Innovation and safety, sustainability and domestic shipping will be just some of the key talking points at this year’s Red Ensign Group conference.
The conference, which oversees and upholds maritime safety standards across the thirteen British Shipping Registers, is this year meeting in Guernsey to discuss best practice and to look at ways of improving the performance of the Registers internationally.
The event brings together those who are directly involved with maritime and coastal state responsibilities in the Overseas Territories, Crown Dependencies and the UK who make up the Red Ensign Group.
Red Ensign Group members from right across the world will be meeting to discuss maritime matters of interest and will tackle issues such as managing the impacts of global instability, decarbonisation, counter pollution and environmental concerns.
The health and growth of the REG will also be under the spotlight, with current statistics and trends helping shape future direction and priorities.
An opening ceremony was conducted by the Bailiff of Guernsey Sir Richard McMahon, launching the three days of discussions, learning and networking.
Maritime Minister Mike Kane said: “The British maritime fleet is one of the best in the world, and we can rightly be proud of the standards we hold and our seafarers who abide by them.
“Events like this are so important in bringing the British maritime community together so we can better tackle the big issues of our time, including safety and security, decarbonisation and pollution.”
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Assistant Director of Maritime Governance, Improvement and Assurance Richard Pellew, who is chairing this year’s conference said: “The REG conference is an annual opportunity for Registers to unite and recognise how far we have come, and what more needs to be done to improve the safety and standards of British shipping.
“At conference the quality and reputation of our fleet is always at the forefront, as we make strategic decisions and agree on goals and standards. It is also time to build on relationships and collaboration with other REG members. With lots on the agenda this is going to be another insightful year of discussions and working together.”
Guernsey’s Acting Harbour Master James Way said: “Guernsey is proud to be hosting this year’s Red Ensign Group conference, which is an important forum to share knowledge and expertise.
“We are pleased to be working proactively with other Red Ensign Group members to uphold the highest standards of maritime safety across the British fleet.
“This year’s conference has a strong focus on safety and security, counter-pollution, and environmental efforts, all of which are of strategic importance to Guernsey.
“The conference will bring these industry-wide matters to the forefront of everyone’s minds, ensuring that we are well-equipped to deal with any challenges and opportunities they present.”
The 36th Red Ensign Group Conference will run from 24 to 26 June 2025.
BACKGROUND
The REG conference began in 1988 as an opportunity for the registrars of the REG to get together to share ideas, harmonise processes and discuss ways forward. Since then it has expanded to cover seafarer welfare and regulatory matters as well as coastal preparedness including search and rescue and pollution response.
Every year it is held at different locations, reflecting the geography of the Red Ensign Group. REG consists of the UK, the Crown Dependencies of Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man and Overseas Territories of Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, St Helena, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. There will also be delegates in attendance from the non-ship registry Overseas Territories of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Ascension and Tristan Da Cunha.
Any vessel registered in the UK, a Crown Dependency or UK Overseas Territory, is a British ship and is entitled to fly the Red Ensign flag.