It’s been an important year for the UK Ship Register (UKSR) in 2025, as engagement with industry, regulatory progress and UK Flag performance continue to deliver solid sector results.

Data published throughout the year highlighted continued engagement with the UK Flag, underlining the UK Ship Register’s commitment to transparency and illustrating the breadth and diversity of the UK-flagged fleet within a highly competitive global market shaped by ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Key Engagement with industry 

In July, the UK Flag Forum 2025 was held, bringing together shipowners, operators, managers and maritime stakeholders. Discussions focused on decarbonisation, innovation and future regulations, as well as opportunities for the UK flag amid a changing maritime landscape. 

September saw London International Shipping Week (LISW) provide another platform for global engagement, as the UKSR supported Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) events aimed to highlight the UK’s position as a leader in maritime regulation, technology and skills, as sessions explored digital navigation, standards, and the future of shipping. 

Announced earlier this year, the MCA’s Maritime Innovation Hub is set to launch in April and become a catalyst for accelerating maritime technology adoption. In 2026, we anticipate growing engagement from innovators and operators, driving solutions through UK regulatory pathways with greater speed and efficiency.

Safety and International Standards

Safety and international alignment were key aspects of UKSR activity across the year, with the MCA undertaking consultations on proposed updates to Merchant Shipping regulations, areas including emergency beacons and their registration. 

The Ship Register also focused on emerging International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) developments in areas of environment and ship recycling, ensuring that UK-flagged vessels align with global standards. 

14 years of QUALSHIP

One of the world’s most recognised maritime standards, QUALSHIP, was awarded to the UK by the US Coast Guard for a fourteenth consecutive year. 

In addition to the UK’s Paris and Tokyo MoU White List status, UK-flagged ships benefit significantly from QUALSHIP 21 status. This gains them a competitive edge when trading with the US, with reduced port state control inspections in US waters leading to fewer delays and improved operational efficiency. The status reflects the consistently high standards of safety, compliance and performance across the UK-flagged fleet, and remains an important benchmark of quality internationally.

Celebrating people and culture 

Merchant Navy Day in September recognised the vital contribution of seafarers to global trade. The UKSR continued to support MCA initiatives celebrating maritime skills and professionalism, acknowledging the crucial role that people play across the UK maritime sector and wider economy. 

In addition to these celebrations, 2025 marked significant progress in the modernisation of seafarer training, including the introduction of completely new and modern syllabi for cadets. 

Digital tools and competency-based frameworks have been introduced in partnership with training providers to ensure that UK seafarers are equipped for the evolving demands of a technology-driven maritime industry. These efforts reinforce our commitment to investing in people and fostering a culture of continuous development and innovation.

Looking to 2026

Technological change continues to drive the sector forward, with digitalisation, environmental ambitions and evolving regulations playing a pivotal role in securing a prosperous future for the UK maritime sector and UK flag. 

Director of UK Customer Service at the MCA Lars Lippuner said: “2025 has been a year of progress, impact and engagement for our teams and for the Ship Register, while the UK Flag has continued to demonstrate its quality, resilience and relevance on the global stage. 

“We are proud of what has been achieved this year and look forward to building on that momentum with our partners across the maritime sector, maintaining the high standards of the UK fleet while driving technological and regulatory innovation to ensure it remains future-ready.”