Policy and Public Affairs

Shaping the Voice of the UK Maritime Supply Chain

This function represents the interests of the maritime engineering, science and technology
industry with decisionmakers in Westminster and Whitehall by:

• Positioning SMI as the authoritative industry voice of the maritime supply chain.
• Securing tangible policy wins aligned with SMI Specialist Groups priorities.
• Enhancing industry visibility among policymakers and influencers.
• Embedding member priorities into government decision-making.

We carry out this mission through strategic engagement with parliamentarians, ministers,
civil servants and maritime sector stakeholders – supported by robust evidence policy
expertise and a clear focus on outcomes.

Policy Priorities

Focusing on greater domestic industrial resilience, increased energy security and trade
promotion, our policy priorities include:

• Sovereign Maritime Capability – safeguarding the UK’s ability to design, build, repair and maintain critical maritime assets.
• Maritime Innovation – driving investment in R&D, accelerating adoption of new technologies, and fostering cross-sector collaboration.
• Autonomy, AI and Digital Engineering – creating the regulatory and infrastructure environment to unlock smart shipping and autonomous operations.
• Industrial Capacity, Resilience & Skills – building a skilled workforce, resilient supply chains, and national industrial capability.
• Trade & Export Promotion – expanding UK maritime exports through market access, government-backed trade support, and promotion campaigns.
• Decarbonisation – leading the shift to net-zero through clean propulsion, alternative fuels, and integration with offshore renewable energy.

Policy Papers

Our policy papers provide thought leadership and strategic insight into the challenges and
opportunities facing the UK maritime sector.

Consultation Responses

We respond to government consultations and calls for evidence to ensure the voice of the
maritime supply chain is heard and understood at the highest levels.

• 2025-10 Defence Committee - Submission to AUKUS Inquiry.pdf
• 2025-09 Transport Committee - Submission on Skills for Transport Manufacturing Inquiry.pdf
• 2025-09 DFT - Response Decarbonising Smaller Vessels Call for Evidence.pdf
• 2025-06 HMRC - Response to CBAM Draft Legislation Consultation.pdf
• 2025-06 DFT - Response to Net Zero Ports Call for Evidence.pdf
• 2025-05 Scottish Affairs Committee - Industrial Transition in Scotland Inquiry.pdf
• 2025-05 DBT - Response to SME Access to Finance Consultation.pdf
• 2025-04 DESNZ - Response to North Sea Future Consultation.pdf
• 2025-02 HMT - Submission to Spending Review 2025 Stakeholder Engagement.pdf
• 2025-01 UK ETS Authority - Response to UK ETS Extension to Maritime Consultation.pdf

Members-Only Insights

Weekly Policy & Public Affairs Update

An exclusive, members-only briefing with the latest policy developments – published every
Friday alongside the SMI Member Newsletter.
Monthly Parliamentary Bulletin

Briefing MPs and Peers on upcoming opportunities to promote SMI policy priorities –
published every month throughout the parliamentary year.

Find out more

Get Involved

SMI members help shape the UK’s maritime policy agenda and ensure the sector’s voice is
heard in the corridors of power.

If your organisation is part of the UK maritime supply chain, join us to have your say and
gain access to exclusive policy intelligence.

Join SMI