Freight on Water, the 2002 government report which examined the scope for increasing water-borne freight in the UK, recommended that the development of the water-freight industry was hampered by a lack of cohesive representation and that a strong representative body for water should be created. Sea and Water was established, in part, to address that deficiency.

Sea and Water unites the industry, providing a common voice for all interested parties including carriers, customers and infrastructure providers. It aims to promote the movement of freight by water as part of an integrated transport policy which includes inland, coastal and short-sea shipping interests.

Sea and Water has forged strong links with Europe and plays an active part in a number of EU initiatives including the European Short Sea Network.

The Sea and Water Board of Directors represents as broad a spectrum of the industry as possible. Through shared expertise and information, members are able to deal effectively with industry-wide issues. In short, Sea and Water is a one-stop-shop for the water-freight industry.