<p class="p1">United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres observed the World Maritime Day on 24 September, saying that shipping makes an impact on the global economy and is a sustainable practice.</p>
<p class="p3">The theme <span class="s1">of World Maritime Day is '</span>sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet'. The subject gained importance this year as shipping has endured transporting more than 80 per cent of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for Covid-19 response and recovery.</p>
<p class="p3">The Covid-19 pandemic has also helped to highlight the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million seafarers who serve on the world’s merchant fleet. The coronavirus pandemic, which spread across the globe from Wuhan, China, late last year, has presented numerous challenges for the world right now and for the future.</p>
<p class="p1">The Secretary-General said: “he remains very concerned about the growing humanitarian and safety crisis facing hundreds of thousands of these indispensable workers. Despite the unprecedented conditions brought about by the pandemic, seafarers have continued to tirelessly support the often-invisible global logistics chain.  Physically and mentally exhausted, away from their families and loved ones, their time at sea has now been extended far beyond the standards stipulated in international conventions, with some tours of duty now stretching more than 17 months.  Fatigued seafarers cannot operate indefinitely, and disruptions to international shipping would have devastating consequences”.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Guterres added: </span>“he renew his appeal to Governments to address their plight by formally designating seafarers and other marine personnel as “key workers”, ensuring safe crew changes and implementing the protocols developed by United Nations agencies, as well as the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Transport Workers’ Federation, allowing stranded seafarers to be repatriated and others to join ships”.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s2">Because of its nature, the maritime sector not only strengthens world trade but plays </span>an important role in the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN. Shipping activities taking place in the maritime should maintain balance with the biodiversity and hydro ecosystem.</p>.