LONDON, July 1 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Delegates from all over the worldincluding the UK have gatheredin Bermudathis weekto discuss maritime strategy,future fuels,securityand more, attheannualRedEnsign Group(REG)Conference2026.
Three days of discussion,sharingexpertiseand networking,the REG Conferenceserves as a strategic forum for open and productive exchange among REG members, enablingthe development and agreement of short and long-term priorities across the maritime sector.
The Conference strengthens collaboration between British maritime administrations, promotes compliance with flag,portand coastal State obligations, and helps enhance the quality and reputation of the Red Ensign.
This yearthe conference will beevenmorestrategy-focussed withthe health and growth of the REG under the main spotlight,usingcurrent statistics and trendsto helpshape future directionand priorities.
Maritime matters,ranging fromsearchand rescue,to sustainability, innovationand the future of seafarers, will remain key talking points.
The International Maritime Organization'sInstruments Implementation Code (III Code)isalsoon the agendathis year,todiscuss and capture howthe framework is used by the REGto ensure maritime safety and environmental protectionon a global scale.
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.
The conference openedTuesday 30 June with a formal ceremonyconducted by the Honourable Owen Darrell JP MP, Minister for Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, reinforcing Bermuda's role as a key partner within theREG.
Christian Olsen, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Director of Maritime Governance and Regulatory Compliance, who is chairing this year's conference,said:
The REG Conference provides the opportunity to come together, strengthen relationships, and focus collectively on British shipping.
As we meet in Bermudathis year, I look forward to working with colleagues across the Red Ensign Group as we continuetoface new challenges together and advance the quality and standing of British shipping.
Francis Richardson, Chief Executive Officer for Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority, said:
Welcome to Bermuda, our legacy is founded on our maritime heritage. As proud hosts, we welcome you to our Island and we are thrilled to host the REG conference.
As we gather over the course of the week let's use collaborative energy as we discuss and tackle various matters of importance, and to build on existing relationships as we shape the strategic direction of the REG.
The 37th Red Ensign Group Conferencerunsfrom30 Juneto 2July2026.
BACKGROUND
The REG conference began in 1988 as an opportunity for the registrars of the REG to get together to share ideas,harmoniseprocessesand discuss ways forward. Sincethenit has expanded to cover seafarer welfare and regulatory matters as well as coastalpreparednessincluding search and rescue and pollution response.
Every year it is held atdifferent 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,Ascensionand 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.
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