UK Chamber urges for step change in shipping safety

At UK Chamber of Shipping’s annual summer lunch, in Edinburgh, the president Dr Grahaeme Henderson presented ideas on how to lead the way in creating a safer and more prosperous maritime sector. 

Dr Henderson pointed out that, in the last 10 years, there have been over 2,500 shipping incidents each year and 123 ships completely lost. The country’s industry has a fatal accident rate 20 times that of the average British worker and five times that of construction. In order to create a shipping industry that works for all, he said, shipping needs to undergo a step change to radically improve its safety culture. 

“There is nothing more important than safety. There is nothing worse than a major incident. No-one wins. People are killed and injured. A family’s future is destroyed and time never heals,” he told the audience.

The solution to this is people from across the industry sharing best practice, sharing their experiences, learning from one another, to promote a safer culture in the maritime sector, he said.

In addition, highlighting the importance of Scottish shipping, he also proposed that Scotland, just like the rest of the UK, needs to benefit from Brexit. The president outlined three key elements that Scotland and the rest of the UK need from Brexit:

• to get access the European Union markets, currently worth over £11 billion to Scottish businesses

• to promote a strong customs deal where trade can move freely through ports; without that, both the UK and the EU will be damaged

• to get access to a talented, skilled workforce, including the clear protection of EU nationals currently studying, living and working in Scotland, because their skills are crucial to the success of our businesses

The president also used his speech to reiterate the UK Chamber’s commitment to young people and their career prospects in shipping. Increasing government support would fund the training of at least 1,200 seafarers each year, he informed. In return, companies will guarantee cadets their first job – giving them a head-start in developing their careers. 

“There are challenges, but we can overcome them. Some by ourselves, some with Government support. The times ahead will be tough, but Scotland and the UK have been world leading for centuries – and if Government and industry work together, we will continue to be world leading for centuries more to come.”