Choose London

Why is London home to more international shipowners, operators and managers than any other city in the world? Why do the world's shipowners come to London to do business?

Could it be the unparalleled range of shipping expertise available? A business friendly tax regime? The advantage of doing business in an international city at the heart of the global financial system? A legal system which specialises in maritime matters?

Or is it just because there is simply no better place for shipping to do business?

Shipowners, operators and managers find London an easy place to do business. Whether it is finding an office location, hiring expert staff, or just booking a world-renowned restaurant for a business lunch, London offers the international shipping community the best possible choices.

1. The one stop shop
London is home to thousands of firms providing specialist maritime services. Basing your shipping operation in London plugs you into a network of the world's best shipping experts. More ships are fixed, insurance placed, finance obtained and disputes solved here than any other shipping centre. London is home to the IMO and a host of international maritime associations.

2. Business friendly tax regime
The UK government understands the uniquely mobile nature of the international shipping business and there is a range of long standing measures in place to ensure that the UK remains an attractive location for shipowners. Personal and corporation taxation rates remain competitive and a successful tonnage tax regime designed to attract more ships to the UK flag exists.

3. Robust legal system
The long-held worldwide regard for the fairness and expertise of the English Admiralty and Commercial court system and the barristers and solicitors who practice before them, means that the global maritime community will either readily contractually submit, or later agree to, English jurisdiction to determine their disputes. London is also the world's leading centre for maritime arbitration, based on English law.

4. Leading financial centre
Residence in the leading global financial city enables shipping companies to take advantage of the expertise available from the world's leading financial providers. From arranging ship mortgages to putting together complex financial deals, London's financial community has a long standing connection with shipping.

5. Staffing
The UK has a highly motivated and educated workforce with skills relevant to the shipowning sector. There is a large pool of experienced ex- seafaring officers working in a range of shipping sectors.

6. Education
Being based in London gives the shipping executive countless opportunities to further his or her professional development. World class universities and professional organisations based in and around London offer a huge array of education services.

7. Gateway to the world
Basing your operation in London enables you to do business with all parts of the world at different times of the day. London has excellent international connections and the shipping centres of Piraeus, Hamburg, Rotterdam, Oslo and Monaco are all a short hop away. Wi-Fi internet access is available in the whole of London's business area, helping you easily stay in touch.

8. Ease of relocation
London offers companies a huge choice of both prestigious and low key locations from which to run a shipping business. Free and confidential help is available from a range of government and private organisations to ensure that your move to London can be smoothly undertaken.

9. Adaptability
In a fast changing world, London has always to new ways of doing business. The multinational mix of London's maritime community ensures that global ideas are quickly assimilated into the London scene.

10. Cosmopolitan city
London has a unique international outlook and heritage and is many foreign nationals' first choice location for a posting. Over 300 languages are spoken in London, and the capital is home to resident communities from more than 90 countries. London has unparalleled shopping, entertainment and cultural facilities.

Links
UK Ship Register
Corporation of London
Think London
UK Trade & Investment
Department for Transport
Inland Revenue
Chamber of Shipping
London First
London Chamber of Commerce
Financial Services Authority
British Tourist Authority