Spanish Offshore Patrol Vessel ‘Relámpago’ calls at Abidjan during African deployment

•  The Spanish Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) P-43 is deployed under the European Union’s Coordinated Maritime Presences in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea

The Spanish Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) ‘Relámpago’ has made a port call in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, as part of its deployment under the European Union’s Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) initiative. The visit featured a range of bilateral operational cooperation activities, as well as diplomatic and engagement events.

During its stay in the West African nation, the vessel conducted a series of at-sea training exercises with the Ivorian Navy, specifically alongside patrol vessel Le Bouclier (P-142). Among the joint activities were counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) drills, live-fire exercises focused on anti-piracy operations, and internal security training, among others.

Additionally, while berthed in Abidjan, the ‘Relámpago’ hosted special operations personnel from multiple nations participating in the multinational exercise ‘Flintlock 25’. Onboard, attendees were briefed on the vessel’s capabilities as a support platform for maritime special operations. The Marine Infantry Security Operations Team (EOS in Spanish) also conducted a live demonstration simulating the boarding and seizure of a hostile vessel.

Official visits on board

As part of its stopover in Abidjan, the ‘Relámpago’ welcomed José Ramos García, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Spain in Côte d'Ivoire. He was accompanied by Lieutenant Colonel Hans Steensma, Military Adviser and Defence Attaché to the Delegation of the European Union, and Magdalena Miksova, Civilian Crisis Management Counsellor at the EU Delegation. The visitors were briefed on the vessel’s primary capabilities and mission profile.

The Commanding Officer also hosted a delegation from the Interregional Maritime Security Institute (ISMI) of Abidjan. The group was given a guided tour of key operational areas of the vessel, including the flight hangar, RHIB davits, medical bay, bridge, and the central control room.

Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP)

The deployment of the Relámpago forms an integral part of the European Union’s Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) initiative in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa. This initiative is an effective instrument for enhancing maritime security in the region and strengthening cooperation between the EU and West and Central African states. Since 2012, Spain has been one of the principal contributors to this European security initiative, reaffirming its status as a reliable and committed partner in support of EU defence and security objectives.