Michael Parker, a 40-year veteran of the liner shipping business, has been named chairman of the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) in the next phase of the joint government-industry pact to revitalise the British flag.

Parker’s appointment was revealed last night by shipping minister John Hayes in a step to follow-through on the findings of last year’s maritime growth study.

“We are strengthening the partnership between government and industry,” Hayes told a reception at Norton Rose Fulbright’s London offices to launch next year’s London International Shipping Week.

The UK flag has lost tonnage in recent years to rank as the world’s thirteenth largest, while its costs have been rising.

Last month the government announced a consultation process which floated proposals to revamp its fees for ship registrations and surveys, with most charges set to rise.

Government has said the agency should not make a profit at the expense of customers, but also should not run at a loss. Views must be submitted by 26 October.

There remains no news of a new director for the UK Ship Register itself, following the abrupt departure of former ship management executive Simon Barham, who spent just a few months in post before leaving in August.

Barham’s appointment was heralded by government at the time as a step towards making the Red Ensign more independent of the state. Sir Alan Massey remains MCA chief executive.

Parker will take up the non-executive role from the start of 2017 when he will step down from his role as chairman of CMA CGM Holdings (UK) to avoid any conflict of interest. His appointment is for an initial three years.

“I’m very excited and eager to further build on the potential for the flag,” he said.

Parker is a past president of the UK Chamber of Shipping and is a member of the general committee of Lloyd’s Register and the London committee of ClassNK.

Hayes returned to the shipping portfolio after this summer’s post-Brexit vote government reshuffle, which had seen him campaigning for the UK to leave the European Union.

He worked with Parker when he helped launch the maritime growth study in 2014. “Michael helped me immensely with the industry advisory role with the growth study,” Hayes said.

“We got to know each other well there, and I gained a deep respect for his acumen, his integrity, and his skill. He is deservedly highly-regarded in this industry, and will do a superb job. I congratulate Michael.”