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2026¨C2027 Theme: "From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence"

The 2026¨C2027 World Maritime Day theme, "," places a spotlight on one of the most fundamental challenges in global maritime governance: ensuring that the rules developed at the international level translate into real-world improvements. For nearly 80 years, the (IMO) has built a comprehensive body of conventions, codes and guidelines to promote safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound shipping. The true value of this framework, however, is realized only when it is effectively implemented, enforced and embedded in day-to-day maritime operations.

For the first time, the IMO World Maritime Day theme will run for a biennium. The 2026¨C2027 theme highlights IMO¡¯s clear commitment to putting policies into practice by providing technical assistance, training, capacity-building, knowledge sharing and other essential services to support Member States and partners across the maritime sector (.

Turning regulations into tangible results

The theme underscores a holistic, action-oriented commitment. "From Policy to Practice" reflects IMO¡¯s core mission of ensuring that globally agreed standards are incorporated into national legislation, supported by robust institutions and applied consistently across the maritime sector.

"Powering" signals the momentum generated through capacity-building, technical cooperation and knowledge sharing ¡ª the essential support that enables Member States to turn regulatory commitments into operational reality. "Maritime Excellence" conveys the ultimate objective: a maritime sector that operates to the highest international standards, continually improves and delivers tangible benefits for people and the planet.

Together, these convey a clear call to action: turning collective regulatory decisions into real-world results that deliver tangible benefits for all.

Supporting sustainable development

The selected theme aligns closely with the and supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular: SDG 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure; SDG 13 on climate action; SDG 14 on life below water; and SDG 17 on partnerships.

The theme also reinforces IMO¡¯s contribution to broader United Nations processes, including the entry into force of the "Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction" (BBNJ Agreement), the , and ongoing negotiations towards a global instrument on plastic pollution.

Across the biennium, the theme invites governments, industry and partners to demonstrate how collective regulatory decisions are being transformed into measurable progress. By strengthening implementation, enhancing skills and embracing innovation, the maritime community can power a safer, greener and more resilient future ¡ª and advance maritime excellence for all.

World Maritime Day 2026 will be celebrated on 24 September 2026. The World Maritime Day Parallel Event is expected to take place in Busan, Republic of Korea, on 26 and 27 October 2026. Further .

Background

International shipping transports more than 80 per cent of global trade to peoples and communities all over the world. Shipping is the most efficient and cost-effective method of international transportation for most goods; it provides a dependable, low-cost means of transporting goods globally, facilitating commerce and helping to create prosperity among nations and peoples.

The world relies on a safe, secure and efficient international shipping industry, which is an essential component of any programme for future sustainable green economic growth in a sustainable manner.

The promotion of sustainable shipping and sustainable maritime development is one of the major priorities of . Energy efficiency, new technology and innovation, maritime education and training, maritime security, maritime traffic management and the development of maritime infrastructure all depend on the development and implementation of global standards. These standards underpin IMO¡¯s commitment to provide the institutional framework necessary for a green and sustainable global maritime transportation system.