London, 2 February 2023 – Operation Atalanta Commander, Spanish VADM José M. Nuñez Torrente, chaired XIII Industry Strategy Meeting in London, hosted by H.E. Head of the EU Delegation to the UK, Ambassador. Pedro A. Serrano de Haro The ES-OHQ delegation provided an update on the Operation and upcoming challenges to the most relevant Shipping Industry representatives : new extended mandate established from 12th December 2022. Along with fighting piracy and protecting WFP and other vulnerable vessels, ATALANTA increases its commitment against other illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and fighting against IUU fishing: path to becoming a comprehensive Maritime Security Provider.
In his opening remarks, the Operation Atalanta Commander highlighted “this 2023 edition comes at a defining moment for the Operation, not only because of the latest developments in the region and the consequences of the conflict in Ukraine; but also, because Atalanta faces the challenge of continue being one of the most important pillars for the action of the EU in the region”.
The meeting, celebrated at the EU Delegation to the UK and Northern Ireland in London, counted on the presence of the Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security in the North-Western Indian Ocean, H.E. Ambassador Michael Pulch. The Ambassador's intervention underlined the crucial role of ATALANTA in developing this new concept of the EU, “without security, there will be no freedom of navigation and without freedom of navigation, there will be no security”. “We all face new kind of threats that affect us all. EU is fully prepared to support the shipping industry in your own efforts on maritime security and safety”, the Ambassador added.
The event counted on the valuable presence of representatives of the most prominent shipping associations: International Chamber of Shipping, OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum), INTERCARGO and BIMCO, as well as European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA) and International Chamber of Commerce. As in the previous edition, the participation of the Combined Maritime Force #CMF & EMASoH - European-led Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz and for the first time with EU CRIMARIO, reinforce the robust cooperation that has increased #maritimesecurity in the region, together with coastal states. Also, #UKMTO MTIC and NATO Shipping Center are present in this XIII #ISM
After the announced abolition of the HRA from the 1st of January 2023, EU NAVFOR ATALANTA will continue to strongly recommend and fully support the implementation of BMP5 and and Registration to the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) .
