Building upon the International Maritime Organization's World Maritime Day observance, MNCTP advances its vision of a United Nations resolution recognizing September 3 as International Maritime Day.

OTTAWA, CANADA — September 24, 2026 — Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), joined the international maritime community in recognizing World Maritime Day, celebrated by the United Nations' International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The official 2026–2027 theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” emphasizes translating international maritime policies into practical action to strengthen shipping safety, security, environmental sustainability and the welfare of seafarers.

As part of the worldwide observance, IMO Headquarters in London was illuminated in blue, with Member States and maritime organizations invited to participate in similar activities.

Uniting International Maritime Themes: MNCTP's Strategic Vision

For more than two decades, MNCTP has worked to preserve maritime heritage, honour Allied merchant mariners and advance national and international recognition of the maritime and seafaring community.

Recognizing the United Nations' World Maritime Day is part of MNCTP's broader strategy to connect existing international maritime observances, commemorative traditions and organizations under a common vision of remembrance, recognition and cooperation.

Central to this strategy is the objective of securing a United Nations resolution recognizing September 3 as International Maritime Day, honouring merchant mariners and seafarers, past, present and future.

September 3 commemorates the 1939 sinking of the SS Athenia, among the first maritime tragedies of the Second World War, claiming Canadian, American and other civilian lives. Today, the date is recognized through Merchant Navy observances in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Recognizing the Maritime Community's Global Importance

More than 80 percent of international merchandise trade by volume moves by sea, underscoring the maritime industry's importance to global security, national defence, international commerce, supply-chain resilience and economic prosperity.

Today's seafarers continue the essential work of earlier generations, operating the vessels that connect nations, sustain economies and support global stability.



MNCTP's vision therefore extends beyond historical commemoration to recognizing the contributions, welfare and professional achievements of the contemporary maritime community.

A Call for International Maritime Cooperation

MNCTP invites governments, United Nations Member States, maritime organizations, shipping associations, veterans' groups, educational institutions and seafarers' representatives to support greater international cooperation and explore the proposed September 3 recognition.

The initiative seeks to complement existing United Nations maritime observances while strengthening historical remembrance, maritime education, international cooperation and recognition of seafarers worldwide.

Preserving our maritime past. Recognizing today's seafarers. Uniting the international maritime community for future generations.

About the MNCTP

The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP) is a Canadian-led initiative dedicated to preserving maritime heritage, honouring Allied merchant mariners, and advancing national and international recognition of the maritime and seafaring community.

Through historical preservation, commemorative ceremonies, educational outreach and international collaboration, MNCTP connects the sacrifices of the past with the vital contributions of today's maritime industry.