World Maritime Day
Ambassadors from the world’s shipping nations arrived en masse to celebrate the 34th World Maritime Day, the final one under the leadership of the outgoing IMO Secretary-General Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos. It was a chance to offer thanks to Mr Mitropoulos for his guidance of the IMO at a time when the shipping industry faces multiple challenges, from climate change to piracy. Orchestrating a response to piracy was the theme of this year’s event and the Exceptional Bravery at Sea Award – introduced during the term of Secretary-General Mitropoulos – recognised the outstanding courage of Captain Seog Hae-gyun whose heroic actions kept his vessel and crew safe after being hijacked by pirates. The year ended with hotly contested IMO council elections in November, proof (if any were needed) of the increasing relevance of the organisation.

PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS