New Video Programme Looks at the Past and Future for British Shipping

UK – WORLDWIDE – The UK Chamber of Shipping, the trade association which represents around 150 members from across the maritime sector, has linked up with ITN Productions to produce a news and current affairs-style programme it has titled ‘A Maritime Nation’ which features a series of short news reports and exclusive interviews, alongside sponsored editorial, exploring UK shipping's proud heritage and its role in an increasingly globalised and challenging landscape. With 95% of UK international trade transported by sea, the history, and likely future, of a sector which has been and still is vital to the country’s welfare, justifies an audience far beyond those actively involved in the industry.

Introduced by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, the programme begins with a visit to the CMA CGM Keruelen, an 18,000 TEU container ship flagged in the UK despite her French ownership. Then follows a trip to Glasgow and then the Isle of Wight to examine some of the best-in-class training schemes. The film includes a visit to the Port of Dover to witness its recent make-over and concludes with the latest cutting-edge innovations and technologies aimed at improving safety, operational and environmental efficiency shaping the future of shipping. Guy Platten, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping commented:

"This innovative series of films showcases UK's varied and world leading maritime services, they show the industry in all its glory, but are also a mark of The Chamber's ambition to champion the industry to a wide audience. Over the last 18 months we have been at the forefront of promoting the industry. The UK is a proud maritime nation and we are prouder still of being able to show it off."

The full programme was premiered at an exclusive event hosted by The Chamber on September 3 and shown during the 2015 London International Shipping Week on September 10 and you can now view the entire programme for yourself via this link. Simon Shelley, Head of Industry News, ITN Productions said:

"ITN Productions has enjoyed its partnership with the UK Chamber of Shipping as a means of examining the nation's maritime industry. We wanted to bring to life the heritage and history of British shipping, but also focus on the current issues and today's people. By bringing new innovations and solutions to screen, and looking into the organisations and people behind them, we hope to spark new dialogue that could shape that future."