Maritime Transport: Scotland’s Sustainable Economic Growth Opportunity

Monday 5 October 2009, Apex International, Grassmarket, Edinburgh Keynote Speaker Stewart Stevenson MSP, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Maritime Transport has an important role to play in growing Scotland's economy.

The current Scottish Ferries Review has the stated objective of enhancing Scotland's ferry services and related infrastructure as key to supporting business and employment opportunities in pursuit of a wealthier and fairer Scotland. Scotland's strategic continental ferry link connection between Rosyth - Zeebrugge has restarted and various new major port developments are under active consideration. Scotland's offshore oil supply shipping businesses are a leader in that sector, while Scottish-based ship management firms continue to expand globally, and the international tanker sector is critical for the distribution of Scotland's oil to worldwide markets. In addition, our leading edge transport research institutions continue to support these strategic transnational Research & Development initiatives as well as indentifying new opportunities to enhance trade and economic activity.