Maritime is intrinsically linked to the Government's growth mission and will play a crucial role in creating jobs, attracting investment and developing the technologies of tomorrow, the UK Maritime Minister told maritime leaders at the official launch of London International Shipping Week 2027 (LISW27).

Speaking to more than 250 guests, made up of senior representatives from across shipping, government and the wider maritime community, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics Keir Mather said the importance of the sector to the UK economy extended far beyond its role

"Maritime is intrinsically linked to this Government's growth mission. Nothing can happen without our maritime sector," he said.

"It doesn't just connect this island nation to a global marketplace. It creates high-quality jobs in our coastal communities. It supports our booming tourism industry, especially through the cruise sector, but it is also crucial in pioneering the industries and technologies of tomorrow and championing the rollout of clean energy."

The event, which was held at Norton Rose Fulbright's offices in London, officially started the countdown to LISW27, which will take place across London from 13-17 September next year, and brings together shipowners, managers, governments, regulators, insurers, financiers, lawyers, technology companies and other maritime leaders from around the world.

Reflecting on the challenges facing shipping over the past year, particularly continuing disruption in the Middle East, the Minister praised the industry's resilience and said the Government would continue to support the sector while maintaining focus on longer-term priorities at home. However significant questions remained over how the UK maritime sector can maintain its competitive position, he said.

"We know that there is a lot more to do, and there are plenty of big questions left to answer," he said.

"We need to know from you how maritime can stay ahead of the innovation curve in this country, how we can build a workforce that is truly fit for the future and how we can strengthen our resilience, both in our shipping sector and at our ports.

"London International Shipping Week 2027 is going to help us explore these issues and so many more."

Nick Shaw, Chair of the LISW27 Board of Advisors and CEO of the International Group of P&I Clubs, said the scale of the challenges facing international shipping made bringing government and industry together increasingly important.

"Geopolitical instability, decarbonisation, digital transformation, regulatory change and the continuing need to protect our seafarers are creating challenges of enormous complexity," he said.

Mr Shaw added: "None of these issues will be resolved by one company, one organisation or one country acting alone. They will require expertise, imagination and, most importantly, collaboration."

LISW27 would seek to go beyond discussion and create an environment in which international maritime leaders could make decisions, establish partnerships and find practical solutions. "There will, of course, be plenty of discussion. But our ambition is that LISW27 should also be a week of decisions, new partnerships and meaningful action," he said.

Addressing guests, sponsors and supporting organisations, Co-Founder of LISW Sean Moloney said: "It's so great to see so many sponsors and supporting organizations here tonight. We cannot do it without you, you bring in the audience, you help to make LISW happen."

He added: "I believe LISW it is currently one of the top five shipping events globally. We want it to be even bigger and better, more compelling, and have even more deliverables as the week comes along. The global shipping industry will be coming into London next year and they'll be exchanging ideas and doing business at the highest level. Shipping is finding itself at the heart of many issues shaping global life, from geopolitical uncertainty to energy and security and decarbonisation, technology, and international trade.

"Thank you for your support and we look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an exceptional London International Shipping Week of September 2027, " he concluded.

For all the latest information on LISW27 please visit the website: www.LISW.com

Ends

Notes to Editors

About LISW27:

London International Shipping Week (LISW27) will take place from September 13-17, 2027. London will once again host the global maritime community, with hundreds of events expected to attract thousands of international shipping industry leaders and overseas trade delegations.

London International Shipping Week is owned and organised by Shipping Innovation Limited, (an independent joint venture company that brings together two of the most creative, energetic and well-connected media companies in the maritime, transport and energy industries: Elaborate Communications Ltd and ship.energy), working alongside the British Government.

For more information please contact:

LISW27 Press Team:

Lisa Jacobs Email: ljacobs@elaboratecomms.com

Sean Harris Email: sharris@elaboratecomms.com

Tel: +44 (0) 1296 682051

Further information about LISW27 can be found on the dedicated event website: www.LISW.com

For more photos see our Flickr site

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