image:IMO
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that World Maritime Day 2025 will be observed on 25 September under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” focusing global attention on the urgent need to protect marine environments.
The IMO confirmed that this year’s theme underscores the dual responsibility and opportunity the maritime industry holds in safeguarding the ocean. Oceans provide oxygen, regulate climate, sustain marine biodiversity, and serve as the lifeblood of global trade, carrying roughly 80% of world commerce by sea. Yet the sector faces mounting pressure to confront plastic pollution, overfishing, acidification, and rising sea temperatures, all of which threaten the sustainability of maritime operations and global ecosystems.
Global Landmarks to Be Illuminated in Blue
To mark the occasion, IMO Headquarters in London will be illuminated in blue light, symbolizing the link between the maritime community and the ocean. Member States, intergovernmental partners, and industry organizations are invited to take part by lighting up their own landmarks. In 2024, similar initiatives saw ports, maritime buildings, and coastal sites participate, creating a striking visual reminder of the industry’s shared responsibility.
Call for Digital and Social Media Participation
The IMO is urging industry stakeholders, governments, and individuals to spread awareness online. Social media engagement will be coordinated under the hashtag #WorldMaritimeDay, with users encouraged to tag IMO on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Digital awareness cards and promotional material are available through the IMO’s official Flickr channel for companies, ports, and individuals to share.
This digital campaign aims to bridge geographic divides and unite maritime professionals under one message: protecting and restoring the ocean is a responsibility that extends across borders and industries.
Secretary-General’s Message on Ocean Urgency
In his annual message, IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez emphasized the urgency of ocean protection. He highlighted that the decline of marine ecosystems is not accidental but a direct result of human activity. “The ocean sustains life on Earth as we know it. But it is under threat,” Dominguez stated, pointing to rising pollution levels and the strain of climate change.
He urged collective action to reduce marine waste, shift to sustainable practices, and safeguard biodiversity. “Protecting and restoring the ocean is not just a duty,” he said, “it is our opportunity to build a healthier planet, stronger economies, and a safer future for generations to come.”
Industry Implications for Shipping and Logistics
For shipping and logistics, the World Maritime Day theme carries practical weight. Vessel operators, port authorities, and cargo handlers are under increasing regulatory and social pressure to adopt greener practices. From the adoption of cleaner fuels to stricter ballast water management and enhanced waste disposal systems, companies face growing expectations to demonstrate their role in ocean stewardship.
The breakbulk and project cargo sectors, heavily reliant on specialized vessels and port infrastructure, will also need to adapt. Reducing the environmental footprint of heavy-lift operations, managing cargo residues responsibly, and exploring new efficiencies are key areas where the industry can align with global ocean protection goals.
A Shared Obligation
The IMO’s call reflects a broader reality: no single nation or industry can reverse the decline of the oceans alone. Shipping may serve as the backbone of international trade, but it is equally dependent on a healthy ocean to function. The 2025 World Maritime Day theme underscores that while challenges remain daunting, opportunities exist for coordinated efforts to ensure the oceans continue to sustain life, economies, and global connectivity.
