It’s World Maritime Day today, September 28, 2023!
Observed worldwide on the last Thursday of September, World Maritime Day focuses on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment.
This year’s World Maritime Day theme, MARPOL at 50 — Our commitment goes on, reflects the International Maritime Organization‘s (IMO) long history of protecting the environment from the impact of shipping via a robust regulatory framework and emphasizes its ongoing commitment to this important work. The theme spotlights the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which covers prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes.
In addition, the theme aims to promote further dialogue on the next phase of IMO‘s work to further enhance the sustainable use and protection of our planet and oceans in line with the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include affordable and clean energy (SDG 7); industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9); climate action and sustainable use of the oceans, seas and marine resources (SDGs 13 and 14); and the importance of partnerships and implementation to achieve these goals (SDG 17).
IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said, “A lot has changed in shipping in the 50 years since the MARPOL Convention was adopted on 2 November 1973, and IMO’s commitment to protecting and preserving the marine environment has remained unwavering. The World Maritime Theme for 2023 will allow us to celebrate this legacy, while also underscoring our dedication to building on the existing foundations as we move towards a brighter future together.”
Read the United Nations Secretary General’s message commemorating World Maritime Day 2023 here.
Catch today’s free IMO event here:
- IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum 2023. The event takes place on 28 September 2023 at IMO Headquarters, London, and online. The Forum includes topics such as: Environmental performance; reducing plastic litter from ships; supporting innovation in marine fuel production; decarbonizing the maritime sector; unlocking green finance; and partnerships and collaboration. Read more details here.
- Social media participation. IMO invites Members States and everyone in the maritime industry to celebrate the day by using the hashtag #WorldMaritimeDay and tagging IMO on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn).
Lighting up landmarks: To celebrate World Maritime Day today, the IMO Headquarters will be bathed in blue light in the evening of the day to promote this year’s theme. IMO invites Member States, intergovernmental organizations in cooperation with IMO, and non-governmental organizations in consultative status with IMO to lighting up landmarks.
Photo contest: Please find the photo gallery here.
Read more details here.
About the International Maritime Organization and MARPOL
International shipping transports more than 80 per cent of global trade to peoples and communities all over the world. Shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods; it provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples.
The world relies on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry, which is an essential component of any programme for future sustainable green economic growth in a sustainable manner.
The promotion of sustainable shipping and sustainable maritime development is one of the major priorities of IMO in the coming years. Therefore, energy efficiency, new technology and innovation, maritime education and training, maritime security, maritime traffic management and the development of the maritime infrastructure: the development and implementation of global standards covering these and other issues will underpin IMO’s commitment to provide the institutional framework necessary for a green and sustainable global maritime transportation system.
Please read more about the history and purpose of MARPOL here.
