Nations and industry representatives recognize the importance of maritime shipping affecting regional and global economies during World Maritime Day, celebrated throughout the world at the end of September.

In Kenya the Maritime Authority spearheaded celebrations with a number of events Sept. 28.  The Kenya Navy Band led a procession of shipping industry stakeholders from the Port of Mombasa through the town center and seafront park along Mama Ngina Drive.  The event ended at the seafront park with speeches about the Kenya maritime industry and the Millennium Development Goals.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mr. Gerrishon K. Ikiara, spoke as the key presenter on a theme of “Kenya: Maritime Hub of the 21st Century.”  He also gave a keynote speech in the evening and presented certificates and awards to leading Kenyan companies and firms in Kenyan maritime industry.

Many people are not aware of how much commerce moves by ship.  Ocean shipping moves approximately 90 percent of the world’s trade. Bulk carriers can transport cargo of iron ore, coal and other raw materials as well as food. A large ship commonly carries 200,000 tons of wheat - enough to feed 500,000 people for a year.  One of the goals of World Maritime Day is to increase awareness on how much of the global economy moves via ship.

Fifty-thousand ships sail the world’s ocean, moving millions of tons of cargo per year.  These ships are crewed by more than 1 million professional seafarers from almost every nation in the world.

The International Maritime Organization, a part of the United Nations, sponsors World Maritime Day.  Its mission is to enhance safety and security, and protect the maritime environment.

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