What's new

Asstra Membership Announcement

This week we welcomed Asstra as a new chamber member, bringing our membership numbers to greater than 200. 

AsstrA-Associated Traffic AG is a multinational transportation and logistics service provider that offers third-party logistics integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including support with customs procedures and paperwork, fully managed logistics chains, comprehensive domestic and international distribution as well as road, rail, sea and air freight.   

AsstrA employs more than 1,100 people in 22 countries across Europe. Its headquarters are in Zurich, Switzerland. 

Commenting on their membership, the Head of AsstrA Projects UK, Anna Smirnova said:

“Being a member of The UK Chamber of Shipping trade association is a great way to contribute to the growth of our company and keep up with advances in the field of logistics. Furthermore, it’s an excellent opportunity to learn from other members by sharing our experiences and new ideas.”

If interested in joining the Chamber as a member, please contact our Head of Membership and Business Development, Tony Jerome.

Chamber's Policy Team Changes

After 21 years of service, our Commercial Policy Director, Gavin Simmonds, announced his intention to leave the Chamber at the end of March 2023. 

We will be making a full appreciation of his contribution in due course. Still, in the meantime, he will continue to oversee the Chamber’s work with the UK General Lighthouse Authority.  

This is clearly a significant role for us to fill. We are already in the process of finding a successor and you can view the job vacancy.

Members Survey 2022

Our annual member survey is now live and we very much welcome your feedback to help us improve what we do and provide you with the appropriate services and benefits that you value the most. 

Questions asked include what communication channels you prefer, what business issues you’d like us to prioritise, the areas we should improve and much more.

We’d really appreciate your contribution and therefore ask you to complete our Members Survey, which we promise will take no more than 5 minutes.

Recommended Messaging for Border Force strikes

With Border Force staff set to strike over the Christmas Period, including at the Port of Newhaven, the Home Office has produced recommended messaging for operators in relation to passenger communications. 

Key messages are:

• Passengers who are due to travel into the UK during the proposed strike action may face longer wait times at border control. Please check the latest advice with operators before travelling.
• Hauliers who are due to enter the UK during the proposed strike action should be prepared for potential disruption including longer queues. Check with your operator before travelling.
• If moving goods, be aware that there may be some disruption at Ports and Inland Border Facilities. Please be prepared for delays and carefully plan your movements if they coincide with days of strike action.

Any members with queries or who would like further information should contact the Chamber’s Policy Manager Matthew Wright. 

Transport Research and Innovation Grants 2022

DfT has announced its latest round of Transport Research Innovation Grant (TRIG) funding, worth £1.85m. The funding could be awarded to as many as 60 projects to develop early-stage research projects designed to support new ideas to create a better transport system.

The TRIG programme is delivered with the support of the Connected Places Catapult (CPC) and offers small grants of around £30,000 to projects which will prove a concept of new transport technologies.

This year the funding covers five themes:

1. Future of Freight

2. Maritime Decarbonisation

3. Local Transport Decarbonisation

4. Transport Resilience to Severe Weather and Flooding 

5. Improving the Rail Passenger Experience

Consideration will also be given to any transport-related idea. We very much look forward to seeing as many maritime companies as possible applying for the grant. 

Applications opened on 12 December and will close on Sunday 15 January 2023.

NLB Awards Contract for Build of Hybrid Powered Vessel

The Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB), the General Lighthouse Authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man announced the award of a £51.8 million contract to Spanish shipyard Astilleros Gondán S.A, for the build of a state-of-the-art hybrid powered ship that will ensure vital aids of navigation in the UK.

The tender includes a commitment to place over £2 million of contracts with UK suppliers with a requirement for any contract over £25k to be advertised in the UK. As part of the deal Gondán will also create a special fully funded internship programme for up to 15 UK based students who will benefit from a range of placements at the yard during the vessel’s construction.

If you’d like to know more about this story visit the Northern Lighthouse Board website.

Latest member updates

Chamber members are reminded that they have exclusive access to a range of updates from the Chamber’s policy experts on a wide spectrum of issues. The latest updates this week include the minutes from the Safety and Environment Committee meeting held on 14 November: 

• Minutes of the Safety and Environment Committee meeting, 14 November 2022.

Upcoming events

Annual Dinner 2023

Our Annual Dinner will take place on Monday 6 February. The event will be held at the iconic 5-star JW Marriott Grosvenor House hotel on Park Lane, in the heart of Mayfair. This is a wonderful opportunity to network with colleagues and celebrate recent milestones. 

Last year, this event attracted around 800 influential guests from across the maritime industry. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased through the Chamber website.

The dinner is kindly sponsored by Northern Marine (Gold Sponsor), V. Group (President's Reception), Denholm, UK Ship Register, Lloyd’s Register, ABS  and Seapeak (Silver Sponsors). 

Harbour Towage Panel

The Panel will take place on 6 February 2023, at the International Chamber of Shipping and its purpose is to identify issues and develop policies relating to harbour towage operations.

All members with an interest in harbour towage and related matters, including tug operators, class societies, law firms, P&I clubs, port authorities, marine consultants and others are encouraged to attend.

Members are invited to raise any areas for inclusion with the Panel Secretary, Robert Merrylees.

Summer Lunch

Our summer lunch is set to take place on Tuesday 13 June 2023, in a brand new venue, the Signet Library, in Edinburgh.

More information will be available on our event page. In the meantime, please save the date.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Sarah