Following the discussions around Brexit and how the UK’s departure will affect the shipping industry, UK Chamber of Shipping’s Policy Director stated that the sector will not change much, ‘at least not immediately‘.
Specifically, Mr Gavin Simmonds reported that because of the transition period introduced in the first agreement and into the second there won’t be much change, as the UK will remain in the single market and keep its current customs and border arrangements.
European Union law will be followed and countries outside the EU will hopefully continue to treat UK as an EU member … The prize, or price, is the freedom to make our own new UK trade deals
… added Mr Simmonds.
Moreover, it is stated that the UK Chamber of Shipping deliberately held a neutral position in talks around Brexit and No Deal Brexit, collaborated with the Government and relayed the thoughts and concerns of their members.
The UK Chamber of Shipping sees the transition as a chance to drive regulatory reform in the maritime sector, and to promote the importance of, and access to, the brightest and best maritime talent. Supporting member companies, they stated that they will continue providing the best economic benefits of maritime trade, creating new deals, with either new global partners or reformulating deals with existing EU neighbours.
Time is short but in shipping we are used to plotting a complex route through a hybrid mix of regulations at international and regional levels. Change invigorates business and it must be with confidence and a bold vision that we should meet the challenges in the year ahead.
