Shoreham Port welcomes new maritime 2050 strategy

A new long-term maritime strategy has been launched by the Department for Transport this week, outlining a range of proposals for the next 30 years. Titled Maritime 2050, the initiative aims to ensure that the UK remains a world-leader within the maritime industry and continues to flourish. The strategy covers a range of topics including future economic trends, technology, environment, trade, safety and security, the future of work and infrastructure.

The port-specific aspects of Maritime 2050 will also be collated into a separate Ports Action Plan. This will include a range of research projects, environmental initiatives and a plan to develop a Maritime Innovation Hub in a UK port by 2030.

Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling commented “Maritime is a vital UK industry, bringing in £14 billion to our economy as well as providing thousands of new and exciting careers for people across the country. This strategy is a clear message to the world – we will continue to be a leading maritime nation for the next 30 years and beyond.”

There are also plans to broaden the existing promotion of diversity in the maritime sector. It is hoped that the already established Women in Maritime Taskforce, of which Shoreham Port’s Director of Corporate Services is a part of, can gather pace and tackle gender equality and diversity within the sector.

The Maritime 2050 strategy has been welcomed by Shoreham Port, whose own 2019-2023 strategy plan mirrors that of the Department of Transport, with aims to protect local amenities and the environment, providing sustainable careers, and enhancing diversity at the Port.

Rodney Lunn, Chief Executive at Shoreham Port commented “The Maritime 2050 initiative is vital to Shoreham Port. Not only are we at the heart of our local community, but we are attracting new diverse recruits for the future. We take our responsibility for the local environment incredibly seriously, so much so, we will be appointing a Climate Change Director at the beginning of February.”

Rodney continued “It was a privilege to speak with the Secretary of State yesterday; Maritime 2050 is a clear strategy that demonstrates how government and industry can work together for the benefit of our valued stakeholders as well as future generations. ”

 For more information about Maritime 2050: navigating the future visit the Government website here.

Category: Maritime