VIDEOTEL AT WORLD MARITIME DAY 27 SEPTEMBER 2007

Sea's the Future

• Sea's the future for clean, renewable energy production
• Sea's the future for the most environmentally efficient form of transportation
• Sea's the future for an exciting, rewarding career

Over 90% of all of the world's trade is carried by ships. From computers to clothes, food to oil, shipping is vital to the global economy. Shipping is the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation and the industry offers a wealth of careers both at sea and ashore.

On September 27th 2007 the historic ship Wellington, berthed between Blackfriars and Waterloo bridges, will be the venue for the celebrations to mark shipping's contribution to society on World Maritime Day.

The event will showcase the positive steps taken by UK based maritime institutions in reducing their impact upon the marine environment. UK based organisations have taken the lead in this area and so this highlights the importance of this sector to UK Plc. The whole of the maritime industry, for example, contributed over £37 billion to the UK's economy in 2006.

38 leading shipping industry and associated international organisations will promote the latest technological developments and visitors, including young people from local schools, will get a chance to meet key players in the industry, drive ship simulators and gain a unique insight into the transportation of goods by sea.

Attendees include HRH the Duke of York, the shipping minister, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, the only United Nations agency to be headquartered in London, the Lord Mayor of London, the Lord Mayor of Westminster and the Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency.