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September 24th • Trade & Industry

World Maritime Day

A day to celebrate the international shipping industry, which transports over 80% of global trade. From the clothes you wear to the food you eat, almost everything has spent time on a massive cargo ship. Today, we debate the invisible industry that powers the world, the extreme isolation of life on the high seas, and whether the future of global shipping lies in autonomous, robot-controlled vessels.

A massive cargo ship crossing the ocean

Speaking Discussion

  • Could you survive for six months on a ship with 20 other people and no land in sight? What would be the hardest part?
  • Why do you think the shipping industry is so invisible to most people, even though it is vital for our daily lives?
  • In your opinion, is it a good idea to replace human sailors with autonomous, robot-controlled ships?
  • How can the maritime industry reduce its massive carbon footprint and protect the oceans?
  • Do you believe that sea pirates are still a major threat to global trade in the 21st century?
  • If you were given a free ticket to travel the world on a luxury cargo ship for one year, would you take it?

Activity 1: The green port Pitch

The Task: You are the Director of a major port. You want to make your harbor the most eco-friendly in the world.

What one radical technology will you invest in first? How will you pay for it?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The most important part of global trade is..."
  • "I think life on a ship would be..."
  • "In my opinion, the future of the ocean is..."