WORLD Maritime Day this year will be marked by landmarks lit up in blue to promote global discussion around shipping and the technology driving its sustainable transition.
Celebrated today (29 September), World Maritime Day occurs each year as an opportunity for the world to focus on the maritime industry and the changes and challenges it faces.
This year’s theme is “new technologies for greener shipping”, announced earlier this year by International Maritime Organization secretary-general Kitack Lim.
In a video message to IMO member states, Mr Lim said the theme provides an opportunity to promote inclusive innovation, research and development and technology co-operation to showcase pathways to decarbonisation and more environmentally friendly shipping.
“Among the world’s most pressing ocean and environmental challenges are climate change, marine litter and preserving biodiversity, and this year’s World Maritime Day theme has been chosen to highlight initiatives intended to address them,” Mr Lim said.
“New technologies for greener shipping opens up a larger conversation about shipping’s direction and how technologies can be harnessed for a more sustainable future.
“It also provides an incentive to further examine how digitalisation and automation can support shipping.”
Mr Lim added that technological solutions for cleaner, safer and more sustainable shipping must also benefit people.
“They must consider their impact on seafarers and other marine personnel, including the need for training,” he said.
As part of World Maritime Day celebrations, the IMO has invited all maritime stakeholders to share information about technologies and actions they are implementing to make shipping greener.
The IMO also encouraged the industry and stakeholders to light up buildings, bridges, ports, ships, monuments and museums in blue and green start conversations with the wider public.
An innovation forum is also being held live at IMO headquarters in London and virtually as a two-day hybrid event on 28 and 29 September.
The IMO-UNEP-Norway Innovation Forum will focus on innovation accelerating the maritime industry’s energy transition.
