LLOYD’S Register, a British maritime organisation, has issued a public apology for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. The company acknowledged its role in enabling the transportation of enslaved Africans by providing essential information about ships used in the trade.
The apology follows research conducted by the Wilberforce Institute at the University of Hull, which revealed that Lloyd’s Register played a significant role in supporting the maritime systems of the slave economy.
Key findings on Lloyd’s role
The study examined records from 1764 to 1834, showing how the organisation documented the seaworthiness of vessels. These records were crucial for individuals involved in the slave trade, enabling the buying, selling, and insuring of ships used to transport enslaved people.
The research also uncovered that some of the company’s founders were directly involved in the trafficking of enslaved Africans or were themselves enslavers.
Lloyd’s Register acknowledged in a statement: ‘From our founding in 1760 until the UK’s Slavery Abolition Act in 1833, we played an important role supporting a maritime system that enabled the slave economy. We are deeply sorry for this part of our history.’
The statement also recognised the devastating impact of Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade, noting that British ships made around 10,000 voyages, forcibly transporting approximately 3.4 million Africans. An estimated 800,000 of these individuals died during the brutal transits.
Response to calls for reparations
The issue of reparations for slavery continues to dominate discussions globally. African leaders and activists have called for public apologies and financial compensation for the atrocities committed during the slave trade.
Although Lloyd’s Register apologised, the company has stopped short of offering reparations. Instead, it announced a £1 million grant to The National Archives. This funding aims to support scholarships in the Caribbean and West Africa, encouraging the development of new narratives around the history of slavery.
The National Archives, which houses key documents related to the UK government’s history, will use the grant to facilitate greater understanding of transatlantic slavery and its enduring legacy.
Broader context of apologies
Lloyd’s Register’s apology adds to a growing list of European entities acknowledging their role in slavery. Countries such as Britain, Portugal, and the Netherlands have issued apologies but have resisted calls for reparations. This reluctance continues to anger descendants of enslaved Africans and campaigners.
By addressing its historical involvement, Lloyd’s Register has taken a step towards reconciliation. However, campaigners argue that financial reparations are critical to addressing the injustices of the past.
