The Society of Maritime Industries (SMI) celebrated its 25th anniversary at the House of Lords.
The association’s celebrations at the House of Lords brought together stakeholders across the UK maritime industry.
The event recognised SMI’s role in representing maritime businesses and strengthening industry voice in policy discussions. Marine shipbuilding and engineering company Balaena sponsored the celebration, with Scott Aerospace supporting the event.
The organisation’s roots date back to 1966, when the British Marine Equipment Council (BMEC) was established to support UK marine equipment exporters as shipbuilding increasingly moved to Asia.
SMI was officially launched in July 2001, aboard an experimental Royal Navy vessel RV Triton.
The association states that although the maritime industry has changed vastly over the last 25 years, SMI’s purpose – “to champion the UK maritime sector at home and internationally" – remains the same.
Speaking at the anniversary event, SMI chief executive Tom Chant MBE said it was “an opportunity to thank the people and organisations who have contributed to SMI’s success over the past 25 years”.
He added, “We are particularly grateful to our members, past and present, whose commitment has shaped the association into what it is today.”
“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.”
