From beyond the horizon

25 June 2014 – Oceans are a fundamental part of our planet. They balance our ecosystem, supply food and water and connects the world. But oceans are also the highway for 90% of our daily household goods.

Your music player, your guitar, your computer, the oranges for your morning juice - chances are they all, or at least parts of them, have arrived by sea.

Today we celebrate the Day of the Seafarer. Often overlooked, or simply unknown, 1.5 million seafarers leave the comfort of home in pursuit of the horizon. They transport goods of all kinds to the four corners of the earth, making it possible to find African chocolate, South American coffee and American jeans all in the same store.

Seafarers are the people without whom food, clothes, gifts, gadgets or even basic needs would not reach our doors. We rely on them every day. Yet have you ever said thank you to a seafarer? Chances are you haven't. For this year’s campaign, the International Maritime Organization invites you to complete the sentence “Seafarers brought me………..” showing how maritime transport has affected people’s everyday life using the hashtag #thankyouseafarers on the social media platform of your choice. You can also join the discussion here and let the IMO know what you're thankfull for!