Gov’t to Double UK Fleet Flying under Red Duster
The Government of the United Kingdom is working to double the size of the UK Ship Register from 16 to 30 million gross tonnage after the country leaves the European Union.
As explained, the move would propel the UK from 15th place into the top 10 global maritime nations.
The flag of the UK’s Merchant Navy, more properly known as the Red Ensign, also known as Red Duster, is the country’s emblem on the high seas with every vessel sporting it under the protection of the Royal Navy.
Now, Maritime Minister John Hayes wants to increase the amount of trade carried under the Duster.
Hayes will use London International Shipping Week, which runs from September 11 to 15, to start the drive for new business, selling the main benefits of flying the British flag including international tax breaks for vessels flying the Duster, British consular support for ships in foreign docks and the protection of the Royal Navy.
“In Britain’s post-Brexit future we will grow the Red Duster, forging new global relationships,” Hayes said.
“Unfurling the Red Duster shows Britain’s maritime leadership to the world. Once again Britannia rules the waves and the UK will be a dominant maritime force,” Hayes pointed out.
Established in 1785, the register shows the size of the nation’s fleet, measured by the number of vessels and by gross tonnage. It grew by 11.5% between 2015 and 2017.
As informed, newbuild vessels registered from companies such as Atlantic Container Lines, Stena and Stolt Tankers helped increase the UK’s gross tonnage from 14.5 million to 16.1 million over the last 2 years.
Vessels carrying the Red Duster are to benefit from British consular support, a tonnage tax regime and low registration, survey and certification costs with no annual renewal fees.
