- From 30 to 31 May, Operation ATALANTA has gathered the most relevant maritime operations in the Northwest Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden, the Gulf, and the Red Sea with the shipping industry in the “fifteenth Industry Strategic Meeting”.
- The main objective of this meeting is to synchronise efforts and improve cooperation on maritime security between military operations and the international Industry.
Madrid, 30 May 2024 – The fifteenth Industry Strategic Meeting, which focuses on the Maritime Security Dialogue, is organised by the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA and is co-chaired by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) with Operation AGENOR as special guest. All together with the shipping industry to discuss about the current threats in the maritime situation.
This event has also addressed the industry's need to streamline communication, with the aim of moving closer to the ideal of a ‘single point of contact’ for accessing information and requesting assistance. The discussions and outcomes of this meeting aim to improve operational collaboration and provide practical information to all stakeholders.
Maritime Operations in the Area
During the morning, the different Operation Commanders provided their inputs on their operations.
“This meeting is a clear result of the coordination between all of us that we are here. Each of the operations has specific mandates but we are looking for common solutions to increase security in our respective Areas of Operations”, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano, Operation Commander European Naval Force Operation ATALANTA.
"The importance of the dialogue taking place here in Madrid can't be overstated. Our industry partners, as well as EUNAVFOR, CMF and other regional partners and allies, benefit when we coordinate common goals efforts to enhance maritime security cooperation." Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Combined Maritime Forces commander.
During his intervention, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, ASPIDES Operation Commander underlined: the swift response of the EU to respond to Houthis attacks on maritime traffic, as embodied by the operation Aspides; the defensive nature of his mandate; and the need for a comprehensive approach, also including the maritime industry.
“The balance is changing in the region, due to the impact of relevant crisis like Ukraine and Gaza. We are all committed to keep the sealines open, and it is common sense to think about a single EU Maritime operation able to address all maritime security related issues in Indian Ocean, also facilitating coordination with European shipping industry" Vice Admiral Emmanuel Slaars, Operation Commander of European maritime awareness Strait of Hormuz.
Sharing information
Today a representative of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) provided to the audience a complete analysis on the threat in the Area.
Also, the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO shared their insights. The importance of agreed information sharing was one of the key themes during the meeting. Various speakers provided their respective concerns and advice on how best to support the flow of navigation and how key is the cooperation with military Operations in the Area.
