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It’s been an exceptionally busy and exciting September for UK Shipping Concierge (UKSC), as the team joined colleagues in celebrating several important achievements and occasions across the UK maritime sector.
From marking the 40th anniversary of the Isle of Man Shipping Registry at Trinity House, to joining Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haigh MP and IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez for the London International Shipping Week 2025 launch event, September has offered opportunities to boost maritime business, connect maritime people, and celebrate continued industry collaboration.
September also marks a poignant annual event, held globally by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) since 1978. World Maritime Day is an opportunity for seafarers and the industry to come together to highlight the importance of maritime safety and security, and ongoing protection of the marine environment.
This year marks 50 years since the signing of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), a crucial aspect of maritime safety that not only sets international safety standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation, but also prevents maritime disasters and protects lives.
As part of the annual international event, the Red Ensign and the IMO flag was raised at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) headquarters in Southampton, and numerous buildings, bridges, ports, ships, monuments, museums and other landmarks across more than 30 countries were lit up with blue lights.
Organised by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), the UKSC was also invited to meet the new administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) and Minister of Maritime Affairs, Luis Roquebert Vanegas.
Head of UK Shipping Concierge Graham Candy was pleased to meet Mr Vanegas, alongside MCA’s UK Customer Service Director Lars Lippuner. The group discussed common flag issues and the Minister was provided an overview of the UK’s maritime services and new cadet training syllabus.
Pictured left to right are, Juan Filipe Pitty, Lara Haughney, Rob Keeling, Luis Roquebert, Lars Lippuner and Luis Bernal Gonzalez
The month also saw the annual Hong Kong Trade Development Council dinner held at Grosvenor Hotel in London. Hosting more than 400 delegates from both the UK and Hong Kong, the event heralds another year of business growth in areas as varied as finance, technology and transport.
Graham said: “This month has offered many opportunities to engage with key and influential stakeholders from across the worlds of business and maritime; from transport, technology to international shipping, all with the aim of supporting the Governments ambitions for supporting economic growth.”
