National Maritime Day 2025: Date, History, Significance And All You Need To Know – News18
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National Maritime Day on April 5 commemorates the SS Loyalty’s 1919 voyage, marking India’s maritime independence and highlighting the maritime industry’s role in global trade.
National Maritime Day 2025: This day also honours the contributions of senior officers and industry leaders who have driven the sector’s growth. (Image: Shutterstock)
National Maritime Day 2025: This Day is observed annually on April 5 to emphasise the crucial role of the maritime industry in global trade and the economy. Ships play an essential part in transporting goods both internationally and domestically. This day also honours the contributions of senior officers and industry leaders who have driven the sector’s growth. In this article, we explore the date, history, significance, and key details of National Maritime Day.
National Maritime Day 2025: Date And History
National Maritime Day is marked annually on April 5 to commemorate the maiden voyage of SS Loyalty in 1919, a pivotal moment in India’s shipping history. At a time when British forces dominated sea routes, SS Loyalty became the first Indian-owned ship, operated by The Scindia Steam Navigation Company. Its courageous journey from Mumbai to London marked India’s determination to establish a strong foothold in global maritime trade.
The expansion of India’s sea trade led to the formation of the Ministry of Shipping in 1962. Two years later, in 1964, April 5 was officially declared National Maritime Day to honour this historic voyage.
India further solidified its global maritime presence by becoming a member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1949, enhancing its role in international shipping.
National Maritime Day 2025: Significance
The sea route remains one of the most cost-effective ways to transport goods, thanks to its ability to carry large quantities at lower costs compared to other transportation methods. To recognise the hard work and dedication of those in the shipping industry, April 5 is observed as National Maritime Day. Despite its significance, the maritime industry faces challenges such as environmental pollution and shifting trade routes.
This day serves to raise awareness of these issues and encourage authorities to find sustainable solutions. Notably, the NMD Award of Excellence is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of India’s maritime sector.
India boasts a vast coastline spanning approximately 7,500 kilometres, housing 12 major ports and around 200 smaller ports. This extensive maritime network positions India among the world’s leading maritime trading nations. Key ports such as Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata serve as crucial gateways, offering seamless trade connections to major markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
