The theme for World Maritime Day 2025, “Our Oceans, Our Duty, Our Opportunity,” highlights the critical importance of the oceans in economic, environmental and climate terms. More than 80% of global trade depends on maritime transport, making the oceans a key driver of the global economy. They are also vital sources of food and employment for millions of people, home to rich biodiversity, and act as key climate regulators in the face of climate change.
As the largest sector operating in the oceans, shipping has a responsibility to ensure the sustainable management of marine resources. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) reinforces this commitment with a robust regulatory framework ranging from carbon emission reduction to marine waste management.
This collaborative effort aims not only to protect the marine environment, but also to foster international cooperation to ensure a sustainable future for the oceans.
The 2025 World Maritime Day theme will be the focus of key events such as the Third United Nations Conference on the Oceans in June. It also aligns with initiatives such as the Agreement on the Conservation of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and negotiations to combat plastic pollution. These actions underline the link between the work of shipping and global efforts to protect the oceans.
Through treaties such as the MARPOL Convention and other international agreements, the IMO has established measures to address oil, chemical and marine debris pollution. It also promotes sustainable ballast water management practices and anti-fouling systems to prevent the spread of invasive species. These efforts are supported by technical assistance programs designed to address specific challenges in the organization’s 176 Member States.
By leading this agenda, IMO is also strengthening the implementation of the 2030 Agenda alongside the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its actions directly contribute to goals such as conserving marine life (SDG 14), combating climate change (SDG 13), and strengthening international partnerships (SDG 17), highlighting the opportunity to transform shipping’s relationship with the oceans for the benefit of the planet.
Learn more at https://www.imo.org/