Archie Bethel CBE Society of Maritime Industries President
President’s introduction
The annual handbook and members’ directory provides an opportunity to review the achievements of the Society and also to inform our members’ customers about the industry renowned capabilities which exist within the UK and are widely sought throughout the world. As the leading trade association for companies in manufacturing, support and associated services for the maritime engineering industries, we strive to help those companies seeking new business and contacts for their development.
Following the publication of the government’s Maritime Growth Strategy which encouraged industry to collaborate on a broader platform to promote the sector, last year SMI joined Maritime UK and has been working with the other sector member organisations to significantly raise the maritime sector’s profile with policymakers. There is some evidence this is having an effect and commanding the attention of a broader section of Whitehall. This comes at an important time because the UK government has declared its intention to publish an industrial strategy in 2017 and, with our partners in Maritime UK, SMI will ensure that the needs of our sector are incorporated.
An important element for many of our members will be the government’s approach to the previously announced National Shipbuilding Strategy following publication of Sir John Parker’s independent report towards the end of 2016. SMI and its members contributed extensively to the report and attended a series of briefings to ensure the industry’s views were communicated. This work will not diminish in 2017.
On the innovation front SMI’s new interest group on Maritime Autonomous Systems (MAS) has drawn wide support across the membership and attracted new members as well. An initial trends survey of the sector has shown a vibrant industry with the potential for exponential growth as the range of applications for autonomy become more evident with the advances in technology.
The EU referendum last year has introduced an element of uncertainty for some of our members but it has not diminished our international focus in helping members develop new business
opportunities. In July I was delighted to be present with our kindred organisation, Maritime London, at a ceremony at Mansion House to be a co‐signatory to a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mauritius Ports Authority and Ports Users’ Council. This was hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Lord Mountevans, in his capacity as Chairman of Maritime London. This has been but just one aspect of our international engagement which continued throughout the year.
Looking further ahead in 2017, SMI is delighted to have been invited to become one of the organising associations for London International Shipping Week and participate in the leading international gathering for the global maritime sector. This is recognition of the importance of maritime engineering as a major contributor to the UK economy.
We could not achieve so much without the tremendous support of those members prepared to serve on the Society’s Board and Councils working in tandem with a dedicated staff focussed on meeting our members’ requirements and I pay tribute to their commitment.
As I write this the industry is faced with many challenges including overcapacity in freight shipping and its effect on commercial shipbuilding, a low oil price and a changing political landscape. I believe that is when a sector’s trade association can come to the fore as an essential resource of services and advice to guide a company in its business development. Therefore, if you are a UK company operating in the maritime engineering sector, I encourage you to join the Society of Maritime Industries so that you too can gain that competitive advantage!
Archie Bethel CBE Society of Maritime Industries President
Society of Maritime Industries Handbook & Members’ Directory 2017 5
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