The Princess Royal becomes patron of Maritime UK

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has become Patron of Maritime UK, the promotional body for the nation’s maritime sector.

Maritime UK brings together the UK’s shipping, ports, marine and business services industries to promote the sector, influence government and drive growth. It is also focussed on promoting career opportunities across the maritime sector, both at sea and onshore.

Chairman of Maritime UK, David Dingle CBE, says: “We are honoured that The Princess Royal, a longstanding advocate of the UK’s maritime industries, has agreed to become Patron of Maritime UK. Her Royal Highness’s commitment to growing and strengthening our sector is well known and respected. Becoming our Patron underlines the importance of Maritime UK’s work in supporting the nation’s maritime sector, which contributes just under £40 billion a year to the economy and supports nearly 1 million jobs. By bringing the entire sector together to collaborate, we can ensure that UK maritime has a future that is as bright as its well-known past.”  

The influential endorsement of Her Royal Highness will help Maritime UK to engage its supporters, raise its profile and deepen relationships with friends and partners across the world.

Last month saw thousands of global maritime leaders in the UK for London International Shipping Week, where Maritime UK and its members promoted the very best of the UK’s maritime offer, including cutting-edge technology, high-quality design and manufacturing, unparalleled expertise in services and major investment opportunities.

The maritime sector is the fundamental enabler of UK global trade. Some 95% of goods arrive in the UK having been carried on ships and through ports.

Her Royal Highness was previously Patron of Seavision, which has been integrated into Maritime UK, where organisations from across the sector now collaborate to promote career opportunities across the country.

The Princess Royal was elected Master of The Corporation of Trinity House in May 2011 and was Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners from 2005-2007.