The IMO Council, meeting for its 132nd session, endorsed the theme following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez. The theme reflects the ocean’s vital role in the world economy, with more than 80% of global trade transported by sea. The ocean is a source of jobs and food for millions of people, a home for countless marine species, and a regulator of the planet’s climate, mitigating the impacts of climate change.
As the largest sector operating in the ocean space, shipping has a central role to play in the protection of the marine environment and management of ocean resources.
“Our long-standing commitment on this issue is evident in IMO’s robust global regulatory framework supporting cleaner, safer seas, and a growing portfolio of technical assistance initiatives to support ocean protection in our 176 Member States”, said Arsenio Dominguez.
What is the World Maritime Day?
World Maritime Day is an annual event observed on the last Thursday of September to celebrate the maritime industry’s contribution to global trade and the world economy. It highlights the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment.
Each year, a theme is chosen to focus on specific aspects of the maritime industry. World Maritime Day serves as an opportunity for governments, maritime organizations, industry stakeholders, and the public to raise awareness about maritime issues, discuss challenges facing the sector, and promote sustainable practices in shipping.
The new theme emphasizes the link to wider global efforts to protect the ocean including the conclusion of UN Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), the negotiation of a new instrument to address plastic pollution and the third UN Ocean Conference in June 2025.
The theme will allow all stakeholders to showcase the deep interconnection of shipping and IMO in the ocean space, highlighting the importance of collaboration and coordination to ensure the sustainable and safe use of ocean resources.
This year’s theme
This year’s theme was chosen to promote maritime safety in an era of new technologies and alternative fuels. The theme also reflects IMO’s work to enhance maritime safety and security, in tandem with the protection of the marine environment, whilst ensuring its regulatory development process safely anticipates the fast pace of technological change and innovation.
Source: safety4sea.com
