National Maritime Day [5th April] - Theme, History, Significance

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Mar 23, 2023, 10:41

National Maritime Day is celebrated on 5th April in India to commemorate the maiden journey of India’s first commercial vessel from Bombay to London. SS Loyalty, the commercial vehicle owned by Scindia Steam Navigation Co. Ltd., marked its journey from Bombay to London on 5th April 1919. This year will mark the 60th National Maritime Day.

The maritime industry of India has developed rapidly over the decades to facilitate maritime trade and boost the country’s economic growth. In this article, we have shared the details of National Maritime Day 2023, its theme, history and significance.

National Maritime Day 2023

National Maritime Day is a celebration of India’s maritime prowess. Every year, on 5th April, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways organizes a special event and awards ceremony to celebrate this day. Minister of State for Shipping, Ports and Waterways Shri Shripad Naik also addresses the nation on Indian Maritime Day.

Here, we have shared a brief overview of National Maritime Day 2023.

Day	Indian Maritime Day
Observed	5th April (every year)
Organized	Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
National Maritime Day Theme 2023	To be announced
Significance	To commemorate the day of voyage of India’s first commercial vessel

National Maritime Day 2023 Theme

Every year, there is a new National Maritime Day theme announced by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India. This year, the celebration will be special because of the 60th Indian Maritime Day. The theme for the same is yet to be announced.

Last year, the National Maritime Day 2022 theme was “Propelling Indian Maritime to Net Zero.” We have shared the last five years’ National Maritime Day theme below.

2021 - “Sustainable Shipping beyond COVID-19”
2020 - “Sustainable shipping for a sustainable planet”
2019 - “Empowering women in the maritime community”
2018 - “Indian Ocean-An Ocean of opportunity"
2017 - “Connecting Ships, Ports and People”

Indian Maritime Day - Maritime Vision 2030

On 22 February 2021, the Prime Minister announced the Maritime India Vision 2030, an initiative that aims to contribute further to the development of Indian maritime industry. Last year on National Maritime Day, the Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Shripad Y. Naik expressed the need to foster global partnerships to fulfil this vision.

National Maritime Day of India - Awards

On the occasion of National Maritime Day in India, an annual award ceremony is organized to reward the contributors to the growth of the Indian maritime industry. Last year, the following Sagar Samman Awards were bestowed.

#	National Maritime Day of India Award Name	Recipient
1	Sagar Samman Varuna Award	Late Capt Harry Subramaniam (posthumously)
2	Sagar Samman Award for Best Indian Ship-owning Company	Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)
3	Sagar Samman Award for Best Maritime Training Institute	Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonavala, Pune
4	Sagar Samman Award for Gallantry	Capt. Sushil Kumar Singh and crew of vessel “Greatship Ahalya”
5	Sagar Samman Award for Best Foreign Employer of Indian Seafarers	MSC Crewing Service Pvt Ltd
6	Sagar Samman Award for Best Indian Employer of Seafarers	Shipping Corporation of India (SCI)

National Maritime Day 2023 - Significance

National Maritime Day 2023 will be a significant occasion because this year will mark the 60th Maritime Day in India. Here are some other reasons why this day is considered significant:

Initiated in 1964, Maritime Day in India is an occasion to honor the country’s maritime prowess.
On this day, people who have contributed to the growth of the maritime sector are honored with awards.
On Indian Maritime Day, the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways addresses the nation.

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FAQs on National Maritime Day

Q1. What is National Maritime Day?

National Maritime Day is an annual day to honor and commemorate the voyage of India’s first commercial vessel, SS Loyalty, from Bombay to London, on 5th April 1919. National Maritime Day is dedicated to remembering the role of maritime trade in boosting the Indian economy.

Q2. When is National Maritime Day?

Every year, 5th April is celebrated as National Maritime Day in India. This day marks the historic voyage of India’s first commercial vessel, SS Loyalty, which sailed from Bombay to London in 1919.

Q3. What is the theme of National Maritime Day 2023?

National Maritime Day 2023 theme is yet to be announced. Last year, the 59th Indian Maritime Day was celebrated with the theme “Propelling Indian Maritime to Net Zero”.

Q4. Why is National Maritime Day of India celebrated?

National Maritime Day is celebrated in India to commemorate the maiden journey of SS Loyalty, India’s first commercial vessel. SS Loyalty began its journey on 5th April and sailed successfully from Bombay to London.

Q5. When was National Maritime Day created?

The idea of Nationa Maritime Day was proposed in 1963 and it was celebrated for the first time on 5th April 1964. This year will mark the 60th National Maritime Day in India. Every year on this day, an annual Sagar Samman Awards ceremony is held on the occasion.

Q6. Who started National Maritime Day in India?

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, started National Maritime Day in India. The idea behind this day is

To commemorate the day of voyage of India’s first commercial vessel.
To honor the contribution of the Indian maritime industry in boosting economic growth of the nation.