Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have concluded a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in St. John's, bringing together representatives from 26 countries to strengthen international cooperation against illicit maritime activities.
Held from July 13 to 15, the symposium was co-hosted by the U.S. Department of State and the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS). The event drew participants from ship registries, maritime authorities, international organisations and global enforcement coalitions.
Among the participating bodies was the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC). Discussions centred on enhancing international collaboration to prevent sanctions evasion and disrupt illicit maritime networks, with a particular focus on improving the enforcement of non-proliferation sanctions across the global maritime sector.
Officials noted that coordinated international enforcement makes it significantly harder for vessels linked to illicit activities to operate, curtailing the ability of those involved in sanctions evasion to generate revenue and finance prohibited activities.
The U.S. Department of State also highlighted its ongoing efforts to impose sanctions on vessels, organisations and individuals connected to illegal maritime networks, describing the symposium as a further step toward expanding the international partnerships that underpin global security.
In closing remarks, the U.S. Department of State expressed appreciation to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and ADOMS for hosting the event. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to strengthen maritime security, disrupt illicit financing and uphold international norms.
The symposium forms part of broader efforts by both countries to address maritime security challenges and safeguard the integrity of the global shipping industry.
