By Jonathan Saul LONDON, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Gibraltar has extended port facilities to be able to handle more ships carrying goods as part of contingency plans if Britain leaves the European Union without an agreement, the British territory's maritime minister said on Friday. With a population of just over 30,000 people and a land area of nearly 7 square kilometres, … [Read more...]
Britain at Risk of Losing Leading Edge in Maritime Services
By Jonathan Saul LONDON, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Britain's position as a top hub for maritime services is being eroded by competition, a loss of shipping finance business and the removal of tycoon-friendly tax breaks, a report said, deepening uncertainty for its financial sector as Brexit nears. The UK has been a pivotal global shipping center for centuries, especially the City … [Read more...]
Proposed Ferry Could Save Scottish Whisky Exports Post-Brexit
By Toby Sterling AMSTERDAM, Aug 21 (Reuters) - A Scottish company and a Dutch port are discussing launching a new ferry line ahead of Britain's exit from the European Union, potentially providing a swift alternative route for Scottish exports such as whisky if Brexit causes transport delays. The ferry line would run between Rosyth, near Edinburgh, and Groningen Seaport at … [Read more...]
Brexit Uncertainty Driving Shipowners to Ditch UK Flag
By Alexander Whiteman (The Loadstar) - Uncertainty around Brexit may be making its mark, but the loss of vessels this year from the UK Ship Register may also be due to the requirement for vessel operators to comply with EU maritime regulations. According to figures from VesselsValue.com (VV) obtained by The Loadstar, 234 vessels have reflagged from the UK since the start of … [Read more...]
Shipping Firms Drop British Flag as Brexit Risks Loom
By Jonathan Saul LONDON, July 2 (Reuters) - Companies are leaving Britain's shipping registry due to uncertainty over Britain's departure from the European Union and future commercial arrangements with the bloc, industry officials say. All commercial ships have to be registered, or flagged, with a particular country partly to comply with safety and environmental regulations. … [Read more...]