The Prime Minister, David Cameron, has announced that John Hayes will become the new Shipping Minister, following the most thorough government reshuffle of this parliament.
The move sees Stephen Hammond leave government after nearly two years at the Department for Transport.
UK Chamber Chief Executive, Guy Platten said: “Stephen Hammond has been one of the most proactive shipping ministers for a long while and we wish him well for the future. He worked closely with us in setting up the first ever strategic partnership between industry and government, and passionately promoted the UK industry through his full support of London International Shipping Week. His legacy will be one of increased investment in maritime training, lower light dues and the ratification of the Maritime Labour Convention”
Mr Platten also welcomed the new minister into office: “As former Skills Minister, John Hayes is well aware of a number of issues we face in the sector relating to seafarer training and shore-based skills. We look forward to working with him closely in the year ahead, principally to further the excellent work we have already done together through our strategic partnership.
“It is also welcome that the office of Shipping Minister has been promoted to Minister of State level, showing that this Government understands the importance of shipping to the UK economy.”
John Hayes is Conservative MP for South Holland and the Deepings and, until this reshuffle, was Minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office.
