UK marine industries contribute £32 billion

The UK shipping industry has created 7,300 UK jobs in the past two years, and 537,500 UK jobs are now supported by the shipping, ports and maritime business sectors, according to a study by Maritime UK, released on 20 December.

The healthy employment statistics are bolstered by news that the industry now contributes nearly £32 billion to UK GDP and provides £8.5 billion in taxes to the Exchequer.

Jim Stewart, chairman of 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.”

Reflecting on the 20% increase in GDP contributions in just two years, he added: “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.”

Mr Stewart concluded: “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.”