History of the UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD  the UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD , established in 1986, is a market orientated trade association representing and promoting the interests of British manufacturers and suppliers of marine equipment and marine services to all types of commercial ships, from the smallest workboats to largest ships afloat. Key Liaisons One of UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD’s most important activities is to maintain close liaison with the Chamber of Shipping (COS) and the Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers Association (SSA). Following the issue by the three Associations of a Joint Statement of Understanding on Future Collaboration, in November 1994, designed to bring about closer co-operation between the three principal sectors of the UK maritime industries and thus improve UK’s competitiveness in the global market place, regular meetings are now held at which collaboration issues are discussed. Industry Leader UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD also attends meetings of the influential Maritime Industries Forum (MIF), the European Commission initiative launched in late 1991 to improve the competitiveness of the European Maritime industry as a whole. The MIF is generating some very positive ideas and proposals for future action, most notably in the areas of Short Sea Shipping, the development of marine resources, and the utilisation of computer technology and EDI in many aspects of the whole maritime industry. Benefits to UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD members accrue from these European activities. Export Services On the naval side, UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD, which has well established links with the MoD and strongly supports the activities of the Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO), is now involved in activities concerning the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone), specifically with the DTI sponsored British Exclusive Economic Zone Export Promotion Committee (BREEZE). BREEZE is designed to promote export opportunities for companies’ equipment and services in the emerging markets of EEZs worldwide. Industry Promotion In summary, UK Ocean-tec Research and Development LTD gets involved, or is prepared to become involved, in any activity that helps to promote or preserve business opportunities for British companies involved in some way with the maritime industry. Through seminars, presentations, outward and inward missions and its involvement in EU activities.