Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Fifth Report - Maritime 2050
Transport Committee
HC 160
Published 20 March 2023
Recommendations
2
Accepted
To avoid confusion for the sector, the Government needs to more clearly distinguish between which...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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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4
Acknowledged
The Government’s publication timetable means that the next Trade Route Map update is due in...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
Accepted
Para 30
The Department for Transport should continue to fund the Regional Council and assist in the...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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7
Accepted
As with other elements of Maritime 2050, adoption of a concrete target for growth of...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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
Accepted
As an investment in the maritime workforce and a way to capitalise on the reputation...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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10
Accepted
Para 60
The UK must have a defined plan for decarbonising the maritime sector with clear, measurable...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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12
Accepted in Part
Para 69
We welcome the creation of UK SHORE as a positive first step.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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15
Deferred
Para 91
The Department for Transport should publish the outcome of its consultation on maritime autonomy and...
Recommendation
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. …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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16
Accepted
Para 92
The Department for Transport should establish the Centre for Smart Shipping as soon as possible,...
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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17
Accepted
Para 98
The Government needs to act as a consolidator and facilitator to draw together disparate approaches...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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20
Accepted
To help bridge the “scaling-up gap”, the Department for Transport should work with the Department...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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21
Accepted
Para 122
We welcome the Government’s intention to call for evidence on planning and delivering infrastructure for...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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22
Accepted in Part
Para 123
We welcome the Government’s announcement that it intends to review the 2012 National Policy Statement...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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23
Deferred
We have heard evidence suggesting that the Marine Management Organisation may be acting as a...
Recommendation
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, …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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25
Accepted in Part
A three-year grant scheme is not suitable for the maritime sector, which operates on long...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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27
Accepted
Para 145
To invest in the maritime sector, the UK must invest in its people.
Recommendation
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. …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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29
Acknowledged
Para 159
P&O Ferries’ treatment of workers in March 2022 has not only affected the 800 seafarers...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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31
Acknowledged
Para 166
Welfare standards are inextricably linked to contractual terms and conditions, however.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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33
Acknowledged
The Seafarers’ Wages Bill’s aims must also be supported by the promised welfare charter, which...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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
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34
Accepted
Para 179
The Department for Transport in its own 2015 report advocated for both a cross- Whitehall...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Department for Transport
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36
Rejected
The Department for Transport should take leadership on clarifying across Government the role of ports...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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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Conclusions (15)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 10
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 Summary
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.
3
Conclusion
Para 23
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.
6
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 41
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 to maintain its status, serious efforts must be made to …
Government Response Summary
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.
9
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 59
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 the International Maritime Organization.
Government Response Summary
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.
11
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 68
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 net zero more quickly. We believe this is an oversight …
Government Response Summary
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.
13
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
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 be sustained and at a level likely to effect widespread …
Government Response Summary
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.
14
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 90
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 Summary
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.
18
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 106
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 Summary
The Government notes the recommendation.
19
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 107
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.
Government Response Summary
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.
24
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 133
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 Summary
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.
26
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 142
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 barriers to domestic training and employment opportunities for UK- resident …
Government Response Summary
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.
28
Conclusion
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 Summary
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.
30
Conclusion
Para 165
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.
32
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 170
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 Summary
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.
35
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 180
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 Coastguard Agency to investigate compliance under the Seafarers’ Wages Bill, …
Government Response Summary
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.