Jamaica joins the rest of the international maritime community this week to celebrate the annual Maritime Awareness Week from September 25-29, under the theme 'Shipping - Indispensable to the World'. The annual series of events, spearheaded by the maritime community in Jamaica centres, around World Maritime Day which the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) uses to highlight issues that are important to the shipping and related industries.

The Maritime Authority of Jamaica, Port Authority of Jamaica, Caribbean Maritime Institute, along with the Shipping Association of Jamaica, Women in Maritime - Caribbean, Kingston Freeport Terminal Limited and other key shipping and logistics organisations within Jamaica, have collaborated to host the activities which include a two-day expo at CMI and a sunset cruise and lantern release hosted by WiMAC on World Maritime Day.

IMO Secretary General Kitack Lim, in speaking to the theme, said shipping is indispensable to the world and is set to remain central to world economic growth as it transitions towards an era of clean and sustainable development.

"Sustainable development is dependent on the continuing cost efficiency of maritime transport. Economic and regulatory incentives will encourage the shipping industry to invest in green technologies, which are not only beneficial for the environment, but can also mean cost savings in the longer term. The availability of low-cost and efficient maritime transport has helped make possible the dramatic improvements in global living standards, especially in emerging economies," said Lim.