A landmark new report The Value of Shipping 2025 from the UK Chamber of Shipping reveals the powerful economic, social, and environmental contributions of the shipping industry to the UK.
The Value of Shipping 2025 report shows that:
– The UK shipping industry employs over 98,000 people directly and supports over 728,000 jobs across the wider economy.
– The industry contributes £16.1 billion in direct GVA and supports £46.2 billion in GVA across the broader economy.
– Approximately 100,000 vessels call at UK ports each year—equivalent to one port call every five minutes, 24/7, 365 days a year.
– The report underscores the essential role of shipping in the UK economy—supporting the supply of critical materials, energy, and food; facilitating exports of pharmaceuticals, cars, and manufactured goods; connecting British enterprise with global markets; and enabling the UK’s green energy transition.
Additional key findings from the Value of Shipping 2025 report include:
– The UK shipping industry has grown by 7% annually since 2019, outpacing all other transport modes.
– The industry’s direct GVA rose to £16.1 billion in 2023, up 64% from £9.8 billion in 2019.
– The sector’s total economic impact increased from £26 billion in 2019 to £46.2 billion in 2023.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP said, “UK shipping is crucial to economic growth and opportunity. It facilitates trade across borders, links people with vital services, offers travel to other countries, and keeps loved ones connected. “I am incredibly proud of the UK shipping sector, and I thank everyone in the industry who helps keep this country safe and moving.”
Rhett Hatcher, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said, ““Shipping is the lifeblood of the UK economy. “From ensuring the steady flow of essential goods and energy to connecting our island communities and enabling millions of passenger journeys, the shipping industry plays a vital role in the resilience and prosperity of the country.”
“As we navigate toward a net-zero future, our industry is committed to decarbonisation and is already playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy. “We are dedicated to working with the Government to create a greener, thriving shipping industry that continues to deliver economic growth and employment opportunities across the UK and globally.
“Shipping is, and will remain, at the heart of delivering sustainable growth, connecting British enterprise with the world, and driving the UK’s green transition.”
Download the report: UKCoS: Value of Shipping