PORT HARCOURT-The Energy and Maritime Reporters (EMR) of Nigeria on Thursday joined the global maritime community in commemorating World Seafarers Day 2026, with a strong call for improved protection, welfare and safety of seafarers who play a critical role in sustaining global trade.
Marking the occasion in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, EMR adopted the sub-theme, “Protecting Our Sea Workers,” in support of this year’s official theme by the International Maritime Organization (IMO): “Carrying World Trade. Carrying the Risks.”
The 2026 theme highlights the indispensable role of seafarers in global commerce while drawing attention to the dangers they face, particularly amid rising geopolitical tensions, security threats and challenging working conditions at sea.
According to the IMO, the campaign serves as a reminder that seafarers should never become victims or pawns of geopolitical conflicts. The organization emphasized that governments, shipping companies and industry stakeholders share a responsibility to protect maritime workers, uphold labour standards and ensure their safety and wellbeing.
In his message to mark the day, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted that nearly 90 percent of all goods and commodities traded globally are transported by sea, making seafarers vital to the world’s economy.
“Nearly 90 per cent of all goods and commodities from food to medicine to energy come to us by sea. It is ships and seafarers that keep the world afloat. But when nations clash, seafarers are often caught in the crossfire,” Guterres said.
He further observed that many people remain unaware of the sacrifices made by maritime workers, describing society as often being “seablind.”
“On this International Day of the Seafarer, let us honour the courage and skills of mariners, and stand with them to weather all storms,” he added.
Also lending its voice to the campaign, UNESCO, through its SEA BEYOND initiative in partnership with Prada Group, is promoting ocean literacy and environmental stewardship in 2026. The programme reinforces the importance of protecting the oceans while recognizing the contributions of those who work on them.
Speaking on the significance of the day, EMR stressed the need for stronger policies and investments aimed at safeguarding seafarers from piracy, insecurity, exploitation and other occupational hazards. The group noted that seafarers remain the backbone of international trade and deserve greater recognition, protection and support from governments and industry operators.
World Seafarers Day is celebrated annually on June 25 to recognize the invaluable contributions of seafarers to international trade and the global economy.
