The "Serviola" Offshore Patrol Vessel Enhances Maritime Surveillance in the Strait of Gibraltar and Alboran Sea

 The offshore patrol vessel (OPV) ‘Serviola’ has departed from the Ferrol Arsenal to conduct maritime surveillance in Spain’s sovereign maritime areas, focusing on the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alboran Sea.

During this operation, the ‘Serviola’ will carry out tasks related to Maritime Security Operations (MSO), including verification and control of maritime traffic to ensure freedom of navigation. Furthermore, the vessel will undertake naval presence operations near Alboran Island and Spanish waters close to North Africa.

For this mission, the ‘Serviola’ has embarked a Marine Infantry Operational Security Team to enhance its capabilities in force protection and maritime interdiction.

The ‘Serviola’ is scheduled to make port calls at Motril from 2 to 5 May, Rota Naval Base from 19 to 23 May, and Malaga from 6 to 9 June. The patrol vessel will return to Ferrol once the maritime security operation concludes on 20 June. 

This mission is part of the Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations of the Spanish Armed Forces, with the vessel integrated into the Maritime Operational Command and operating under the Operations Command.

The Offshore Patrol Vessel "Serviola"

The ‘Serviola’ is one of the offshore patrol vessels under the Command of the Maritime Action Units in Ferrol. Its primary missions include conducting maritime security operations, protecting national maritime interests, and controlling sovereign and national interest waters. The vessel also participates in operations in collaboration with Spain’s law enforcement agencies, such as anti-drug and counterterrorism operations at sea.

Maritime Operational Command

The Maritime Operational Command (MOM in Spanish) is part of the Spanish Armed Forces’ operational structure, subordinate to the Chief of Defence (JEMAD). It is responsible for planning, conducting, and monitoring the permanent operations of surveillance and security of Spain’s maritime sovereign, responsibility, and national interest areas. The MOM is under the command of the Admiral of Maritime Action and is headquartered in Cartagena.

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations

Presence, Surveillance, and Deterrence Operations are an effective tool for maintaining surveillance over sovereign areas, allowing for early threat detection and enabling an immediate and viable response to potential crises. 

The Land (MOT), Maritime (MOM), Air (MOA), Cyber (MOC), and Space (MOESPA) Operational Commands form part of the Permanent Command Structure. On a daily basis, around 3,000 personnel from the Spanish Armed Forces are involved in these operations under the operational control of the Operations Command.