Delegates at a maritime conference in Hamilton are optimistic that talks will yield solutions to global issues, including fuel prices, affecting the shipping industry.

More than 70 participants are attending the 37th Red Ensign Group conference — the primary annual gathering of British maritime administrations, bringing together representatives from Britain along with its Crown Dependencies and Overseas Territories.

The talks at the three-day event at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club centre on maritime strategy and include future fuels and security.

Attendees at the decision-making and strategic forum will review fleet performance and regulatory developments, align on priorities across the British maritime network and address emerging global risks.

Sophie Platten, head of external maritime compliance at the Maritime Administration in Jersey — a Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands — said discussions among maritime officials centred on “enhancing our standards while responding to global change”.

Ms Platten told The Royal Gazette: “This week is very much focused on a futuristic, strategic approach.

“We’re going to be looking at topical maritime issues including innovation seafarer training, moving towards cleaner fuels, resilience and capacity-building.”

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said the island was delighted to host the event.

Mr Darrell said:“It is an honour for Bermuda to host this important international conference and welcome delegates from across the Red Ensign Group to our island.

“We are delighted that so many have travelled to Bermuda to be here. While Bermuda is renowned as a world-class leisure destination, we are also committed to growing our business tourism and meetings sector.

“Conferences like this demonstrate Bermuda's ability to host high-quality international events.”

Joseph O’Garro, the harbourmaster of the Montserrat Maritime Administration, said the event offers Montserrat “an excellent opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with our REG members”.

He said the British Overseas Territory — which has a population of approximately 4,500 people — is the smallest member of the group by tonnage.

Mr O’Garro said the topical issues, such as fuel prices, are expected to “form a natural part of our discussions”.

He said conflict in the Middle East, including the impact from Iran’s recent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, was likely to be discussed.

Mr O’Garro added that a number of Caribbean organisations meet annually to address maritime issues, with the REG party to those talks.

He said the REG had recently acted as the “primary facilitator” of a search-and-rescue exercise in the Caribbean, adding: “There is cross-pollination from area to area and certainly we can benefit from one another.”

He said the first time he attended an REG conference was in Bermuda in 2015.

Ms Platten said: “I think it will be a really worthwhile week. All the different maritime administrations contribute a lot to this conference.

“There is a lot of background work that goes on, so I think it will be very valuable.”

Christian Olsen, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s director of maritime governance and regulatory compliance, who is chairing the event this year, said the forum “provides the opportunity to come together, strengthen relationships and focus collectively on British shipping”.

Mr Olsen said: “As we meet in Bermuda this year, I look forward to working with colleagues across the Red Ensign Group as we continue to face new challenges together and advance the quality and standing of British shipping.”