PURPOSE: World Maritime Day observed on the last thursday of september focuses on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work. The day also features a special message from the IMO’s secretary-general, which is backed up by a discussion paper on the selected subject in more detail. 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 International Maritime Organization‘s commitment to provide the institutional framework necessary for a green and sustainable global maritime transportation system. The overarching principles, which should be taken into account in all of the Organization's work; The 7 strategic directions are SD 1: Improve implementation. SD 2: Integrate new and advancing technologies in the regulatory framework. SD 3: Respond to climate change. SD 4; Engage in ocean governance. SD 5: Enhance global facilitation and security of international trade. SD 6: Ensure regulatory effectiveness. SD 7: Ensure organizational effectiveness.
FORUM: “MARPOL a 50 — Our commitment goes on.” World Maritime Day 2023. This year's theme 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 2030 Agenda 2030 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). Follow the conversation with the hashtags #worldMaritimeDay, #ClimateAction, #GreenerShipping.
EVENTS: This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this landmark environmental treaty. The World Maritime Day 2023 will be celebrated on September 28th. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member States, inter-governmental organizations (IGOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the United Nations system and related industry sectors are invited to observe the day.
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.
Lighting up landmarks. 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. Please find the photo gallery here. Read more details here.
STATEMENTS: Read the Statement from the United Nations Secretary-General on World Maritime Day 2023; September 28th. and the Statement of the Secretary-General IMO on World Maritime Day 2023; September 28th.
The IMO-UNEP-Norway INNOATION FORUM 2023 programme includes sessions on:
How innovation facilitates higher environmental performance in maritime transport (MARPOL Annexes I-IV)
Complementing the prohibition on discarding plastic into the sea from ships with innovation and information (MARPOL Annex V)
From IMO 2020 to IMO 2030: How IMO’s fuel standards support innovation in marine fuel production (MARPOL Annex VI)
Decarbonizing the Maritime Sector: Innovative approach to bridging the Global North-South Gap
Innovative Strategies for a More Sustainable Maritime Sector through Partnerships
PODCASTS: How does IMO’s marine protection treaty make a difference? IMO's marine protection treaty, the MARPOL Convention, is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships and currently includes six technical Annexes.The imperative of maritime transport to support global sustainability is clear. Listen to the Audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS : MARPOL at 50 — Our commitment goes on. A Safe, secure, energy-efficient, affordable, reliable, low-carbon, climate-resilient and rule-based maritime transport systems contribute to achieving economically efficient, socially equitable and environmentally sound development. Get the Poster and the other communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED?
PARTNERSHIPS
The World Maritime Day is hosted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Office on Oceans and the Law of Sea, the World Maritime University (WMU), the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Office of the High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
With the Collaboration of World Shipping Council (WSC), the IMO International Maritime Law Institute, the International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners, the International Federation of Shipmasters' Associations (IFSMA), the International Chamber of Shipping, the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the UK Chamber of Shipping, the Danish Shipowners' Association, the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), the International Shipping Federation Limited, the BIMCO, the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO), the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS), the China Maritime Safety Administration, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners and the International Transport Forum.
Highlight the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million seafarers
Create a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective
Increase energy efficiency of ships as well as alternative fuels and the technologies
Promote inclusive innovation and technology cooperation and strengthen partnerships for greener technologies
Embrace inclusive innovation and technology deployment is key to the success of the transition to greener global shipping.
Ensure the peaceful, cooperative, legally defined uses of the seas and oceans for the individual and common benefit of humankind.
The IMO has developed a number of e-Learning courses with the purpose of increasing the capacity of Member States to effectively implement IMO instruments. For background information on IMO's training courses as part of IMO's Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP). please click here.
The World Maritime Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the IMO Convention at a conference held in Geneva, in 1948, under the auspices of the United Nations, The International shipping transports more than 80% 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 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.