The International Maritime Organization has chosen “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” as the World Maritime Day theme for 2026 and 2027, focusing on whether international shipping rules are implemented and enforced at national level. The observance comes as merchant ships face attacks, seafarers have been killed, and important shipping routes have been disrupted by conflict.
IMO’s first audit cycle under the mandatory IMO Member State Audit Scheme identified continuing difficulties in translating international rules into domestic law, alongside shortages of technical expertise and infrastructure and weak oversight of ships. IMO plans to use the findings to better target technical assistance, including support with national legislation, maritime administrative and enforcement capacity, and training. The two-year theme will also cover new technologies, decarbonization, fraudulent ship registration, digitalization, cyber and maritime security, and marine environmental protection
Image shows IMO SG Arsenio Dominguez and IFSMA SG Andy Cook.