The UK Chamber of Shipping has developed a reactive media statement regarding security in the Middle East.
Last Updated 03 March 2026.

As the international maritime community marks the 20th anniversary of the Maritime Labour Convention’s (MLC) adoption, UK Chamber of Shipping Policy Director, Tim Springett, reflects on the convention’s journey so far.

As geopolitical tensions reshape global trade and the maritime sector confronts the dual imperatives of decarbonisation and security, the UK Chamber of Shipping's flagship conference, Shipping UK 2026, returns on 6 October at Westminster's QEII Centre. Ticket sales are now live.

The UK Chamber of Shipping has welcomed the UK Government’s decision to grant development consent for the 1.5GW Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm.

The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) and the UK Chamber of Shipping proudly mark the retirement of our long standing colleague, Donna Stevens, after an exceptional 38 years of service. Since joining the organisation on 6 July 1987, Donna has been a constant source of expertise and integrity, guiding the MNTB and the wider industry through decades of change in seafarer training and education.

The MAIB has this week published a safety warning video addressing the tragic capsize of the conventional tug Biter in February 2023, an incident that tragically resulted in the loss of two lives. The video, issued within the MAIB Safety Bulletin 1/2026, highlights critical lessons regarding towage planning, the impact of speed on towline forces, the correct rigging of gob ropes, and the vital importance of maintaining watertight integrity.

With full ETA enforcement approaching, carriers must ensure passengers hold valid digital or physical permission to travel before boarding, which forms part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system.

The UK shipping industry has raised serious concerns over Government plans to extend the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) to domestic maritime from 1 July 2026, warning that the policy risks harming UK competitiveness, increasing costs for island communities and slowing progress towards net zero.

The UK Chamber of Shipping hosted its flagship Annual Dinner on 2 February at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, welcoming over 650 guests from across the maritime industry, government, and partner organisations. The event celebrated shipping’s vital role in the UK economy and reaffirmed commitments to collaboration and innovation for the future.