UNITED NATIONS - INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO): OBSERVANCE DAY OF THE SEAFARER, JUNE 25, 2026
UNITED NATIONS - INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANIZATION (IMO): OBSERVANCE DAY OF THE SEAFARER
JUNE 25, 2025
“Seafarers carry more than cargo. They carry the daily needs of humanity — food, medicine, energy, raw materials, humanitarian supplies, and the economic lifelines of nations. In too many parts of the world, they also carry the risks of war, political instability, violence, isolation, and uncertainty. The stories of seafarers, ships, and ports are an often-unknown legacy of the indomitable spirit, strength, survival instincts, and achievements of humankind.
For more than a century, the Merchant Navy and the wider maritime community have stood at the intersection of commerce, security, sacrifice, and remembrance. We must remain committed to ensuring that the role of seafarers — past, present, and future — remains visible, respected, protected, and honoured. On this Day of the Seafarer, we thank every mariner at sea, every family waiting at home, and every veteran whose service helped safeguard our freedoms and prosperity on the seas.”
– Stéphane Ouellette, President and CEO, MNCTP
OTTAWA, TODAY: Mr. Stéphane Ouellette, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP), today expressed his profound appreciation to all seafarers as the global maritime community marks the United Nations / International Maritime Organization (IMO) Day of the Seafarer.
Observed annually on June 25, the Day of the Seafarer recognizes the essential role of seafarers in sustaining international trade, the world economy, and the movement of food, medicine, energy, humanitarian supplies, and essential goods across the world’s oceans.
The 2026 IMO theme, “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks,” highlights the dangers faced by seafarers who continue to serve in regions affected by conflict, instability, piracy, geopolitical tension, and other hazards at sea.
Seafarers remain the lifeline of the global economy and a vital part of national and international security. Their service requires courage, discipline, sacrifice, and resilience, often under difficult and dangerous conditions far from home and family.
Through the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project, MNCTP continues to advance public awareness, education, commemoration, and international cooperation in honour of the Allied Merchant Navy, the American Merchant Marine, naval veterans, modern seafarers, and the global maritime community.
The MNCTP also continues to support expanded national and international recognition of Merchant Navy service, including the long-term objective of establishing September 3 as an International Merchant Navy Day of Remembrance for the global maritime community.
The Day of the Seafarer is not only a moment of gratitude, but also a call to action: to recognize, protect, and honour the men and women whose service keeps nations connected, economies functioning, and communities supplied in times of peace, crisis, and conflict.
About the Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project
The Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project is a Canadian-led remembrance and public education initiative dedicated to honouring the service, sacrifice, and legacy of the Allied Merchant Navy, the American Merchant Marine, naval veterans, modern seafarers, and the wider global maritime community.
Contact Info
Merchant Navy Commemorative Theme Project (MNCTP)
Stéphane Ouellette
President and CEO
E-mail: ouellettes@rogers.com
Website: www.alliedmerchantnavy.com
