World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day History

World Maritime Day is an annual observance promoting awareness about the significance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment. Established by the United Nations specialized agency, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the purpose of this global event is to emphasize the importance of shipping as a critical driver of global trade and economy, as well as highlight the urgent need for sustained and collective efforts in ensuring a sustainable and eco-friendly maritime industry. The observance includes participation in activities, seminars, and discussions focusing on shipping safety, naval education, and skills development, along with promoting international cooperation for maritime responsiveness.

The inception of World Maritime Day dates back to 1978 when the IMO decided to hold an annual event to celebrate its establishment. The maritime industry holds immense importance for India as a peninsular nation, with more than 90% of its international trade carried out through naval routes. This highlights the vital role that shipping plays in supporting India's economic growth and prosperity. World Maritime Day thus serves as an important reminder for the country to focus on promoting the development of its shipping sector, ensuring a greener maritime industry, and emphasizing the significance of imparting advanced marine education and training to safeguard the industry's future.

To observe World Maritime Day, India conducts various events and activities that involve the maritime community, industry stakeholders, and regulatory authorities who govern the trade. These activities may include seminars, workshops, and panel discussions cantered around the annual theme announced by the IMO. Educational institutions, such as maritime training institutes and nautical colleges, organize special events to increase awareness among students and the general public on the importance of the maritime industry. While World Maritime Day is celebrated throughout the global marine community, the actual date of the observance in India may vary yearly, as it usually occurs during the last week of September.

World Maritime Day facts

• The theme for World Maritime Day in 2025 was Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity. In 2024 the theme was Navigating the future: safety first!. In 2023 the theme was MARPOL at 50- Our commitment goes on.
• Between 1990 and 2020, the volume of cargo transported by ships more than doubled, from four to nearly 10.7 billion tons.
• The three biggest shipping fleets in the world are owned by Greece, Japan, and Germany. The U.S is fifth.
• The Chola Dynasty (9th – 13th century CE) is known for its notable maritime expeditions that established trade and cultural connections with Southeast Asia, China, and the Arab world.
• India has a rich maritime past, with evidence of seafaring and maritime trade dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization around 2500 BCE. The ancient port of Lothal in modern-day Gujarat was an important trading center during this time.

In the News and Trending in India for World Maritime Day

Top things to do in India for World Maritime Day

• Visit historical ports, shipyards, and lighthouses to get a glimpse of India's maritime past. Major ports like Kochi, Visakhapatnam, and Mumbai have rich maritime histories and host several heritage sites connected to the maritime industry.
• On World Maritime Day, volunteer to participate in beach cleanup drives organized by NGOs, environmental groups, or local authorities. India has a rich coastline, and events like this often take place in major coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Goa.