This morning the government has published its long awaited Global Travel Taskforce report. The main headlines are that international travel will resume from May 17 and there will be a new traffic light system and if you travel to a country with a ‘green’ rating you won’t need to isolate on your return. We are delighted to see the government has confirmed the restart of international cruises alongside the wider resumption of international travel.  Today’s announcement is the culmination of extensive collaboration between industry, government, health authorities and ports during the last twelve months to further strengthen health measures, which now go beyond any other travel sector. The industry’s protocols have already been tried and tested as almost 400,000 people have sailed on cruises since last summer elsewhere around the globe.  In particular, I would like to draw to your attention the reference, once again, in the GTT report to the UK Chamber of Shipping cruise and ferry protocols, demonstrating the leadership and policy expertise within the Chamber team.

I’d also like to place on record my thanks to Minister Courts, his private office and officials across DfT who have undoubtedly listened to our arguments on behalf of our ferry and cruise members on how travel can resume with safe protocols in place. It has shown how government and industry can work constructively together for the benefit of both the government and the Chamber membership.

There is still plenty to work through, especially around the cost of testing and if any members have any questions or concerns about the GTT, please reach out to the team at the Chamber.

This week we were delighted to confirm that TWW Yachts, one of the leading super yacht brokerage and yacht management companies, with an expert team in the UK and Monaco, has joined the Chamber.

TWW Yachts is highly experienced in superyacht sales, charter, management, new construction & crew recruitment; and by becoming a member will now enjoy the benefits of being part of the UK’s largest shipping industry trade body.

This week we have started to issue the Membership Call for 2021/2 - all members will receive their invoices by the end of next week. If you have any queries or concerns on this please do not hesitate to contact our Head of Membership Tony Jerome.

Finally, it was with great sadness that earlier today we learnt of the passing away of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke contributed a huge amount to the maritime industry, serving in the Royal Navy for a number of years and even fought in some battles during World War 2. From 1948 until 2000 he was an active Trustee of the National Maritime Museum and on behalf of everyone associated with the UK Chamber of Shipping our condolences go out to the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time.

Bob