New York: In a significant move to tackle the rising threats to maritime security, the European Union has announced the adoption of a Revised Maritime Security Strategy, accompanied by a comprehensive Action Plan. This initiative, revealed during the UN Security Council’s open debate on maritime security, aims to address emerging challenges such as hybrid and cyber threats by fostering collaboration across various sectors, both within the EU and globally.
According to European Union, the motivation behind the strategy stems from a growing concern over the alarming recurrence of violence against merchant and commercial ships. These attacks not only pose a risk to the lives of seafarers but also disrupt global trade and have potentially severe ramifications for the climate and marine environment. The EU emphasized the urgent need to enhance maritime security efforts to prevent such incidents.
The EU plays a vital role in international maritime security through its naval operations. Notably, the EU Naval Force ATALANTA combats piracy in the Western Indian Ocean, while EU Naval Force ASPIDES safeguards merchant vessels in the Red Sea. Additionally, EU Naval Force IRINI enforces the UN arms embargo on Libya. These operations reflect the EU’s commitment to strengthening maritime security worldwide.
International cooperation forms the cornerstone of the EU’s maritime security strategy. The EU is dedicated to supporting partners in fortifying maritime security architectures globally. Notable initiatives include the EU-funded Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform and the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS), which facilitate maritime surveillance and coordination among countries from East Africa to Latin America.
The EU also supports the collaboration between the UNODC and the Malta-based Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Enforcement, known as the Spinola Center. This initiative focuses on capacity building, training, and vessel tracking to aid shipping registries. Furthermore, the EU backs the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC), founded by flag registries of Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands, to combat illicit practices like flag hopping. Future collaboration between RISC and the Spinola Center is anticipated to yield positive results.
The EU expressed gratitude to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its Secretary General, Arsenio Dominguez, for their efforts to prevent unlawful operations involving substandard vessels. IMO Resolution A.1192 (33) against the dark fleet or shadow fleet marks a significant step in engaging with the international maritime community to tackle the widespread use of substandard vessels. The EU recognizes these threats as global concerns.
Lastly, the EU underscored the importance of bolstering the security and resilience of critical maritime infrastructure, including submarine cables crucial for internet and international connectivity. With the forthcoming EU Action Plan on Cable Security set for February 2025, the EU aims to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents rapidly, ensuring the protection of this vital infrastructure.