{"id":54963,"date":"2015-03-10T17:30:11","date_gmt":"2015-03-10T17:30:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=3370fe39b904e16d13874868e78c2ad0"},"modified":"2015-03-10T17:30:11","modified_gmt":"2015-03-10T17:30:11","slug":"speech-our-future-as-a-maritime-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=54963","title":{"rendered":"Speech: Our future as a maritime nation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

Good afternoon everyone.<\/p>\n

And first of all thank you for finding time in your busy schedules to be here. <\/p>\n

But I hope you\u2019ll find it worthwhile.<\/p>\n

Because the theme of my speech today (10 March 2015) is of immense importance.<\/p>\n

Not just to the future of Britain as a maritime power.<\/p>\n

But to our future as a major trading nation, with ambitions to compete and thrive in the 21st century global economy.<\/p>\n

We have so much to be proud of in our maritime industries<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A rich and extraordinary history.<\/p>\n

A flag that is respected around the world.<\/p>\n

Ports, training institutions, and maritime services that are recognised globally for their excellence.<\/p>\n

Shipping and ports are the lifeblood of our economy.<\/p>\n

Moving up to 95% of the UK\u2019s international trade.<\/p>\n

Providing UK consumers with an ever-growing choice of goods.<\/p>\n

And UK exporters with the connections they need to compete.<\/p>\n

Yet this self same industry, this priceless national asset, is facing increasing challenges.<\/p>\n

Challenges from abroad.<\/p>\n

And challenges at home.<\/p>\n

If we fail to meet these challenges, then there\u2019s a danger that our rivals will start to overtake us.<\/p>\n

And that would be a tragedy.<\/p>\n

Not just for the UK\u2019s maritime industries.<\/p>\n

But for Britain itself.<\/p>\n

So today, 2 months before the general election, is an opportunity to take stock.<\/p>\n

To look at the progress we have made over the past 5 years.<\/p>\n

But also to set out a blueprint for the future.<\/p>\n

A clear plan of action for maritime, that I hope will help the next Shipping and Ports Minister, and the next government, to provide the support the industry needs.<\/p>\n

Vision<\/h2>\n

First of all, we need a vision.<\/p>\n

And I make no apologies for being ambitious here.<\/p>\n

I want Britain to be recognised as the world\u2019s most important maritime centre.<\/p>\n

I want to spread the word that we\u2019re not just open for maritime business.<\/p>\n

But that we will scout relentlessly for new business around the globe.<\/p>\n

So we become a natural home for multinational maritime companies and organisations.<\/p>\n

A country with the skills, innovation and expertise to meet the needs of international trade.<\/p>\n

And that maintains the highest standards in safety and environmental protection.<\/p>\n

Challenges<\/h2>\n

As I will explain today, in many ways, we are making progress towards this vision.<\/p>\n

But I also want to be frank about where we\u2019re falling short.<\/p>\n

My first frustration is simply that we don\u2019t shout about our maritime industry enough.<\/p>\n

Considering its influence and importance \u2013 it has an unaccountably low public profile.<\/p>\n

When was the last time you read a story about our shipping industry on the front page of your morning paper?<\/p>\n

News editors appear to love anything on rail, roads or aviation.<\/p>\n

But shipping, which contributes \u00a35.6 billion to the country\u2019s GDP<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n

Or ports, which employ 107,000 people here.<\/p>\n

Appear to operate within a bubble \u2013 to the extent that most people have no idea of just how important they are.<\/p>\n

And there\u2019s a danger here, as other countries compete harder and harder, that we underestimate our modern maritime industry.<\/p>\n

That we assume it\u2019s a fading business in the high-tech 21st century.<\/p>\n

In an era of super-jumbo jets, zero-emission motoring, and high speed rail lines criss-crossing continents around the world.<\/p>\n

One thing\u2019s for sure.<\/p>\n

We cannot afford to live on past glories alone.<\/p>\n

Yes, we have a long and proud history as a maritime nation.<\/p>\n

Once, all knew that Britain ruled the waves. <\/p>\n

But I want us to be a a proud maritime nation today.<\/p>\n

The image of the River Thames crowded with ships and barges laden with goods is not some distant memory of England past as evoked by Joseph Conrad in Heart of Darkness.<\/p>\n

For supermarket shelves to be stocked.<\/p>\n

For raw materials to be delivered to our factories.<\/p>\n

And for world beating British firms to reach global markets.<\/p>\n

Today, the UK remains home to a flourishing, dynamic and innovative maritime sector, successfully supporting UK trade and the wider economy. Seafaring, and the skills that support it, will be at the heart of our island nation\u2019s life for all time.<\/p>\n

We depend on our docks, our shipping and our seafarers. <\/p>\n

In fact we are just as reliant on sea trade as we were centuries ago, when the East India Company was transforming links across the Empire.<\/p>\n

And when shipping was providing British industry with the competitive advantage it needed to prosper.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s make sure we appreciate our maritime industry.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s promote it more vigorously, not just abroad to potential customers, but at home too.<\/p>\n

So everyone realises that if we want to thrive as a country, our maritime industries must also continue to thrive.<\/p>\n

Growth<\/h2>\n

Because we do have a good story to tell.<\/p>\n

The volume of freight travelling through UK ports has increased by 19% since 1980.<\/p>\n

The gross tonnage of trading vessels registered to the UK flag increased 5 fold between 1999 and the peak in 2009.<\/p>\n

And the gross value added of the sector as whole trebled between 2002 and 2008. <\/p>\n

This puts the maritime sector on a par with aviation – and larger than pharmaceuticals. <\/p>\n

Britain\u2019s shipping sector has responded well to technological change. <\/p>\n

Take the way that the industry has cut freight costs and carbon emissions by building larger, more efficient and greener ships.<\/p>\n

Or the way ports have modernised to service those bigger ships. <\/p>\n

British innovation has played a huge role in improving maritime safety, and reducing risks of environmental damage.<\/p>\n

Our maritime business services are renowned for their excellence.<\/p>\n

Staffed by skilled and dedicated professionals.<\/p>\n

And the quality of our flag is respected all over the world.<\/p>\n

So today I would like to pay tribute to everyone who has contributed to this success story. <\/p>\n

From ports and ship operators.<\/p>\n

To the maritime support sector and trade unions.<\/p>\n

And to my predecessors, including Stephen Hammond and Mike Penning – and ministers in previous administrations. <\/p>\n

Competition<\/h2>\n

It is right that we celebrate what has been achieved. <\/p>\n

But we also have to look ahead.<\/p>\n

We know that world trade is expected to double over the next 20 years or so.<\/p>\n

But much of that increase will be outside Europe.<\/p>\n

Our position as a global maritime centre will face increasing competition particularly from the Far East. To secure our future and develop our sector we must be imaginative, innovative and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, embrace world-beating new developments and encourage tomorrow\u2019s maritime leaders.<\/p>\n

The old contrasts between north and south hemispheres.<\/p>\n

Between Third World and First World.<\/p>\n

Or between west and east.<\/p>\n

Are rapidly breaking down.<\/p>\n

Countries like China, Brazil, Malaysia and India are emerging as new superpowers, with the political commitment, economic capacity and low cost labour to challenge the established economic order.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s going to change world shipping.<\/p>\n

In fact, it\u2019s already doing so.<\/p>\n

Our position as a global maritime centre is under threat.<\/p>\n

And we are seeing some signs that we may be losing ground in the ensuing struggle. <\/p>\n

Since its high point around 2009, the UK ship register has declined by around 17% in gross tonnage. <\/p>\n

And estimates of the Gross Value Added from shipping \u2013 although not necessarily reflecting the maritime sector as a whole \u2013 also show signs of shrinking.<\/p>\n

We simply cannot afford to stand still while others up their game. <\/p>\n

Or simply undercut us.<\/p>\n

Indeed, we have a duty to respond.<\/p>\n

So let me now explain how we\u2019re responding.<\/p>\n

And what more we need to do to compete on a global level.<\/p>\n

Skills<\/h2>\n

If you ask me where we can find the future of British shipping, my answer is clear – in our schools and universities.<\/p>\n

One of the best ways we can secure that future is to invest in skills and training. <\/p>\n

A subject close to my heart.<\/p>\n

A successful and sustainable industry needs the right people, with the right skills, and rewarding career paths to attract new entrants. We can all be stronger through opportunities grasped by those whose competencies reinforce our competitiveness. <\/p>\n

I want youngsters to be fired up about a maritime career. <\/p>\n

That means promoting it more effectively.<\/p>\n

As a dynamic industry providing rewarding and exciting job opportunities.<\/p>\n

So I was extremely pleased to see recent figures that showed the previous decline in UK seafarers has been halted – and numbers are even rising slightly. <\/p>\n

The maritime trailblazer group on apprenticeships has also made great strides. <\/p>\n

As a former Minister for Skills I am proud of our record on apprenticeships.<\/p>\n

More than 2 million have been created during this Parliament. <\/p>\n

That\u2019s something to celebrate this week.<\/p>\n

Which is National Apprenticeship week. <\/p>\n

In which we promote the range and breadth of apprenticeships.<\/p>\n

And we urge more businesses to take on apprentices, especially small business.<\/p>\n

There is no better way of learning a craft than by actually doing it, under skilled instruction in the workplace.<\/p>\n

And there is no better way to build a solid foundation for the future of the UK maritime sector. <\/p>\n

That is why we increased funding by 25% for the Support for Maritime Training (SMarT) scheme<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To boost numbers of UK officer cadets and ratings. <\/p>\n

At \u00a315 million a year, it is now the highest it has been.<\/p>\n

In 2014 we had 1,940 officer cadets in training \u2013 again the highest figure for very many years. <\/p>\n

And the quality of these cadets is outstanding.<\/p>\n

Something celebrated by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency<\/a> Cadet of the Year Award. <\/p>\n

But of course there is more to be done, particularly around ratings training. <\/p>\n

So from October we will pilot an extension to the tonnage tax scheme.<\/p>\n

Allowing the option of training 3 able seafarer ratings each year in place of 1 officer cadet.<\/p>\n

To provide more opportunities for young people at every level of the industry.<\/p>\n

Business environment<\/h2>\n

Skills are clearly integral to the maritime\u2019s sector\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

But the sector also needs a stable business and fiscal environment if it wants to grow.<\/p>\n

Building the best financial environment will encourage a bold, sustainable and home-grown maritime industry, attracting and supporting international business and inward investment to the UK.<\/p>\n

Britain will go into this general election in a dramatically better position than the last.<\/p>\n

We were absolutely clear when the coalition formed in May 2010 that our first priorities were tackling the record deficit, and stimulating an economic recovery.<\/p>\n

Well \u2013 we\u2019ve kept our promise.<\/p>\n

Our long term economic plan is working.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve born down on our deficit, so today it\u2019s half the level we inherited.<\/p>\n

And we are one of the fastest growing economies in the industrialised world.<\/p>\n

Employment levels have never been so high, and unemployment levels have been tumbling over the lifetime of this Parliament.<\/p>\n

So we\u2019ve built a stable economic platform on which shipping businesses can grow.<\/p>\n

And it\u2019s critical that the next government doesn\u2019t threaten that hard-earned advantage. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve worked incredibly closely with the maritime sector to take advantage of the opportunities that a stronger UK economy generates.<\/p>\n

For example, in 2013, we welcomed the world to the inaugural London International Shipping Week<\/a>. <\/p>\n

I don\u2019t need to remind you that it was a triumph.<\/p>\n

Preparations are well underway for the second Shipping Week this September. <\/p>\n

This will be another fantastic event, showcasing all that the UK has to offer.<\/p>\n

I encourage you all to play your part in making this as successful as the first event – or even better.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a real opportunity to raise the profile of maritime at home.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also worked hard to develop a common understanding of important maritime objectives across Whitehall, and together with industry.<\/p>\n

The resulting joint Strategic Partnership Plans for Shipping<\/a> and Ports<\/a> have provided a common framework for future action.<\/p>\n

A third plan \u2013 on Maritime Business Services \u2013 will be published shortly.<\/p>\n

Together, these 3 initiatives set a very clear path ahead.<\/p>\n

Showing precisely what we need to do to create the right environment for businesses to thrive. <\/p>\n

Getting tax and regulation right remains among our highest priorities. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve seen how the introduction of a Tonnage Tax regime has spurred the regeneration of our maritime industries.<\/p>\n

Something that the UK helped pioneer.<\/p>\n

And something we continue to pioneer by linking Tonnage Tax and seafarer training.<\/p>\n

Through this scheme, we\u2019ve provided shipping businesses with the stability and certainty they need to plan for the future. <\/p>\n

Despite others introducing similar schemes.<\/p>\n

Perhaps with fewer strings attached.<\/p>\n

We have retained our training requirement.<\/p>\n

So if you want to be in UK Tonnage Tax then you have to play your part in developing the skills base. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve helped reduce costs by significantly cutting red tape.<\/p>\n

We have simplified regulations dealing with ship safety, and also seafarer health and safety. <\/p>\n

And we have intervened to retain regulations if they have the potential to undermine safety in any way.<\/p>\n

Where possible, we\u2019ve cut other costs, too.<\/p>\n

Last October, I agreed with my Irish counterpart that aids to navigation around the Republic of Ireland would be funded by income raised in Ireland.<\/p>\n

And I was delighted to announce another 1 penny cut in Light Dues, which will save the industry \u00a32 million pounds a year. <\/p>\n

It means we will have reduced Light Dues by 19% in real terms since 2010. <\/p>\n

Shaping international outcomes<\/h2>\n

So the business environment at home has improved significantly.<\/p>\n

But shipping is an international business by definition, and world trade that works for us requires international regulation and a level playing field for the whole industry.<\/p>\n

That is why we\u2019re a stalwart supporter of the International Maritime Organisation, which we are most proud to host here in London. <\/p>\n

We\u2019ve worked hard within the International Labour Organisation to secure an improved regulatory framework to protect the interests of seafarers.<\/p>\n

Within the IMO<\/abbr> we have helped introduce an Energy Efficiency Design Index for new ships.<\/p>\n

This established for the first time a global mandatory greenhouse gas emission reduction regime for an entire economic sector. <\/p>\n

And we have ratified the ILO<\/abbr>\u2019s Maritime Labour Convention, so that MCA<\/abbr> surveyors are now checking that foreign flagged ships calling at UK ports meet the standards of seafarer welfare set out under the Convention.<\/p>\n

Often, the international maritime community is in complete accord about new legislation.<\/p>\n

But sometimes, we need to state our case more firmly in Europe to get the right results for UK shipping.<\/p>\n

So, where we\u2019ve needed to, we\u2019ve faced down the EU<\/abbr>.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve turned the tide on the EU<\/abbr>\u2019s port services regulation. <\/p>\n

And recognising that the new European sulphur limits were contentious.<\/p>\n

We worked with the industry to get our message across to the commission.<\/p>\n

Explaining the problems that the new regulations could cause.<\/p>\n

And developing more practical and proportionate ways to enforce the new standards.<\/p>\n

Operational delivery<\/h2>\n

Maritime safety remains our absolute priority.<\/p>\n

The sea is brutal and unpredictable so maritime operations are often inherently hazardous. This is why we need a culture that ensures those using and working on the seas are as safe as they can be, and have the means and mechanisms to respond effectively should an
\nincident occur.<\/p>\n

If ever any evidence were needed of such hazards, it was the tragic loss of the Cemfjord, and the beaching of the Hoegh Osaka.<\/p>\n

So we will keep pushing to minimise risks.<\/p>\n

There have been countless examples over the last 5 years of government and maritime industry working together to protect seafarers from dangers.<\/p>\n

And to act with purpose when things do go wrong.<\/p>\n

As we did with the Hoegh Osaka.<\/p>\n

The Secretary of State\u2019s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention brought together everyone necessary to manage the incident.<\/p>\n

It was performed faultlessly.<\/p>\n

So today I\u2019d like to thank all those who helped return the ship safely to port – with no pollution or spillage, and no additional disruption to trade.<\/p>\n

The ever-present danger of the seas is why we invested \u00a31.6 billion in the search and rescue helicopters, a vital service that operates in very difficult conditions to help 6,000 people a year.<\/p>\n

And when the coastguard transformation programme is finished in December, capability will improve still further.<\/p>\n

Keeping Britain supplied and connected<\/h2>\n

Finally, let me turn to ports. <\/p>\n

The gateways to this country. <\/p>\n

Ports have grown, improved and thrived in recent times despite challenging conditions. Accepting the world\u2019s largest and most specialised ships means we can ensure that UK ports are in pole position to generate growth. We will ensure ports continue to grow, and port infrastructure continues to attract inward investment.<\/p>\n

We have seen massive expansions at Felixstowe, London Gateway, Southampton, Immingham and Liverpool. <\/p>\n

All driven on a commercial basis with little need for taxpayer support. <\/p>\n

It was inspiring to see in January what was the world\u2019s largest container ship visit Felixstowe as its first European port of call on its maiden voyage.<\/p>\n

But then only yesterday the same port hosted MSC Oscar, an even larger container ship.<\/p>\n

So the port sector is acutely responsive to the needs of its customers.<\/p>\n

Not just in taking goods off ships and onto land.<\/p>\n

But also providing added value to these industries. <\/p>\n

For example, providing car storage to support the motor industry. <\/p>\n

Managing packaging and distribution to ensure the efficiency of supply chains.<\/p>\n

And supporting the growth of new energy supplies such as windfarms. <\/p>\n

And let\u2019s not forget Trust Ports, commercial businesses without shareholders but which are accountable to port users, local communities and Parliament. <\/p>\n

Our current Trust Port study is looking at the effectiveness of this model. <\/p>\n

While recommendations to strengthen accountability to Ministers and the Community will be made.<\/p>\n

I recognise that they too have developed new business.<\/p>\n

Supporting growth at both local and national levels. <\/p>\n

So UK ports have played an instrumental role in the economic recovery and are in an excellent position to continue growing in the future. <\/p>\n

What next?<\/h2>\n

So I\u2019ve explained the challenges.<\/p>\n

From promoting the industry, to a more competitive trading environment.<\/p>\n

And I\u2019ve talked about some of the ways in which we are responding.<\/p>\n

Now I want to turn to the future.<\/p>\n

And what we must do to secure our vision.<\/p>\n

For UK maritime to be a global leader, we need a strategy to meet the threats.<\/p>\n

And that will give us the greatest opportunities to grow.<\/p>\n

That is why we launched a \u2018Maritime growth study<\/a>\u2019 earlier this year with an initial call for evidence.<\/p>\n

As Disraeli said: <\/p>\n

\n

The more extensive a man\u2019s knowledge of what has been done, the greater will be his power of knowing what to do.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

So the study asks: what are the future growth opportunities we should be focusing on?<\/p>\n

How can we best work together to seize those opportunities?<\/p>\n

And what action can be taken by both government and industry?<\/p>\n

We are already starting to hear a consistent message.<\/p>\n

Above all, we need regulatory stability.<\/p>\n

But the maritime industry also needs more investment in people and training.<\/p>\n

Everyone recognises the need for more coordinated promotion of the maritime sector.<\/p>\n

Of maritime business services. <\/p>\n

Of the value of the maritime sector to this country.<\/p>\n

Of maritime career opportunities. <\/p>\n

I am certain we can achieve all those things. Together. <\/p>\n

I am very grateful to Alderman Jeffrey Evans, who is chairing the study, and to Michael Parker who is heading up an essential industry advisory group. <\/p>\n

It is for Jeffrey, the advisory panel and the study itself to identify the necessary policy proposals and the evidence to support them.<\/p>\n

And I expect this work to shape the development of key policies beyond the election. <\/p>\n

Changes that will have to be taken forward if we are to sustain our position as a global maritime centre.<\/p>\n

By ministers, working in tandem with the industry and the trade unions.<\/p>\n

But although I don\u2019t want to pre-empt the outcome of the study, I think it is possible to identify the broad areas where action will be needed.<\/p>\n

First, as I have made clear this afternoon, we must work collectively to raise the profile of the maritime sector. <\/p>\n

We cannot continue to be a world maritime centre if we do not trumpet our strengths and our objectives for the future. <\/p>\n

We will not attract high quality people if they\u2019re unaware of what the industry has to offer in terms of rewarding and satisfying careers.<\/p>\n

And we will not win public support for UK maritime if people do not understand what you do or why it is important.<\/p>\n

Second, we have to place even greater emphasis on supporting business, and welcoming foreign companies who wish to come to the UK.<\/p>\n

Unless we show that we want businesses to come here, then they will choose somewhere else.<\/p>\n

That means demonstrating that we are responsive to their needs.<\/p>\n

And co-ordinating efforts to sell ourselves internationally at every opportunity.<\/p>\n

What we have to offer is the largest concentration of maritime and marine services in the world.<\/p>\n

With unbeatable training, research and manufacturing facilities. <\/p>\n

These are fantastic assets \u2013 so let\u2019s use them.<\/p>\n

Third, and I promised to be frank, we in government have to operate in a more joined up fashion. <\/p>\n

We cannot afford to have different departments implementing policies without others knowing what\u2019s happening. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s vital that businesses thinking of locating operations here know who they should be talking to. <\/p>\n

Fourth \u2013 we have to accomplish these goals while sustaining and enhancing our reputation for safety, for quality and for the highest standards in everything we do. <\/p>\n

Lowering standards or dumbing down to compete with others is simply not an option.<\/p>\n

The Red Ensign is recognised around the world as a high quality flag. <\/p>\n

That is our biggest selling point. <\/p>\n

The UK is also recognised as a major player in setting international standards within the IMO<\/abbr>. <\/p>\n

And as an island nation with some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world around our shores.<\/p>\n

So what we can offer is the very best that global maritime has to offer.<\/p>\n

Supported by the most pro-maritime and joined up government.<\/p>\n

With a determined conviction to support and grow our maritime sector further in the years ahead. <\/p>\n

And my fifth and final point – we need a continuing and renewed focus on high quality training, education and qualifications so we retain the skills we need as a maritime nation. <\/p>\n

Everyone I meet is passionate about maritime education and training \u2013 and rightly so. <\/p>\n

The breadth of career opportunities offered by the maritime and marine sectors is wide \u2013 from seafaring to marine insurance, from maritime law to boat building.<\/p>\n

We need to do more to raise the public consciousness of these opportunities.<\/p>\n

Particularly for young people. I want to see new opportunities created to attract and retain fresh talent across the whole of the sector.<\/p>\n

For without skilled people our maritime industries will die. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s a sad fact that most UK seafarers are nearing retirement age. While international competitors are successfully attracting much more young blood into the industry. <\/p>\n

I task everyone here in the room this evening with delivering this vision – of creating the maritime and marine sectors of the future. <\/p>\n

We already have some of the best, if not the best, maritime training institutions in the world. <\/p>\n

We need to make sure that they are filled with bright youngsters, ambitious, professional and skilled people bringing fresh perspectives and ideas.<\/p>\n

And we work together – collectively \u2013 to create opportunities to train them at sea as well as ashore.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

In conclusion then, we have seen real progress and improvement in recent years.<\/p>\n

But as we head for the general election, <\/p>\n

I think we need to be honest about where we\u2019ve come from.<\/p>\n

And what we still have to do.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why the booklet<\/a>, which I have pleasure to launch today, looks not only at our achievements and successes, but where future challenges lie.<\/p>\n

We have an extraordinary maritime history.<\/p>\n

And we have so many strengths.<\/p>\n

A strong flag. Amazing maritime services. World-leading expertise.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s why I\u2019m convinced the UK maritime industry can lead once again. <\/p>\n

So we\u2019re not just a nation that is proud of its maritime past.<\/p>\n

But also proud of what we can be in the future.<\/p>\n

It is my vision that government, industry, the trade unions, universities and colleges come together to create and promote more opportunities for the UK.<\/p>\n

And where better than London International Shipping Week in September.<\/p>\n

While the eyes of all maritime nations are upon us, to bring together the champions of maritime industries to set out how we will achieve our shared vision of a modern, open, commercial maritime sector <\/p>\n

Staffed by professional, dedicated and highly skilled people.<\/p>\n

And part of a growing, quality flag.<\/p>\n

Which once again will rule the waves.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Britain\u2019s shipping industry has a proud history, but must meet the challenges of the modern world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54963"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=54963"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54963\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=54963"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=54963"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=54963"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}