“Connecting Ships, Ports and People” has been selected as the World Maritime Day theme for 2017 following a proposal by Secretary-General Kitack Lim to the IMO Council.
The theme would provide, according to Mr. Lim, an opportunity to work with developed and developing countries, shipping and public and private sector ports with a view to identifying and promoting best practices and building bridges between the many diverse actors involved in these areas.
Key objectives will include improving cooperation between ports and ships, and developing a closer partnership between the two sectors; raising global standards and setting norms for the safety, security and efficiency of ports, and for port and coastal State authorities; and standardising port procedures through identifying and developing best practice guidance and training materials.
The ETA is very pleased that “Connecting Ships, Ports and People” will be the theme of the 2017 World Maritime Day. Living in an era where even more emphasis is put on interconnection between the technical-nautical services, the port community and the shipping sector in general, dedicating the Maritime Day to this theme is beyond doubt topical.
The ETA being part of the shipping sector, but also being the voice of the European towage industry, an important service within ports, ensuring the safe entry of ships, firmly believes in the value of having all three areas being a focus of the Maritime day.
The ETA acknowledges people constitute a core element in the whole process. The maritime sector requires a specialised workforce. The tug industry is one whereby its seafarers are highly qualified and significant investment is made in human resource. Furthermore, the community within the port benefits from opportunities arising through the maritime sector both in terms of growth and jobs.
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