Nautilus International, the UK-based global trade union representing maritime professionals, is criticizing the UK Chamber of Shipping for remaining neutral on the impact of the Brexit referendum on British seafarers and shipping as shipowners have started to consider changing flags of their UK-registered vessels.
Nautilus called for calm among shipowners and this comes after one ferry operator, Stena Line, warned members that it has already started considering the possibility to re-register its UK-flagged vessels.
In a letter to the UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson said he “hoped the organization could provide reassurance and leadership in the face of ‘damaging uncertainty’ over the impact of the Brexit vote for British seafarers and British shipping.”
Dickinson expressed his surprise that the Chamber remained neutral when many organizations and prominent industry figures warned of the potentially adverse effects for the UK maritime sector.
He urged Chamber CEO Guy Platten to “provide a clear message on behalf of British shipowners that the UK maritime industry remains open for business” .