During its 134th session in London from July 7-11, the IMO Council approved a proposal by Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez to maintain the Maritime Day theme focused on implementing policies for two years. The theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” will be the focus for World Maritime Day in 2026 and 2027, celebrated on the last Thursday of September.
This theme emphasizes the IMO’s commitment to enhancing Member States’ capabilities in translating policies into actionable practices through technical support and training. Dominguez highlighted that this initiative aims to ensure that global regulations lead to safer and more environmentally sound shipping.
The phrase “From Policy to Practice” reflects the IMO’s mission to ensure that international regulatory frameworks are effectively integrated into national laws and maritime operations. The term “Powering” indicates the targeted support provided by the IMO and its partners to facilitate this transition, while “Maritime Excellence” represents the goal of achieving a safe, efficient, and sustainable shipping industry.
The focus on this theme in 2026-2027 is expected to accelerate national actions for implementing IMO instruments, aligning with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and several Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to industry, climate action, and partnerships.
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