UK Chamber of Shipping launches Value of Shipping 2025 report

The Value of Shipping 2025 also 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.

Download the report here.

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.”

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)