Meanwhile, the Chamber launched its refreshed Member Update, a quarterly review of the Chamber's activity, including an events calendar, policy updates and much more. To read it, see the What's New section.

Finally, this week, the Chamber attended the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool, creating some good engagement opportunities with high-profile politicians such as Mike Tapp and the Shadow Trade Minister Gareth Thomas as well as Shadow Maritime Minister Mike Kane. More on this and other stories below.

What's new

Chamber attends Labour Party Conference

Over 16,000 delegates attended the Labour Party Conference this week, including the UK Chamber of Shipping.

The Conference had the buzz of a party that believes they can win power for the first time in five elections and the significant increase in business attendance compared to previous years was noticeable

The Chamber attended a range of events throughout the week, including receptions hosted by Maritime UK and the Port of Dover. These events and others provided a valuable opportunity to meet with key figures such as the Labour candidate for Dover and Deal, Mike Tapp and Shadow Trade Minister Gareth Thomas. The Chamber will follow up with Mike and Gareth to arrange briefing sessions in the weeks ahead.

If you would like to know more about the Chamber’s public affairs work, please get in touch with the Chamber’s Director of Communications, Tom Bartošák-Harlow.

Autumn Lunch Ticket Sale Closing Soon

Ticket sales for our Autumn Lunch in Southampton end on Wednesday, 18 October, but you can still purchase your ticket on our event page.

The agenda for the day includes a welcome registration and refreshments on arrival, followed by a panel discussion and Q&A sessions with our President Graham Westgarth, CEO Sarah Treseder and Director of Policy, Peter Aylott. After the Q&A people can enjoy some networking time and a delicious three-course lunch.

Thank you to our sponsors; local ferry operator Red Funnel and Viking Maritime, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary.

BTA Technical Committee

Last Thursday, the British Tugowners Association (BTA) Technical Committee hosted at Damen headquarters in Gorinchem coincided with Damen’s 7th Maritime Festival.

During the meeting, members held productive discussions on various matters of importance to the towage community, including exploring the rope recycling methods currently available to operators. Further discussion was held surrounding the BTA’s ad-hoc working group, whose aim is to create a best practice guide on navigating firefighting challenges for tug operators.

After the committee meeting, members explored the Maritime Festival and the impressive range of workboats on show, with some members enjoying brief voyages. The BTA Technical Committee Meeting gratefully appreciates the invitation by Damen to attend the festival and hopes to participate in future events with their efficient and knowledgeable team.

Chamber Launches Refreshed Member Update

Our Journal, a yearly flagship publication that looks at past and future activities, has now been replaced by our refreshed Member Update.

The concept for our new Member Update is to provide a more regular update on the Chamber's activity, keeping all our stakeholders engaged.

You can expect a quarterly update that looks at our recent engagements, policy matters, past and future events, including a Q&A with some of our members.

Read our refreshed Member Update to keep up with the recent news.

Cadet Welfare Support Group

The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB), Nautilus International and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) have created the Cadet Welfare Support Group to prioritise the health, safety and well-being of UK Cadets during training, both on land and at sea.

If Cadets would like to escalate any issues or concerns relating to their training that the sponsoring company or training provider has not satisfactorily managed, they can contact the group by emailing the MNTB, Nautilus International or MCA directly.

UK Cadets are the future of our industry, and the creation of this new support group underlines our commitment to ensuring that those undertaking training at sea and in college can rely on safe working conditions, a high-quality training experience and consistent support from the start of their training to completion.

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. You can access all your resources through your member dashboard. Latest updates include: 

• IMO Carriage of Containers & Cargoes (CCC9) - ICS Summary of Proceedings
• UK Chamber Draft Response: Proposed UK Endorsement of IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
• Ferry and Cruise update: October 2023
• Documentary Sub-Committee meeting 5 October 2023: Minutes & Briefing Note

If you haven't done so, don't forget to register for an account.

Upcoming Events

Autumn Lunch 2023

The Chamber will once again be hosting our annual Autumn Lunch at the Harbour Hotel in Southampton. There will be a Q&A with President Graham Westgarth and members of the senior leadership team, followed by a networking reception and a delicious three-course meal.

Click below to book your place by Wednesday 18th October.

BOOK TICKET

Maritime Labour Convention

The Chamber will be hosting an online-only training course on Monday 30 October on the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC); how it has come to be the fourth pillar of international regulation for shipping, alongside SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW.

The course will be presented by Tim Springett and Hannah Gilbert of the Chamber.

BOOK TICKET

BTA Safety Seminar

The Annual Safety Seminar of the British Tugowners Association will take place on Thursday 16 November 2023 at Insurance Hall, London.

The Seminar will examine recent incidents, discuss accident prevention, and hear from tug experts, insurers and investigators. With an audience of tug masters, pilots, marine superintendents, P&I clubs, lawyers, workboat crew, harbour masters and others, the aim is to inform, discuss and share best practice.

The day will run from 0900-1600 with lunch and refreshments provided

BOOK TICKET

International Shipping Seminar

With a focus on vessel vetting, decarbonisation, sustainability, and regulatory measures, don't miss our seminar taking place on 22 November at Cavendish Square, London, 2 pm - 5 pm. More information to follow.

Free event exclusively for Chamber members

REGISTER NOW 

British Rig Owners' Association (BROA) Annual Dinner, Technical & Executive Committee 

The event will be held on Thursday 7th December 2023 at the International Chamber of Shipping in London, whilst the dinner will take place at the Bleeding Heart Bistro, London, EC1N 8SJ.

SAVE THE DATE

Chamber Annual Gala Dinner  

The UK Chamber of Shipping is delighted to confirm that its Annual Gala Dinner will be taking place on 5th February 2024 at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House London, Park Lane.

The premier black-tie event in the shipping calendar will be an opportunity to network with colleagues and celebrate recent achievements. Last year's event attracted around 855 influential guests from across the industry.

SAVE THE DATE