Sep 28, 20232 min read

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Celebrates the World Maritime Day

Updated: Oct 2, 2023

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia celebrated World Maritime Day, 28/09/2023. World Maritime Day is a main celebration of the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO). Saudi Arabia celebrated its commitment to maritime sustainability at home and abroad.

The Kingdom engaged with the celebrations at IMO HQ by participating the IMO -UNEP- Norway third international innovation forum discussing decarbonisation of the maritime sector and supporting sustainable shipping technologies in line with MARPOL. The Innovation Forum also highlighted IMO CARES a main project at the IMO funded by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, a high-level delegation attended the Secretary-General’s evening reception.

In the Kingdom, the General Directorate of Boarder Guards put on also too part across various regions, including Makkah, Medina, Eastern Province, Jazan, Asir, and Tabuk. Their program included a march and maritime displays for a number of ships, helicopters, and marine vessels of the Border Guard, and an accompanying exhibition in which a number of university students participated.

In collaboration with relevant entities in the Saudi maritime sector, the Transport General Authority planned a series of visual activities synchronized with World Maritime Day. Iconic buildings were illuminated in blue, such as the Transport General Authority, the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Alinma Bank, and the Kingdom Centre Tower building.

The International Maritime Organization’s theme of this year is ‘Our Commitment Continues’. This year marks a moment of significance as it is the 50th anniversary of the MARPOL Convention. MAROPL is the main international convention covering prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships from operational or accidental causes. It highlights the importance of preserving and combating the global marine environment from all types of pollution. The Kingdom has put climate and cooperation at the forefront of its goals within the IMO.

The Kingdoms Vision2030 ambitions demonstrate its drive to ensure the sustainability of its maritime sector whilst looking to protecting and preserving the fragile marine ecosystem. Through projects such as GloFouling, GloLitter and IMOCARES Saudi Arabia is working to build cooperation within the IMO and look to the future of the maritime sector.

The sparkling cityscape of Riyadh is bathed in a brilliant blue hue today! Celebrating the accomplishments of the Saudi naval fleet and saluting the sailors who have made us proud on #WorldMaritimeDay