As an experienced maritime PR agency, Definition works closely with journalists, editors, and analysts at leading UK maritime publications and shipping media outlets. We know firsthand how important credibility is in these publications: stories need authority, relevance, and the correct format to have an impact.
In this guide, we’ve compiled an overview of the UK’s leading maritime and shipping media, their approaches to various types of stories, and practical tips on pitching to them. We also highlight the national business titles most likely to cover maritime news, giving you a clear sense of how to engage beyond the trade press.
Maritime and shipping trade media
The key titles in the maritime and shipping trade media landscape are:
1. Lloyd’s List
One of the world’s oldest continuously running publications (founded in 1734), Lloyd’s List remains essential reading for many maritime professionals. Its editorial slant is analytical and data-driven, with a current focus on digitalisation, sanctions, decarbonisation and Ukraine.
How to pitch Lloyd’s List:
- Preferred formats: Data-rich analysis, expert commentary, in-depth interviews.
- Less effective: Generic press releases with little context.
- Tips: Position your spokesperson as an authoritative voice capable of commenting on global impact, regulation, or long-term trends.
2. TradeWinds
With hundreds of thousands of readers globally, TradeWinds is one of the sector’s most influential news services, aimed at shipowners, operators, brokers, insurers and service providers. It prioritises market-moving stories and publishes quickly.
How to pitch TradeWinds:
- Preferred formats: Short, sharp quotes, breaking news, commentary on market shifts.
- Less effective: Long, slow-burning thought leadership.
- Tips: Ensure you can provide an accessible spokesperson for time-sensitive comments. Being slow means losing the opportunity here.
3. Maritime Journal
Focused on Europe’s workboat and commercial marine markets, Maritime Journal consistently covers engineering, coastal zone and inshore activity.
How to pitch Maritime Journal:
- Preferred formats: Press releases tied to innovation, product launches or vessel technology.
- Tips: Editor Debbie Mason values invention and innovation, so highlight technological or engineering advances.
4. Splash 24/7
One of the most widely read digital titles, Splash 24/7 combines news with an opinion-led editorial style. Their tone is frank and unafraid to challenge industry orthodoxy, making it unique among maritime outlets.
How to pitch Splash 24/7:
- Preferred formats: Op-eds, strong expert views, contrarian insights.
- Less effective: Standard company announcements.
- Tips: If your organisation has a bold stance on regulation, ESG, or operational risk, Splash is an ideal platform.
5. Seatrade Maritime News
As part of the Seatrade brand, Seatrade Maritime News combines a website and event programme with a global reach. Many of its stories are event-driven or tied to conference themes.
How to pitch Seatrade Maritime News:
- Preferred formats: Timely press releases, event previews, and sectoral analysis linked to industry gatherings.
- Tips: Plan announcements or feature articles to align with Seatrade events for maximum visibility and impact.
6. Ship Management International
Aimed at shipowners and managers, Ship Management International offers in-depth coverage of fleet management, insurance, crewing and leadership.
How to pitch Ship Management International:
- Preferred formats: Research-backed articles, interviews, in-depth profiles of senior leaders.
- Tips: If you have proprietary data or research findings, this is a natural home for them – a strong platform for senior leaders to position themselves.
National maritime publications and business media
At the national level, these leading publications cover the maritime shipping industry through economic, regulatory, and consumer lenses:
1. Financial Times
The FT covers shipping through the lens of global trade, finance, and investment. Articles often focus on freight rates, ESG regulation, supply chain disruption and shipping’s role in the world economy.
How to pitch the FT’s maritime and shipping journalists:
- Preferred formats: Macro-level insights, credible data, expert analysis.
- Tips: Unless you’re a global brand, frame commentary around broader industry/economic implications to win attention.
2. The Telegraph
The Telegraph runs stories with a strong domestic or consumer/economy angle, such as port strikes, labour shortages, or disruption to UK supply chains.
How to pitch The Telegraph’s maritime and shipping journalists:
- Preferred formats: News-led press releases, consumer/economy impact stories.
- Tips: Focus on how issues affect the broader UK public or economy, rather than just your company.
Key insights on pitching maritime media
Different publications have different expectations. The wrong format to the wrong outlet is often why stories fail to land.
- News-led outlets (TradeWinds, Maritime Journal, Seatrade) → breaking stories, immediate comment, product launches.
- Opinion-driven outlets (Splash 24/7, Lloyd’s List) → strong viewpoints, expert insight, challenging the status quo.
- In-depth features (Ship Management International, FT) → long-form research, exclusive data, industry profiles.
- National media (FT, Telegraph) → A broader economic or consumer impact is required; industry-focused press releases alone won’t suffice.
Final thoughts
The UK’s maritime media landscape is broad and nuanced. Success isn’t just about pushing out a press release – it’s about matching the right story to the proper outlet in the correct format.
At Definition, we work closely with these journalists and editors daily. Whether you’re looking to contribute an op-ed to Lloyd’s List, break a story with TradeWinds, or showcase leadership in Ship Management International, we know how to connect your story with the right audience.
Get in touch with our maritime PR experts today.
Written and updated by Ben Rowe, Senior Media Relations Consultant at Definition on 28/10/2025.
