Sarah Kenny becomes new chair for Maritime UK

Maritime UK has confirmed the appointment of Sarah Kenny as its new chair, and of Robin Mortimer as its new vice chair. Kenny, who is CEO of BMT Group was previously vice chair and Mortimer is CEO of the Port of London Authority.

Maritime UK is the umbrella body for the maritime sector, bringing together the shipping, ports, services, engineering, and leisure marine industries. Its purpose is to champion and enable a thriving maritime sector.

Kenny and Mortimer started their terms on 1 January 2021 and will be working with members to help steer the sector through the next four years having left the European Union, as it seeks to build back better from Covid-19, attract new investment and accelerates its work to meet its net zero commitments with the key COP26 summit being held in the UK in 2021.

“As an island, maritime nation, this sector has a long history in the UK, but it also has a significant role to play today. Not only has maritime kept the country supplied during the pandemic, but it is this sector that will facilitate 95% of trade having left the European Union,” says Kenny.

“There is no greater challenge facing humanity than the need to decarbonise our economy. We are committed to working with government to decarbonise our own sector and equally to explore how we move more freight onto the water to reduce emissions.

“The UK is a true world-leader and partner to maritime businesses around the globe. Through Maritime 2050 we are forging a renewed role for our sector globally – as a high-quality, innovative, and thought-leading maritime centre. We are already working closely with government to enhance the attractiveness and global proposition of the UK and look forward to that work accelerating following agreement of the UK’s new relationship with the EU.”

“As the government looks to chart a post-Brexit course for our country, it should be mindful that ours is a sector set to double in size, with new and exciting growth areas like autonomy, digitisation, aquaculture and green propulsion,” says Mortimer. “We also have an opportunity to rejuvenate British shipbuilding through advanced manufacturing and supplying vessels to meet the government’s ambitious targets for offshore wind.

“Maritime businesses are uniquely positioned to drive growth and create new jobs in coastal communities across the country. Maritime UK is determined to play its part in supporting government’s levelling up agenda, particularly through increased investment and exports.

“I look forward to working with Maritime UK colleagues to champion and enable a thriving maritime sector.”

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