United Nations, Sep 24 (IANS/WAM): At a time when the world is beset by conflict and crisis, the international shipping industry works quietly and efficiently to keep the wheels of global trade in motion and ensure the timely delivery of goods and commodities on which we all rely, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on the eve of World Maritime Day, which will be observed Sep 25 this year.

In a statement released Wednesday, the UN secretary-general said World Maritime Day is an opportunity to recall the often unheralded but always vital contribution by international shipping to peoples and communities all over the world.

The statement said that for more than 50 years, international conventions developed by the International Maritime Organisation have made global shipping progressively safer, more secure and more environment-friendly.

There are more than 50 conventions in all. Collectively, they are aimed at strengthening maritime safety and security, protecting the marine environment, mitigating the negative effects of accidents or establishing regulations covering liability and compensation for damage.

The UN secretary-general went on to say that the real value of those conventions can be fully realised only if they are properly implemented.

This entails early entry into force, broad participation, effective policies and programmes, stringent oversight and vigorous enforcement. Shipping states, coastal states and the shipping industry itself all have a part to play.

Ban's statement concluded with his saying: "I urge all concerned to strengthen their efforts to achieve the full and effective implementation of all IMO conventions."

World Maritime Day is observed in the last week of September every year.