The decision by Danish shippers Maersk to re-flag 20 of its vessels on to the Red Ensign was marked by a special presentation at the Southampton-based Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

A model of one of the company's latest container ships, Maersk Gateshead, was presented by the shipper's managing director Michael Hassing to Maurice Storey, the MCA's chief executive who is soon to retire.

Two further Maersk R class tankers will also be placed under the flag in the next two months.

"With the tonnage tax changes now implemented I can look back over five years at the helm of the agency and see how our flag's fortunes have changed,'' said Mr Storey.

"In those intervening years we have seen the tonnage double to 10.6 million gross tons and we can now say that nearly 800 vessels over 500 gross ton are plying the world's trade routes, flying the Red Duster of the United Kingdom.

"We look forward to working over many more years with Maersk and its team.''