Britain and the Sea Conference to Examine International Trade

Leading maritime experts and senior members of the Royal Navy will be exploring the balance between commercial opportunity, security and defense in a globalized trading economy. Hear the evidence, share the insights and judge the arguments at the Britain and the Sea conference being held during London International Shipping Week 2015.

The conference, organized by the Maritime Foundation in cooperation with Plymouth University, will further consider maritime risks in an era of uncertainty, and their effect on world trade – at the Royal Society of Arts on Tuesday, 8 September.

Around 95% of goods entering and leaving the UK are handled through our ports and harbors, and over 90% of world trade is carried by sea.  Britain’s maritime sector directly and indirectly is its biggest employer and is still one of the largest contributors to the UK economy.  It generates engineering and leadership skills and is a major font for apprenticeships and career opportunities.

Julian Parker OBE, Chairman of the Maritime Foundation said: “These facts clearly demonstrate that the health and vitality of Britain’s maritime sector is of immense importance not only in terms of international trade, but also to the nation’s security and economic wellbeing.  We need to ensure maritime remains an essential component of national policy.” 

The opening address will be given by Dr.Fotios Moustakis, Director of The Dartmouth Centre for Sea Power and Strategy who will explain the purpose of the new center and its role within the maritime academic institutions.  The morning and afternoon session will be chaired respectively by Alastair Couper, Professor Emeritus and Seafarer Rights International Director, and Captain Paul Wright, Master Mariner and Fellow of Plymouth University Marine Institute.

Lecturer in International Politics, Kings College London, Dr.James Scott will discuss the political economy of trade and development, while Dr.Tristan Smith, Director of the Shipping in Changing Climates Project UCL Energy Institute will tackle global warming, restrictions on carbon emissions and safeguarding the ocean environment.

The morning session will conclude with Professor Richard Clegg, Lloyds Register Foundation Managing Director putting the case for urgent priorities in education, research and development, and for Britain taking the technical lead in competitive maritime global markets.

In the afternoon session, Vice Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB, Fleet Commander and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff will set out the strategic role of the Royal Navy in safeguarding global trade and defense of the UK.

Rear Admiral Chris Parry CBE, author of Superhighway - Sea Power in the 21st Century, will raise the whole question of geopolitics and the sea – security and insecurity. The final speaker of the conference is lecturer in maritime policy at Hull University, Sunil Shastri who will present on concerns for ocean governance and the challenge for change.

“This far reaching event will present an opportunity to debate the key issues affecting international trade,” said Sir Philip Jones. “The UK is an open, outward-looking trading nation, and the sea has never been more important to our prosperity and security.