The Chamber of Shipping is the trade association for the UK shipping industry, working to promote and protect the
interests of its members both nationally and internationally.

With 140 members and associate members, the Chamber represents over860 ships of about 23 million gross tonnes and is recognised as thevoice of the UK shipping industry.

The Chamber works with Government, Parliament, internationalorganisations, unions and the general public on behalf of the sectorsthat make up the shipping industry (including deep-sea bulk, short-seabulk, containers, ferry, cruise, offshore support and specialisedoperators) to ensure that the UK continues to be a global centre forshipping business - with world-class standards and an internationallycompetitive and consistent fiscal and policy environment.

The Chamber is recognised by the Government, EU institutions and otherinternational organisations as the focal point for consultation withthe British shipping industry on regulatory and other key developments,thus giving it advance notice of forthcoming changes. The Chamber has awell-developed mechanism for promulgating relevant informationthroughout the industry complementary electronic methods ofdisseminating information are being developed.

The Chamber also produces a portfolio of publications.

The Chamber has close working contacts with many GovernmentDepartments, enabling it to press the industry's case throughout theUK's corridors of power. Good links are also maintained with othermaritime-related industry organisations, with maritime trade unions,and with City of London institutions.

Reflecting the international market in which British shipping companiestrade, the Chamber has cultivated links with a broad range of Europeanand international organisations - governmental and non-governmental -whose activities have an influence on members' businesses.