Cape Town Agreement Boosts Arctic Safety
The Cape Town Agreement, the first worldwide treaty focused on the safety of fishing vessels, is set to enter into force in February 2027. It sets mandatory safety standards for over 45,000 fishing vessels longer than 24 meters worldwide. The agreement covers design, construction, equipment, inspections, vessel stability, life-saving appliances, fire protection, and communications systems.
The Arctic Council’s PAME (Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment) working group supported the treaty’s entry into force. Warmer oceans are pushing fish stocks further north, causing and increase in vessels operating in more hazardous and remote Arctic areas. In 2025, fishing vessels accounted for 40% of all traffic in the Polar Code area covering Arctic and Antarctic waters as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Larger vessels are traveling farther from shore, adding challenges for rescue operations.
The treaty is expected to enhance safety by reducing dangerous operations on vessels that do not meet safety standards, protecting rescue services, and improving working conditions for fishers. It also establishes internationally binding safety standards for all fishing vessels entering ports of states party to the treaty, even if their flag state has not ratified it.
Beyond safety, the agreement is expected to help reduce marine litter. Fisheries-related activities are a major source of plastic in the Arctic, with lost or discarded nets, floats, and other gear contributing up to 13–15% of ocean plastics. Limited analyses of Arctic beaches and seafloors suggest that most macro-litter, sometimes 50–100%, comes from fishing activity. By raising vessel safety standards and promoting responsible operations, the Cape Town Agreement will help reduce the loss of fishing gear and its impact on the Arctic marine ecosystem.
With the treaty entering into force, Arctic states and the international community now have a new tool to protect both people and the environment in some of the world’s most challenging waters.
Léa Zinsli, PolarJournal
