Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps she will take to support (a) investment in and (b) exports growth from the maritime sector.

My department is committed to supporting maritime exports and investment, which represent key pillars of the refreshed National Shipbuilding Strategy launched last year and support Government objectives on Levelling Up, Net Zero and security.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) established the Maritime Capability Campaign Office (MCCO), an integral part of UK Defence and Security Exports, to lead cross-Government work in this area in close collaboration with the National Shipbuilding Office and industry. The MCCO takes a strategic approach to its work, focusing on intelligence and global relationships while also supporting the Export Academy and an enhanced presence at major maritime events.

Since its launch, the 10-year pipeline of maritime exports and investment opportunities being actively managed by the DBT has grown by more than 15%; growth in the civil maritime pipeline has been particularly strong growing by more than £5bn across vessels, technology, ports and services.