We’re a social bunch
In 2024, BLUE’s team of PR, communications, brand and digital marketing experts engaged with our network of maritime professionals across the commercial shipping market to discuss decarbonisation, digitalisation, safety, wellbeing and ESG.
The past few weeks have seen the team attend a flurry of significant industry events and activities. From maritime welfare and environmental regulation to gender equality in shipping and new networking opportunities for young professionals, these events have underscored the importance of communication and collaboration across the industry.
A call to protect the oceans
BLUE Director, Simon Phillips, attended the Stanley Gray Lecture hosted by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), where Jo Ruxton MBE, founder of Ocean Generation and creator of the award-winning Netflix documentary A Plastic Ocean, delivered an inspiring keynote. The lecture set the tone for the launch of IMarEST's new digital series, Oceans of Opportunity: A Change of Tide, which highlights the role of engineers, scientists, and technologists in building a sustainable maritime sector.
A standout feature of the series was a contribution from BLUE client, The Mission to Seafarers, emphasising the essential work seafarers are doing to protect our oceans. The event also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion, underscoring the innovative strides being made to address the environmental challenges facing the maritime industry.
This event served as a reminder of how communications play an integral role in spreading vital messages - whether about environmental sustainability or the contribution of those who work tirelessly to protect our planet's oceans. Connecting key stakeholders, sharing expert insights, and fostering meaningful discussions are all made possible through effective communication.
BLUE Account Manager, Rohini Lakhani, attended WISTA UK's seminar in celebration of its 50th anniversary, leading into the Golden Jubilee Reception at the House of Lords. The occasion was a poignant reminder of how far women in the maritime sector have come since WISTA’s founding in 1974.
The seminar featured powerful stories from the founding members, many of whom faced marginalisation and inequality early in their careers. They shared words of advice for today’s women in shipping, highlighting the importance of resilience and unwavering belief in one's abilities. The event also included a crucial conversation about the ongoing challenges female seafarers face, particularly in relation to the Employment Rights Bill, sexual harassment, and attracting and retaining female talent in the maritime workforce.
From a communications perspective, the event showcased the power of storytelling in bringing attention to the barriers women continue to face, while also celebrating the strides made towards gender equality in maritime. By amplifying these voices and issues, WISTA and its supporters help to catalyse change across the sector.
In continuing the WISTA celebrations, Emily Dove, who serves as a board member of WISTA UK, had the privilege of attending an exclusive event at the House of Commons. WISTA’s legacy of empowering women in shipping, logistics, and trade was celebrated in a small gathering of key stakeholders, including WISTA founders Stella Marks and Gina Fyffe and Nusrat Ghani, Chairman of Ways and Means, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and former Minister of State in the Department for Transport.
She offered an inspiring opening address before engaging in discussions with the group, hearing of the hardships faced by some women and the need to re-affirm the UK’s position as a nautical nation. Founders Stella and Gina initiated a conversation around developing the U.K. shipping market, particularly in the shipbuilding business. The group then discussed ways of further developing gender diversity through company initiatives and industry associations.
The event was a clear testament to the power of communication in creating lasting change. By sharing the history of WISTA and engaging with influential leaders including Nusrat, the WISTA founders and other industry leaders such as DFDS’ Vice President, Gemma Griffin; International Chamber of Shipping’s Secretary General, Guy Platten; Carnival Corporation’s Captain, Louise Sara; and UK Chamber of Shipping’s CEO, Rhett Hatcher, the gathering reaffirmed the importance of supporting women in maritime.
Celebrating journalistic excellence in maritime
BLUE also attended the Seahorse Awards Christmas Party in London, where they had the chance to connect with maritime journalists and celebrate their contributions to the sector. Account Managers Sashrika Wadhera, Natalie Makin, Henry Earl, Rohini Lakhani, Caitlin Sear, and Account Executives Charlie Ruddle and George Brown were in attendance.
The evening’s highlights included the announcement of a new mentoring scheme, launched in collaboration with the British International Freight Association (BIFA). This initiative aims to support aspiring journalists entering the freight and logistics sector, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent and fostering professional growth within maritime communications.
The Seahorse Awards not only served as a celebration of journalistic excellence but also acknowledged the role of media professionals in shaping public understanding of the maritime industry. BLUE looks forward to continuing its work with these outstanding journalists, contributing to the broader conversation about the future of maritime communications.
Account Manager, Natalie Makin; Account Executive, Isobel Hodges; Senior Manager, Caitlin Sear; and Business Development Lead, Emily Dove, attended The Mission to Seafarers' Annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, a heartfelt event dedicated to the welfare of seafarers worldwide. This occasion allowed the team to reflect on the essential services provided by the Mission, which supports over 1.89 million seafarers globally, both at sea and ashore.
The festival celebrated the incredible dedication of volunteers, chaplains, trustees, and board members who help improve the lives of seafarers. For BLUE, supporting the Mission’s communications efforts is a privilege, and this event highlighted the profound impact of their work. The need for continued advocacy and support for seafarers was made all the more evident, with donations helping to ensure the continuation of the Mission's vital services. Please see this link for more information and to donate: https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/donate.
Launch of new maritime network for future leaders
Notorious BLUE networking duo, Caitlin and Emily, continued their work -which seeing them attend the launch of the Maritime Future Leaders’ Network, hosted at Hill Dickinson’s office. The new network is designed to connect young professionals, share insights, and advocate for greater inclusion in conversations around the future of the maritime sector. The event featured a range of prominent speakers, including Scarlett Black, Head of Programmes at Maritime UK, who spoke about the network’s aim to offer a platform for young professionals to engage in important industry discussions.
The launch was an important step in encouraging a more diverse and dynamic workforce. We were joined (virtually) by MP Mike Kane, who emphasised the need to raise awareness about the maritime industry among young people. As an agency deeply involved in shaping the maritime narrative, BLUE recognises the power of communications to bring together emerging leaders and provide them with the tools to influence the future of the industry.
Whether advocating for environmental sustainability, supporting the welfare of seafarers, or driving inclusivity and diversity, communications ensures that the voices of key stakeholders and companies are heard and that important issues are raised. At BLUE, we’re proud of our work to amplify these messages, contributing to shaping a more connected, inclusive and sustainable maritime industry.
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