The offshore patrol vessel P-41 'Meteoro' participates in the activation of the maritime group EUROMARFOR

•  A multi-operational exercise was carried out with the participation of the Spanish vessel, the 'Walo', from Senegal, and the 'Comandante Borsini', from Italy

The offshore patrol vessel (BAM) 'Meteoro' (P-41) has participated in the activation of a EUROMARFOR maritime group, during its deployment in the European Union's 'Coordinated Maritime Presence Gulf of Guinea (CMP-GoG)' initiative.

In this activation, a multi-operational exercise (MCE) was carried out with Senegal, with actions on land and at sea with the aim of strengthening confidence between the participating countries; improving interoperability and mutual knowledge between EUROMARFOR nations and African countries; as well as contributing jointly to maritime security in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa.

On this occasion, the EUROMARFOR maritime group was composed of the Spanish vessel 'Meteoro', the Italian vessel 'Comandante Borsini' P-491 and the Senegalese 'Marine Nationale' vessel, 'Walo'.

The activation ceremony was presided over by the director of the EUROMARFOR permanent cell, Captain Marco Stocco, and took place on board of the ship 'Borsini', in the presence of its commander, Commander Ugo Vincenzo Giglio. The commander of the 'Meteoro', Lieutenant Commander Iñigo Franco Moreu; and the Commander of the ship 'Walo' was also attended.

A coordination meeting was then held on board of the BAM 'Meteoro', with representatives of the three ships involved in the exercises. In this meeting, the different SCMs to be developed during the activation were defined.

The exercises carried out included a cooperative boarding by semi-rigid inflatable boats (RHIB) and fast-rope, with the use of the Italian ship's helicopter, as well as maritime maneuvering exercises. There was also an exchange of crews between the three ships, which allowed them to increase their personal knowledge and knowledge of maritime procedures.

In the framework of this EUROMARFOR activation, the commander of the BAM 'Meteoro', together with the commander of the 'Borsini' and the director of the EUROMARFOR permanent cell, visited the Chief of Staff of the Senegalese 'Marine Nationale', Rear Admiral Abdou Sène.

The offshore patrol vessel “Meteoro” P-41

The BAM 'Meteoro' is integrated in the Maritime Action Force (FAM), part of the Fleet. The FAM is formed by the set of units whose main task is to prepare to protect the national maritime interests, as well as the control of the maritime spaces of sovereignty and national interest. To this end, and with a comprehensive approach, it is responsible for ensuring permanent cooperation with the various government agencies with competence in the maritime field, which constitutes the Navy's contribution to the State's intervention at sea.

Coordinated Maritime Presence in the Gulf of Guinea EU

In response to the worsening maritime security situation in the Gulf of Guinea. On January 25, 2021 launched the Coordinated Maritime Presence Gulf of Guinea EU (CMP GoG EU) initiative, which aims to improve the coordination of EU action in the Gulf of Guinea and, more specifically, maritime security situational awareness and cooperation at sea, through the naval presences of EU Member States in the area.

EU Member States provide naval assets on a voluntary basis, ensuring a continued presence in the region and cooperation with the navies of coastal states, including maritime security exercises, training and capacity building.