World Maritime Day 2026

World Maritime Day 2026

"From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence" has been selected as the IMO’s World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027, culminating in the annual celebration on the final Thursday of September.

For the first time, the theme will run for two years, highlighting IMO’s clear commitment to put policies into practice, by providing technical assistance, training and other essential services.

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About World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day was first held in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the IMO Convention’s entry into force. Celebrations are held throughout the world to focus attention on the importance of shipping safety, maritime security and the marine environment, and to emphasize a particular aspect of IMO's work. World Maritime Day celebrations are usually held during the last week in September.

Since 2005, in addition to the official IMO celebrations held at IMO Headquarters in London, there has been a Parallel Event hosted by a Member State.
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To read more about World Maritime Day 2026, click here.

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