Shipping Controller was a post created by the Lloyd George Coalition Government in 1916 under the New Ministries and Secretaries Act (6 & 7 George 5 c.68) to regulate and organize merchant shipping in order to supply the United Kingdom with the materials to fight the war following severe losses.

[1][2] The first Shipping Controller was Sir Joseph Maclay,[1] later Baron Maclay who was appointed on 10 December 1916.

[2] The second Shipping Controller was Lord Pirrie from 1918.

[3]