UK Flag Forum held in London at Queen Elizabeth II Centre

Autonomous vessels and different fuels are among the many key maritime subjects being mentioned by ship house owners, operators and regulators at this yr’s UK Flag Discussion board.

Hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Company at London’s Queen Elizabeth II Centre at this time (8 July), the occasion brings key figures from throughout the worldwide delivery business collectively to debate the UK flag and strengthen its place as a world-leading flag state.

The UK Flag Discussion board is a platform for shipowners, operators, regulators and policymakers to share perception and talk about points and alternatives, together with seafarer coaching, decarbonisation and navigational security.

The occasion was formally opened this morning by Virginia McVea, CEO of the Maritime and Coastguard Company (MCA).

Lord Simon Stevens, Chair of the MCA, supplied a welcome deal with earlier than a panel dialogue on the Division for Transport’s Maritime Decarbonisations Technique.

Panellists included Deputy Director of UKSHORE Eamonn Beirne, Senior Sustainability Advisor at British Ports Affiliation Rhona MacDonald and Philip Fullerton, Managing Director at Northern Marine Group Ltd.

MCA Chief Examiner and Head of Seafarer Technical Supply Ajit Jacob has been main the day’s first seminar session on Seafarer Coaching, with MCA’s Maritime Autonomy Workforce Chief Katrina Kemp presenting on Maritime Autonomous Floor Ships (MASS).

MCA’s Performing Director of Technical Operations Prasad Panicker has been talking on Approvals for Different Fuels, whereas the Director of Maritime Futures Keith Johnstone centered on Decarbonisation, with Deputy Director of Laws and Requirements Gwilym Stone main a Close to Coastal Workshop.

MCA Assistant Director for UK Technical Companies Navigation Richard Bell mentioned Navigational Security.

Maritime Minister Mike Kane stated: “I’m thrilled to affix the MCA at this yr’s UK Flag Discussion board, which is so essential in bringing key gamers within the sector collectively to debate the problems going through the maritime business.

“We’re dedicated to the UK turning into a clear power superpower, which is why earlier this yr we set out a course to internet zero delivery by 2050. Solely by working collectively can we sort out the impression of delivery on our local weather, create a greener sector, and ship on our shared ambitions.”

MCA Director of UK Buyer Maritime Companies Lars Lippuner (pictured) stated: “The UK Flag Discussion board stays an important platform for shaping the way forward for the UK maritime sector. By bringing collectively key stakeholders, we foster collaboration and drive significant progress throughout what’s an thrilling and pivotal time for our business.

“Now greater than ever, working collectively is important, and we sit up for participating with our prospects; listening, discussing, and studying from them at this time.”

He added: “As each hosts and audio system, the MCA is proud to supply a platform for open dialogue on the UK Flag Discussion board, with a robust emphasis on upholding the excellence of our world-class flag and the essential work it represents.”

The occasion can be closed with a keynote speech by the Minister.