Maritime London
The
thousands of businesses which collectively make up maritime London play a
vital role in keeping the world’s merchant fleet moving safely and
efficiently. For every voyage made and every cargo delivered, a huge amount
of expertise is required ashore to make it actually happen. Whether it is
the financing and insurance of the vessel and cargo, the negotiations entailed
in agreeing a rate for the hire of the ship or the numerous legal and technical
safety issues, specialist firms are available to ensure that every conceivable
commercial need is met or problem solved.
When it comes to providing these sorts of commercial services to the international fleet, London and the UK are world beaters. Over 14,000 people are employed in law firms, shipbroking houses, insurance companies, banks and shipping companies in London alone. Last year this growing sector generated over £1 billion for the UK economy. No other city in the world can claim as much expertise in this field as can London. London is the one location in the world where the international shipping community’s every need is met.
The maritime transportation of more than third of all the world’s
cargo is arranged through London, most of the world’s ships insured
and financed through London and international commercial disputes resolved
using English law. Without an efficient support network, the global fleet
would soon grind to a halt and cause a meltdown of the global economy.
The maritime services sector offers a wealth of opportunities for graduates and school leavers as well as former seafarers. The offices of legal, insurance and ship management firms in particular require the skills that only a career at sea on the commercial vessels can bring. Be it 25 years spent ensuring the safe running of engine rooms or 5 years as a junior officer on deck, a large number of firms require people that have first hand practical experience of the commercial operations of a ship. Ex-seafarers can be found running the operations of large shipping companies, investigating the causes of collisions and other mishaps on behalf of an insurer or representing a shipping company’s legal interests. A career at sea opens doors to a wealth of careers ashore.
But it is not just ex-seafarers who can be found in maritime services firms. Shipbroking companies require sharp minds which can spot an opportunity for their shipowning or chartering clients. Specialist skills are required to understand marine insurance, financing and legal issues. This huge and diverse sector offers a huge range of opportunities to anyone interested in an international and exciting career.
For further details see www.maritimelondon.com