Maritime UK Welcomes Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, to Key Maritime Events

Maritime UK was honoured to welcome its Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, to two events last week, focused on collaboration, innovation, and the future of the UK’s coastal communities. Her Royal Highness’s ongoing support for the sector is invaluable, reinforcing the importance of strong maritime clusters and regional partnerships in driving economic growth and sustainability. Engaging directly with industry leaders and key stakeholders, she listened to the challenges and opportunities facing the sector, highlighting the vital role of collaboration in securing a thriving, competitive, and inclusive maritime industry for the future.

On Wednesday 5th March, The Princess Royal chaired Maritime UK’s National Council at Gallagher’s offices in London, which was attended by industry leaders from across the maritime sector. Her Royal Highness received key updates from members and stakeholders, gaining insights into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Conversations highlighted the critical role of collaboration in driving innovation, advancing sustainability, and developing the skills needed to secure the sector’s future.  Her presence reinforced the vital role of Maritime UK in fostering strong partnerships, supporting regional growth, and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of the global maritime industry.

Later in the week on Friday 7th March, The Princess Royal travelled to Portsmouth International Port, where she was given a first-hand look at the vital contributions of the Solent maritime cluster. Showcasing the area’s key role in UK trade, clean maritime innovation, and economic development, the visit underscored the significance of maritime clusters in strengthening coastal communities and driving sustainable growth. Her Royal Highness also expressed her continued support for Maritime UK’s cluster work, recognising its crucial role in fostering regional collaboration and bringing together all four corners of the United Kingdom.

Chris Shirling-Rooke, Chief Executive at Maritime UK, commented:

“We were proud to have our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, attend two key events this week, demonstrating her deep commitment to the sector and its continued success. Her ongoing support for the maritime industry, particularly for our maritime clusters, highlights their vital role in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainability. Maritime clusters are key to fostering innovation and strengthening coastal communities, and by investing in these regions, we are not only securing jobs and economic prosperity but also reinforcing the UK’s position as a global maritime leader.”

Jonathan Suckling, CEO of Marine, Art & Specie at Gallagher, said:

“As the pre-eminent insurance broker in UK maritime we were thrilled to be asked to host HRH The Princess Royal and the Maritime UK National Council at our London head office. We work with a wide range of businesses in the sector and fully support Maritime UK’s role in driving the agenda forward on behalf of all the UK firms operating in the industry’s leading role in global trade and commerce.”

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:

“It has been a great opportunity to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to Portsmouth and showcase the innovative work to raise environmental standards at the port. Our Seachange project to deliver shore power is set to become a UK first and I’m pleased The Princess Royal was able to meet some of our hard working staff delivering this pioneering scheme.

“As a local authority owned port we’re proud of the vital contribution that it makes to the local community and raising sustainability standards across the sector.”

Anne-Marie Mountifield, Chair of Maritime UK Solent, said: 

"We were honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the Solent region today to see our flourishing £10.3bn maritime industrial cluster. Her significant and ongoing relationship with the maritime sector is exceptional and meeting with some of Maritime UK Solent's member organisations and key businesses from across our region provided an opportunity to showcase a sector that is so important for the regional economy and which forms so much of the history and culture of the area. The Solent is a world leading maritime cluster with a highly productive business base, powered by a vibrant network which continues to prosper and drive forward economic growth, investment and job creation locally as well as spearheading innovation and it is at the forefront of the lower carbon economy – areas that HRH The Princess Royal will have seen first-hand at Portsmouth International Port"