03 Sep 25 UK Chamber of Shipping Marks Merchant Navy Day and Celebrates 2025 Medal Recipients This week the nation marked Merchant Navy Day 2025 on 3 September. On this annual occasion, the UK Chamber of Shipping, along with our members and the wider industry, honours the dedication and service of British merchant seafarers, past and present, and their vital role at the heart of our industry and our economy. This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service, a prestigious state honour recognising exceptional contributions to the maritime industry. It was also brought into the UK Honours system a decade ago. This year, twelve outstanding individuals have been awarded the medal for their achievements across education, safety, welfare, community service, and acts of bravery:Captain Philippa Ann Bowden – for services to education and safetyCaptain James Kenneth Charles – for services to education and trainingMs Sharon Coveney – for services to safety and welfareCaptain Phillip James Day – for services to safety and welfareMs Claire Louise Guy – for services to education and trainingMr Andrew James Hair – for services to education and trainingCaptain Ian Love – for services to education and trainingCaptain Iain Norman MacKenzie – for services to safety and communityCaptain Christopher Francis Phillips – for acts of bravery at seaCaptain Hywel Jones Pugh – for services to safety and welfareMr Julian Seaman – for services to safety and welfareCaptain Martin Andrew Willis – for services to education and trainingYou can find full details of the Merchant Navy Medal recipients hereThe Chamber commends each recipient for their exemplary service and thanks all of those who showed support by flying the Red Ensign, the official flag of the Merchant Navy, in tribute to those who keep Britain supplied and connected by sea.The UK Chamber of Shipping CEO, Rhett Hatcher will represent the Chamber to mark the Merchant Navy Association Commemorative Service on Sunday 7 September at the Tower Hill Memorial, to commemorate the men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who gave their lives in both World Wars. Share:
08 May 2026 Elections 2026: Reform surges as two-party politics fragments England’s 2026 local election results point to a significant reshaping of the political landscape, with Reform UK emerging as a clear early winner, alongside losses for both Labour and the Conservatives across several councils and mayoral contests. While counting is still underway, with Scotland, Wales and many urban authorities set to declare this afternoon, the early picture suggests a clear trend, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage saying this morning, “the best is yet to come.” Read more News
23 Apr 2026 Event Report | UK Flag Forum: Driving a Competitive Agenda The UK Flag Forum, hosted by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in Westminster on 16 April, was a timely opportunity to place the UK Flag within a broader conversation about growth, investment and competitiveness, and to ensure that industry voices were firmly at the centre of that discussion. Read more News
23 Apr 2026 Championing Shipping at the Heart of Government Over the past fortnight, the UK Chamber of Shipping has undertaken a range of senior level engagement with ministers, officials and political stakeholders, underlining the sector’s central role in economic growth, national resilience and the UK’s global standing. Here, Director of External Affairs, Stef Kenyon highlights how, through targeted ministerial discussions, Number 10 briefings, cross party outreach and leadership forums, the Chamber has reinforced the case for partnership, policy clarity and coordinated delivery at a time of geopolitical uncertainty and strategic opportunity for the maritime sector. Read more News