Why is the maritime sector so important?

Our seas, oceans and inland waterways are of huge importance in terms of resources, the environment and conservation, trade and industry, marine sciences and leisure activity.

The UK maritime sector directly employs over 250,000 people (and at least that many indirectly). It is a £37 billion turnover sector, bigger than aerospace and agriculture combined – the largest maritime sector in Europe.

-     Maritime activities are essential to our trade and prosperity – they underpin our quality of life by facilitating the safe, reliable and low cost movement of foodstuffs, consumer goods and raw materials.

-     Over 95% of all Britain's imports and exports go by sea

-     Fifty million people travel to, from and around the UK by ferry each year

-     We are technological leaders in offshore oil and gas extraction, and strong in marine manufacturing

-     The Royal Navy is the second strongest navy in the world and London is the world centre for maritime financial and legal services

-     We are world-beaters in yacht design, building and racing

-     Development of the oceans for their resources of fish, minerals, oil and renewable energies demands innovative solutions and careful management

-     The UK needs greater capacity in container ports to handle growing trade and bigger ships

-     Global warming and the need to understand the world's ecosystem s have made research and the study of the marine environment a high priority.

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