The archipelagic nature of the Philippines, its strategic location as a crossroads in the maritime trade routes, and the large contribution of Filipino seafarers in the global seafaring industry necessitates a maritime themed museum which will serve as a repository of maritime knowledge and history. Museo Maritimo is dedicated to the Filipino seafarers and pays homage to their contribution to nation-building from the distant past to the present. On 23 March 2012, Museo Maritimo had its grand launch at the Philippine Trade and Training Center, the first maritime-themed museum in the country, that showcases its long and rich maritime history and how it has developed through centuries.