Today marks World Maritime Day and offers us the opportunity to celebrate the industry that is responsible for transporting 90% of everything. This year’s theme, "Navigating the future: safety first", highlights several initiatives taking place around the world to ensure the safety of those onboard and onshore.
Background of the World Maritime Day
World Maritime Day was established by the International Maritime Organization – IMO, in 1978. The day was established to highlight the importance of shipping and maritime activities, reminding us of the hard work that those across the sector undertake to keep global trade flowing.
According to the United Nations, the celebration has resolved several important issues related to ocean usage and sovereignty. More recently, The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is placing a strong focus on advancing sustainable shipping and maritime development in the years ahead.
Key areas of focus include improving energy efficiency, fostering new technologies and innovation, enhancing maritime education and training, ensuring maritime security, managing maritime traffic, and developing maritime infrastructure.
Navigating the future: safety first
This year’s theme, "Navigating the future: safety first", aims to raise awareness about maritime safety and security. The safety of the crew onboard and protecting the environment are key issues for the sector.
The shipping industry is on course to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The adoption of the ‘2023 IMO Strategy on the Reduction of GHG Emissions from Ships’ marks a pivotal step towards decarbonising shipping by 2050.
At first glance, decarbonisation and safety might seem like separate issues, but they are, in fact, deeply interconnected. As new fuels and technologies are introduced to meet ambitious emissions targets, any associated safety risks must also be carefully mitigated.
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is the key IMO treaty regulating maritime safety and the main international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships. As 2024 marks 50 years since the adoption of the SOLAS convention, safety at the heart of shipping operations is being brought into the spotlight.
Many significant safety improvements in recent years have come from the proactive adoption of new technologies. From mandatory electronic charts to polar ship safety requirements, and the regulation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS), the IMO’s regulatory framework has been instrumental in keeping shipping safe as it navigates new frontiers.
Technology at the heart of shipping operations
The maritime industry is undergoing a digital transformation driven by technological innovation. Digitalisation and automation are reshaping how ships are built, operated, and maintained, offering the potential to enhance efficiency, improve safety, and reduce operational costs.
At 90POE, we recognise that digital innovation is key to revolutionising the future of shipping and that safety is a priority. As the industry continues to embrace new technologies, maintaining a strong focus on safety protocols and training remains essential to ensure that these advancements truly benefit the maritime community.
Seafarers: the invisible heroes
Seafarers are the backbone of the maritime industry and play a crucial role in transporting over 90% of global trade. Seafarers regularly face challenges such as geo-political tensions, hazardous weather, and the risk of accidents while at sea. Their roles demand physical endurance, technical skill, and the ability to adapt and solve problems quickly.
As the maritime industry continues to adapt to the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the changing roles of seafarers and their safety remains paramount. This includes preparing for the environmental changes impacting the industry now, and in the future. From navigating treacherous waters to ensuring the safe handling of hazardous materials, their skills and expertise are more essential than ever.
Conclusion
The IMO World Maritime Day 2024 is an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in maritime safety and to look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The theme, “Navigating the future: safety first”, is a reminder that safety must remain at the forefront, particularly as we embrace new technologies and work towards a more sustainable future for shipping.
Find out more about World Maritime Day here.
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