The 2012 Cape Town Agreement has met the requirements for entry into force and will enter into force in February 2027, closing a longstanding gap in the global maritime safety framework.  

The Agreement sets out mandatory safety standards for more than 45,000 fishing vessels of 24 metres in length and over, according to FAO data, helping to prevent casualties, improve working conditions for fishers, enhance competitiveness and protect the marine environment. 

Welcoming the milestone, IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez said: 

“Thousands of fishers lose their lives every year while working to supply the world's growing appetite for fish and fish products. The 2012 Cape Town Agreement will help protect fishing crews, while safeguarding vessels.” 

Argentina accedes to the CTA 

Argentina became the latest country to accede to the Agreement, with H.E. Ms. Mariana Edith Plaza, Argentina’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, depositing the instrument of accession on 24 February 2026 at IMO Headquarters in London.  

This brings the total number of Member State accessions to 28, representing 3,754 vessels of 24 metres or more in length. The Cape Town Agreement enters into force 12 months after at least 22 States, collectively representing 3,600 qualifying fishing vessels - typically ocean-going ships operating on the high seas - consent to being bound by the treaty

Contracting States 

With Argentina’s accession, the 28 Contracting States to the Cape Town Agreement, representing 3,754 qualifying fishing vessels, include: 

Argentina, Belgium, Belize, Congo, Cook Islands, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, Japan, Kenya, Namibia, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Peru, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Sao Tome and Principe, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain and Vanuatu.