**POINTE FM-** St. John’s, Antigua – The Antigua & Barbuda Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS) was made aware of allegations that one of its flagged vessels the HC Opal (IMO 9377846) is carrying arms, ammunition or supplies destined for delivery to the Israel Defence Forces or private Israeli defence contractors.

ADOMS would like to reiterate the policy of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in this respect. In line with the State’s general obligations under international law and in keeping with United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/Es-10/24, and United Nations Human Rights Council Resolution A/HRC/RES/55/28, the Government of Antigua & Barbuda and Antigua & Barbuda entities, shall not facilitate the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms, munitions, and other military equipment to Israel.

The policy of the Government with respect to Antigua & Barbuda flagged ships is laid out in our Information Notice 2025-001.Any Antigua & Barbuda-flagged vessel found to be in breach of this prohibition is liable to be de-registered under the authority granted by the Merchant Shipping Act 2006.