World Maritime Day 2025: 'Our Ocean, Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity'

September 25 marks World Maritime Day — an international maritime celebration established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). In 2025, the theme is the importance of ocean conservation, reducing pollution, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing the ecological safety of maritime transport.

The current state of the oceans raises serious concerns. According to scientists' forecasts, human impact on the oceans could double by mid-century due to climate change, declining fish biomass, and pollution, which will be particularly acute in coastal areas with high concentrations of economic and food activities[1].

One of the main environmental challenges is ocean acidification, caused by the oceans absorbing a significant portion of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. This leads to the destruction of marine ecosystems, coral bleaching, and the risk of coral reefs disappearing by 2050[3].

Plastic pollution also poses a significant threat: between 18% and 20% of all plastic waste ends up in the ocean, where it breaks down into microplastics and becomes part of food chains, causing economic and ecological damage. Without urgent measures, by 2040 the volume of plastic in the ocean could reach 37 million tons[2].

In light of these challenges, the UN and international partners are ramping up efforts to preserve the oceans. By 2025, large-scale projects for sustainable management of marine resources are planned — from protecting marine life and restoring coral reefs to reducing noise pollution and developing innovative technologies, such as floating islands and eco-technologies for hydrogen production[4].

The Secretary-General of the IMO has called for joint efforts by states for sustainable development and the protection of the marine environment, emphasizing that preserving the ocean is not only humanity's duty but also a unique opportunity for future generations.