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Inmarsat hosts maritime industry and parliamentary panel

Inmarsat hosted a cross-party group of parliamentarians and field experts as part of an Industry and Parliament Trust (IPT) visit exploring topical maritime issues.

Attendees of the event, held at Inmarsat’s London HQ, took part in chaired panel discussions covering:

  • The role of e-navigation as a driver of shipping competitiveness
  • Marine conservation
  • Security at sea, and
  • Illegal fishing.

The discussions, which built on the development of the UK Government’s National Maritime Strategy, highlighted that in order to maintain competitiveness among the global maritime sector and deliver a secure environment, technological and information sharing developments must be encouraged and prioritised.

Global Xpress

In this Inmarsat can play a leading role delegates heard, in particular through the imminent launch of Global Xpress (GX), the first worldwide high-speed broadband service for the shipping industry.

The group agreed that tackling illegal fishing, and promoting safety and security at sea, are vital to the continued sustainability of international commerce, given that 90 per cent of the world’s trade is carried by the maritime industry.

Members recognised that public perceptions of maritime are outdated, and that there is scope for building further public and political understanding so that the UK can continue to be the world maritime leader.

Vital opportunity

Those taking part included Jeremy Penn, Vice Chairman of Maritime UK and CEO of the Baltic Exchange, Peter Hinchliffe, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, and Russell Brown MP, Shadow Minister and member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries.

“The visit provided a vital opportunity for parliamentarians to engage with the shipping industry and there is recognition that there is much to do to drive competiveness in the industry and to build political understanding of the challenges facing the maritime sector,” said Russell Brown MP.

Chris McLaughlin, Inmarsat Senior Vice President, External Affairs and Marketing Communications, stated: “Inmarsat is pleased that the IPT has taken such an interest in our 34-year heritage of supporting the global maritime industry.

Continued commitment

“They have noted our recent US$3 billion commitment to continue UK innovation and leadership in the mobile satellite sector.

“Through our L-band and forthcoming Global Xpress networks, we will provide global safety services and connectivity supporting maritime trade and industry for decades to come.”