From toys to tinsel – the maritime industry works day and night
to make Christmas what it is.
Seafarers, harbourmasters and other staff at ports will work over
the festive period to ensure presents, food and crucial goods get
to millions of people across the country.
September is the busiest month for the arrival of Christmas
decorations into UK ports by container.
While the maritime sector is a cornerstone of the UK economy
year-round, its significance escalates during the Christmas
season. As much of the country gets ready for a break from work
the maritime sector remains in full swing, with vessels arriving
at UK ports, even on Christmas Day.
Given that 95% of trade volume reaches the UK by sea, it's no
surprise that a considerable share of Christmas merchandise,
including gifts, decorations, and Christmas trees, is imported.
The maritime sector plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely
arrival by orchestrating the transportation and logistics of
shipments from international suppliers.
Strategic planning is required to deliver the logistical
challenge that comes with the festive period. According to
analysis by the Department for Transport, September is the
busiest month for the arrival of Christmas decorations into UK
ports by container, making their way into shops in good time for
Christmas.
, Maritime Minister
said:
“As we approach the festive season, I would like to express my
gratitude to those sacrificing time with their friends and family
– particularly those who are away at sea or working at ports.
“Every year, the maritime sector ensures that
stockings are full, gifts are wrapped, and the holiday spirit
sails smoothly into every household across the UK. Their
ceaseless commitment ensures the festive season is truly
special.”
Ports are at their peak in the run-up to Christmas, with the Port
of Dover handling twice as much freight and tourist traffic as
normal. This often means longer working hours for seafarers and
staff over the festive season to ensure operations and journeys
run smoothly.
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive at Port of Dover,
said:
“We’d like to thank all our people, the ferry operators and the
lorry drivers who, after making sure everyone else has what they
need, will be driving home for Christmas to be with their loved
ones. And we wish those travelling overseas to be with
friends and relatives happy holidays.”
According to HMRC data, the Port of Immingham also imported a
staggering £7.3 million worth of fresh Christmas trees last year.
This not only highlights the scale of operations but also
emphasises the critical role that ports play in the Christmas
narrative.
While every Christmas tree is special, there’s one that is a
yearly spectacle in the UK’s capital. The world-famous Trafalgar
Square Christmas tree, sitting at 62ft this year, was imported
through the Port of Immingham earlier this month. As a symbol of
friendship and gratitude for the support provided during the
Second World War, Norway gifts the UK a tree every year – with
this year marking the 76th Anniversary of the
tradition.
Simon Bird, Regional Director, at Associated British
Ports (ABP) for the Humber ports said:
“It’s been a very long tradition that every year the Trafalgar
Square Christmas tree arrives in the Port of Immingham.
“Our tenant DFDS have transported this gift for more than 25
years. It’s a great privilege that this symbol of peace from
Norway travels through the Humber on its journey to London. We
hope this tradition continues. You feel Christmas has started
when you know it’s on its way.”
In November, the tree was cut down by The Lord Mayor of
Westminster Cllr Patricia McAllister and The Mayor of
Oslo Anne Lindboe, during a felling ceremony.
None of this would be possible without the hard work and
dedication of seafarers, delivering our Christmas presents after
weeks, sometimes months at sea. The Department for Transport has
implemented a comprehensive programme to support seafarers,
working with the sector to improve safety, skills and welfare
through the Seafarer Welfare Charter and the Seafarers’ Wages
Act.
Ports are also vital to the sector’s future which is why the
department is currently reviewing the National Policy Statement
for Ports - to support their development.
On top of this, the Government has allocated £206 million to the
UK Shipping Office for Reducing Emissions (UK SHORE) to
decarbonise shipping. This is the biggest ever government
investment to accelerate the technological advancement necessary
to decarbonise our domestic maritime sector.
The Government will also publish the refreshed Clean Maritime
Plan as soon as possible, to deliver an ambitious, action focused
plan to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and reduce the
sector’s environmental impact.
