A London office for the Bermuda Registry of Shipping was launched on May 14, Tourism Development and Transport Minister Shawn Crockwell announced on Friday.

The Island’s registry is a Category One member of the Red Ensign Group of registries, allowing Bermuda to register vessels of any type, age or size.

“The latest addition to the Bermuda fleet is the most modern large passenger ship Regal Princess, currently being delivered at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy,” Mr Crockwell told MPs.

Opening the London office will add speed to the Island’s service and allow the registry to take advantage of the four-hour difference in time.

Bermuda’s registry also has many ships that operate internationally, and require the frequent attendance of surveyors.

Having a team of surveyors based on London will “reduce the cost of the surveys substantially”, Mr Crockwell said — especially for vessels operating in UK and European waters.