Under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Driving Maritime Excellence,” the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, shares a special message on the occasion of World Maritime Day 2026.

“This year, shipping has been tested. Regrettably, too many seafarers have lost their lives to geopolitical conflicts.

Our thoughts are first and foremost with the seafarers and their families who have been affected.

The global supply chains for energy and food have been disrupted.

At IMO, we will always provide strong, steadfast support for shipping and seafarers.

This year’s World Maritime Day theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence”, recognizes the reality that regulations will only deliver safer, more resilient, and cleaner shipping when they are implemented worldwide.

And implementation must make a difference where it matters most for the people working at sea.

This theme drives our mission to ensure that every Member State is supported to effectively implement IMO regulations.

Our vision is to ensure that all IMO Member States can benefit from the opportunities that the next decade will bring from embracing digitalization to responding to the energy transition to creating more opportunities for women, so that we can build a more inclusive and diverse maritime sector.

But across all these policies and priorities, one principle must remain constant: Seafarers come first. Always.

On World Maritime Day, IMO Headquarters will be illuminated in blue to symbolize our commitment to turning policy into practice, and I invite all Member States, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations to join us in lighting up prominent buildings.

Tag us and share your photos or stories on how you turn maritime policy into practice, using the hashtags #WorldMaritimeDay and #MaritimePolicytoPractice.

Happy World Maritime Day, Everyone!“