04.02.2008
Passenger Boat Industry Raises its Voice at Ground-breaking Conference
Opportunity, Challenge and Change:
The Future of the UK Passenger Boat Industry
Thursday 6th March, 2008
Members of the UK passenger boat industry, and those with an interest in it, are invited to attend the first National Conference of the Passenger Boat Association, which takes place in London on Thursday, 6th March 2008.
Opportunity, Challenge and Change: The Future of the UK Passenger Boat Industry is organised by The Passenger Boat Association (PBA) in partnership with Knighthood Assurance Services plc, the leading specialist marine insurance broker in the UK and Ireland.
The conference reflects passenger boat operators' growing need for guidance and discussion in the face of increasing environmental and regulatory pressures, new opportunities for integrated passenger transport on inland waterways and changing market trends.
Leading experts from the UK and Europe will address the key interests and concerns of passenger boat companies who provide services of every kind on domestic waterways and coastal leisure routes throughout the UK.
The programme is also designed to be of interest to other organisations working within the passenger boat industry such as regulators, manufacturers, service suppliers and local authorities.
Hot topics on the agenda include European regulations for passenger boats, the role of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the outlook for the British Waterways network, innovation in passenger transport partnerships, fuels of the future, marketing opportunities and a look ahead at marine engine design.
"The first National Conference represents a significant milestone for the passenger boat industry," said PBA Chairman, Keith French. "Passenger boats are not only part of the lifeblood of Britain's waterways: they have a meaningful role to play in modern transport strategies and in bringing benefits to local economies throughout the UK. The timing of the conference marks a determination within the industry not just to raise issues, but to ensure that its voice is heard. "
Opportunity, Challenge and Change: The Future of the UK Passenger Boat Industry takes place on board the largest passenger boat on the River Thames, the Dixie Queen, moored near Tower Bridge. Further details of the conference are available on www.passengerboats.co.uk (opens in a new window). Remaining delegates' and exhibitors' tickets are available from the PBA Secretary on 01491 834693.
