The World Maritime Day 2025 takes place today, 25 September 2025. The theme of this year’s celebration by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” emphasising the importance of protection and sustainable use of marine environment. This theme reflects the value of the ocean’s resources in the world economy and its impact on climate change but it also reflects our joint responsibility for its safety, sustainability and future.

The theme emphasises the link to wider global effects, economical impact and environment protection. The ocean is a source of food, energy and life for millions of people and a home for countless marine species, and more than 80% of global trade is transported by sea. IMO reminds us that we all share responsibility for marine protection, mitigation of pollution and sustainable use of ocean’s resources.

Safe navigation depends on precise and updated information about marine environment – from sea depts and currents to the position of marine structures. In these times of ongoing climate change, digital transformation of increasing pressure on ocean’s resources, up-to-date management of maritime information is more important than ever.

IMO, in its capacity as global regulatory body, secures common standards for maritime safety and protection as well as cross-country cooperation. One such standard is S 100 – Universal Hydrographic Data Model which is to become mandatory for all IMO Member States including the Republic of Croatia in the coming years.