‘Indispensable’ role of shipping celebrated on World Maritime Day

Not only is shipping crucial today but it is “set to remain central to world economic growth as we make the inevitable transition towards an era of clean and sustainable development,” said IMO secretary-general Kitack Lim in his annual World Maritime Day Message.

Around 80% of global trade by volume and over 70% of global trade by value are carried by sea and are handled by ports worldwide according to UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development) figures, the IMO pointed out.

"The importance of shipping in supporting and sustaining today's global society makes it indispensable to the world, and to meeting the challenge of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” commented United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon.

Individual governments are encouraged to mark the World Maritime Day, on a date of their choosing but usually in the last week of September. The Maritime Authority of Jamaica (MAJ), for example, has helped organise a week-long series of Maritime Awareness events, designed to focus on the critical link between shipping and the everyday lives of people in Jamaica and across the world.

“Jamaica’s sustainable economic development is dependent on shipping,” commented MAJ director general RAdm Peter Brady (Ret’d) in his welcome message at the opening of the week.