Delegates from all over the world including the UK have gathered in Bermuda this week to discuss maritime strategy, future fuels, security and more, at the annual Red Ensign Group (REG) Conference 2026.
Three days of discussion, sharing expertise and networking, the REG Conference serves as a strategic forum for open and productive exchange among REG members, enabling the 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, port and coastal State obligations, and helps enhance the quality and reputation of the Red Ensign.
This year the conference will be even more strategy-focussed with the health and growth of the REG under the main spotlight, using current statistics and trends to help shape future direction and priorities.
Maritime matters, ranging from search and rescue, to sustainability, innovation and the future of seafarers, will remain key talking points.
The International Maritime Organization’s Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) is also on the agenda this year, to discuss and capture how the framework is used by the REG to ensure maritime safety and environmental protection on 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 opened Tuesday 30 June with a formal ceremony conducted by the Honourable Owen Darrell JP MP, Minister for Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, reinforcing Bermuda’s role as a key partner within the REG.
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 Bermuda this year, I look forward to working with colleagues across the Red Ensign Group as we continue to face 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 Conference runs from 30 June to 2 July 2026.
BACKGROUND
The REG conference began in 1988 as an opportunity for the registrars of the REG to get together to share ideas, harmonise processes and discuss ways forward. Since then it has expanded to cover seafarer welfare and regulatory matters as well as coastal preparedness including search and rescue and pollution response.
Every year it is held at different 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, Ascension and 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.
