The IMO headquarters and iconic buildings, bridges, maritime ports, ships, monuments, museums and other landmarks around the world were lit blue on World Maritime Day, 30 September 2021, as part of efforts to highlight seafarers and their core role in shipping and its future.

Going forward, this new initiative by IMO, IMO Member States, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations in consultative status, will be carried out on each World Maritime Day as a symbolic initiative to unite the maritime community and raise awareness of the vital contribution of shipping to the world.