The IFC participated in the inaugural Global Forum of Maritime Fusion Centre (GFMFC) Heads of Centre (HOC) Meeting, held in Valletta, Malta from 24 to 26 March 2026. Co-hosted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Monitoring (GCMSM), the forum convened international partners from the maritime security (MARSEC) community, alongside stakeholders from the shipping and technology sectors, to strengthen cooperation in addressing emerging MARSEC Discussions focused on the growing risks posed by sanctioned vessels and underscored the importance of integrating advanced technologies into existing MARSEC processes to remain effective against rapidly evolving threats.
At Session 1 of the GFMFC, themed "Effective Methods of Information Sharing", the IFC shared key initiatives in information sharing, emphasising the importance of trusted people-to-people relationships to complement system technologies to enhance information accessibility and reduce info-sharing latency. Session I also featured insights from the Directors of other Info-Sharing entities. The IFC was pleased to meet with the new leaderships of existing partners IFC-IOR, IFC/LA, and RMIFC, and establish new Linkages with the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre, the São Tomé and Príncipe Coast Guard, and the Togolese National Navy.
Other sessions involved interesting presentations and panel discussions by MARSEC commanders and industry experts on the key issues such as the situation in the Straits of Hormuz, the threat of unregulated activities involving sanctioned vessels, and the application of advanced surface/subsurface maritime surveillance technologies to strengthen Maritime Domain Awareness and safeguard Critical Underwater Infrastructure.
As MARSEC challenges continue to evolve, platforms such as the GFMFC HOC Meeting play a vital role in strengthening collaboration within the MARSEC community, as well as across the wider maritime and technology communities. The IFC remains committed to advancing partnerships and leveraging technology to support collective efforts towards Safe and Secure Seas for all.
The congratulates the UNODC and GCMSM a event. and thanks the Government of Malta tor its support and hospitality.