Recommendations & Conclusions
12 items
1
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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. We note that the sector has been complimentary about the …
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
3
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
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
4
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 the pandemic. The Government should bring forward the publication of …
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 …
Department for Transport
14
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 is a measure of certainty to guide investment. Leadership and …
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.
Department for Transport
18
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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. We welcome this.
Government response. The Government notes the recommendation.
Department for Transport
24
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 potential for coastal shipping and inland waterways, which should be …
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 …
Department for Transport
28
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 pool and making maritime career paths better known are directly …
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.
Department for Transport
29
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 future seafarers know they are valued and are not deemed …
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’.
Department for Transport
30
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
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 support that they deserve.
Department for Transport
31
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 designed for the deep sea sector—not, for example, for short …
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.
Department for Transport
32
Conclusion
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 itself a welcome and necessary step, it will not be …
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 …
Department for Transport
33
Recommendation
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Acknowledged
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 better mental health among seafarers, and must be underpinned with …
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.
Department for Transport