Antigua and Barbuda and the United States have concluded a three-day Global Maritime Security and Sanctions Enforcement Symposium aimed at strengthening international cooperation to combat illicit maritime activities and improve enforcement of global sanctions.

The symposium, held in St. John’s from July 13 to 15, 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 brought together representatives from ship registries, maritime authorities, international organisations and global enforcement coalitions from 26 countries. Among the participating organisations was the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), with discussions focused on enhancing international collaboration to prevent sanctions evasion and disrupt illicit maritime networks.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the symposium sought to improve the enforcement of non-proliferation sanctions across the global maritime sector by strengthening cooperation among countries and maritime stakeholders.

Officials noted that coordinated international enforcement makes it more difficult for vessels linked to illicit activities to operate, limiting the ability of those involved in sanctions evasion to generate revenue and finance prohibited activities.

The U.S. also highlighted its ongoing efforts to impose sanctions on vessels, organisations and individuals involved in illegal maritime networks, describing the symposium as another step toward expanding international partnerships that support global security.

In its closing remarks, the U.S. Department of State expressed appreciation to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and ADOMS for hosting the event and reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to strengthen maritime security, disrupt illicit financing and uphold international norms.

The symposium formed part of broader efforts by both countries to enhance international cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges and safeguarding the integrity of the global shipping industry.