Opening the event, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Transport and Tourism, Stephen Flynn MSP, reflected on his new role within Scottish Government, and the opportunity to connect Scotland’s maritime strengths with wider ambitions for growth and the energy transition.

From green hydrogen and offshore energy to shipbuilding, skills and infrastructure, he set out how Scotland’s maritime industry can support cleaner growth while creating jobs and strengthening communities.

That message was echoed by UK Chamber CEO Rhett Hatcher, who reflected on the significance of holding the Summer Lunch in Scotland and recognising the country’s major contribution to UK shipping. He highlighted the breadth of the industry’s role, from offshore energy and maritime services to tourism, trade and connectivity. As we know from our 2025 Value of Shipping report, shipping directly supports more than 12,500 jobs in Scotland and contributes around £4.6 billion to the economy.

Shipping directly supports more than 12,500 jobs in Scotland and contributes around £4.6 billion to the economy.

Rhett set out the centrality of shipping as a critical industry, underpinning the wider economy in Scotland and beyond. In a period of geopolitical uncertainty, energy transition and growing competition for investment, that strategic role is increasingly vital. 

If we are serious about national growth, resilience and decarbonisation, then the maritime industry must be part of our national conversation in a far more visible and confident way. 

The UK Chamber exists to champion this industry, and raise its voice in local, national and international policy debates.

Gitte Gard Talmo of North Star built on these themes, describing maritime capability as a national asset. She underlined the central role shipping plays in the UK’s energy system and argued that the transition to lower-carbon energy must be delivered responsibly and pragmatically, with oil and gas and renewables managed as part of a credible transition.

North Star’s own journey illustrates that point. Drawing on its offshore oil and gas experience, the company has expanded into renewables, investing more than £700 million in new assets since 2020 and creating 360 new jobs. She also highlighted that maritime is the bridge between today's energy systems and those of the future.

Gitte also highlighted the practical challenges facing the industry, including supply chain pressures, workforce shortages and regulatory complexity. Meeting shipping’s ambitions will require policy certainty, infrastructure investment and regulation that reflects operational realities, as well as skilled and supported people to deliver both safety and growth.

This year’s event was also held in support of Sailors’ Society, and in closing the speeches, Melanie Warman, Director of Media and Advocacy, brought an important focus on the seafarers at the heart of our industry. Her remarks highlighted the pressures faced by those operating in some of the world’s most challenging conditions, including crews caught up in instability in the Gulf. The charity’s global teams continue to provide round-the-clock crisis response, practical support and reassurance to seafarers and their families, alongside ongoing welfare support through their SeaMate programme which has trained over 400 wellbeing officers to date.

From economic growth and port investment to energy transition, workforce development and seafarer welfare, the discussions reinforced both the scale of the challenges ahead, and the determination across the maritime community to address them. It was a strong statement of confidence in the future of UK shipping and in Scotland’s continuing role at its heart. 

The conversation will continue at Shipping UK 2026, the Chamber’s international conference, taking place on 6 October 2026. We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Find out more and book your tickets to Shipping UK 2026