At the start of London International Shipping Week (LISW) the UK Chamber of Shipping has launched a new report that, for the first time, provides a comprehensive overview of the value of the shipping industry to the UK, reports amber of shipping.
Prosperity of the UK
The report highlights the central role shipping plays in the prosperity of the UK with 61,000 jobs directly in the shipping sector and a further 585,000 jobs in the wider supply chain and economy. These jobs are not just in traditional maritime areas, but include landlocked parts of the UK such as the West Midlands with over 10,000 jobs and £86m of economic benefit linked to shipping.
New roles
As the sector decarboniser and makes greater use of technology the report showcases some of the new roles that will become increasingly required. These include land based control centre staff operating ships remotely and highly skilled engineers who will be needed to maintain new generation engines powered by low and zero carbon fuels.
“The analysis demonstrates shipping’s contribution to every aspect of our daily lives. Be it supporting the export of famous UK products such as the Mini, the import of crucial medicines like insulin or helping millions of people go on holiday the importance of shipping to our economic prosperity and social wellbeing cannot be overstated.”
Chamber’s report Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said,“This report from the UK Chamber of Shipping underscores the critical role shipping plays in enabling our modern economy, creating jobs and offering a convenient and cost-effective means of transporting goods.”
Offshore energy sector
The report also highlights the central role shipping plays in the UK’s offshore energy sector. Offshore wind is due to expand significantly in the coming years, with 100,000 jobs supported by 2030 while oil and gas remains an important part of the UK’s energy security.
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Source : Ukchamber
