Maritime importance

Maritime union Nautilus International has been demonstrating how much the UK relies on shipping and seafarers with 95 per cent of everything, from clothes to food and fuel, brought into the country by sea. Without shipping the import and export of affordable food and goods would not be possible, according to the union, and it has created an animated video reminding people just how much they rely on this vital industry. The animation shows how half the world would freeze due to a lack of fuel, and supermarket shelves would stand near empty. Plus, the more than 250,000 jobs that are supported by a buoyant maritime industry would be lost as would its £11 billion contribution to the British economy.