Committee launches inquiry into maritime strategy
20 June 2013
Transport Committee calls for evidence on the Government's strategy for the maritime sector.
The Chair of the Committee, Louise Ellman MP, said:
"The UK is a maritime nation and the maritime services sector is estimated to support 537,500 UK-based jobs. We will be looking at the Government’s strategy for supporting the maritime sector, including both its own policies and its work in European and international forums."
The Committee intends to hear oral evidence in September to coincide with London International Shipping Week. Ahead of this, it would like to receive written evidence on the following points:
- What should be the main priorities of the Government's maritime strategy for vessels registered in the UK? How does this fit in with the overall transport strategy for the UK?
- To what extent does EU maritime strategy complement the Government’s strategy?
- How effectively do current Government policies (e.g. the Tonnage Tax, training, and reforms to the ship registration process) support an internationally competitive maritime sector in the UK?
- What constraints are there on growth in the UK maritime sector and how can these constraints be overcome?
- What more should be done to ensure there is a sufficiently trained workforce for the current and future needs of the UK maritime sector?
- Is there scope for improving the Government's approach to maritime safety and the prevention of pollution by ships?
The inquiry will also follow up some of the Committee's past work on maritime issues:
- 16th Report of Session 2010-12: Sulphur emissions by ships (PDF 1.11 MB)
- 9th Report of Session 2012-13: Marine pilotage (PDF 1.64 MB)
We would be grateful to receive written submissions by Monday 22 July 2013.