Old Friends, New Connections, and Insightful Discussion at the UK Chamber of Shipping Autumn Lunch
Dennis Kelly and Tim Southan-Christian represented Waves Group at the UK Chamber of Shipping Autumn Lunch, held at St Mary’s Stadium, Southampton.
The event provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces along the South Coast and forge new relationships across the UK shipping community. Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch, two engaging panel sessions, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the stadium.
The programme featured a compelling panel debate on “Southampton as a hub for future maritime propulsion technology”, chaired by Peter Aylott, Director of Policy at the UK Chamber of Shipping. The discussion brought together Liam Blackmore, Principal Engineer at Lloyd’s Register, and Professor Stephen Turnock, Head of the School of Engineering at the University of Southampton, who offered expert insight into the industry’s pathway towards cleaner, more efficient propulsion systems.
Professor Turnock described two historical mindsets that have defined shipping’s evolution: “Reluctant to change” and “Rush to change.” With the upcoming regulatory shifts from the IMO, he suggested the industry now stands at a new turning point, one that could trigger a rapid transformation in propulsion technologies. He also emphasised that “people who support the technology are the most important part of solving the problems,” underlining the crucial role of skills and collaboration in navigating the energy transition.
The panel also explored the through-life management of risk for future fuels, prompting reflection on how the industry and particularly companies involved in casualty response, must prepare for the challenges posed by alternative fuels onboard.
The Q&A session with the Chamber’s Senior Management Team provided an open forum to discuss policy priorities and practical steps for progress.
Reflecting on the discussions, Dennis Kelly noted that several key themes dominated the conversation, including the need for the shipping industry to strengthen its lobbying voice in government. Compared with aviation, shipping remains behind in influencing policy, particularly regarding R&D investment in alternative fuels, the shortage of skilled crew within the ferry sector, and the restrictive work permit rules for foreign crew.
As Dennis summarised, “These are hot topics and critical areas for collective action. Without a stronger, more coordinated approach to government engagement, the industry risks being overlooked in decisions that will define its future competitiveness.”
The Chamber also reaffirmed its focus on “People, Planet, and Prosperity”, referencing its recently published Value of Shipping Report (June 2025) a comprehensive study highlighting the economic, social, and environmental contribution of UK shipping.
A big thank you to the UK Chamber of Shipping for hosting another inspiring and well-organised event.
