G7 Foreign Ministers Address Maritime Security Challenges And Global Prosperity – Analysis
The foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the High Representative of the European Union, convened in Charlevoix from March 12 to 14, 2025, to discuss pressing global maritime security challenges.
On March 14, they issued a joint declaration on maritime security and prosperity. This statement reaffirmed the G7’s dedication to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime domain governed by international law. The declaration emphasized the critical role of maritime security in ensuring economic resilience, food and energy stability, and the protection of global supply chains. Additionally, it addressed rising threats, including strategic contestation, illicit shipping, and environmental risks, while reaffirming the importance of international collaboration to safeguard the maritime domain.
The Importance of Maritime Security
With over 80% of global trade transported by sea and 97% of data flows relying on submarine cables, disruptions in maritime routes pose significant threats to food security, energy access, global supply chains, and economic stability. Growing risks such as strategic conflicts, violations of navigation rights, and illicit shipping activities have heightened tensions and increased environmental dangers, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations worldwide.
The ministers highlighted the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in governing maritime activities. They recalled previous G7 statements on maritime security and welcomed ongoing efforts to enhance security measures, including securing undersea cable networks and combating abandoned fishing gear. Additionally, they stressed the need to support coastal states in strengthening maritime law enforcement to counter piracy, human trafficking, and armed robbery at sea.
Addressing Emerging Threats
Ensuring Safe Navigation and Overflight
The G7 reaffirmed the necessity of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as the rights associated with exclusive economic zones. The ministers expressed concern over attempts to restrict these freedoms through coercion and military aggression, particularly in regions such as the Taiwan Strait, the South China Sea, the Red Sea, and the Black Sea. They condemned China’s provocative actions that aim to alter territorial status quos and called for peaceful dispute resolution based on international legal frameworks.
Combatting Illicit Maritime Activities
Illegal activities, including illicit shipping, human trafficking, and unregulated fishing, continue to pose challenges to maritime security. The G7 ministers called for enhanced monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to track and combat these activities. They also acknowledged the role of regional frameworks, such as the G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea, in addressing maritime threats.
Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure
Undersea communication and energy infrastructures, such as submarine cables and subsea interconnectors, are vital to global economies. However, these infrastructures are increasingly at risk due to sabotage, poor maritime practices, and geopolitical conflicts. The G7 pledged to work with industry partners to strengthen resilience, improve repair capacities, and reduce risks associated with critical undersea infrastructure. They welcomed the EU’s recently adopted Action Plan on Cable Security, which aims to enhance undersea security measures.
Strengthening Global Maritime Crime Prevention
The ministers recognized that maritime crime, including piracy, armed robbery, and sanctions evasion, remains a significant issue. They emphasized the need for continued collaboration to dismantle illicit networks and prevent criminal organizations from exploiting maritime routes. Notably, they condemned Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, which have disrupted trade and escalated tensions in the Middle East. The G7 acknowledged the efforts of international coalitions, such as the EU’s “Aspides” operation and the U.S.-led “Prosperity Guardian,” in ensuring safe maritime passage.
Safe Shipping and Supply Chain Security
Countering Unsafe and Illicit Shipping Practices
The rise of fraudulent vessel registrations, the use of shadow fleets, and deceptive shipping practices have undermined global trade and environmental sustainability. The G7 highlighted concerns over Russia’s circumvention of oil price caps and North Korea’s illicit ship-to-ship transfers. To counter these threats, the ministers called for improved vessel tracking technologies, expanded data-sharing networks, and increased coordination among international organizations.
Establishing a Shadow Fleet Task Force
To address the risks associated with shadow fleets, the G7 proposed forming a Shadow Fleet Task Force in collaboration with the Nordic-Baltic 8 nations. This initiative aims to track, report, and constrain illegal maritime operations, in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s resolutions.
Enhancing Maritime Supply Chain Resilience
Geopolitical conflicts, environmental factors, and disruptions in trade routes pose long-term threats to global supply chains. The G7 ministers stressed the need to safeguard maritime transport to maintain energy and food security. They highlighted initiatives such as the “Grain from Ukraine” program and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific as examples of cooperative strategies that support stable maritime trade.
Promoting Safe and Resilient Ports
Given the strategic importance of ports and shipping lanes, the G7 emphasized the need for stringent ownership scrutiny and resilient port management. Ensuring that foreign entities do not exploit critical port infrastructure is vital for economic stability and national security. The ministers pledged to enhance cybersecurity measures for port operations and limit undue foreign influence over key maritime assets.
Addressing Maritime Environmental Hazards
Unexploded ordnance (UXO) in the ocean continues to endanger marine ecosystems and fishing industries. The G7 committed to enhancing diplomatic efforts and best-practice exchanges to accelerate UXO cleanup initiatives, ensuring safer maritime environments.
Sustainable Stewardship of Maritime Resources
Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing
IUU fishing significantly contributes to marine habitat destruction and declining fish populations, costing the global economy over $23 billion annually. The G7 recognized Canada’s leadership in deploying the Dark Vessel Detection System in Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, the Philippines, and Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member nations. The ministers called for greater international cooperation to enhance fishing enforcement mechanisms and improve transparency in the fishing industry.
Advancing Marine Conservation
Recognizing the role of healthy ocean ecosystems in global sustainability, the G7 welcomed the upcoming Third UN Ocean Conference in France. They pledged to support marine biodiversity initiatives and sustainable fisheries management to ensure long-term ecological and economic benefits.
Strengthening Partnerships for Maritime Security
The G7’s Maritime Security and Prosperity Declaration provides a foundation for collaboration with non-G7 countries, particularly those with major ports and significant merchant fleets. The ministers underscored the importance of working with regional organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and ASEAN, to uphold sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international maritime laws.
The declaration also reaffirmed the commitment to supporting coast guard cooperation through initiatives such as the Global Coast Guard Forum, hosted by Italy, and the Arctic Coast Guard Forum. These partnerships are intended to strengthen collective security efforts and enhance maritime law enforcement capabilities.
Conclusion
The G7’s declaration on maritime security reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing contemporary challenges in the maritime domain. By reinforcing international law, countering illicit activities, safeguarding critical infrastructure, and enhancing global cooperation, the G7 aims to ensure a secure and prosperous maritime environment for all nations. Their commitment underscores the importance of maintaining stability in global trade, supply chains, and oceanic ecosystems while confronting emerging threats with coordinated action.
