News story

Focus on skills to help maritime flourish

Maritime Skills Commission to be set up to look at careers at sea and training gaps.

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government
Sea photo
  • Commission will be set up to help highlight the skills needed to ensure the maritime industry thrives
  • Maritime 2050 and Clean Maritime Plan were key successes over the past 12 months
  • government shows its commitment to supporting growth and innovation in the maritime sector

A Maritime Skills Commission will be set up in the coming year to look at careers at sea and how to plug training gaps for those working in the industry.

Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani launched the Maritime annual report today (18 July 2019). The document reflects on the work the Department for Transport and its agencies has carried out in the past year and looks forward to ambitious plans that will be delivered in the upcoming 12 months.

This includes a review into the maritime sector’s skills needs to ensure there is a good supply of well-trained professionals for the industry.

The report also focuses on the upcoming London International Shipping Week, a focal point for the sector which will be themed around International Trade in a Changing World.

Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani said:

Our maritime sector is crucial to the vitality of the UK’s economy.

The annual report highlights the great work the government has done this year to support and boost this industry.

There is also lots more planned for the next year as we deliver on Maritime 2050 and ensure this sector reaches its potential.

In the past year, the government has published its flagship Maritime 2050 strategy, a long-term plan to shape the sector for the next 30 years, including through being a world leader in maritime technology and as well as seafarer training.

Last week, the Clean maritime plan was also unveiled. This aims to have all new ships ordered for UK waters to have zero-emission capabilities by 2025.

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Published 18 July 2019