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Shipping is on a critical pathway to net zero. New fuels and energy sources are moving from pilots to early commercial adoption - but safety, standards and operational readiness must keep pace.

That is why we convened the Safety of Alternative Fuels Working Group (SAFWG): to bring together experts from across industry, government and academia to build a shared, evidence-led baseline of safety considerations for alternative marine fuels.

“Commercial shipping is no longer simply an economic service operating in the background. It is strategic infrastructure.”

That was a central theme of discussion at the latest Maritime Leaders Forum at Trinity House on 29 June, where UK Chamber of Shipping CEO Rhett Hatcher joined industry, defence and policy leaders to explore the role of shipping in supporting the UK's resilience, security and economic prosperity.

Collaboration across industry, academia and government will be critical to delivering maritime decarbonisation. That was a central theme of the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub's annual assembly, held in Durham on 24 and 25 June, where Policy Director Francesco Sandrelli and Policy Advisor Ellie Lovejoy represented the UK Chamber of Shipping.

For the shipping industry, the ocean is not just where we operate – it is fundamental to the movement of global trade and people, and to the growth of economies around the world. Therefore, understanding and protecting that environment is a shared responsibility, and one that continues to grow in importance as shipping navigates the future.

The UK Chamber of Shipping Annual Dinner returns on 1 February 2027, continuing its proud tradition as one of the most significant gatherings in the maritime calendar.