On 12 April, Major General Stickland, Operation Commander EU NAVFOR, hosted partners from Maritime Industry in the Operational Headquarters to discuss the evolution of the piracy threat and maritime security issues across our area of operations.
This meeting underlines EU NAVFOR’s role in the region's broader Maritime Security Architecture and commitment to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery. Working with industry is key, as is making them fully aware of the risks and appropriate mitigation measures that are required to navigate safely through the major trade routes off the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden.
General Stickland said, “I am delighted to work directly with representatives of major international maritime shipping companies and organisations to ensure they are fully aware of the latest risks and how we can work together to ensure the freedom of navigation which is essential to world trade.”
The General also welcomed Combined Maritime Forces Chief of Staff Commander Micah Maxwell (US NAVY), who reinforced the importance of sharing information and working together to ensure the ongoing safety through these major shipping lanes.
Commander Maxwell commented, “This meeting highlights the continued cooperation between EU NAVFOR and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) while offering a great opportunity to deepen our relationship with important civilian maritime partners. It has been a great time to discuss the current maritime security picture, address concerns and map out the best ways to ensure the free flow of commerce in the future.”
Director of Maritime Security Centre, Horn of Africa (www.mschoa.org), Simon Church described the importance of “continuing to reinforce the Industry relationship with the Command of EU NAVFOR and CMF, in light of an increasing array of threats in the Horn of Africa. This is being supported by the introduction of the recognised Threat Assessments which are called Industry Releasable Threat Bulletins (IRTB).”
Operation Atalanta, the successful EU counter-piracy mission operating off the coast of Somalia launched in 2009. It continues to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy off the Horn of Africa and protect vulnerable shipping, such as vessels of the World Food Programme delivering aid to the people of Somalia.
This meeting underlines EU NAVFOR’s role in the region's broader Maritime Security Architecture and commitment to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery. Working with industry is key, as is making them fully aware of the risks and appropriate mitigation measures that are required to navigate safely through the major trade routes off the coast of Somalia and Gulf of Aden.
General Stickland said, “I am delighted to work directly with representatives of major international maritime shipping companies and organisations to ensure they are fully aware of the latest risks and how we can work together to ensure the freedom of navigation which is essential to world trade.”
The General also welcomed Combined Maritime Forces Chief of Staff Commander Micah Maxwell (US NAVY), who reinforced the importance of sharing information and working together to ensure the ongoing safety through these major shipping lanes.
Commander Maxwell commented, “This meeting highlights the continued cooperation between EU NAVFOR and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) while offering a great opportunity to deepen our relationship with important civilian maritime partners. It has been a great time to discuss the current maritime security picture, address concerns and map out the best ways to ensure the free flow of commerce in the future.”
Director of Maritime Security Centre, Horn of Africa (www.mschoa.org), Simon Church described the importance of “continuing to reinforce the Industry relationship with the Command of EU NAVFOR and CMF, in light of an increasing array of threats in the Horn of Africa. This is being supported by the introduction of the recognised Threat Assessments which are called Industry Releasable Threat Bulletins (IRTB).”
Operation Atalanta, the successful EU counter-piracy mission operating off the coast of Somalia launched in 2009. It continues to deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy off the Horn of Africa and protect vulnerable shipping, such as vessels of the World Food Programme delivering aid to the people of Somalia.