Each year, on the last Thursday of September, the World Maritime Day is observed under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization.
Today, global community is especially committed to sustainable development of oceans and seas – a source of food and employment for billions of people, including tens of thousands of Ukrainian seafarers, port workers, surveyors, hydrographers, and their families.
The World Maritime Day was established in 1978 to mark the 20th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention on the International Maritime Organization.
The Shipping Administration appreciates the multilateral approach of the IMO and the United Nations, built upon the principles of international law and cooperation. Ukraine, in particular, recently signed the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction.
The russian-Ukrainian war circumstances force us to reconsider the issue of marine environment protection in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. russian aggression manifests itself not only in terrorist bombardments of Ukrainian seaports and foreign merchant ships. Ukraine’s rights and obligations regarding fishing, mining, scientific research, and environmental protection activities in coastal waters are curtailed. Similarly, irreparable losses on marine and coastal flora and fauna are inflicted by russian naval mines, unexploded ordnance, as well as consequences of the Kakhovka hydroelectric dam destruction.
Biodiversity suffered particular damage as a result of the December accident involving substandard russian Volgoneft tankers nearby the Kerch Strait, as well as a recent oil spill in the vicinity of the port of Novorossiysk. russia’s crimes and negligence, along with its use of a global “shadow fleet” network, demonstrate a blatant disregard for good order at sea, protection and restoration of the ocean.
The Shipping Administration is aware of the responsibility of maritime nations, as noted in special messages by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domínguez. Despite the wartime challenges, we endeavour to support sustainable global development and a safer future for our planet through the blue economy, driven by Ukrainian seafarers’ professionalism and successful operation of the special maritime corridor.
Congratulations to everyone involved!