In 1939, the merchant navy was the largest in the world with 33% of total tonnage.[3] By 2012, the merchant navy—still remaining one of the largest in the world—held only 3% of total tonnage.[4] As of the year ending 2012, British Merchant Marine interests consists of 1,504 ships of 100 GT or over. This includes ships either UK directly owned, parent owned or managed by a British company.