Nautilus International, a maritime professionals’ trade union, has warned that Maersk’s decision to remove its remaining vessels from the UK Ship Register will seriously impact the country’s maritime sector.
In January 2019, shipping company P&O also announced that it would reflag its fleet of short sea vessels to EU member state Cyprus amidst Brexit uncertainty.
In addition to reflagging its vessels, Maersk has confirmed that it will stop admitting cadets from the UK, following a decrease in demand for Junior Officers and the implementation of a new manning structure.
The UK’s shipping industry has already witnessed a significant drop in seafarer numbers, from over 66,000 in 1977 to just 23,000 in 2018.
A statement from Nautilus has asserted that the declining number of maritime professionals and UK-flagged vessels could present an economic risk, as it would leave the UK much more dependent on other countries for vital goods and services.
