The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has selected “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” as the theme for World Maritime Day for 2026 and 2027, with celebrations to be held annually on the final Thursday of September.
The decision was endorsed during the 134th session of the IMO Council held in London from 7 to 11 July, following a proposal by the Secretary-General, Arsenio Dominguez, to adopt the theme for a two-year cycle.
The theme underscores the IMO’s commitment to supporting Member States in translating international maritime policies into practical action through technical assistance, training, and other essential support services. According to Dominguez, the theme sends a clear signal of the organization’s resolve to ensure that agreed regulations are effectively implemented.
He noted that this approach strengthens confidence in global maritime rules and their ability to deliver safer, more secure, and environmentally sustainable shipping worldwide.
Turning regulations into real-world impact
The phrase “From Policy to Practice” reflects the IMO’s core mission of ensuring that global maritime regulations go beyond formal adoption to become fully embedded in national legislation, enforcement frameworks, and everyday maritime operations.
The word “Powering” represents the momentum created through capacity-building, technical cooperation, and knowledge-sharing initiatives provided by the IMO and its partners to drive effective implementation. “Maritime Excellence” captures the ultimate goal of a shipping industry that is safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible, operating to the highest international standards while continuously improving.
Together, the theme conveys a strong action-oriented message focused on transforming collective regulatory decisions into measurable outcomes that deliver tangible benefits across the maritime sector.
For more than seven decades, the IMO has developed a comprehensive body of international maritime conventions, supported by codes, guidelines, and recommendations. However, the full benefits of this framework depend on ratification, effective implementation, and consistent enforcement.
Findings from the IMO Member State Audit Scheme have revealed gaps in national legislation and enforcement, highlighting the need to strengthen regulatory effectiveness. Global focus on the 2026–2027 theme is expected to encourage accelerated national action toward implementing all IMO instruments.
The theme also aligns with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and supports key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 13 (climate action), SDG 14 (life below water), and SDG 17 (partnerships).
Overall, the theme reinforces the IMO’s contribution to global development efforts and emphasizes the importance of strong, coordinated maritime governance in achieving sustainable development outcomes.
