July 2018

Ongoing extensive cooperation and collaboration between EU NAVFOR and the Royal Navy of Oman on a tactical level ensures understanding of maritime security around the Horn of Africa.

EU NAVFOR is pleased to confirm that following the decision from the Council of the European Union the mandate of Operation ATALANTA will continue until 31 December 2020.  

Security and safety to the fishermen of Somalia who are supporting their own community is as important to EU NAVFOR as maritime security is to major international shipping cargo companies. This is why EU NAVFOR warships make time to visit local fishermen going about their daily business.

Deterrence, repression and prevention of piracy begins with the identification of the threat. EU NAVFOR has been making use of Spanish Maritime Patrol Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) for nearly 10 years with 1000 missions and more than 10,000 hours flown to keep a watch from the skies.

Close relationships with key maritime partners are vital to the success of Operation Atalanta. By maintaining close links and sharing expertise, this eases the burden of covering such a large operational area and makes us work more effectively and be more than just ships.

Guarding World Food Programme (WFP) and vulnerable vessels in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden is one of Operation Atalanta’s key tasks.

EU NAVFOR is committed to the mariners code of preserving life at sea. We remain on standby to provide crucial medical aid and assistance when required.

Sharing common knowledge and expertise with partner nations is critical to maintain coherent and effective maritime security operations and understanding these capabilities is vital.

On the 16th of July 2018 Rear Admiral Alfonso Pérez de Nanclares (Spanish Navy) handed over the role of Deputy Operation Commander (DCOM) of the European Union’s counter-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia to Rear Admiral Giuseppe Rapese (Italian Navy).

The successful delivery of counter-piracy operations requires commitment, dedication and a will to succeed. EU NAVFOR personnel have continued to show these characteristics since 2008 which has led to the effective deterrence and repression of piracy off the Somali Coast.

International relationships between EU contributing nations are essential to the continued protection of vulnerable shipping transiting high risk areas.

Strong working relationships with partner nations are key in maintaining the resonating affinity of EU NAVFOR’s work to keep the free flow of international trade and ensure maritime security around the Horn of Africa.

Countering piracy requires strong partnerships; this is especially true of Combined Maritime Forces and EU NAVFOR.

Supporting maritime capabilities in the region is vital for on-going shared security and cooperation. EU NAVFOR is committed to assisting where it can to strengthen development with local partners.

Understanding the local maritime security situation and gaining valuable information remains important for EU NAVFOR. This knowledge can be gained by friendly interaction with fishermen off the coast of Somalia.

Deterrence and protection are 24/7 tasks that EU NAVFOR conduct that need constant information. A pivotal asset within Operation Atalanta is the Spanish Airforce P3-C Orion Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA).

Staying at sea for longer periods allows warships to continue their main mission and thus supply and replenishment becomes a vital part of maritime security.

Cooperation between EU NAVFOR and regional partners is vital for the maintenance of maritime security and free flow of international trade around the Horn of Africa.