UK: Minister Fergus Ewing Attends Clyde Marine Training Offices in Glasgow

Clyde Marine Training (CMT) welcomed Fergus Ewing MSP Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism to its headquarters in Glasgow on Wednesday 10th July, to discuss the importance of the Maritime sector in Scotland with a particular focus on the training of seafarers and a longer term view of what the industry could look like post referendum.

As the UK’s largest maritime training provider managing approx. 50% of the annual Trainee Officer intake for the British Merchant Navy and with bases in both England and Scotland, Clyde Marine Training is in a unique position to be able to discuss these matters at Ministerial level.

These initial discussions proceeded very positively with Minister Fergus Ewing commenting: “I was very happy to visit Clyde Marine Training and hear what the company are doing to support a breadth of marine activities across sectors including oil and gas. Clyde Marine Training is keen to ensure that the maritime industry in Glasgow remains a key economic growth area and the Scottish Government will continue to support the company, in any way possible, as you continue to grow”.

Colin McMurray also commented: “Further to discussions held at the Scottish Enterprise Industry Leadership Groups for Aerospace Defence and Marine the Minister was very keen to come and meet with CMT and demonstrate how seriously the Scottish Government take the Maritime Industry in Scotland and the importance of ensuring business continuity in advance of the outcome of the forthcoming referendum.”

“According to a recently commissioned report the Maritime industry directly contributes over £2.2bn annually to the Scottish economy, and employs over 40,000 workers in this country, and we are heartened that the Minister is engaging in discussions to ensure this sector continues to thrive.”