Cleethorpes MP, Martin Vickers, has met with the Minister for Shipping and Ports, John Hayes, to celebrate the maritime successes of the Government, and to discuss future challenges.
Mr Hayes was launching the Government's document: "Our Maritime Nation: Achievements and Challenges."
The Shipping and Ports Minister described how maritime industries generate up to £14 billion a year, despite the challenges facing businesses here and abroad. Mr Hayes noted how 95 per cent of goods by volume entering and leaving this country are handled by our ports (Immingham handling one quarter of this total).
Mr Hayes stated how investing in the next generation of seafarers, portworkers, engineers, naval architects, shipbrokers, financiers, accountants, consultants insurers and lawyers is essential. He said: "Sea trade is expected to double in the next 20 years, so we are determined to continue building capacity in our maritime workforce."
Through the government's £15 million a year Support for Maritime Training scheme (SMarT), the cost of training Merchant Navy ratings and officer cadets is assisted by government.
Speaking after the event and meeting Mr Hayes, Martin said: "“clearly as an area with a rich maritime history, which is heavily dependent on port-related activities to deliver future prosperity, the policies of this and any future government on these issues is vitally important. What is clear is that the Coalition Government has given the industry a high priority.”