One of the world’s most respected flag administrations recognised for four decades of leadership in maritime safety and seafarer welfare

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has been named as the latest recipient of the MV Derbyshire Award, presented by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, one of the world’s oldest maritime safety organisations.

The award, which honours those who transform maritime tragedy into lasting progress, was presented at a prestigious awards ceremony in Liverpool.

A Ship That Sank Twice

The MV Derbyshire Award takes its name from one of the most significant, and terrible, events in British maritime history. On 9 September 1980, the bulk carrier MV Derbyshire sank in the South China Sea during Typhoon Orchid, claiming the lives of all 44 people on board. A Liverpool ship, crewed by Liverpool seafarers and owned by Bibby Line, she remains the largest British-registered merchant ship ever lost at sea.

It was said the Derbyshire sank twice, once in waves, and once in an inquiry whitewash. For two decades, the families of the lost refused to accept that verdict. Led by campaigners, including Paul Lambert MBE of the Derbyshire Family Association, they fought to uncover the truth, and in doing so changed maritime safety forever.

The award was created to ensure that legacy endures, and that from loss comes progress.

Four Decades of Leadership

For over forty years, the Isle of Man Ship Registry has embodied exactly that spirit. Under the leadership of Cameron Mitchell and his predecessor Dick Welsh MBE, both former seafarers themselves, the Registry has grown into one of the most respected flag administrations in the world.

Its record speaks for itself. The Registry consistently achieves top-tier safety performance on the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control whitelist. It has pioneered crew welfare initiatives supporting thousands of seafarers globally. And it became the first flag State to join the Getting to Zero Coalition, recognising that environmental responsibility and safety at sea are inseparable.

“The Isle of Man Ship Registry exemplifies what this award stands for,” said Steven Jones MNM, Trustee of the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society. “They actively help shape the future of responsible shipping, and they understand that maritime safety means recognising, valuing and celebrating the people who go to sea, not just the vessels they sail on.”

A Continuing Story

Each recipient of the MV Derbyshire Award becomes part of the Derbyshire’s continuing story, ensuring the ship’s name is associated with a future of innovation, improvement, and the relentless pursuit of safer seas.

Cameron Mitchell, Director, Isle of Man Ship Registry, said: “We are deeply honoured to receive this award. At the Isle of Man Ship Registry, we have always believed that being a quality flag isn’t just about commercial excellence. It’s about partnership, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the seafarers who trust us. This recognition means a great deal to our whole team.”