2009 World Maritime Day Parallel Events

Commandant Thad Allen, in a recently signed letter, announced that the United States will be the host of the 2009 World Maritime Day Parallel Event being held in New York City and around the country on October 16.  The theme this year is “Climate Change:  A Challenge for IMO too!”

The event will be marked in New York with a delegate conference, a “Green Ship” Exhibition, Student Science Fair and a reception.  At the urging of Commandant Allen, activities with marine environmental protection themes will take place in ports around the nation marking the event.

“We are honored to be the hosts of the 2009 International Maritime Organization (IMO) World Maritime Day Parallel Event.  The Parallel Event is an opportunity for the maritime community to come together with the public to celebrate the contributions of the maritime industry, as well as discuss and promote ways in which we can address areas important to us all” stated Admiral Allen.  “We expect representation from the IMO, the international and national maritime communities, the public, the media and students from grammar schools through university.”

The program in New York will examine Climate Change issues from emerging technology and best practices to regulatory implications and actions.  A concurrent Green Ship Exhibition will highlight products and services relating to the maritime industry, and a judged Student Science Fair will engage high school and university participation.

“As the world becomes more and more concerned with the effects of global warming, the maritime community is increasingly aware of the need to address the challenges posed by our changing environment,” said Admiral Allen.  “The Coast Guard is working diligently with the IMO and industry partners to examine opportunities to reduce our impact on the environment.  With a goal of creating a collaborative venue to discuss these issues and display current advances to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Parallel Event will focus on how the maritime community is responding to our changing environment.”

While the US Coast Guard is the host of the event along with the IMO, other federal agencies will also be participating, including the Department of State, the Environmental Protection Agency, and NOAA.  Corporate and organization sponsors (to date) include Alaris, Blank Rome, Chamber of Shipping of America, the Coast Guard Foundation, ExxonMobile, Lockheed Martin Corporation, North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), New York Maritime Inc. (NYMAR), Overseas Shipholding Group, Sea Research Foundation, and the Teekay Corporation.

“We invite you to participate in this signature event to help us recognize the importance of the maritime industry and showcase our contributions to the safe, secure and environmentally responsible transportation of the world’s goods.  We hope you will consider being part of our event and support our goal to advance environmentally responsible shipping” concluded Admiral Allen.

(www.uscg.mil/worldmaritimeday)