- World Maritime Day 2025 focuses on the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.”
- The International Maritime Organization (IMO) urges shipping to be part of the solution to ocean health challenges.
- New global initiatives target emissions, marine litter, and protection of fragile marine ecosystems.
On 25 September, the maritime industry celebrates the World Maritime Day under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity”.
A Call to Action for the Maritime Community
he World Maritime Day is celebrated annually on the last Thursday of September, though some countries may observe it on a nearby date. It was established in 1978 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to recognize the vital role of shipping in international trade and to raise awareness about maritime safety, security, and environmental protection.
Each year, the IMO selects a specific theme to focus global attention on current issues in the maritime sector. This year’s World Maritime Day 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.
Shipping is the backbone of international trade, carrying over 80% of global goods. With such influence, the industry’s practices have a direct impact on ocean health. World Maritime Day 2025 is a reminder that while the ocean offers immense opportunities, it also demands care, stewardship, and sustainable practices from all maritime stakeholders.
World maritime day: The industry celebrates and expresses ambitions
On the occasion, Professor Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., WMU President, issued the following message: “This bounty of gifts from the ocean comes with responsibility. The World Maritime University, an institution founded within the framework of the International Maritime Organization takes this responsibility to heart., In support of IMO and the international maritime community as a whole, we are preparing the next generation of maritime and ocean leaders to safeguard our oceans—through education, capacity development, and research that tackle pressing challenges like marine pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the impacts of climate change. We also prepare future leaders to unlock the boundless opportunities of the oceans – by forming communities of collaboration that will drive responsible innovation in the blue economy.”
Another major industry organization, InterManager also expressed an ambition in view of the day. Capt Kuba Szymanski, the Secretary General, explained that the future of the ocean as a place of work puts serious obligations on maritime leaders to adopt a different approach to seafarer welfare.
In addition, UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Chief Executive Virginia McVea stated “At the MCA we are reaffirming our commitment to protecting lives, advancing maritime technologies, and preventing pollution across our seas. We continue to honour the unwavering commitment of seafarers who are the driving force behind global trade every day.”
Furthermore, as announced, for the seventh successive year, Stella Maris and the Britannia Group, are teaming up on World Maritime Day to ensure that seafarers are not forgotten and remain supported on this very special day for the shipping industry.
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Source: Safety4sea
