Merchant Navy Day 2025: Honouring Seafarers’ Sacrifices on September 3

Every year on September 3, the UK, Canada, and Australia celebrate Merchant Navy Day, a poignant tribute to the brave men and women of the Merchant Navy who have played a vital role in global trade and wartime efforts. This day, officially recognised in the UK since 2000, commemorates the sacrifices of merchant seafarers, past and present, and raises awareness of their indispensable contributions to national economies and security. From flying the Red Ensign to attending memorial services, there are many ways to mark this significant occasion. Here’s everything you need to know about Merchant Navy Day 2025, its history, significance, and how you can get involved.

What is Merchant Navy Day?

Merchant Navy Day, observed annually on September 3, honours the civilian seafarers who operate commercial and trading ships, ensuring the flow of goods like food, fuel, and electronics across the globe. The Merchant Navy, flying the iconic Red Ensign (or “Red Duster”), has been a lifeline for nations, particularly during times of conflict. In the UK, the day was established in 2000 to recognise the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers during World Wars I and II, when they faced immense dangers to keep supply lines open. Today, the Merchant Navy handles over 90% of the UK’s imports and exports, making it a cornerstone of global trade.

The date, September 3, marks the anniversary of the 1939 sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant ship torpedoed by a German U-boat in World War II, resulting in over 110 deaths. This tragic event symbolises the Merchant Navy’s wartime sacrifices, with over 14,000 seafarers lost in World War I and more than 30,000 in World War II.

Why Do We Celebrate Merchant Navy Day?

The Merchant Navy has been integral to national survival and economic stability. During the World Wars, merchant ships transported troops, food, fuel, and equipment under constant threat from enemy submarines, mines, and air raids. The Battle of the Atlantic, the longest campaign of World War II, saw merchant seafarers brave perilous conditions to keep Britain supplied.

King George V coined the term “Merchant Navy” in 1919 to honour their World War I contributions, a title later adopted by other nations. Today, seafarers face modern challenges like piracy, storms, and isolation, yet continue to transport 95% of the UK’s trade. Merchant Navy Day combats “sea blindness”—public ignorance of seafarers’ vital role—and celebrates their courage and resilience.

How to Mark Merchant Navy Day 2025

There are many meaningful ways to honour merchant seafarers on September 3, 2025. Here are some activities you can participate in to commemorate the day:

1. Fly the Red Ensign:
   Join the Fly the Red Ensign campaign, launched by The Seafarers’ Charity in 2015, by raising the Merchant Navy’s flag at homes, offices, or public buildings. You can purchase a Red Ensign from retailers like the Hampshire Flag Company (use code Seafarers15 for a discount) or display it digitally on social media with #MerchantNavyDay. Across the UK, landmarks like Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast fly the Red Ensign, and local councils from Moray to Plymouth join in.

2. Attend Commemorative Events:
   Participate in local ceremonies, such as the Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service at Trinity Square Gardens, London, on the Sunday following September 3 (September 7, 2025). Organised by the Merchant Navy Association, this multi-faith service includes wreath-laying and readings at the national Merchant Navy Memorial, honouring the 35,395 seafarers with no known grave. Other events include services in Plymouth, Edinburgh, and Sunderland, often featuring parades, blessings, and civic receptions. Check with your local council or the Merchant Navy Association for events near you.

3. Donate to Seafarers’ Charities:
   Support organisations like The Seafarers’ Charity or the Merchant Navy Fund, which provide welfare, training, and support for active and retired seafarers and their families. Donations help address challenges like isolation, unpaid wages, and health issues faced by seafarers.

4. Raise Awareness:
   Combat “sea blindness” by sharing stories of the Merchant Navy’s contributions on social media using #MerchantNavyDay. Talk to friends, family, or colleagues about the seafarers’ role in global trade and wartime efforts. You can also explore maritime history through books, documentaries, or visits to museums like the National Maritime Museum in Liverpool.

5. Explore Maritime Careers:
   The Merchant Navy offers exciting career opportunities for those aged 17 and up, with no upper age limit. Share job boards or information about roles like Merchant Navy officers, who navigate container ships, tankers, and cruise liners, to inspire the next generation of seafarers.

Why Merchant Navy Day Matters in 2025

In 2025, Merchant Navy Day holds special significance as it marks the 10th anniversary of the Fly the Red Ensign campaign, a milestone in raising awareness about seafarers’ contributions. With ongoing geopolitical tensions and modern risks like piracy in the Red Sea, the Merchant Navy’s role remains as critical as ever. The day also serves as a reminder of the human cost of maritime work—seafarers face physical dangers, loneliness, and psychological challenges, yet their efforts sustain global economies.

By celebrating Merchant Navy Day, we honour not only the historical sacrifices of seafarers but also the 25,000 men and women currently working at sea, ensuring that 95% of the UK’s trade continues to flow.

Get Involved This Merchant Navy Day

Merchant Navy Day 2025 is a chance to salute the unsung heroes of the sea who have kept nations afloat in times of war and peace. Whether you fly the Red Ensign, attend a memorial service, donate to a seafarers’ charity, or simply share their story, your actions help ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Join the UK, Canada, and Australia on September 3, 2025, to celebrate the courage, dedication, and indomitable spirit of the Merchant Navy.

Above are photos of my grandfather (foreground recovering from shrapnel wounds in 1915) honourably discharged from the Royal Navy he joined the Merchant Navy and served in the convoys in both wars, and my father who served in the Merchant Navy during and after the second world war.