Merchant Ships

Issue Date: 10th November 2004









A set of four stamps issued by South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands form part of a collection from several countries featuring merchant shipping.

A merchant ship is defined as one employed in commerce and in recent times they have supported countries in times of peace and war. Merchant Navy Associations throughout the world bring together not only those who have served on these vessels, but also people with a love of the sea and ships.

The individual stamps feature the following:

42p - MS Endeavour
The Endeavour, a Bahamas registered ship, built by 'Wester' Werk Seebeck in 1966 is one of Lindblad's current fleet. As well as Antarctica regions its itineraries include the Mediterranean, Trans-Atlantic and South and Central America. Lindblad are a member of IAATO, the Internatioinal Association of Antarctic Tour Operators. This organisation was founded in 1991 to promote environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica.

42p - RMS QE2
Whilst the Canberra flew a Blue Ensign during the 1982 war, the QE2 still flew the 'Red Duster', the famous flag of the British Merchant Fleet. Merchant ships 'taken up from trade' for specific military operations continue to wear a red ensign when still manned by their civilian crews.

50p - MS Lindblad Explorer
The name Lindblad is synonymous with Antarctic travel and the Lindblad Explorer was specifically built for this purpose. Pioneered by Lars Eric Lindblad, expeditions to South Georgia are today operated by Lindblad Expeditions, the company formed by his son Sven-Olof Lindblad. The Explorer was the first in an expanding tourist market and the company currently own and operate six ships which continue the tradition of carefully researched and planned expeditions begun by this illustrious ship.

75p - SS Canberra
A ship held in great affection by many, the Canberra was well known in the early 1960s by British emigrants travelling to a new life in Australia. The 1970s saw P&O, operators of the Canberra, take advantage of the growing cruise market. The next decade brought another change of role for Canberra and this time a dramatic one. In 1982 it was used as a transport for British troops during the 1982 Falkland Islands war. During this time the Canberra flew under the Blue Ensign as it was commanded by an officer of the Royal Naval reserve and with a majority of RNR personnel in the crew. It would be no exaggeration to say that after the war's end, Canberra became Britain's favourite ship.

First Day Cover - The Red Ensign
As well as British Merchant vessels and private vessels, some yacht clubs and yachts belonging to such clubs are authorised by Admiralty warrant to wear a red ensign with the club's badge in the fly.

Technical Details
Designer : Tony Theobold
Printer : Joh Enschede
Process : Lithography
Stamp Size : 30 x 41mm
Sheet Format : Sheets of 20 (2 x 10)
Perforation : 13.25 per 2cms
Paper : CA Spiral watermark
Release Date : 10th November 2004
Values : 42p, 42p, 50p, 75p.







Copyright: FI Philatelic Bureau Created and Maintained by: Cyberpoint Limited