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THE Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) started celebrating World Maritime Day on Thursday, which will last for a week.
The day is celebrated worldwide on the last Thursday of September each year. It acknowledges the dedicated men and women employed in the maritime industry, as well as the great significance they make every day in navigating rough seas.
This year, the occasion will be celebrated under the theme ‘New Technologies for Greener Shipping’.
Namport chief executive officer Andrew Kanime stressed the importance of the maritime sector.
“Shipping is so important to the world, that for every 100 kilogrammes in world trade, at least 80 kilogrammes is moved through the seas. That is a massive 80% contribution rate to carrying international trade. Thus, the maritime industry is without doubt the bedrock of world trade.
“World Maritime Day serves to celebrate the importance of the seas in the facilitation of global trade and the sustenance of human life across the whole spectrum of mankind’s requirements,” he said.
Kanime said Namibia generates immeasurable benefits from sea and marine resources. However, it is not enough.
“We can benefit much more and we can utilise these resources to address some of the socio-economic challenges which we face as a country, by enhancing the utilisation and efficiency of harvesting these resources.
“This is a day to appreciate the great benefits we are accruing so far, and to also deeply introspect on the sufficiency and sustainability of the utilisation” he said.
Erongo governor Neville Andre also encouraged the youth to utilise the fishing industry to advance the country’s economy and address youth unemployment.
“Namibia is currently sandwiched by a myriad problems, such as a soaring youth unemployment dovetailed by high inflation and global economic headwinds. The maritime sector is one of the sectors we can count on twice in addressing some of these challenges. I, therefore, particularly beseech the indulgence of the pupils present here today to take a keen interest in the maritime sector to ensure continuity and professional succession within the maritime fraternity.
“Besides being a lucrative and intriguing industry, maritime and shipping are central to the economy of the country in the facilitation of goods (cargo) and overall international trade. Joining this industry as a professional will thus make you a hero of contemporary times, as you spearhead a sector that is the lifeblood of our economy,” Andre said.
This is the first time Namibia commemorates the occasion. As part of the programme, the port opened its gates to the public, especially secondary schools, for visits and information sessions.
A career exhibition by NamPort and stakeholders will showcase the wide range of careers in the maritime sector, while the public can also enjoy tours on the Namibian navy and fisheries ministry’s vessels and the Namport Tug.
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