The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is proud to support the annual tradition of lighting some of the nation’s iconic navigational landmarks in support of World Maritime Day.
Last night, Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse in Western Australia and Flagstaff Point Lighthouse in New South Wales were lit up in the colour blue to recognise the important role of maritime in our past, present and future.
Sydney’s National Maritime Museum and the Harbour Trust also illuminated Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse and Macquarie Lightstation, respectively, as part of World Maritime Day celebrations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has called upon countries around the world to bath their landmarks in blue for the third year in a row.
This year, the theme of World Maritime Day is ‘MARPOL at 50 – our commitment goes on’.
This theme pays tribute to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (also called MARPOL), and its increasingly critical function fighting climate change and marine pollution.
AMSA Chief Executive Officer Mick Kinley said the agency was excited to participate in the annual tradition of illuminating lighthouses on World Maritime Day.
“AMSA is Australia’s maritime regulator, a proud IMO member, and manager of dozens of heritage lighthouses across the nation,” he said.
“We’re thrilled to join the international community in recognising World Maritime Day with these spectacular displays for another year.”
“The Macquarie Lightstation is the site of Australia’s oldest lighthouse which is still used as a guiding light for ships coming into the safe waters of the harbour,” said Janet Carding, Executive Director of the Harbour Trust.
“As the custodian of this historically significant foreshore site on Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Trust recognises the importance of protecting and preserving the environment for generations to come.”
Australia House in London will also shine blue to recognise World Maritime Day.
Images from last night’s lighthouse display at: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/AyVpzGyqhU/files
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Media Enquiries: media@amsa.gov.au or 1300 624 633
Macquarie Lightstation image credit: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust
Cape Bowling Green Lighthouse image credit: Dr Peter Hobbins, Australian National Maritime Museum
Flagstaff Point Lighthouse image credit: Ian Clifford