It has been revealed that Panama will host the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) centennial ship registry event in 2017. The event will run from the 1-3 October. This announcement was initially reported by Seatrade Maritime News.
Commenting on the decision to host the event in Panama, Jorge Barakat, IMO Panama Minister of Maritime Affairs, said: “Within the framework of the celebration of the 100 years of the international Ship Registry of Panama, we have been distinguished by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), to celebrate the World Maritime Day, both events to be carried out in Panama city, in October next year.”
Last year’s theme in Turkey – ‘Shipping: Indispensable to the World’, was received extremely well with over 600 guests attending including government representatives and representatives from the maritime industry, non-governmental organizations and academia. Following on from this, the theme chosen for 2017 is ‘Connecting ships, ports and people’. The chosen theme will seek to highlight and celebrate the contribution ports and port workers make to the global economy.
The IMO members have high standards when choosing suitable countries for events like this and only those that comply with international regulations related to the environment, maritime safety and the navigation and certification of seafarers are considered for such events.
Responding to the great honour of being asked to host, Bakarat said “This is the reason why on behalf of Panama we feel honoured and also would like to take this opportunity to invite the delegated members and the general secretary, Kitack Lim, to join us in this important occasion, that showcases the potential of our maritime sector, our improvements to the logistic platform and above all, our strength as the world’s largest ship registry”.
The World Maritime Day has been running annually since its inception in 1978 and was originally established by the IMO’s Administration Council. The event is renowned for its unique yearly theme that allows for a focus and celebration of particular aspects of the maritime industry.
