SMI Celebrates 25 Years Championing the UK Maritime Sector

The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) marked its 25th anniversary this week with a celebration at the House of Lords, bringing together members, government representatives and key stakeholders from across the UK maritime sector.

SMI has spent the past quarter century championing businesses, researchers, shipbuilders, technology companies and maritime leaders from across the UK. Together, the association has helped shape policy, supported innovation and strengthened the voice of the maritime industry.

SMI’s history dates back to 1966 and the creation of the British Marine Equipment Council (BMEC).  In the 1960s and 1970s shipbuilding was heading in increasing volumes to Asia, and BMEC was founded to support UK marine equipment exporters who no longer had a strong home market.  During the 1980s and 1990s, BMEC expanded its international trade activity through trade fairs, UK pavilions and overseas missions.

In July 2001, SMI was launched aboard RV Triton, an experimental Royal Navy vessel, alongside HMS Belfast in London. Over the years that followed, the Society continued to evolve, launching its Annual Conference in 2004 and developing specialist groups covering areas including maritime security, autonomy and digital technologies. Twenty-five years on, SMI continues to champion the UK maritime sector at home and internationally.

Guests at the House of Lords were welcomed by SMI Chief Executive Tom Chant MBE, with addresses from Keir Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, The Rt Hon. the Lord Beamishand Alan Donnelly, Chairman of the event’s Prime Sponsor, Balaena.

Tom Chant MBE, Chief Executive of the Society of Maritime Industries, said:

“We were delighted to celebrate SMI’s 25th anniversary in Westminster and bring together so many of the people who have been part of the Society’s journey.

“This was an opportunity to thank the people and organisations who have contributed to SMI’s success over the past 25 years. We are particularly grateful to our members, past and present, whose commitment has shaped the association into what it is today.

“From defence and national resilience to clean growth and technological innovation, the maritime sector is entering a period of significant opportunity. SMI remains committed to bringing together the breadth of the UK’s maritime community and ensuring our members’ expertise helps shape the future of the sector.”

Keir Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics, said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to the Society of Maritime Industries on this significant milestone. Over the past 25 years, SMI's members have been an integral pillar of the UK maritime sector, demonstrating the innovation and expertise that have made the UK a global leader in maritime decarbonisation, autonomy and digital technologies. By working closely with industry, we are helping to create the right conditions for growth, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of maritime innovation for years to come.”

As SMI looks to the next chapter, the Society will continue to represent and connect its members, champion their expertise and ensure the UK maritime sector has a strong voice both nationally and internationally.

SMI would like to thank Balaena, Prime Sponsor of the 25th Anniversary Celebration, and Scott Aerospace, Supporting Sponsor, for their support in marking this significant milestone.

View the full photo albumn here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjD8BTK