The Ambassador of Italy to the United Kingdom, H.E. Fabio Cassese, met with IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez on the occasion of Italy’s deposit of its Instrument of Ratification of the 2012 Cape Town Agreement with the International Maritime Organization.
The completion of the ratification process marks an important milestone in Italy’s continued commitment to strengthening the international legal framework governing the safety of fishing vessels and promoting a rules-based maritime order founded on effective multilateral cooperation.
By depositing its Instrument of Ratification, Italy reaffirms its full support for the objectives of the Cape Town Agreement, which establishes globally harmonised mandatory safety standards for fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and above. The Agreement is a key international instrument to enhance the protection of fishers, improve safety at sea, strengthen inspection regimes and promote greater transparency and accountability across the global fishing sector.
Its effective implementation will also contribute significantly to the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, supporting sustainable fisheries, the conservation of marine resources and the protection of lawful maritime activities.
During the meeting, Ambassador Cassese reaffirmed Italy’s readiness to work closely with the IMO Secretariat and all Member States to promote the universal implementation of the Agreement and to support initiatives aimed at enhancing maritime safety, protecting human life at sea and strengthening international cooperation.
Italy remains a strong supporter of the International Maritime Organization and of its central role in developing a modern, effective and inclusive regulatory framework for international shipping and maritime activities.
