World Maritime Day marked with focus on blue economy, cooperation for sustainable future
Seminar organized by The Nautical Institute, Pakistan, Institute of Shipbrokers Pakistan, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Pakistan Merchant Navy Officers Association in Karachi
KARACHI, Oct 15: The World Maritime Day 2025 was observed on Wednesday with the theme “Our Oceans, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity,” highlighting the importance of collective efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, protect marine ecosystems, and harness the potential of the blue economy for Pakistan’s sustainable growth and prosperity.
To commemorate the day, a seminar was jointly organized by The Nautical Institute, Pakistan, Institute of Shipbrokers Pakistan, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Pakistan Merchant Navy Officers Association in Karachi.
Commander Karachi, Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event was attended by senior officers of the Pakistan Navy and Merchant Navy, representatives of port authorities, diplomats, academics, and members of maritime organizations.
In his address, Vice Admiral Faisal Abbasi underscored that the ocean is integral to life, trade, climate, and biodiversity, emphasizing the nation’s collective responsibility to protect and preserve the marine environment for future generations. “Our seas are a source of life and opportunity. We must safeguard them through sustainable practices, cooperation, and innovation,” he said.
The Vice Admiral stressed the need to unlock the vast potential of the blue economy through investments in ports, shipyards, logistics, and connectivity, alongside promoting green shipping, low-carbon fuels, and compliance with global maritime environmental standards. He also called for greater collaboration between the Navy, industry, academia, and government, as well as with international maritime organizations and regional partners, to advance research and innovation in marine sciences. 
Highlighting the Pakistan Navy’s role in ensuring maritime security, he said, “Our Navy serves as the sentinel of the seas, ensuring uninterrupted sea lines of communication vital for national trade and development.” He also commended the Merchant Navy for its contribution to trade connectivity and economic resilience.
Rear Admiral Salman Ilyas, Managing Director of Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works (KSEW), shared the organization’s achievements in shipbuilding, operational diversification, and youth skill development through collaboration with NAVTTC.
Director General, Press Information Department Karachi, Irum Tanvir, highlighted Pakistan’s growing maritime potential and announced that the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 will be held from November 3–6 at the Expo Center Karachi.
Video messages from IMO Secretary General Arsenio Domingues, TNI UK CEO Capt. John Lloyd, ICS Chairman Luis Bernet, and ISWAN CEO Simon Grainge were also screened, emphasizing global unity in promoting sustainable maritime operations.
Captain Nish Wijayakulathilaka, Vice President of The Nautical Institute UK, and other speakers including Capt. Ali Asghar Khan, Abdul Lateef Siddiqui, Capt. Muhammad Khursheed Khalid, and Zohaib Naveed addressed the seminar. Souvenirs were later presented to distinguished guests.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to transforming obligations into opportunities and challenges into progress for a vibrant and sustainable blue economy in Pakistan.
