsor ☀️ As one of our cornerstone networking events, the Summer Lunch brings senior leaders together to connect, exchange perspectives and recognise Scotland’s vital contribution to UK shipping. The Port of Aberdeen’s continued support reflects the importance of collaboration across our industry, and we hope you will join them and us in Edinburgh on 9 June. Book your place today: ow.ly/w4Oi50YQW8h #UKShipping #Events #Maritime #Scotland

Progress happens when safety culture keeps learning and improving, not just complying… In our latest Horizon Scan, UK Chamber Policy Director Tim Springett shares what helps safety lessons translate into lasting change for the shipping industry — from looking beyond single “root causes” to embedding learning through everyday decisions, behaviours and leadership. 👉 Read the full Q&A on our website now: ow.ly/vYLF50YOWjR 🎟️ To continue these conversations, join Tim and other UK Chamber members and industry colleagues at the Safety Culture Conference on 19–20 May – book here: ow.ly/HFOs50YOWjQ ✉️ You can also sign up for our fortnightly newsletter to receive the latest views, news and insights direct to your inbox: ow.ly/aebi50YOWjU #SafetyCulture #ShippingIndustry #MaritimeSafety #UKShipping

We are pleased to announce that V.Group is once again supporting our Summer Lunch as a Bronze Sponsor ☀️ V.Group’s commitment sets the tone for what is shaping up to be a strong return of this established fixture in the UK and Scottish maritime calendar. Taking place on 9 June at the Signet Library in Edinburgh, the Summer Lunch brings senior leaders together for focused networking and informed discussion, with further event details and sponsors to be announced in the coming weeks. With anticipation already building, early booking is encouraged. Save your seat today: ukchamberofshipping.com/events/summer-… #UKShipping #Events

📣 SCC 2026 | Programme Now Live and CalMac Joins the Sponsor Line-up We are proud to welcome Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac - @CalMacFerries) as a sponsor of our Safety Culture Conference 2026, as the event reaches an important milestone — the full programme is now live: ow.ly/7W9y50YNlkT The conference will bring together expertise from across regulation, industry and training to explore how strong safety cultures are built, led and sustained in practice. Delegates will engage in conversations that challenge the sector to look beyond reactive fixes and instead examine how learning is captured, embedded and sustained in everyday operations. CalMac’s support comes at a meaningful moment in their story. In 2026, they mark 175 years of a historic lineage — a legacy shaped by generations of service to island communities and a steadfast commitment to safe, dependable operations at sea. We are delighted to welcome their support for SCC 2026 and to recognise this milestone year alongside them. Join us, CalMac and our expert speakers in Glasgow — book your place today: ow.ly/7W9y50YNlkT #MaritimeSafety #UKShipping #Events

We are pleased to confirm that Damen (@damen) will kindly sponsor the British Tugowners Association's Gala Dinner & Drinks Reception as part of their 2026 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Dinner on 6-7 May in Liverpool. Taking place at the Malmaison Hotel, the evening will bring the programme to a fitting close, offering delegates the chance to continue conversations, strengthen connections and reflect on the discussions had throughout the event. Damen’s support will help deliver an evening that closes the event in fitting style. 🎟️ Tickets are now live - book your place today: ukchamberofshipping.com/events/british…

This week, UK Chamber President Karrie Trauth and CEO Rhett Hatcher met with Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP to explore shared priorities and objectives for the shipping industry. The discussion focused on how government and industry can work together to support growth in UK shipping and the wider maritime industry, strengthen national resilience, provide the clarity and certainty business needs to unlock investment. The situation in the Middle East was also a key focus, with Karrie and Rhett reiterating the importance of strong industry–government partnership in international coordination, continued support for seafarer welfare, and the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

We at the UK Chamber were delighted to attend the MCA UK Flag Forum today at the QEII Centre, Westminster, alongside our members, the Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP (@Mather_Keir), and other industry leaders. Our CEO, Rhett Hatcher, also joined colleagues from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (@MCA_media) and the Workboat Association (@WorkboatA) on this afternoon’s panel on UK Flag Services and the Future of the Flag. During his remarks, Rhett highlighted that the UK already has solid foundations for a global shipping growth story — world‑class maritime services, a strong regulatory landscape and a trusted flag — and that, with clear and confident signals to international partners, there is real potential to attract a greater share of global investment, jobs and innovation.

The UK Chamber’s Director of Policy, Peter Aylott, has appeared on @SkyNews, @TimesRadio and @LBC in recent days, providing insight from the UK shipping industry on the situation in the Middle East, including the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions have focused on why continued disruption matters for the UK, from the impact on energy and goods flowing into the economy, to the challenges facing shipping companies in the region, and the welfare of thousands of seafarers currently stranded there. The UK Chamber continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as it evolves. As always, the safety of seafarers, ships and cargo remains paramount. Read our latest statement here: ukchamberofshipping.com/news/uk-chambe… Watch Peter’s interview on Times Radio here: youtu.be/JJvFVqxBTeM?si…

The BTA is proud to confirm that Sanmar Shipyards and UZMAR will both return as sponsors for their 2026 AGM, Conference and Dinner in Liverpool on 6–7 May. UZMAR will support the networking Clay Day and Welcome Dinner on 6 May, and Sanmar will support the Conference on 7 May. Both sponsors contribute to a long‑established event in the towage calendar that brings operators, port partners and industry leaders together to connect, share insight and explore the issues shaping the future of towage in the UK. 🎟️ Tickets are now live for this two‑day programme. Book your place here: ukchamberofshipping.com/events/british… #UKShipping #Maritime #Events

The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 underpins seafarer protections and shipowner obligations worldwide. Our online MLC training course on 20 April (0930–1230) provides a clear overview of the Convention, including the updates agreed in 2025, and its position alongside SOLAS, MARPOL, and STCW as a core pillar of international shipping regulation. The course is presented by Tim Springett and Hannah Gilbert of the Chamber, with time for questions at the end. Secure your place: ow.ly/5OeO50YGp5X #ShippingRegulations #MaritimeSafety #UKShipping #Events

New venue. Same purpose. Secure your place now: ow.ly/yJ9550YFCpA The Safety Culture Conference takes place in Glasgow on 19–20 May, bringing maritime professionals together for the UK’s premier shipping safety event. With Mike Bradshaw CMgr FCMI once again chairing, the Conference will focus on “Building a Culture that Learns and Lasts.” We look forward to welcoming everyone to Glasgow. #UKShipping #SafetyCulture #Events