Industry leaders united in support of World Maritime Day theme ‘One Ocean, One Obligation, One Opportunity’
SMI has collected the following quotes from leaders of companies across the maritime spectrum, wholeheartedly backing the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day – ‘One Ocean, One Obligation, One Opportunity - and explaining its significance for them and their companies. Contributors (in A-Z order) include:
Sven Brooks, CEO, ScanReach:
“This year’s theme reminds us that shipping’s licence to operate is inseparable from its responsibility to the ocean. Obligation is no longer just regulatory — it is commercial, social, and moral. Yet in every obligation lies opportunity: digitalisation, connectivity, and energy-efficiency technologies are enabling us to cut emissions, enhance safety, and rethink how ships operate. The future of global trade depends on how boldly we act on that responsibility today.”
Capt. Pradeep Chawla, Founder and CEO, MarinePALS:
“I believe any day that reminds the public of the oceans, and of our shared responsibility to protect them, is important. It is also a call to the industry to meet its targets on reducing emissions and safeguarding the planet. Above all, it is a day to thank seafarers for their vital role in keeping the world warm and well fed.”
Jacob Damgaard, Head of Loss Prevention, Britannia P&I:
“The oceans are the lifeline of global trade, with around 90% of the world’s goods transported by sea. Shipping remains the most efficient and environmentally responsible means of moving vast quantities of cargo across the globe. This unique position presents the industry with significant opportunities to contribute to the fight against climate change.
Yet with opportunity comes obligation. The maritime sector must ensure that its progress never comes at the expense of the marine environment. Safeguarding the health of our oceans is not only a responsibility but a prerequisite for a sustainable future. At Britannia P&I, we firmly believe that protecting our oceans while embracing innovation is the path to ensuring lasting prosperity for generations to come.”
Fabian Fussek, CEO, Kaiko Systems:
“In today’s maritime industry, obligation and opportunity are no longer opposites. They are connected by data. Every inspection, every crew handover, every logbook entry is a chance to generate actionable insights. By digitising these moments, we transform obligation into opportunity—reducing findings, cutting operational risk, and creating more resilient fleets. That’s how we protect the ocean while also creating competitive advantage."
James Herbert, Secretary General, International Salvage Union:
“The theme for World Maritime Day 2025 could not be more on point for the International Salvage Union and its members. We all know that global trade is entirely dependent on shipping and that shipping carries certain risks such as, for example, to the environment. Members of the ISU are in most cases the only agency available to provide services to ships in distress. These services enable seafarers to be kept safe, the environment protected and keep trade flowing and ports open.
“In short, commercial salvors protect our oceans; help shipowners meet their obligations and help ensure that the opportunities provided by the oceans to support economic growth and development are realised.”
Christian Ioannou, CEO, MCTC:
"This year's World Maritime Day theme 'Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’, perfectly aligns with MCTC's sustainability efforts. Protecting our oceans is not an obligation it's an opportunity to do things better.
“We have made sustainability a core part of our business by taking practical steps such as raising awareness and reducing single-use plastics from our offices and vessels under our catering management, installing water filtration systems and closely working with our suppliers towards more sustainable packaging options.
“We have built a carbon emissions reporting tool which allows our team and clients to understand the impact of each food product and offer lower impact alternatives. These actions show that when we work together we can make real progress towards cleaner seas and offering the future generations a chance to a healthier planet. "
Henrik Jensen, Founder & CEO, Danica Crewing Specialists:
“The theme of World Maritime Day 2025 – ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ – is highly relevant to shipping. It underlines that while shipping drives world trade, success in meeting both environmental and economic goals rests on people – the seafarers who operate our ships and deliver global commerce every day.
“At Danica, we ensure our clients always have access to motivated, well-trained crew. Thanks to our proven recruitment systems, digital solutions and global footprint we can consistently supply seafarers with the skills and mindset needed for today’s operations and tomorrow’s challenges. This means our clients benefit from safe, reliable, and efficient crews, ready for the future of shipping.
“The theme also resonates with the industry’s decarbonisation journey. Achieving climate targets requires new technologies and fuels – but technology alone is not enough. It takes skilled professionals to operate, maintain and optimise these systems.
When we speak of ‘obligation,’ it is our duty to support and value seafarers, and when we speak of ‘opportunity,’ it is about giving them the tools and recognition to thrive. By doing so, we not only strengthen shipping’s future but also protect our oceans while keeping global trade moving.”
Marinos Kokkinis, MD, OneCare Group:
OneCare Group is proud to be celebrating World Maritime Day today. The theme ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ is significant to the maritime industry and I look forward to seeing the industry join together to promote this message.
“The theme encapsulates the ocean’s indispensable role in global trade, food security, biodiversity and climate regulation; the ocean produces more than half of Earth’s oxygen, absorbs carbon dioxide and mitigates climate changes so this theme signifies a strong message across all industries globally. It reinforces interconnections with broader global policy initiatives and highlights the need for cross-sector collaboration. Protecting the ocean is not only a duty but a shared global opportunity where the maritime sector plays a leading role.
“At OneCare Group, we are dedicated to operating as a responsible marine services provider, with a growing awareness of the environmental and social impacts of our activities. We recognise the importance of continuous adaptation and improvement in all that we do.”
Josephine Le, Founder and MD, The Hood:
“World Maritime Day 2025 reminds us that the ocean is both our obligation and our opportunity. Shipping Industry has a significant impact on our ocean’s future, calling for both responsibility and innovation from our part. At The Hood, we see our role as giving seafarers and companies the digital tools to recruit, connect, and collaborate with transparency—so that the people of shipping can focus on what matters most: protecting our ocean while building its future.
“This year’s theme speaks to what we’re building at The Hood. The ocean connects our industry, but many people still feel isolated within it. From unclear career paths to unfair recruitment, the system often leaves new professionals without the support they need. There is a real chance now to create something better, a culture that is more open, more human, and focused on helping people thrive. That is where real change begins.”
PK Mishra, MD, Indian Register of Shipping (IR Class):
“At the Indian Register of Shipping, we stand firmly behind the vision of World Maritime Day, this year themed ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’. The maritime industry is a global community and protecting our oceans while safeguarding those who work in it is central to our mission. Clean seas, environmentally friendly vessels, and sustainable practices are priorities as we look ahead. Achieving this vision requires collective effort from all nations to ensure the maritime industry not only survives, but thrives for generations to come.”
Rob Mortimer, CEO and Founder, Fuelre4m:
“The obligation is clear: protect our oceans. The opportunity is obvious: cleaner, smarter fuel use. Yet the shipping industry still treats both as optional. Without accurate data on fuel consumption and combustion efficiency, most operators are flying blind, or worse, choosing not to look. That isn’t leadership, it’s liability. World Maritime Day should remind the industry that real obligation starts with knowing your numbers, not massaging them.”
Nick Owens, CEO, Idwal:
"The theme of World Maritime Day 2025, ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’, resonates deeply with the global shipping industry. The ocean is both the lifeblood of international trade and a shared responsibility that binds us together. At Idwal, we see first-hand that safeguarding our seas is inseparable from safeguarding our industry’s future. By embracing transparency, high standards, and sustainable practices, shipping can turn obligation into opportunity – building trust, improving vessel performance, and ensuring resilience in a rapidly changing world. This is not just an environmental imperative; it is a commercial one, and the companies that rise to the challenge will shape the future of maritime for generations to come.”
Gisa R. Parides, MD, WellAtSea:
"The message of the IMO this world maritime day is essential for the maritime industry to embrace sustainability. Protecting our oceans is a shared responsibility—from CEOs and directors to shore staff and crews. This commitment should be a daily practice, integrated into both our professional and personal lives.
“Senior leaders must lead by example, fostering a culture of responsibility. At WellAtSea, our qualitative data shows us that the attitude of leaders shape the behaviour of their teams. Leaders can empower this change by encouraging proactive engagement rather than simply dictating behaviour.
“This World Maritime Day, WellAtSea continues to accompany our seafarers in sustainable behaviour change for long lasting benefits to self and community."
Abdülvahit Şimşek, CEO, AVS Global Supply:
“The theme for World Maritime Day 2025 - ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ - captures exactly where the industry must focus its energy. The ocean is not just a workplace; it is a shared resource and a global responsibility.
“At AVS, we believe our obligation goes beyond compliance, it’s about creating practical, scalable solutions that reduce environmental impact and support the wellbeing of those who live and work at sea.
“But with responsibility comes opportunity. By embracing transparency, innovation, and inclusive dialogue, the maritime sector can lead the way toward a more sustainable, equitable future.
“This theme reminds us that what we protect today is the foundation of tomorrow’s progress.”
Ronald Spithout, MD, OneHealth by VIKAND:
“Our Ocean – We all share responsibility for sustainability. Just as the industry protects the marine environment, it must also protect the people who operate at sea, ensuring future generations still want to pursue seafaring careers. Human sustainability is as vital as environmental sustainability. For example, embedding technology that enables proactive healthcare helps keep seafarers fit, resilient, and able to support safe, sustainable shipping.
“In other words , it is Our Obligation – safeguarding the Human Element means supporting crew wellbeing through preventive care, mental health initiatives, and healthier working environments. This reduces risks, improves safety, and makes life at sea more attractive for future generations.
“Our Opportunity – Healthier crews are safer, more engaged, and more productive, boosting both operational excellence and industry attractiveness. For shipowners and operators, investing in proactive healthcare is not just a moral duty but a strategic advantage: lowering costs, minimising disruptions, strengthening resilience, and helping the industry navigate decarbonisation, digitalisation, regulatory change, and global uncertainty. Crew welfare is no longer optional; it is central to the industry’s ability to adapt and thrive.”
Dr Jens Tülsner, MD, Marine Medical Solutions:
“As a maritime physician who has spent years serving shipowners, vessels, and crews across the world's waters, I have witnessed first-hand both the majesty and fragility of our oceans. From the deck of a cargo vessel crossing the Pacific to the infirmary of an offshore platform, I have come to understand that the sea is not merely a highway for commerce—it is the cradle of life itself.
“Our species emerged from these waters millions of years ago, and today, the ocean remains our planet's most vital organ, regulating climate, producing oxygen, and sustaining billions of lives.
“The shipping industry bears a profound ethical responsibility. We are not merely transporters of goods—we are stewards of the maritime environment.
“The ocean that gave birth to humanity now calls us to maturity—to use its vastness not as an endless dumping ground, but as a shared sanctuary deserving our highest care and deepest respect.”
Kris Vedat, CEO, SmartSea:
“The theme of World Maritime Day 2025, ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’, is vital for the global shipping industry, especially as technological innovation reshapes how the sector addresses sustainability and efficiency. The imperative to protect our oceans is not only a moral responsibility but also a unique chance to accelerate smart, data-driven transformation across our fleet and supply chains.
“For SmartSea, ‘Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity’ means leveraging digital transformation and sectoral learning to go beyond compliance and unlock new business models. Using the best-in-class technological tools and drawing on aviation’s successes and setbacks, the maritime sector can lead in environmental stewardship while enhancing global connectivity and resilience.”