About us

Sea and Water is an independent industry association established in 2003. We are supported financially by the Department for Transport and the UK water-freight industry through member subscriptions and occasional sponsorship. Although we enjoy some government funding we operate at arm’s length and have complete freedom to criticize government as required.

We are governed by a board of directors representing a number of industry sectors and we operate through two committees representing a wide range of sector interests within shortsea, coastal and inland shipping. Day-to-day business is handled by a small full-time executive.

Who are our members?

Uniquely, Sea and Water brings together the entire UK water-freight industry. Our effectiveness is governed by the breadth of our membership which currently includes:

barge operators, brokers, business schools, consultants, insurers, lawyers, navigation authorities, pilots, port authorities, shippers and receivers, ship operators, shipbuilders and repairers, terminal operators, trade associations, trade unions, tug operators, waste managers and wharf operators.

What do we do?

Representing the entire water-freight spectrum, our primary objective is to encourage freight off the road and onto the water. We do this by operating in three central areas:

• Policy. It is important that adequate European and UK policy is in place to optimize the use of water to move freight. Using our strong links with European, national and regional government we are able to influence policy in the relevant areas so that you can do your business more effectively. And that includes policy which helps assist you in identifying and securing future new business opportunities. UK government recognizes Sea and Water as the one-stop-shop for the water-freight and uses us as their main conduit into the industry for advice, feedback and debate.
  
  
• Promotion. Buyers of transport services, shippers and receivers need to know about you and the services you offer. As a whole, the water-freight industry is not well promoted often leaving potential customers in the dark about how the water option could enhance their logistics chain. Through a number of initiatives, Sea and Water is working to raise the profile of your industry with those whose job it is to buy services from you.
  
  
• Advice and support. Membership brings many benefits, not least the opportunity to request our support. Over the short time we have been established we have assisted many members in a number of diverse areas such as freight grants, planning, general policy, operating difficulties, finding potential business partners and promoting specific initiatives and ideas. Our door is always open to our members.