Organising Associations

Created in 1992, the British Ports Association represents the interests of its 100 full members, and numerous associate members, to the UK and devolved Governments, the EU and national and international bodies.

We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move. To encourage economic growth through trade and travel we are working to encourage commercial development by ports, effectively regulating vessels in the UK’s waters and improving maritime security and safety, including search and rescue capabilities.

Maritime London promotes the UK as the world’s premier maritime business centre

Maritime UK brings together the UK’s shipping, ports, services, engineering and leisure marine industries to promote the sector, influence government and drive growth. The maritime sector is the fundamental enabler of British global trade. With cutting-edge technology, high-quality design & manufacturing, unparalleled expertise in services and major investment opportunities, the UK is the natural home for global maritime business. We support just under one million jobs and contribute around £40bn to UK GDP.

Shipping Innovation Limited is an independent joint venture company that brings together two of the most creative, energetic and well-connected media companies in the maritime, transport and energy industries, Elaborate Communications Ltd and Petrospot Ltd.

The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) is the voice of the UK’s maritime engineering and business sector promoting and supporting companies which design, build, refit and modernise ships, and supply equipment and services for all types of commercial and naval ships, ports and terminals infrastructure, offshore oil and gas, maritime security and safety, marine science and technology, maritime autonomous systems and marine renewable energy.

The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association and voice of UK shipping with 200 members from every sector of the industry.Open to all shipping companies irrespective of size, sector or flag, we work to unite the industry and create an environment for shipping in the UK to thrive.

The UK Major Ports Group is the trade body for the UK’s major port operators and represents nine of the top ten port operators in UK. Our members collectively handle 75% of the UK’s port volumes through 40 ports. These include the largest ports in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.