THE 2025 World Maritime Day was held yesterday morning at Wyndham Grand Yangon Hotel in Yangon, attended by Yangon Region Chief Minister U Soe Thein, National Defence and Security Council central advisory body member U Saw Htun Aung Myint, Deputy Minister for Transport and Communications U Aung Kyaw Htun, regional ministers, and other officials. The deputy minister highlighted the day’s theme, “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” emphasizing the vital role of oceans for all living beings and Myanmar’s responsibility to protect and preserve them. He noted that over 80 per cent of global trade relies on maritime transport, and Myanmar, with its extensive coastlines along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, considers maritime resources central to the country’s economy and future development.
To promote sustainable development in the maritime sector and safeguard the marine environment, Myanmar has established a Coastal Resource Management Central Committee and work committees, facilitating cooperation among relevant ministries and agencies. The country fully complies with IMO conventions, including MARPOL for pollution prevention, the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, and the Anti-Fouling Systems (AFS) Convention, ensuring coastal and foreign vessels adhere to international standards. Myanmar has also implemented a national contingency plan to respond to oil spills and hazardous material accidents and is drafting related legislation.
In line with the 2023 IMO strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, Myanmar continues to collect technical data from vessels along its coastline to improve ship design, engines, and propeller technology. Green maritime technology training programmes and advanced maritime education are being implemented to provide more employment opportunities for seafarers. Officials urged all maritime sector leaders, experts, and stakeholders to cooperate to maintain maritime safety, secure the sector, and ensure long-term sustainability and innovation.
During the event, a video message from the IMO Secretary-General was shown, and Director-General Dr Ko Ko Naing of the Department of Maritime Administration delivered a presentation on the significance of World Maritime Day 2025. The ceremony included recognition of three SRPS companies for providing seafarers with maximum employment opportunities in 2024 and a presentation of Myanmar’s maritime achievements in line with the day’s theme. Students from the Uniteam Training Centre performed a musical and theatrical programme celebrating the occasion.
After the formal proceedings, regional ministers and officials toured exhibition booths showcasing maritime achievements. In the evening, Yangon’s DMA office, port authority, international jetties, and moored vessels were illuminated with blue lights to mark World Maritime Day 2025. — Zwe Htet Ko (IPRD)/KZL
