Britain’s marine industry launched of Maritime 2050, the UK Government’s first ever long-term strategy to support and grow the sector.
Described as both visionary and aspirational, Maritime 2050 highlights the Government’s recognition of the importance of maritime – worth over GBP40bn to the UK economy, more than aerospace or car manufacturing – and focuses on the desire to cement the UK’s place as the world's leading maritime nation into the second half of the 21st century.
Maritime 2050 is published at a time when the UK faces intense competition from maritime nations in the Far East, Northern Europe, Gulf and North America.
"The launch of Maritime 2050, the first long-term strategy developed in close partnership with industry highlights the government’s recognition of the importance of the maritime sector to Britain’s future success. That importance has only increased in the context of the UK leaving the EU, with 95% of all UK trade being enabled by the sector," said a release from the government.
Brexit has raised the profile of the sector, not least owing to national debate on the UK’s future trade relations. Whilst the sector is determined to manage the UK’s departure from the EU as smoothly as possible, it is also focused Beyond Brexit.
"Today the UK is regarded as the world’s leading centre for maritime services – maritime law, finance, insurance, management and brokering. Maritime 2050 is designed to maximise UK strength in this area, retaining and enhancing its competitive advantage and developing new areas to compliment the offer, like green finance," it said.
Maritime 2050 will strengthen the UK’s reputation for maritime innovation with an initial focus on autonomy and low-carbon technologies. For many of these technologies there is a time-limited golden opportunity to be an early adopter, particularly on low-carbon.