EUROPE: Changes at the top at Maritime UK

EUROPE: Changes at the top at Maritime UK
https://www.bunkerspot.com/europe/46967-europe-changes-at-the-top-at-mar...

Harry Theochari, global head of transport at law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, is to succeed Carnival UK’s David Dingle as Chair of Maritime UK, while Sarah Kenny, CEO of BMT, will take up the role of Vice Chair.

Maritime UK is the industry sector’s umbrella body, bringing together the shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries. The sector is said to support just under 1 million jobs and contributes around £40 bn to GDP in the UK.

Theochari and Kenny will start their two-year terms on 1 December. The current Chair, David Dingle, has served as Chair since 2015.

Commenting on his appointment, Harry Theochari said: ‘Never, throughout my career as a shipping lawyer, have I seen so many issues converge on the maritime industries – both at sea and ashore – at the same time. There are many immediate challenges that Maritime UK must tackle for the good of our sector – these include a lack of funding, environmental issues, the advent of disruptive technologies, and the issues surrounding Brexit. These will require a lot of hard work, resilience and innovative thinking to ensure the sector makes the most of emerging opportunities.

‘The maritime industries of the United Kingdom have a long and proud history, and I am very confident that by pulling together and working effectively with Government, the sector will emerge from these challenging times – including the longest and most difficult recession the sector has faced in living memory – in a much more confident and stronger position. I will certainly do all that I can to ensure that the UK’s world-leading position in the maritime sector is maintained and, where possible, enhanced.

Sarah Kenny said: ‘This is a hugely exciting time for the UK maritime sector, with the launch of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, green shipping initiatives, the emerging Maritime Sector Deal, and of course the forthcoming Maritime 2050 strategy. I am honoured and thrilled to take up the role of Vice-Chair at Maritime UK.

‘The UK maritime sector is second-to-none and along with the onset of digital advances that will make shipping more efficient, we must work collectively with government and stakeholders to setting our objectives towards a sustainable blue economy and remaining a top destination for maritime businesses at home and across the globe as well.’