Walvis Bay Maritime Week is meant to celebrate the country's maritime heritage and promote conservation of the ocean.

Walvis Bay Maritime Week is an event created by Namport and stakeholders, including Debmarine, the town municipality and the Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust.

Since 2022, the event has brought together the private sector, government, industry, policymakers, conservationists, exhibitors, and youth.

They reflect on how they can collaborate to ensure that the ocean remains resilient, productive and healthy.

Debmarine, a company which has been operating in the ocean since 1983, reminded participants to respect the ocean by preserving the environment, as it gives Namibia everything.

"The youth of Namibia hold the key to our future, and it is our responsibility to equip them with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the mining or any other marine sector through targeted training programmes, apprenticeships and partnerships with educational institutions," said Debmarine CEO Willy Mertens, adding that "our contribution to the sponsorship this week or the maritime week is a national extension of our values. By joining forces, we are demonstrating that environmental responsibility is not the job for one sector, but it's a shared mission."

This year's theme is "Our Ocean: Our Obligation, Our Opportunity."

The Minister of International Relations and Trade indicated that the theme is befitting because it highlights the blue economy opportunities and is a reminder to use the fragile resources sustainably.

"Our marine resources offer an opportunity to tap into the blue economy to create jobs and improve livelihoods for the Namibian nation. This therefore calls for a foresight investment strategy in sustainable infrastructure and cleaner technologies that can be leveraged in trade negotiations for the accommodation of industries that support industrial development. I therefore urge all public and private sectors, especially those in maritime trade activities, to dedicate a portion of their revenue to investing those resources also for the benefit of society and the economy."

There are educational corners to empower the community at the Maritime Week, while the Namport National School Debating Competition accommodates the youth.

This year, the Omusati Region won N$500,000 and clinched the top spot in the debate titled "Maritime education should be incorporated into the national curriculum." 

The Erongo Region came in second place and walked away with N$250,000.

The |Khomas Region claimed the third spot and won N$100,000, which will be used to address challenges in the education sector.