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IMO has chosen to make 2021 a year of action for seafarers, who are facing unprecedented hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite their vital role as key workers for global supply chains.

The World Maritime Theme for 2021, “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future” seeks to increase the visibility of seafarers by drawing attention to the invaluable role they play now and will continue to play in the future. 

The focus on seafarers comes as the COVID-19 pandemic has placed extraordinary demands on seafarers, with hundreds of thousands of men and women stranded on ships for months beyond their original contracts, unable to be repatriated due to national travel restrictions. A similar number of seafarers are unable to join ships and earn a living. This crew change crisis, which has been ongoing for nearly a year, is a humanitarian emergency that threatens the safety of shipping (read more here).

Throughout the year, the World Maritime Theme will also put the spotlight on other issues related to the human element of shipping, including the safety and security of life on board ships, seafarers’ well-being, and the importance of ensuring an appropriately trained and qualified workforce, ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of digitalization and automation. 

Message from IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim

Launching the World Maritime theme, IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim said more Governments must step up to end the crew change crisis (click here for the full text).

WORLD MARITIME DAY, MYANMAR EVENT AGENDA

“WORLD MARITIME DAY – 2021”

Theme: “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future”

Online Event                                 11:00 AM, 30 SEPTEMBER 2021

     Provisional Agenda

1. Introduction IMO and history of World Maritime sDay
2. Proclamation of the Opening of the Ceremony
3. Opening Address

ADMIRAL TIN AUNG SAN,   

Union Minister for Transport and Communications

• World Maritime Day 2021 – Video Message of IMO Secretary-General

Mr. Kitack Lim

IMO Secretary-General

• Presentation on Myanmar Maritime Activities
• Proclamation of the Closing of the Ceremony

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World Maritime Day memorable

The IMO intends to light up the IMO building, in particular the Seafarer Memorial outside the IMO Headquarters in London, in the IMO/maritime blue colour on every World Maritime Day from now on, beginning with this yearʹs celebration on 30 September 2021. 

Therefore, Myanmar join to illuminate with colorful light at the DMA’s Head Office building, MPA’s Head Office building and Vessels berthed in port terminals to mark World Maritime Day on 30 September 2021.