The General Lighthouse Authorities for the UK & Ireland's strategy document '2025 & Beyond' has been launched today by the Shipping Minister, Mr Mike Penning.

The document clearly outlines how Trinity House, the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights will fulfil their shared mission of 'delivering a reliable, efficient and cost effective aids to navigation service for the benefit and safety of all mariners'.

Through the publication of this document the GLAs have committed to continue to provide a service that is robust, efficient and economic with the appropriate mix of physical and electronic aids to navigation.

Since the publication of the GLA's last strategy document '2020 The Vision' in 2004, the global maritime risk to life, property and the marine environment has continued to increase. The GLA's core aim is to ensure safety of navigation by continuing to provide a balanced mix of physical and radio aids to navigation. Technology has improved the level of service we can provide. For example Automated Identification System (AIS) provides a very important tool to assess future navigation needs around our coasts. Improved Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and solar panels, coupled with longer life batteries , have also allowed significant improvements.

The GLAs are at the forefront of these advances and fully support the International Maritime Organisation's objective to provide eNavigation and related services - the future of coastal navigation.

When delivered, this strategy will continue to mitigate risk; it will provide for safety of navigation, and the protection of life, property and the vulnerable marine environment.

The full document can be downloaded from /cil/publications.aspx 

The launch took place at Trinity House's offices on Tower Hill, London.

Ends

Notes to editors:

The General Lighthouse Authorities

The General Lighthouse Authorities (GLAs) of the United Kingdom and Ireland are Trinity House, the Northern Lighthouse Board and the Commissioners of Irish Lights. Together, they have the statutory responsibility for the provision of marine aids to navigation (AtoN) around the British Isles. The GLAs' joint mission is the delivery of a reliable, efficient and cost effective AtoN service for the benefit and safety of all mariners.

For more information please contact Vikki Gilson, Public Relations Manager for Trinity House, on 020 7481 6960 or email her at vikki.gilson@thls.org