The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has chosen “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” as the theme for World Maritime Day 2026 and 2027, marking a significant step in reinforcing the implementation of global maritime regulations.
This two-year focus, endorsed during the IMO Council’s 134th session in London (7–11 July 2025), aims to ensure that the policies developed at the international level are effectively translated into national action, thereby strengthening the global maritime ecosystem.
A Clear Commitment to Implementation
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized that the theme reflects the organization’s unwavering dedication to turning regulations into real-world outcomes. The IMO’s global framework of maritime conventions only achieves full impact when countries implement and enforce these rules at the national level.
Through technical assistance, training, and capacity-building, the IMO works closely with Member States to bridge the gap between policy and practice. This approach boosts confidence in the effectiveness of IMO regulations and enhances safety, security, and environmental sustainability in global shipping.
Powering Maritime Excellence Through Support and Action
The three parts of the theme carry distinct significance:
-
From Policy to Practice: Stresses the importance of transforming global regulations into enforceable national laws and operational procedures.
-
Powering: Symbolizes the IMO’s active role in providing resources, partnerships, and tools to help countries implement these rules.
-
Maritime Excellence: Represents the ultimate goal—a safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally sustainable maritime industry upheld by high international standards.
By promoting knowledge sharing and technical cooperation, the IMO accelerates progress toward a more resilient and responsive maritime sector.
Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The theme is strongly aligned with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly:
-
SDG 9: Building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation
-
SDG 13: Combatting climate change through maritime decarbonisation
-
SDG 14: Preserving marine ecosystems
-
SDG 17: Strengthening global partnerships
The IMO’s focus on regulatory implementation complements broader international efforts toward sustainable development, underscoring the maritime industry’s role in achieving global climate and environmental goals.
Closing the Regulatory Gap
Despite the IMO’s comprehensive conventions and guidelines, reports from the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) reveal existing gaps in national legislation and enforcement. The 2026–2027 theme serves as a global call to action to improve regulatory compliance across all regions.
By dedicating two full years to this theme, the IMO aims to create momentum for countries to ratify, implement, and enforce international maritime standards more effectively.
With the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, the IMO is charting a bold course for the future of shipping. This two-year focus period encourages concrete national actions, supported by global partnerships and technical assistance, to deliver on the promise of safer, greener, and more efficient maritime operations. As the maritime world celebrates World Maritime Day in 2026 and 2027, the focus will be not only on regulations—but on turning them into real change at sea and ashore.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: IMO
