The UK Chamber of Shipping has unveiled its much-anticipated The Value of Shipping 2025 report, shining a spotlight on the indispensable contributions of the shipping industry to the UK’s economy, society, and sustainability goals.

This latest publication lays out a compelling picture of an industry that remains at the heart of UK life—moving goods, powering industry, and supporting national resilience. With over 98,000 people directly employed and more than 728,000 jobs supported across the wider economy in the UK, the sector is a major employer. It delivers £16.1 billion in direct gross value added (GVA), with an extended economic impact of £46.2 billion GVA across the UK economy.

Every year, around 100,000 vessels call at UK ports—equivalent to one port call every five minutes, every day of the year. These figures illustrate the pace, scale, and reliability of maritime activity that keeps the country supplied, connected, and trading.

The report outlines how shipping plays a critical role beyond transport alone. It enables the supply of essential goods such as food, fuel, and raw materials, and underpins UK exports from pharmaceuticals and cars to manufactured goods. Shipping also supports the country’s ambition to become a global green energy leader by facilitating the movement of wind turbines, hydrogen infrastructure, and other components crucial to the transition to net zero.

In response to the report’s launch, Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander MP praised the sector, stating:
“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.”
She added, “I am incredibly proud of the UK shipping sector, and I thank everyone in the industry who helps keep this country safe and moving.”

The Value of Shipping 2025 report comes at a time when resilience in global trade and national supply chains is more important than ever. From post-pandemic recovery to supporting geopolitical stability and sustainability targets, shipping remains a key enabler of long-term national priorities.

As the UK looks to its future on the world stage, the report is a timely reminder of the strategic importance of maritime. It calls for continued investment, regulatory support, and recognition of shipping’s central role in the UK’s prosperity and security.

By championing this essential sector, the UK Chamber of Shipping continues to promote the industry’s visibility and its vital contribution to jobs, innovation, and decarbonisation.

To view the full report, visit the UK Chamber of Shipping website.

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