Maritime Minister Opens Maritime UK Clean Maritime Summit

Robert Courts MP

Opened by Robert Courts MP, the Under-Secretary of State for Transport, the Clean Maritime Summit 2021 highlighted existing innovations and initiatives that are already enabling the shift to cleaner ports, harbours and vessels.

It also identified the present and potential future challenges and opportunities facing the sector, and identified how these might be addressed to achieve the greatest possible benefit for both the economy and the environment.

The summit was organised by Maritime UK South West, a consortium designed to build stronger links between the South West marine and maritime sector and national government, and hosted at the University of Plymouth’s Marine Station.

It was also held in partnership with the Green Tech Boat Show, a first of its kind event for boat owners wishing to make the switch to greener options, and prospective owners wanting to start their boating journey in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

Speaking at the Clean Maritime Summit, Robert Courts MP said: ““As we emerge from the pandemic it’s important that our environmental commitments remain at the core of everything we do, helping us build back better and greener.

“Plymouth has long been at the forefront of green maritime and there is no better place to open the first ever Clean Maritime Summit, bringing together leaders from across the South West to drive forward the shift to cleaner ports, harbours and ships.”

Kevin Forshaw, Director of Industrial and Strategic Partnerships at the University of Plymouth and Vice-Chair of Maritime UK SW, said:

“The challenge is considerable but the opportunity is huge. We have a considerable marine leisure sector in the South West which could take a lead by delivering electric charging points, enabling electric ferries and smaller vessel a foothold in order to then sell to the rest of the world. We also have a huge opportunity to use floating offshore wind as a source of power for ports and shipping, enabling the much needed shift away from heavy diesel for shipping in the longer term. If we can make this shift early, and secure additional government support, we can ensure the South West retains a pristine ocean environment while also reinvigorating our economy.”

The maritime sector has a long and proud historical footprint in the South West, achieving £3.5 billion per annum in Gross Value Added and supporting more than 25,000 jobs.

It is a key component in the economy and culture of the region and, in particular, its coastal villages, towns and cities where it can be the primary source of well-paid employment.

The South West region is also at the forefront of clean maritime innovation, thanks to a number of initiatives supported by Maritime UK South West and various regional partners.

This included launching the UK’s first sea-going electric ferry in Plymouth in 2020, the first in a series of electric vessels set to transform maritime transport around the waters of Plymouth Sound.

It is also home to Smart Sound Plymouth, Britain’s premier proving area for designing, testing and developing cutting edge products and services for the marine sector, and the next generation of advanced marine technologies.

 

 

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