The Seafarers’ Charity has issued its annual rallying call to organisations and communities across the country to fly the official flag of the Merchant Navy on 3 September.
10 Downing Street flying the Red Ensign in 2025
The charity’s ‘Fly the Red Ensign’ campaign began in 2015 and aims to raise awareness of the UK’s reliance on merchant seafarers.
Seafarers underpin the UK’s economy by transporting much of its traded goods, and support the Royal Navy via the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Red Ensign, or ‘Red Duster’, is the flag under which UK merchant seafarers sail. On Merchant Navy Day, the Red Ensign is flown at historic properties, council offices, church towers, and village greens across the UK. This powerful symbol serves to highlight the indispensable role of merchant seafarers.
Merchant seafarers’ bravery kept supply lines open during two World Wars, and many lost their lives at sea. During Covid-19 seafarers played a crucial role in maintaining the supply chain, and the challenges they face continue to be seen in the ongoing crises in the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, and Ukraine.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, President of The Seafarers’ Charity, commented:
“It’s that time of year when I seek your support in marking Merchant Navy Day on Thursday 3rd September by flying the Red Ensign. This year more than ever, our dependence on our nation’s Merchant Navy has been highlighted by the events in the Arabian Gulf and especially the Strait of Hormuz.
“Whether flying the flag or spreading the word about their tireless work transporting our island nation’s trade, this is an excellent opportunity to show our seafarers and their families how much we all value them.
“On behalf of The Seafarers’ Charity, thank you in advance for your support.”
Where flying a physical flag isn’t possible, the charity is asking people to show their support by sharing photos and messages on social media using the hashtag #MerchantNavyDay.
There is also a free Social Media Toolkit available here: bit.ly/MNDAY2026_Toolkit
Whether it’s sharing personal experiences as merchant seafarers or celebrating someone they know who has served, The Seafarers’ Charity is grateful to all who recognise the Merchant Navy’s contributions to the United Kingdom and beyond.
For more information about Merchant Navy Day, visit: https://www.theseafarerscharity.org/get-involved/merchant-navy-day
