The Maritime 2050 strategy, published today, sets out the UK Government's ambitious vision for the future of the British maritime sector.

The maritime sector has played a key role in shaping the growth and development of the UK.  The Maritime 2050 strategy seeks to ensure that the sector adapts and plans for the future. 

Interesting developments in the strategy, similar to other transport sectors such as the highways, is how technology will reshape the industry in the future.  The strategic ambitions outline, include elements such as: clean maritime growth, safety and security, to grow and transform the maritime workforce (including supporting diversity), and to showcase expertise globally. 

The shipping industry is a critical element in the UK trade in goods. Around 95% of British imports and exports in goods are moved by sea, including 25% of the UK’s energy supply and almost half of the country’s food supplies.  In total, the industry contributes £14.5 billion to the UK economy, directly supporting an estimated 186,000 jobs. The UK port sector is the second largest in the European Union, handling around 5% of the world’s total maritime freight traffic at some point in its journey.

The strategy outlines how training the workforce of the future will use both virtual reality and augmented reality.  And, as with the roads sector, the UK will be looking to develop a legislative framework for the UK to develop autonomous vessels. 

To read the strategy see here.