Speaking at a parliamentary event to promote the findings of the economic research in his capacity as co-chair of the Council, Minister of State for Business and Enterprise Mark Prisk MP said:

"These figures highlight the importance of the marine industry to the UK economy and to the skills and jobs market.

“It's an industry worth several billion and the Marine Industries Leadership Council will play a vital role in helping industry to secure more work for the UK.”

Alan Johnston Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime organisation and co-chair of the Council, said: “It is not true that these industries are in decline - nothing could be further from the truth. The high technology marine engineering industry makes a major contribution to the UK economy.

“By working together we have the potential to further increase revenues, boost jobs and our collective value to the economy. Areas of focus include innovation, promoting British expertise in international markets, and skills development. I would encourage companies in the UK marine supply chain to take an active interest in the wider sector and to explore opportunities for collaboration and engagement.”

Case studies demonstrating the breadth of the UK marine industries were presented at the parliamentary event:

Exportability is a key aspect of the Royal Navy’s Type 26 Global Combat Ship design. Potential partners are being engaged in the Assessment phase of the project – with 158 different equipments/tasks resulting in 224 separate engagements with 101 different suppliers from academics to small engineering firms across every major region. Exports of this ship would generate significant income.

Offshore renewables presents the marine industry with an unprecedented growth opportunity. RenewableUK recently showed the sector doubling direct UK employment to over 10,000 between 2007 and 2010. UK companies making the most of this, like Alnmaritec and South Boats, have used their specialist expertise and innovative approach to become major manufacturers of workboats for the offshore wind sector.

UK expertise in Commercial Marine Science and Survey has been exported all over the world. With marine renewable energy we find ourselves once again at the forefront of providing world class marine science and survey capability and are investing in the necessary skills and training to support this expected growth.

The Council aims to maximise the potential of the marine industries and, by June 2011, will develop a UK marine industries growth strategy, building on the UK’s globally-recognised engineering skills and capabilities. The figures announced today will be published as part of this document.

The vision for the UK marine sector is that, by 2020, it will be renowned globally for the quality and value for money of its high technology products, systems and services. The UK is already the fourth largest shipbuilder {note 2} and one of the largest boat builders in Europe {3}, with a worldwide market and reputation for the quality of its marine equipment {1}. In certain niche markets such as warships and superyachts, the UK has a world-beating position. The UK is also leading the world in developing sustainable offshore wind, wave and tidal energy generation {2}. The aim of the strategy under development by the Council is to ensure that the UK’s share of global market continues to increase across a broad front of marine products and services.

The coming months will see even wider engagement with all the stakeholders in the sector, the emphasis being very much on a business development agenda. The analysis phase has provided a picture of the current landscape and the next phases of the strategy development will set out what, when and how the Council will enhance the future of the industry.

Notes to editors

Sources:

1. Strategy development team analysis
2. Eurostat, Structural Business Statistics
3. British Marine Federation
4. DECC

For further information:

The Council’s Strategy Manager, Patrick Carnie, 07917 577124 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              07917 577124      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, pkcarnie@marineuk.com

Interviews are available with leading organisations in the Marine Industries:

Alan Johnston, Managing Director BAE Systems Maritime
Contact: Kristina Crowe, 02392 896232 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              02392 896232      end_of_the_skype_highlighting kristina.crowe@baesystems.com

Mark Prisk, MP, Minister for Business
Contact: Ashley Rogers 020 7215 5971 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7215 5971      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, ashley.rogers@bis.gsi.gov.uk

BIS' online newsroom contains the latest press notices, speeches, as well as video and images for download. It also features an up to date list of BIS press office contacts. See for more information.http://www.bis.gov.uk/newsroom

Representing leisure marine companies
Rob Stevens, Chief Executive, British Marine Federation
Contact: Rebecca Jackson, PR manager, 01784 223627 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              01784 223627      end_of_the_skype_highlighting rjackson@britishmarine.co.uk

Representing marine renewables companies
Peter Madigan, Head of Offshore Renewables, RenewableUK
Contact: Peter Madigan, 020 7901 3000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              020 7901 3000      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, P.Madigan@renewable-uk.com

Representing Naval and Commercial shipbuilding and equipment companies, and marine science
John Murray, Chief Executive, Society of Maritime Industries
Contact: Johanna Proctor, 0207 448 7020 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0207 448 7020      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, Johanna.Procter@maritimeindustries.org

Representing shipbuilding and ship repair companies
Ash Sinha, Director, Shipbuilders & Shiprepairers Association
Contact: Julie Robson, 0191 567 8965 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              0191 567 8965      end_of_the_skype_highlighting julie@ssa.org.uk

About the UK marine industries
The UK’s marine industries encompassed by the Council’s strategy include Shipbuilding & Repair, Leisure Marine, Marine Equipment, Marine-related Services, and Marine Renewable Energy. These sectors have come together, and committed cash and people to developing the strategy. They are open in the long run to contributions from related sectors, such as marine science, ports, maritime security, oil & gas and shipping. Links are being established with these sectors, and their contribution to the UK is recognised.

About the Marine Industries Leadership Council
Established in 2009, the Council includes a comprehensive range of stakeholders from the marine industries, including trade bodies, professional institutions, unions, appropriate government departments, economic development agencies and devolved administrations. Its role is to provide a focal point and a coordinated voice for stakeholders in industry and government, and to develop and implement strategies to enhance and promote the contribution of the marine sector to the economy. The Council’s working groups are already addressing the themes of technology and innovation; skills; environment and regulation; international trade and export; and the industry’s image. Its role includes helping to ensure that the UK becomes even more competitive in the global market place for ships, boats, marine systems and equipment and marine renewable energy devices.