“Connecting Ships, Ports and People” is the theme of World Maritime Day which is today, September 28, as marked by the International Maritime Organisation, the United Nations maritime agency.

Does anybody notice anything being done officially by the Government here, asks Tom MacSweeney. This is the same Government which still hasn’t signed the IMO protection convention to prevent alien marine species from being brought into Irish waters.

The theme for World Maritime Day - "Connecting Ships, Ports and People" was chosen by the IMO to provide an opportunity to focus on the many diverse sectors and people involved in the shipping and logistics areas.

“The maritime sector, which includes shipping, ports and the people that operate them, can and should play a significant role helping Member States to create conditions for increased employment, prosperity and stability ashore through promoting trade by sea; enhancing the port and maritime sector as wealth creators both on land and, through developing a sustainable blue economy, at sea,” says Kitack Lim, Secretary General of the IMO. He added that “World Maritime Day 2017 is formally celebrated at IMO on 28 September. Member States and other entities are invited to celebrate with activities in the same week, and throughout the year.”

Will the Irish Government officially do anything to acknowledge that 85 per cent of the exports and imports of this nation are carried by shipping and pass through ports?

I won’t be holding my breath for them to do so.

Listen to WORLD MARITIME DAY MESSAGE from the Secretary General of the IMO: