Tanzania has been urged to ensure policies, laws and regulations governing maritime transport translate into practical action to improve safety, efficiency and environmental protection.
The call was made on Monday by Zanzibar's Ministry of Construction and Transport Permanent Secretary, Eng Ali Said Bakar, who represented the minister at the opening of the 2026 World Maritime Day celebrations in Tanga.
The celebrations, which run from September 21 to 24 at Kijiji cha 21 grounds, are being held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”
Eng Bakar said the theme was a reminder that having policies and regulations was not enough unless they were effectively implemented and produced tangible benefits for citizens and the maritime industry.
He said implementation should be reflected through safer vessels, fewer accidents, better protection of marine and other water environments, more efficient port operations and increased use of technology.
The government, he added, should also ensure the sector has adequately trained professionals capable of meeting regional and international standards.
“Implementation should be seen in improved safety of vessels, reduced accidents, protection of the marine environment and greater efficiency in port operations,” Eng Bakar said.
He also highlighted digitalisation as an important tool for improving maritime services, saying the government was upgrading digital systems to reduce bureaucracy, increase transparency and speed up services related to ships and port operations.
The emphasis on implementation comes as Tanzania seeks to strengthen the maritime sector's contribution to trade and economic activity, with ports playing a key role in the movement of goods and people.
Speaking on behalf of the Tanzania Shipping Agencies Corporation (TASAC) Director General, advocate Judith Kakongwe thanked stakeholders for supporting and participating in the celebrations.
She said the involvement of stakeholders had played an important role in making the event possible.
The celebrations continue in Tanga until September 24, bringing together maritime sector stakeholders to discuss measures to strengthen safety, efficiency and sustainability while ensuring policies are translated into action.