UK Maritime Sector

Mr Carmichael highlighted the challenges faced by the maritime industry, including difficulties in securing political attention and support during lockdowns. He cited a Nautilus survey indicating that about 11,000 maritime professionals did not qualify for government assistance schemes like the job retention scheme or self-employment income support scheme. Mr Carmichael also discussed past initiatives such as tonnage tax and raised concerns over minimum wage enforcement in international waters.

Asked about the skills needed to create a workforce for retrofitting merchant vessels with modern technology that aligns with green ambitions and climate change goals. I congratulated the right hon. Member for North Durham on securing the debate and highlighted the UK's maritime sector importance, including shipping services, which are globally recognized but must be protected from competition abroad. I also mentioned our 2050 maritime strategy and the need to support research and development towards green technologies. Emphasised the potential of retrofitting vessels with new technology for carbon neutrality by 2040 as part of the levelling-up agenda.

He congratulates his friend on ensuring that national minimum wage rates are paid to seafarers and asks for a proactive approach from the Minister to enforce these rates. The MP highlighted the importance of shipbuilding in his constituency and noted BAE Systems' investment plans. He discussed the fleet solid support ship contracts, questioning why they are not considered defence ships despite their weaponry. He also raised concerns about EU public procurement rules and their impact on local suppliers. Stephens mentioned the enforcement of national minimum wage for seafarers and emphasised the value of the maritime economy to Scotland's GVA, supporting 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly. He advocated for sustainable growth in marine tourism and trade with Europe, while also pushing for decarbonisation efforts within the sector.

The speaker expressed the importance of recognising and celebrating the UK's maritime sector, which has been crucial during the pandemic. She highlighted recent investments in ports like London Gateway and Tilbury by DP World and Forth Ports respectively, totalling £400 million and £1.2 billion. The MP called for more support from policy makers to champion the sector as an integral part of global Britain's economy.

Jim Shannon highlighted Northern Ireland's maritime heritage and future, mentioning companies like Harland & Wolff and Artemis Technologies. He called for investment in fishing harbour infrastructure to support the sector and noted the importance of practical application of research funding. He also raised concerns about marine protected areas impacting fisheries and the impact of the Brexit protocol on maritime trade.

Mr Kane praised the maritime industry for its role during the pandemic and highlighted the need to discuss the sector more in Parliament. He called on the Government to fund and support a radical transformation of the maritime industry, focusing on decarbonisation and job creation. Mr Kane also mentioned the lack of financial backing for shipbuilding compared to other industries like cars.

Mr Aldous highlighted the importance of the UK's maritime sector, particularly for levelling up and decarbonisation. He discussed ABP's plans for Lowestoft Eastern Energy Facility (LEEF), which involves significant infrastructure upgrades estimated at £25 million. The initiative will support the UK's journey towards net zero and is expected to contribute around £30 million annually to the local economy. Mr Aldous also addressed the Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries (REAF) project, which aims to revive the local fishing industry post-Brexit by focusing on supply chain integration, community benefits, CO2 reduction, infrastructure investment, and training new entrants.