World Maritime Day 2023 Background, Theme & Significant Of IMO

Every year, World Maritime Day is observed on the last Thursday of the September month. In 2023, the day is being observed on 28 September. The day is observed to highlight the role shipping plays in the world economy and on  its safety, security and the marine environment. It also emphasises a particular aspect of International Maritime Organisations's (IMO) work. 

Background to the World Maritime Day 

The first World Maritime Day was observed on 17 March 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention's entry into force. Later, it was changed to the last Thursday of the September month.

Theme of the World Maritime Day 2023

The theme of the World Maritime Day is decided by the International Maritime Organization.  

The theme of the 46th  World Maritime 2023 is: 'MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on'. 

According to the IMO, the theme "reflects the organisation's long history of protecting the environment from the impact of shipping. The theme highlights the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) role as a nodal agency for the prevention of marine pollution by ships from operational or accidental causes.

International Maritime Organisation (IMO)

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations. 

An international conference in Geneva, Switzerland, was held in 1948, which adopted a convention establishing the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (IMCO). The name of the organisation was later changed to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1982.

The IMCO convention came into force in 1958 after sufficient member countries ratified it.

Headquarters: London, United Kingdom

Secretary General : Kitack Lim