Maritime industry supports UK

The study revealed that the UK shipping industry has created around 7,300 jobs in the UK over the past two years. Maritime UK says that around 537,500 UK jobs are now supported by the shipping, ports and maritime business sectors. The study also shows that the industry now contribute almost £32bn to UK GDP and provides £8.5bn in taxes to the Exchequer.

Jim Stewart, chairman, Maritime UK, said: “Shipping moves 95% of the UK’s international trade, so at a time of fierce economic challenges these figures paint a picture of remarkable resilience. We all know that aviation and railways usually get the headlines, but maritime services are a much bigger contributor to the economy, and the whole country should be proud that one of its oldest industries is continuing to deliver for Britain.”

He added: “The maritime services sector is global by its nature. The UK has always been seen as a centre of maritime excellence, but with competition emerging from maritime centres elsewhere, these massive economic contributions could be put under threat. What we need is a consistent maritime strategy from Government that will protect and promote the industry, so that we can carry on creating jobs and playing our part in the country’s economic recovery.”