Edited by Blue Economy Magazine
As tis year’s World Maritime Day draws closer, the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) has called on maritime stakeholders, governments, port authorities, training institutions and blue economy actors across Africa to commence preparations for its commemoration.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt over the weekend, the Special Assistant to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA) and Convener of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, stated that World Maritime Day is observed globally on the last Thursday of September each year. In 2026, it will be marked on Thursday, 24th September 2026, with the Parallel Event scheduled for 26-27 October 2026 in Busan, Republic of Korea.
Dr. Kiyaramo drew attention to the official theme for World Maritime Day 2026 and 2027 as announced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO): “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
He noted that the theme was endorsed by the IMO Council at its 134th Session in London (7-11 July 2025), following a proposal by IMO Secretary-General, Mr. Arsenio Dominguez. For the first time, the theme will run for two consecutive years to emphasize implementation.
According to the IMO, the theme highlights the Organization’s clear commitment to developing Member States’ capacity to translate policies into practice through technical assistance, training and essential services, ensuring IMO regulations are applied “in every port and on every deck.”
Secretary-General Dominguez noted: “The theme transmits a clear message of our commitment to ensuring regulations are put into action and providing the necessary technical assistance for implementation to Member States.”
ABER’s Position:
As a continental blue networking platform supporting the domestication of the AU Africa Blue Economy Strategy, ABER aligns fully with this theme. It represents a critical shift from policy adoption to policy implementation – exactly what Africa needs to achieve a safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sustainable blue economy.
Call to Action:
ABER therefore urges its National Chapters, Regional Coordinators and partners to: Plan and organize national commemorative events in line with the 2026 theme; Showcase practical initiatives that translate maritime policy into action; Engage maritime administrations, ports and training institutions; and Amplify the celebration on social media using #WorldMaritimeDay and #MaritimePolicytoPractice.
