15
Oct 25

UK Chamber of Shipping and CLIA renew MoU to strengthen collaboration on UK cruise priorities

The UK Chamber of Shipping and Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration and coordination on key issues impacting the cruise industry in the United Kingdom.

Under the non-binding MOU, CLIA and the UK Chamber of Shipping will provide a strong voice in the UK, supporting shared cruise industry members on priority policy and operational matters.

CLIA Senior Vice President for Global Maritime Policy Donnie Brown and the UK Chamber of Shipping Director of Policy Peter Aylott signed the MOU today in London, renewing and enhancing an existing MOU signed in 2017.

The renewal sets out a clear framework for joint and continued support for initiatives such as the Cruise Industry and Government Forum, co-chaired by both organisations with the UK Department for Transport. It also supports collaboration on key policy matters, including those related to decarbonisation, workforce development and skills, and growth of the sector within the UK.

Rhett Hatcher, CEO, UK Chamber of Shipping, said:

We’re proud to strengthen our partnership with CLIA at a pivotal moment for the cruise industry.

By aligning our efforts, we are better equipped champion the sector and deliver meaningful outcomes for our members.

Bud Darr, President and CEO, Cruise Lines International Association, commented:

Partnerships are essential to strengthening our voice as an industry.

Renewing this MOU strengthens our shared voice and will help us deliver the commitments contained within the UK Cruise Growth Plan and supports responsible cruise growth in the UK.

The enhanced partnership comes weeks after the UK Government published its Cruise Growth Plan, developed alongside CLIA and the UK Chamber of Shipping. The Plan recognises the vital role of cruise in the UK and sets out a roadmap for long-term growth, enhanced infrastructure, and global leadership in sustainable and digital maritime practices. The new MOU will support the organisations as they work with Government to deliver the commitments of the Plan.

About the Cruise Industry & Government Forum (CIGF):

The Cruise Industry & Government Forum (CIGF) was founded in 2022. It provides the opportunity for Government and industry representatives to discuss the longer-term strategic priority areas for the cruise industry.

The regular forum is co-Chaired by the Department for Transport, CLIA and the UK Chamber of Shipping. It brings together representatives from key government departments, devolved administrations, ports and industry bodies to facilitate this collaboration with cruise line operators.

About the UK Cruise Growth Plan

The Cruise Growth Plan was published by the UK Department for Transport on 16 September 2025. The Plan focuses on key areas in relation to the UK Cruise Industry, including workforce development, safety, security, accessibility, and sustainable growth - positioning the UK as a premier destination for cruise tourism and maritime innovation.

With CLIA member cruise lines pursuing net zero by 2050, the plan will help foster further collaboration between industry and Government to achieve shared decarbonisation aims.

Key Objectives of the Cruise Growth Plan:

Positioning the UK as a Premier Cruise Market

  • Integrating cruise into national tourism strategies
  • Featuring UK cruise destinations in international marketing campaigns
  • Exploring infrastructure investment opportunities at UK cruise ports

Developing the UK’s Maritime Skills Base

  • Future-proofing training for seafarers in emerging fuels, technologies, and vessel types
  • Creating career pathways for shore-side maritime and hospitality roles in coastal communities

Supporting Coastal Communities and British Ports

  • Empowering communities to shape and benefit from cruise tourism
  • Considering cruise operations in national planning reforms
  • Collaborating on digital immigration and border systems

The full plan can be found here UK Cruise Growth Plan - GOV.UK.