Advancing Maritime Safety through Meteorological Science

Amidst rising global temperatures and sea levels, extreme weather events pose significant risks to the safety of maritime transport, which accounts for more than 80 percent of world trade. The vulnerability of maritime traffic to climate change is heightened by the increasing frequency, intensity, and unpredictability of weather patterns at sea. This underscores the critical importance of monitoring and predicting such events to ensure the safety of maritime operations, safeguard human lives, protect maritime assets, and minimize disruptions to global supply chain operations, which are already facing immense challenges due to various geopolitical events.

At the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), we firmly believe that accurate and timely meteorological information is essential to ensure the resilience and sustainability of maritime operations. This highlights the urgent need for leveraging advancements in meteorological science to enhance observational capabilities and data-sharing mechanisms within the maritime sector. Additionally, WMO is dedicated to strengthening National Meteorological Services in terms of marine meteorological capacity building, while also actively engaging in technical cooperation and education and training activities in general. Through international collaboration and coordination, the WMO facilitates the exchange of valuable information and expertise among meteorological agencies worldwide, providing mariners with crucial support for safe navigation at sea, while ensuring timely warnings reach those living in coastal areas.

WMO's commitment to maritime safety is evident through its diverse initiatives, notably the Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS). Serving as a vital lifeline for mariners confronting extreme weather conditions, this service empowers them to make informed decisions and navigate safely through the most challenging conditions. Through the WWMIWS, mariners receive essential Maritime Safety Information (MSI), including timely updates on shifting weather patterns, forecasts of approaching storms or adverse weather events, and warnings about hazardous conditions such as high winds, rough seas, or fog. By gaining access to real-time and reliable information on atmospheric and oceanic conditions, mariners can effectively anticipate and respond to potential hazards at sea.

The WMO's Marine Meteorology and Oceanography Programme (MMOP) also plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of accurate and reliable meteorological information to support various aspects of maritime operations. By regulating, coordinating, and facilitating the continual provision of global and regional observational data, products, and services, the MMOP ensures that mariners have access to essential information for safe navigation and efficient operations at sea. Through the utilization of scientific research, technological advancements, and international collaboration, the MMOP actively works towards enhancing meteorological capabilities within the maritime sector. This focus extends to safeguarding the safety of life and property at sea, promoting integrated coastal management practices, and addressing broader societal impacts of maritime activities.

Overall, stakeholders across the maritime sector are urged to step up their collaborative efforts and prioritize investments in observational networks, data-sharing mechanisms, and advanced forecasting models to bolster maritime resilience in the face of evolving weather patterns and hazards. At the WMO, we offer technical assistance, guidance, and capacity-building initiatives to empower mariners to utilize meteorological information and tools for decision-making effectively. By working together, we can leverage our collective expertise and resources to develop and implement innovative solutions that enhance the resilience of maritime operations worldwide, ensuring the safety and sustainability of ocean transportation and commerce.