World Maritime Day 2020: Sustainable Shipping for a Sustainable Planet

International Maritime Organization (IMO) celebrates World Maritime Day annually on September 24th, however, IMO gives individual states the choice to observe the day on a preferred date of their own. Generally, countries usually celebrate the day during the last week of September, usually on the last Thursday. The day is marked to focus on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment and to raise awareness about the importance of shipping safety, maritime security, and the marine environment.


Photo: Minister Nahula

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Ms. Aishath Nahula, delivered a speech addressing the occasion. She had stated that the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day is "Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet", aiming to provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The shipping industry, with the support of the IMO regulatory framework, has already started the transition towards this sustainable future and the Minster has assured the world community to ensure the conformity of international maritime laws and work hand-in-hand with stakeholders to strengthen the maritime industry.


Photo: UN

Ms. Aishath Nahula also positively highlighted that the despite the difficult time surround COVID-19 pandemic, Maldives has accomplished in establishing our own shipping company and the introduced a direct cargo shipping service between India and Maldives.  

Before I conclude, the utmost significant point I want to highlight on this occasion is the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million seafarers who serve on the world’s merchant fleet in supplying more than 80% of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for the response and recovery of the pandemic. No amount to gratitude will be enough for this sacrifice.