World Maritime Day 2026 was celebrated on Thursday 24 September, at the headquarters of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
The Republic of Cyprus was represented by its High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Permanent Representative to the IMO, Dr Kyriakos Kouros, and the Deputy High Commissioner, Ms Anna Papasavva, together with Dr Christos Atalianis, Counsellor for Maritime Affairs, and Ms Magdalini Parouti, who has recently joined the Maritime Office in London with responsibilities in the areas of strategic planning and the further development of the presence of Cyprus shipping in London.
This year’s World Maritime Day was held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.” For the first time, the World Maritime Day theme covers a two-year period, 2026-2027, providing IMO member states and partners with a broader framework for highlighting the transition from the development of international maritime rules and standards to their effective implementation in practice.
The IMO Secretary-General, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, underlined that the true value of the international regulatory framework is realised through its effective and consistent implementation. He emphasised that international regulations can contribute to safer, more resilient and cleaner shipping when effectively implemented worldwide, while placing particular emphasis on the human element and, above all, on seafarers.
This year’s message is particularly significant at a time when international shipping is facing complex geopolitical, environmental and technological challenges. Within the framework of this year’s theme, the IMO highlighted, among other areas, safety and emerging technologies, preparations for shipping’s decarbonisation, digitalisation and resilience, cybersecurity and maritime security, as well as the broader protection of the marine environment.
The events provided an opportunity for contacts and exchanges of views with representatives of IMO member states, international partners and members of the wider international maritime community. Participation in events of this level also provides an opportunity to maintain and further develop channels of communication with institutional and maritime partners, strengthening Cyprus’ continued and active presence within London’s international maritime environment.
This presence is particularly significant given London’s pivotal role as an international maritime centre and as the home of the IMO, providing an important platform for monitoring international developments, exchanging knowledge and expertise, and maintaining engagement with the international maritime and institutional community.
As part of the global campaign for World Maritime Day, the IMO headquarters in London was illuminated in blue, symbolising the international maritime community’s shared commitment to moving “from policy to practice”. Cyprus once again joined the IMO’s initiative this year by illuminating landmark buildings and sites across the island in blue, including the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Limassol Municipal Hall, the Limassol Port (DP World) Passenger Terminal, and the Medieval Castles of Limassol and Larnaca.
For Cyprus, with its long-standing and substantive presence in international shipping, active participation in the work and initiatives developed around the IMO constitutes an important part of the country’s continued presence in the international maritime dialogue and the strengthening of its relations with the global maritime community.
