Launched in March 2001, The Marine Export Partnership (MEP) is a new initiative designed to assist British marine companies in their exporting efforts and to raise the profile of the British marine industry to potential overseas customers. The partnership was formed under the auspices of Trade Partners U.K. (part of the British government department for trade and industry) to encourage all sectors of the U.K. marine industry to work together to promote itself overseas. The initiative is being driven by the three main trade associations in the U.K.: The British Marine Equipment Council (BMEC); The British Marine Industries Federation (BMIF); and The Shipbuilders and Shiprepairers Association (SSA).