Red Ensign Raised at Larne Harbour for Merchant Navy Day 2026

Merchant Navy Day 2026 in Larne honours seafarers

Those attending the ceremony remembered the men and women who helped keep essential supplies moving to the UK during both World Wars.

The event also recognised the contribution of modern-day merchant seafarers, who remain an important part of global trade and supply chains.

Merchant Navy Day is an opportunity to remember those who served at sea during conflict while also highlighting the work of those serving today.

Mayor highlights Larne’s maritime history

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Thomas Gordon spoke about Larne’s long-standing connection with the sea.

He said:

“Larne has been an active port for generations of seafarers and their families. It is entirely fitting that we pause here to reflect on this relationship with the sea, which has extended across our coastal communities and beyond.”

The Mayor said the Merchant Navy has played a major role in coastal communities across the borough.

He highlighted generations of families whose livelihoods were connected to the sea, from Larne and Islandmagee to Carrickfergus and Carnlough.

Alderman Gordon also referred to the strong reputation of local seafarers overseas, including links with the St Lawrence Seaway in Canada.

He added:

“From the era of the old windjammers to the modern container traffic, the importance of the Merchant Navy has been crucial to our economy and national resilience.”

The Mayor said merchant seafarers have helped transport food and fuel during wartime and continue to keep goods moving through modern supply chains.

Merchant seafarers lost during the World Wars remembered

The ceremony also reflected on the heavy losses suffered by the Merchant Navy during the First and Second World Wars.

Nearly 15,000 merchant seafarers died during the First World War.

More than 40,000 were lost during the Second World War.

Those who died included seafarers from across the UK and Commonwealth, with ages ranging from just 14 to 78.

Before the flag-raising ceremony, messages were read from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh and Admiral The Right Honourable The Lord West of Spithead.

Red Ensign also raised in Carrickfergus and Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council also raised Red Ensign flags at Carrickfergus Town Hall and Ballymena Town Hall.

The flags were raised to show respect and support for serving merchant seafarers, veterans and their families.

This wider marking of Merchant Navy Day 2026 reflects the strong maritime links shared by communities across Mid and East Antrim.

Larne’s long connection with the sea

Larne has been closely connected with maritime trade and travel for generations.

Its harbour has played an important role in linking Northern Ireland with Scotland and beyond, while many local families have longstanding connections with seafaring.

The Merchant Navy Day ceremony provided an opportunity to recognise that history while also acknowledging the contribution of today’s seafarers.