Day of the Seafarer 2014
June 25th marked the international Day of the Seafarer,an official United Nations observance day which provides an opportunity for everyone to show their appreciation, through social media, for the world’s 1.5 million seafarers who face hardship and danger every day to keep the global economy afloat.
Long hours of work in all weathers and separation from family and friends for weeks or months at a time are the backdrop to a seafarer’s life on board ship, all the while carrying out a hugely responsible job to transport the 9.2 billion tons of goods which are loaded in ports worldwide per year.
Speaking from one of Europe’s busiest ports, Hamburg, Germany, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu, in his annualDay of the Seafarer message, urged people, everywhere, to join in the #thankyouseafarers campaign.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also highlighted the Day of the Seafarer, noting the status of seaborne trade as the engine room of the global economy.
“Without shipping, the bulk transport of vital raw materials, affordable food and manufactured goods would simply not be possible. Keeping that engine running smoothly are nearly 1.5 million seafarers, many of whom hail from the developing world. Every day, they face hardship and danger to keep our global economy afloat and help ensure that the benefits of globalization can be more evenly distributed,” Mr. Ban said.
“The maritime transport industry is central to the livelihoods of billions of people; and the industry, in turn, relies on seafarers. Without them, international trade would grind to a halt. On the Day of the Seafarer, I ask people everywhere to recognize the seafarers who, with quiet dedication, keep the wheels of the world in motion,” Mr. Ban said.
IMO dedicated a virtual wall to reflect on the enormous contribution made by seafarers everywhere. (please click at image below)