Future of the UK Maritime industry

This pack has been prepared ahead of the debate on the maritime industry to take place in Westminster Hall on 12 January 2017 at 3pm. The subject for the debate has been chosen by Alistair Carmichael.

The maritime industries (shipping, ports and business services) were estimated to contribute at least £8.5 billion a year to the UK economy in 2012 and the associated marine industries (shipbuilding and repair, construction of ports and marinas and marine leisure) are estimated to contribute £2.5 billion. The sector employed at least 113,000 people in 2012.

There has for some time been a good deal of concern about the application of the NMW to seafarers and enforcement. The law in this area is somewhat complex given the territorial aspects. The RMT union have estimated that 8,300 seafarers are working in the UK shipping industry for rates below the current national minimum wage.

Following the UK referendum vote to leave the EU the concerns for the maritime industry are likely to be surrounding general policy areas such as employment law, immigration, border controls and contract law, as well as transport specific areas such as freedom to trade, safety and the environment, tonnage tax and security.