Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that the increase in illegal activities at sea poses a growing threat to global security and requires stronger international cooperation to combat maritime crime.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium in Antigua and Barbuda, Browne said the international community must work collectively to address challenges such as sanctions evasion, fraudulent vessel registrations, and the expansion of so-called “shadow fleets” operating outside international regulations.

The three-day symposium has brought together more than 90 delegates, including representatives from governments, international maritime organizations, ship registries, and industry experts. The event is being jointly hosted by the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS), the United States Department of State, and Sandia National Laboratories.

Addressing participants, Browne said Antigua and Barbuda is honoured to welcome global partners committed to protecting the integrity of the international maritime industry.

“Our shared goal is clear: to ensure a fair, secure and competitive industry by identifying and preventing the registration of vessels suspected of illicit activity,” the Prime Minister said.

He stressed that Antigua and Barbuda remains firmly committed to strengthening global maritime safety through multilateral partnerships and highlighted the country’s role in establishing the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring (GCMSM) alongside the Republic of Malta.

Browne also welcomed senior officials from Malta and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, noting that their participation underscores the significance of the initiative and the international commitment to tackling illicit maritime operations.

The Prime Minister further emphasized that transparency is essential in combating illegal shipping activities and pointed to Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in creating the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), an initiative designed to facilitate information-sharing among ship registries.

“Sharing data is our strongest defence against illicit operators and sanctions evaders,” Browne said, welcoming Malta as the newest member of the growing international network.

Director General of Merchant Shipping, Ambassador Dwight Gardiner, said the symposium provides a platform for ship registries, government officials and maritime industry leaders to exchange best practices aimed at improving sanctions enforcement, strengthening maritime security and preventing the fraudulent registration of vessels involved in illegal activities.

Gardiner noted that discussions will also focus on enhancing global sanctions compliance and addressing maritime activities that threaten international security and commercial integrity.

Participants include representatives from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring (GCMSM), the Maritime UN Sanctions Enforcement (MUSE) initiative and several other international coalitions dedicated to protecting the global maritime sector.