John Hayes, the minister for shipping and ports, has laid out how the government intends to continue to support the maritime sector in a speech given at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s annual dinner.

He also drew attention to supportive measures already taken, such as the real-terms cut of 19 per cent for light duties and the development of new apprenticeships in seafaring industries.

This scheme is set to be extended in October with a change to tonnage taxes, which will allow vessels to train three able seafarer ratings instead of one officer cadet. A restructuring of coastguard services is also ongoing and is expected to improve safety when it is completed in December.

A third instalment of the Strategic Partnership Plans for Shipping and Ports, on Maritime Business Services, is set to be published this year to inform future policy.

Mr Hayes also encouraged members of the chamber to be proactive and make suggestions about changes they feel would be beneficial for the sector as a whole.