THE Red Ensign, emblem of the Merchant Navy, will fly at each of Associated British Ports’ (ABP) 21 UK ports, including Southampton, to mark Merchant Navy Day today.

Designed to highlight the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers, ABP is supporting the call from the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association for the ensign, nicknamed the Red Duster, to be flown on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.

The initiative has been endorsed by Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, President of Seafarers UK, who urged that people: "remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy.’

As an island nation, the UK relies on seafarers for 95% of our imports, including half the food we eat and three quarters of Britain’s exports.

ABP Chief Executive James Cooper, said: “As Britain’s leading ports group, our job is simply to keep Britain Trading. That would not be possible without the dedicated men and women who today keep alive the proud tradition of the Merchant Navy, ensuring Britain has access to global markets.

“All of ABP’s ports will honour their service by supporting this initiative from Seafarers UK and the Merchant Navy Association and proudly flying the Red Duster.”

Since 2000, Merchant Navy Day on 3 September has honoured the brave men and women who kept our island nation afloat during both World Wars, and celebrated our dependence on modern day merchant seafarers who are responsible for 95% of the UK's imports, including half the food we eat.

Meanwhile, thousands of sailors who were lost at sea were remembered at a service in Southampton.

The Merchant Navy Day memorial service took place once more in the city's Holyrood Church to remember those who were lost at sea in war and peace.

Dozens attended the event including naval and merchant sea cadets and members of the Royal British Legion.

City Mayor Linda Norris read the song Tom Bowling by Southampton-born Charles Dibdin, who wrote several songs that were popular among sailors during Britain's war with France at the end of the 18th and begining of the 19th centuries.

She said: "It was a lovely service, it is obviously important that we should remember with love and affection the people that gave so much for us so that we have a free country like those who served in the Arctic convoys, or others like out fishermen."