Maritime transport represents more than 80% of global trade-UN

UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres has highlighted the global contributions of the maritime industry in commemoration of the day.

He made this known on X app in honour of the day.

28 September each year, is a day set aside to mark the ‘World maritime Day’. The commemoration is held to honor those who work in the maritime sector, it also strives to raise awareness on a number of concerns facing the sector, including shipping, marine trade, and environmental causes, among others.

This year’s World Maritime theme is “MARPOL at 50 – Our commitment goes on”.

Brief History of World Maritime Day

Many individuals are unaware that international shipping is used to move more than 80% of the world’s goods.

This implies that the majority of consumer goods that are used in businesses and residences around the globe are shipped. Maritime activity is still a crucial component of the global trade business since it is the most economical and effective method of moving products.

As a specialized organization of the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began to take shape in 1948. The organization took some time to set up before going into effect on March 17, 1958. The IMO was founded with just 21 participating member states, which is a stark contrast to the organization’s current membership of 175 countries, including Nigeria.

IMO prioritizes cooperation in the maritime industry.

They develop safety measures to prevent accidents and damage, increase shipping efficiency, and prevent maritime pollution from ships.

The first World Maritime Day was observed in March 1978 to commemorate the IMO’s twentieth anniversary of going into effect. Following then, the holiday was observed yearly. Eventually, it was observed at the end of September, typically on the final Thursday.

World Maritime Day was established by the UN in 1978 to increase awareness of the value of the shipping sector and the essential contribution it makes around the world.