Launched today in Parliament, a landmark report “The Value of Shipping 2025” from the UK
Chamber of Shipping—reveals the powerful economic, social, and environmental
contributions of the shipping industry to the UK.
The report shows that:
- The UK shipping industry employs over 98,000 people directly and supports
over 728,000 jobs across the wider economy. - The industry contributes £16.1 billion in direct GVA and supports £46.2 billion in
GVA across the broader economy. - Approximately 100,000 vessels call at UK ports each year—equivalent to one port call
every five minutes, 24/7, 365 days a year.
The report underscores the essential role of shipping in the UK economy—supporting the
supply of critical materials, energy, and food; facilitating exports of pharmaceuticals, cars, and
manufactured goods; connecting British enterprise with global markets; and enabling the UK’s
green energy transition.
Additional key findings include: - The UK shipping industry has grown by 7% annually since 2019, outpacing all other
transport modes. - The industry’s direct GVA rose to £16.1 billion in 2023, up 64% from £9.8 billion in
2019. - The sector’s total economic impact increased from £26 billion in 2019 to £46.2
billion in 2023.
Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP said;
“UK shipping is crucial to economic growth and opportunity—it facilitates trade across
borders, links people with vital services, offers travel to other countries, and keeps loved ones
connected.
“I am incredibly proud of the UK shipping sector, and I thank everyone in the industry who
helps keep this country safe and moving.”
Rhett Hatcher, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping, said:
“Shipping is the lifeblood of the UK economy.
“From ensuring the steady flow of essential goods and energy to connecting our island
communities and enabling millions of passenger journeys, the shipping industry plays a vital
role in the resilience and prosperity of the country.
“As we navigate toward a net-zero future, our industry is committed to decarbonisation and is
already playing a pivotal role in supporting the UK’s transition to clean energy.
“We are dedicated to working with the Government to create a greener, thriving shipping
industry that continues to deliver economic growth and employment opportunities across the
UK and globally.
“Shipping is, and will remain, at the heart of delivering sustainable growth, connecting British
enterprise with the world, and driving the UK’s green transition.”
Key Findings
The Value of Shipping Report—developed with the Centre for Economics and Business
Research (Cebr) in collaboration with the Department for Transport—builds on the previous
research series last issued in 2023. It provides insights into the size and performance of the
UK shipping industry and serves as an evidence base to inform future policy development.
Delivering Prosperity & Supporting Jobs
- Direct GVA: £16.1 billion; Total GVA supported: £46.2 billion.
- 728,000 jobs supported, including 98,200 directly employed at sea and ashore.
- Shipping jobs are 121.8% more productive than the UK average and pay 20% higher
salaries. - Every one job in shipping supports six jobs in the wider economy.
A Vital Part of UK Infrastructure - Ferries are a lifeline for 2.4 million people, providing essential access to food,
healthcare, and education. - 18.1 million international passengers pass through UK ports annually—around 50,000
daily. - 2.9 million cruise passengers begin or end their journey in UK ports.
- 37.8 million domestic ferry passengers annually—over 100,000 daily journeys.
- Cruise tourism injects £170 million directly into coastal communities each year.
Powering Global Trade - In 2024, shipping enabled £957.3 billion in UK trade: £365.7 billion in exports
and £591.6 billion in imports. - Shipping supports over 140,000 UK exporters and facilitates imports for over 350,000
UK businesses. - 434.9 million tonnes of cargo moved through UK ports in 2023, including:
- 169.3 million tonnes of liquid bulk (energy supply)
- 76 million tonnes of essential cargo (steel, construction materials)
- 84.4 million tonnes of bulk products (ores, agricultural goods
About the Report
The Value of Shipping Report 2025, launched at the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Parliamentary
Reception on 3 June, was developed in partnership with the Centre for Economics and
Business Research (Cebr). It presents a comprehensive overview of the UK shipping industry’s
economic value and performance.
About the UK Chamber of Shipping
The UK Chamber of Shipping is the trade association for the UK shipping industry, representing
over 200 members across all sectors and flags—including the UK’s largest cruise, ferry, and
freight operators. We champion the sector, promote its interests, and ensure decision-makers
understand the industry’s positive social, economic, and environmental impact.
