The international agreement changes the status of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA) from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to an intergovernmental organisation (IGO).

The status of IGO will give further weight to the standards and recommendations of IALA, leading to greater compliance and navigational safety.

Jack Chambers, minister of state in the Department of Transport, said: “The transport of critical resources by sea enables the majority of our international trade.

“The last few years have illustrated Ireland’s reliance on marine supply chains with over 90 per cent of goods by volume transported into our ports. New opportunities in offshore wind will bring huge benefits and must be planned and managed carefully in conjunction with fisheries, leisure and marine protected areas.

“The offshore environment will be busier while physical and electronic aids to navigation will continue to support the protection of lives, trade, property and the environment around our coast.

“Ireland’s membership of IALA, along with the work of my Department at the International Maritime Organisation, will ensure that Ireland contributes proactively at international level to the safe and sustainable development of our shipping and maritime sector.”