The UK Department of Transport informed that innovative technology such as autonomous ships and digital ports will be on the agenda with the appointment of a group of experts to help advise on the future of maritime.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling announced the appointment of the team, as well as a call for evidence on Maritime 2050 – the UK Government’s strategy to give opportunities to young people who want to work in the maritime sector.
Maritime 2050 will present challenges and opportunities to allow the government and the UK shipping industry to plan for the future, encourage economic growth by giving certainty to investors, and will include digital advances which can help make shipping more efficient, and the use of low-drag paint to reduce fuel consumption.
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The call for evidence, which closes on 16 May 2018, highlights a number of themes fundamental to the growth of UK maritime, such as:
- Technology
- Trade
- Infrastructure
- Environment
- People
- Security/resilience.
The government has set up the Women in Maritime Taskforce, which wants to increase the number of women employed in the sector. The current share of women is around 3% but more diversity in the workforce will also help the industry improve.
