Maritime 2050: objectives, implementation and effects

Transport Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 1 Mar 2022 Closed: 20 Jun 2023 Parliament page
The Department for Transport leads on maritime policy in government. Maritime includes the shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries. Government strategy to support the maritime sector is set out in Maritime 2050: Navigating the future published in January 2019. Read the call for evidence for more detail about … Read more
21 Recommendations
15 Conclusions
1 Report
3 Oral sessions
1 Letter
3 Events
Activity timeline 9 events
20 Jun
2023
Report published
20 Mar
2023
Report published
20 Jul
2022
Correspondence
22 Jun
2022
Oral evidence
22 Jun
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
25 May
2022
Oral evidence
25 May
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
11 May
2022
Oral evidence
11 May
2022
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 3 sessions
22 Jun 2022
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Ben Murray · Maritime UK Ian Blair · Maritime and Coastguard Agency Petra Wilkinson · Department for Transport Robert Courts MP · Department for Transport
25 May 2022
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Darren Proctor · National Union of Rail, Maritime & Transport Workers (RMT) David Tournay · Maritime Skills Alliance Dr Basil Germond Huw Gullick · NOC Innovations Martyn Gray · Nautilus International Professor John Hudson CBE · MarRI-UK
11 May 2022
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Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE · Maritime UK David Kennedy Browne · Maersk Gavin Simmonds · UK Chamber of Shipping Jos Standerwick · Maritime London Lucy Armstrong · Port of Tyne Mark Simmonds · The British Ports Association
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050 HC 160 20 Mar 2023 36 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
36 results
1 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
We commend the Government for creating the first, and arguably long overdue, long-term strategy for...
We commend the Government for creating the first, and arguably long overdue, long-term strategy for the maritime sector in the UK. This showed a welcome commitment to the maritime sector, and recognition of its overall importance to the UK economy. … Read more
Government Response
The Government welcomes the Committee’s recognition of the importance of the maritime sector and recognises the importance that maintaining their excellent relationships with the sector will play in delivering the strategy’s shared vision.
Department for Transport
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2 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
To avoid confusion for the sector, the Government needs to more clearly distinguish between which...
To avoid confusion for the sector, the Government needs to more clearly distinguish between which Maritime 2050 recommendations are specific actions and which are aspirations. To ensure the continued success of the Maritime 2050 strategy, the Government should review the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees to review Maritime 2050 recommendations, set out key performance indicators and targets, and use the Maritime Council to review progress and agree on how to prioritize recommendations.
Department for Transport
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3 Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The maritime sector has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in maintaining the supply chain in...
The maritime sector has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability in maintaining the supply chain in exceptionally difficult circumstances, with goods being transported throughout the covid-19 pandemic.
Department for Transport
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4 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Government’s publication timetable means that the next Trade Route Map update is due in...
The Government’s publication timetable means that the next Trade Route Map update is due in 2024. Given the global shocks that have occurred since 2019, there is a need for a permanent resilience plan, not just a singular response to … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the need for a permanent resilience plan and is considering when best to revise the Trade Route Map, highlighting the maritime sector's vital role in facilitating global trade and committing to working with industry to make trade easier by removing barriers.
Department for Transport
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5 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Department for Transport should continue to fund the Regional Council and assist in the...
The Department for Transport should continue to fund the Regional Council and assist in the development of potential new regional maritime clusters while assessing the benefits of existing clusters for levelling up.
Government Response
The government has provided £350,000 since 2019 to support the development of maritime clusters and will launch a development programme later this year to boost their effectiveness and governance, and is considering providing further funding to developing and emerging clusters.
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6 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The size of a ship register is a measure of the success of a flag...
The size of a ship register is a measure of the success of a flag state and a way to exert influence on standards and welfare across an international sector. We welcome the Government’s recognition that if the UK wishes … Read more
Government Response
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has a three-year Strategic Growth Programme that will create the conditions for the sustainable growth of the UK Ship Register and KPIs from the growth programme are being prepared and will be published later this year.
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7 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
As with other elements of Maritime 2050, adoption of a concrete target for growth of...
As with other elements of Maritime 2050, adoption of a concrete target for growth of the UK Ship Register would assist in concentrating minds on this goal. (Paragraph 42) 56 Maritime 2050
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation and states that the MCA has a three-year Strategic Growth Programme and KPIs are being prepared and will be published later this year. They will also review actions and determine the best approach to target setting.
Department for Transport
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8 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
As an investment in the maritime workforce and a way to capitalise on the reputation...
As an investment in the maritime workforce and a way to capitalise on the reputation of UK maritime training, tonnage tax needs to retain its training link. (Paragraph 43) Environment
Government Response
The government agrees that the training link will remain an integral part of the UK Tonnage Tax regime, has increased funding support through the Support for Maritime Training programme to 50% of cadets training costs, and is considering options to ensure high quality training for officer cadets and ratings trainees.
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9 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The maritime sector is global, and the UK cannot regulate it alone.
The maritime sector is global, and the UK cannot regulate it alone. To reach the Government’s net zero target, we welcome the Government’s commitment to live up to its world-leading maritime status and push for the net zero target at … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with pushing for the net zero target at the IMO and will publish the updated Clean Maritime Plan by the end of 2023, including indicative targets for the domestic maritime sector and details of existing and future policy interventions.
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10 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The UK must have a defined plan for decarbonising the maritime sector with clear, measurable...
The UK must have a defined plan for decarbonising the maritime sector with clear, measurable targets for both home and abroad. The 2019 Clean Maritime Plan was a good starting point, but a more focused plan for achieving net zero … Read more
Government Response
The government will publish the updated Clean Maritime Plan by the end of 2023, which will include indicative targets for the domestic maritime sector and details of existing and future policy interventions.
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11 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Government’s aim of becoming a world leader in developing clean maritime technologies is ambitious...
The Government’s aim of becoming a world leader in developing clean maritime technologies is ambitious and will aid the UK’s competitive advantage. There is an urgent need, however, to scale up and commercialise existing technologies, which may assist in reaching … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees on the need to scale up and commercialize technologies and highlights the existing £206m UK SHORE programme and the £77m Zero Emission Vessels and Infrastructure (ZEVI) scheme.
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12 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
We welcome the creation of UK SHORE as a positive first step.
We welcome the creation of UK SHORE as a positive first step. The Government must commit to long-term investment and target some funding at commercialisation of mature technologies to help reach the net zero target.
Government Response
The government welcomes the recommendation but states further investment beyond March 2025 is dependent on future budget decisions and will be taken in due course; however, the UK SHORE programme has already allocated over £95m match-funding to 105 projects across the UK to support the design and development of low-to-mid TRL clean maritime technologies.
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13 Conclusion Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Evidence to our inquiry strongly suggests that Government investment will be part of the solution...
Evidence to our inquiry strongly suggests that Government investment will be part of the solution needed to make widespread provision of shore power viable. The match- funding announced in February 2023 is a sign of good intentions, but support must … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees and states that Beyond the existing UK SHORE funding, the Government has no current plans to create additional funding streams to support the deployment of shore power.
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14 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
There is a fine balance that needs to be struck when it comes to regulating...
There is a fine balance that needs to be struck when it comes to regulating for smart shipping and autonomous vessels. It is important that innovation is able to flourish whilst ensuring that safety standards are maintained and that there … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the committee. Funding has been devoted to the Centre for Smart Shipping with an aim to launch the scheme before the end of 2023 and provide a coordinating function in new and emerging technologies.
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15 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Department for Transport should publish the outcome of its consultation on maritime autonomy and...
The Department for Transport should publish the outcome of its consultation on maritime autonomy and remote operations as soon as possible so the sector has a Maritime 2050 57 clear understanding of the regulatory framework it will be operating within. … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees, but states the reforms cannot be legislated for during the current parliamentary session due to competing priorities elsewhere; the government response to the Future of Transport review will be published in the coming weeks and that providing legal certainty to industry in this area remains a priority that we will take forward when parliamentary time allows.
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16 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Department for Transport should establish the Centre for Smart Shipping as soon as possible,...
The Department for Transport should establish the Centre for Smart Shipping as soon as possible, empowering it to work with the sector and with the Maritime Future Technologies Team to enable innovation to prosper.
Government Response
The government agrees and plans to launch the Centre for Smart Shipping before the end of 2023 using funding from the UK SHORE programme to provide a coordinating function in new and emerging technologies.
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17 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Government needs to act as a consolidator and facilitator to draw together disparate approaches...
The Government needs to act as a consolidator and facilitator to draw together disparate approaches to cybersecurity in the maritime sector. The 2017 Cyber Security Code of Practice for Ships should be updated as soon as possible. The Government should … Read more
Government Response
The government is taking an active role in bringing together cyber security activities to support the maritime sector, including developing technical guidance and engaging with stakeholders, as well as producing an update to the 2017 Guidance: Cyber Security Code of Practice for Ships and co-sponsoring a paper to update IMO guidelines.
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18 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
There are a number of challenges facing innovation in the maritime sector.
There are a number of challenges facing innovation in the maritime sector. Some of these the Government has started to address, such as by supporting an Innovation Hub at the Port of Tyne, to help break down barriers to collaboration. … Read more
Government Response
The Government notes the recommendation.
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19 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
A significant further challenge is a “scaling-up gap”, whereby new innovations are developed with the...
A significant further challenge is a “scaling-up gap”, whereby new innovations are developed with the help of research and development or seed funding, but making the leap to widespread use and commercialisation of those innovations is much more difficult. Read more
Government Response
The government states it already works across departmental boundaries to help SMEs, maximize maritime exports, and provides examples of existing programs such as the Maritime Capability Campaign Office, Help to Grow Management UK, and the Made Smarter programme.
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20 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
To help bridge the “scaling-up gap”, the Department for Transport should work with the Department...
To help bridge the “scaling-up gap”, the Department for Transport should work with the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to develop business skills support for SMEs in the maritime sector. Future iterations … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation and outlines existing cross-departmental efforts to support business skills development for SMEs in the maritime sector, including the MCCO, Help to Grow Management UK, and the Made Smarter programme, as well as existing funding opportunities.
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21 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
We welcome the Government’s intention to call for evidence on planning and delivering infrastructure for...
We welcome the Government’s intention to call for evidence on planning and delivering infrastructure for the freight and logistics sector. This must include questions about the planning process and the hurdles that are being faced by the maritime and ports … Read more
Government Response
The government will publish the Freight Planning Call for Evidence this summer, encouraging ports to respond fully, and is working with ports to understand their highest priority connectivity needs and champion these, including holding industry workshops to identify potential low-cost projects and resolve non-financial barriers.
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22 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it intends to review the 2012 National Policy Statement...
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it intends to review the 2012 National Policy Statement for Ports. We urge prompt completion of this review to ensure the NPS remains an effective tool in securing the infrastructure development needed by ports … Read more
Government Response
The government partially agrees to reviewing the National Policy Statement for Ports, as a review is timely, but the current NPSP provides a workable framework in the meantime. They will also develop an action plan for increasing planning authorities’ awareness of the NPSP.
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23 Recommendation Deferred
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
We have heard evidence suggesting that the Marine Management Organisation may be acting as a...
We have heard evidence suggesting that the Marine Management Organisation may be acting as a stumbling block rather than a facilitator of a thriving maritime economy. The Minister for Maritime needs to work with the Secretary of State for Environment, … Read more
Government Response
The government will work with industry this summer to understand the nature of the issues being experienced with the Marine Management Organisation and set an action plan, and will also encourage ports to input into the imminent freight planning Call for Evidence, with potential for DfT and port representation on MMO governance forums.
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24 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Coastal shipping and inland waterways have been overlooked within Maritime 2050.
Coastal shipping and inland waterways have been overlooked within Maritime 2050. We agree with the sector that this is a missed opportunity. To fully harness the UK’s competitive advantage, the Department for Transport should undertake its promised research into the … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation and states coastal shipping and inland waterways are an element of the Future of Freight plan, and that they will look to undertake the recommended research and ensure any opportunities afforded by coastal and inland waterway shipping are recognised.
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25 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
A three-year grant scheme is not suitable for the maritime sector, which operates on long...
A three-year grant scheme is not suitable for the maritime sector, which operates on long timescales and requires support for capital costs. The Government should reintroduce the Freight Facilities Grant in England and review the Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme … Read more
Government Response
The government will commence a review of the Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme and Waterborne Freight Grant schemes to ensure they are suitable for the maritime sector. They do not plan to reinstate the Freight Facilities Grant in England.
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26 Conclusion Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The maritime sector is undergoing major technological changes, which has an impact on the current...
The maritime sector is undergoing major technological changes, which has an impact on the current and future skills requirements for officers, ratings and shoreside workers. It is critical that the UK’s maritime skills base keeps pace with technology and removes … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation and outlines existing support for seafarer training through a Support for Maritime Training Fund, and refers to the Seafarer Cadet Review and Maritime Skills Commission's Ratings Review.
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27 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
To invest in the maritime sector, the UK must invest in its people.
To invest in the maritime sector, the UK must invest in its people. The Government should carry out a review of training funding in the maritime sector—establishing if there are barriers to access and how the system can be improved. … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation and outlines existing support for seafarer training through a Support for Maritime Training Fund, and refers to the Seafarer Cadet Review and Maritime Skills Commission's Ratings Review.
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28 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
By its own admission, the maritime industry recognises that diversity in the workforce needs to...
By its own admission, the maritime industry recognises that diversity in the workforce needs to improve. It also faces a visibility challenge, with awareness of the wide variety of exciting careers available in the sector being low. Expanding the talent … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, highlighting the Seafarers’ Wages Act, cooperation with the French and Spanish Governments, and a £2.4m grant for Welfare, Maritime Skills and Careers to support seafarer welfare, maritime skills, careers and diversity.
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29 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
P&O Ferries’ treatment of workers in March 2022 has not only affected the 800 seafarers...
P&O Ferries’ treatment of workers in March 2022 has not only affected the 800 seafarers directly involved but damaged the perception of the maritime sector for potential new recruits. It is imperative that the Government ensures that seafarers and potential … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation. The Seafarers’ Wages Act received Royal Assent on 23 March 2023, and is now law. DBT has launched its consultation on a Code of Practice on ‘fire and rehire’.
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30 Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
We commend the work that the Government has done regarding the welfare of seafarers during...
We commend the work that the Government has done regarding the welfare of seafarers during the pandemic. Their recognition of seafarers as key workers is important. This is an essential step in ensuring that seafarers have both the recognition and … Read more
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31 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Welfare standards are inextricably linked to contractual terms and conditions, however.
Welfare standards are inextricably linked to contractual terms and conditions, however. It is not sufficient for the Government to rely on the glacial progress made in amending the Maritime Labour Convention. The MLC is a set of minimum international standards … Read more
Government Response
The Government notes the recommendation, stating that the Seafarers’ Charter will initially launch on a voluntary basis and they will continue to explore options to further enhance seafarer welfare, undertaking research and working with international organizations.
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32 Conclusion Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
All seafarers should be paid a reasonable wage and be guaranteed good working conditions, including...
All seafarers should be paid a reasonable wage and be guaranteed good working conditions, including safe roster patterns. We did not take evidence specifically on the provisions of the Seafarers’ Wages Bill, but we consider that while it is in … Read more
Government Response
The government notes the recommendation, states that it saw the need to act swiftly to protect seafarers from wage exploitation and will monitor the uptake of the charter and keep the need for further legislation under review while continuing to explore options to further enhance seafarer welfare.
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33 Recommendation Acknowledged
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Seafarers’ Wages Bill’s aims must also be supported by the promised welfare charter, which...
The Seafarers’ Wages Bill’s aims must also be supported by the promised welfare charter, which we urge the Government to bring forward as soon as possible. This must include concrete action to hold employers to high standards and to support … Read more
Government Response
The Government notes the recommendation, stating that the Seafarers’ Charter will initially launch on a voluntary basis and they will continue to explore options to further enhance seafarer welfare, undertaking research and working with international organizations.
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34 Recommendation Accepted
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Department for Transport in its own 2015 report advocated for both a cross- Whitehall...
The Department for Transport in its own 2015 report advocated for both a cross- Whitehall team and a Ministerial Working Group for maritime. We agree that these mechanisms would provide a helpful focus for collaboration to support the industry. To … Read more
Government Response
The government will convene the first meeting of the Maritime Council in June 2023 to provide top-level governance across the delivery of Maritime 2050 and will publish a joint Government and industry annual progress report from 2024.
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35 Conclusion Rejected
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
For the ports sector to be effective and competitive it is important that the government...
For the ports sector to be effective and competitive it is important that the government department and agencies they work with have a good understanding of their role and competencies. We note that, alongside the responsibility of the Maritime and … Read more
Government Response
The government disagrees, stating that they fully understand the role of ports and that the compliance process in the Seafarers’ Wages Act has been designed as a proportionate balance of roles between ports and the MCA, with the MCA responsible for enforcement.
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36 Recommendation Rejected
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
The Department for Transport should take leadership on clarifying across Government the role of ports...
The Department for Transport should take leadership on clarifying across Government the role of ports authorities and protecting them from inappropriate enforcement burdens. Ports authorities cannot be used as the Government’s ‘Swiss Army knife’ to undertake an ever-greater variety of … Read more
Government Response
The government disagrees, stating they understand the role of port authorities and champion their cause across Government. They believe the compliance process in the Seafarers’ Wages Act is proportionate, and ports are instrumental in implementing sanctions against Russia.
Department for Transport
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Government Response AI assessment · 34 of 21 classified
Accepted 16
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 10
Deferred 2
Rejected 2
Total 21 recs + 15 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
20 Jul 2022 Correspondence from the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Maritime, Department for Transport, relating to Maritime 2050: objectives, implementation and effects, dated 11 July 2022
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