The government of the United Kingdom needs to deliver “real and tangible reform” UK Ship Register Reform, UK Chamber of Shipping President, Tom Boardley stressed while speaking at the UK Chamber Annual Dinner.

Boardley voiced the urgent need for substantial changes if the UK Flag is to remain competitive and attractive to shipowners around the globe.

“We need a Ship Register that we can be proud of. We need an MCA that actively courts new business; that is a champion for the industry and for UK PLC. One that’s hungry for the next big success, ambitious and focused in pursuit of growth,” he went on to say.

In addition, Boardley stressed the need for an ambitious approach from both industry and government to deliver meaningful reform not just for the UK Flag but also in the approach to training seafarers, encouraging entrepreneurship and addressing environmental challenges.

“We all know that if you want global trade, if you want open markets and greater prosperity, then you need a shipping industry. But so too do we recognise that it is not possible to move 90% of the world’s trade without having some impact on the environment.

“We must take the initiative and together with the IMO develop a realistic and convincing strategy of yet further carbon reduction and it might include market based measures that will allow us to both offset emissions and fund new technological advances,” Boardley added.

Speaking on the topic of seafarers’ training, Boardley said that the cure to the problem of the steady decline of British seafarers is heavy investment, adding that “SMarT funding should not just to increase, but double.”

Boardley also announced that the UK Chamber will offer free membership for one year to start up British shipowners, enabling them access to the Chamber’s policy and regulatory expertise as they focus upon building their businesses.

Original Article Posted by Maritime News: Chamber President Calls for Tangible Reform of UK Ship Register.