Red Ensign raised to mark Merchant Navy Day
The Red Ensign was raised at Wallasey Town Hall (3 September) as Wirral marked Merchant Navy Day and paid tribute to the men and women who serve in the UK's merchant fleet.
The Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Mary Jordan, was joined for the flag-raising ceremony by representatives from Stena Line and Captain Orlando Chevarria, Defence Attaché at the Peruvian Embassy in London.
Merchant Navy Day is held to recognises the vital role merchant seafarers play in supporting the UK's economy, security and international trade. The day also commemorates the sacrifice of merchant sailors during times of conflict. The date - 3 September - was chosen as it marks the anniversary of the start of the Second World war, during which more than 35,000 merchant seafarers lost their lives and 4,700 British-flagged ships were sunk while supporting the war effort.
Merchant Navy Day is an opportunity to recognise the enormous contribution merchant seafarers make to our nation's prosperity and to remember those who were lost or put themselves in harm’s way in their service. Flying the Red Ensign, affectionately known as the 'Red Duster', is a heartfelt gesture of thanks to merchant seafarers, past and present.
Wirral’s story is, and has always been, linked to the sea. For centuries our peninsula has been home to generations of seafarers, expansive docks, world-renowned shipyards, and relentless ferry services that have kept us, and the whole of Britain, connected to the world.
Today, as we celebrate Merchant Navy Day, we can all take pride in the role Wirral has played, and continues to play, in supporting our maritime industries.
Representing Wirral's maritime sector at the ceremony was Richard James, Regional Port Manager and Patrick Hughes, Port and Terminals Property and Estates Development Manager, for Stena Line.
Around 95% of the UK's traded goods are transported by sea, underlining the continuing importance of the Merchant Navy and the wider maritime sector to our economy and everyday lives.
Merchant seafarers and maritime transport professionals provide an essential service that often goes unseen, ensuring goods, supplies and vital resources reach communities across the country and beyond. Merchant Navy Day is an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate their contribution.
