The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a study on the best way to support the UK’s maritime industry.

The conclusions of the research are due by summer 2015. It will be chaired by Jeffrey Evans, chair of Maritime UK and director at Clarksons. The focus will be on maritime education, ownership and operation of vessels, and government regulation of the industry.

Announcing the research on November 26th, shipping and ports minister John Haynes said: “The maritime growth study will look to maintain and enhance this achievement by ensuring the maritime sector can succeed in the future.”

He also said the DfT hoped to keep the shipping industry at the centre of the UK’s economic recovery and to avoid becoming “complacent”. It is estimated that the maritime industry’s total direct and indirect contribution to the UK economy amounts to as much as £32 billion per year.