WORLD MARITIME DAY 2025: "OUR OCEAN, OUR OBLIGATION, OUR OPPORTUNITY"

World Maritime Day, initiated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), is observed annually to recognize the indispensable role of maritime transport in facilitating global trade, driving economic development and advancing sustainable progress.

- By CHITRAL JAYAWARNA

As more than 80 percent of the world's goods are transported by sea, shipping remains the lifeline of globalization. The 2025 theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility shared by governments, industry actors and civil society to safeguard the oceans while ensuring that maritime transport continues to serve as a foundation of global connectivity and prosperity.

This theme is particularly relevant in the context of current maritime challenges: technological disruption, environmental sustainability imperatives and shifting trade patterns influenced by geopolitics and climate change. It emphasizes not only the duty to preserve ocean resources but also the opportunities arising from innovation and cooperation in the maritime sector.

Oceans cover over 70 percent of the Earth's surface and play a critical role in climate regulation, biodiversity preservation, and human livelihoods. Beyond their ecological value, oceans are integral to global commerce, with seaborne trade forming the backbone of international supply chains. Ports, shipping routes and maritime logistics networks collectively sustain the flow of energy, food, raw materials and manufactured goods across continents.

However, the oceans are under unprecedented stress. Rising sea levels, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution are threatening marine ecosystems. Shipping contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly 3 percent of the total, with projections indicating continued growth unless urgent decarbonization measures are adopted.

Recognizing the ocean as a shared common, the 2025 theme highlights the imperative for collective stewardship to balance exploitation with preservation.