Ireland’s ocean influence: European Maritime Day
As an island nation on the most western front of Europe, Ireland’s strong maritime traditions are woven deeply to our culture.
With over 70 ports island-wide, much of Europe’s trade and access is facilitated through our maritime logistics.
Ireland was the proud host country for European maritime day this year, in Cork City from 21 – 23 May 2025. This annual event gathers Europe’s ocean leaders to meet, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and a sustainable blue economy.
Ireland's influence
With one of the largest sea areas in Europe, Ireland's economy, culture and society are inextricably linked to our maritime space. Our marine environment yields multiple benefits from sectors such as seafood, tourism, recreation, renewable energy, cultural heritage, and biodiversity.
Ireland has committed to protect 30% of our marine area by 2030 to safeguard the long-term health, productivity, and resilience of our seas.
Most of Ireland’s merchandise imports and exports of goods are transported by sea. Ireland’s Ocean Economy is a strategic priority for the government with a Development Task force specifically tasked with developing a global marine market for shipping services, seafood, tourism, oil and gas and renewable ocean energy.
European Maritime Day 2025
The importance of our maritime activities could be felt by the over 1,200 delegates from around the world arriving in Cork City this year. From MEPs to NGOs and academics to maritime stakeholders, all were welcomed to build on key relationships and develop Ireland and Europe’s marine market.
An Taoiseach Micheál Martin launched European Maritime Day in Cork's City Hall and noted the importance of Ireland’s lasting relationship with maritime activities and the sea that surrounds us itself:
"As an island nation, our relationship with the sea isn't just part of our geography – it's woven into the very fabric of our identity, our economy, and our future. The waters surrounding us have sustained our people through generations, connected us to the wider world, and today offer unprecedented opportunities for sustainable growth and innovation. The government is determined to ensure our maritime traditions adapt and grow while achieving our challenging climate targets, utilising our natural resources to secure an environmentally friendly, clean energy future for our citizens."
The 3-day event covered all facets of maritime life, from maritime security, preservation of coastal communities, fisheries and aquaculture, port activities, maritime transport, tourism, and offshore energy.
Watch the European Maritime Day video
Why is European Maritime Day important?
The health of our seas is crucial to the health of our planet. Our marine ecosystems are essential to biodiversity, climate regulation, food security, and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Collaborating with our EU partners, in the coordination of our use of the sea, will help balance ecological protection with sustainable economic development.