London

For many centuries London would have been considered the centre of the international shipping industry. During the reign of Queen Victoria, Britain build up her ties with many culturally different nations and territories and at the close of the 19th Century, a high percentage of the global nations were part of the British Empire. When the First World War began in 1914, the British Empire comprised approximately 25% of the World population and a covered a similar percentage of the land mass of the planet, perhaps not surprisingly referred to as the "empire on which the sun never sets".

The ravages of two World Wars and a growing recognition that colonialism was no longer acceptable in a modern world, set post-war Britain on the path of decolonisation. Despite the loss of control, Britain and London in particular retained a significant influence on shipping and trade developments. While much of this influence has been moderated by the emergence of the Asian Tigers, especially China, London remains a main focal point for much of the legal and regulatory developments in shipping and trade.

The Baltic Exchange, Lloyds of London, the International Maritime Organisation and the International Chamber of Shipping have their headquarters in London as do many of the big shipbroking houses. It is therefore not surprising that Cambridge Academy of Transport is able to draw on much of the local expertise to source lecturers for its courses held in London.

About London

London is the capital of the United Kingdom and has a history spanning over two millennia. It is a political and cultural centre that has few parallels worldwide and is a much sought destination for tourists and business alike. Set in the south-eastern corner of the British mainland, the climate, though far from tropical, seldom experiences extremes of temperature and it would come as a surprise to many that rainfall in London is significantly less than many other major capitals: London 58cm, Cape Town 80cm, Shanghai 120cm, New York 125cm, Rio de Janeiro 130cm, Singapore 210cm, Hong Kong 215cm. Even Dubai has more rainfall at 98cm!

But no one would come to London because of the paucity of rain:and statistics can be misleading. While the rainfall is low, a 10-day visit to London on average would be accompanied by 3 days during which it rained. So what does London have to offer? Diversity, theatres, some of the best museums and galleries in the World, a food culture that would surprise many "foodies", shopping, parks and sport.

Joining one of the Cambridge Academy of Transport courses in London provides an opportunity to experience London We recommend that you try to have a day of two free to enjoy the city — it will not disappoint.

To find out more about London and what's going on, visit the official London website:
www.visitlondon.com