When politics undermines policy, can maritime excellence truly endure? That was the unspoken question echoing across this year’s World Maritime Day, observed on 24 September under the IMO’s theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” While the slogan emphasizes implementation and resilience, the reality at sea is far harsher. Wars in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, alongside piracy and geopolitical flashpoints, continue to threaten global trade routes, endanger seafarers, and destabilize supply chains. In such turbulent waters, the industry must ask whether policy alone can safeguard lives and commerce when political conflicts disregard international norms.
The IMO’s chosen theme reflects its mission: to ensure that regulations are not just written but lived — through technical assistance, training, and support for Member States. Yet, the question remains whether these policies can withstand the relentless strain of geopolitics. For two consecutive years, the IMO has emphasized “policy to practice,” but the maritime community grapples with the reality that practice is often disrupted by forces beyond its control.
IMO Secretary‑General Mr Arsenio Dominguez acknowledged this stark truth in his World Maritime Day message: “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.”
Mr Dominguez’s words resonate deeply. The disruption of global supply chains for energy and food has exposed vulnerabilities that no regulation alone can mend. He reaffirmed IMO’s steadfast support for shipping and seafarers, stressing that regulations deliver results only when implemented effectively — and when they make a difference where it matters most: at sea.
The IMO’s vision extends beyond immediate crises. Dominguez called on Member States to embrace digitalization, energy transition, and inclusivity, ensuring that every nation benefits from the opportunities of the next decade. He emphasized creating more opportunities for women and building a diverse maritime sector. Yet, amid these ambitions, one principle remains constant: Seafarers come first. Always.
Ultimately, the maritime industry stands at a crossroads. Policies, however well‑intentioned, risk becoming hollow if political conflicts continue to override international norms. The IMO’s call to turn policy into practice is both urgent and aspirational, but practice must mean protection — for ships, for trade, and above all, for seafarers.
As Mr Dominguez reminded us, “Seafarers come first. Always.” That principle must anchor every regulation, every negotiation, and every decision taken in the corridors of power. Without it, maritime excellence remains a slogan adrift in turbulent seas.
World Maritime Day is not just a celebration; it is a reminder that the strength of global shipping lies not in policy alone, but in the courage to uphold it when politics falters. The question is no longer whether policy can power excellence — but whether the world has the will to honour it.
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