World Maritime Day is celebrated annually on the last Thursday of September under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The theme for World Maritime Day 2026 is “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” For the first time, the theme for World Maritime Day extends over two years – 2026–2027. It emphasises the IMO’s commitment to ensuring the practical implementation of international maritime rules and policies through technical assistance, professional training, knowledge exchange and other measures to support Member States.
This year's theme highlights that the international regulatory framework should not solely be adopted at the national level, but should result in tangible outcomes – through national legislation, effective control, and the daily operations of the maritime sector. This involves a consistent improvement in the safety, security, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of shipping in accordance with the highest international standards.
The Shipping Administration endorses the IMO’s multilateral approach, based on international law and international cooperation, and continues to work on the practical implementation of international maritime standards in Ukraine. The effectiveness of international regulations is determined not only by their adoption but also by the extent of their consistent implementation into national legislation, application in practice, and ability to deliver practical results for the safety, efficiency, and sustainable development of the maritime sector.
For Ukraine, this year’s World Maritime Day theme is particularly relevant. Despite the ongoing full-scale war, our country continues to maintain the functioning of its maritime sector, ensure the safety of navigation, and support the operation of Ukrainian shipping routes. The practical implementation of international standards, strengthening maritime security, developing professional competencies, and ensuring the resilience of maritime infrastructure remain key priorities in the government’s work.
However, Russian aggression poses a direct hazard to civilian shipping and to the people who operate it.
As a result of Russian aggression, 144 vessels came under shelling in 2026. During this period, 48 crew members were injured, 31 crew members were killed, and 2 more crew members are considered missing.
People who keep the maritime industry running every day remain at the forefront of all these processes.
Secretary-General of the IMO Arsenio Dominguez, speaking about the practical implementation of international maritime policy, emphasised:
“But across all these policies and priorities, one principle must remain constant: seafarers come first. Always.”
The practical implementation of international standards involves, in particular, creating safe working conditions, providing appropriate professional training, protecting seafarers’ rights, and ensuring their readiness to comply with current maritime industry requirements.
It is precisely the professionalism of Ukrainian seafarers, port workers, maritime industry specialists, inspectors, hydrographers, educators, and other members of the maritime community that is a key component of the resilience of Ukraine’s maritime sector.
World Maritime Day is an opportunity to once again highlight the importance of international cooperation and shared responsibility for safe, efficient, sustainable, and modern shipping.
Congratulations to everyone involved in World Maritime Day!
We wish you safe voyages, professional success, perseverance, and a peaceful sky.
Happy World Maritime Day!