Message of the Secretary-General on the Day of the Seafarer, 2026

Nearly 90 per cent of all goods and commodities – from food to medicine to energy – come to us by sea. It is ships and seafarers that keep the world afloat.

But when nations clash, seafarers are often caught in the crossfire. Recent events in the Strait of Hormuz have seen tens of thousands of seafarers stranded as they work far from home to keep the world fuelled and fed.

This year’s theme – “Carrying world trade. Carrying the risks.” – reminds us that mariners must never be the victims or pawns of geopolitical conflict. Governments and industry have a responsibility to support and protect seafarers, by upholding labour standards, respecting international laws, and ensuring sailors everywhere remain safe from harm.

The landbound among us are often “seablind”, unaware of the crucial importance of shipping until a crisis strikes. On this International Day of the Seafarer, let us honour the courage and skills of mariners, and stand with them to weather all storms.

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