ABP hoists the Red Duster across the UK
The Red Ensign, emblem of the Merchant Navy, will fly at each of Associated British Ports’ (ABP) 21 UK ports to mark Merchant Navy Day on September 3, ABP says.
Designed to highlight the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers, ABP is supporting the call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the ensign, nicknamed the Red Duster, to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.
The initiative has been endorsed by HRH The Earl of Wessex, President of Seafarers UK, who urged that people: ‘remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.’
As an island nation, the UK relies on seafarers for 95% of our imports, including half the food we eat and three quarters of Britain’s exports.
ABP Chief Executive James Cooper, said: “As Britain’s leading ports group, our job is simply to keep Britain Trading. That would not be possible without the dedicated men and women who today keep alive the proud tradition of the Merchant Navy, ensuring Britain has access to global markets.
“All of ABP’s ports will honour their service by supporting this initiative from Seafarers UK and the Merchant Navy Association and proudly flying the Red Duster.”
